Thursday, May 10, 2012
Buttt! I have to warn you. My makeup collection is rather boring. I don't have 20 different kinds of eyeshadow palettes and a gazillion lipsticks and mascaras like any other makeup junkies. I mean, I love makeup but I am not a makeup hoarder. I only buy what I really need (now if only that applies to clothes as well). So don't expect too much, okay!
Alright, so I used to stash all of my makeup items in the storage at the back of the mirror of my dressing table, that looks something like this. Yes, my makeup was safe from my kids' reach - I even secured the mirror with a safety strap, just in case - but the storage is too narrow and I kept on dropping my stuff. Grrrr! Do you know how agonizing it is to drop a makeup item and see it broken into a million pieces - especially new ones?? Happened quite recently to my Nars blush (I still keep and use it of course).
I just had to find a new way to store my makeup.
So then I found this acrylic makeup organizer on eBay. It comes in different types and sizes, and I bought mine for about $52 (free shipping) from this Korean seller.
Mine is the B-3 (b tape) type, which, as you can see, comes with drawers and open compartments - small ones for lipsticks/lip glosses, bigger ones for bigger makeup items like foundations and powders. It's just perfect to hold all of my makeup and I was very pleased with my purchase. Shipping was fast too - my item arrived about a week after I've made the payment.
I like that each of the drawers comes with a liner so that they won't get scratched.
Here's what I put inside the drawers:
Top drawers
Middle drawer
Bottom drawer
I loveee my makeup organizer so much (can't help to stare at it all day) that I decided to get another one (also from the same seller) for the rest of my beauty stuff. I bought the ST-823, which comes with 2 compartments with lids. Perfect to store facial cottons and cotton buds!
There's even a compartment that's big enough to hold all of my makeup brushes (all 24 of them)
and there's still some room for more.
Oh, in case you're wondering what are those white tubes covering my brushes... Those are brush guards which helps to protect your makeup brushes so that they don't get squashed. I bought them from CoastalScents.com (yes, they ship to Malaysia).
Besides lipsticks/lip glosses, these small compartments are perfect to hold skincare/makeup sample tubes too.
You can also get this kind of acrylic storage at Muji store in Pavilion (level 5, if I'm not mistaken). It's my new favorite store! They're not exactly the same like the ones I bought from eBay (no lipstick holder) but they would make a nice storage for makeup too.
I bought the 2-drawer box and jewellery trays (sold separately) for my brooches. Love it!
You can even use it to store your makeup items - without the trays, of course.
So that's how I store my makeup (and skincare and brooches). Would love to know how you store yours, especially those with little kids!
Labels: Beauty/Skincare
She slipped off her pink stilettos at 4:00 AM |
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Stila is one of the first makeup brands I've ever used. In fact, most of my makeup collection, back then, were Stila - foundation, concealer, loose powder, eye shadow palettes, lip gloss and mascara.
My all-time favorite Stila products are their kajal eye liner (I reviewed it here) and lip glaze. Super LOVE 'em! It's a bummer that my favorite makeup brand is not available in Malaysia anymore. Why Stila, whyyy?? I was broken-hearted when I first found out about it. Kinda like the girl in this video, (except I didn't throw things).
Ok, I'm exaggerating. It's only a makeup (by the way, I wonder if this is an excerpt from an upcoming movie or something).
Anyways... back to Stila.
I have a great news! No, Stila is not coming back to Malaysia (at least not for now). But I have a few Stila stuff on sale at my blogshop, shoppersanctuary.blogspot.com. Items are limited tho (only 10), including a few limited edition eye shadow palettes that are sold out everywhere. If you're a Stila fan, you really don't wanna miss this because once they're gone, you will never see them again. Ever. And you really don't wanna be broken-hearted like the girl in that video.
Oh, and there's kajal eye liner and lip glaze too. I have those but in different colors (if they are not sold within 3 days, I think I might use them for myself instead!).
Oh, and there's kajal eye liner and lip glaze too. I have those but in different colors (if they are not sold within 3 days, I think I might use them for myself instead!).
Once you've made up your mind, email me your orders at iza_mirilyea@yahoo.com. As usual, based on first come first serve!
Labels: Beauty/Skincare
She slipped off her pink stilettos at 2:00 AM |
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
My husband has been a weebit conscious with his appearance lately. He has started doing workouts, play sports a couple of times a week, eat healthily (he even requested me to pack healthy homemade food for his lunch every day) and I even caught him admiring himself in front of the mirror, sometimes doing funny expressions and macam-macam gaya that made me go, "OMG, I did not just see that!".
Then just recently, he asked for my "expert" advice on skincare product for men.
"Saya nak kulit cantik macam awak". Awwhhh! Haha.
My mind immediately thought of Clarins Men, and after reading the good reviews on MakeupAlley (he googled for the reviews himself!), we went to Clarins counter at The Gardens the other day.
Good thing I was there with him. Dia rambang mata (which is so unlike him)!
"Whoa...Ab Firming. Macam best."
"Eh, ada deodorant Clarins for men jugak. How much is the deodorant?"
"What's a moisture gel? And do I need a toner?"
"I want a body scrub too".
I told him to get just the basic products for a start - cleanser and moisturizer. Even the sales assistant advised the same thing so we bought those two (and a couple of body care products for myself).
Anyway after only 2 days, my husband said he noticed some improvements on his skin. He's pretty excited about it and told me that he wants to buy Clarins deodorant stick pulak. Erm...What's wrong with drugstore brand again? I use Rexona jer kot. Over tau! ;p
And then he said, "Apa salahnya... Awak ada berpuluh barang muka, saya ada 2 je".
I laughed. He is sooo exaggerating.
Well, except the part where he said he only has two.
"Tak payah la guna deodorant mahal-mahal. Guna yang selalu awak pakai tu je pun ok".
"Saya nak ketiak saya lawa jugak!".
ROTFLOL.
Labels: Beauty/Skincare
She slipped off her pink stilettos at 12:30 AM |
Thursday, December 15, 2011
When I was younger, I used to think anti-aging products are for women who are 40 and above. I thought you should only use anti-aging products when your skin starts to have wrinkles and such. Little that I know that skin starts to show visible signs of aging at the age of 25!
After knowing this, I started to switch to anti-aging product. Not all of them tho; just the core ones like my essence and moisturizer. Another reason was because I noticed my skin becomes a bit dry after having my second baby, which was last year. It's a sign of aging!
At the moment I'm using a few new skincare products, and one of them is L'Oreal Youth Code.
It's a pre-essence, which is to be applied right after toner and before essence. I've recently added this to my skincare regime, so now instead of 5 products (cleanser-toner-essence-eye cream-moisturizer), I use six.
I read that as we age, the natural regenerative process begins to slow down and it replaces old cells, heals wounds, etc more slowly. The Youth Code product uses PRO-GEN Technology formula, which activates a specific gene to help boost skin's recovery power more like it did when it was younger and improves skin's quality. It also amplifies the effect of my anti-aging skincare regime by 5 times, so that is really great. It helps to absorb the benefits of the skincare products I use even more!
It's a pre-essence, which is to be applied right after toner and before essence. I've recently added this to my skincare regime, so now instead of 5 products (cleanser-toner-essence-eye cream-moisturizer), I use six.
I read that as we age, the natural regenerative process begins to slow down and it replaces old cells, heals wounds, etc more slowly. The Youth Code product uses PRO-GEN Technology formula, which activates a specific gene to help boost skin's recovery power more like it did when it was younger and improves skin's quality. It also amplifies the effect of my anti-aging skincare regime by 5 times, so that is really great. It helps to absorb the benefits of the skincare products I use even more!
My skin before applying any skincare product -
kinda dull with a little bit of redness.
Just like most skincare products, this pre-essence should be used twice a day on a perfectly cleansed skin. I would cleanse and tone first, then apply this pre-essence.
I like that it comes in a slender glass bottle with a dropper
It dispensed just the right amount - not too much, not too little
Dot a little on forehead, cheeks, nose, chin
and gently spread all over face.
After that, continue with your usual essence, moisturizer and whatnot. Sometimes when I'm in a hurry, I just use this pre-essence and skip my essence. I love how it absorbed into my skin almost instantly without leaving any greasy residue and felt silky smooth. Smells nice too! I have only been using it for a week and I noticed that my skin is more hydrated and looks fresher after application.
It claims that after one week, skin begins to look younger, texture is more refined and elastic. Whoaa... Do I *ehem* look younger - early 20s perhaps? ;p (I'm actually nearing the big three-oh. Yikes! I'm getting older).
Oh, that reminds me. Another thing I like about this product of L'Oreal is the name - Youth Code. Youth. My mind instantly thinks of being young, exuberant, happy.
I don't know about you, but when I read the word "anti-aging" on skincare products, I feel.....old. I guess because the word "anti-aging" focuses on aging? Kind of like the law of attraction thingy. The name Youth Code somehow has a more positive vibe to it. Get what I mean? Good.
Now go crack your youth code!
Labels: Advertorials, Beauty/Skincare
She slipped off her pink stilettos at 10:00 AM |
Sunday, November 20, 2011
A few days ago, I woke up with a rash on my left under-eye. It was hideous.
Dari jauh, I looked like I have a severe dark-reddish circle - like someone just punched me in the eye.
Dari dekat... Well, it looks like this.
The rash became worse 3 days later, and it started to get itchy and dry. And then my right under-eye started to have the rash as well. It was so itchy that I had to scrub it with an exfoliator! I also dabbed on a little Oxy 10 because I didn't know what else to put because it was so itchy! Only then I remembered the balm that I always apply on my kids when they have cuts, rashes, burns, bug bites, etc. I call it the "miracle balm". It's the Angel Baby Bottom Balm and it somehow worked! The itchiness has decreased. But the rashes were still there. I went to see a doctor and was told that it's a minor allergic reaction. Nothing serious but oh well, it's hideous.
The doctor said I have to find out myself what I'm allergic to. I had never been allergic to anything before - food, meds, beauty products, etc - except dust. But this ain't because of dust. (The doctor gave me a med for the rash by the way, altho I was hoping he would give me a cream or something to apply).
I'm pretty sure it's from something that I applied. I've switched to a few new skincare products recently - Soap & Glory eye serum, Sephora scrub and Burt's Bees toner. I don't think it's because of the scrub and toner tho, because I don't apply them around my eye area, so it must be the eye serum. I've tried hundreds of skincare products before and this is the first time I'm allergic to one. It's a lot worse than having a pimple break out (when a product doesn't suit you)!
"You Won't Believe Your Eyes".
I sure don't! Pfft.
How long does an allergic rash usually last anyway? It has been exactly a week now and the rashes are still there but it's not as red as before. Anddd I'm not sure whether it's okay to wear eye cream or not because my under-eyes are so dry and I think I'm starting to get wrinkles!
Labels: Beauty/Skincare
She slipped off her pink stilettos at 1:00 AM |
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
You probably know how unadventurous I am when it comes to makeup. Yes, I love playing around with colors and experimenting with different makeup looks, but that's only when I'm at home. I don't dare go out with bold eyeshadows and neon lips that just scream, "Hey people, look at me!".
I'm shy like that. ;p
You can't really see my eye makeup in the photo, can you?
I usually prefer to wear natural, "safe" colors.
Brown, taupe, chocolate, beige.
But the other day, the day that I wore my black-and-white polka dot Zara top with a splash of lemon - a bright yellow scarf with matching shoes - I braved myself to wear yellow eyeshadow (I got it from Topshop recently, at half the price).
You can't really see my eye makeup in the photo, can you?
Here's a closer look.
Yellow and pink! Who would have thought of wearing those two colors together!
It's the craziest color combo (for eyeshadows) that I have ever worn! A bit messy but I kinda like it. It's like color-blocking. It would be even crazier if I used a brighter shade of pink, like neon pink maybe. Walla.
Anyway here's a list of products that I used on my eyes for this look:
Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Flax
Works like a primer to help intensifies eyeshadow colors. I just dab it a little on my lids using the applicator and blend using my finger. It has a nice pearly effect and you can even wear it alone for a bright, wide-awake eyes.
Topshop Eyeshadow Duo in Oopsy Daisy
I applied the yellow color on my entire eyelid using Too Faced small brush, and then the pink color using Too Faced angled brush to create a subtle 'V' shape on the outer corner of my eyes and also for the crease.
Soap & Glory Arch De Triumph
This pencil has 2 tips - one is highlighter (light pink), another one is brow shaper (taupe). I used the highlighter to highlight my brow bone by drawing 2-3 short lines just underneath my eyebrows and blend it using my finger. Love!
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink
My favorite type of eyeliner. And yes, it lasts all day without smudging! I applied this using Sephora angled eyeliner brush #15.
Maybelline Crayon Liner in Black
I like to use pencil eyeliner for my lower lash line. Apply just halfway along the bottom lash line and smudge using the Sephora angled eyeliner brush for a softer look.
Maybelline Hyper Curl Volum' Express Mascara in Very Black
One of my favorite mascaras by Maybelline. Apply a few coats to get thick, volumized lashes. But since this is a waterproof mascara, I only use it during that time of the month because it is crazy hard to remove it (only with cleansing oil)!
When my husband saw me all yellow and sunshiny, he gave me a surprised look and said, "Whoaa kuningnya!!".
Thank God no one else stopped and stared at me like the way he did!
Labels: Beauty/Skincare
She slipped off her pink stilettos at 2:00 AM |
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
It was around 9.00 pm.
My husband, my sister-in-law, my kids and I had just left the Homedec exhibition and went to KLCC to have dinner. We were on our way heading to the carpark later after that, when I suddenly saw something. I gasped.
There, right in front of me was SEPHORA!
Believe it or not, I had never been to Sephora in KL ever since its opening and I had totally forgotten about this one in KLCC. The only Sephora I've been to is in Paris, which was like 5 eons ago and for only like 10 minutes (you know dads! "Nak beli makeup apa lagi, cukup lah tu". Pfft ;p). So imagine my excitedness!
I begged my husband. He looked at his watch.
"Pleaseee...", I said. "15 minit pun jadi la".
He gave me the green light and I quickly went to the nearest shelf.
Weee! Soap & Glory. All pink and pretty!
A sales assistant approached, greeted me and handed me a basket.
I wasted no time to fill it up.
Wow that's a cute name for an eye cream.
Breakfast Scrub? That sounds yummy.
17 ringgit, are you kidding me? It would be a waste not to buy!
Mmm...this smells nice. Oh this one, too.
I was like a kid in a candy store. Everything looks cute and pretty and smells nice. It's like heaven. A heaven for beauty junkies.
I sorta went nuts. Suddenly it seemed like I ran out of everything.
Foot cream, hand cream, body mist, body scrub....
I looked at my watch. 15 minutes had passed.
Cepatnya. I'm not done yet!
I looked around, searching for my husband.... and there he was with his iPhone in his hand, recording a video of Raina who was walking around, checking out the store and other people's shoes. Good, I thought. That would distract him for a bit. Now I need to find myself a lipstick.
I carried on with my mission, then went to the cashier and walked out of Sephora with my goodies and a big smile on my face. There's nothing like shopping for new makeup and beauty stuff!
My husband on the other hand, was playing peek-a-boo (or so it seemed) with my girls. Bless him!
I didn't manage to check out other brands tho. Too Faced, Urban Decay, Bare Escentuals, etc etc. Hopefully next time. And hopefully I could spend hours in there. 15 minutes is definitely NOT enough!
Labels: Beauty/Skincare
She slipped off her pink stilettos at 10:00 AM |
Friday, September 30, 2011
Here's a step-by-step tutorial on how I recreated the Mystery Maven look, inspired by the runway looks of the New York Fashion Week.
STEP 5: I also mixed the green colors with a little bit of blue eye shadows, using Maybelline Hyper Diamonds in BU-1 shade. Apply the darkest blue shade on the outer corner of your eyes with the small foam applicator and create a 'V' shape. Stroke it inward until the middle part of your lid and blend. I also line my lower lash line using the same darkest blue shade. Then using my finger, I apply the white shade on my brow bone for highlight.
STEP 8: Finish off the Mystery Maven look with a red lipstick. I'm using Maybelline Color Sensational in Summer Sunset, which as you can see, is so bloody red! It's actually my very first time wearing a bright red lipstick! To ensure a smooth application, I dab Maybelline Clear Smooth Powder on the area along my lips, using a sponge. Done!
Ta-daa!
You know what, it's actually a lot easier to cam-whore using my iPhone 4, so here you go....
Do I look "mysterious"? ;p
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial, as much as I enjoyed doing it! :)
Labels: Beauty/Skincare
She slipped off her pink stilettos at 10:50 PM |
Friday, September 23, 2011
While it's true that I am more comfortable wearing little makeup and nothing too dramatic on my face, I do admit playing around with colors is uber fun! You get to experiment with different looks - sexy, bold, sweet, fresh, exotic, etc etc. It's amazing how a little color could change your entire appearance, giving you more confidence and making you feel and look more beautiful. Makeup is like.... magic!
The other day I got the chance to attend Maybelline Workshop for bloggers at L'Oreal Academy Bangsar. It was actually my second time attending a makeup workshop (I usually learn makeup techniques from beauty magazines and online video tutorials). I have always loved Maybelline's mascaras (you can read my review here) but never tried their other products. I was surprised to find out that Maybelline is actually the #1 makeup brand in the world and they were the official makeup sponsor for the recent New York Fashion Week!
We learned how to get runway looks and translate them
into wearable, chic looks in this workshop.
Celeberity makeup artist showing the makeup techniques
Amber Chia was there too. She gave us some tips on how to pose in front of the camera.
I was awestruck seeing her effortless poses!
Managed to snap a pic with her.
Gosh, look at those eyebags of mine! >_<
And then it was time to do our makeup. The makeup artist showed how to achieve 4 different runway looks - G.I Jane, Sexy Starlet, Party Princess and Mystery Maven. We had to choose one look and do our own makeup, based on what we learned earlier. And we were only given 30 minutes!
Before - bare-faced
Maybelline makeup that were provided
Girls at "work"
I decided to go with the G.I Jane look.
It's all about outstanding eyes in military khaki greens and lots of eyeliner!
I am in love with this Hyper Sharp Liner.
It's an ultra-fine liquid eyeliner and is SO easy to apply
(that's coming from someone who used to think liquid eyeliner is the hardest to apply!)
The end result - my version of G.I Jane.
Usually the darkest shade is applied on the outer corners of the eyes to create a V shape, but for this G.I Jane look, the darkest shade is applied on the inner corners of the eyes. It's something different!
Close-up
Nuffie Thara!
My makeup haul
(Managed to grab the Hyper Sharp Liner that I've been eyeing on. Yay!)
After trying out Maybelline's products, I now have 3 new favorites (besides the Magnum Volum' Express mascara). They are the Hyper Sharp Liner, Baby Lips and Angel Fit Perfect Concealer. Major love!
Anyway, Maybelline is having a contest for us bloggers who attended the workshop. We need to recreate any of the 4 looks and take step-by-step pictures or video of how we do it - kind of like a makeup tutorial. I haven't decided which look to choose... Should I do the G.I Jane again or something else? Or any of you want to request any of the looks - Sexy Starlet (shiny and metallic eyes), Party Princess (sweet, subtle pink and girlish accents) or Mystery Maven (dramatic turquoise eyes with red lips).
Let me know if you would like to request a look! Maybe I could come up with something ;D
Labels: Beauty/Skincare
She slipped off her pink stilettos at 10:45 AM |