Luvverlyn

Back in Feb, I attended Watsons Spring Color Report 2013, a beauty event that translates the latest runway beauty trends into everyday chic looks. This was my 1st time attending Watsons' event, by the way. And, I was feeling all excited since Watsons is my fave personal care store where I get my beauty fix... be it makeup, skincare, hair care, health/beauty supplements.

It was an enjoyable night of fun and discovery as Watsons unveiled a plethora of new and exciting beauty and health brands. Its dynamic brand revamp will definitely bring consumers a more refreshing, vibrant and personalized shopping experience.

Supported by the punchy and vibrant WOW regional marketing campaign, lively and colorful visuals will be placed in-store, interactive retail concepts will be placed in key locations... and creative advertising platforms will be unveiled to boost the excitement and discovery of the ultimate Watsons' shopping experience.

The revamp will also see new storefronts, increased healthy and beauty services, as well as convenient access to an extensive quality product range from world-renowned brands and "Watsons House Brand".

The event was held at 7 Adam.

***image credits to Watsons Singapore***

I am sure most are familiar with Heroine Make, my holy grail mascara/liquid eyeliner brand.

CLICK HERE to read my review on their best-selling Long & Curl Mascara.

***image credits to Heroine Make Singapore***

Their latest product was the BB Mineral Loose Powder, which controls shine all day for a smooth appearance. Available in shades #1 and #2, it provides a natural yet translucent coverage.

Something new was Elite Models, a brand that was developed to bring the latest makeup trends to the everyday woman, with the expertise of makeup artists over the past 30 years.

Elite aims to provide fashionable, innovative, professional yet affordable makeup (from $7.90 to $26.90) to help one achieve "supermodel-inspired" look.

***image credits: CLICK HERE***

Their star product, Fantastic Primer ($24.90/15ml) is a translucent gel makeup base that is suitable for all skin types.

The essential stage for perfect, even and long-lasting makeup, this water-based gel moisturizes skin while its non-greasy finish keeps skin matt. Its energizing formula is also complemented with a pleasant cucumber scent to keep you feeling fresh and clean, in Sg's super hot and humid climate. Formulated with anti-aging, anti-pollutant agents and plankton extracts to fight skin oxidation, this primer helps to achieve a radiant, healthy and beautiful complexion.

Rock Beauty offers easy-to-use stick-on products (Nail Rock, Eye Rock, Body Rock and Lip Rock), which allow consumers to recreate their favorite runway looks instantly.

Eye Rock ($11.90) comes in 2 types:

Designer Liner
Ready-to-wear liners that are long-lasting, waterproof and easy to apply

Crystal Tattoo
Crystal embellishments for the eyes to help create runway couture looks

The latest products from Nail Rock is the 3D Collection ($14.90), which features 4 amazing wraps such as Doodad in black and metallic mix with raised bumps for added texture, and Glister in gold and multi glitter to create a sparkly crackle nail effect.

These nail wraps require only max. 15mins to apply, without any drying time. They last up to 7 days on nails and 8 weeks on toes. Each pack contains 16 nail wraps in various sizes for fingers and toes.

Fyi, the standard ones retail for $9.90 each.

Hmm... no new products from CandyDoll at the moment.

CLICK HERE & HERE for my review on CandyDoll makeup.

Jewelove (known as Jewerich in Japan) is one of the most popular fake eyelash brands in Japan.

Exclusively available at selected Watsons stores for $22.90 (2 pairs), the latest collections include:

#P3
Developed by Hoshino Kana (popular Kawaii model in Japan), these matte brown and black lashes emphasize the width of the pupils to create cute, doll-like eyes.

#P4
Designed by Mai Hirose (from Popteen), these lashes extend to the corners of the eyes to enhance the fullness of pupils, helping them look big and round.

Produced by Japanese star Jun Komori and endorsed by many Japanese models including Tsukema Yousai, this brand of fake lashes enhances the lash volume with a natural look.

Featuring a collaboration with Zipper model AMO-chan, the Eyemazing x Zipper z AMO x Pastel ($21.90 for 3 pairs) is a unique range of brown lashes that is the 1st to be launched in Sg. 

#801 Eyemazing AMO Pastel Type A 
These lashes are full and long, ideal for creating the Hime-eye (princess eye). The pink-brown shade allows the fake lashes to blend easily with your natural eyelashes.

#801 Eyemazing AMO Pastel Type B
These are half-length lashes, which are perfect enhancers for naturally gorgeous eyes.

Here's a close-up of the ones that caught my fancy...

I tried on the brown lashes with a hint of purple. So lightweight and comfy!

Avance is the pioneer for eye makeup and eye care in Japan. It was the 1st to launch the Avance “Mascara” with Lash Treatment and Waterproof technology in Japan in 1937. 

***image credits to Avance Singapore***

Avance Lash Serum in Mascara - Deep Black ($30.90)

• This serum-infused mascara provides extra care to lashes throughout the day.
• A high glossy super black mascara that enhances and defines lashes.

Avance Lash Serum I ($35.90)

• Works as a serum base to protect lashes from UV rays.
• A special formula that contains a liquid type beauty essence (rosemary extract UV), which has high absorbing power towards the damaging UV rays.

Avance Lash Serum-UP ($39.90)

• Helps in curling up your eyelashes instantly.
• It also acts as a serum to protect and moisturize the eyelashes, preventing them from further damage after prolong usage of lash curler and mascara.
• It repairs damaged lashes, leaving them healthy and beautiful-looking.
• It also helps in volumizing your lashes after a consistent period of usage.
• The quick-dry formula makes it perfect as a mascara base.
• This lash serum helps to maintain and improve the lashes to be glossier and healthier.

Avance Lash Serum EX ($39.90)

• An oil-free lash moisturizer that accelerates lashes to grow, restore, strengthen, preventing them from falling.
• It comes in a mascara brush type that makes it easy to apply on lashes.
• The active ingredients include silk essence, hyaluronic acid, pantothenic acid, etc.

***image credits to Olay Singapore***

The New Generation Olay Regenerist features a new formulation of its award-winning anti-aging series. It is now powered by skin energizing technology to boost natural skin renewal by up to 2x, fighting skin fatigue.

The New Generation Regenerist Olay Micro-Sculpting Serum ($49.90/50ml) and New Generation Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($49.90/50g) contains lys'lastine, glycerin and hyaluronic acid to improve skin's elasticity and moisturize the skin, providing coverage for fine lines, pores and uneven tone for a velvety smooth touch.

The star product, New Generation Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, has been proven to hydrate better and longer than a US$500 luxury cream.

The new addition to the New Generation Olay Regenerist series is the Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum Duo that combines a hydrating eye cream with a nourishing lash serum to provide smoother-looking lids, firmer skin and thicker-looking lashes. Younger-looking eyes that are brighter and firmer in just 1 week!

CLICK HERE to read more about the New Generation Olay Regenerist series.

Developed by Shiseido, Senka is a skincare brand that aims to be the consultant to customers' skincare needs. Its slogan "The skincare made with you", embodies the brand's philosophy, where identifying and meeting customers' needs are fundamental to the creation of its products.

Senka's key product ranges include:

Hoshitsu Lotion
A water-soluble moisturizing liquid that contains 2 types of hyaluronic acid and royal jelly GL to retain moisture and deeply hydrate the skin.

Available in Moist ($17.90/200ml) for normal to dry skin and Fresh ($17.90/200ml) for normal to oily skin.

Whitening Lotion
Moist ($18.90/200ml) for normal to dry skin, is formulated with Vitamin C to slow down melanin production and prevent pigmentation. Fresh ($18.90/200ml) for normal to oily skin, moisturizes and promotes visibly luminous skin.

UV Protection
With a mineral-water-based gel that is highly absorbent into the skin, the Perfect UV Gel SPF50 PA++ ($16.90/40ml) and Perfect UV Gel SPF27 PA++ ($16.90/80ml) effectively block UV rays whilst retaining moisture. Resistant to sweat and sebum, it contains baby powder for a silky smooth finish. 

Formulated with Aqualabel's patented Aqua Ex Base technology that seeks to hydrate every corner of your skin, the all-new Anti-Aging range also contains M-Tranexamic Acid (alleviates chronic inflammations to prevent dark spots and freckles) and the star ingredient Fermented Royal Jelly (activates skin cells for youthful vitality).

***image credits to Aqualabel Sg***

Wash Ex ($17.90/130g) is a creamy cleansing foam that contains hyaluronic acid and asian ginseng extract to gently cleanse the skin, leaving an ultra-moisturizing finish. 

Lotion Ex ($26.90/130ml) is a rich textured lotion enriched with double hyaluronic acid to nourish the skin and boost its elasticity and lustre. The active ingredient, M-Tranexamic Acid, is able to effectively lighten spots.

Royal Rich Essence ($35.50/90ml), the star product of this series, is a moisturizing essence that contains double hyaluronic acid and asian ginseng extract to bring instant rejuvenation, for youthful, glowy skin.

Known for its innovative and avant-garde approach to hairdressing, Toni & Guy believes in delivering creativity, quality and consistency to every client.

At the event, the Casual, Classic, Glamour and Creative Collections were introduced.

I was particularly intrigued by the star product from the Casual Collection - Sea Salt Texturising Spray (suitable for all hair types). It can create texture and body with light to medium hold. Perfect for achieving a lived-in, beach look. 

Brand's Innershine is a relatively new category under the Brand's umbrella, which promotes beauty from within through their new range of oral beauty supplements. The range contains 100% fruit essences including Innershine Berry Essence, Innershine Prune Essence and Innershine Berry Essence with Grape Seed Extract.

***image credits to Brand's Innershine Singapore***

Their latest product was Innershine Marine Collagen Essence Strip, which provides collagen supply in a berry-yummy gel strip. It is compact and light... so convenient. Perfect for consuming on-the-go!

This was the last photo taken at the Pure Beauty booth, as my hp battery was dead by then... and I forgot to bring out my camera -.-zzz The brands I did not mention were Glow (fruity slimming brand made in USA) and Dr. Wu (clinical skincare from HK).

Anyway, I digress. Pure Beauty introduced its new and improved Pomegranate Antioxidant (anti-aging) series, as well as its 1st Multi-Function BB Cream ($20.90/120ml).

The Pomegranate Antioxidant (anti-aging) series contain deep-action antioxidant swiss radicare, as well as organic eco-cert ingredients such as organic sunflower oil, organic lemon balm water, organic hamamelis water and organic apricot kernel oil. This improved formula helps guard against harmful free radicals and protects collagen reserves, reinvigorating skin for a luminous complexion.

What's more, the addition of korean pomegranate and bulgarian rosewater provide anti-aging and moisturizing benefits, rejuvenating the skin for a more radiant and youthful glow.

The price range is affordable, from $13.90 to $23.90.


PS: Shall review some of the products on a separate post(s). Stay tuned!

I ♥ Watsons!

***All info are extracted from press release.***

This is the third year Toast Box is collaborating with ABLE* (Abilities beyond Limitations and Expectations) Singapore to raise funds for the physically challenged.

*ABLE is a charity organization that endeavors to inject a sense of independence and empowerment to the physically challenged community, allowing them to be reintegrated into the main stream society. 

The "Lim" Kopi for a Cause! campaign runs till 31 May 2013, which aims to raise S$25,000.

A charity drive featuring the cast of Ah Boys To Men – Tosh Zhang, Noah Yap and Maxi Lim, was held at Toast Box (Bugis Junction) to boost awareness and raise funds. All proceeds collected during the 2-hr charity drive goes directly to ABLE.

At this charity drive, the senior management members from Toast Box and ABLE contributed by helping to serve the customers for this good cause. 

The ah boys - Maxi Lim, Noah Yap and Tosh Zhang

Let's “Lim" Kopi for a Cause!

You know I love my kopi ♥

You can "Lim" Kopi for a Cause! while enjoying Toast Box’s new Baguette series like the Curry Chicken with Baguette Set ($6.70) or Peanut Butter/Traditional Kaya Baguette Set ($5.40). With every set sold, 30 cents will go to ABLE.

For each Toast Box Coffee Brew Set ($25) sold, $2 will be donated to ABLE.

These baguette (slices) are super tasty... crispy on the outside, soft & fluffy on the inside! You can choose from your favorite topping, either peanut butter or traditional kaya. Yummilicious~!

I've always been a big fan of their curry chicken! Their curry is fragrant and has a spicy kick. What's not to love? And, it pairs really well with the baguette slices!

I highly recommend their ice cream dessert esp. the peanut butter one! :d~

Hello, ah boys!

Maxi, making kopi using the coffee brew set...

Lucky fans got to try out their kopi creations!

TOSH... SOOO C-U-T-E!!

They managed to sell 45 coffee brew sets! *clap-clap*

Quite a number of fans came down to support them!

A group photo with the ah boys (:

See my super duper happy face (lol) :x

A photo with Maxi...

Hmm... I didn't get to take individual pic with Tosh... #facepalm

Herine, me and the senior management members...

Thank you, Shuzk Meng for inviting us to this event! (:

Shall end the post with my "rocker-style outfit of the day"... so not me... :X

That's all for now. TGIF! It's the long-awaited weekend! Do head down to Toast Box to “Lim" Kopi for a Cause!

***All info and unmarked images are extracted from press release and Toast Box Singapore FB Page.*** 

I'm not really a fan of lip gloss since I don't fancy the sticky feel it leaves on my lips. Not to mention, the lack of color payoff. Well, L'oreal Shine Caresse might have just changed my perception of lipglosses altogether.

I love the idea of hybrid lip products where I get the color intensity of a lipstick, the shine of a lipgloss and the long lastingness of a lipstain. It just sounds perfectly perfect. And, it is.

For a drugstore brand, the sleek gold tube packaging does make it look more expensive. And, definitely more classy.

In Singapore, Shine Caresse is available in 8 candy-colored shades:

• 600 Venus (peach)
• 603 Milady (iridescent violet)
• 604 Bella (peach pink)
• 605 Eve (fuchsia)
• 606 Lolita (nude pink)
• 702 Juliette (coral red)
• 801 Princess (bright coral)
• 900 Pretty Lady (nude brown)

CLICK HERE to view the swatches.

Some say they are dupes for YSL Glossy Stains. I can't comment much, as I've never tried the YSL ones.

Shine Caresse has a liquidy creme texture that does not make my lips feel sticky. The color payoff is better than most lip glosses, with a subtle shine. There is no/hardly visible shimmers in all shades. Do note that it is scented... a sweet bubblegummish scent that some might dislike. I am fine with that.

As you can see from the images below, my lips were very dry and cracked prior applying Shine Caresse. I like that it does not accentuate the dryness of my lips. Instead, they look freshly moisturized with a rich coat of candy hue.

Overall, they are pretty long-lasting. Even after a meal/drink, it leaves behind a nice even stain.

My lips are quite pigmented. I was pleasantly surprised when a lip gloss can actually appear true to its color in the tube, when applied on my lips. That, I am referring to 702 Juliette (coral red)... though it requires at least 3 coats for full opacity. Otherwise, for a subtle stain look, a single coat will do. 

Well, I really love this fiery coral red as it brightens my look effortlessly. However, I cannot get over the fact that the stain on my lips cannot be removed easily and fully. My lips look as though they bleed. Do ensure your lips are not dry and cracked prior application. You can apply lip balm as a protective layer. 

On my pigmented lips, 603 Milady (iridescent violet) appears somewhat darker than expected. Either ways, I like this unique iridescent violet shade very much. It is a staple in my makeup pouch ♥

Most will love 604 Bella (peach pink) as it seems to be an easy color to wear. It looks kinda warm on my lips... but I like this soft peachy pink shade nevertheless. It is one of the colors I usually wear. 

As for 605 Eve (fuchsia), it was love at first swatch. It is my favoritest of all. How to resist such a gorgeous berry shade (on my lips) that flatters my complexion? That being said, I hardly wear bold lip colors out :x


See the tiny hole in the center of the foam applicator? It actually removes excess color as you apply the lip color. Major love! ♥

For $18.90, I think it is worth to invest in not 1 but 2 (or maybe 3) of your favorite shades. For now, you have 8 shades to choose from. Who knows L'oreal might bring in more colors in future? *hint-hint*

***All info are extracted from press release.***

It was 6 weeks of crazy attention-seeking blue hair. Though the royal blue (hair color) had faded to a much lighter hue, people still have nothing but compliments for my unique hair color. 

As much as I love the blues, it was time to say goodbye...

BYE-BYEEE~

And so, here's how my faded blue hair looks... with the black roots showing. It seemed that my hair is not growing out fast yea? Hmm...

***image credits to forums.allkpop.com***

Anyway, I showed Chisato the hair color I wanted (not the hairstyle).

I am now trying my best to grow out my fringe and hair. That's why I have not had my hair cut for close to 4 months already.

To achieve my desired ash brown color, I had to go through one-time bleaching to get rid of the blue dye.

After the bleaching, the blue part became light pastel green and the purple streaks became neon pink! What a funky combination! I was really fascinated when I saw this interim hair color mix. Nice right? heehee~ :P

Chisato and Alice analyzing my hair...

They did the dip dye part (indigo) first...

... then the base (ash brown). Ooo... looks like squid ink pasta? :X

After 3 hours, here's my dip dye hair color (dark ash brown + indigo)! I was really happy with the results... see my satisfied face :P

Well, my base hair color was quite dark, but not black. Any lighter, the color would turn out weird due to my previous blue hair. I was told that after few times of shampooing, my hair color will gradually fade to a lighter shade of ash brown. It has been almost 2 weeks since I did my hair color. Now, my hair looks something like Alice's! Nice right?! 

I will like to take this opportunity to thank these two lovely ladies (Chisato & Alice) for creating the dip dye effect I want! Thank you so much ♥

Here's a closer look at my dip dye hair color. 

If you wanna have fun colors in a subtler way, you can do something like mine (:

Lovin' this hair color sooo much! You know where to head to if you want an awesome hair makeover *wink-wink*

I shall end off this post with this photo with the ABTM (Ah Boys to Men) cast - Tosh Zhang (!!), Maxi Lim and Noah Yap. It was the day after I did my hair color. Super like this photo ♥

Shall blog about this Toast Box charity campaign (event) that I attended with dear Herine soon (: 

Till then... thank you for reading!

313 Orchard Road, #03-26, 313@Somerset

Tel: 6238 0226 / 6238 0227

Website: www.shunjimatsuo313.com.sg/

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The March VanityTrove has gotta be my favoritest trove ever! The previous troves were mostly about skincare. This time, they had not 1 but 2 makeup items. That made me squealed with delight upon unveiling the trove!
 

VanityTrove Mar 2013 Edition is all about red carpet glamour... being comfortable in your own skin. 

I was hyperventilating when I saw Laura Mercier in the trove! That was a deluxe sample size of Tinted Moisturizer Creme Compact (Nude) by the way.

Another favorite of mine in this trove, was this full-size Zao Compact Powder ($36.90). It was a pity that it was a refill, which does not include the beautiful bamboo casing.

Zao is new to me. It is a french brand, known for using 100% natural formulas that have been enriched with active organic ingredients. The compact powder sets, mattifies and balances the complexion for a smooth and silky finish.

302 Beige Orange is a lil' orangey and warm on my fair medium skin tone. Regardless, I like to use it to set my foundation or as a quick touch up. Like what it claims, the finish is really smooth and silky. 

Laura Mercier's best-selling tinted moisturizer now comes in a convenient portable compact. This latest innovation - Tinted Moisturizer Creme Compact ($71/7.4g), features a lightweight creme formula that is available in 12 shades for all skin types.

It gives the skin a dewy, natural-looking flawless finish. And, it also has SPF20 UVB/UVA, antioxidants, Vitamin C & E to guard the skin from environmental stressors.

The 'nude' shade is neutral, which matches my skin tone. It is easy to blend, giving the skin a natural finish.

It does not have full coverage as it cannot fully conceal my flaws (blemishes and dark circles). It is definitely a need to set with powder (pressed/loose).

Kilo Off Organic Herbal Slimming Tea ($16.90/box) is made in France, which contains natural and herbal ingredients. It comes in different varieties that can be enjoyed hot or cold.

The hibiscus/meadowsweet variant helps eliminate excess water, toxins, fights water retention and activates microcirculation. As for the melissa/mint/lemon one, it helps to stimulate digestion and prevents bloating.

I don't rely on slimming tea to lose weight. No harm trying though. Anyway, the best way to effectively lose weight is regular exercise coupled with healthy eating. 'nuff said.

Skinfood Gold Kiwi (brightening skin care line), contains quercetin, an ingredient from gold kiwi. Basically, it helps to hydrate the skin to make it look firmer, clearer and brighter.

Gold Kiwi Toner/Emulsion (150ml) retails for $37.90 each.

Other samples included in the trove:

• Huiji Fruity Lite ($6.90/box)
• My Beauty Diary Southern France Apricot Mask ($16.90/10pc set)
• Paul Smith Optimistic Women EDT ($136/100ml)

Subscribe HERE for your monthly box of beauty surprises.

Thank you for reading!

***All info are extracted from VanityTrove booklet.***