My Beauty Empties (#02 December 2014)

Hello everybody,

This year seems to be flying by extremely fast don't you think so?! It is already end of December and here is my second beauty empties. I'll try my best posting My Beauty Empties monthly if I got any and this is what I've used up.

1. Rachel K Mineral Color Control (CC) Cream in Neutral ( 40g/1.4 fl oz)  is a miracle beauty product formulated with technology originating in industry-leader Japan and further developed in Korea. The Rachel K range by Miss Singapore Universe, Rachel Kum, is formulated with pure minerals, making it suitable for all skin types. CC cream gives you a complexion that if flawless, non-oily and radiant. It comes with 2 shade and I got the Neutral shade which is suitable for skin with yellow undertones and has a natural finish.

It combines 10 in 1 benefits : EFG - Epidermal Growth Factor, colour control, oil control, whitening, brightening and moisturising, nourishing, Anti-Wrinkle, Collagen-Enriched,Non-Comedogenic,Smudge-Proof, Waterproof , and UV protection with SPF 35 PA++. It enhances the complexion by improving its texture, balances skin tone giving you fresh, glowing and radiant skin.

- I think they had discontinued this range (this is my 2nd tube) but I got one from their new line already, check out my review if you're interested in the Rachel K CC Renew

2.  Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moist Eye Cream (15g) Hada Labo is a brand that promote simple skincare concept without harsh ingredients. It is a pretty popular brand here in Singapore and I love most of their products. I like that it comes with a pump and sinks in quite fast into the skin without leaving any oily residue , a great choice if you're searching for a good drugstore eye cream.

- will repurchase unless I'm not trying out so many different brands of eye cream out there.

3. Soap & Glory: The Breakfast Scrub (300 ml / 10,1 fl oz) Love this body scrub and the scent. Check out my review at Mini Haul From Boots Bangkok Thailand

- Yes will repurchase... but will try different scented ones next time.   

4. Urban Decay: de slick Makeup Setting Spray (118ml/ 4.0fl oz.) I can't and will not do without this setting spray for my oily combo skin. The only thing I can say is this is one of the best setting spray that actually prolong the wear of my makeup and control the oil.

- I'll definitely repurchase.. and since it is by Skindinavia I might try theirs soon

5. Bath and Body Works Gentle Foaming Hand Soap in A Walk In The Woods (limited edition 259 ml/ 8.75 fl oz.) Love their foaming hand soap always! Golden leaves, red rosewood and cool bergamot! Another musky woody scent that I love.

- Always change/buy different scent (already repurchase in different scent)

6. Bath and Body works Candle in Marshmallow Fireside (14.5 oz. / 411 g - Large 3 wick candle) . Describe as - Cozy up by a crackling fire with the warm scent of marshmallows, smoldering woods and vanilla. A nice change for me..

7. French Lavender & Honey - Honey body Souffle Limited Edition (226 g/ 8 oz.) A nourishing body cream melts into skin leaving it silky and smooth. The Provencal recipe is with Shea butter and conditioning vitamin E.

• Top Notes: Mandarin, Melon De Cavaillon, Blackberries, Violet Leaves
• Mid Notes: French Lavender, Jasmine of the Valley, Nectarine De Provence
• Dry Notes: Honey, Oak Musk

 - Love anything that says Souffle in a body moisturizer and will repurchase in other scent if they got others.

8. Bath and Body works PocketBac Sanitizing Hand Gel in Ocean for men Lightly scented with a refreshing blend of cypress, vetiver and yuzu. Another musky scented scents.

9. Yves Rocher: Ovale Lifting Redensifying Night Care – Face and Neck (15 ml/ o.5 fl oz) A rich and moisturizing Night cream. Yves Rocher claims that it "Visibly resculpt your face´s contours every night with this redensifying night care!

Used every night, it visibly:

- Redensifies skin to sculpt facial contours and neck
- Resculpts deep wrinkles
- Regenerates skin’s elasticity
Its rich texture sheathes skin in a transparent film."

- will not purchase as I prefer facial moisturizer that sinks into my skin fast and doesn't leave an oily film.. its way too rich for my oily combo skin.

10. Relvon Colourburst Lip Butter in #050 Berry Smoothie is a deep pinky-purple colour with a very subtle deep pink glitter. I guess it is a light raspberry shade that looks like a deeper natural lip colour with a slight shimmer that is not very strong. It isn't as pink as is seems in the photo more purple toned. It doesn't have as much colour pay off as you would expect and is a lot lighter with much more sheer coverage than Raspberry pie. Berry smoothie is very nice for a subtle bit of sparkle and colour, which can easily be worn with everyday makeup or no makeup at all.

- will repurchase if I do not have so many lipsticks to choose from. Great formula!

11. My Beauty Diary Sheet Masks 

Imperial Bird's Nest  Mask - Optimally Nourishing Invigorating and Moisturizing

Collagen Firming Mask - Firming, Rejuvenating, Renewing and Brightening

Aloe Mask - Optimal Moisturizing, Comforting and Soothing

Love all My Beauty Diary Sheet Masks! One of the very popular sheet masks here in Singapore. They definitely cure my dry areas on my face every time.

- Yes will repurchase and still have backups for my skin emergency.

Hope you will find my mini reviews helpful and enjoy them too!!

Happy weekend & Merry Christmas again!!

Love & Sweet wishes, Diana.

Chanel Rouge CoCo Shine (#89 Satisfaction)

Today I'll be talking about Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine Lipsticks.  The Rouge Coco Shine formula is supposed to have sheer color payoff paired with “lasting, moisturizing shine in a water-light texture.” I fell in love with a very dark but sheer eggplant colour when I was testing out the colours on my lips, but too bad that it is a limited edition some time ago and they no longer carry them. 

It is very challenging to find a varieties of very dark lipstick colours in Singapore, I find that the trends and people here are not very daring. A lot of people usually go for those safe colours here which I find that it is not ver exciting! I remember my younger days in my teens where a variety of shades are available even the dark ones too..the only thing back then is there aren't so many brands, I use to wear very dark shades but right now people are wearing much safer shades which is due to the Korean trend here I supposed.

Anyway I too got a very safe nude shade in the end.

Chanel Rouge CoCo Shine (#89 Satisfaction) (SGD $46) is a light-medium beige with warm undertones. It had semi-opaque color coverage, actually, which was surprising, as this formula is typically more barely-there. It has a soft shine and lasted three hours on me. It was slightly hydrating.

I do like the formula and will likely buy a few more if they have any other shades that I like. I might just have to pay more attention to their limited editions if they've got any unique or dark colours that I may "need"!!

I wish everybody an early Merry Christmas!! See you until my next post which will be up on this Friday...

XOXO Diana

Desert Essence Coconut Body Wash

For the past 1 year I have been addicted to coconut scented body products which is quite rare in Singapore. Coconut scent is not that popular here at all unlike in the States or Europe, which is why any body products in this scent will be extremely difficult to find and very limited brand will want to carry it here. I will always prefer products that don't have harmful ingredients and will try to find, buy and use those instead of the generics ones.

Desert Essence Coconut Body wash (SGD $16.90 @ selected Unity NTUC in Singapore) is an Organics body wash. It cleanses and purifies the skin with natural and organic ingredients without drying out my skin. It is 100% vegan; wheat and gluten free. It features natural, botanical ingredients that purify while nourishing the skin. Organic coconut oil provides intense moisturizing that makes the skin smoother and more evenly textured. Grapefruit seed extract gently deep cleans pores and refreshes skin. The alpha hydroxy acids help improve oil balance of the skin and gently exfoliate to reveal the next layer of fresher, younger skin. NO: parabens, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates, phthalates, artificial colors, silicones, EDTA, glycol, or petroleum based ingredients.

Coconut Body Wash Ingredients 

Water (Aqua), Coco Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract*, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract*, Saccarum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract*, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract (Bilberry)*, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract*, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract*, Sodium Coco-Sulfate (Coconut Derived), Decyl Glucoside (Coconut And Corn Derived), Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Lauryl Glucoside (Plant Derived), Benzyl Alcohol (Plant Derived), Potassium Sorbate (Fruit Derived), Stearyl Citrate (Vegetable Derived), Sodium Chloride, Dehydroacetic Acid, Fragrance (Parfum).

100% Vegan, Wheat & Gluten Free.

No: Parabens, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates, Phathalates, Artificial Colors, Silicones, EDTA, Glycol, or Petroleum-Based Ingredients.

Cruelty Free and Biodegradable: No animal testing of raw materials or finished product. No Phosphates.

Nothing bad to say about this body wash.. A great sweet coconut scent... Best is that it doesn't dry out my skin and it is chemical free!!

Happy weekend!! 

Lots of Love, Diana

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (20 beige) VS Perfection Lumiere Velvet (20 beige)

Left:Vitalumiere Aqua & Vitalumiere Aqua Blended Right: Perfection Lumiere Velvet & Perfection Lumiere Velvet Blended

Hi Ladies,

Sorry I had decided to take a rest for a week from blogging and I'm back now!!! Shockingly a year has almost gone by and christmas is nearing just a week away from now. Hope everybody has got everything ready for christmas.

Now! If you had been reading my post previously on my first beauty empties you know that I just finish a bottle of Chanel's foundation and I can finally find an excuse (heehee) to buy a new foundation to test from Chanel, since I been desperately wanting to try their Vitalumiere Aqua for ages to see what's the hype about I decided to get both Vital Lumiere Aqua & Perfection Lumiere Velvet to compare (I really can't decide which one I like better so I got both).

Another reason is because my skin is getting fussy recently, not sure what happen or why but 1 of my favourite foundation doesn't seems to be working and blending well into my skin. No matter what tools or different primers I tried to use it with, still doesn't look right. But I'm real happy that I got both Chanel's foundations they are my holy grail now!

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup SPF 15(20 beige) (SGD $78) has a soft and evanescent ultra-fine fluid texture and exceptionally delicate and light, it offers an “second-skin” perfecting result. The skin glows as if lit from within. The formula, enriched with a UVB sun filter and mineral sunscreen, protects the skin from damaging sun rays (SPF 15). I have been preferring foundations that are really light weight now a days and this is one of them. Although it is light weight and feels like nothing on the skin it still provides a medium coverage build-able to a full if desire. The plastic packaging is really convenient for traveling, with a simple yet effective spout that allow you to dispense the exact amount of product require.  

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smoothing Effect Makeup SPF 15(20 beige) (SGD $78) is also a  lightweight second-skin foundation. It naturally smoothes and evens out the complexion for a velvety matte makeup result. The lightweight texture makes it perfect for normal and combination to oily skin. This ultra-soft emulsion instantly becomes one with the skin, transforming into a natural powdery matte finish that disappears onto the skin. The Perfect Skin Affinity complex acts in perfect affinity with the skin to maintain hold and radiance all day long. The "smooth-effect" powders selected by the CHANEL Laboratories diminish surface irregularities and instantly smooth pores. • The patented* Perfect Light Control complex (combination of two semi-sheer hemispherical powders) perfectly evens out dark spots and lightens redness, without a hint of thickness. The texture is just a tiny weeni bit thicker than Vitalumiere Aqua and on the skin it feels like nothing too. The same medium coverage build-able to a full if desire, same packaging as well.

The difference of both foundation is really the finish, Vitalumire Aqua gives a dewy finish making the skin glows from within and the lasting power if slightly shorter (4-5hours depending on the humidity and how warm/hot weather here in Singapore with primer & setting powder) for my oily combination skin, Perfection Lumiere Velvet gives a semi-matte/satin finish and last longer since it is geared more towards oily combo skin (7-8hours depending on the humidity and how warm/hot weather here in Singapore with primer & setting powder). Both of the foundation fades nicely through out the day without looking patchy too!

The truth is that I love both equally and it really depends on what my skin is needing and the weather here is like... I finally understand what the hype is about now... It has both become one of my favourite  grail high-end liquid foundations besides my Marc Jacobs: Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation .

Yes I would definitely recommend trying either one depending on what you like or need and if you would like to splurge on makeup the second in line would be a great foundation (any face makeup bases too) . The first would be brushes (tools) which I would talk about it another day.

Try it and you'll be surprise like me. 2 thumbs up!!

XOXO Diana

Burberry: Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipsticks ( #15 Bright Plum & #23 English Rose)

 Left: #15 Bright Plum Right #23 English Rose

I love Burberry's Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipsticks!!! I think they have one of the best formula out there and they are worth mentioning... I find that they their formula for the Lip Cover is even better then a lot of higher end or luxury brands out there.. Definitely in my top 5 favourites high-end/ luxury lipsticks.

Love the gunmetal colour packaging...It comes with a magnetic closure...

 Left: #15 Bright Plum Right #23 English Rose

   #15 Bright Plum 

Burberry Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipstick ( #15 Bright Plum) (SGD $43) is a deep, berry wine with cool, pink undertones and a luminous finish. Burberry’s lipstick formula is always very consistent in quality: long-wearing, very hydrating, rich color, and is comfortable to wear. Bright Plum is mostly opaque with rich, even color that applies evenly and smoothly. The consistency is creamy, so it glides across lips without pulling or tugging, but it’s not so slippery that it will bleed or feather while it’s worn.  It does have a slight floral scent but don't need to worry about the taste cause there is none. 

#23 English Rose

Burberry Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipstick ( #23 English Rose) (SGD $43) is a soft mauve-y rose and its one of my favourite nude colour. The formula is very consistent in quality like #15 Bright Plum: long-wearing, very hydrating, rich color, and is comfortable to wear. Opaque with rich, even color that applies evenly and smoothly. The consistency is creamy, so it glides across lips without pulling or tugging, yet it’s not so slippery that it will bleed or feather while it’s worn.  It does have a slight floral scent.

The 2 individual colours lip swatches above my lips look normal but in fact my lips are extremely dry and they're peeling like crazy (I had always have very dry, peeling and sensitive lips), yet some how it doesn't effect the application, nor sinks into any my my dry areas of my lips at all. They're amazing and I absolutely love them. 

If you want to splurge or try any luxury or high-end lipsticks forget about all other brands and try Burberry Lip Cover first I'm very sure you will love them as much as I do and won't regret spending/splurging.

Very highly recommended!

P.S. will be getting more.. my lips just love them...!! heehee..

What do you think? I'm so keen to try other products from them soon!!

Happy Weekend!! XOXO Diana

My Beauty Empties (#01 November 2014)

Hi Ladies,

I had been putting off doing beauty empties post for a very long time (I'm just plain lazy...heehee..) and this is my ever first beauty empties and there'll be many more to come.... Beauty empties are products I have finish up and I'll give you a mini reviews or what I think about them..

Now here goes....

1. Victoria's Secret: Simply Breathless (Eau De Toilette) ( 30ml/1 fl oz) is from their vs fantasies collection and is described as seductive and alluring.The fragrance is light and soft which is perfect for spring/summer. The packaging is classy and sophisticated with just a simple transparent bottle and a gold cap. The fragrance is described as floral.    Notes: Freesia, Mandarin 
- I don't think I'll be repurchasing anymore of this fragrance, its not anything unique or love that much and besides I still have quite a few in my stash to finish.

2.  Yankee Candle in Autumn Leaves (22 oz/ 623g - Large 2 wick candle) Describe as a vibrant medley of birch and maple leaves with pomegranate, juniper berry and orange blossoms. 
- Definitely will repurchase the next fall season as this is only available here in Singapore during fall season.  One of my all time favourites it just fill up my entire room with a very inviting fragrance.

3. Bath and Body works Candle in Bergamot Woods (4 oz. / 113 g - Small 1 wick candle) Describe as an aromatic woodsy blend, highlighted by bright bergamot, fresh lavender and deep green cypress. Limited Edition scent also in Singapore.
- Yes will repurchase... another favourite besides my MAHOGANY TEAKWOOD.   

3. Bath and Body works Candle in Citron Cedarwood (6 oz. / 170 g - Mason jar candle) Describe as an elegant cedar thrives in the countryside of  southern France and is at the heart of this sunny blend of fresh citrus and green moss. Limited Edition scent also in Singapore.
- Do you see something similar in the choice of candle scent (heehee!!) I love musky woody scent... Not my favourite so not sure I'll repurchase.. 

4. Bath and Body works PocketBac Sanitizing Hand Gel in Pink Chiffon Lightly scented with a light-as-air pairing of soft pink petals & vanilla chiffon icing expresses the flirty femininity of feeling pretty in pink.
- Always change different scent for my hand sanitizer this is quite nice for a change as I seldom like anything so sweet.

5. Flawless Skin Face Polish. This creamy scrub with purifying micro beads cleanses and exfoliates, removing dead skin cells to leave skin smooth and even toned. It is rich in emollients that leaves my skin feeling very soft. The best is that I can use it daily for my normal to oily skin, for dry or mature skin just used it every other day.
- A great facial scrub (might be slightly scrubby for some people but I love it), will repurchase if only I don't have so many things to finish and try.

6. Yves Rocher UVBeauty Shield SPF 50 PA++ A cream facial sunscreen, not my favourite because   it doesn't adsorb fast enough into my skin for my oily combo skin and I can feel slightly greasy. Not a chance I would buy the full size in ever!

7. Illamasqua Matte Veil - a face primer before foundation,  a thin light texture but nope I didn't like it. Does nothing for my makeup.. I've an extremely oily T Zone and my makeup melts off fast like I'm not wearing the any primer at all... disappointed and will never ever purchase the full size!!

8. Desert Essence, Thoroughly Clean Face Wash - Original, Oily and Combination Skin (8.5 fl oz/ 250 ml) A gentle and unique cleansing solution leaves your skin feeling clean and silky. Eco-Harvest Tea Tree Oil, a known antiseptic, leaves skin feeling thoroughly clean and oil-free. Extracts of Goldenseal, Hawaiian White Ginger (Awapuhi), and essential oil and extract of Chamomile soothe skin. Mineral-rich Bladderwrack, harvested from the sea, nourishes the skin to leave it looking vibrantly healthy. Regular use ever so gently helps improve the texture, clarity and radiance of your skin.
- It does the job but a little bit too strong of the tea tree oil scent for my taste and I don't really like foaming facial wash.. A great choice if you like natural stuff with no chemicals and can stand that scent.

9. Bare Minerals: Active Cell Renewal Night Gel (50g/ 1.7 fl oz) Love this product!! but I'm not sure it is still available here in Singapore, not seen it any where in all Sephora here. Here is my link to my full review .

10. Chanel Perfection Lumiere LONG-WEAR FLAWLESS FLUID MAKEUP SPF 10 (20 Beige)   Chanel claims that it is a Multi-faceted long-lasting wear for a matte finish, radiance and color thanks to the Perfect Skin Affinity complex. It ensures a second-skin effect and perfect hold for 15 hours.

Perfect correction of all imperfections and optimal radiance that stays true all day long, provided by the patented* Perfect Light Control Complex:
- redness and dark spots: -52%,**
- complexion evenness: +65%,**
- complexion radiance: +84%.**

 with a no-makeup sensation.
- I like the foundation but don't find it that matte, last that long on my oily combo skin at all and I still feel the makeup sensation which is not what they claim. I prefer their  Vitalumiere and their Perfection Lumiere velvet (review coming soon comparing both soon) a ton better. Will not repurchase.


11.  Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator Serum A great serum but an expensive one too. The results the next morning with my skin feeling so soft with air-condition on the whole night is great. The dry patches on my face is gone but I can't justify buying the full size becausee of the price and a lot of facial oil can do the exact same thing on the skin with the ability of adsorbing very fast and feels light on the skin as well.

12. Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator Creme A definate no not only because of the price, slightly to heavy on my skin which does not adsorb that well. There is not a lot of facial cream moisturizer that I like and this feels  greasy to me.. My face just doesn't like cream moisturizer.

Finally it comes to an end.... Quite a lot of empties.. Hope you like my post.