Natural CURE Aqua Gel

Today I want to share with you guys what I've been using since March as part of my skincare routine. I know there used to be a lot of hype (maybe there still is?) about Japan's "#1 best selling skincare product" namely, Natural Cure Aqua Gel. When I first heard about this product, I didn't really look too much into it, i was curious but not enough for me to jump online and track down a source where I could purchase it. However, back in March during my trip to Singapore, I stumbled across this product in their Watson's health and beauty store and figured I may as well give it a try since it was right in front of me and boy am I glad I did!
I have no idea how I have survived without this and I used to think I was doing ok with my skincare. I didnt have the best skin but it was as good as I knew it could be so I never really thought about adding to or changing my routine. Before using Cure Aqua Gel, my skin was fairly clear to begin with but running my fingers along my face I'd be able to feel little bumps and grooves. It was fairly red in some areas and I always looked dull and tired when barefaced (life of a full time worker??).
I started using Cure when I returned to Australia and as per the instructions that came on the bottle (there were English instructions on the plastic wrap) I use it twice a week religiously on Sunday and Thursday nights. It advises to apply onto clean, dry skin so I make sure I've removed all makeup and cleansed and dried my face before using one pump and gently massaging it into my face in circular motions. I do this for about 30-40 seconds and then rinse off and pat dry. Even within the first use, I could feel a difference in my skin texture, it felt so smooth and my fingers just glided across my face. It also felt really clean, much better than any make up remover could remove.
Now, almost 3 months on, my face has cleared up so much. It feels and looks much better and has also helped to brighten up my complexion. Some days I can just leave the house with out any tinted moisturiser/foundation/BB Cream because I'm that confident with my skin! I never used to feel like this. Although, i must admit that my redness hasnt completely vanished, i still get redness around the corners of my nose and some on my cheeks but nothing overly noticeable. My dark circles are less noticeable as well. I absolutely love this product and for sure will be purchasing a new bottle once I get through this one. 

My Actual bottle - It's going to last me awhile :)

All I need is one pump and it comes out as a clear gel

 

(Click for larger view) (With Flash) After massaging it into my skin, you're "Dead skin" is supposed to come off which is what the white balls represent. There has been debate as to whether this is actually your skin or not but i'm not going to get into that here. I love this product hands down.

No Flash.

So that's my quick review, hope you guys enjoyed. Does anybody else use Cure Gel or tempted to try? let me know, and if you have any questions just leave them for me below :) x

June 2012 Lust Have It bag!

Today my Lust Have It box (bag) came in the post and I was super excited to receive it. This month's theme is "Fun and Flirty" and although that might sound exciting.. well.. i'll let you guys be the judge.

This month's bag is a purple one and i love it! I'm probably being biased because purple is my favourite colour but even more so because i will actually use it as a makeup bag and take it traveling now. I wasn't too fond of the pink one as funnily enough that is my least favourite colour ever so i'm really happy with this month's bag. Not so much the products..

LonVitalite - 24k Active Golden Yulan Oil Facial Mask
5 pack RRP: $59.00
What you get: 1 mask

LonVitalite - 24k Active Gold Full Eye Mask
5 pack RRP: $45.00
What you get: 1 mask

Ahh.. again with the masks, i feel like i'm building up a collection here lol, maybe i'll collect so many I might just use them so that i can slowly get rid of them. But really, as i've always mentioned, not a fan of masks and now i have two in one pack! We'll see how it goes,  I might cave in and use them one day..

Batiste - Blush Dry Shampoo
150ml RRP: $9.95
What you get: 50ml

This is a cute travel size, definitely something I can just throw in my bag for touch ups for when my roots get oily. I already use a different branded dry shampoo but i'm curious to try this one out.

Bloom - Glitter Eyeliner in "Star Gazer"
4g RRP: $14.95
What you get: 4g (full size)

This looks interesting. I don't own a glitter eyeliner and i'm not against them I just never had the need to go out and buy one but i'm happy to have received this. The swatch on my arm is just one swipe of it. I dont really feel anything towards it, it may just end up being a product I forget i own. The colour isnt that nice but maybe i can work with it.

Marc Jacobs - Daisy
50ml RRP: $90
What you get: 1.2ml

Marc Jacobs - Daisy Eau So Fresh
75ml RRP: $115
What you get: 1.2 ml

More perfume samples.. I feel towards this like i feel towards face masks, I never end up using them as i find perfume gives me really bad headaches so i dont like spraying them on myself. I'll probably end up with a collection of these as well and end up giving them away. Guess it won't be too bad in that case. But i was a little disappointed that we got two perfume samples in this month's bag, they're easily enough to get at the department stores but oh well.

Overall, I'm thoroughly disappointed with this month's LHI bag. There's nothing that I actually like let alone love unless you count the actual bag itself which is funny cos i absolutely loved May's LHI but i guess we cant be pleased every month so i'll keep with them for a while longer.

What did you get in your LHI? Let me know in the comments! x

Bellabox June 2012

Today I received my Bellabox for June 2012. I received the notification from Australia Post that it was delivered while i was at work so I was pretty anxious to get home and find out what I received this month! This month's box works around the theme of Winter Escape. So without further delay, let's take a look..

And in no particular order..

1. Facial Fresh Cloth Facial Treatment Mask
35ml RRP from $8.95
What you get: 1 mask

I don't really know what to say about this, I received a mask as well in the May box and personally I just don't use them. I've never used a facial mask before and I don't really intend to so i sort of wished I didnt get these but maybe they'll be useful to my mum or a friend. I'm not really sure.

 2. Pure Fiji Body Butter 
 235ml RRP $29.95
What you get: 15ml

This looks really nice and smells divine. I rubbed a small amount onto my hands and it instantly felt soft and nice to touch. I'm really looking forward to using this and will probably keep it on my desk at work to apply throughout the day.

3. Nak Diamond Hair Polish - Frizz Fighter
100ml RRP $22.95
What you get: Full size

I'm really excited to try out this product. It says it can be used as a heat protectant which is awesome for me as I dont actually use heat protectant on my hair and i use heat styling products everyday! I know, i know that is realllllly bad, but.. i've just been really lazy so i'm glad I have this in full size and can't wait to see how it turns out.

4. Benefit POREfessional Pro Balm
22ml RRP $58.00
What you get: 7.5ml 

This is such a cute sample size. I already own the full size of this product and I love it. The aim of the product is to minimise your pores for a flawless base so you can apply foundation or whichever product over a smooth surface. It really works! I love this so much and find that it really shrinks the size of my pores and gives a smooth and matte finish making my foundation glide on smoothly. So happy with this.

5. Kiss Dress Nails
up to 28 nail covers per pack RRP $13.99
What you get: pack of 28

I don't really care too much for this. I'm not really a nail person and if i do my nails, i prefer to paint them myself. Also, not a fan of the design that I got so will probably be giving this away.

 
6. Fan Di Fendi Fragrance 
30ml EDP RRP $95
What you get: Sample size

I'm not really sure how much product you get in this satchet as it feels completely flat so I'm assuming that it's just enough to rub on your neck or wrist once. I'm not a perfume lover so again, i can see this going to waste or to someone that would have more use of it than myself.

7. Olea Olive Leaf Drops
12 Drops RRP $6.00
What you get: 4 Drops

Really? I kind of don't know what to say about this. I'll give you guys the description that comes with the box on this product: "Olea Olive Lead Drops combine fresh-picked Olive Leaf Extract with UMF 10+ Manuka honey for immune and cardiovascular support, as well as giving you a boost of antioxidant power. 100% natural and fast acting, pop one of these drops next time you feel the winter sniffles coming on!"
Honestly, i just don't feel that these should have been put in, but I guess that they went with the theme of Winter Escape, i just dont feel it was exactly beauty related even though i get where bellabox is coming from.

All in all, I'm actually more happy with this box than May's even though there a few products in this month's box i know i won't be using, I'm super excited to try the Nak Diamond Hair Polish and Fiji body butter and i love the Benefit Porefessional sample tube.

Have you received your bellabox yet? Did you receive different products? let me know! x 

Queen's Birthday Retail Therapy

Come and gone was our last long weekend for another good 4 months or so and what better way to spend it than to go shopping. Actually, I really had nothing else to do and I couldnt stand staying in bed for another day so off to Chadstone I went. I wasn't really looking for anything in particular but like that has ever stopped me! I did manage to pick up a few things that I'm happy with.
First thing was this pack from Lancome:

I already had sample sizes of the Hydra Zen Moisturizer and the Galateis Douceur from a promotion some months ago and I really loved them that I had planned to buy the full sized products when I had the chance but they're actually quite expensive my themselves that I never had the courage to splurge on them. From memory, the full size of the Galateis Douceur cleansing fluid for the face & eyes is around $65-$70 which in my opinion was a little excessive for make up remover but I did love it a lot. I havent even finished my sample size as I've been using it sparingly only for when I am wearing heavy eye make up. That goes the same for my sample size of the moisturizer which i am slowly running out of, I have about 3 days worth left. So thank goodness today whilst browsing through Myer, Lancome had a few specials on. There were a bunch of eye shadows and skincare products on a clearance table but nothing really caught my eye, except for this pack which was on sale for $85. The Hydra Zen comes in a 50ml size and the toner and cleanser come in both at 125ml. I havent actually tried the toner before so i'm excited to try it out but as soon as i came across this pack i knew i had to get it as 2 out of 3 products I am already using and loving so there was no way i could walk past this.
The thing I love about the Hydra Zen Moisturizer is that it leaves my skin feeling hydrated all day. It doesnt feel oily or sticky but rather smooth and refreshed. It doesnt feel like my pores are clogged like other moisturizers tend to do for me so it'd be hard for me if i had to switch.
The Galateis Douceur cleansing fluid is amazing! I loved it from the first time I ever tried the sample. I use it on a cleansing pad and just swipe it over my face and eye make up and everything just wipes straight off. Not only that but it leaves the skin feeling so smooth and soft and you can actually feel like its being moisturized while taking off your make up. It's a refreshing feeling and i just love it. So happy i have a bigger bottle.

Another product I picked up is something I've recently come across from a friend of mine. If you're clumsy like me, then this might just be your saviour. Introducing the Hollywood Stain Remover Pen:

This product has seriously become my new best friend. I picked it up in Priceline for $5.99 and just keep it in my handbag and can guarantee it will come in handy. I go out a lot to eat and just in general spill lots of random things all over my clothes and the last thing i want is little food stains in random places all over my clothes. My friend introduced me to this one day when i was annoyed at my self for splattering noodle soup all over my work top and she pulled this out of her bag and told me to use it. I did, and boy was I impressed. It had completely disappeared and so from there, I made a mental note to get myself one of these life savers. I took the liberty to doing a demo for you guys to see and judge for yourself what you think and maybe it'll be a life saver for you too :)

1. I splattered some soya sauce onto a t-shirt - common thing to do right?

2. Placing the pen onto the stain, just gently push down to let the product come out

3. Keep pushing on the pen until the stain liquid remover covers over all the of the stain area

4. When you're done it should look like a wet patch - i know it doesnt look very appealing but wait for it..

5. Drying... 5 mins later..

6. 10 minutes later and done! no more stain, a complete life saver!

So if you're like me and find yourself spoiling your clothes with random stains then I recommend you pick one of these up, you won't regret it :)

Finally, to finish of this blog post, just a random non beauty related item, I bought this work dress. I love the design and colour and the fit of it just flatters my body and i fell in love! For $45 I couldnt put it down:

 

 

So that's what I got up to on this public holiday, did you guys hit up the stores too? let me know! x

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner

I was strolling though Target the other day looking for stockings and decided to check out the cosmetics section and to my surprise most of the brands were on sale. I was looking through Maybelline, I think it was 25% off all products and I've noticed the gel liners before but for the first time in a long time i finally found it in the shade "eggplant". I remember seeing this shade when they first came out along with the standard black and a brown i think. But after awhile when i decided i finally wanted one, i really wanted it in the eggplant - purple shade, but could not find it anywhere, i was certain it was discontinued or no longer stocked. So i was so excited when i found them in the Target Store on Bourke Street and at 25% off, even better! These retail for around $16 if i recall correctly and it went down to around $12. I did try to swatch it but my camera just wouldnt focus so unfortunately I can't show you what it looks like but it is gorgeous! It is a deep purple with very fine gold flexes. I didn't expect the shimmer but it's actually very pretty and after swatching it on my hand i ran my fingers over it trying to rub it off and it would not budge. No smudging - nothing. I'm definitely going back to pick up the black one.

**ALSO, if you live in Melbourne and get a chance, head down to Priceline as they're having some awesome sales on cosmetics until Monday 11th June.

Let me know if you go and what you bought, if anything :) x

Singapore Haul

Back in March I took a small vacation to Singapore with my bf. It was my first time there and I have to say, it was one of my favourite places I've traveled to. Singapore is so beautiful and clean. It reminded me very much of Melbourne except that they have a lot more greenery and it just feels a lot more fresh and open. I remember thinking that I could live there if I had all my friends and family with me, but since that's not the case, Melbourne will always be my home :)
So, as you do when you're overseas, I went a little crazy with the shopping and I had already planned to try pick up as many cosmetic products as I could, especially those that I can't purchase here because we simply don't have them. I probably didnt pick up as much as I could have but keep in mind i bought lots of other things such as clothes, shoes, bags etc. But i'll just show you guys the make up related products for the moment. If you guys want to see what else I picked up just let me know!
(click on images for larger view)

(an overview of the products I purchased)


I swear it felt like a lot while i was shopping but i was mildly disappointed when i got home and unpacked. i had this image in my mind that my suitcase was filled with beauty products but to my surprise, it was a lot smaller than what i had imagined lol.

I first came across this product back in 2009 when i was in Malaysia. Maybelline Angel Fit two-way foundation cake has been a favourite of mine ever since. I even had a friend bring back an extra two while on a trip to Thailand! What I love about this is how quick and easy it is to apply. i can just throw it into my bag and touch up during the day when i get oily. It may be a hit or miss for some but it does have very very fine shimmer in it which is ok for me. I use it on a daily basis on top of my BB cream and i feel that it just ties the look together. I'd say it is of medium coverage and feels very light. You have the option of applying it wet but funny enough i havent done that as yet, maybe i should huh? At the moment i have 5 back ups of this product, that's how much i love it!

While shopping around I really wanted to find a mascara I knew I couldn't find here. So on my last day I picked up this Unstoppable Curly Extension mascara by Maybelline. I actually don't mind this mascara. It adds length to my lashes and doesn't clump at all. However I don't think it holds curls for very long. Maybe 4 hours max. I didn't manage to buy a backup but i'm not too fussed as I'm sure i could pick up any mascara here and it'd be the same. No wow factor for me here.

I also managed to pick up a bunch of eyeliners. Two of them liquid pens and one gel liner. Nothing really special here except yes, if you're wondering and can recognise Ms Hyori Lee on the packet of the Clio eyeliner; I did only pick it up because of her image lol, advertising really works! No, but in all honesty, I do really like the Clio eyeliner liquid pen - I bought 3 packs and have already gone through one, the eyeliner allows for a smooth application and can last during my 9 hour day at work. As for the maybelline eyeliner - I havent had a chance to use that yet. Lastly, the gel liner - I'm really not a fan of. The consistency is quite thin and i find i have to do a few coats just to get a solid black line. Not only that, it's not long lasting at all. Pretty disappointing but luckily i didnt purchase a back up. Such a shame though, i really wanted to like it..

I had already been using MUFE HD Foundation prior to this as I had a friend bring a bottle back for me from the US. But that was a few years ago so obviously my shade had changed. This is in the colour #127. I really wished that Australia stocked MUFE products here, in Myer, Priceline or just anywhere! This is my HG foundation ever since I first started using it. It has the perfect coverage of medium to full depending on how much you use and definitely buildable. I apply it with a beauty blender and it really does just make my skin look so flawless and dewy - I always just feel I look so fresh and glowy everytime I use it. Unfortunately I didnt purchase back ups so I use this sparingly.

While I was in Sephora getting colour matched for the HD foundation, the SA applied this on top of the foundation and I just loved the result. My skin felt so soft and just set everything flawlessly. I was sold and although I don't think its a complete necessity in a makeup kit, more of a splurge - it does come in handy for special events as I find it controls my oily skin a lot better.

This.. this concealer is seriously the best concealer i have ever used. I'm using the colour Medium Beige and it is definitely a HG product for me. I'd previously heard about this brand before from beauty videos on youtube a few years back but only when i was in Sephora I came across it for the first time. I had the SA apply some under my eye on the dark circles and wow was I impressed. The texture is quite thick and very creamy. It blends amazingly and although i've read mixed reviews, I find that it doesnt crease at all on my skin. It can hide any blemishes and dark circles or red spots entirely and just blends so so well, I absolutely love this concealer! I'm a little sad i bought the smaller tube, I think its about 5ml but that already set me back something ridiculous like $45 so I couldnt bring myself to purchase the bigger tube. But no doubt i'll be on the hunt for it once i'm through with this one. I love it way too much.

Nothing too special here, you can actually buy the Duo eyelash glue from MAC here in Australia but they don't actually stock the dark tone one which is what i originally wanted. I dont wear false eyelashes too often but I really wanted to just have this in my collection.

Again, not a really exciting product. I do already own the original UD Primer Potion and I hadn't really intended to purchase a primer however I was randomly doing swatches and tests at the UD county and I just liked the thick consistency of the texture. I also liked that it was matte and how it manages to even out skintone. I always have a problem with creasing on my lids so i decided to purchase this and i'm glad i did. I use it whenever I'm wearing eyeshadow and I'm always impressed at how it holds my eyeshadow all night. If you're looking for a good eye primer and can get your hand on one of these then i definitely recommend it!

Yes yes I know.. I don't want to go into this too much cos i'm sure you girls have all read countless reviews on this gorgeous palette. Funnily enough I did not plan to purchase this AT ALL. I already own the original naked palette and honestly I didnt find this one too appealing. However while i was in Sephora I was curious and wanted to swatch the shadows but they didnt have them at the counter. I asked the SA and apparently the launch date was the day AFTER. i was there one day too early. However, I gave the story of how i was a tourist etc etc and somehow she spoke to her manager and he allowed me to have a palette early. Again, wasn't really planning to purchase it but i felt bad as the SA had gone out of her way to ask her boss to give me a palette one day early. It was so sweet of her so I succumbed and purchased it. I actually have not used all the shadows as yet. My favourite is snakebite though which has been the only shade i've used. I love it as an all over lid colour just blended out with black eyeliner. It's my quick go-to for night time. I love the pigmentation and the colour is just perfect for my skin tone. Again, i cant really comment on all the colours as I have not had a chance to go through them as yet.

This is MACs blush in Gingerly. I had previously seen this on a haul video on Youtube and held off purchasing it here as blushes sell for $41-$42 each which is crazzzzy! Although, in Singapore this did set me back I think $36 so it wasn't that much different but hey, i still saved something lol. This blush is the perfect rose colour on my skin. It's my everyday blush and very buildable. It gives the perfect 'flush' without it looking exaggerated. I feel that it looks very natural and just gives my skin the right amount of colour and blends naturally into my skin tone. Will definitely be repurchasing once i run out, even if i have to pay the inflated AUD prices.

(Left to Right: Strawberry Shortcake, Cherry Tart, Peach Parfait & Lollipop)

Before going to Singapore I had known about the imminent release of the Revlon Lip Butters in Australia and i was really curious to try them. I knew the prices would be inflated as usual so i made a mental note to suss them out in Singapore and to my delight they had already been released. So I picked up these four shades. Actually, in Singapore they only had a small selection of colours, i think about 9? I was surprised to see so many different shades over here but I havent bought anymore since. Out of the four I actually use Lollipop the most. It's a very bold deep pink/purple and because my eyes are always very plain with most days i'm just wearing black liner on the top lid - lollipop just completes the look and adds colour to my face. I do like the texture of the lip butters overall, very moisturizing and quite long lasting also. I dont think i'll be purchasing anymore though as i think 4 is enough lol.

So that's all for my Singapore cosmetics haul. Have you guys tried any of these products? What do you think? What do you wish you could try? let me know! x