Youth Code Eye Essence

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Let's talk about our eyes today!!

Starting with a bit of trivia!!

Did you know, that the skin around your eyes is 

at its thinnest, thinner than anywhere else on your face?

At just 0.3mm to 0.5mm, it is about 3-5 times thinner than skin elsewhere on your face, which is usually between 1mm to 1.6mm!!

That's why the skin coutour around the eye area needs all the help it can get!!

Not only is it the most fragile, it also also the most abused...

We put most of our makeup on the eye area and sometimes get a little too violent tugging out falsies or wiping away waterproof mascara...

We rub our eyes when they get itchy, tugging on the paper thin skin there...

And I'm most guilty of this...

I give my eyes no mercy at all whenever I'm awake, staring at my phone's bright sceen, the computer or TV... The stress gets to the eyes, causing constant blinking, dehydration etc.

When it comes to skincare solutions for our eye area, most of us are praying for a solution to the 5 most common problems:

Eeeeks!! Hate all these!!!!!!

Most of us just give up the constant combat, especially for dark eye circles, because it seems impossible to not have any of these!! But... applying concealer isn't really fixing the crux of the problem.

If you want to try a new eye skincare solution, why not give the L'Oreal Youth Code Eye Essence a try?

The Youth Code Eye Essence is a brilliant combination of 2 patented technologies developed by L'Oreal Paris.

Don't want to say too much about the scientific stuff that's in this little powerful bottle, but here's some statistics from tests done on participants:

After 4 weeks of usage:

Elasticity and firmness on average improved by 16%
Fine lines and crows' feet diminished by 12%
Wrinkles reduced by 14%
Overall signs of fatigue decreased by 7%

Can you say wow?

I personally love the ultralight texture.

After application there is no stickiness or oily residue (I worry about causing milia seeds). It is super refreshing and feels so nice on the skin under my tired eyes, absorbing instantly, leaving a velvety silky finish.

After I come home from a long day wearing makeup, I realised that after cleansing and showering my skin, especially around the eyes, become super dry...

After putting on the Youth Code Eye Essence I instantly feel the skin become plumper, hydrated, and firmer!!

Also, application is so easy...

On a clean face (obviously I have makeup on, this is for demo purposes), use the glass dropper to put some eye essence on your ring finger...

Simply use your ring finger to gently dab the Youth Code Eye Essence into your delicate skin. Use once every morning and night... The formula can be used under makeup too.

The result?

Instantly rejuvenated, hydrated skin around your eyes!

And Xmas came early!! The L'Oreal Youth Code Eye Essence retails at a usual price of $34.90 for the 15ml bottle. Totally affordable!

But from November to December, the Youth Code Eye Essence is retailing for only $29.90!!

GRABBBBB!! FIVE DOLLAR DISCOUNT!!

If you are looking for something just as powerful that will care for the rest of your face as well, you can also try out the popular L'Oreal Youth Code Boosting Essence!

Have you thought that somehow, your skincare just doesn't seem to work as effectively as it used to?

Well, the scientists at L'Oreal have discovered that it is because of the "Recovery Gene" in our skin. In youthful skin, the Recovery Gene absorbs active ingredient and fights fatigue up to 5 times than in mature skin!

That's not good!!

But don't fret! In this bottle is the secret that can speed up the Recovery Gene in aging skin - the result is not only can it recover the skin's natural recovery capabilities, it also amplifies the effects of any skincare you apply on top of it!

Just imagine - same skincare, twice the results!! That's why this is calling the BOOSTING essence, to help you maximum the skincare you already love!


You can find the Youth Code Eye Essence and Youth Code Boosting Essence at Watsons, Guardian, Sasa, selected departmental stores and major hypermarkets.

If you want to find out more or keep yourself updated, remember to LIKE L'Oreal's facebook page!

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The Falsies Mascara

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As you all know I typically use false lashes to enhance my eyes. But fake lashes are, no matter what... fake.

So sometimes when I see girls with super pretty thick and long natural eyelashes, perhaps enhanced with only mascara, I feel so jealous!!

Kim Kardashian is particularly fond of flaunting hers -_- Show off!!

She has said many times that those are her real lashes!!

I also want!! I want to be one of these girls with *ahem* naturally luscious lashes framing my peepers!!

Therefore, sometimes when I'm in the mood I also forgo the stick-on lashes and go for mascara instead!! When that time comes, I'm always hunting for the best mascara to use.

I know a lot of girls don't bother to put too much eye makeup and fake lashes are too much for them. Mascara is also good for occasions like going to the pool or beach because fake lashes won't stay... and let's face it, swimming with fake lashes is just ridiculous.

When it comes to the best mascara, the brand that many people swear by is Maybelline!

After all, Maybelline *IS* the number 1 brand for mascara in Singapore!!

I remember all through my youth I've used Maybelline's mascaras... Anyone remember the one that is neon pink and green? I loved that! :D

Now new to the Maybelline mascara family... Introducing...

The Volum' Express Falsies Mascara!!

People have different needs when it comes to the perfect mascara, some want volume, some want length... for others it is more important that the mascara is smudge-proof because they tear more.

Well, after trying the Falsies mascara, I must say that this new concortion is the all-in-one bombdiggity!!!

LENGTHENING!

VOLUMIZING!

WATER-PROOF!

RUB-PROOF!

SMUDGE-PROOF!

FLAKE-PROOF!

It is dream lashes in a bottle!!

Comes with a fanned out brush to catch even your finest little hairs... And look at those lengthening fibres!

Are you ready to see the before and after on me?

100% not photoshopped:

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TADAH!!!

Suddenly my eyes look much more alert than the sleepy and dull specimen on the left...


I only put 2 coats of mascara on and the difference is already so obvious.

Ohai!!

I may not have Kim K's Armenian hairy genes but I still look ok with my sparse Chinese lashes thanks to Falsies mascara!! :D

Wish I could transplant my arm hairs on my lash line. LOL

I love how when you close your eyes people can see that there are no fake lashes on... :)

But how mascara looks after you put it on is just the first hurdle...

As the day goes on can it last??

What I love about Falsies mascara is that even in Singapore's ultra humid weather the lashes remain curled instead of drooping after long wear!

Plus it is one of the few mascaras I've used that are truly flake-proof... I super hate it when mascara flakes on my face making it look like I have black spots all over... -_-

Eye itchy and you went to rub it?

Not to worry....

Watching a sad movie and it made you cry??

AND smudge-proof so you never end up looking like a panda!!!!!! I don't know how they did it but Falsies mascara kinda has an almost rubbery feel... Once it is on your lashes and solidified it just won't "melt" again!

Well if you don't believe me watch this video I did with Golden Tan (that's Michelle Chong in one of her funny personas), putting the Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Mascara through a variety of torture tests!




Had a lot of fun filming this... Thank you Michelle Chong and team for taking care of me, Larry Yeo for my makeup and the Maybelline team for all the niceness that day!! Just FYI if you are wondering, I was about 3 months pregnant when this was filmed. I was still skinny-ish... :X

Can't believe I actually went swimming and inside a sauna with Falsies mascara and it survived!!

Ok one last photo before I go!!

Serious fierce look

If you want to give the Falsies Mascara a try, they are available at Watsons and most places that sell makeup... At an affordable $20.90!

Additionally if you want an even darker and more intense look for Xmas/NYE, you can now try out the limited edition Falsies Everlasting mascara! Available only during this Xmas season so remember to grab, fast!

Of course, remember to Like Maybelline's fb page below to get updates for more good deals!

http://www.facebook.com/MaybellineSG

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Create Your Style with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

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Ok, everyone knows I like shiny stuff right? Right... That's why I'm always blinging any of my possessions that can be blinged with loads and loads of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystals!!

My blinged up gadgets never fail to get me so much praise and attention :D

Like this gorgeous camera? You love?

But just sticking crystals on stuff is not the end of what you can do with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS!!!


Thanks to this advert, I recently went to a SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS workshop and it turns out you can also use their crystals to make your own jewellery!!!

I mean, I've seen SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Beads and Sew-on Stones in craft shops before but because I always thought making your own jewellery was hard, I just never bothered to learn and try... BUT TO MY SURPRISE IT IS SO EASY!!!

This opens up a whole new world of possibilities :D

The front and back of my blinged up blackberry bold 9900

Just like with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Flat Back Crystals, the possiblities are endless when it comes to design and personalization!!

You no longer have to hunt for the perfect accessory to match your outfit - you can just make your own!! And I daresay it is possibly cheaper than buying one off the shelf. :)

Here's one of the necklaces I made in about.... 15 minutes?

I always feel photographs don't do justice to SWAROVSKI ELEMENT products... They are really very shiny in real life sparkle whenever you move!!

Shiny crystal ball in my necklace made from SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Beads

 Ruby pink SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Sew-On Stone... It's a flat crystal meant to be for sewing on your clothes but with a bit of innovation it can also be part of your necklace.


Want to learn how to make this necklace? 

I made a video tutorial!!




Hope you liked the video!! Of course, this is a simple piece... Once you mastered all the techniques you can move on to making very intricate and beautiful pieces. :D

Wait, I'm not done yet!!

If you wish to learn more about how to use SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS to create your very own customized pieces, COME JOIN OUR WORKSHOP!!!

SWAROVSKI is organizing a workshop specially for you guys and this is why you should come:

1) Mingle with your favourite bloggers!! That's me lol... Also Qiuqiu and Sarah will be there as well and we will be *ahem* passing down our skills from what we learnt so far.

2) No need to be confused as you watch videos/read books on how different techniques... It's much easier to learn with a physical demonstration and you can ask all the questions you need. Then you bring home the skills!!

3) All the tools and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS will provided so when you are done with your masterpiece you can bring it home... For free! :D

4) Get to win goodies

5) Upon completion you can also create more jewellery and participate in a competition where the piece with the most votes will win exciting prizes

You decided to come yet?

Great, here are the event details:

DATE:
VENUE: Talent Cafe
TIME: 11am - 5pm

You can always go to Create-your-style.com.sg for more details, and do remember to visit and like the facebook page HERE!! (need link)

See you guys at the workshop!!

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Dolly Wink x Tsubasa Masuwaka

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 This post is about one of my favourite brands ever - DOLLY WINK!!!

 I'm sure a lot of you recognise Dolly Wink's products even if you have never tried them before...

 

Their most famous product is their false eyelashes, and perhaps you remember seeing them, CUTEST packaging ever with a big ribbon on top and a kawaii girl's face with different looks on every pack?

I remember when Dolly Wink was launched, their famous false lashes instantly became crazy popular, flying off the shelves in Japan. During one of my trips with Cheesie, I asked her what brand her pretty lashes are and she said Dolly Wink.

At that point I've never tried Dolly Wink products before and I asked her if they are good. She replied that they are the best lashes and her favourite.

Later on, when I got my hands on some Dolly Wink lashes, I could finally understand why people were so fanatic about them.

In one statement... They revolutionized falsies! 

 Their falsies were suited for gyaru makeup, created extra long (horizontal length wise, although vertical also) so that the lashes can extend beyond your eyes, creating an illusion of longer, twinkling doe eyes.

Why do we want longer eyes and not just bigger? Simple, because proportionally it makes your nose look narrower and face smaller, and I bet that is something many girls want!

The lashes were made of the softest fibres imaginable, creating a soft fluttery look. And best of all, they are very natural-looking and not plasticky + shiny like some of the brands out there.

But mostly, Dolly Wink lashes got famous because they finally gave the market something we have been craving for... BOTTOM FALSE LASHES!!

The gyaru style is to stick the bottom lashes slightly lower than where your eyes naturally end, creating a doll-like, doe-eyed effect. This is something mascara alone cannot achieve, and I'm sure girls with short/sparse bottom lashes are all rejoicing!

I know I'm gushing too much but Dolly Wink played a crucial part in my discovery and love for gyaru makeup, which changed my life forever!!!!!! I'm super passionate about gyaru makeup, but unfortunately over the years it seemed like it hasn't caught on yet in Singapore, except for a small group of people.

Never mind, perhaps this post will change your mind!

Let's talk about the girl on all the packaging... If you didn't already know, her name is Tsubasa Masuwaka, and she is the producer of the Dolly Wink brand.

Also, she SUPER PRETTY OMG

She is my ultimate gyaru inspiration!!

Just like me, she is really short. She is also really tiny and if I didn't remember wrongly, someone told me she weighs just 37kg or something (please feel free to correct me).

She has a whole chain of co-produced brands from makeup to stockings - and get this... SHE IS MARRIED WITH A SON!!!

Yes, she is a gyaru mama!! Still so pretty and fashionable!! I strive to be just like her one day... :D


Where am I going with this? Well...

TSUBASA IS COMING TO SINGAPORE!!!

Not only will you guys get a chance to meet her, you also stand a chance to win air tickets to TOKYO, JAPAN, my favourite city in the world!!!

ARE YOU EXCITED YET?

You should be because for this contest, there are MANY winners!! The top 15 finalists will also get to participate in a public runway show, not to mention several flight tickets and MANY products to be won!!

How to join?

I hope you are inspired by Tsubasa's pretty makeup already because this is a...

♥ LOOKALIKE CONTEST ♥

As I mentioned on each of the Dolly Wink lashes is a different look that Tsubasa painstakingly created.

From the older series of lashes

Newer "Otona" (more mature) series

You just have to pick a favourite from any of the Dolly Wink lash series and imitate Tsubasa's look!!

Of course, using Dolly Wink lashes, because really, nothing else quite measures up.

You can find more pictures here. In any case, just to give Xiaxue readers a heads up so you can win the rest, I'm gonna be actually imitating 3 of the looks and will give you tips along the way!

Look 1: NATURAL CUTE

Lashes in 14 Natural Cute, paired with 11 Pure Sweet as suggested at the back of the box

For this look Tsubasa has her trademark orangey blonde hair down in relaxed curls with autumn flowers on the head. 

Remember, if you don't have light hair to give yourself a winning edge get a wig! And your brows have to be light to match the blonde... So try Dolly Wink's eyebrow mascara if your natural brow colour is black.

Tsubasa also has on brown contacts, liquid eyeliner in brown, and very pale nude lips with gloss.

For my eyes I dabbed on Dolly Wink's NEW eyeshadow palette in no. 2 Pink Brown. In gyaru makeup, eyeshadow is often neglected as most girls don't go crazy with colours unlike in the west. Just subtle highlighting will do.

And here is my look!! I didn't have a blonde wig so I had to make do with my pink/purple hair.

And I shortened my long face with photoshop so I can have Tsubasa's small pixie face, haha

Side by side! I have the same M-shaped upper lip as her, although most of the time I hate it and try to fill up the two "holes" (where the teeth shows?) with fillers. Today, I embrace it because she does!


LOOK 2: SWEET CAT

Lashes in 10 Sweet Cat

Tsubasa has on a black top with a pearl necklace and black lacy gloves (not seen in the product packaging) with a military green hat on. Her makeup looks almost the same as the previous look except she has on very pale pink blusher and pale brown lips.

My submission:

Side by side! Admittedly my look is a bit pinker than hers but I tried to PS the lips brown and they look awful coz it doesn't match the hair, so I guess mine is the pink variation.

 

Thank you Yutaki for the cute cap :D

Remember in order to have that trademark Tsubasa look bottom lashes are a MUST! Try to stick the bottom lashes a little distance away from your eyes, just as she does.

If you have never tried putting on bottom lashes before, they may prove to be slightly challenging to put on. But practice makes perfect! 

Use tweezers to hold on to the lashes, apply some lash glue, and glue the falsies under your own lashes. When removing use makeup remover to dissolve the glue, because if you just tug you will pull out some of your own lashes! Ouch.

Look 3: Pure Little

Lashes in 8 Pure Little

Tsubasa is wearing a dark brown wig with green contacts and blood red lips. She also has on black eyeliner with some brown eyeshadow under the eyes.

With leopard print nails!

My submission:

Didn't have time to do leopard nails so I compensated by wearing leopard prints... And look, I have the black giant hair bow that is on the box that the lashes come in!! LOL

Tadah!

 That's it! I had a lot of fun creating the different looks and I think you will too!! 

If you want to join, hop on over to  

http://facebook.com/shibuyagals.sg 

where you can see more contest details!!

I will see the top 15 finalists on 8th December, 730pm at Scape Warehouse where I will also be a guest judge!! It is an absolutely free event so mark down your calendars!!

Not only that, I will get to see Tsubasa, and I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT WAIT!!!

Best of luck!

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