Review: Liese Bubble Hair Color (Platinum Beige)

Recently, Liese released a new hair dye color for their Bubble Hair Color range, called Platinum Beige. It's a medium brown with slight ash tone.

Liese Bubble Hair Color in Platinum Beige, SGD19.90

Color result on light color hair

Color result chart

I can't say that it's a very light and bright color, but it's definitely a very 'Japanese' sort of color! I well know that I won't be able to achieve such an ash brown color result, as my hair is still sort-of-red as I had colored it copper about half a year ago. However, as I am trying to change my hair color back to brown again (slowly, through a few more times of coloring), I thought that this might be a good color to try. The 'ash brown' sort of color is what I consider as 'true brown'.

This is what the kit contains:

Bottle 1, Bottle 2, Dispenser Pump, Gloves & Instructions (Leave-in Hair Conditioner - not in photo)

Color mixture after mixing bottle 1 & 2

Foam dispensed when you squeeze the bottle. It's like hair mousse!

The foam allows you to apply the color evenly to your hair as it is just like shampooing your hair with the foam! You apply the foam, massage (while avoiding the roots), wait for 20-30 minutes, and you are done! The foamy formula also makes the product drip free, making it very convenient for normal users like me (with no hairdressing skills). Nowadays, I do not buy hair dyes like Feria, Relvon etc anymore as this bubble hair color is just so easy to use. However, one thing is note is that this product does have a rather strong ammonia smell, which doesn't bother me, but it might for some!

Anyway, one box of color is sufficient for shoulder length hair. I bought 2 boxes just in case. In the end, I only used a box as it was enough to cover all my hair in frothy foam.

I think my starting hair color is between dark and light hair, slightly reddish brown.

Before (in artificial white lighting)

After (in artificial white lighting)

I can't say that I am not disappointed with the results. I didn't expect any drastic changes, but I did expect my hair to become a little lighter. My hair has indeed become more brown and more ash, but it has also become darker. I think I should have used the second box after all (as my extensions reaches all the way to my waist)! However, I think the result was also not that satisfactory because I was using the product to color my extensions. As I am not a professional in hairdressing, I don't really know whether I should be leaving the product on my hair longer than usual to get better results. I left the product on for 30 minutes. The color on my natural hair actually seems better, more beige, more ash, and color a little closer to what I really want.

Usually, after a few hair washes, colored hair becomes a little lighter than right after the coloring, so I hope the result will be better after a few washes!

I plan to use my second box in December after I remove my extensions!

Review: Liese Smooth Hair Cocktail, Lucido-L Designing Pot & Sexy Girl Night Repair Oil Essence

I have not blogged for a few days... and that's because I am down with flu...! Sob sob... =(

Then, I have been wearing 2 amazing outfits, perfect to do LOTDs, but I have been going home at 6pm+ everyday, so impossible to take any photos to show you guys... quite upset!

So... before I post more tutorials/LOTDs again, there are these few great hair products that I want to share with all my readers today ^^

Some hair care products first...

Liese Smooth Hair Cocktail SGD13.90 (I think)

This is the product I use on my hair extension since I got them a month ago! As I am lazy to do anything to my hair at night, I use this in the morning before I head out to work. There are 2 layers of liquid in this product; so I mix the layers by shaking the bottle, spray directly onto my hair, concentrating at the hair ends. Then, I just brush out the tangles in my hair... and that's it! This is really great for a lazy person like me (when it comes to hair)! I think this product does smooth my hair extension considerably, bearing in mind the fact that hair extensions dry up pretty easily, as they don't get the nutrients from my scalp. I would buy this again since its so easy to use, and so affordable, if I don't get interested in other new products (which is quite unlikely hahaha).

This product has a citrus scent... so if you don't like scented products, this is not for you!

Sexy Girl Night Repair Oil Essence SGD26.90 (I think??)

A runny oil texture

I used to use this at night, and then the Liese Smooth Hair Cocktail in the morning, until I started to find this a bit too oily for my extensions. Usually, following the instructions on the packaging, I will apply about 4 pumps of the essence to my damp hair, massage to the hair ends, and blow dry if I am not lazy! The hair de-tangles and softens, but the next day my hair ends will appear a little too oily. So I stopped using it and swatched to the cocktail instead.

Lucido-L Designing Pot, #Smash Fixer, SGD9.90 (I suppose...)

Thick, sticky texture

Okie I saved the best for the last... I LOVE this hair wax! I have fine and limpy hair. And this is the only hair product that keeps my hair in relative, though not 100%, control. I use it to keep my curls and fringe in place. This is the wax I used in my Overnight Wavy Hair tutorial and Princess Party Look . As it has quite a sticky texture, I can create lots of volume at the crown of my head, and I can also make curls more "bouncy" looking. What I do is take a 20 cents coin amount of the product, rub my hands together and get the wax all over my palms, then scrunch and rub the product onto my hair to create the desired look. I can re-style my hair throughout the day when necessary, and I don't need additional product. Just scrunch and rub the hair again! This product can hold my hair for perhaps... 3 hours? Which is really not bad already! However, the product does leave my hair a little sticky, which some people might not like.

So in conclusion, I recommend the Liese Smooth Hair Cocktail and Lucido-L Designing Pot #Smash Fixer!

Pazzion: Black Crystal Wedges

Black wedges from Pazzion, SGD79

This is the most recent pair of shoes I got. I think I have not bought shoes for a few months already (except for the pair of UGGs I blogged about in August). I always have difficulty choosing that perfect pair of black shoes and I think I have finally gotten close to getting one with this purchase.

What do I see as THE ONE for black shoes?

1) Match with anything and everything (whichever style of clothing I am wearing...eg: elegant, cool, sweet)

2) Classic, but has one focal point which transforms simple to special

3) Makes my legs look longer

4) Relatively easy to walk in

This pair of wedges really come close to being THE ONE.

This pair of wedges has a very common fish hole design which makes my legs really longer when I put them on. The black, silver and grey crystals at the platform totally transforms this simple design into a unique one. This pair of shoes really sparkles, especially at night with spotlights! I can wear it with a nice dress, but I can also match it with tapered jeans, lace and chunky jewellery and go for the "punk" look. Very versatile.

Only thing is, this pair of wedges happens to be almost 4.5inches high, which makes it a little tiring to walk in for a long period of time. When I wore it for the first time, it gave me blisters at the heel and big toe. As this is made of leather, I believe that it will get more comfortable when I wear it a few more times. However, this is definitely not for shopping, unless you want to give yourself an excuse to buy a pair of flats halfway through shopping =p To put less stress on my feet, I put a pair of gel insoles at the balls of feet area. It really helps! I have no regrets buying this. I will bear with the pain till the day I manage to break them in (which I hope is soon). My main problem with this pair is the blisters, not the ball of feet, in case you are wondering. I am fairly accustomed to wearing 4-inches heels...

This design also comes in beige, a color that is much easier to match your clothing.

Please retweet this post if you find this pair of wedges pretty! =D

Jill Stuart Giveaway WINNER

After 2 days of procrastinating, I finally got down to organizing the entries for the Jill Stuart Giveaway, which lasted for... 24 hours, maybe? I was overwhelmed by the response and really glad that you guys liked this giveaway. It took me less time then expected to calculate the chances for each entry so I should really have done it earlier!

Anyway, so the winner is Slowbrogal. Congratulations! The online randomizer I was using picked you =D I will be contacting you shortly via email.

Thank you to all who joined this giveaway! Please visit me again for more reviews and tutorials =)

Video Tutorial: Retro Chic Makeup Tutorial

This look is one of my personal favorites. The colors are so vibrant and contrast with each other that it makes this look unique. I was inspired by one of the look the Taiwanese celebrity makeup artist Kevin Zhou did in his makeup guide book. I used similar colors, but simplified the look and added some glitters.

This look is super easy to do as it involves ZERO blending. I hope you will enjoy this video! If you like it, please retweet this post or leave a comment =)

Products used:

Eyes:

1) Ettusais Pencil Eye Glitter (Pink)

2) Shu Uemura Pressed Eye Shadow in Rosemary

3) Shu Uemura Pressed Eye Shadow N in ME Gold #311

4) Silky Girl Blink Glitter Eyeliner in #04 Silver Sparkle

5) Maybelline the Magnum Volumn' Express Super Film mascara in Washable Black

Brows:

1) Maquillage Double Brow Creator GY921

Cheeks:

1) Jill Stuart Mixed Blush Compact #02 Rose Bloom

Lips:

1) Etude House Darling Petite Lips in PP903

2) Makemania Curvy Lip Silicone 501

Jill Stuart Giveaway NOW CLOSED/: Winner announced

I really cannot believe it! It's only a day and the giveaway is closed ^^; I was hoping the fun could last longer HAHAHAHA

Really thank you for participating! I will have my next giveaway soon, probably when I hit 120 followers?

Please drop by again as I will be uploading more make up videos, reviews and hauls!

All entries before this post will be counted, as there were a few similar timing entries and it is really hard to tell who pushed the button first!

I will announce the winner asap =) Cya soon

Lots of Love from Paws: TOTORO Stuffed Toy

Paws (this is how I call my husband) bought me this 3 days ago!

Totoro

Totoro is a character from Hayao Miyazaki's famous animated movie 'My Neighbour Totoro'.

Source: http://sgnewwave.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/totoro1998.jpg

Some quick facts about the movie for those who are not familiar with Japanese films:

"My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ Tonari no Totoro), is a 1988 Japanese anime film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film follows the two young daughters of a professor and their interactions with friendly wood spirits in postwar rural Japan." (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Neighbor_Totoro) Do click on the link if you are interested to read more about the show's plot *spoiler alert*!

So Totoro is one of the wood spirits that appears in the movie!

Look at the eyes! So cuteeee!

Totoro's side view

Totoro's tail

Totoro's claws!

The dust creatures that appeared in the old house in the anime.

Me & Totoro!

I watched Totoro when I was a young girl, and has loved the character since then. Totoro is super fluffy and huggable! I think that is why I LOVE Totoro so much!

Just wanted to share my joy with all of you. Have you watched Totoro before? =D

NEW! Jill Stuart Giveaway!! (CLOSED: Winner announced)

UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED ON 23 October 2010

Dear readers, as I promised, once I reach 50 followers, I will have a new giveaway! This time, it will be this:

JILL STUART Eyelash Curler & Extra Volume Mascara #01 Pure Black

Comes in a 2-sided comb brush: 1 side to comb out your lashes to lengthen, the other side to add volume.

Don't worry! This is my own JS mascara. You will be getting a brand new one, still wrapped in original packaging!! =D

To participate, this is what you have to do:

Minimum requirements (1 chance):

1) Be a follower of this blog

2) Leave a comment on this post, telling me which your favorite mascara is, and why you like it

3) Leave your email address

Additional chances:

4) Publish a post on this giveaway in your own blog and link it back to this post (+1 chance)

5) Add a link at the side of your blog to link it back here. Pls feel free to use any image from this post if you want to (+ 2 chances)

6) Tweet/ Retweet this post (+ 2 chances) --> Retweet button can be found on the top right hand corner of this post

Pls provide links to your twitter/ blog in your comment so that I could check that you have done it =D

This giveaway closes once I hit 80 followers (closed at 82 followers).

Have a great weekend!

Tutorial: How to Apply Mascara that Curls All Day

Hi~~ Today I have prepared for you a few tips on how to apply mascara that curls really nicely and lasts all day!

One of the reasons for my fascination in mascara and false lashes is that I have really STRAIGHT and SHORT lashes -- a very common problem for some asians. To make matters worse, my lashes are super RESISTANT TO CURLS and very often than not, droops after I apply the wrong type of mascara base/ mascara. Usually, the non-waterproof formulas will be too heavy for my lashes, so I have to go for smudge proof and waterproof ones.

If you have the same problem as me, this tutorial will be perfect for you!

I learnt this mascara application method from the Taiwanese celebrity makeup artist Kevin (not in person but his book haha), who makes regular appearances in the Taiwanese variety show Queens (女人我最大). He has published 2 excellent books on makeup (everything you need to know about makeup -- from base makeup, eyeshadow,mascara, lipcolor to false lashes application). If you understand Chinese, do check out his blog!

Before you continue reading on, I must confess that this is not my 'best applied mascara'. It appeared a bit clumpy in the end. Why I want to mention this is because I want to assure you that this method really works; the cause for the uneven application is I was flustered that day and was a bit clumsy when I applied the mascara =D

FINISHED LOOK - only mascara (without eyeliner!!):

BEFORE (ekks!):

Materials needed:

1. Eyelash curler

2. Electric eyelash curler (optional)

3. Eyelash comb (optional)

4. Mascara base

5. Black mascara

Additional Materials:

6. Cotton buds

7. Moisturizer

8. Powder foundation

THE STEPS:

1. Use a regular eyelash curler to curl your lashes.

2. Turn on your electric eyelash curler. Once it's hot, gently press the curler tip to the roots of your lashes. Your lashes should instantly curl better. One reason why I use a regular eyelash curler before this is because I find an electric curler better at enhancing curls, rather than just curling them.

3. Curl the bottom lashes as well.

4. You could use the tip of the curler to curl the bottom lashes. This will help you get to the shorter lashes at the outer and inner corner of eyes.

5. Apply about 2 coats of mascara base. Wait around 10 seconds between application of each coat. This will help thicken your lashes considerably.

6. Use a lash comb to comb out any clumps.

7. Now, this is the step that changes everything. Use your finger to gently lift up your eyelid. Using only the tip of your black mascara comb, push the roots of your lashes upwards. You are only applying mascara to the roots of your lashes (of course, you might get some mascara to the rest of your lashes by accident, as seen from above photo =D). This will create a firm foundation at the roots of your lashes and hold the curls up for a longer time!

8. Wait for the mascara at the roots of your lashes to be 60-70% dry. Then, apply mascara to the rest of your lashes in the usual zig-zag manner (I actually forgot to take a pic for this step!). Apply around 2-3 coats. Wait 5 sec at least between coats to create maximum volume. If you encounter clumps along the way, you can always comb them out with your lash comb later!

9. Use the tip of your mascara brush to apply mascara to lower lashes.

10. If you accidentally smudged mascara to your skin, no worries! Dub a little bit of moisturizer with a cotton bud (emulsion form recommended. try not to use cream).

11. Carefully 'roll' the cotton bud at the affected area to remove the mascara smudge. The mascara should come easily off!

12. Use the other side of the cotton bud and dub a little bit of foundation. Powder foundation recommended!

13. Touch up on the foundation you have removed while cleaning away the mascara smudge just now.

14. You could use your finger to gentle press your lashes to make them curl better!

15. Alternatively, use your electric curler again to lift any 'spidey' lashes. Take note to use your curler at the tips, ONLY,of your lashes to 'set' the curls. Do not apply to the roots of your lashes anymore, as the heat from the curler might 'melt' the mascara if you let the curler touch your lashes for too long.

16. Do the same for lower lashes.

FINALLY DONE!

To be honest, usually I spend the most time on my mascara application everyday (10-15 min). It really makes a difference to your makeup if you apply your mascara well.

I hope this tutorial has helped your in one way or another!!

Please let me know what you think!