New Make Up

Was browsing on Luxola website while before finals in Australia and I chanced upon this palette by Sephora. I had wanted a better quality eyeshadow palette with more nudes that were suitable for everyday use. At first I had my eyes on Zoeva's, but it was out of stock. I bought this off the Singapore website and got it mailed to my Singapore address since I was heading back in a couple of weeks.

Got it in Delicate Nude in case anyone is wondering which Sephora palette this is. Packaging is of soft man-made leather skin similar to a snake, lightly cushioned.

Only bad thing about this palette is that I do not know any of the names of the shades, because there was no names stated on the packaging nor on the plastic film that was covering it. A lot of gold, brown tones in there which works well on a dark skin tone person like me. I bet a lot of girls would love to have this palette.

It came with a 2-end brush (eyeshadow and eyeliner/angled) and also a dark brown eye pencil.

Currently loving and using Be A Bombshell's Eyeshadow Quad in Madrid. Colours for everyday! It's very small so it fits into all make-up pouches without taking up much space. Colours in clockwise from dark brown: Starlet, Risky Business, Birthday Suit, Tempted. Tempted and Risky Business have got to be my favourite shades! Starlet is good for definition and Birthday Suit as the base.

For my everyday go-to base products, I am currently using Natio's Tinted Moisturiser in Medium. It has SPF50 good for all sunny countries. I apply it using an air cushion puff, I think it works best that way without dirtying my fingers/hands. It is very subtle, and it works great with a skin base product which I will share later in this post!

Bought FLOWER blush in A-coral-ble, it's a powder to creme finish blush. Was just experimenting with a new product with new texture. Colour is nice, but it is troublesome to use, having to pour some powder on the cap and swirl my brush in.

I have also been sticking to IOPE's air cushion blush (rose pink), which in my preference, one of the best and most handy blush. I like it that it's very subtle but build-able. Just placed an order for another rose pink and orange sherbet (New Shade). Not quite sure if they sell the refill pack like their EX cushion, will have to check that out. Anyone know of a matte powder blush that comes with a brush? I have been wanting to get one with a brush so I can reapply when I'm out.

Bought this a few days before my flight back to Singapore. I got it from Priceline in Australia. This is a korea made product. It is supposed to work like a base and primer. It does make my pore less visible. Bad part of it is that it takes efforts to pop the pink capsules and also the pearl powder (in ball shape).

Also got myself a proper brush set from Nude by Nature. This is their Brushed Up Pro 10 Piece Set. I think it is travel friendly. I had actually wanted to get the 8-piece brush set because the I was leaning towards the latter's case. But this set was more worth the money. 10 brushes for $40, that makes each brush $4 which is pretty cheap. The brushes work fine, they get the job done.

Thanks for reading! It's black friday sales soon! Imma go check out good deals! Hope you people get great deals too!

Ellysage x Updates

Been neglecting this space because I have been working on a new blog layout. But, I want to share some of my favourite online shopping experience.
ELLYSAGE has top-notch customer service apart from their pocket friendly apparel. They have helped me TWICE, of which the most recent encounter made me want to give them 10 upon 5 stars. I placed an order in early JAN, was expecting my package as usual, and ellyage stuff has always reached me safely despite me using Normal Mail. But Singpost decided to 'eat' my package this time round, and I'm already sick of Singpost customer service, they should just get fined more heavily. Maybe a few millions would do more justice for everyone.
So, till today, no package arrived, but I gave Ellysage a heads up after waiting for a week. I kindly requested them to check their posting records etc, just in case package gets mixed up with self-collection ones since after packaged, all orders look the same in the same kind of polymailer. They did the check, and told me to wait for another week while they also keep a look out for any return mails on their side.
Then, on last Wednesday night, I was just randomly blogshop-surfing online, chanced back onto ellysage's site with their LIVE customer support service with online status. 

Took the chance to explain my situation that I am in a very unfortunate situation, and time is not on my side since I'm departing for Brisbane on 8 Feb. They very kindly courier me one cardigan which I ordered, while for the other Top, I will have to wait.

& the Cardigan reached me on Saturday! Cheers, now just hope for more good things to happen.

(Click on screenshots to enlarge & view full conversation)
Unfortunately the Singpost CSO refused to give the branch contact number to ellysage so they can't check.
Previously, ellysage has helped me with an exchange of a pair of shorts. Usually, blogshops don't really accept exchanges unless the item is damaged or some sort. But, I would say, no harm asking the blogshop nicely, NOT DEMAND. I know some shoppers can be very rude as well. If you are seeking for help, you just got to be courteous, because you are on a losing end. 
Back to updates... If you follow me on Dayre, you would already guess how the new blog layout would be on Mobile Viewing. New blog layout will be launched here, live on 1st Feb 2015. Timing wise, I'm still deciding 2/6/8PM. Keep your eyes peeled to this space as it transforms.
xoxo,
Miko

Make it up!

Had such an impulse or rather an urge to buy cosmetics recently. The kind of make up I like is the "have make up but look like got no make up finish look". Products featured in this post were handpicked, purchased and tried by me (not sponsored okay, my pocket hurts a little). This will be a general sharing/review post. I will leave down the links on where I purchased them online.

BelleMe's 24/7 I Need Moisture Lipbalm BelleMe's Skin Cushion in Natural Glow IOPE's Air Cushion Blusher in Rose Pink
I am well aware how popular 'cushion' products are these days. They have been very popular for the past few months, no matter which brand they are from (etude, laneige, innisfree etc). I have been wanting to try them as well. 
A few weeks/months ago I got to know of IOPE's Air Cushion Blusher from the owner of Agneselle (Peonykiss.com) where she briefly mentioned it. When I first read about it, I was so stoked like "What? Cushion Blusher now? Why does make up products advances so fast?" I had to try it, but it isn't readily available in Singapore, so I had to buy it online through AmorePacific.
Funfact: AmorePacific owns many of the popular korean cosmetic brands such as Etude, Innisfree etc, they are all under one big roof/umbrella just that each brand reaches out to different users and age groups. But AmorePacific has its own line of products as well.


The air cushion blusher currently only comes in one shade - 01 ROSE PINK. The product is smaller than usual BB/CC/Foundation Cushion Product, it contains lesser product as well (10g) compared to 15g of Base cushion products. The air cushion puff is hence much smaller as well. 


I like this blusher quite a lot that I think I might just abandon my powder blush for this. When applied, it is of a sheer natural pink shade which is build-able to more reddish pink tone. Very natural looking I would have to say just bit of that natural healthy glow. Oh! while I was applying it to my cheeks, I felt a very cooling sensation! So I'd think it will work well on hotter days and this will help cool down your skin a little.

Buy: IOPE Air Cushion Blusher! 

Before, I move on to the Belleme Cosmetics, just wanted to share that I bought a new primer as well. It's from TheFaceShop, FACE IT Moisture Fitting Primer.

I would say I quite like the consistency of this primer, because it's so different from my other primers. It's consistency is like moisturiser/light cream which makes application very easy. Got it in Moisture variant (it comes in Velvet and Glow too), because if I happen to be air-con a lot, my skin will get drier very quickly and it will show through my make up. So, I guess with this, my suffering will be reduced. Will try it for a longer time and see how well it works. Have only used it a couple of times so far. I bought it online, but lord the delivery took so long. Not sure how much this retails in physical stores. Anyone knows? Let me know.

Buy: The Face Shop's Moisture Fitting Primer !

& finally, Belleme Cosmetics products!

Posted this photo on my Instagram awhile ago, so you might find this photo familiar. I picked out 2 products from a rather not very known brand, or which a relatively new brand. I would really applaud this new brand for having such funky, cutesy products. I mean just look at these products packaging. I am an absolute sucker for products with unique packaging and designs. &! they have very unique names for the products and their color shades. I would say it is on par as creative as OPI's naming.

01. It's not very searchable on Google

02. Product line is still small and limited

03. I have never heard of it before

So the first product from BelleMe Cosmetics that I want to share is the 24/7 I Need Moisture Lipbalm. The polka dot doodle design reminds me of Topshop's Blush. Very simple, yet at the same time being unique.

This lipbalm has a very strong peachy scent and gives a very natural sheer tint of pink to my lips. What I like is that it isn't as sticky as any other lipbalms I have used. I get very annoyed when strands of hair sticks to my lips due to the sticky formula. Well, since it is less sticky, it seem to be a little less moisturising, but it is more lightweight than most lipbalms out there in the market. It contains jojoba oil and shea butter!

Buy: Belleme Cosmetics' 24/7 I Need Moisture Lipbalm !

The next and last product from BelleMe Cosmetics is their Tik Tak Tok Skin Cushion. Soon, you will know why it is called 'Tik Tak Tok'. This base cushion product currently comes in 1 shade - Natural Glow.

Packaging is so cute. I like "hand drawn" designs a lot. I got drawn to this product partly because of it. I was looking for a base cushion product that has light coverage because I don't really have much skin complex  (or I'm over confident about my skin) and a lot of them available now are like medium coverage which makes my make up VERY OBVIOUS and my face look fake. Told ya I was going for the "have make-up look like no make-up" finish. But I really do have less zits and complexes compared to people my age.

Watch the product video below, and you will know the meaning behind 'Tik Tak Tok'.

For 1 product, you get 3 different designs! The original sticker (the one with finger) is by default and if you get sick of it, you can change to the other 2 designs. You may even stick your own stickers on it and customise it to your liking.

It comes with an air cushion puff as well & the size is exactly same as Etude's (which is same as laneige etc). Scent wise, very similar to Etude's Magic Any Cushion in Peach. I tried Etude's MAC sample and I am on a love-hate r/s with it. Some days, I look okay with it, some days not really.

This is how you "pump" the product out. May not be very hygienic but well, before you use any makeup I assume most of us will wash our hands cleanly and that only your thumb is needed. But another downside is that it doesn't has a refill yet and I'm not sure if the design allows a refill pot.

It does its job though, giving subtle glow to my skin, but not making it look overly oily. But, if you are the kind that is quite concern about the glow, I think dusting a little compact powder on areas that tend to be more oily will counter it. I went out on a almost full day errand the other day but did not use my compact powder at all yet I still don't look "soaked in oil", more of healthy looking skin. But, I might give IOPE Air Cushion XP a try as well (maybe end of this year), because it is highly raved, and it seems quite good compared to other brands.

Buy: Belleme Cosmetics' Tik Tak Tok Glow Cushion

These are now my To-Go Make-up Routine. Less is more I guess. Will definitely stock them up or try new cushions before I head to Australia (damn, I will miss all the skincare and cosmetics). & these are only available in Korea itself/online, so I better make plans to stock them up this December.

Hope you enjoyed reading this post and learnt more about of an unheard of cosmetic brand. & this is my to-go, fuss-free make up routine. Super effortless.

Till the next time, stay happy!

Thrifting Online

I never knew the route that poly took me - the route to being a shopaholic. This change was not an overnight issue, it was a gradual transition. However, I do really hope to stop this cycle as much as possible, else it would be only me who suffers. The only positive side to this is that - at least I don't for branded stuff as much as some girls would. The only branded stuff I own are probably sports brands and Charles & Keith (it's not even considered branded please, I know, but these costs the most) and nothing else.

My confessions:

01. Obsession over Bags

02. Obsession over Shoes

03. Obsession over Clothes

But this year ever since I got my Charles & Keith bag in March/April, I promised my mum not to get any more bags for 2014 (but I still gave in to a cheap one which cost like $11). But I'm really not going to get any more except for a new backpack and luggages for University life next year in February. So, as I tried not to focus on bags, this focus eventually shifted to shoes and clothes. I have to donate some clothes away soon, and maybe give some to my friends/cousins if they want it, because I can't wear them or don't wish to own them any more. So, if there are any takers, it's a good thing.

~ Look out for Sales ~

I have a habit of shopping online, and especially so after i-banking worked so well for me (it's heaven for shopaholics). But, I have my inner-auntie side as well. I go for things that are worth the money. Eg. Things on SALE or from a wholesale site. Usually my clothes cost less than 15-20 dollars, sometimes less than 10. I spend more than 20 dollars only if I really like the design. I follow quite a number of blogshops on Facebook and Instagram so I can be prepared if there's a sale ahead.

~ The other way to thrift online is to Google for discount codes ~

THIS WORKS! For example, you want to get something from XYZ Blogshop. Just head to google and try your luck and type 'XYZ discount code 2014' in the search bar. You can also include the month as well, or just look in the list of results and click on the current month. Usually, you will see various bloggers' posts for these blogshops and sometimes they have discount codes that entitles you to like 5%/10%/Free Postage/DollarOff, which can be useful. Save whatever you can save. I try to keep to a limit per month, because I am only human. I feel the pinch too when I overspend sometimes.

I have practise stricter self-discipline on myself when it comes to spending materialistically (at least not branded-ly). Turning 20 this year, so I think I ought to start managing my own finances and budgets well now. & also because I'm heading to Brisbane next yr and I will receive my allowance in lump sum (which isn't very good for me), so I guess I will require some help from my friends as well to stop me if the things are what I 'want' and not 'need'. It's important to be able to distinguish your Desires and your Necessities. 

I try to ask myself before purchasing: Do I really need it? Or is it just an impulse passion to want to own it?

But, no one can deny that Retail Therapy works. It takes thing off your mind just for a moment. & if you get to purchase what you like at a good price, it's like double win. And, that's why we all feel good for a while thereafter. It's not a healthy habit, especially if you're from below average, average or even above average family backgrounds. Unless you are freaking loaded, maybe you can afford to do this (pay for your own expenses, and not your parents paying it for you).

That's all. Any other fantastic tips? I know going to thrift stores are good, but there aren't a lot of thrift stores in Singapore. 

New buys.

Since it's still the GSS period, I'm always on a lookout for good deals from online stores (I'm very lazy to go out, and that I like using iBanking now).

• Casio Watch, it's the same as the one I bought last year, but I lost my previous one. So i bought it in the same design and strap color.

• Some accessories from TheOrdinary.Co.

• My current favourite pair of shades from Topazette.

• Bluetooth remote shutter for smartphone, bought it on Qoo10.

Earring I got from TheOrdinary.Co, there 2 more pairs that I bought, it's like diamond-ish color, in squares, and i thought it would be hard to capture a photo of it, so no photos.

Recent buys from Qoo10 were gadget-y. Bought the shutter remote, a mini tripod (for smartphone), and this moisture monitor. It's pretty cool ey! I tried for days and i think it works well. Came in this really nice box, with magnetic clasp!

It's in PINK!!! Operates on double AAA batteries. Very easy to use, just switch it on "round button on the right", wait for it to beep twice, then place it on the site of your skin to be measured. Wait for another beep and look at the readings! It came with a manual and the moisture % chart for different seasons and interpretations of the readings.

Majolica Majorca products that SampleStore sent me for review. I'm currently testing out Curel Sebum Care range, been working pretty well. It's my 3rd day trying it out.

Oh! for friends who read my blog and are attending my 20th Birthday Party, a wishlist has been drawn up. Click on the "Present" Icon on top of the search bar! (it's a request by my close friend, so she could get smth I could use).

Week Squared

Shall just briefly blog about the past week.

I suddenly had the feeling to make my own Yakun toast, so I bugged my mum to buy those bread used in yakun/killiney. Used the ceramic pan to toast the bread, spread some butter and kaya. Yumz~

Finally found decent Japanese food while working! But it's over at Biopolis's foodcourt. I swear the entire KENT RIDGE area has no decent japanese food. NUS engineering one is sucky, JustAcia one also sucky.

Thursday was a public holiday so I attempted to make a nonbake tart. Was 50% failure 50% success. But I managed to make my tart healthier. The only bad stuff in there is probably butter, chocolate (but it's dark choco though), and maybe the fruit jams.

Received my graduation package! Graduation on the 23rd May! 

Bought detox tea from Marks & Spencer! Let's see if it helps with weight management while I work hard with my exercise (as much as I can).

Finally got my hands on Innisfree's No-sebum Mineral Primer! Because graduation is coming, need it so that on that day I can put light makeup and to control sebum production. The graduation gown is so heavy and thick.

Did shopping these shopping today after my medical check-up. Was a little inconvenient because I had my blood drawn, and it was a VIRGIN BLOOD DRAW. My first time, and it did hurt a little after when I was moving way too much.

Bought this pair of heels (for grad as well) from Mitju. Pretty unique and the heels are damn stable. I can run in them I guess. To me, if you can't run in the pair of heels you are wearing, it's not a good pair. & it's a pair of pointy heels that doesn't hurt my big and little toes.

Bought graduation attire online, a white collared top and black skirt. Now I'm just left with contact lenses. I hope I can master putting on contact lenses. & I have also been trying out a new hair product. Review to be up soon!

Back to working.

Have been doing things like watching dramas, videos, blogshopping... for the past 2 weeks.  Have to give up all of these for something greater. I have already started work back at my internship place - Clinical Nutrition Research Centre, mainly helping with food diaries. That's all I can reveal, everything else remains confidential.

I decided to work, as I don't think I would enjoy being at home for long... like half a year? 1 year? at home wasting time and money (online shopping)? I decided to work and to apply what I have learnt in school and also to get exposed to new things and experiences, and of course to support myself, in terms of shopping, food and even my korean lessons.

I am currently learning korean at Dae Han Education Centre, the nearest I could find near where I live. So far so good, teacher is really patient and kind. With korean classes on top of my daily work, it's just so busy that I don't have time to read blogs, use social media platforms for long (except twitter and instagram), watch my dramas/music shows etc. Even now when I am at work, I have little time to see updates from my friends. This is good and bad... good is that I know I can survive without social media as long as I am pre-occupied with something else. and the bad is I really don't know what's going on outside until hours later when I get off from work.

I wouldn't deny that having to work at a place so far from home is tiring. But, the environment at work makes me feel at ease. So i guess it's all worth it, rather than having a job so near home yet have harsh environment, like mean colleagues or bosses isn't that good afterall. However, if thee's a nearby job and have relatively good environment, that would be the best option.

Have also been starting to walk back home from the MRT station after work everyday so I can save 73cents and the soon to be 77cents (starting april), and I actually can burn 30calories each time I walk home in 10minutes. 30 calories is not be underestimated, especially if you already have a sedentary lifestyle, even by walking can help start to change your life for the better. I feel happier as well, cause I don't have to get annoyed by bus that takes so long to come or that I miss the bus right infront of my eyes. I can now walk back home listening to music. 

Time passes so fast when I attend my korean lessons. I have 1.5hr lesson twice a week. That 1.5hr just fly past, while each time we learn a handful of words. So glad I can now read hangeul although without knowing its meaning. Next lesson is finally on greetings and other stuff. The basic foundation of reading hangeul is done!!! We had a little quiz and I think I did well. But, still going to work harder in order to improve more and at a faster pace.

Ohhh and my inspired Gold New Balance shoes is with me already! So pretty! Bought it off Taobao ~ $22 only inclu. shipping. Cheaper and nicer than some blog/insta shops :)

This was how it looked like on the TaoBao shop.

How can I not fall in love with this baby??? So pretty! This is different from the other shops because of the "N" symbol, this is sewed on, and instashops stocks have a cut in design and reveals a reflective gold N instead.

It also came with a pair of cute bear socks! and it was packed really nicely. Nicely meaning that each shoe (left and right) were packed in a dust bag INDIVIDUALLY in a shoebox!

Gold is so classic! Can't wait to wear it out soon!

Just in case if you are wondering how do I shop on Taobao, I usually buy my stuff thru an agent. They will help to place order on your behalf. My items usually takes about max. 2 weeks to reach me.

Hope everyone will have a bright week ahead just like my new shoes! Fighting, endure another week and embrace the weekends again!

Life after Poly.

It has been about a week since I have completed my Diploma at Singapore Polytechnic. I am now damn lazy to do anything. Wasting my time watching shows, and then spending on clothes and food as usual. But the upcoming week is starting to get a little busy.

So for the past week, I bought stuff, met up with a friend.

My favourite lipgloss(es) at the moment. They smell damn good and it stays on very well. I'm totally diving all into Innisfree products. The actual product color is not so "scary" the pink actually gives off the sheer pink, baby lips.

Met up with Zihui on Wed for a short meet up at Tampines. (FINALLY SOMEONE MEETS ME IN THE EAST). talked about life, caught <The Monkey King> which was quite funny and not too bad. & after the movie we went around the malls and I got myself a new wallet at Isetan.

Quilted, in the color 'Sand'. Lots of compartment inside to slot cards, money notes.

I like wallets that give me easy access to coins. Not needing to dig deep into the wallet just for a few coins or keeping change.

Been trying out a new Hada Labo product for review. So watch this space, I will share about the product really soon, let me have another few days to give more objective views of the product.

Upcoming week filled with little stuffs to do: Haircut, Colour my Hair, Attend Korean Lessons, Meet up with Zihui again :). attend cousin's wedding dinner. And then I will officially start working from the following monday. BUSY LIFE AHEAD.