Random Files: My Love from Another Star

Ok, you've heard me go on and on and on about My Love from Another Star, so I am going to have a dedicated post on how this show has influenced/changed my life thus far, and hopefully shut up about it once and for all...

1) Beauty

Eyes: gone are my days of multiple shades to achieve a wearable smoky eye at work, and attempting to create an even cat-flick on both eyes (why does one always end up wonky?!) with black liquid eyeliner....These days it is just one neutral shade and soft lining with a darker eyeshadow. 5 minutes of my life is given back to me in the mornings.

Jun Ji-Hyun as Cheon Song-Yi in My Love from Another Star

Lips:  I bought 6 pink-toned lip products in a week. Enough said...AND I still intend to get the actual lip products (which are currently all out of stock) that was used in the show: YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick in #52 and IOPE Waterfit Lipstick in #44

Skin: Gone is my quest for a super matte effect. These days, I crave a dewy, natural looking finish. My Skin77 BB cream has been added back into my daily makeup routine and now that I require less coverage due to improving skin conditions, it works quite well for me

2) Skincare

My interest in Korean skincare products has been renewed and I have been adding items into my daily routine to mimic the Koreans' skincare regime which involves a ridiculous amount of steps. I do look forward to my night time routine though, as it forces me to take my time (compared to the slap and dash method that I usually employ) and it ends up becoming a mini pampering session every night.

3) Hair

I used to be an avid fan of the straightener. Until I got enamored with the Western trend of soft, bouncy curls, which resulted in my straightener gathering dust for years. Now that I am back to being influenced by the Asian standards, it is brought out every morning. And honestly, it requires so little effort to straighten than to curl, with minimal risk of looking like an electrocuted lion (which I sometimes do when I get a tad overzealous with the curling wand)

4) Food

Rather than my normal bulk IndoMie order from Amazon, I got suckered into getting Korean Ramen instead, which they do seem to eat quite a bit in the show. And I have actually never tasted kim chi before, so this shall be interesting. The yogurt drink was a staple in my childhood to begin with, and my daughter is now hooked on it.

5) Fashion

Headwraps, delicate rings and necklaces, statement earrings...all these made it into my shopping bag in the recent weeks...

But like I said here, I prefer Do Min-Joon's classic style rather than the female lead's -- lots of plain but well-fitting black, greys, creams and navy, with the tendency to flip the lapels of his coat up.

Kim Soo-Hyun as Do Min-Joon in My Love from Another Star

 So when I went through my closet for a much needed spring clean, there was a good number of more colorful clothing (that I don't really wear) that got donated.

*** 

Now all the above are just fun and games...Superficial habits and preferences, if you must. 

So don't think that I have completely lost all my senses and rational thoughts over a drama series. 

But I have to admit, finding myself aiming for a look that emphasizes Asian beauty is also a more attainable goal because lets be honest, my features, coloring and stature is obviously more similar to whatever Asian superstar than it would be to, say, a Kate Beckinsale or a Gwyneth Paltrow.

On a more serious note, as someone who was brought up in Asia and then moved over to the US as a teenager, there was a serious case of Western idolization going on. 

I'm not saying that I was obsessed with trying to look or be a Westerner (i.e. bleaching my hair blonde and going to tanning beds to fry up my skin -- yes, stereotyping, but there you go), but there was a mentality that Western is better.

Now that I have lived here for over a decade, I find myself appreciating the Asian ways more.

I am never more proud to call myself a Malaysian. 

And I am hell-bent on ensuring that my daughter gets exposed to Chinese culture and ways.

 

Beauty Bit: Product Empties

1) up & up Oil Free Acne Wash cleanser

An affordable, good basic cleanser that is the store brand version of Neutrogena's Oil Free Acne Wash. I have purchased and repurchased this and am currently on my 3rd consecutive bottle.
Will I Repurchase? Yes, I am already a third of the way through the new bottle. However, I have always had a wandering eye in terms of skincare, so I am currently itching to try something new.

2) Cane and Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads, $60

These pads are treated with glycolic acid to help with resurfacing the skin, thereby providing results related to wrinkle reduction, fading of hyperpigmentation and the brightening of skin tone.
There is a definite tingle when using this product - sometimes to the point where it actually kinda hurts. But when I have an active breakout, there's really nothing like feeling as if your face is being pricked by a thousand needles to console yourself that you're really doing something to kill the bacteria (yes, I have issues)
Do I notice a difference? I believe that it helped calm my breakouts (I was going through a bad bout of cystic acne) and I think that it helped reduce/prevent hyperpigmentation from recent acne.
Will I Repurchase? No. The product is rather pricey (even though I've made it last by using it only once a day) and I am trying to ease out of using ultra-tingling treatments 

Current Replacement: None.

3) Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara, $7
Extend lashes by 4mm! Does it really?
The mascara did lengthen my lashes, but I would like some additional volume as well. It does the job of helping define my lashes, just nothing ground-breaking

Will I Repurchase? No.
Current Replacement: Benefit They're Real! Mascara

4) Dove Purely Pampering Coconut Milk with Jasmine Petals Body Wash
My daughter has sensitive skin, so I don't bother straying from Dove when I need a new body wash. It is creamy and hydrating, and smells lovely 

Will I Repurchase? Yes 

Current Replacement: Dove Go Fresh Revive Body Wash in Pomegranate & Lemon Verbena

5) Racinne Ultimate Youth Power Serum, $61 

I talked about this here and I still think that this is a pretty good product. It leaves a slightly tacky feeling upon application that I think really helps my base make-up layer adhere. It also makes me feel like I am really pampering my skin

Will I Repurchase? Yes, already did =) And I still enjoy using it.

6) Michael Todd Organic Lemon Toner, $18

I bought this as part of a regime after getting good results from a Michael Todd mask from my Ipsy bag. I'm not sure that I found any of the items I bought to be that fantastic, unfortunately. It smells of lemons (duh!) and it is pleasant enough to use, but I don't know if I saw that much of a difference in my skin. At the very least, it didn't aggravate the situation any more.
Will I Repurchase?  No

Current Replacement: I haven't found one yet -- I am considering the SU:M37 Water-full Toner and the O Hui Age Recovery Essential Skin Softener

7) Racinne Ultimate Youth Power Cream, $56

This cream was part of the Racinne travel set I got in my Blush! Mystery box, but unlike the serum, I don't particularly care for it. The consistency is thick, since it is a cream, and I don't know...I didn't see any difference in my skin, and I didn't enjoy using it
Will I Repurchase?  No

Current Replacement: Mizon All in One Snail Repair Cream

8) Lancome Genefique Yeux Light-Pearl Eye-Illuminating Youth Activating Concentrate, $68

I actually got a deluxe sample of this product as one of my 100 point perk from Sephora last year. When I started using this, I saw a marked improvement in my eye area -- there seemed to be less fine lines, and the area appeared brighter. And so I ended up buying a full-sized version.
However, now that I have finished the full-sized version, I have a sneaky feeling that the results I was seeing was actually due to a sample of an eye cream (now long used up) that I was using simultaneously with this. Durn.
The applicator of this is rather fun though.

Will I Repurchase? No

Current Replacement: Racinne Ultimate Youth Power Eye Serum

9) Korres Mango Butter Lipstick in Natural Rose

This was perfect as an everyday, moisturizing natural lip color that helped me look alive (my lips tend to look lifeless - blue, even...especially in the winter -- all the blood is churning around somewhere else to help keep me warm)
It smelled a tad funny though.

Will I Repurchase? No. I have entirely too many lip products as it is, and really need to use up what I have

Current Replacement: bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready

10) Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Butter, $15

As mentioned here, this smells glorious. It transport me into a blissed-out state of mind whenever I use it.

Will I Repurchase? Yes, but not yet. I am still trying to use up products that I have been hoarding in the linen closet

Current Replacement: Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Lotion

11) Korres Wild Rose 24-Hr Moisturizing & Brightening Cream, $35

This smells wonderful, helps brighten up the complexion and is one of my skin staples. However, I did notice that it did not help with the dehydration in my skin (especially apparent in the winter months) despite the 24 hour moisture claim.

Will I Repurchase? Yes, but not yet. I still have one more bottle from my stock-up haul during last year's Sephora Friends & Family sale. I am saving that for now until I decide on the efficacy of my current Korean skincare regime

Current Replacement: Mizon All in One Snail Repair Cream, Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Cream

Beauty Bit: ETUDE HOUSE Precious Mineral Any Cushion Compact Review

ETUDE HOUSE is a South Korean makeup brand. I've seen their stores during my visits back to Malaysia, but was never tremendously interested in trying it out.

Until my dive off the deep end into everything Korean, that is.

This product is claimed to be similar to the IOPE Air Cushion that was shown being used in My Love from Another Star. And since they have ridiculously perfect skin, I got suckered into trying.

To be honest, I wasn't quite sure what to expect...I assumed that it would have a somewhat powdery texture (WRONG!), that it would be cased in slim packaging so that it would be easy to tote around (WRONG!) and that it would be easy to reapply (RIGHT!)

The consistency of the product is like a cream. It is a little thinner in consistency than my Skin79 BB cream, and the coverage can be adjusted with the application of multiple layers.

It takes some practice to get the perfect amount of product onto the sponge -- if I press too lightly, there is too little product. But if I press too hard, too much gets on the sponge and I have to blend, blend, blend.

The product gives off a cooling sensation when I first apply it on my skin, which was a slightly odd feeling (I kinda like it now though). The formula is easy to blend, gives of a brightening glow  and provides some coverage. 

Now that my skin's hyperpigmentation is improving, I can get away without packing on the concealer, or foregoing it completely, but I would still need a second layer of my base product on the areas with the dark spots.

Because I have oily skin, I start to "glow" excessively in a few hours, but reapplication of the product was easy and it didn't make my skin look cakey at all, which is an issue I have when I try and touch up throughout the day

I ordered the cushion compact in Natural Beige (W13) and it is a tad light for my skin tone -- It would probably be best if I went up the next shade or so.

As with most Korean products, it claims to serve multiple functions: brightening, wrinkle reduction, and sebum control. It also has an SPF of 50+ (which protects from UVB  rays that causes sunburn) and PA+++ (which protects from UVA rays that may cause long-term skin damage)

I bought my compact from Soko Glam, which is an online store based in NYC that curates Korean beauty and skincare items. Their prices are a little higher than online shops that ship directly from South Korea, but at least it gives you the reassurance that you will be getting authentic products.
 (yes, there are actually counterfeit beauty products in the market. Crazy Asians.)

ETUDE HOUSE Precious Mineral Any Cushion in W13, $24

EDIT: check out this video for a tutorial on how to use air cushion compacts

Beauty Bit: Rimmel Show Off Lip Laquers Review

 

I have been wanting to try these Rimmel lip laquers out since seeing UK YouTubers talking about them.

I veered off from my normal gravitation course towards reds and went for pinks instead
(due to a Korean drama that I have been OBSESSED with these past few weeks)

 

L to R: Nova and Apocaliptic

These are bold lip colors that deliver intense color upon the first swipe. But they absolutely CLING on to any dry bits and bobs that you may have (which I certainly do...blast this cold weather) so exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate prior to use!

The colors are gorgeous, and bright 

Above, I have Nova as the base and Apocaliptic applied in the inner portions of the lips for a just-bitten/ombre look....at least...that's what I tell myself!

As for longevity and wear, it is not budge-proof and will pretty much transfer to any and every surface your lips touch. It did ok, lasting through a meal -- the color faded, but was still visible. However, it did fade evenly, so you are not left with a ring of color lining your mouth.

At around $5, it is an affordable lip option that delivers mega-watt color, but I won't be buying any more due to the color transfer and how it really emphasizes dryness. Being realistic, regardless of how many cups of water I drink, or how often I apply balm and exfoliate my lips, there are times when my lips are just, well...dry. So I would need lip products that can help moisturize, or at the very least, not magnify the problem.

Beauty Bit: French Pharmacy Haul

Or as much of a French Pharmacy type haul as I can get from the comfort of my home across the pond that is the Atlantic Ocean.

Oh, the glory that is the internet...

 

1) Bioderma Sebium H2O Purifying Cleansing Micelle Solution, $31 - This is the combination/oily skin version of the infamous Bioderma micelle solution. I've used it for about a week now -- during the first few uses, it did cause some little whiteheads to pop up here and there (one close to my tear duct, which was interesting), but they were gone within a few days. It is brilliant at removing all traces of dirt and makeup left (even after washing with a cleanser), it makes life easier with the ease of use (especially for mornings when I pressed the snooze button one too many times. Or on cold days when the thought of splashing water on your face makes you want to crawl back into bed -- just swipe and you are ready for your moisturizer, serums and what nots.) However, it is pricey (and scented). And you have to use it numerous times to fully get all the makeup off. I can't say I've noticed a reduction in shine from using it (but I never really expected that because I have a very productive oil factory within my face...lucky me). So this is one that I use in the mornings, and AFTER cleansing my face with my regular cleanser in the evenings.

2) Klorane Conditioner with Magnolia, $16 - This is marketed as a "brilliant shine" conditioner. My first impression was that it smells gorgeous. It is a heady, seductive scent that lingers in hair (after washing. It was unfortunately gone by the next morning). The texture was pretty liquidy and it will probably run out really quickly if used on a daily basis. I didn't notice anything particularly ground-breaking in terms of shine -- I didn't have to shield my eyes from the glare of the sun reflecting off my hair, nor were people squinting when they looked at my crowing glory...but then I've only used it a couple of times (and to be honest, with the price and the quantity it buys, this will be more of a special occasion/pamper evening type product).

Tip - However, if you want your hair to be super shiny and smooth using a cheap homemade method, mash up bananas with honey and apply that as a hair mask. Cover with a shower cap or plastic bag for about 20 minutes and then rinse off. Wash and condition as usual....and expect compliments after.

 

3) Klorane Soothing Shampoo with Peony Extract, $19.50 - Peony is said to help soothe irritated scalps (like mine was after the whole no-washing everyday type experiment I did last month). It smells lovely (more like roses rather than peony, to my pedestrian nose), the bottle is quite substantial and the packaging just looks chic. Again, I've only used it a few times so not much of an opportunity to provide a full review, but it smells lovely...wait...I've said that. Will update once I've used it a few more times and if I love it. But for now, it is just a regular shampoo with an expensive price tag (which was pretty much what I was expecting, but perfect for above mentioned special occasion/pamper evening type use)

4) Embryolisse Hydra-Mat Emulsion, $40 - This is said to provide a long-lasting matte effect by absorbing excessive sebum. I am looking forward to trying this out, especially with summer coming up. Whilst I love my Korres Wild-Rose moisturizer, it is best suited for nighttime (when I don't run the risk of scaring anyone off with my greasy face) or during dry skin days in the cold season.

Beauty Bit: Skin Staples

 

I am not loyal by any means when it comes to beauty products. A sucker for packaging and anything new, it takes quite a bit for me to repurchase items...much less again and again.

These items can probably be considered as Holy Grail (HG) products for my greaseball oily, blemish prone and hyperpigmented skin (well...that sounds really attractive doesn't it....it's a wonder that I don't go out with a paper bag over my head sometimes)...

1) Korres Wild Rose 24 Hour Moisturizing and Brightening Cream - $35 A mouthful of a name, but smells A-MA-ZING (straight-up pungent rose smell), is hydrating (perfect for winter months), doesn't aggravate or break my skin out and helps with the hyperpigmetation and clarity of skin

2) Korres Wild Rose + Vitamin C Advanced Brightening Sleeping Facial $48 Another mouthful --- what is with the long names here? This is essentially a more potent version of the moisturizer. It does sting slightly when applied, but one gets to wake up with glowy and hydrated skin. Worth the slight discomfort

3) Revlon Colorstay Foundation for Oily/Combination Skin - $12  I've tried many foundations from both drugstore and high-end brands. And I always come back to this. There's nothing else out there that can beat this in terms of price point, how long it keeps the oils at bay and staying power. Plus, one can always find it on sale.

4) St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub $6 Whether you have an active breakout, or one that is surfacing, one use of this is all it takes to reduce the swelling, and sometimes, get rid of it completely.

5) Beauty Blender $20 The perfect makeup tool to use with the Revlon Colorstay, mine is looking a little worse for wear after almost 5 months of daily use. Using it damp, it gives a more natural looking finish compared to brushes. It is very pricy, especially considering it is essentially just a sponge...Real Techniques have recently released a similar product that is less than a third of the price of the Beauty Blender, so I am looking forward to trying it.

Random Files: February 2014 Favorites

1) Chanel Classic M/L Flap in navy - Absolutely head-over-heels in love. I've never felt so excited and giddy unboxing a bag before...not even my very first designer bag. This is truly my cream of the crop, most favorite bag that I own.

2) Clear Nourishing Shampoo and Deep Nourishing Treatment Mask - One hears it all the time: "Don't wash your hair every day". Well, I am one who has been doing that all my life. But I tried to follow what they say...and ended up with oily, limp hair. And worst of all, I got myself an itchy scalp along with bumps and scabs. Too graphic? Sorry. I guess my scalp started breaking out and these hair products have really helped soothe and put it back on the right track.

3) Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Butter - This was part of my February Ipsy bag. It smells delicious. Actually, almost all of their body butter smells delicious. Definitely one of my favorite brands that Ipsy has introduced me to.

4) Rediscovering my old red lip favorites - Revlon Lip Butter in Cherry Tart and Covergirl Lip Perfection in Everlasting Immortal. Actually, my number one old-favorite is Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet. But it has mysteriously disappeared during one of the movements between the makeup drawer, bathroom, and my bag. Durn gremlins!

5) BBC Good Food - a great source of recipes that usually turn out successful. An important detail when we are talking about my sad attempts in the kitchen. Also, I dream of moving to England and marrying an English gentleman. So this is good practice to ensure that I can whip up toad-in-the-holes and steak and ale pies to feed said English gentleman. I dream...

Beauty Bit: Bath Oil vs Bath Bomb

 

Ahhh...baths....

It conjures up an image of glamour, luxury, sensuality...

When I think bath, I think of a lovely, big clawfoot tub, with mountains of bubbles frothing over the surface of the water, soft candlelight and romantic ballads playing quietly in the background. There would be a glass of champagne of course, and in the best of scenarios, a handsome hunky man to wash your back...

And then...back to reality.

Recreating it in my dinky bathroom with a builder basic bathtub definitely falls short from the yardstick of my daydreams.

That's where bath products come in.

Question becomes, bath oil or bath bomb? More specifically, "splurge" out for the expensive oils or make do with the not-going-to-condemn-you-to-a-month-of-instant-noodles bath bombs?

Here are my thoughts:

Jo Malone Bath Oil - Red Roses $65

 

There's no doubt about it, this item is luxury packed up in a pretty box. I am a complete sucker for packaging. And they made sure that I fell for it hook, line and sinker.

At $65, this is NOT cheap. However, when one really thinks about it, one can reasonably get 12-15 baths out of the bottle, and at a price per bath of <$5, it is actually not eyebrow raising at all.

Yes, this is the data analyst in me that reared its mathematical head.

The product itself is....okay. The scent was lovely and it didn't really require much for a bath (I guess a cap-ful was sufficient. But I am known to be an extremist. So three cap-fuls it is)

There were no angels breaking into chorus, no light showing me the right path, no hunky man appearing to wash my bag...but to be fair, those were not promised in the product description.

The bath oil is a solid, steady, meet-all-normal-expectations kinda product.

Lush Bath Bombs $4 - $10

Lush products are whimsical, creative, different...gimmicky, for a lack of a better word.

How else can they explain product names like Sex Bomb or Fox in the Flowers or Lord of Misrule? Or product descriptions like "kick tub time into warp speed" or "an enchanted forest full of possibility"?

It is cute. I dig it.

Perhaps it is because I amuse myself with out-there scenarios sometimes I am easily amused, and enjoy creativeness.

 Their products definitely try.

With flower petals, gold dust, and sound effects being the normal stuff to expect when one pops a bath bomb into the tub, it provides a level of entertainment. "I wonder what this bath bomb will do?" 

Priced at $4 - $10 per bomb, they are an affordable treat in a pick-me-up-after-a-bad-week kinda way...IF you have a store around your area. And even more affordable if you split the bombs in half to last for two separate baths.

But if you don't have a local store, and you have to stock up because you're buying it online or from the nearest store 2 hours away, it can quickly add up.

These are fantastic for people with short attention spans who like to try different things in short periods of time and like to mix it up according to their mood and fancy.