Blush Series: ELF Contouring Blush (& Bronzing Powder)

Welcome to the second instalment of my 'Blush Series'! Today, we're looking at ELF's blush from the 'Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder' Compact. 

One of my lesser used blushes and I've kind of been neglecting it in favour of other ones but I may start using it again as part of my routine for the summer! I actually bought this compact because I had heard the bronzing powder was a good dupe for NARS Laguna Bronzer which I do agree to a certain extent...but this post isn't about the bronzer.

The blush is a mid-toned pink with a little more than 'just a little shimmer' which is probably why I have been overlooking it. The colour pay-off is great if you want just a subtle blush but it has the pigmentation to build up a really good colour! Now that I've dug it out of my collection, hopefully I'll put it to good use!

The compact itself is really inexpensive at only £3.75 and can be bought on the ELF website.

Do you own any other ELF blushes?

Vanessa

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Forever 'Till The End of Time

What I'm Wearing:
Dress: New Look (last year)
Blazer: New Look (last year)
Tights: Primark
Shoes (unseen): Dorothy Perkins
Bag: Zara
Arm Candy: Storm Watch, Pandora Bracelet & Monica Vinnader Bracelet


Now, don't I look like a total loon?! Never thought posing would be so cringeworthy! The sun seems to have disappeared and grey clouds are back with a vengeance! Well, it was lovely whilst it lasted!


I'm scoring some daughter points today and accompanying my Father to Edinburgh for a Chinese Wedding Banquet hence this outfit post. It's going to take us about 2-3 hours to drive down so I'm kitting up early, packing my kindle and charging my iPod for the trip! This is my go-to dress when I have nothing to wear or a last minute event. I love it because as a *ahem* busty lady, the material in the top half accommodates everything up there and it's rather comfortable! I usually wear this with a cardigan but I've teamed it with this cut-off blazer and rolled up the sleeves slightly for a more formal look.


What do you think? Should I attempt more outfit posts or leave it to the professionals?

Vanessa

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Sunday Summary #4

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001. Ok, no Sunday Summary is ever complete without mentioning this weather! I know in the past 3 posts I've talked about the heat but I live in the North East of Scotland so it really is a rare treat for us! It's been a weird week where I've stayed indoors all week then at the weekend I've been sitting outside and having a BBQ. I think it's mainly to do with the fact that I'm at the house alone during the week so I feel compelled to just sit indoors and admire the sun from the living room. Strange, I know. But I'm also lucky to live beside a fabulous beach (and you can see the sea if you walk round from my house), and everyone, and I really mean everyone, in my city has flocked to the beach. It looks like bloody Brighton down there! Queues for ice cream, sold out cider and BBQ meats at Asda galore! You gotta love a heatwave!

002. How fantastic was the Eurovision Song Contest last night?! I'm very partial to a little Europop so this was right up my street! Despite the usual political/tactical voting I still love watching it every year. But one starts to wonder that obviously the UK automatically go through to the grand finals as we contribute a lot of money to it...perhaps it's time to pull out graciously and use the money to fund other things. Something for the UK government to ponder over I think.

003. Today, I will be most likely be catching up on blogs, chilling out in the garden and possibly kitting up to go for a run. Typical Sunday I guess!

What have you been up to this week?

Vanessa

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Friday Utterings

I've been in a mood to blog lately but nothing to blog about! (Don't you just hate it when that happens?) So I've created 'Friday Utterings' for those days where I just want to do a rambley post, bear in mind that it doesn't necessarily have to be on a Friday!

These post-university days are a big of a slug! I know a lot of people sitting exams, still at university or school would love to be in the position that I'm in but it's just a directionless pit of nothingness filled with sunny days and no-one to spend it with. Oh yes, Thoughtful Sunday just got deep! But all is looking up as I've been on a mad frenzy applying for jobs and I have a small little wee JOB INTERVIEW next Thursday! I have the worst luck in the world so I'm keeping this exciting piece of news pretty quiet just now as to not to jinx it! Wish me luck!

Other than job applications I haven't really been that productive. I've been really enjoying immersing myself in the blogging community which is brilliant! I've been a long time 'lurker' on Blogger and I'm really glad that I've finally taken the plunge to make a real go of this blog and to also get an opportunity to communicate with my readers who leave the most loveliest comments as well as on other people's blogs.

That's all really today! A little update to fill your sunny days with! Speaking of sunny days...has Mother Nature gone insane and given us all the sunshine that she possesses?! I think one of the worst things about hot days is that I get really bad headaches if I sit in the sun for too long which is why I avoid laying out in the garden (waaaahhhh!) and nights where you can't sleep because it's just so darn hot! I hope you're all taking advantage of her generosity and soaking in that Vitamin D!

Vanessa

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Blush Series: Bourjois Pot Blush 'Rose D'or'

Today, I suddenly hit one of those 'Blogger writing blocks' but my past self suddenly saved me when I realised that I had taken some photos that I had not gone round to blogging about it! So I thought I would introduce a new series where I go through some of my favourite blushes (not necessarily for the Summer trend but can be used all year round!). 

I don't have that many blushes, despite my obsession with them so I'm guessing this series won't take very long to get through! Let me introduce one of the newest blushes to my collection: Bourjois Pot Blush in 'Rose D'or'!

How have I gone for so long without having owned one of these amazing blushes?! I have now learnt from my mistake and shall be investing more of my hard earned cash on some more of these! 'Rose D'or' is a beautiful pink blush with what looks like small gold accents through it. It looks quite scary in the pot but once blended out it looks really natural which is the look I always go for with blush. On a side note, the brush that comes with it is not at all that bad. If you are a beginner with makeup, then I think using this brush isn't the worst thing that could happen! On the otherhand, I've developed a very loving relationship with my ELF powder brush so I could never not let it use this! But I digress...


For only £7.99 available in Boots and Superdrug, it really isn't a bad deal at all! I really like the quirkiness of the little round pots that really don't take up that much space in my makeup bag. The best part is that is smells really good! Like soft vanilla accents that really aren't that strong. Bourjois are fast becoming a favourite drugstore brand and their 'on trend' collections appeal to the bargain hunter in me!


What do you think? Do you own any Bourjois blushes? Which one is your favourite?

Vanessa

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Today's Bake: Chocolate Velvet Cupcakes

Oh. My. Goodness. Today has to be one of the worst days ever to decide to make cupcakes. Everywhere in my house is roasting hot because of this absolutely fabulous weather that Mother Nature has bestowed upon us! In turn, this makes icing these bad boys a difficult task. But I prevailed and now these little mountains of yummy goodness are chilling my living room of all places (the only place in my house with a cooler temperature than THE SUN!)

What are these beautiful creations I hear you ask? Well, these are Chocolate Velvet Cupcakes with a Vanilla Frosting. I make an effort to bake at least once a week and with only a 3 person family living in our household, most of these cakes will be making its way down to BrotherTron's work to be devoured by hungry engineers!

I plan to make these 'baking/cakes' type posts a regular thing because...who doesn't love a bit of food porn now and then!

This is a cupcake literally 'sweating' in this heat!

Recipe (adapted from The Great British Bake Off)
175ml Semi Skimmed or Full-Fat Milk
100g Dark Chocolate (an additional 50g milk chocolate for extra yumminess!)
125g Caster Sugar
60g Unsalted Butter, Softened
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 Large Egg (room temperature)
150g Self-Raising Flour


Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius/ Gas 4. Pour milk into a saucepan with the chocolate and a third of the sugar. Set over a very low heat and leave until smooth and melted. Stir frequently and remove from the heat once done. Set aside.


Put the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat thoroughly with a wooden spoon or electric whisk until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and beat. 


Gradually add the egg beating well after each addition (add a spoonful of flour if the mix starts to curdle slightly). Using a metal spoon or spatula, fold in the flour in 3 batches alternating with the chocolate liquid made earlier. When all mixed together, spoon the mixture into paper cases until about 2/3 full.


Bake for 15-18 minutes until cakes are well risen and spring back when gently pressed. Leave to cool in the tin for 2 minutes then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.


At this point you can ice it however you want to. I chose vanilla buttercream to offset the sweetness of the chocolate cake. But if you can't wait any longer...you may eat them at this point!


Please for the love of God do not store these in the fridge! It's one of my pet peeves and is just a pointless task! Leave at a suitably cool room temperature and aim to eat them with 3 days, although they really won't last that long!

I really hope you enjoyed this different post today as I really hope to share more of my culinary delights with you more often!

Bon appétit!

Vanessa

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Enrapture Encode Totem Styler

You must live under a very secluded rock if you've managed to avoid hearing about this styler! I've been eyeing up this styler for quite a while now and had intended to save enough money to buy it (with my graduation and my cousin's wedding coming up, it was the perfect investment!) but I was wandering around this tiny little Boots and happened upon this styler at only £32.70! That's right...let me say it again; £32.70!! This retails for about £74.95 so it was a HUGE saving! I then went to this superstore Boots and it was priced at its RRP. Thus...cue my confusion. But I don't care...because it's finally mine!!

The key feature of this styler is that each section of the barrel can be heated to a different temperature therefore creating a certain type of curl depending on your heat setting. The settings are numbered from 1-3. 1= Low 2= Medium 3= High. My favourite combination to use is 1-1-2 which gives a soft boho curl that I have longed for for so long.

My hair is always determined to stay straight in some shape or form but I'm finding this styler really easy to use and the 'mini flipper' is optional but I like using it. The small details in this styler is really what seals the deal for me. The small stand that props up the barrel when you're not using it, the swivel cord, the sleek look...I could just go on and on! Seeing as I was planning a 'no heat month' this has totally thrown a huge spanner in the works! So I just use this once during the week (the weekend mainly) and I would so use it every day if I could!

I'm completely useless at attempting any kind of style on my hair apart from straight, but I found this ridiculously easy to use! Although one side of my head always looks significantly nice than the other but practice makes perfect!

I think it is definitely worth it, even if you pay the full price or the half price. You can create so many different looks with it that I don't think you would need any other styler. Move over Babyliss Curling Wand...there's a new kid in town!

What do you think? Do you have one, or a really big investment?

Vanessa

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Sunday Summary #3

Follow me on Instagram: fong_wingsee

001. How stunningly beautiful is that picture? I was down by Aberdeen beach this morning supporting BrotherTron running the Baker Hughes 10K! The 10K is a pretty big event in my city and happens every year. Hopefully I'll be brave enough to do it next year but I'll just stick to my 5K's! Speaking of 5K's...I'm going to be signing up to do the Race for Life which I'm really excited about! I never used to be a big runner, but I'm actually enjoying it and running events as I feel they spur me on somehow! 

002. I'm currently sitting here in my conservatory basking in the delightful sunshine that we've had this weekend! Isn't it amazing how the weather can change so quickly? Well, I've lived in Scotland all my life so that I can believe! Hopefully this weather will continue onto next week!

003. This week has just been 7 days of career/future planning! The option of doing a Masters is oh so tempting as there is a course that has caught my eye...but I'm still considering other options as well. Don't know if I can cope graduating 3 times!

004. I've got some exciting posts lined up this week as I happened to make a cheeky wee order on Debenhams and obviously taking full advantage of 10% all beauty items! It's clear I have absolutely no self control!

How has your week been? Has Mr. Sun got his hat on where you are?

Vanessa

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MAC Pro Colour Compact

Do you ever get that oh so satisfying feeling when you see that matte black MAC packaging? I certainly do...I think it's more to do with the fact that I don't live anywhere near a MAC so when I do make a cheeky wee order online, it's quite a big deal for me (and my bank account!).


I have three eyeshadows that I had been meaning to depot for a while so with so much time on my hands I decided to bite the bullet and get on with it!

I didn't own a MAC palette before this one, but have they changed the MAC palettes? They seem a little different to me for some reason!

So here are the eyeshadows finally depotted, magnetted and presented! I used FleurDeForce's video as a reference point as to how to do it. Surprisingly, it was very easy!

Top left: Quarry
Top Right: Naked Lunch
Bottom Left: Satin Taupe

You might notice that one of beloved eyeshadows broke! (Wahhhhh!) Really was my own silly fault as I had dropped it (I'm so clumsy that I make Bella Swan look elegant!).


As you may also notice, I still have one space for another eyeshadow. I'm thinking about getting a lighter shade like Nylon or Vanilla so if I need to travel anywhere, I can just take this small palette with all the colours that I really need.


What do you think? Which colour should I get to complete my quad?

Vanessa

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Caudalie Beauty Elixir

It's the product that's been taking the bloggersphere by storm and it seems like everyone and their Mother has tried this amazing beauty elixir. 


It is described as:
'Inspired by the 'elixir of youth' used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary, Caudalie Beauty Elixir smoothes features, tightens pores and provides instant burst of radiance to the complexion'.


I'm starting to understand why it is so popular amongst us females if it is being described as the 'elixir of youth'! My skin has been looking ultra dull these past few weeks so I have been changing up my skincare routine to try and boost circulation in my skin.


I use this in the morning and night after cleansing and toning but before my moisturiser. It says on the bottle to mist/spray it onto the face but I have a fear about spraying products directly onto my face so I spray about 2-3 times onto my hands and pat it gently onto my face concentrating on specific problem areas e.g. pores. I then wait a few seconds for it to settle in and then moisturise. I absolutely love using this in the morning as it has extracts of 'grape essential oil of rosemary, orange blossom and rose extracts, benzoin, myrrh essential oils of organic balm mint and mint' which gives such a refreshing scent! And anything with mint in it has my vote!!


If I can be quite honest about this product, I don't think this is the holy grail product to tackle all the problems with your skin. I've noticed that my skin is looking brighter and I don't fear looking in the mirror first thing in the morning anymore! But I think it is a combination of my new skincare routine and diet. I will continue to use it because I've really enjoyed incorporating this into my skincare routine and perhaps with more use I will start to see a significant difference.


Caudalie Beauty Elixir can be purchased on FeelUnique at £9.90 for 30ml and £28.80 for 100ml.


What do you think of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir? Worth buying into the hype?

Vanessa

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NOTD: Essie- 'Buy Me A Cameo'

I don't really want to make 'Nail of the Day' posts a regular thing as I don't tend to paint my nails that often (combined with my nail biting habit, it doesn't do me very well!) But I thought this nail polish deserves a post of it's own.

A lovely rose gold tone-esq shade, it's something that is quite indescribable. Such an 'every day' colour that I'm even considering buying a dress for my cousin's wedding based around this colour! I would also like to take the time to comment upon the Essie nail polish formula itself. It applies really smoothly and 2 coats usually creates an opaque colour for me. The brush was adapted from the usual thin brushes used in salons to a wider brush to let us 'amateurs' have a manicure at home. Good decision I feel!

Essie Nail Polishes retail for £7.99 and are available from Boots in the UK or online.

What do you think of the colour? Do you like/own any Essie Nail Polishes?

Vanessa

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Sunday Summary #2

Follow me on Instagram: fong_wingsee

001. Yay! Finally got a new banner for my blog! What do you think? I just wanted something simple just now as I'm still quite a new blogger but I really like it! I have some form of identity now!

002. So far I have been rejected for every single job I have applied for. So I've decided to go in a different direction to save any little self-confidence I still have left! Hopefully these plans will stick somewhat.

003. I started watching Made In Chelsea, just for the main fact that I wanted to see what the fuss was all about. But I ended up really liking it! Such a guilty pleasure!

004. Good old Scottish weather has managed to match my mood perfectly! One day the sun has his hat on then the next it rains cats and dogs! Wish Mother Nature would make up her mind!

What have you been up to this week?

Vanessa

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Recent Purchases: 11.05.12

I'm in the process of saving up money so I've been limiting myself to extravagant purchases and opting to stay in rather than 'going out'. But I've been stocking up on a few things the past week that I've had my eye on or needed. So that I thought I might share it with you lovely readers.

001. Caudalie Beauty Elixir (£28.80): I'm a sucker for buying into a hype! I've been seeing this making the rounds of the bloggersphere so I made an impulse buy. I've heard really good things about it and I'm currently giving this a really good test run, so keep a look out for a review!

002. Lee Stafford- Hair Treatment for hair that won't grow past a certain length (£7.99): Once my hair grows to a certain length, it decides to suddenly grow 'out the way' leaving me with this thick mass of unmanageable hair. I'm going to be doing a 'no heat month' soon to improve the quality of my hair plus I would like it to grow longer for my cousin's wedding in July so I can do something fun with it!

003. Essie Nail Polish- Buy me a Cameo (£7.99): I got far too excited when I found out that Boots was stocking Essie Nail Polishes! I hopped, skipped and jumped my way down to my local Boots to peruse the selection. I decided to go for 'Buy me a Cameo' as I don't really have a colour like this in my collection. Can't wait to wear it once the cut on my thumb heals up (tmi)!

004. Bourjois Pot Blush- 34 Rose D'or (OFFER: £5.49): Been needing a new blush as I've been wearing Benefit's Dallas for the past 6 months or so. This is the first Bourjois blush I've owned and I'm intending to use it as a go between before investing some of my hard earned cash in Benefit's Hervana or NARS Penny Lane (Help me decide!!)

So that's it! Fairly modest attempt I think! What have you been buying lately? Anything I should be investing in?

Vanessa

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MAC Paint Pot vs. Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo

I'm a firm believer that every girl should have at least one cream eyeshadow in their makeup bag. They are so easy to apply and come in an array of wearable colours. Mac paint pots have been a front runner for quite a while now but drugstore brands are quickly catching on with the likes of Maybelline recently releasing their cream eyeshadows in the UK not long ago. But how do these products compare? One being on the higher price end of the scale and the other quite affordable.

MAC

MAC house their paint pots in their infamous glass jars with a black screw top lid. I really like this type of packaging, and I always sleep better at night knowing that my paint pot won't dry out any time soon.

I have 3 shades: Soft Ochre, Bare Study and Painterly. I rarely ever use primer any more and prefer to use Painterly as a substitute as I find it less greasy and my eyeshadows last longer without the feeling of the colour slipping off my eyes!

Maybelline

The new kid on the market! They kind of crept on the scene here in the UK after being hyped up in the US. I didn't have that 'purgatory' wait for them like with the Revlon Lip Butters which made the experience of buying them that little bit better. I'm certainly disappointed that they renamed the colours here in the UK. I have an understanding that in the US they call these colours 'Bad to the Bronze' and 'Tough as Taupe'. I don't know why they didn't keep the same names....baffling! Another disappointment was the colour range, the US have 10(?) shades and we here in the UK have 5. Maybelline, get it sorted!

Again, they are housed in glass jars like an homage to the MAC paint pots. I think that's what makes them a good alternative as you feel like you're getting a really good product.

Swatches

MAC

Left to right: Soft Ochre, Bare Study and Painterly

The MAC paint pots are very pigmented. They apply really creamy and can be worn under eyeshadow for a more buildable colour or even on their own. They blend really evenly and are a really good alternative to using eyeshadow primer. Bare Study is by far my favourite shade! If I don't feel like wearing anything too heavy on my eyes, this is my go to product! Painterly comes a very close second with my preferable use as a primer.

Maybelline

Left to right: On and On Bronze and Permanent Taupe

It's been said before and I'll say it again, by gosh they are really pigmented! The colour pay-off is really really good for a drugstore product. Again, they have a creamy texture and they claim to last for 24 hours...? If you are ever up for 24 hours and wearing make up at that time, please let me know how you get on! I have found them, especially On and On Bronze, to crease on me slightly which isn't a really good look! Permanent Taupe is more of a grey shade than a taupe shade, I'm finding this colour difficult to wear though. But other than that, they are VERY comparable to MAC paint pots!

In my opinion, I do prefer the MAC paint pots to the Maybelline Colour Tattoos. Not because I am a makeup snob but I always reach for the paint pots more so than the Colour Tattoos. Although the colour pay off of the Colour Tattoos are immense my love for the paint pots shall not cease!

MAC paint pots retail for £14.50 and can be found here

Maybelline Colour Tattoos retail for £4.99 and can be found here

What do you think? Have you used either of these products before? Which one is your favourite?

Vanessa

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Glasses Direct: Help me choose my new glasses...?

I've been wearing glasses ever since I was 17 and always hated getting them out in classes and lectures. But I'm learning to embrace it as I get older! I've been putting off getting a new pair for about a month now (also due to monetary problems!) so I thought it was time to bite the bullet and try out some inexpensive frames.

Glasses Direct is an online company that sells frames at an absolute bargainous price! They also allow you to have a home trial for 7 days as to let you to try some frames in the comfort of your own home with no obligation to buy any of them! Pretty good huh?

This is my second home trial as I didn't like any of the frames I picked out the first time, but I think I might have struck some luck with this batch! They're also doing a 2 for 1 deal on all frames over £55 which means I get a second pair for free! Yay! (Always love a freebie!)

So, lets get started with the choices of my new glasses! (Please excuse my flustered look and a red patch on my lips, I was still drinking my Cherry Powerade from the gym!)

Prague

001. Prague. I really like these. Something I would wear more often if I had them! These are current number 1 on my list!

Saturn

002. Saturn. These are second on my favourite list as they look dangerously similar to the Chanel CH3131 that I was eyeing up at my opticians! With a reasonable price tag, they are the cheaper alternative that I'm willing to spend my money on!

Demoiselle

004. Demoiselle. I'm not a big fan of these, I've already put them in the 'no' pile. Not really into the two colour ensemble.

London Retro Carnaby

004. London Retro Carnaby. I must be the only Asian in the world who cannot pull off the geek glasses look! MummyTron think they look nice. I'm not so sure, what do you think? I think they're quite quirky!

So those are the finalists! I've kind of already settled on which one(s) to get but what do you think?

Vanessa

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P.S...this is NOT a sponsored post and am no way affiliated with Glasses Direct. I just need a new pair :)

Oh So Charming...

A very frequent addition to my wrist is my Pandora bracelet. I wear this bracelet every. single. day. I don't think there is ever a time when I don't wear it. I was given the bracelet itself for Christmas in 2010 by my brother and I've just been adding charms to it as and when I want/need them. This post is a little guide to my charms that I have on them because each of them actually carry a sentiment/meaning behind it. 

You're probably thinking, 'Vanessa...your charms are so random to the point that they don't match!'. Well, that was kind of the idea. I didn't want a bracelet that just looked pretty and coherent (kind of a bit like myself!), it had to mean something to me. 

001. Buddha. My cousin bought me this one for my 21st birthday and it was the first charm to my bracelet. She told me it was to represent my ethnicity and to just basically not to forget it which I thought was really sweet!

002. Stack of textbooks. My mother bought me this for my graduation last year. It has an owl on the cover of one of the books with a graduation cap on. It was such a nice gift for my graduation and represents a really big landmark in my life.

003. Cupcake. Because I love making cupcakes and baking in general. I really think it's the only talent I have so I thought it would be a nice representation.

004. Heart. To represent the love of my friends and family and to never take them for granted. They're always with me no matter how far away they are!

So that's my Pandora bracelet! Very random right? But I love it all the same. I don't intend to add any more in the very near future but I would like one to represent my love of travel but I have no plans as of yet!

You can find Pandora bracelets and charms here if you don't live near a Pandora store.

What do you think? Do you have a Pandora bracelet?

Vanessa

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Sunday Summary #1

Sunday Morning

I've always loved reading these posts and I really like the idea of just looking back at your week and making a nice summary to start the week anew!


001. Been busy blogging and getting it up and running! I'm actually really enjoying the process but obviously I'm still a blogger pleb! If you have any tips or comments about my blog then leave me a comment! I read and reply to all my comments!


002. I have been bitten by the Instagram bug! Ever since I got Android, it was the first App I downloaded! I think it's brilliant! My username is fong_wingsee if you want to give me a wee follow ;)


003. Job hunting is slowly stealing my soul!! The perks of being a graduate!


004. Watching far too much West Wing and not getting enough sleep! 'Nuff said!


How has your week been?

Vanessa

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Skin 79: Super + BB Cream

BB Cream. Everyone knows about it and everyone is using it. With its Western counterpart making its mark on the beauty industry with Garnier taking the first bite of the market, I thought I would revert back to its origins with a BB Cream from the Asian market.

The one I will be reviewing today is Skin 79's Super + BB Cream in the pink bottle. I bought this is Hong Kong last year and I think it's fair to say that I've used it enough times to give an honest review.

On the back of the bottle it says:

'It is 3 effects functional beblesh balm. By Adenosine and Arbutin ingredients which are effective in whitening, wrinkles improvement cultivate more bright and elastic skin.

Intercept ultraviolet rays UV A and B at the same time and protect your skin exposed from the sun more thoroughly.

OSMOPUR ingredient of new concept which are mixed sunflower, rice bran, ivy extracts, protect skin from various harmful conditions.'

Now, I'm not going to pretend that I know exactly what everything means but in essence it has 3 functions that have whitening properties, UV protection and 'wrinkle free'. 

 

One of the things I found striking about it was its pump. Being a hygiene freak, I really like the thought process behind the packaging. It also limits the amount of product that you squeeze out which is also a bonus. One disadvantage of the packaging is that I'm unable to tell how much BB Cream I actually have left (but never fear...I actually bought a back up so I won't be without BB Cream!).

 As you can see from the picture it looks to me like pale and thick foundation and can be quite daunting once it's on your hand. It does also have a VERY slight scent but it's nothing too overpowering.

I apply the BB Cream with my fingers, I feel you can concentrate on more specific areas that way and you can 'feel' how it goes onto your face. A little goes a long way and it really is not advisable to use A LOT because it does have whitening properties in it, you can come across as a ghost once it starts to settle into your skin.

Once blended out, it leaves a grey-ish tone on your skin. But leave it to sink into your skin after application and it will start to settle in.

I'm not going to beat about the bush, I really like this product! I used it all of last summer and on the days where I want a bit more natural coverage but I'm still aware that there is something on my face. If you are someone who really likes a heavy coverage foundation then this really isn't for you. It's a product that is clearly a 'one shade fits all' kind of product which is why it appealed to me more as I felt my asian skin tone wasn't catered to much in the Western foundation department.

With many beauty brands coming out with their own version (Garnier, MUA, No.7, 17 etc.) it's easy to see the market is catering for the Western market with different shades and formulations.

Personally, I haven't tried any of the BB Creams in the Western market as most of them just haven't appealed to me in anyway, but if I'm missing out on anything then leave me a comment with some recommendations!

This retails for about $100HKD but I think you can purchase this on ebay with a reputable seller.

Have you ever used BB Cream before? Which one is your favourite?

Vanessa

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