Who produces the best all-purpose balm/creams? The Americans or the French?

Recently the skin on my legs seemed to be parched and itchy with some bumps - look a lot like eczema, except that it is not. Pretty annoying as I couldn't find any body lotion that can sooth it without giving me another bout of sensitivity. On the other hand, my face has clogged pores & a few pimples, due to PMS and with the Singapore heat (34degrees, can you imagine?).

These skin problems bugged me a bit. And I was hoping if there is a one-cream-solves-all miracle solution, that will be wonderful!

When I was first introduced to Crème Simon Crème Universelle, I was pretty thrilled. The consultant advised me that this is their star product and has the following benefits:

Relieve Chapped Lips

Regenerate Dry Elbows and Cracked Heels

Soothe Sun-Burnt Skin

Relieve Common Skin Irritations

Moisturise Dry Cuticles

- See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/collections/creme-universelle_1/#sthash.YqA8jCh3.dpuf

• Moisturize & deeply hydrate on any part of the skin
• Relieve skin irritations
• Regenerate dry elbows and cracked heels
• Relieve chapped lips
• May be used on pimples (what?!) due to its anti-inflammatory properties
• Moisturize cuticles

Moisturise Dry Cuticles

Basically, this is a multi-purpose product that is portable for daily use! I was thinking if it does what it claims, then it is every girl's LIFE SAVER! Hence, without second thoughts, I bought one for my own use, alongside with other products.

On the same day, my hubby returned home from San Franciso with a surprise - a tube of The Honest Co. Organic Healing Balm for me to try it on my bumpy skin on my legs. (le hubs is a health-conscious individual who aims to try all the organic stuff in the market)

If you haven't heard of The Honest Company yet, it is co-founded by Jessica Alba in 2011 and its products are retailed in the U.S. As the name of the company suggests, The Honest Co. focuses on ethical consumerism, offering eco-friendly, non-toxic and organic comsumer goods. It is not exactly a beauty/makeup company, but it is a place where you can safely buy household stuff for your family and your baby.

Jessica Alba and her products. Look gorgeous here!

When I first held these two products in my hands, all I could think of is : Which is better? Which one should I use first? Seriously, BOTH offer similar benefits and both are meant for the same purposes! Furthermore, both also claimed to be free of the bad stuff. Eg. Crème Universelle is oil free, paraben-free and silicon-free; while Organic Healing Balm is " honestly free of petroleum, mineral oil, lanolin, parabens, fragrances, dyes & most common allergens" quoting the official website.

Both confused me for a while, and at the same time, 

piqued my curiosity.

Oil-free. Paraben free. Silicone free.
Over 90% natural ingredients
- See more at: https://www.creme-simon.com/collections/creme-universelle_1/#sthash.YqA8jCh3.dpuf

That's when I told myself, I am gonna review BOTH and see which one is the ultimate winner! Therefore...I came up with this.

Let's do a comparison review side by side!

I took about 10 days to test out these two for myself and here I am, presenting to you the thoughts I have for each one.

How Not To Debt For Beauty

Ever since I started Instagramming my monthly beauty hauls, 

I get questions like these all the time:

Did you buy all this?

Where did you get your money from?

How do you manage to not burn a hole in your pocket?

 

Photo credits: sheniko.blogspot.sg

Let's face it. Women spend tons of their hard-earned money on beauty & fashion. For at least once in our lives, we resorted to eating plain bread at the end of the month, because we don't have money left after shopping! Of course we need to have that latest shade of Chanel lipstick and that tenth bottle of brightening serum, even when have not opened the previous tube of lipstick we bought last week. Exactly. We need it.

On the other hand, there are a handful of oblivious people(these folks usually have no idea where their money went to) who have a misconception that beauty products don't cost much, but have you REALLY sit down to total up your monthly spending on beauty, hair, body products & services? I am sure these set you back at least a few hundreds to a few grands (God forbid!) per month.

Allow me to share some ideas to you beauty junkies out there, how to stay sane and not to get into debt coz of shopping!

Charlotte Tilbury and Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad Review

By now, if you have been following me for a while, you will know I am a sucker for eyeshadow palettes, especially neutral ones. Palettes are just lovely, aren't they? They have all you need in one pretty box. But..how much are you willing to spend on one little eyeshadow quad?

As my March haul and other buys suggest, I don't have much restrictions on budget for eyeshadows. It's not that I am rich; I am NOT, I have a budget (and I will write more about that, as well as the fun financial-related stuff on my next post. Haha! Did I just say FUN?) but when it comes to eyeshadow, I find myself more laid-back about my moolah.

Last month, I was gifted two eyeshadow quads by my family, on my requests. I feel exhilarated to finally be able to show you some swatches and pen my thoughts about these two products...

(Left) Tom Ford Eye Colour Quad Cocoa Mirage, SGD105 

(Right) Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palatte Dolce Vita, £38.00

 

 

Both are very wearable neutrals. Both shades are rather similar too. The key differences are textures- matte (TF) versus glitter/shimmer (CT); prices, quality of powder and the slightly warmer tones of CT palette. 

Swatches will tell the full story...

Tom Ford Cocoa Mirage

Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita

 My Thoughts on Tom Ford Cocoa Mirage

Get this look with Tom Ford eyeshadow quad! Read my Makeup Tutorial.

The first touch of this palette screams of luxury in capital L. From the shiny paper box, soft velvet pouch, palette exterior finishing, exquisite brushes - everything feels super luxurious! The feel of the exceptionally smooth powder drives every makeup junkie to instant orgasm. LOL. No kidding.

PROS:

• Powder is so finely milled, I dare say there is no other brand who can beat its quality, as of time of writing.
• Colours suit almost everyone, but may not be as obvious on dark skin.
• Everyday matte neutral colors that brighten up the eyes without being over made-up.
• SUPER easy to apply - perpertually GLIDES on quickly like a plane in the sky
• Pigmented and blendable (what a perfect combi!)
• The luxurious packaging and good amount of product makes this investment worth its buck.

  CONS:

• Hefty price tag of SGD105 (which can buy you 26 plates of chicken rice in Singapore)
• No shimmer in any of the shades, which means it produces an understated kind of look that won't make your eyes stand out (if you're hoping to) 
• Lasting power is so-so, not something worth mentioning about.

 OVERALL PRODUCT RATING:

With this price, I can't bring myself to give it a 5-kisses as I am concerned about the pockets of the everyday woman. I do LOVE this product very much because of the high quality and the colours can never go wrong on anyone. In fact, I will repurchase in other colours in future!

 My Thoughts on Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita

I applied CT eyeshadow with a VERY light hand. I used all 4 colours.

I was considering between this or Vintage Vamp. Eventually got my hubby to buy Dolce Vita as it is of a warmer tone and I thought the gold shimmer shade is just so sexy. Now I kinda regret it! (I have too many similar colours.)

PROS:

• Colours are very pigmented and dark - great for smoky eye look
• Unique inclusion of gold glitter (not the fine type) - good for evenings/parties
• All shades have shimmers in them - your eyes are sure to sparkle!
• Price is lower than Tom Ford's (approximately SGD80 after currency conversion)
• Sophisticated high quality packaging like TF.

 CONS:

• No brushes! No pouch.
• A little bit of fallouts from the gold glitter 
• Colours do not complement well. (IMO, I think they should change the fourth shade to something darker, sans the grayish hue)
• Not exactly cheap if compared to mid-range eyeshadows which deliver similar results.
• Not available in Singapore retail market yet. Need to ship from CT website. Shipping costs has to be factored in.

  OVERALL PRODUCT RATING:

Wanted to rate it better but perhaps I've set too high expectations of this product and even needed to trouble my hubby to hunt this down in London for me - all these factors played a part of this overall rating. If you happen to be in the UK and have not tried CT products before, and if you do not own similar colours, I guess SGD80 is still justifiable for the purchase, just for novelty sake.

IF THESE TWO PALETTES WERE IN A PAGEANT, WHO GETS THE CROWN?

Photo credits: about-face.org

Since I am the sole judge here, I will bestow the title to.....

#brightenmeFaithy Giveaway Winner

#brightenmeFaithy  

 Giveaway Winner

Congratulations~!

Faithy Vanity Table Instagram follower @juneunicorn*

walks away with a

Laneige White Plus Renew Trial Set worth SGD49

*Please contact me directly via any of my social media or email me at faithyvanitytable@gmail.com with the following:

1. Name

2. Postal address

3. Contact number

If you prefer to self-collect your prize, it can be arranged and your address will not be needed.

*Prize to be collected by 26/04/2015, otherwise another winner will be repicked.

Thank you to all who participated in this giveaway! Follow me on my social media (scroll down this page all the way, click on the pink icons) to get updates of when the next giveaway will be held. Alternatively, subscribe to the blog or check back regularly.

Cheers!

Secret of Anti-aging?

That day I came across an article...
"15 MediaCorp Celebrities Who Have Discovered The Secret Of Anti-Ageing"

Link: http://mustsharenews.com/mediacorp-celebs-anti-ageing/

Catchy article eh?

The article featured fifteen of our local artistes who look as youthful as they did a decade ago, hence the title "secret of anti-aging". In the event you get too lazy to click on the article (which you shouldn't, really.), I'll paste some of their photos here for your drooling pleasure.

 

Of course that article did not include this pic. #whyohwhy
Btw, I swear on my life NO plastic surgery has ever happened - NO nose job, eyelids job, botox, whatever nonsense. The most invasive thing EVER done to my face was an epic fail mole removal that I paid cheaply for at some tacky home-based beauty parlour , 9 years ago. Gosh, what foolishness~!

OOPS. So..the last one is not a MediaCorp celebrity... Just a delusional blogger who feels like a celebrity at times! #evillaughs

Anyway, jokes aside, I was a tad disappointed when the article did not share with us how the celebrities maintained their youthful looks (sans the cosmetics procedures, if any.) They should really interview these artistes and report HOW and WHY they look the way they do. I WANT TO KNOW. Heh.

Well, judging from my 2005 and 2015 photos, I guess that kinda qualifies me to share my "secrets" of anti-aging? HAHAHA! My hilariously thick-skin tickles me at times. Ahem. (Ok, if you think I am not fit to tell you how to maintain youthful looks, then the 'x' button is right there on your top right. You're welcomed.)

WHY some people look younger than others

1. Genetics

Health issues are often hereditary; so are looks, and so is youthfulness. Sad truth be told, family genes play a large part on how we look now and twenty years from now. Look at your aged mother and there is some telling how you will look 50 years down the road. Rejoice if your mother/aunts/grandmother still 've got it!

Natural Sweetie Pie Ulzzang Makeup Tutorial - a look that carries you through from a working day to a casual dinner date!

This is a makeup tutorial inspired by Korean trends. It's a neutral look that is good for everyday - suitable for school/work, casual day out with friends or even a casual dinner with your date!

I have monolids that naturally turns into double eyelids with a crease after I apply mascara/falsies. This makeup suits both single eyelids and double eyelids ladies.

 

Products used in this makeup tutorial (clockwise direction):

1. Iope Cushion Blusher No.01
2. Make Up For Ever HD Powder
3. Lancome Cushion Foundation
4. Heavy Rotation Eyebrow Mascara No. 4
5. Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara No.01
6. CLIO Gelpresso Waterproof Pencil Gel Liner No.1
7. Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint and Precision Pencil
8. 3 Concept Eyes Creamy Water Proof Eyeliner No.8
9. Make Up For Ever Face Brush no. 128
10. Tom Ford Eye Shadow Quad in Cocoa Mirage
11. NARS Brillant A Levres in Istria
12. Etude Colors in Lips PK006
13. Inglot AMC Gel Matte Liner no. 77

 (For separate product reviews, click on the blue hyperlinks.)


Below is a series of pictorial makeup tutorial. 
(Click on each image to enlarge.)

You may replace products I used with your existing products or any similar shades/ dupes you think is suitable for you. Everyone's facial features are different, so please feel free to tweak the look as you desired!

Step 1: Skincare - Prep your face with your usual day skincare products.

Step 2: Base Makeup

Step 3: Brows

Step 4: Eyeshadow

Line your eyes with the darkest colour in your eyeshadow palatte. Subsequently, use the lightest colour to blend,blend and blend away any harsh lines!

Lancôme Blanc Expert Cushion UV Review & Swatches

My March haul has been incredibly exciting for me. And out of all the awesome stuff I hauled or have been gifted, the one product that unbelievably led me to continue reaching for it day after day is.... 

Lancôme Blanc Expert Cushion UV Compact

Photo credits: Lancome Singapore Official Facebook Page

 
BB Cushion is not new to us in Asia. The beauty-conscious Koreans were the first to invent BB cream and later on, the cushion technology, years back. And it has since become a staple in the makeup routines of many Koreans and perhaps quite a handful of beauty junkies or other Asian women alike.

Taken from the official Lancome website:

Lancôme Blanc Expert Cushion UV

QUICK
FRESH
ON-THE-GO

Lancôme's first liquid cushion compact for effortless perfection in seconds.
 Benefits:
- FRESH GLOW
- LASTING HYDRATION
- WEIGHTLESS BUILDABLE COVERAGE
- SPF 23/PA++

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before I present you my thoughts...let's unbox together, shall we?

 Now, swatches and demos on my face!

(Correction: It's Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion)
Not a huge difference: foundation disappears into my skin, leaving a subtle satin finish behind.

Laneige is more matte and shows a greyish cast, and Lancome is satiny and more yellow.

Instant brightening boost to the face (thanks to its pine extract and glycerin)! 
Does not cover all my pigmentation though. CLICK to enlarge image.

My Thoughts:
Initially, I was rather skeptical about this copycat cushion foundation. Despite its claims of being the first Western cushion product, somehow I felt a tinge of discomfort at the thought of Lancome "plagarising" the Koreans' work. 

Travel Revolution Fair 2015

Photo credits: Tripzilla.sg

This year 2015, Singaporeans will have another travel fair to shop for amazing travel deals, apart from the annual NATAS Travel Fair. Travel Revolution Fair 2015 is organized by 24 travel agencies, including the travel industry’s Big Four – Chan Brothers Travel, CTC Travel, SA Tours, and Dynasty Travel. The inaugural Travel Revolution Fair 2015 was initially scheduled on 27-29 March 2015. Due to the mourning of Singapore's founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, this fair has been postponed to 3 - 5 April 2015.

 

Travel Revolution Fair 2015
Date: 3 – 5 April 2015
Time: 10am – 9pm
Venue: Marina Bay Sands, B2 Expo Hall D, E & F
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Admission: Free

Marina Bay Sands

Why should you attend?

Unlike NATAS, admission is FREE for this fair!
It features many top industry players that include major travel agencies, airlines, cruises, car rental companies, national tourism organisations .

Giveaway: #brightenmeFaithy

-ENDED-

#brightenmeFaithy  
Laneige White Plus Renew Trial Set Giveaway