MEMEBOX SUPERBOX #57 ALL ABOUT BROWS UNBOXING

I've always wanted to buy products to make my brows pretty, but I didn't really know what to buy, so when this box came out, I bought it instantly!!

Memebox Superbox #57 All About Brows

I was pretty content with the box actually. I'm okay with most shades from Memebox, I guess that's because Memebox is a Korean brand, and I'm Asian (and pretty fair), so their products work okay for me. The only thing I probably won't be using is the razor, as I've previously had bad experiences with it, but I'm surprised they didn't add any tweezers, which are like a necessity to me.

For more information about Memebox, please visit their website:
http://us.memebox.com/user/geniesfavproducts


And don't forget to use my $5 off codes: MZM1 and L4Y0

MEMEBOX GLOBAL #14 UNBOXING

Memebox Global Editions usually contain a variety of both makeup and skincare products, for face and for the body! They are very popular amongst Meme-Fans, and they sell out very quickly! This is the second Memebox Global Edition that I have purchased...

Memebox Global #14

I think this was a really awesome box, with LOTS of masks, and although the description card says there are 8 products inside, considering Memebox usually counts one mask as one product, this box ends up containing 15 products - WOW!!!

For more information on Memebox, please visit their website:

http://us.memebox.com/user/geniesfavproducts

LIEBSTER AWARD!!!

I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Veritazy from http://veritazy.wordpress.com/

I googled about the Liebster Award, and learnt that the Liebster Award is passed around the blogging community to those who have fewer than 200 followers!

You can read more about the awards here.

Here are the rules:

If you have been nominated for The Liebster Award, and you choose to accept it, write a blog post about the Liebster Award in which you:

1. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog.

2. Display the award on your board - by including it in your post and/or displaying it using a "widget" or a "gadget". (Note that the best way to do this is to save the image to your own computer and then upload it to your blog post).

3. Answer 11 questions about yourself, which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you.

4. Provide 11 random facts about yourself.

5. Nominate 5-11 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have less than 200 followers.

6. Create a new list of questions for the blogger to answer.

7. List these rules in your post. Once you have written and published it, you then have to:

8. Inform the people/blogs that you nominated that they have been nominated for the Liebster Award and provide a link for them to your post so that they can learn about it (they might not have ever heard of it!)

Note: You cannot nominate the person who nominated you!!

Here are the questions by Veritazy:

1. Why did you start a beauty blog?

I love reading product reviews, so I wanted to share with others too of the products that I've used...and I love trying out new products, so there would be lots to write about!!

2. What was your first makeup product/brand?

The lipgloss from Red Earth - thinking about it, it was probably the worst thing I had ever used, as it made my lips peel like mad!!!

3. If you are forced to live with one lipstick color, which would it be?

Coral Pink!!!

4. Name 3 holy grail products from your inventory!

Skinmiso Pore Beauty Nose Pack

Doctorcos Amino Acid Hybrid Sheet Free Mask Advanced

Clarins Double Serum

5. Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?

Myself!!! Every woman wants to look pretty, right?

6. What is your favourite fragrance?

I seldom use perfume, but I would prefer juicy and sweet fragrances!!

7. How much do you spend on beauty products each month?

I have gotten way over budget with all the Memebox orders recently, so around USD200-250 I guess.

8. Favourite subscription box (if you have one)?

Memebox is the only one I've tried, but I'm really happy with them, and I don't seem to be missing out much from other boxes anyway!!!

9. Lipstick, lip gloss or lip tint?

Lipgloss!!!

10. Best beauty boosting food?

H2O, what else is better than drinking water?

11. What inspires you the most?

Again, myself? Seeing the problems with my skin (the enlarged pores, dark circles, and hyperpigmentation), I'd want to try all necessary ways to get rid of them!!!

11 Random Facts About Me:

1. I'm a New Zealand born Chinese, but I have a mixed English accent -.-

2. My first airplane flight was when I was 1 year old.

3. I got married when I was 24 years old.

4. I'm a mother of a 2-year-old, but I'm also pregnant with my second child.

5. I grew taller after giving birth to my first child!

6. I love using Korean skincare products, and am in love with Memeboxes!!

7. I love eating sweet food, but I prefer eating salted popcorn.

8. Kinder Buenos are awesome, and so are Toblerones!!!

9. My favourite cartoon character is My Melody, only because it's a rabbit!

10. I love my Samsung Note 3, especially with its stylus and huge screen!

11. I used to hate the colour pink, but now I love it, especially HOT PINK!!!

Here are MY questions:

1. What is your favourite moisturiser?

2. What are your three must-have/holy grail products?

3. What products do you use for your daily skincare routine?

4. Why did you start a beauty blog?

5. How did your blog get its name?

6. What are your favourite makeup brands?

7. What is your favourite skincare gadget?

8. What is your favourite drink?

9. Name 5 products in your beauty product wish list.

10. What is your favourite music group?

11. What are your three favourite beauty products that you carry around in your handbag everyday?

I am now nominating the following bloggers:

Unboxing Beauty

Obviobsessions

Makeupmeandyoyo

Blinkiesblurbs

Ljblog

Eatshopsleeprepeat

MEMEBOX LUCKYBOX #5 UNBOXING

I'm super excited today, because I just received my FIRST MEMEBOX ~ LUCKYBOX #5!!! I am one of the first people who received it, because being based in Hong Kong, it only took ONE DAY for the Memebox to arrive via Express Shipping!!!

I will be posting a more detailed post on the items in this box once I start using these products!!

But for now, thank you for watching, and if you have any questions, please feel free to comment below! Have a nice day!!

URBAY DECAY NAKED 3

URBAN DECAY has been around for ages, and it's been highly raved by other bloggers, but I only just managed to get my hands onto their NAKED3 Eyeshadow Palette recently.

I purchased this online for a price of HKD562 (included shipping), and it also came with an eyeshadow primer potion sample (4 colours), which the packaging says that each sample pod holds about a week's worth of primer!

The NAKED3 Palette comes with 12 rose-hued neutrals. There are ultra-smooth mattes, gorgeous pearls, and glimmering metallics, and the shades range from the palest, shimmery pink to the deepest black matte with red micro-glitter. It also comes with a double-ended brush (a smaller brush on one end, and a bigger brush on the other) with really soft bristles.

I have rather fair skin for an Asian girl, and I usually go by very light makeup, so I'm a big fan of the lighter-to-medium colours in the palette. I have never used the darker colours on my eyes yet (though I have tried to mix and match colours on my hands before), as I haven't had the chance (I think I'd only use them when I have heavy makeup on).

MY FIRST SWATCH TEST

I really like how a lot of the colours are glittery, but it also comes with a few matte colours too!


THE SHADES UP CLOSE

Strange - This hardly showed up on my skin, except for making my skin look a little brighter perhaps?

Dust - This is a pinkish glittery kind of colour, and I like to use this to blend with some darker colours!

Burnout - This is another glittery colour that I quite like to use; its colour is browner than Dust, but it's not too dark, so that I can still use it for my light makeup!

Limit - This is a matte colour, and it's good for times when you don't want glitter all over your eyes!

Buzz - This is a similar shade to Limit, but in a glittery version! I quite like using this too!

Trick - This is too orange and glittery for my liking, but it's a nice colour!

Nooner - Another matte colour that I like, though I do prefer Limit more, as that one is more pinkish than brown.

Liar - This colour is similar to Trick yet slightly darker, so it's easier to use as it's not too orangey.

Factory - This is one of my favourites for the "darker" shades of brown in this palette as it's not too dull nor too orange, glittery, and also easy to blend with!

Mugshot - I don't really like this kind of brown, but it's also glittery and easy to blend with other colours.

Darkside - I haven't had a chance to use this one yet, but it's a nice colour still!

Blackheart - This is the deepest black matte with red micro-glitter, and it's also the colour that I would rarely (or never) use, as it's too dark for my liking!


Pros:
- There are so many colours and shades in one palette, very convenient to use as one palette has it all!
- The eyeshadow glides onto my eyelids easily
- Although most of the colours are glittery, there are some matte ones too
- The colours blend in nicely with each other (although it may take some time to figure out which colours match better with others)
- It comes with a full-size brush, not just a travel-sized brush like other palettes!
- The bristles on the brush are very soft

Cons:
- I won't be able to use all the colours in the palette (the lightest colour doesn't show on my skin at all, and the darkest colour is too dark for my liking)
- Like other bloggers, I wish the NAKED3 Palette came in a hard box like the NAKED1 - yes, the box looks nice now, but it doesn't seem very durable in the long-run!

Overall:
I've had quite a few compliments when using my NAKED3 Palette, as the light colours really match my skin very well!! It's a good buy, as I got so many colours in one palette, in comparison to my 5-coloured eyeshadow palette from Chanel which came with crappy travel-sized applicators that I got for a similar price! I'm so glad I got this!!


This is me with very light makeup...and my NAKED3:

The products I used:
Blush Stick from Kosé
Eyebrow Powder from Chanel
Eyeshadow Base from Chanel
Eyeshadow from Urban Decay NAKED3 Palette
Lip Balm from Chanel
Liquid Eyeliner from Lioele
Loose Face Powder from Paul & Joe
Mascara by Lioele
Moisturising Foundation Primer by Paul & Joe

I also ordered the NAKED3 for my sister-in-law, and this is a pic of her using the NAKED3. She has a darker skin tone than me, and she uses heavier makeup normally.

As you can see from the above photos, the colours in the palette work very well on both our skin tones, and it gives us such a natural glow too! What more could we expect from an eyeshadow palette?!

Thank you for reading, and if you have any questions, feel free to comment below!

Have a nice day!

The DRY Months of the Year...

I currently live in Hong Kong, and the winter season is particularly dry. You'll know when you need to change your skincare products to a more intense one when your skin feels tight after you cleanse, and if your foundation looks flaky when applied to your face. Winter is coming to an end and spring is nearly here, but I'd still like to share with you all what I loved using during the super dry months of the year:

I absolutely LOVE the following products from Clarins, but I only use them during the winter, as they are too oily for me to use during the humid summer months in HK. Of course, Clarins has many other products too that I love, but I shall talk about those in other posts...this post is mainly for my fav products during the winter months :)

1) CLARINS Double Serum

 

The product claims to make your skin look firmer, reduce wrinkles, more even skin, and pores less visible.

Outlook:

It comes in a bronze coloured plastic bottle with a pump dispenser, and you can only see one side of the bottle. It's a double serum because there are actually two serums inside the bottle, so when you pump out the serum, an oil along with the orange serum will be pumped out, and that is why you need to mix the serums together in your palms before applying it to the face.

Personal Experience:

I started buying this product in Dec 2012, and I am currently into using my third bottle (I have the 50mL jumbo size bottle now). I only use this during the winter - 1 pump for the morning and 2 pumps at night. I bought the 50mL bottle at the beginning of winter, and the bottle has lasted me for an entire season. The results have not been so obvious for me, apart from having moisturised skin, but it has proved great results on my mother-in-law's face the first time she used it. She has always had very dry and flaky skin, but upon the first use of the Double Serum, her face became very soft again. I also find that my skin is more firm and soft after prolonged use of the product. There is a slight scent to the product but it's not very strong. It absorbs into the skin fairly quickly so your face won't feel sticky for too long.

How to use:

Pump the amount that you need onto your palms (1 or 2 pumps in the morning, and 2 pumps at night), and mix it in your hands ("warm up" the product) before pressing it down gently onto your face and neck every morning and evening before your usual cream.

For more information, please see:

http://www.clarins.com.hk/Double-Serum-jumbo-size/C010408021,en_HK,pd.html?start=2#sthash.RuayxKj7.dpuf

Price:

HK$630.00 for 30mL, HK$880.00 for 50mL

2) CLARINS HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase

The product claims to bring a youthful vitality to extra dry, devitalised skin - even in the most extreme climates.

Outlook:

It comes in a blue matte glass bottle with a golden lid and a pump (looks quite posh). After shaking the bottle, the liquid inside becomes white as you mix the oil and the serum together. Despite the serum having oil inside, it is surprisingly not sticky at all.

Personal Experience:

I started buying this product in Dec 2012, and I am currently into using my second bottle. Unlike the Double Serum, I don't use this everyday unless my face needs an extra boost, and I tend to only use this at night after using my Double Serum. I also use it after I've done a home facial. Again, it has a slight scent, but it's acceptable and quite nice also. When you pump the serum out onto your palm, it actually turns out to be a slightly blue colour. It is not sticky or oily in anyway after applying it to your face.

How to use:

Gently shake the bottle to mix the oil together with the serum. Apply morning and/or evening to thoroughly cleansed face and neck. Gently press down on skin, working from the middle of the face outward.

Price:

HK$525.00 for 30mL

3) CLARINS Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil

This product claims to be an anti-aging care for dehydrated skin, and will help prevent moisture loss and the formation of fine lines.

Clarins has three types of face treatment oils:

Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil for dehydrated skin

Santal Face Treatment Oil for dry skin

Lotus Face Treatment Oil for oily or combination skin

Outlook:

It comes in a glass bottle with yellow oil inside. The sample only comes with a white lid, but the full size bottle comes with a glass pasteur pipette/dropper.

Personal Experience: 

I received a few of samples of the Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil from my previous purchases (the samples are 2mL bottles), so I have yet opened my full size bottle yet. I don't use this oil everyday unless my face is very dry, and when I do use it, I will use a small drop and mix it with toner in my hand, or apply it after applying my toner when my face is still wet - this helps the product absorb better and also so that it won't leave any stickiness to your face. If you apply it in the right way, it does not leave an oily nor sticky feeling to your face, and will definitely not cause breakouts, in fact, it balances out your skin's oil.

How to use:

In the evening, after thorough cleansing, apply a small amount to the face and neck still damp with Toning Lotion, avoiding the eye contour. Gently dab face with a soft tissue to remove any excess product.

Price:

HK$420.00 for 30mL

4) CLARINS Toning Lotion With Camomile

Outlook:

It comes in a plastic bottle with a lid that clicks when it's fully closed, which ensures that it is closed properly and avoid any spills.

Personal Experience:

Clarins has a few different types of toning lotions, but I use this one which is for normal or dry skin. The thing I love about it is that it is alcohol-free (perfect for the pregnant me), and it has a very faint chamomile scent. It also softens, soothes, and smoothes irritations. I've finished using the full size bottle, so the photo is showing a smaller size of 50mL. It's not drying for the skin and it makes my skin feel relaxed, especially when I use it at night.

How to use:

After cleansing, soak a cotton pad in the Toning Lotion and smooth over the face and neck.

Price:

HK$230.00 for 200mL

5) JURLIQUE Lip Care Balm

"A soothing moisturiser for chapped lips. This rich balm conditions and softens the lips, keeping them moist and supple."

Outlook:

The lip balm comes in a metal tube. The balm itself is yellow in colour and the texture is quite thick.

Personal Experience:

Unlike other lip balms, this product does what it claims to do - condition and soften the lips! I've always had really chapped and flaky lips, especially during the winter and when I'm pregnant, and none of the other lip balms helped to resolve this problem, except this one. It's quite expensive to use all the time, and there's no applicator on the tube, so I only use this before bedtime, like a lip mask, so I don't get my hands sticky all the time. There is a very faint scent of beeswax, but hardly noticeable when applied to the lips. The balm is great, but the design of the tube is not great - I've used around 2/3 of the tube, and I find it quite difficult to squeeze the balm out of the hard metal tube. I've rolled up the bottom of the tube to make things easier, but it also got quite messy when the end of the tube popped open. This lip balm always runs out of stock (I had to order my first one), so I've stocked up recently to ensure I don't run out!

How to use:

Apply to lips throughout the day, using cotton bud or fingertip. Apply under and over lipstick as required.

Price:

HK$275 for 15mL

6) DIOR Addict Lip Glow

"A made-to-measure lip balm that beautifies and durably enhances the lips' natural colour. A customised colour result: thanks to its Colour Reviver technology, Dior Addict Lip Glow reacts directly with the unique chemistry of each woman's lips before releasing its colour ingredient. Lips seem revived from within, amazingly fresh, full and radiant. In addition, its formula enriched with wild mango and luffa cylindrica continuously protects and moisturises. A universal balm for all lips."

Outlook:

This lip balm comes in a very pretty silver tube inside a transparent pink casing. The lip balm itself looks light pink, but don't go applying layers of it on your lips just because you can't see the colour well enough - when applied to your lips, the colour will change according to how dry/moist your lips are, and it may change throughout the day too.

Personal Experience:

This is absolutely the BEST lip balm I have ever used. It's a very moisturising lip balm that comes with a customised colour result, and I just love how the colour changes every time I put it on. I seldom put on makeup, and even when I do, it's just very light makeup, so this is perfect for a natural look yet with a glow! It's a great gift too!

Price:

HK$250.00

7) PAUL AND JOE Moisturising Foundation Primer N

 

Outlook:

The primer comes in a transparent matte glass bottle with a lovely design. The pink colour of the lid represents that it is the moisturising version, as opposed to the Protecting Foundation Primer that comes with a white lid. It also comes with a pump dispenser for easy and hygienic access.

Personal Experience:

I never used to use primers until I started purchasing the primers from Paul & Joe. I also have the Protecting Foundation Primer from P&J (with a white lid) for the summer months. I have fairly white skin, so I use shade 01 dragee. Shade 02 miel is slightly darker in colour, and shade 03 creme does not consist of any foundation and does not have any SPF properties. The primer is very light and moisturising, and it does not sink into dry wrinkles. It has a slight scent but it's quite a nice one. There aren't many problems with my skin, so this is the only makeup product that I normally use during the day to help minimise the size of my pores and also even out my skin tone. Unfortunately, they only have two coloured shades, so if neither suit you, you may have to use the transparent one (shade 3 creme), but some people prefer to use a colourless primer anyway, especially if they're going to be applying foundation and other makeup to their face after.

How to use:

Pump the right amount onto the back of your hand and gently spread out before applying it to your face. Always use a makeup remover to remove the primer before cleansing your face with a cleanser.

Price:

HK$300.00 for 30mL

I used the Double Serum, HydraQuench Serum, and Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil in my Egypt trip in 2013, and I had no issues with dry skin or flaking skin throughout my trip, and it was VERY VERY DRY in Egypt during the winter! One of my friends brought aloe vera masks to apply during the trip, but it still wasn't hydrating enough, and she ended up having flaking skin on her face. Please note that Clarins has their own special way of applying their products, and in order to receive the best results from your products, please do follow their guidelines! You can visit your local Clarins store for a leaflet.

These are the products that I have bought over and over again for use in the dry winter months. I hope these suggestions will help you in finding the right products for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below!

Have a nice day everyone!