Her Beauty Days

I hope everyone had a great day yesterday, filled with the love from family and friends!
For Valentine's Day this year, I decided to create a makeup look that utilises a majority of drugstore products. Dissatisfied with the number of Valentine's Day makeup tutorials I've encountered that encompassed a pink theme, I had a play around with my makeup collection. I wanted a look that promotes healthy radiance, simplicity and wearable for younger beauty enthusiasts. Additionally, this combo is suitable for a natural and effortless everyday look.

I've recently discovered some new readers of my blog who aren't familiar with the basics of makeup, so this one's for you! Furthermore, I'd like to share with you how I put it all together, ready to face the day.

I applied the Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector (Combination to Oily Skin) in Light on random areas on my face with my fingers. I then used my Real Techniques Buffing Brush from the Core Collection to blend the BB cream into my skin. I found that the BB cream's finish was dewy so I omitted a highlighter in this look.
To conceal my dark circles, I used the Benefit fakeup concealer in Medium, patting the product in gently with my fingers.
I dusted the Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder in True Translucent all over my face with my Real Techniques Powder Brush, to mattify and set my base.
For a romantic flush of colour, I applied the Essence Silky Touch blush in 20 Babydoll with my Real Techniques Blush Brush.

Eyes
I like to start my eyebrows off first; I combed the Essence Lash & Brow Gel Mascara in, to make my eyebrows more defined and in place. This is a great staple, a transparent gel mascara that is very natural looking on the brows.
For my eyelid primer, I used the Makeup Academy (MUA) Pro-Base Eye Primer. I was actually surprised at how well this product worked considering it is very inexpensive. For my eyeshadow base, I used the EcoTools Large Eye Brush from the Essential Eye Set to apply the lighter, "3D" shade from the Essence 3D Eyeshadow in 09 Irresistible Chocolates. I then blended the Benefit Hoola bronzing powder  into my crease with the Emily 217 Blending Brush (purchased from eBay), for a nice transition colour and added definition. For a bit of a highlight under my brows and inner eye corners, I used the same light shade from the Essence 3D Eyeshadow in 09 Irresistible Chocolates in conjunction with the EcoTools Highlighting Brush from the Essential Eye Set.
For long luscious lashes, I curled mine with the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler and applied two coats of the Australis Lash Length Extensions Mascara, a smudge-free fibre mascara that promotes elongated lashes!

To finish off the look, I opted for soft red lips that aren't too dramatic using the Face of Australia Glossy Lip Crayon in Apple Crumble. These are the new limited edition lip crayons on the market; affordable (only $4.95) and reliable products, infused with a vanilla scent.

All of the Real Techniques and EcoTools brushes were purchased off iherb.com. You can use the code PCW095 to get $5 off your first order under $40 or $10 off your first order over $40.

I hope you enjoyed this post! If you would like future FOTD posts composed in a similar nature to this one, do let me know in the comments below!
So tell me, how do you do your "special occasion" makeup?

For myself, Christmas involves celebrating Jesus Christ's birthday.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Not too long ago, Priceline had a half price sale on Maybelline cosmetics.

I welcome August, with another empties post from the previous month, July.
Originally planned to be posted on the first, I've engaged in a tumultuous relationship with work and illy constructed uni schedules, which retarded the release of posts.
Aside from that, I must admit, I enjoy constructing these empties posts, as the process enables me to evaluate on the finished products. Consequently, I enter a phase of rumination; involving the circulating queries, should I repurchase this? Did it work for me? Can I find a more suitable alternative?

I also find this process to be on the hilarious side. Never, did I consider putting so much effort in critiquing products, questioning it's performance.

Well here it is.
Let me present to you, those who've finally made it to the finish line, the empties of July 2013!

Palmolive Naturals Revitalising - Peach Kernel Oil with Vitamin-E & Rose Water Shower Gel (500 mL)
This is a one of my favourite shower gels, being possibly the third bottle I've finished. Despite the large illustration of a peach on the bottle, it doesn't smell anything like peaches. Expect a heavenly scent, quite hard to describe. It lathers well and makes me feel refreshed and relaxed. In addition to the positive points, it's inexpensive and is of great value for money. And if you're wondering, the gel of a colour that matched the lid of the bottle (pale orange). When the time comes, which involves myself languishing for that lovely scent, I'll be repurchasing this product until then.


Biorè Skin Preservation - Clean Things Up Nourishing Gel Cleanser (200 mL)
I received this cleanser amongst other skin products from Biorè's Skin Preservation line, after winning a competition on Facebook. This cleanser "purifies and conditions without disturbing skin's natural moisture balance". This pretty much sums up the product's performance. A great everyday cleanser that will remove your makeup and environmental impurities. The pump dispenses just the right amount of product for each use, so you can use the product more efficiently, without any product going to waste. This bottle lasted me for quite a long time; I had this product since last year! The only thing I disliked was the scent; it's a fresh and clean scent (for some reason, it's just not up my alley). Unfortunately, I will not repurchase because of the scent.


L'Oréal Elvive Smooth-Intense Anti-Frizz Shampoo (250 mL)
This is one of my favourite shampoos.
It helps my hair stay smooth and soft, consequently, helping me achieve "straighter" looking hair (albeit, I have naturally straight hair). Another reason to love this shampoo, is of course, the scent! I'm quite inept when it comes to describing scents but you can expect the same scent in other products in the Elvive Smooth-Intense Anti-Frizz range.


Ophelia Cotton Tips (200 pack)
Purchased this from good old ALDI. These 100% cotton tips are great for fixing up your eye makeup and are inexpensive. A cheap beauty essential!


Swisspers Spa Facial Cleansing Wipes with Pomegranate Extract (25 wipes)
These pink facial wipes (yes, they are indeed pink!) does a decent job at removing makeup without drying the skin. I was first attracted to the pink packaging and how these are "coloured" wipes. The actual wipe is durable and quite soft. Additionally, the pomegranate fragrance is quite pleasant and overall I had an "okay" experience with these wipes.
I will not be repurchasing these because I do feel that these wipes "stung" my face, on the rare occasion of course.

Swisspers Green Tea Calming Facial Cleansing Wipes (25 wipes)
I did a little review on this product in this post.
In summary, I think these wipes are the opposite of "calming" because they stung my face quite a bit. I did not experience any redness or rashes but I feel these wipes can be a bit harsh on sensitive skin. I've read a lot of positive reviews but do steer clear if you have the mentioned skin criteria (or "young" skin may I add).


Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+
I received this generous sunscreen sample among four other different product samples from Neutrogena a few months back. I am quite in awe how this 14 mL sample lasted me for months, considering I apply this on under my makeup everyday. This sunscreen lotion breaks away from the stereotype that sunscreens are greasy, cakey, and are hard to blend. Application is smooth and a dewy finish is achieved. The consistency of the product is just right; it definitely gives a "lightweight, clean feel". What more could you possibly want from a sunscreen? Besides increasing the amount of SPF. But hey, Neutrogena has released a sunscreen from this range with an SPF 50+ so you can't complain here!


Essence Stay With Me Long Lasting Lip Gloss in 07 Kiss Kiss Kiss
This product was from one of my random purchases. Hello to the (pleasingly pigmented) bright red lip gloss that can be found at Target and Priceline for merely $3.50. Forget the stickiness commonly associated with lip glosses and expect a smooth and moisturising application. If you have a sweet tooth, you might have to restrain yourself...This lip gloss is indeed "candylicious".



Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume Mascara
Unfortunately, this product did not fare well with me. An average mascara that yielded no volume for my straight Asian lashes, but hey, you can expect a clump free finish to your lashes. Ladies of other ethnicities may encounter a much more positive experience. I must give credit to Maybelline for their unique mascara wands that differentiate them from your typical wand; this wand resembled a caterpillar! A word of caution though, if in a rush, you could easily damage this fragile, wiggly yet flexible wand. One must insert it back into the tube, oh-so-meticulously to avoid breaking off the tip.




Softlips Lip Protectant Fruit Fusion in Orange Sunrise (2g)
After finishing up the vanilla flavoured lip balm from this brand, I picked this orange flavoured one, thinking I'd have the same enjoyment in using it as the former. It must've been on the spur of the moment, when I carelessly purchased this without considering if I actually like citrus based scents/flavours. Well, forshadowed earlier, you can deduce that I did not enjoy this product at all. Nevertheless, I still used it until I've reached the finish line (much to my relief) so I can finally dispose of it without those pangs of guilt. Expect your average lip balm but with much less product, infused with the scents of citrus fruits.


Gaia Skincare Pink Grapefruit & Jasmine Foaming Cleanser
(With certified organic green tea, gotu kola, chamomile)
This is a sample sachet of a cleanser that claims to be suitable for normal/combination skin, formulated with sensitive skin in consideration. After just a single use, I found that this is a great cleanser and is perfect for my skin type (combination/sensitive). I highly endorse "natural" skincare products because of the claims they are associated with e.g. pure, natural, organic, free from soap, sulfates, petrochemicals, artificial fragrance, paraben preservatives and the list goes on!
The only downside is you can forget expecting those lush artificial scents. This cleanser emits a herbal scent that is quite received with other natural skincare products.


Pantene Pro-V Clinicare Single Dose Intensive Treatment Programme Rinse Off Treatment
I like the scent and that's pretty much it. I did not notice any difference to my hair; my hair is already semi-smooth and conditioned prior to using this product. Maybe, those lacking a bit of a conditioning boost will benefit from this. This product serves to be a mediocre conditioner for me.


Colgate Plax Fresh Tea Mouthwash
Finished a bunch of these samples.
I've posted up a detailed review here. To sum it up, this is a great tasting mouthwash minus the sting factor associated with alcohol mouthwashes (because it's alcohol free!). I've already repurchased a 500 mL bottle of this.

And that's it!
I'm impressed with the number of products I've used up this month.
Quite frankly, it was fun and I can't wait to finish up more products so I can construct this month's empties post!

After thoughtful consideration, I'm eager to construct a monthly favourites post as well - so I can reflect on the products I've been loving this month!
But I'll see what I can do!

I hope you enjoyed this post.
Have a beautiful day everyone!