New Little Black Liner

Introducing the NEW Little Black Liner that allows you to create

three different eye looks with one tool - ultra-fine, thin or thick. A unique, dual-

ended, waterproof eyeliner that allows you to create the perfect line, whatever your mood may be –

natural, sophisticated or bold.

One product, three ways to use, three looks.

To Use:

Gently shake the pen and choose the applicator based on the line thickness desired. 

For a simple, natural look use the pointed applicator end to draw an ultra-fine, precise line.

For a classic, sophisticated look, use the thinner side of the paddle applicator to create a thin line. 

To go bold and daring, turn the paddle 90 degrees to the flat side draw a thick, dramatic line.

VERDICT

Colour: Black, very pigmented. 

Benefits:
• 12 hour wear
• Waterproof
• Non-smudging
• Non-flaking
• Color true
• Ophthalmologist tested

Cost: SG$50

Product Rating: 7/10
A very interesting liner with 2 different tips with one end, the usual pointed tip; and the other end resembling a paddle. Both tips are firm and a ball bearing inside the liner helps to distribute the product. Personally, I find that a firm liner tip makes it easier to draw a clean neat line so that is a plus.

I also like how pigmented this liner is and it doesn't flake throughout the day, but I find that it doesn't last long and it does smudge very easily (Hello, panda eyes). As for its waterproof claim, it doesn't budge under running water but with a little rub and everything is gone.

Limited Edition Double Wear Makeup To Go Liquid Compact

To commemorate the launch of the NEW Double Wear Makeup To Go Liquid Compact, Estée Lauder collaborated Singapore's fashion illustrator Grace Ciao, to illustrate on 50 of this compact!

Grace Ciao whose works have graced the international stage of renowned fashion brands and Saks Fifth Avenue, was inspired by the idea of painting fashion on a canvas. She has created three whimsical Compact illustrations - Classy Chic, Hollywood Glamour and Modern Romantic to adorn the NEW Double Wear Makeup To Go Liquid Compact.

There are 50 hand-illustrated pieces available for pre-orders from 15 til while stock lasts. For more information, please check out Estée Lauder Singapore Facebook.

To Use:

Press once for a light touch, twice for more coverage.

Use sponge provided and always work from the center of the face outwards. 

For best use, apply to clean skin, over skincare.

Wipe off any excess from the compact surface after application. Close tightly.

VERDICT

Texture: Slightly creamy, moisturizing and it leaves a slight glow.

Coverage: Light, works best to even out skin tone only.

Benefits:

• 8-hour wear;
• Contains ingredients that infuse and lock-in replenishing all day moisture while helping to improve the skin's hydration over time;
• Helps to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles, even skin tone to create the perfect canvas for effortless makeup application;
• Contains ingredients that capture and reflect light to provide the skin with instant radiance and luminosity;
• Comes in a portable, spill-proof compact.

Cost: SG$68

Product Rating: 7/10

From Bottom Left, to Top and Bottom Right: Modern Romantic, Hollywood Glamour & Classy Chic

How pretty are the illustration!!! Modern Romantic is my favourite, which is why it's mine! Muhahaha~ But illustration aside, let's talk about the foundation. When it comes to foundation, I based it on 3 factors: its coverage, how it feels like on my skin, and how long does it last.

So let's talk about coverage, honestly, I find that it isn't very heavy. I used the recommend number of clicks; 1 for a light touch and 2 for more coverage. I find that with 1 click, it is only good at correcting my skin tone and add a little glow to my complexion, whereas 2 clicks leave my face looking too glowy (= oily-looking) and I couldn't hide my scars or dark circles.

That being said, I also find that because of its hydrating properties, it's not quite apt for our local climate. A click worth of foundation feels alright on the skin for only 1-2 hours, then after, it feels like I have a rich moisturizer on my skin and most of the makeup melts away.

I was so disheartened when I was reviewing this product, I really wanted to love it... but with my skin type, it was not meant to be.

Pure Colour Envy Matte Lipsticks

A new lipstick collection created in collaboration with Estée Lauder spokesmodel, Joan Smalls, who hand-picked the shades and finish. From rich purples to fiery orange hues this curated collection of 7 matte lipsticks is highly pigmented while being lightweight and matte.

VERDICT

Texture: Non-drying, leaves lips nicely hydrated.

Colour: Highly pigmented, super rich.

Attributes:

• Highly pigmented
• Formulated with Advance True Vision Technology which combines multifaceted pigments and refined mattifying powders that gives this collection its intense mattified colour
• Comes in the iconic packaging inspired by modern architecture, with an innovative magnetic closure

Cost: SG$46

Product Rating: 10/10

Top Left: Shade of Stronger
Bottom Left: Shade of Commanding

I totally love this range of lipsticks! It's no secret that I'm a lipstick addict and I love bold red/purplish shades. So when I was given the choice to choose, I got myself the shades of Stronger and Commanding.. but I've got to say that I've a huge huge crush on the latter shade. I love that the lipsticks are so pigmented that I get a uniformed layer of colour in just one swipe, and the colour can be built upon with no streaks.

Besides the shades, I cannot stop raving about how it feels on my lips. It's quite common for matte lipsticks to be drying for the lips but these babies are totally divine! It's matte but there has been no compromises on how hydrating it feels on my lips.

Where to get them:

All Estée Lauder counters including ION Orchard Boutique from August 2015

Limited Edition Double Wear Makeup To Go Liquid Compact can only be ordered via a pre-order on Estée Lauder facebook, while stock last!

  Origins has launched its free standing store in ION recently to cater to today’s consumers who desire more immersive and engaging retail environments, the retail model brings to life the key pillars of the Origins brand through all touch-points of the store while encouraging exploration and discovery. 

The new concept brings to life Origins journey from plant to formula and showcases how Origins Explorer travels around the world to discover natural ingredients and then formulates into high-performance products in the Botanist’s Laboratory. Inspired by the blend of science and 

nature, the Explorer’s Studio and Botanist’s Laboratory are two complementary but distinct areas, 

born to evoke a feeling of well-being and discovery, encouraging a self-guided sensorial experience 

with the brand. 

Explorer’s StudioConsumers embark on the Origins journey with the Explorer. Compelling stories about the discovery, heritage and provenance of Origins rare ingredients are scattered throughout the shelves. The space houses her travel relics featuring white painted wall panels, reclaimed wood shelves antique signs and storage vessels from suitcases to antique mason jars.

Botanist’s Laboratory 

This floor-to-ceiling greenhouse wall evokes a feeling of wonder and an ornate essential oil display brings to life the brand’s iconic sensorial elements.



















I like how the ornate essential oil display illustrates the different essential oils used in the feature products.

Service Innovation 

This new concept is designed to enhance ease of navigation with an immersive, personalized and high-touch overall shopping experience to allow consumers to choose whether they want to explore and experiment on their own or receive a personal consultation from Origins guides with: 

‐ A large communal sink where consumers are invited to relax, engage with the products, discover Origins powerful natural ingredients and indulge an informal skin care consultation. 

‐ A separate display presenting a breadth of Origins signature bath and body products that promote wellness and sensorial relaxation.

‐ The exploratory product sample wall includes rows of glass, candy-store style jars, giving consumers the opportunity to select and test products at home before purchasing.

By encouraging guided exploration and discovery, consumers can test products with highly specified benefits in an engaging retail space that echoes the brand ethos of, “Never Stop Discovering.” 

Free Mini Facial Experience

And to top things off, Origins Singapore offers a mini facial experience for customers who would like to have a beauty retreat!  Simply make an appointment beforehand to enjoy this service for free.

Recommended products for me

I was invited to experience this service and here's my walk-through with what took place:

Skin consultation

To have an idea of my skin type and condition, I was asked to fill in a form and was asked a series of questions about my skin throughout the day, the products I use and etc.

Products Recommendation

Then the Origins Guide who was attending to me proceed to run through all the recommended Origins products for my skin type and lifestyle.

Facial Time

After which, the Origins Guide proceed to remove my makeup, cleanse my skin with the latest Mega-Mushroom Skin-Relief Micellar Cleanser, exfoliate with a scrub before it was time for masks! I like how Origins has termed the use of multiple mask at a time for different areas of the face; Multi-tasking Mask! Because to be honest, that's what I do at home! I use a clay-based mask for my nose, apples of my cheek and chin, and a hydrating mask on my forehead and the sides of my cheeks.



As this is a mini facial experience, the mask was left on my skin for about 5 minutes before it was wiped off and the session was wrapped up with the use of a serum and moisturizer! 

Overall, I think this was a great way to learn and experience the texture and my skin's reaction to the products and the Origin Guide was equipped with the skills and knowledge to answer all of my questions about their product and even ingredients. I even like how she reacted when she found out that I'm using a sunscreen of SPF50 because, yes~ that means the sun protection properties are derived with chemicals rather than physical, so it is technically more harmful.

So, I'm currently trying out their CC cream with SPF20!
I shall write my review in a month's time, so keep an eye out for that.

Here's Origins' Pollution Protection Regimen for the Hazy season!

In the mean time, do visit the new Discovery retail concept model in ION Orchard B3-55/56 and feel free to book yourself an appointment for a Mini Facial experience! It's free and you are not obligated to buy anything that you are not comfortable with after.