Following up from my Hot Date Beauty Tutorial, I give you another tutorial:

Gala Night!

When I think of Gala Nights...

I think of gowns, cocktail dresses, outstanding makeup and pretty hair!

Continue reading to find out how I create a makeup look for a Gala Night!

In a Gala Night event~
 The "competition" is about being flashy with the dressing, hairstyle & makeup while looking like you were born with the natural charms of Cinderella.

It's easy to glam up with outfits and accessories, but it's a bigger headache to decide how to style your hair and do your own makeup. Usually for events, I will curl my hair with foam rollers the night before and leave my hair down. I try not to tie or bun my hair up because, I have way~ too much hair and over extended period of time... the weight of my hair will give me a headache. *hairy woes*

So, I tend to focus on makeup to work the rest of the magic.
 I will be very thick skin and outright that the best asset of my imperfect self are my eyes.

As an Asian,
I have slightly lighter brown pupils than norm and I make full advantage of what I have and nothing brings out brown pupils better than shades of blues and greens!

Watch the video to learn how I create this makeup look!

Products Used:

1) Becca Nude Liner: Doubled up as cream base

2) RMK Eyeshadow in Iridescent Deep Green

3) Sephora Makeup Made Simple Palette (Eyeshadows & Blush)

4) Red Apple Gluten Free Eyeliner

5) Star Lash Premium Eyelashes (DB17) & Lash Glue (White)

6) Shu Uemura Eyebrow Liner

7) Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Fluid Foundation (564)

8) Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick (339)

Tools Used:

1) 13Rushes Short Shader

2) 13Rushes Angled Mini

3) Maybelline Shadow Brush

4) Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

5) Boobi Brown Eyebrow Brush

6) 13Rushes Angled Flat Top Kabuki

7) 13Rushes Angled Flat Top Mini

8) 13Rushes Round Cheek

Products Used:

1) Becca Nude Liner: Doubled up as cream base

2) RMK Eyeshadow in Iridescent Deep Green

3) Sephora Makeup Made Simple Palette (Eyeshadows & Blush)

4) Red Apple Gluten Free Eyeliner

5) Star Lash Premium Eyelashes (DB17) & Lash Glue (White)

6) Shu Uemura Eyebrow Liner

7) Shu Uemura The Lightbulb Fluid Foundation (564)

8) Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick (339)

Tools Used:

1) 13Rushes Short Shader

2) 13Rushes Angled Mini

3) Maybelline Shadow Brush

4) Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

5) Boobi Brown Eyebrow Brush

6) 13Rushes Angled Flat Top Kabuki

7) 13Rushes Angled Flat Top Mini

8) 13Rushes Round Cheek


So there you have it!~
I usually go for the smokey eye look or play up with colours for my makeup for events and even Gala Nights!

Hope you learnt something from this!
Until next time~

To find out more about Panasonic's beauty product, view their website page:

http://www.panasonic.com.sg/

Alternatively, you can view their facebook page for tips and tricks; events; news:

https://www.facebook.com/sgpanasonic

And lastly, head over to SBA's Facebook for more updates on the ongoings:

https://www.facebook.com/sgblogawards

Following up from the workshop with Panasonic, 

here's my take on the first look:

Hot Date

When it comes to dating, I would like to be comfortable in how I look and what I wear.

Studies have been done to show what type of makeup men prefer their dates to turn up with, but to be honest, the results from different studies varies.

Some like it au naturel, some like "no makeup" makeup, some like it sultry, some like it full on.

But if you ask me, I think we should put on whatever we like and feel comfortable in.

I like the bare minimum for face, a hint of blush for colour, a sultry eye and dewy lips for dates.

Why?

Because, at the end of the day, sooner or later~

My bare face is what he might wake up to and so let's keep things realistic.

Haha!

I was fortunate enough to meet Korean Makeup Artist, Steven Lee, to learn a few tricks from him at the Laneige Magic Charm Workshop 2 weeks back at Suntec.

A quick shoutout:

Look how cute this chair is! It really does open and close like the BB Cushion Product!

As you know, Korean makeup is trending at the moment and they are good at the bare minimalist to the extreme funky look. So, I am really glad to be selected by Clozette to join this workshop!

Thank you~!

So taking inspiration from the look that he created on me and from what I learnt in Panasonic workshop~

Here's how I created my look for a Date Night!

Product Used:

1) L'Occitane Ultra Rich Lip Balm

2) 24h Cosme Concealer UV SPF 40 PA+++

3) Eyeko Skinny Mini Liquid Eyeliner

4) Sleek Au Naturel Eyeshadow Palette

5) Maybelline Volumizing Mascara

6) Shu Uemura Eyebrow Liner

7) 24h Cosme Powder Foundation SPF 15 PA++

8) Sephora Makeup Made Simple Palette

Tools Used:

1) 13rushes Short Shader

2) Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

3) Bobbi Brown Face Blender

4) Panasonic Multi Styling Straightener EH-HW58-K


Links:

Panasonic Singapore Official website: http://www.panasonic.com.sg/

Panasonic Singapore Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgpanasonic

SBA Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgblogawards

Last weekend, I spent a beautiful evening at Singapore Dance Theatre’s 19th Edition of the annual Ballet Under the Stars. It's a combination of things I love: picnic, food, wine, arts and stars!

Out of the 4 performances, 2 of them got me excited.

Bittersweet (World Premiere)

Choreography by Natalie Weir

Music by Han Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard

I know nuts about ballet, but boy~ those moves and the PASSION~

I felt the love and the heartache through their moments.

I'm so glad that I'm the first few to witness this :)

Opus 25

Choreography by Edwaard Liang

Music by Michael Torke

The WOW factor is honestly the huge red cloth that opened and closed the performance.

I just love the way the fabric moved.

Haha~

~~~

It was a really awesome event that ended in a very pleasant way~

It's been awhile since I last just lay on the grass and relax...

And even though, I could hardly spot more than 10 stars throughout the night,

I saw 2 shooting stars!

~~~

Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.

-Stephen Hawking

“People want pretty much the same things: They wanted to be happy. Most young people seemed to think that those things lay somewhere in the future, while most older people believed they lay in the past.” 

― Nicholas Sparks, Nights in Rodanthe

I did it again~

I traveled, this time to Cebu.

It's a business trip and I tagged along with my parents because~

well, let's just say it was well timed.

We reached before sunrise and greeted the sun at the golf course.

I was pretty amazed by the number of golfers who were there soooo early in the morning.

Maybe there is some true to the whole "Early bird gets the first worms" thingy.

Throughout my travel, the view out of the vehicle is pretty interesting.

Nature wise,

Social wise,

and Cultural wise.

Despite it being a business trip, I got to say that the sight seeing portion was pretty awesome~

The first place we went to is Fort San Pedro and it's interesting to learn what took place here.

As usual, it's all about war and greed... ownership over something..

But what caught my interest is the structure itself.

Made with wood and coral stones.
That's interesting to me.

And this map of the area when the Spanish first arrived.

It looks like something out of a storybook because it looks almost whimsical to me.

For lunch,

OMG~

SOOOO MUCH FOOD!

And they were yummy...

and the pork...

OMG.

I think all of us had food coma after lunch, and I was so happy that we got to check into the hotel!

I didnt have much sleep before because it was a midnight flight,

and with all the yummy food in my belly~

I coma into a nap and work up dizzy~

Hahahaha!

That's why I can never have naps.

But waking up was worth it,

because this view~

I felt free.

And yes, I sat on the ledge because I can.

I know that I'm addicted to my gadget but this next photo below takes it to the max~

Hahaha!

We, Asians, really do love capturing moments digitally!!

The evening ended really well too~

With dancers and singers and...

Yup, more food~

Hahahaha!

Maybe wanting happiness is my flaw...

Maybe, I should just be :)

Because happiness lies only in the present.

Part 2 is my favorite part~

Keep an eye out!

Hey Hey~

I have been using BLACK PAINT product for about 4 months now and looking back at photos I took of my face, there are a few improvements!

I still get blemishes from time to time due to hormonal imbalance but I noticed that the lines under my eyes are fainter (even though my eye bags are worse! insomnia!!), the pores on my cheeks & nose are smaller, I have lesser blackheads in my T-zone area, and my skin feels way smoother than before!

And I am pleased to find out that BLACK PAINT Soap has won another year of Monde Selection Award “GRAND GOLD”, the highest ranking, for another year. This award is rewarded only if the product has achieved an average result between 90%- 100% for its quality!

BLACK PAINT Soap has won the “GRAND GOLD” title for 6 consecutive years!

This means something, right~ Especially if it is used on our face!

I was searching for a skincare range that uses simple natural ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals, when I chanced upon BLACK PAINT.

Read my review of BLACK PAINT soap here!

BLACK PAINT is the No.1 Pore Care Facial Series in Japan

Click on the video to find out why!

I like how honest they were about their product, and I never believed in an overnight miracle because, most products that makes such a claim, uses really harmful ingredients in their product.

Plus, my mum has always taught me that to achieve good skin, it takes time and dedication.

p.s. My mum's skin is soooooo good, you will be shocked to know her true age!

Special Trial Promotion

Keen to try BLACK PAINT out?

From now till 24th July 2014, BLACK PAINT is having an experience counter in Takashimaya Basement 1 (near L'Occitane counter and aromatherapy shelves) for ladies troubled by ACNE, black head, wrinkles and pigmentation problem to experience BLACK PAINT.

The BLACK PAINT girls at the counter will demonstrate how to do the BLACK PAINT 4 step skin care regime to maximize result. 

After that, if you choose to try their star product BLACK PAINT SOAP 120g (S$49.9), you have the option to utilize the voucher do a purchase on purchase for a trial set for S$10 (worth S$90). 

The trial set contains all the items needed for the BLACK PAINT 4 step regime, they are :

Best Water 50ml SG$34.9

Oil Water Rose 30ml SG$19.9

Water Cream Rose Lavender 10g SG$19.9

Black Sponge (small) 1pc SG$9.9

Facial Paper 10pc 1pack SG$3

Black Paint Soaking Cup 1pc SG$3

Download the Voucher here!

I spoke about the BLACK PAINT Range in my July Skincare Regimen, 

Click here to view it!

Location

Takashimaya

Basement 1, near the L'Occitane counter & aromatherapy shelves

Do pop by to try the product out yourself, I find BLACK PAINT to be such a unique product that it does help to learn and understand how to use them properly from the girls!

Dont be shy, feel free to ask me any questions about BLACK PAINT or let me know how it went for you in the comment section!

I'm blessed in some ways and cursed in others.

Maybe it just isnt the fate in our stars this time round,

But Time has been kind.

Cebu,

Here I come.

Whale sharks,

We have yet to meet but I know that I will love you...

Time,

Please grant me some to witness my love.

Hahahaha~

I need the sand, beach and sea.

This week, the ingredient to avoid is:

Synthetic Sunscreens

Sunscreen comes in two forms: chemical (synthetic) and mineral. 

Chemical sunscreen is the most popular because it goes on clear and does not have the chalky residue of some mineral SPFs.

Purpose/Usage 

Provide sun protection

Why should you avoid it:

Chemical sunscreen penetrates the skin, absorbing all the ingredients into your blood stream, and they have been linked to endocrine and reproductive changes. It mimics estrogen in the body potentially causing hormonal disruption.

It may lead to breast cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer for men.

It can also cause skin irritation.

Moreover, because people wear sunscreen when they are out at the beach and in the sea, these ingredients are also known to attribute to the bleaching of corals.

How to identify on a label:

The three most toxic ingredients are oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate. 

4-Methyl-Benzylidencamphor (4-MBC), Oxybenzone Benzophenone-3, Octyl-methoyl-cinnamates (OMC), Octyl-Dimethyl-Para-Amino-Benzoic Acid (OD-PABA), Homosalate(HMS)

They are found in sunscreens, facial moisturizer, lip protection products.

Safer alternatives:

1) Mineral sunscreen

Use sunscreen products that uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients do not penetrate the skin, have shown no endocrine or reproductive changes, and have the lowest toxicity concerns.

2) Protect with natural oils

If you are worried about nanoparticals, then your best bet is to use natural oils such as coconut oil and carrot seed oil, that provide SPF protection.

Tips:

There is a general misconception that the higher the SPF, the longer you can stay under the protection of the sunscreen. But it actually refers to the ability of the sunscreen to block Ultraviolet B Rays~

Here’s a quick reference guide:

SPF 15 – Blocks 94% of UVB Rays

SPF 30 – Blocks 97% of UVB Rays

SPF 45 – Blocks 98% of UVB Rays

After that, it does not really make much of a difference. 

So, to ensure that you are protecting yourself from these harmful rays, reapply sunscreen often (every 2 hours or so) and dont forget your eyes and lip area too!

Hey hey!

As a finalist of Best Beauty Blog in Singapore Blog Awards, we were requested to share with our readers the beauty tools which we use that are important to us. It was easy for me to think of the beauty tools that I use, but the challenge was how these tools were important to me. 

 I have just chanced upon these tools and just use them without realising that they form the essential part of my beauty process! We learn something new everyday!

Check out my video on the types of beauty tools I used in different aspects of my beauty regimen

and scroll down to read how these tools are important to me!

Skincare

Marketing and advertising has always place an emphasis that beauty starts with flawless skin, to the extent that photos and videos are retouched; models are covered up with makeup; and now, any skin imperfection is frown upon.

Ladies are now guilt-ridden for "flaws" that they cant control, like acne, pimples, wrinkles and even pigmentation.

As a new beauty blogger in this field, I would like to break that and tell you that I am far from perfection.

I battled with acne to tell you that the more you try to get rid of it, the more harm you are doing to your skin.
Now, after medications, harsh creams and various chemical treatments, my skin is very sensitive.

I found out the hard way that the solution to happy beautiful skin is to do less with harsh ingredients, sufficient with my cleansing routine and more with the way I love myself despite the social stigma of beauty.

I am currently using natural and basic skincare products for my face (Click here to read more about my current skincare) and to maintain healthy glowing skin, I use these tools below to gently cleanse away dead skin cells, grime and makeup and to boost circulation!

13RUSHES

The Cloud (L)

This fluffy brush here is a cleansing brush!

Made with incredibly fine and soft bristles, The Cloud reaches deep into your pores to prevent the accumulation of dirt, grime and makeup. This reduces causes of blemishes, while smoothing and refining your skin’s texture for incredible results.

I will do a review on this range soon! Keep an eye out if you are interested to know more! 

BLACK PAINT

Konjac Sponge (In travel size)

I have mentioned this in my recent July Skin Care Regimen video, click here to find out more on it!

A 100% natural facial sponge made from vegetable fiber, Kishu Binchotan charcoal (White charcoal) and various minerals that enhance absorptive ability, helps removing excess oil and dead skin cells in the most delicate manner.

With the use of these 2 cleansing tools, I have seen and felt a difference. My skin is smoother and more radiant now, there are still the occasional blemishes but the amount of it has reduced significantly!

I still dont have perfect flawless skin but at least the condition is being kept under control~

Makeup

Gorgeous makeup is as much about the tools you use as the products you apply and the skill of application. 

“Brushes make all the difference when it comes to getting a professional-looking makeup application,” says New York City-based celebrity makeup artist Troy Surratt. 

Having started out with basic makeup: foundation and eyeliner, I have come a long way from using my fingers to apply makeup. Now, I have a holder full of brushes, a drawer full of foundation, powder, blushers, eyeshadows, eyeliners, mascaras, lip gloss, lip stains and lipsticks!

I still use my fingers when I do my makeup, because let's face it~ body heat warms up products and fingers are easier to control when you are rushing for time. But that being said, on days when I have time or when a more seamless makeup look is required, I use brushes for application!

And as a beauty blogger, readers are not only interested in our 2 cents worth of review about a beauty product but also the way we create our makeup look~ (Am I right?)

I find that brushes help to create a smoother almost airbrush application that fingers cant really give.

And at the moment, I am trying out these 5 brushes from 13RUSHES!

13RUSHES

Base (Foundation)- Angled Flat Top Kabuki

Base (Concealer)- Angled Flat Top Mini

Finish ( Blush & Powder)- Round Cheek

Eyes- Short Shader & Angled Mini

13RUSHES aspires to bring cruelty-free alternatives to beauty lovers all over the world. We believe looking great doesn’t have to harm the animals. Contrary to popular belief, getting fur off the animals isn't as pain-free as a haircut. Every year, millions of animals are trapped and strangled in the wild, electrocuted and skinned in fur farms. Beauty should never come at the expense of the animals, as such all our products are 100% free of animal parts. Hence we promise to NEVER experiment on animals. Fur is really not glamourous.

I had the great pleasure of collaborating with 13RUSHES after I wrote in to them, I was really interested to know what everyone was raving about and so far, I am glad with the choices I made!
I will be doing a review on these brushes soon, so please do keep an eye out too!

Brushes aside, another makeup tool that I find very useful is this eyelash curler by Panasonic.

Eyelashes are Asian ladies' woes, they are either too short, too sparse or too straight that cannot rival the Western Ladies...

I have long lashes that are sparse and so poker straight, it would fool everyone at a poker table.

So I have been on the search for mascaras that would add volume and hold curls really well, and in my search, I have come upon many disappointing claims and end up having excess.

SO when I chanced upon this curler, I thought that I would put it to the ultimate test with the less worthy mascaras and boy was I amazed~

PANASONIC

Eyelash Curler (EH-SE60 VP)

I have never used a heated eyelash curler like this before and boy~ am I glad to have this!

This curler really makes the most out of mascaras that droops lashes (you know what I'm talking about)!

It heats up fast, curls well and stretch the use of disappointing mascaras!

Hair

Because I have a longish face shape, I keep my hair long to balance my face out and if you have long hair too, you know the troubles behind keeping our mane healthy.

Besides using SLS-free shampoo and applying all sort of hair treatment oil, I also try to keep it away from excessive heat. If I do, I use a heat protection products.

So what do I use when I want naturally soft curls for events and date nights?

I use these foam rollers!

GOODY

Dent-less Waves Foam Rollers (Large)

I have really long hair that has been dyed more times than I can count now and as usual, dyed hair tends to be dry and brittle. So to avoid excessive heat, I use these rollers to help me achieve my usual hairdo look while I sleep!

And there you have it~

The importance of Beauty Tools to me as a Beauty Blogger!

Please show your support if you like reading my posts by voting for me at:

https://apps.facebook.com/panasonic_sg_vote/

Stay Beautiful!

Panasonic Singapore Official website: http://www.panasonic.com.sg/

 Panasonic Singapore Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgpanasonic

SBA Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgblogawards

Thanks for watching this video, scroll down for more info about the giveaway & the products mentioned! :)

ITOH 100% PURE COLLAGEN GIVEAWAY

Follow these steps:

1) Subscribe to my Youtube Channel

2) Leave a comment as to why you would like to win this

Or
1) Like my Facebook Page
2) Leave me a personal message on my page

It is that~ simple!

~~~

Black Paint Japan Video of How this soap works:

Review Links:

Black Paint Soap How-to & Review

Blissoma Solutions Refine Clay Renewal Mask Review

ITOH 100% Pure Collagen Review

The lucky winner has been selected!
Thank you, everyone for participating!

Let's get a little girly and talk about makeup!

In conjunction with Tokyo Luxey Movie Contest to win a trip to Japan, I decided to do a makeup video featuring 24h Cosme products~

24h Cosme products are based on these concepts:

"No need to remove makeup around the clock" 

Intended for ladies who wears makeup for long period of time

Gentle on your skin

Why is it so?

Because 24h Cosme's cosmetics are made from natural minerals and moisturizing ingredients!

And you should know by now that I love makeup that are natural and free of those pesky harmful ingredients!

Check out my video below to see how I put these makeup products to use!

You can try these exclusive TOKYO LUXEY Japanese skin care and makeup products, head over to here for their special edition gift box!

If you are not living in Singapore, click this link instead to find out more about the gift box!

Or you can also join Tokyo Luxey as a Luxey like me!

Right now, there is a special Sign Up Campaign where you get to receive a mini sample of the BB cream in the image below!

Head over to the links now!

Stay Classy~

I was invited to rosebullet's opening at Orchard Gateway a month ago, by Beauty Direct~!

I was there to find out more about the body and fragrance range of Fernanda!

Their body mist is one of the most popular products in Japan and it's easy to see why~

Not only is there a range of scents to choose from, it is also affordable and light for travel!

To be honest, I was never a body mist user. I used perfume and very recently, I have been using solid perfume/fragrance balm because it works well in our weather.

But I gave Fernanda's body mist a shot and here are my thoughts on it!

Introducing~

FERNANDA FRAGRANCE BODY MIST IN AMELIA SWELL

To Use:

Spray on skin after bathing/showering or on thirsty skin as often as desired. 

May pat gently on skin for better absorption. 

VERDICT

Texture: Liquid, that dries off leaving the skin slightly moisturized

Smell: Fresh scent of peach blossoms is a running riot to the fragrance of sweet, graceful, rich purple-lilac flowers, inviting you to the world of dreams. Lastly, a soft stream of amber aroma leads you to a warm and sensual secret garden

Blend: Lilac,Amber,Peach blossom

Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, Ethanol, water, Paraben-free

Benefits:

• Hydrates & moisturizes the skin.
• Charming and refreshing fragrance to kick away the smell of food and tobacco.

Cost: $19.90

Product Rating: 7.5/10

I love that this body mist contains moisturizing ingredients, because I am fond of products that has multiple functions! It is also great that it is free of paraben! There is a range of scents to choose from to fit your own preference and I personally really like mine in Amelia Swell scent.

The drawback is that the scent doesnt last long in our climate. After the first hour, it leaves a very faint scent at best. I personally prefer fragrances to last a little longer (that's why the minus 2.5 rating)... But I guess, it's good that it is only 100ml making it very light to carry in your bag and to spritz more when needed!

Fernanda Body and Fragrance Range is available at:

 BHG

John Little

Isetan

Rosebullet@Orchard Gateway

Plaza@Cosme

You can also find the products available for online shopping at www.beautydirect.com.sg!