I love NYX Cosmetics!!! It’s too bad that Sephora Malaysia doesn’t carry the brand anymore and since it was only sold in Sephora in Penang, I don’t have access to the brand unless I travel to KL… That’s supposedly easily remedied; online shopping.Unfortunately I hate online shopping. I digress…
The product.Shade name and code.Ingredients list.Comes with a doe-foot applicator.Swatch. Ignore the blurred out swatch. That was for another review. It looks darker than my skin tone here but on my face it blends in pretty well. Especially with the powder I typically use to set it with…
Description: Concealer that comes in 0.11 oz. or 3 grams of product.
Ingredients: WATER/AQUA/EAU, TRIMETHYLSILOXYPHENYL DIMETHICONE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, GLYCERIN, SILICA, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, SORBITAN OLIVATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (CANDELILLA) WAX/CANDELILLA CERA/CIRE DE CANDELILLA, XANTHAN GUM, ALUMINA, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), MANGANESE VIOLET (CI 77742), ULTRAMARINES (CI 77007), CHROMIUM HYDROXIDE GREEN (CI 77289), CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS (CI 77288), YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 19140)
Where to buy: Limited stores available (check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/nyxcosmeticsmalaysia/) and online (Shopee and Hermo are two options). Price: HIGHLY depends on where you’re buying. I would HIGHLY recommend you purchase from the NYX Stores in Kuala Lumpur because they carry 12 shades (not quite enough but I guess it’ll have to work) and it’s priced at MYR 26.Shopee (MYR 29), Lazada (MYR 20.80); both online stores only carry 3 or 4 light shades.I purchased mine from Sephora (redundant at the moment but it cost me MYR 20.80; original price MYR 28).
Wear test…
Freshly applied. Again, ignore the blurred half, that’s for another review… 🙂After about 8 hours of wear. Wasn’t particularly sweating or anything.
Pros: > Applies smoothly. > It doesn’t crease (this does depend a tiny bit on the setting powder used). > Pretty good shade range (there’s 20 shades in total;just not here in Malaysia, we have 12, AT MOST, here in Malaysia) > Pigmented and opaque. > No caking even when layered. > As evident, very long lasting!
Cons: > No more easily available here in Malaysia (and the online options are SO limited). > The product separates a little when in the tube so I have to vigorously shake it up every time I want to use it (hoping this is just my first tube). > You get only 3 grams of product for the price so I’d consider it not entirely affordable (WOW, I’m such a cheapo!).
Rating: 9.2/10 I love this concealer but I do wish it was more accessible here in Malaysia. I love it so much that I got backup when it was on sale.
Woah, seems like it’s been forever since I’ve done one of these. So I’ve got A LOT of products!
Two notes: 1. I don’t feature an empty if I’ve featured it once before. 2. If a product has been reviewed, there will be link for you to read about it there.
This was in a product regret post. Need I say more? If you want to read it, click the link here. It’s entertaining! (I believe it is..)
I loved this lipstick from Maybelline. It is a dark, nude colour, perfect for deeper skin. It is also smooth and moisturising. Maybelline gets their lip products RIGHT!!! Unfortunately this was getting a little too old and it turned; started smelling like oil gone bad. Had to part ways. But it did get immortalised in my blog because it is one of the lipsticks I cut up for the header picture! Scroll up and CHECK IT OUT! I LOVE IT! I doubt these are in production anymore but their new Color Sensational lipsticks are just as amazing.
I got this lash glue from Lakshmi, my blogger friend from Big is Compatible (link here). She’s amazing and I loved this lash glue! I would love to repurchase but I’d have to order it online (which I hate). Would highly recommend and it’s pretty affordable!
I am getting rid of this because I had to actually remove the product from the tube to use it. The tub just wouldn’t wind up. It is an ok lip balm, nothing to shout out about. It was cheap too but, clearly not repurchasing (MYR 10.35). I don’t think they’re in production anymore anyway.
Got this on my trip to Thailand in 2016 from Boots (it is, in fact the Boots brand lip balm). It is the most ineffective lip balm I’ve ever used. Not repurchasing. Thai Baht 64.50; approximately MYR 8.50 (now).
I got this sample in a beauty bag by Bag of Love (they are very sporadic with their offerings which is why I am not sharing any of their socials). The next product is from this bag too. This product was pretty good. H2O+ does have some good products. Couldn’t find this exact product in full size so I don’t know how much it would cost. Wouldn’t repurchase if I can’t simply walk into a physical store and get it.
This eye cream was ok. Didn’t see a marked difference. Babor is a German company and their prices are THROUGH THE ROOF!!!!!!!!!! So nope. Not purchasing! I believe a full tub of this would set you back close to MYR 400 (yes, that’s two 00s)!
I got this purely out of nostalgia. I used to liberally apply this lip balm when I was doing my undergraduate degree back in 2008. It did work just as well as I remembered it but I’ve since found better… So, not repurchasing (MYR 8.30)!
I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don’t exactly remember how I came into possession of this but I believe it was from my friend Daniel Boon! HI DANIEL!!! Unfortunately it’s from Origins and that means it’s expensive (full bottle – MYR 162) so I am not going to purchase. Not YET at least. But highly recommended!
This was so sad, because in spite of it being an under-performing eyeshadow I didn’t feel bad purchasing it because I loved the name of the shadow! It is from the Balm Shady Lady collection and in the shade Caught in the Act Courtney. Get back to me in the comment section if you got that reference. Anyway, although you can’t see in this picture, there was mold growing on it! 😥 RIP indeed!!!
This one has a story behind it. These cute things are about 13 years old. YES! I’m not kidding. By the way, I am still keeping them for a possibility of taking a header picture. But I thought they deserved a place in this post because I am at a place in my being where I don’t mind destroying them anymore. The three tier colour palette has several lipstick and lipgloss shades on the first tier and when performing dance during my undergraduate days I ended up using ALL of it to completion! I held on to it because it holds a lot of memories but at the moment, although those memories are cherished, some parts of it need a little edit and these eyeshadows are part of that edit.
Purchased from Mr. DIY. These are as good as cheap lashes go. They’re pretty dramatic and so very stage friendly. I used it on friends and it’s good for at MOST, two uses. When using on friends I don’t typically reuse even the same pair. And no, I don’t ask for payment when I do makeup on my friends. I do experiment on myself too and they’re ok! Very much like any cheap lashes you can find. Would repurchase if I did run out of others I have left… They cost about MYR 10-12. Yes, I am a cheapskate who’s obsessed with falsies…
I got this in a beauty subscription bag in support of a mental health foundation called #IWillBeOkay which was the brainchild of the late blogger Fiona Loh. Yes, unfortunately Fiona has moved on to a better place and plans for future subscription bags ended with her. This travel-sized Murad Age-Diffusing Serum was pretty good! It hydrated my skin without being oily and I loved it. Unfortunately it’s Murad and so it’s expensive. A full bottle will set you back MYR 389. I don’t think I’m purchasing. Not at the moment at least.
This was also from Fiona’s beauty bag. And yes, this was another product I absolutely loved! You will definitely get the marine odour but it doesn’t linger. Unfortunately this too is a pricier item, cashing in at MYR 158. Uhmmmm….. nope…. (not now at least).
Got this Calmia Oatmeal Therapy Cleansing Tissues from Althea and it was pretty good. Not extraordinary but it was good. At MYR 6, definitely recommended! Not repurchasing because I feel I get more mileage from cleansing water and cotton pads than something like this.
Bought this because I wanted to claim my 100 points free gift which was a travel sized primer. This was good! Definitely recommended. Not going to repurchase because I got myself some good lip balms!
I don’t know how I got this! I kind of feel bad saying that this didn’t do anything because this was a teeny tiny sample that I finished in one use! A full 150ml bottle costs MYR 99 which isn’t too bad but again, not something I’d willingly purchase simply because this wasn’t convincing enough for the price.
Got this in PR. Already reviewed. Link here. Would purchase if there was a physical store accessible enough to me.
I received this in PR and I loved this cleanser! It did one thing VERY effectively, calm my face from producing zits. There’s something medicinal about it which I loved. It is sold at Watsons but at a whopping MYR 70. So, nope! Besides, I do have enough facial foaming cleanser to last me a while.
This was a Christmas gift! My brother didn’t really want it so I finished it on his behalf 😛 This was good! And it costs only MYR 6.90. But I am looking to natural deodorants instead of anti-perspirants simply to avoid added chemicals the body doesn’t need.
Got this in PR. I loved this perfume! Made me feel very macho every time I used it. Unfortunately it isn’t as long lasting as I want it to be. Wrote about it in length and if you want to check it out click here. Considering repurchasing but I do have other perfumes I love and use at the moment so not anytime soon. The female version is a lot more impressive and also a lot more long lasting! MYR 87 (each for the the female and the male version).
Got this in PR from Althea and I LOVE this product! It’s a bubble mask, it makes the skin feel soft and exfoliated. It’s easy to use and you only need to leave it on for a minute or two. It’s got 4.8/5 stars on the Althea website and is one of their bestseller. Need I make a more compelling argument? I am a little hesitant to purchase because it is MYR 52. But stellar product! Loved it!
Another gift by Lakshmi (I know right…. I have amazing friends!). This was meh. Kept my under arms smelling ok but meh… That’s the best I can say for it. Obviously not purchasing. MYR 11.90.
This is easily a 20 years old cologne. It is the Avon Wild Country cologne (and still in production believe it or not). I think my dad got this as a Christmas present, I may be wrong, maybe it was my Christmas gift, or not even a Christmas gift at all. When I was young, I felt ever so fancy when using it! With an ever-evolving palette and a more refined nose, found out about 15 years ago how terrible it actually is! WORST cologne ever! If you want to smell like a creepy pervert, this is your scent! Managed to finish it by using it sparingly and mixing it with other perfumes. Or by using it on my pants. Somehow, it’s done after 20 years. No hate towards Avon! I love Avon as a brand but I don’t love this cologne. MYR 21. Safe to say I ain’t getting into this Wild Country.
Got this when Althea was just a year old. They contacted me offering MYR 150 store credit in return for a post on my blog for their birthday celebrations (post link here). I don’t know if I could repurchase this brow product even if I wanted to because they don’t carry the brand anymore. This was a decent brow pencil. I still do have a refill (already attached). But I have other favourites so I wouldn’t repurchase anyway (originally MYR 40; purchased for MYR 13).
I FINALLY FINISHED THIS! Got this way back in 2015 and even wrote a post about it (link here). I remember thinking this was as good as any other facial blotter but I stand corrected. This is like a really thin tracing paper. It does blot oil off the face but it isn’t as soft or as effective as proper facial blotters. BUT here’s the twist. I would definitely repurchase! It’s just MYR 5.90 for 300 sheets. I don’t have particularly oily or sensitive skin and this works very well on my skin.
I haven’t done one of these in a while, the reason being I don’t flippantly buy cosmetics anymore. Especially if I am paying for it. The fact that this was purchased with Althea free store credit doesn’t make it any less frustrating. This could have gone into something much more worthwhile.
The box. Yes! Very professional and high end looking!
What I liked about it: It performed very well! Beginner friendly. Good dry down time. Good packaging! It was even priced affordably (MYR 23 when I purchased, it is now MYR 27)! I was very happy. INITIALLY…..
What I didn’t like about it: I only got to try it out all but THREE times… It dried out. I tried storing it upside down, I tried shaking it vigorously, I tried even cleaning out the tip in case some eyeshadow or something got stuck on to it. All exercise in futility! That’s 23 bucks that could have gone into buying a backup of my favourites!
The frayed tip from trying to hopelessly revive it…
Wow, with the new background comes some new firsts! The previous review was my first time reviewing Zoeva and now it is my first time reviewing a concealer!The product I own was gifted to me by a very close friend who also happens to be a fellow blogger, Lakshmi of Big is Compatible (link here).
The product.Ingredients and shade name.Product from the US of A and made in China!It has a brush tip! That’s cool! It does end up looking a little icky if not cleaned.Swatch… Ignore the blurred patch (it’s for a different review).
Description: Concealer in a squeeze tube with a brush tip and comes in 0.28 oz or 8 grams.
Where to buy: Online at L.A. Girl Malaysia (link here) and also a very limited amount of booths in Play Up and Parksons (check the website under “LOCATE US”).
Price: MYR 30 (from L.A. Girl Malaysia official website)
Wear test…
Freshly applied. Again, ignore the blurred half, that’s for another review… 🙂After about 7 hours of wear. Wasn’t particularly sweating or anything.I’ve tried it on a hot and humid day and I was sweating and it performed just as well..
Pros: > Applies smoothly. > It doesn’t crease (this does depend a tiny bit on the setting powder used). > Pigmented and opaque. > I am partial to the packaging, because like toothpaste I can squeeze it to completion. > WIDE shade range (VERY dark skin friendly). > No caking even when layered. > As evident, very long lasting!
Cons: > The tip can get a tiny bit messy. > Not easily available here in Malaysia. > Price is steep considering it is just USD 5 in the US of A.
Rating: 9.3/10 I love this concealer. If you can get it at any less than MYR 30, then do grab it!
Founded by Zoe Boikou, Zoeva as a brand began with only a line of makeup brushes which has now expanded to eyeshadows, lipsticks, and even blushers and highlighters. This is a review of a single brush, namely the 227 blending brush.
The brush. (I LOVE MY NEW BACKGROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)The cardboard inside has some information on the brush.Excellent packaging. Definitely made me feel like I purchased something high end.The handle with the brand and product code engraved.Bristles up close.It is slightly flatten with bristles that are frayed out to allow good eyeshadow blending.
Description: Makeup brush intended for eyeshadow blending. Bristles: Mix of natural (goat hair) and synthetic Ferrule: Brass Handle: Wood (lacquered six times)
Price: MYR 59
Where to buy: Sephora outlets nationwide and online at sephora.my
Pros: > The brush feels and works like a high-end makeup brush. > Extremely sturdy and durable. > Blends out eyeshadow beautifully! > Having had it for a couple of years, traveled with it and also used and washed it so many times, it looks almost as good as new as evident from the pictures. > Soft bristles.
Cons:
> Did initially shed a little but when it stopped shedding, it stopped for
good.
> Price isn’t affordable but the brush is definitely worth the price.
> Natural bristles require more care than synthetic brushes.
Rating: 9.1/10 I LOVE THIS BRUSH! I actually wanted to test out Zoeva as a brand and so I purchased the brush that I had only one of in my collection at that time (an eyeshadow blending brush). Definitely worth the money spent! I am actually eyeing a classic set. If you’re a makeup artist or simply just love makeup, it is definitely worth investing in it!
Since I started blogging, I’ve been opened up to just how vast the world of makeup is. There’s so much product out there and now more than ever we have access to so much options for makeup. Although complexion products are still a failure here in Malaysia, efforts have been made to be more inclusive in the past 5 to 10 years than ever before.
I’ve discovered so many new and fabulous products that this list was warranted! 4 years of so many new products unveiled. And if you love makeup, here are 5 of the BEST products money can buy you. Two of them are actually CHEAP!
And yes, they are in order. The no 1 is my all time best discovery!
Disclaimer: I am not judging these products based on the company, the brand, its ethics, the ingredients whatsoever. All these products are from reputed brands.
No. 5 MAC Lipsticks (Matte finish)
The iconic bullet shaped lipstick tube.
The one I have here is the MAC Viva Glam I lipstick. You can find my review of this lipstick here. This one would have placed higher but since I can only, personally, speak from one shade it is 5th on my list. They are THE BEST lipsticks money can buy you! I only have experienced the matte ones, like the one pictured above but I haveconstantly heard ONLY good things about these lipsticks, regardless of its finish. And at MYR 80 they are not too expensive considering the fact that they are MAC products. Before Sephora, discount for MAC products were unheard of. Now, with the Black Friday and VIB sales, MAC products can be bought at a discount from Sephora! YES! With a 20% discount they would cost only MYR 64!
No 4. Sephora 10Hr Wear Perfection Foundation
The product. I love the frosted glass bottle!
This was one of the very few foundations I’ve tried but would come to realise that everyone who’s ever tried it loved it. This is one of Tati’s favourite foundations (yes, THAT Tati, drama aside, her suggestions have worked for me on so many occasions). You can check out my review here. This foundation is amazing! It gives you a semi matte look that is natural with coverage that can be built on! It lasts very well and it sits beautifully on the skin! In my review, it is written that it costs MYR 78 and it now costs MYR 73! A price reduction!!! How often does that happen??? With the Sephora 20% it comes to MYR 58.40! That’s drugstore price! In fact, cheaper than some drugstore foundations!!!
No 3 Essence Make Me Brow Eyebrow Gel Mascara
The tube in real life is tinier than it seems.
This product would have placed higher if not for the limited shades available. Considering it’s a drugstore brand, two shades are plenty for a brow gel. But we’re talking about my very best here, so number 3 is high praise. You can read my review here. This lasted through a party night out! I love it! It has tiny microfibres which would be a blessing for people with sparse brows and it is the cheapest of its kind at the drugstore.
No 2 Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Press Powder
The product. Very simple packaging.
For being my latest review and immediately making it into my top 5 best list is saying something about this product. You can read my review here. Let me first give a shoutout to Rimmel. They made a banging comeback to Malaysia and I was so happy! They are THE ONLY makeup brand at the drugstore with a concealer that matches me (my skin tone, not lighter) AND with a foundation line that runs two, TWO shades darker, DARKER than mine (did you read that? DARKER!!!). And Rimmel is one of the CHEAPEST brands, cheap enough to rival Essence and Catrice! I’ve tried out a lot of powders and powder foundations from the drugstore. Higher end powders tend to be expensive (I love MAC and it doesn’t compare to this). I’ve tried Maybelline, Silkygirl, Pixy, L’Oreal and Revlon because powder foundations are easy to use and handy for touch ups. Often these products I can only use on stage and they’d always either crease or become cakey or something along that line. This is the best with a shade to match me. The only brand that can rival this is Maybelline and that powder is three times more expensive than this one (not including discounts)!
No 1 ~drumrolls~
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Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray
The product.
You can read my review here. I SWEAR BY THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have had someone I know tell me that this didn’t work for them over Instagram and I, VERBALLY, let out this to myself, “Ouh…. that’s so sad for you….” This is a great makeup setting spray. One of the best! There’s no drugstore equivalent! TRUST ME!!! And the best part is, if you like and use makeup, this is something you can use in your collection. It will help your base and even your eyeshadow last longer. 30 ml costs MYR 69, 118 ml costs MYR 137, not too bad for an Urban Decay product.
As of June 2019 Over 1000 Subscribers. Over total 285000 views. Over 250000 views on my most popular video (Indian Dance Makeup; Eye – link here). Over 25000 views on my next most viewed video (Indian Dance Makeup | The Power of Makeup – link here). And over 1000 views on two other videos (Indian Dance Makeup Re-imagined | NYX Face Awards – link here; and; Top 5 MOST Affordable Drugstore Makeup Brands in Malaysia – link here).
Since then I’ve uploaded a couple more videos!!! The one I’m most proud of is a breakdown of Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray’s Vogue makeup tutorial in terms of products she used!
The rest are just unboxing videos and other fun stuff. Do check it out!
My first video in my national language, Malaysian or Bahasa Malaysia as it is known.
This was a vlog and an unboxing in one. Stayed at The Nomad in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur for my brother’s graduation.
Althea video! I got a lot of unboxings from Althea. I have not been paid for any of the Althea videos or posts I have done!
I LOVE FROZEN!!!!!! Judge me all you want!!!!!!! LET IT GOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
Second Rimmel review! I loved the previous product (Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal – link here) and let’s see if I love this too. Today, I review the often talked about Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder in the shade 010 Warm Honey.
The product. Very simple packaging.
Product inside.
Description on the back.
A closer look.
Swatch. About half a shade lighter than my skin tone.
Description: Pressed powder that comes in 14 grams or 0.49 oz of product. Here in Malaysia there are about 6 shades which is pretty good because I believe 010 is one of the darkest! Sure enough, 010 is difficult to find because it seems to be sold out.
Where to buy: Selected Guardian and Watsons nationwide.
Price: MYR 14.90 (at this price, waiting for a promotion isn’t even necessary!)
Wear test.
Freshly applied. I used this only under the eyes because it is too light to use all over the face (yes, picture reused from my Maybelline Fit Me foundation review, link here).
After about six hours of wear. The under eyes have stayed almost perfect!
Pros:
Smooth velvety powder.
Easy to apply and blend.
Lives up to the name! It stays matte all day!
CHEAP!
Does not look heavy or cakey with proper application.
Lasts very well on the skin!
Comfortable to wear.
Cons:
Can settle into lines if over applied.
Darker shades of this powder would be perfection. It actually does come in deeper shades but this is the deepest one available here in Malaysia.
Packaging is very flimsy.
No powder puff or sponge.
Can cause flashback if over applied.
Rating: 9.1/10
In spite of the Cons, I LOVE this powder and am giving it a high rating. By the way, I already have a backup, enough said.
Update 17th June 2019: Prices have been revised for these products. Check under each product review section.
Another day, another Althea review! Yeay! Althea launched a new collection called A-Bloom and let me tell you that the adorable factor is 10 out of 10. You’ll see in the pictures below.I was sent all these products but opinions are all mine! None of the links are affiliate links either!
I LOVE THIS BOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!SO MANY GOODIES!!!!!!!!!
SO the collection comes with the following; 1. BHA Blackhead Blaster 2. A’bloom Giant Meringue Puff 3. A’bloom Baby Meringue Puffs 4. A’bloom Moisturizing Watermelon Mask Sheet 5. A’bloom Nourishing Avocado Mask Sheet 6. A’bloom Brightening Lemon Lime Mask Sheet 7. A’bloom Anti-Blemish Peach Mask Sheet I will be reviewing the blackhead blaster as a unit, both the meringue puffs as a unit, and the masks as a unit.
First up, the Blackhead Blaster.
Illustrations! YES!A little bit of description on the box.
Directions and ingredients. I have to say THANK YOU ALTHEA for the ENGLISH scripts!!!
A close look. I will list the ingredients separately too.It comes in a twist up tube.Safety cap! YES! highly appreciated!Don’t worry the black is just the charcoal!
Description: Cleansing stick targeted at managing and removing blackhead, excess sebum as well as pore cleaning. Has charcoal as an added ingredient and hence the black colour.
Pros: -Cleanses pores and excess sebum really well. -Easy to use. -User friendly packaging. -PRICE! -Skin felt clean and fresh.
Cons: -Dries out the skin a tiny bit. This typically happens with me when tea tree oil and charcoal is involved. (But I only used it on and around the nose and forehead area). -The grit that is supposed to clean the pores does dissolve but not fast enough and so it does scratch the skin! First time I used it I actually felt the grit on my skin and not in a good way. The grit is a little sharp. Take note that I don’t have the most sensitive skin or delicate skin for that matter.Althea website says that it is supposed to be gentle so I guess it would depend on your own skin and how you handle exfoliation.
The red circles are the gritty substance in it which I believe is charcoal although I can’t be sure.
Rating: 6.5/10 As effective as it is I was not a fan of the grittiness of the stick.As much as it made my skin softer and really exfoliated, I did notice one or two tiny zits around the areas I used it which is something I’ve noticed, happens when I use a really strong exfoliant. I doubt this product would be something I’d willingly purchase.
Next up, the Meringue Puffs! Trust me, this is the most adorable thing you’ll see in this review!
OMG, OMG, OMG!!!Both puffs come with the same description because they’re made of the same material.Thank GOD for description in ENGLISH!Not dampened.Dampened! Definitely gets CONSIDERABLY larger.This are the smaller puffs, the larger one is just a result of dampening it.YES! SO CUTE!This is how it looks held up to my face (dampened).
Description: High density latex free makeup sponges that come in two sizes.
Note: I can’t attest to longevity of the sponges just as yet, since this was sent to me for my honest review, I agreed to post the review within a prescribed time limit but I will definitely keep you posted.
Pros: -Blends out cream and liquid product beautifully. -Blends out product in RECORD time because the giant sponge is so big! -The baby sponge helps with the nooks and crannies. -Soft sponge! -Bouncy and that’s really important in makeup sponges. -CHEAP!!! MY GOD SO CHEAP!
Cons: -It EATS product. First time I used it I had pumped out enough to cover my face and when I dipped the sponge into the foundation it completely disappeared into the sponge. I thought it might just dispense onto my face and it did but not all of the product came out. Because of this, I tried dotting on my face and blending it out and this worked much better. -Although it has a teardrop shape, the tip tapers off to the base on an angle too wide rendering it not that useful for going into the corners for more precise blending. The smaller ones are much more useful for this but since they have the same shape I get more use from the base than I do from the pointed end. -Holds too much water so the sponge needs to be rung out properly lest the face becomes wet (unless of course that is your desired look).
The point is not acute enough to fit nicely at the under-eye area.Even the baby sponge is shaped that way and it’s not that convenient.
This is how I used the baby sponge.
Rating: 6.9/10 I am torn with this. It’s soft, blends well and is CHEAP but at the same time, the cons are pretty serious. Sponges are good because they should take away some product off the face so one doesn’t look caked on but at the same time it shouldn’t eat up your product. I feel like people doing body paint might get good use of out it because the giant sponge is so big it would cover a large portion of the skin with a base grease paint fairly quickly. Perhaps even faster than a large brush.
Last up, THE FACE MASKS!
I got four!LOVE the puns!Description on the back and in ENGLISH! YES!I am only sharing one picture because directions are the same and specific ingredients I’ve already listed.Four different masks made for four different goals.
Description: Face masks that come in four different variations.
Price: MYR 2 (each)!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YASSSS!!!!!!!!!(no change in price, THANK GOD!)
Pros: -All four masks worked beautifully. –Mild scent. Fragrance is not an ingredient so perhaps the only scents I caught were from the ingredients. -The mask is very wide which is ideal for me because masks rarely cover my big face properly! -Avocado – It is supposed to balance pH; I don’t know if it did but this was my FAVE out of the four. -Watermelon – This lived up to its name; it moisturised my skin and made it bouncy. -Lime – Brightening is something that takes time. Hardly something that will be obvious in a single use. However, I loved how this mask makes my skin feel! Peach –This was the only one that didn’t do much for me except hydration.
Cons: None (RARE, INDEED)!
TIP! Squeeze out the serum/essence from the face mask and use it on your legs and feet to get the most out of it!
Rating: 9/10 Out of all the products in this collection, it’s funny that I loved the masks the most because I don’t really believe in masking except for the soul therapeutic effects it parts. So I was surprised to see an actual difference and a glow to my skin! At RM 2 it’s a STEAL!Would definitely repurchase!
Sorry if you were click-baited but here’s the meme! HAHAHA!
There are few things in this world that gives my soul fulfillment like dance does. Music feeds my needs too, but music to me is meaningless without a moving visual. Even when it seems I’m only listening to songs my mind is, without fail, off on a tangent, vicariously living a fantasy in dance for those specific tunes. During my teenage years, I would, very discreetly, learn choreography just by watching some of my favourite dance videos and mimicking their moves.
Aal Thottha Bhoopathi song from the Tamil movie Youth (2002). Yes, I learnt this choreograpy! Gif made with Giphy with video from YouTube.
As a child, I had a strong affinity to Indian classical dancing and was almost enrolled in bharathanatyam classes but when the day came, the dance teacher told my parents that I was too young. For unfathomable, enigmatic reasons, I never made it back. It wasn’t my parents’ fault. I was enrolled into martial arts instead, specifically Tae Kwon Do (TKD). I would progress in TKD right up to a step away from a black belt, then drop out. Twice! From ages 8 (or 9) to 12 I would progress right up to a black belt and then give it up just before being evaluated to earn that coveted milestone. Picked it up again at 17 on my own free will, worked myself right up to that same level, and then dropped out when I was 19. Never mind the absence of the black belt, I can still beat you up if you attack me!
Bharatanatyam, clip taken from documentary Phantom India (1969) from YouTube. Gif made with Giphy.
There has and never been regret learning martial arts.
I digress.
Anyway, during my first and second years in university I would put my aptitude for choreography to good use and become one of the most exciting male Indian dancers to come out of the university during my time! I would eventually appear on TV in an Indian dance competition and the irony was, I was studying for a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology. It made up for all the missed opportunity in my adolescence. However, learning Indian classical dance would only come to fruition during second year of university when a friend introduced me to my very first dance teacher. Through him, I learnt the fundamentals of odissi dancing; my ultimate calling, something which would become very close to my heart. I would also go on to perform extensively, in important events and programs and even choreograph a couple of performances and competitions (and WIN!). It was through him that I learnt that there were eight distinct forms of Indian classical dance (odissi, bharatanatyam, kuchipudi, kathak, kathakali, mohini attam, manipuri, sattriya). His name was Ravishanker and yes, that implies he’s now the late great Ravishanker.
This picture belonged to him. That was him in the middle.
After graduating my Bachelor’s degree, I came back to my hometown (Penang) and about a year and a half later, I enrolled into an Indian performing arts institution called Temple of Fine Arts to learn, yes, you guessed it, odissi. Being back in Penang initially was rather depressing because it felt like I left a big chunk of myself back in my alma mater. It left an abyss in my being I could not fill and a deprivation I could not comprehend. In my part of the world, discussion about depression and mental health is in its infancy. For a long time, depression was viewed as a fault, not caused by anyone or anything but brought upon by the victim on him/herself. And as difficult it is for me to admit that I was almost a victim, odissi swooped in and solved that for me, silently, effectively and seamlessly. This endeavour took me all the way to Sri Lanka in 2013 to perform for our founder’s birthday celebration; an annual international affair involving representatives from USA, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and even India. Our team of four (me being the only guy) received praises!
This is a collage I got from a friend but the original pictures in proper definition is available on the artists Instagram page below (https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs5bkbTA-cA/)Would love it if you could visit their page. If not follow, at least drop a like… Thanks guys!
All this would come crashing to the ground in December 2013 when I sustained a knee injury; a tear in my left meniscus. By then, I had already gained substantial weight due to my masters thesis writing. This injury did nothing but worsen it. By the time I had recovered enough to walk without crutches (about 3 months later) I was already 30 kgs (approximately 67 pounds) heavier than I was when I performed in Sri Lanka. Losing odissi to the knee injury, inadvertently plunged me into the very chasm it pulled me out of leading to some self destructive habits. I thank God and my lucky stars that I didn’t fall down too hard into something irrevocably detrimental.
2012 (left), now (right)
What would pull me out of it was a series of unfortunate events AND, eventually, BLOGGING. With a Masters degree in 2015, no odissi and aimlessness stemming from indecisiveness to either work or pursue a doctorate degree, I NEEDED purpose, I NEEDED passion and I NEEDED fulfillment. YouTube was what first put this idea into my head. Before the whole brand of satisfying videos compilation on the Internet I already realised what watching makeup tutorials did to me. Makeup, the application, seeing how colours blend into one another regulated my heartbeat and blood pressure. And if someone slayed a wing liner…….. just consider me enjoying a feeling better than orgasm (I AM NOT JOKING!). What evaded me all those years was the fact that I’ve done it and could probably do it a lot better than a lot of those videos I keep watching. The light bulb would go on in February 2015 and FiercePaint was born.
When I first started, I was walking into it completely blind; what platform to use, what good layout was, how to photograph products and edit them. It was like learning a whole new language with no one to teach me. Videos were far more unattainable than just writing so a blog just made more sense. To be honest, I am still learning to this very day. Sometimes I feel like it never goes anywhere.
My first review is still there and believe it or not those pictures were shot with a DSLR! As bad as it is, it will always be there, as a reminder of how far I’ve come.
Throughout 2015, I had to keep tweaking my writing several times over to get to a place where it would be comprehensible to me first. To top it off, my blog layout didn’t make sense AND I had an unreasonable posting schedule! I would also make the idiotic decision of initially NOT sharing my posts via social media. I had an agreement with myself to only do it when I complete publishing a substantial amount of content (BIG MISTAKE!).
In spite of all this, blogging was the next best thing that would happen to me after odissi. So, I am grateful everyday that I get to do this!
Right now, I can’t imagine not being able to call myself the following;
A PhD student.
A beauty blogger.
A YouTuber.
So when I say, I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart when you like, comment, engage and appreciate my reviews, you have no idea, NO IDEA, how deep that gratitude runs…
