Kate Spade unbagging

They are currently holding the Annual Reebonz sale (conveniently located at my work building), where they are selling everything designer up to 80% off. The entire floor is open to the public and its flooding with ladies trying to get their hands on the best deals.

I was on my hunt for a hand bag, a treat for myself having completed my CA. The sale runs for 3 days (28th - 30th June) annually and is famous under the Great Singapore Sales, kinda like the EOFY Sales in Australia.

I had a look around on day 1 and having gone in late (around 4:30) many designs had gone, the waiting lines were too long or bags were way beyond my budget.
I went back on day 2 knowing they had replenished the stock around morning tea when it was still hectic, but bearable.I found the Kate Spade Bow Bridge Helena hand bag quite early on and walked around with it while I was browsing for almost 2 hrs (my manager new I was busting to go and in fact told me to go :) ). I didn't want to let it go because already several ladies came up to me asking where I picked it up. It currently retails for SGD$1,050 and had a 45% discount as it was an American label + 5% if I used my Mastercard. A couple of the ladies (aunties :P ) from work found me while I was styling my fave bags in front of a mirror and told me which they liked the best. They have good taste! We walked around for a bit looking at what each other picked up. At the end, we all picked up something (some having come back for more on day 2!!) and when we paid together they gave us another $100 off on the bill because we gave a newspaper artical that entitled $100 off on a sale > $1000.

After all that, my bag was $569 and I love it. It's still bigger than I hoped but very elegant and SO ME!! I know I'll be back next year and pick up some more :)

Sana Power Style Super Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

If you know me, you'd know that the one makeup I cannot walk out of the house without is EYELINER! Ever since secondary school and doing Bharata Natyam (Indian Classicial dance), I have worn fairly heavy eye makeup (kohl for the waterline and liquid liner on the lid).

My eye's aren't a prominant feature, but once I do them up I think I get my signature look :)

In all these years I have tried many liquid liners, from drugstore to high end, and nothing seems to last all day. I have oily lids, and the liners tend to smudge, crease and fade and at the end of the day I have Panda eyes. However, I finally found my FAVOURITE liquid liner at Sasa stores in Singapore for SGD$24.90. Yes, it is pricey, but its worth every cent I paid!! Trust me, I'd know :)

Sana Power Style Liquid Eyeliner (Strong Black) is a super water proof liquid eyeliner.

The strong adhesive water proof film protects your liners from water, sweat, grease, and is smudge resistant (promise). The moisturizing ingredients, chamomile essence and algae extract, aids in the fast-drying process, and gives a workable fine brush tip to create the definition you are after (thick or thin).

Packaging front & back (notice that the red circles say its water and sweat resistent)

Bottle and brush applicator - swatch (right) v Maybelline Express liner (right, which is light in real life as the photo does not show) - after 5 hrs and having washed my hands with shop several times

I have used the liner for the last 6 months to work, nights out, the gym and in the pool. It is doesn't move or fade. I would recommend it to you to use daily, as it is light and easy to apply. Although it comes in a small tube (my only con), it lasts you quite a while (I have just started my second one) and doesn't become thick due to the weather (unlike many other brands I have tried, which turn into a paste like consistency after a few weeks).



(Unfortunately it is not available in Australia, but Sasa does ship internationally).

Hope the swatches help,

xS

TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo review

Hi guys, for the first time I am going to do a review that is on one of my not so favorite products. I think it is equally important to rave about something that doesn’t work as it is for something that does. If I had known, I wouldn’t have bought them! (Remember these are my personal experiences, and something I dislike may be something you love).

I have been styling my hair a fair bit recently, and unless I haven't been looking hard enough, I personally think that Singapore doesn't offer many dry shampoos and heat protectants simply because there isn't a market for it. I have searched all over the island for products that gurus rave about, only to find that most of the brands aren't stocked here.

So I tried out whatever I could get my hands on because all the years of neglect are catching up with me :(

TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo for oily/straight to normal hair

This product, like all dry shampoos, promises to give you a clean head of hair without a drop of water for the next day or two. So when you notice any hint of oiliness to your hair, you spray the product at the roots of your hair, comb it out and apparently you are oil and odor free in an instant!

Dry shampoos have been out for a while, but I’m new to it and the trend is catching on. From the reviews I have read many products out there still give dark hair a greyish tint and take a while to completely brush out, so it was only fair to assume the same for TRESemmé’s dry shampoo. I bought it from Guardian pharmacy in Paya Lebar for SDG$13, although it isn’t expensive it’s not free either!

Packaging (161g) - Nozzle

I have used it over the last 2 weeks in the mornings on 2nd and 3rd day hair before heading out to work. Per the instructions, I shake vigorously and spray a fair distance from my roots and wait 1-2 minutes before combing out. 

Unfortunately in the mirror I noticed:

·         flat,

·         lifeless,

·         greyish,

·         greasy hair.

·         FAIL!!!!

It looked worse than before I used it! It looked really greasy as though I hadn’t washed my hair for 4-5 days, ewwwww!! Although the odor was gone and replaced with a pleasant smell, it didn’t look nice at all. Almost looked like the cheap costuming techniques we used back in primary to get that grey haired-granny look :|

Before applying dry shampoo (right side of photo there are the oily strands) - sprayed shampoo - after 2 mins and massaged into hair (its flat, greasy and grey)

Eventually through out the day, the product settled but slight greasiness was there and my hair looked flat with a tint of grey. Maybe this product isn’t so good on black hair?!

I cannot see any positive use for this product and will not be repurchasing. Of the hair products I have tried, this is the worst. So if you’re looking for a good dry shampoo, unfortunately I personally wouldn't recommend TRESemmé's dry shampoo – maybe you’ll end up disappointed.

(Can’t wait to get my hands on Batiste…people tell me it’s in Singapore, but I can’t find it).

I hope this helps you guys in your search and please share your thoughts with me!

xS

Online makeup shopping - beautybay.com

Hi guys! Hope you're all doing good :) It's the middle of the week and work is a little quiet having just come out of year end. So I thought it's a good excuse to blog :P

I do a fair bit of online shopping for beauty products because a) its so easy and b) because popular makeup brands in Australia and Singapore is so rediculously over-priced or not available! It's so unfair for us ladies (and guys) who have to pay a bucket load of money for something that is at least 1/2 price in America or Europe. I don't know why there is a huge mark up, when the makeup community is just as large and popular in Australia and Singapore. I mean every girl wants to look pretty no matter where they live!!

I'm an accountant and have a fair bit of idea about the economy, pricing, inflation, consumer supply and demand blah, blah, blah, BUT SERIOUSLY!!! Grrrrrrr, makes me so mad O_O....

I have had only nothing but good services with the company and although a few of my friends are aware of http://www.beautybay.com/ I thought it would still be worth while to let everyone else know because if its going to save me some $$$ its definately worth sharing!

  

BeautyBay.com are a UK-based online retailer specialising in high end cosmetics (Urban Decay, Stila, Clinique toname a few),  salon quality hair care (TIGI Bed Head, Sebastian, Wella SP, Keune etc), fragrances, nail products and men’s grooming products. They also stock professional accessories and tools from brands including Tweezerman, Ardell, St Tropez and Beauty Blender with a wide range of products such as tweezers, make up brushes, eye lash curlers and false lashes.

For competitive prices compared to what you can purchase in boutique makeup stores in Australia (such as Mecca Cosmetica) and Sephora Singapore, they offer free shipping worldwide that can take up to 20 days and in my experience satisfactory customer services.

I made my first purchase almost a year ago with the UD Naked palette and since then ordered 5 more times and spending over $400AUD between myself and my sister, I have been fortunate to have good experiences with the company. Although my products have never been damaged or incorrectly sent, customer services has been good assisting me in track my orders and tell me the status :)

The only thing to note is that you have to wait 20 working days to receive you order, so plan ahead. They accept all major CCs, payment is secure and processing takes 1-2 days to process and dispatch, depending on where you place your order from in the world and time. Their Facebook site is very active (and you will see some people with complaints) with both customers and the team themselves.

To date I have purchased 3 UD Naked palettes (original and # 2) and many Lip Junkies, Babyliss curlers, tongs and wands, 2 Stila foundations and compact powders. All products came in securely wrapped packaging, with bean foams and bubble wrap.

Here are some photos I took pre-blogging days:

For those curious, here are some price comparisions and I ensure you that you are getting a deal:

• Stila Perfect & Correct Foundation: $72AUD from Mecca Cosmetica v $37AUD on beautybay
• Stila Illuminating powder refill (empty): $24AUD from Mecca Cosmetica v $13.90 on beautybay
• Stila Illuminating powder refill: $45AUD v $25.10 on beautybay
• UD Naked palette (original): $80SGD from Sephora v $62SGD (or $49.90AUD) on beautybay
• Do I need to give you anymore??! :-)

Seriously, people I would recommend beautybay to you without a doubt and hope that if you do decide to buy that you have nothing but a good online shopping experience as I have been!

If you have any sites that you would recommend or your experiences with the company or any for that matter, I would love to know!! Please leave a comment below.

Go work that credit card,

xS

Nike Training Club app for iPhone

I first heard about the app when watching makeup videos on YT, when I came across cityandmakeup rave about how much she loved the Nike Training Club app for the iPhone/iPad.

I'm not a gym person and can't keep up with Dineish when he runs, so when I downloaded this app (500MB) I didn't have high expectations. I thought it was going to be another phase that I would soon get, however 3 weeks on and over 9 sessions later I am motivated to get changed into my gear and run down stairs to the gym for my workouts! (I have even managed to convince one of the girls at work to try it out and she loves it too!! We share our morning after pain stories and a proud of it).

NTC is a self motivating app that gives you your very own personal trainer - anywhere, anytime. It is a lifestyle changing and fitness app, that helps you lean, toned and strong with over 85 individual programs. As you progress with time and fitness levels, you can unlock special programs/tips used by the pros themselves. I have always loved Nike and have a few of their sporting gear, finally this app has put all them to justice!

The app has many 30-minute workouts, for all skill levels, and has broken them down further into high intensity intervals to push your limits. If you don't know what a routine is, not only does the app have really clear photos of the trainers and instructions on how to do the routine, but also video recordings of every single move to guide you along. This was good for me because there were a few routines I didn't have clue about and can be used as a quick reference in the middle of my workout.

Based on your skill set, pick a routine, set it to music you choose from you library and off you go. There are timed intervals where the beeps and photos will prompt you to move straight into the next move. You can pause and end workout when you have had enough and the time is recorded against your total.



Home screen tracking progess - show workout type - select level



Select program - 30 min breakdown by routine - start program - photo of moves (watch video using camera button)



I have used the app for 3 weeks no, 3 times a week after work and in the weekends. If you don't have a gym, it is perfect for working out at home and a yoga mat (add weights and other things as you progress along). I wish I found this app earlier and am keen to take it while travelling. 

But in the mean time I am going to keep up with my routine and tone certain areas of my body that have been neglected :P (To date I have maintained a stable weight and toned my buttocks, arms and calves - keen to start on the abs and back area).

Oh yeah and did I mention it’s free!!! Cheers Nike ;)

xS

Skindinavia review

I thought I would finally try a makeup setting spray just to complete my makeup routine and have it last all day. I hate coming home and realising in the lift that I look tired and puffy for Dineish. Although he has seen me worse, I like to look my best for him ;)

I have been deciding for a long time whether to purchase Urban Decay's  De Slick and Scindinavia, but when Gossmakeupartist, on YT, mentioned they are made by the same company (Skindinavia) I thought I would just give the pro's a try (besides UD spray is expensive in Sephora Singapore anyway).

I placed an order online, www.skindinavia.com, on the 16th May and exactly 2 weeks later received my parcel. It was very prompt (earlier than I expected according to their terms (3 weeks) and quicker than other online shopping I have done with overseas companies). Customer services was great answering my questions and as you will see in my photos, the packaging was done well for these liquid items.

I paid USD49.50 (inc. shipping to Singapore) for the large 8oz bottle of No More Shine (especially formulated for oily shine) and also got a complementary 20ml setting spray.

The two bottles I got (back: 8oz No More Shine, front: 20ml original setting spray)

Instructions

1. Apply your makeup as you would
2. Shake the bottle well
3. Spray about 20cm from the face in an 'X' motion and then a 'T' motion to cover the T-zone (in all about 3-4 times). That is all!

The solution

The spray has a very light and pleasent scent, that can easily go unnoticed for those of you who don't like fragrances. It is not greasy and does NOT tighten your face when spray to activate its formula. The product is oil-free, not tested on animals and dermatologist tested for those who are interested and have sensitive skin. Does NOT cause breakouts for me.

I have used it all week to work in the hot Singapore weather, walking to and from the station with my makeup on (obviously) and found that everything has stayed in place and I don't look oily. There is a shine to the face, but it gives me a natural dewy finish that I am very comfortable in. The makeup, eyeshadow, blush, everything just stayed all day.

Even the blotting papers at my work desk have not been used as much (only once)!! That tells you how well this product is working, because normally before lunch I use a paper, after lunch and when I come home I look like I just came back from a workout! The change is unbelieveable and it's all thanks to this spray! No More Shine hands down!!

Clockwise: parcel from the US - packing slip & instructions - bottles - packaging inside (no chance to damage) - stuffed paper to keep everything in place

Verdict

No More Shine did a great job of not only controlling shine and reducing the oil from my face but held my makeup in place for a long time. It is claimed to last 16 hours, I have not tried it for that long, but leaving home and coming back 12 hours later, I notice no change, if not marginal.

I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a quality setting spray and is definately be repurchasing this again :)

Would love to hear what you guys use and thoughts on this product for those who do already!

(leave a comment below please).

Hope this helped someone,

xS

Update as at 21/09/2012: for optimum results spray before applying any makeup and instead of a primer and let it set for 3-5 mins. I find that my makeup holds longer and reduces shine because the makeup is on a shine resistant base, rather than getting shining and trying to break through the setting spray - kinda like double protection ;)