Life Saver! Eye Primer for Oily Eyelids

To people who have oily skins, foundation melting is one thing, but don't forget your eye makeup. Even though the eyeliner claimed to have super strong staying power, I am sorry they aren't just working on me. Staying away from eyeliner pencil and gel eyeliner, because they just melt 24/7 in summer and winter! Trust me!


It's not easy to find eye primer in Hong Kong. But I know I need it, there are mainly two major competitors in the market: Urban Decay and Two Faced. I have been using both products. I have to say Urban Decay has better performance to prime my eye lids. On the other hand, Two Faced has a more moisture texture, while Urban decay is a bit dried. For those who doesn't have super oily eyelids, Two Faced could be a good choice to simply prevent any cakey accident.

For those have extremely oily eyelids, Urban Decay is right for you, especially the hot and humid weather in Asia. I just couldn't live without it. my eyelids also produce oil in winter, so I tend to use Two Faced during winter, gives a little break for my Urban Decay. My Urban Decay is from its old design, which is no longer continued. The new design is a tube design like the Two Faced, easier to apply and no more wasted primer left inside the tube.


My first Urban Decay and Two Faced Eye Primer were both bought in the States. Luckily we can now get both Urban Decay and Two Faced makeup products from a online shop LookFantastic, which ships internationally. LookFantasitc is having sale right now. Go check it out!

Winter Nail Polish Collection

Nail polish is such an addiction to me. I have been loving nail polish especially in fall, it feels so right and comfortable to put on my mail polish and wear a warm sweater.

Essie Sew Psyched
I know the name may sound a bit awkward, the deep green colour isn't everyone favourite, but it's mine. I tend to like cold green pastel colour.

Essie After School Boy Blazer
This nail polish just came out with the Winter Collection from Essie lately, has earned lots of ravings. It's a dark blue nearly black colour. I would say the colour is a great navy nail polish if you don't have one and want a new ones keeping into your pocket.

Essie Bahama MaMa
This berry nail polish has been a super star since it launched. I couldn't resist to keep this lovely burgundy nail polish hide into my collection. However I would say this plum nail polish is watery, need to be very careful while  I was applying it. The polish itself is quite watery compared to other Essie nail polishes. Sometimes I find that I need three coats for a good finish look.

Essie Merino Cool
My very first grey nail polish, gives a subtle coat is so nice to match with my dark colour autumn wardrobe.

OPI Lincoln Park After Dark
It's a quite popular colour among nail polish world. The blacked purple colour gives out a misery look to add a bite of vampire feel.


All nail polishes are available in drugstores of the States and UK. Cher2 nail polish shop in Hong kong.

Juicy Couture Perfune

This has always been the signature fragrance of Juicy Couture Original. The classy fragrance is the sweety floral smell from its retail store. It has been diggling in my mind for years, but still the price makes me hesitated to get my hands of it. Luckily I got my eyes on a local chain store named Bonjour, which is on sale at HKD $590 for 100 ml. This is so tempting and delicious.  the price suddenly become a lower priority to let me get to it. I admitted my Mom did somehow encouraged me to get since i wanted it so badly in last winter.


The front note is watermelon, passion fruit, marigold, apple and water hyacinth. This is a perfume for those who really into fruity scent, could be a very sweet note., but for any sweety scent craver, this is your scent. The lasting power is amazing, which stays for an entire day until I got home  at night.


Juicy Couture Original is available in worldwide retail stores and online shop. Bonjour also carries international shipping, usually has some discount on all skincare and makeup products.

Sofina Primavista Ange Liquid Foundation

I have been a fan of Sofina makeup base for months, it did an excellent job to prevent melting my foundation, however it may be a little pricy. Lately, I discovered Sofina has launched a drugstore line named Sofina Ange, a similar makeup line like Primavista Long Keep Base UV, which is available in a series of drugstore in Taiwan.

This is my first time to get my hand on Sofina foundation, it has a few shades to choose from, the shade is tend to for lighter skin, the darkest shade fits me well. The foundation gives light to medium coverage. The texture isn't so thicky, gives a matte finish which I love. One good pump of foundation would be good for my face.

 I put on my original Sofina Primavista makeup base with this foundation. I found its staying power is amazing. My makeup didn't melt a bit, and no shine at all. I can't believe its oil control power is so stunning. I have never tried any foundation has this strong power to control my oil. I must give this product thumbs up.


 The original makeup base costs me over HKD$200, but now I found a substitute with a much cheaper price HKD$80. This line unfortunately is available to Taiwan only. The product can also be found in some online stores, but I highly recommend to get your hands on this line when go travel in Taiwan.

Say Goodbye to Blackheads!

I have been a fan of Origins skincare product for years, especially for deep cleansing products. I picked Origins mask Clear Improvement as my first baby step toward Origins. I usually apply the mask on my nose and sometimes my chin after shower, hot steam help opening the pores and let the mask do its job.Leave it for a good 10 minutes till dried out (depends on the weather and humidity, tend to dries faster in winter). The mask may be quite strong and dry for those who have dry skin, but for oily skin, I can give a good thumb up for this product.

It did clean out some blackhead if I use it once a week. But if I want some good clean days, I will use the mask once a day for three days, then  I go back to my normal routine once a week.  This way cleans out most of my blackheads, but have to be very be careful for break out and irritation. It may be a bit pricey, but the tube lasts for quite a long time, so I'd say this mask worth the price. 

It's available in any Origins counter for  £22/ USA$24 (100ml).

Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Hightlighter

I have been looking out for some highlighter for my under eye. When I came across of this product, I thought I could cover my panda eyes. It covers my normal panda eyes, but not some heavy days. But i am thrilled by how it covered my acne scar and pimples. It gives light coverage, may not suitable for super heavy dark eye circles, but definitely for some pimples. still,  I am out to search some good concealers, hope I would find some good ones soon. Some say this is a dupe of YSL ones, which is also one of favourite highlighters. This is really a awesome bargain for such a good quality highlighter.

Maybelline Dream Touch Lumi Hightlighter- Nude, £6.99 from Boots

Rimmel Natural Bronzer

NARS Laguna has always been my go-to bronzer, however it's quite a splurge to me. So I have also been eyeing for some drugstore bronzer alternatives. This Rimmel Natural Bronzer - Sun Bronze is the medium dark shade from the collection. It doesn't have shimmer like Laguna. I can't say it's an ultimate alternative of Laguna, but it works very well on bronzing my cheek bone. It's not very dark, giving a more natural sun tanned look. Bronzer can be tricky if I choose the wrong shade, so I have been going online to check on the actual shade of the product. I prefer to use this one in the day time since I am not so tanned in this summer. Save my Laguna for night time out or some occasions.
                      

Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze, £5.59 from Boots. ASOS also arrives it for free worldwide shipping

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer: Luna

Rimmel released the new collection of Apocalips Lip Lacquer this summer. I have been eyeing them for weeks. Since I have quite sensitive lips which are sometimes allergy to fragrance lip product. I have been very careful to every lip products I used, try not to irritate my lips. I am so happy to announce Rimme lip product is an official NON ALLERGY to me.  

Luna is the first shade I love, a creamy peachy shade. It still has s hint of watermelon smell, I bet it's a signature smell of Rimmel lip products. It covers my lip colour very well with 2 light sweeps.It gives a good moisture to the lips, also a natural peachy lips. If you want a good bright lip colour, 2 good sweeps will do the job. It's good for both day time and night time, depends on how you want to carry it on. It isn't a so dramatic colour, so it's good for work too. I'd love to try Bigbang too, like to try some red lips lately. :) 

This lip gloss was bought in Boots for£5.99, and also available in ASOS. I have to admit I really really like Rimmel lately, can't wait to try out some of their products. 

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick

This is my first attempt to try Rimmel lipstick. It's not easy to get my hand of Rimmel in Hong Kong. This is Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in shade 107, a deep burgundy  colour. To me, I rarely wear red lipstick. I know I am quite conservative, since I stepped out of my peachy comfort zone. This is my very first burgundy  lipstick. It has a hint of watermelon smell. to those who likes some fruity smell like me, it definitely a plus. I got quite a lot of compliment when I wore it to a night out. I do recommend it to my friends. It looks quite flattering for a night out.

This lipstick was bought in Boots for £5.49. For those who doesn't live nearby Boots, Rimmel is also available in ASOS for worldwide free shipping. It sometimes has a great deal on multiple makeup brands in ASOS. Do keep an eye on them!

Summer Nail Polish Essential

The most often nail polish I used in last month are China Glaze and BarryM. China Glaze is always my favourite nail polish, but lately I added BarryM to my collection.

China Glaze - Lemon Fizz
I have been eyeing for a good pastel yellow nail polish until i find this baby. Don't have to worry the coat would be too thin. Two layers would be good to go! Give a fresh daisy look to your nails.

BarryM Hi Shine Gelly Effect Nail Polish - Papaya
I know I know... There are many raving review about the Gelly Nail Polish and this special colour Papaya. Peachy colour is a popular recently, both in fashion and beauty. The Gelly Nail Polish gives a jelly texture, don't require of top coat. No clipping to me. It stays good for 5 days. This peach colour is one of my favourite.

China Glaze - Pool Party
My Pool Party has been my summer favourite for two years. The down side may be the matte finish which require a top coat. The colour is hard to put on at first, I tried to put 3 coats for fist couple times. After few times of practices, two thick coats are good for me. While its neon collection is such a rave lately. But I may not repurchase this again, if I can find an alternative one. This shocking pink is still adored.

BarryM Hi Shine Gelly Effect Nail Polish - Green Berry
Green is always my favourite colour. How can I miss out my Green Berry in this summer. I always look for any good green-blue nail polish. This colour reminds me of green apple. It looks good on any skin tone. :)

It's time to enjoy my precious nail polis time. ;)

China Glaze is available in Cher2 Nail Polish Shop in Hong Kong for HKD$70 each. I got my BarryM in  Boots for£3.99 each.

Peach Blush! It's Summer Time!

I still remember on the first day i went to a MAC counter looking for some blushes, the beauty assistant suggested peachy tone blush for me. At first,I wasn't intend to look for any particular, but some blush will work with me for school, add little glow. After I listened to her suggestion, doing a little research, it turns out peachy tone works well with Medium Olive skin tone, peachy would be my bestie. And here I found this one MAC Powder Blush - Peaches. I fall for it. I always want to try some pink blush though, and haven't found my Mr.Right yet. Before I head down to the Pink road, here I am! Total Peachy Blush obsessed.

It's quite pigmented, showing a hint of warm peach colour. This a blush look nice on summer and winter (or I just couldn't resist putting it on!) I haves used this blush for a little over a year now. It's definitely my go-to blush. And yet, I am never get tired of peachy blush. Still looking for some more nice little things to add in my collection.

Fairydrops Waterproof Mascara

Finding a right mascara could be hard especially in Summer time. Fairydrops Waterproof Mascara is my everyday use mascara. I have used it for over 9 months, my very first few Japanese makeup products hooked up with. It gives long and defined effect for lashes, it doesn't gives a lot of volume to lashes though. But i don't want too dramatic effect for regular day, it could be easy to smudge even with some fabulous waterproof mascaras. I suggested this is a good everyday mascara, comes with a price of HKD$109. I don't suggest for formal night out, i agree this is a good mascara to give a nice touch to my eye makeup on day time. The mascara contains some fine fibres in it,  add a little volume for lashes, suitable for work and school. I knew it's available in some online shop and ebay. I got mine in local cosmetics chain stores.

Bio Oil (for Oily Skin)

I first heard Boil Oil from lots of  beauty bloggers few years ago, for hydrating skin, also suitable for oily skin. Since I have been using this product for over a year, I decided to give it some afterthought. First I try not to say all the good thing over the top, but I have to admit this bottle oil did some good effect to my skin in Summer and Winter.

At first I used it in winter, after toner before my aqua gel (day time and night time), it works perfectly with my skin. it filled up the gap for my aqua gel. some may say aqua gel may not moisturise enough for my winter skin. But I tried using some light weight cream, acne come visiting me :( So I used aqua gel instead. it may wonder people how come this oil is suitable for oily skin. From the package of this oil, it said the oil can help improving the scar(it does vow me), to be honest, i didn't find this effect works on me. but it does hydrate my skin.  I admitted it may not does a wonder effect to everyone. So i will say it hydrates my skin very well, even for oily skin.

Usually I use it after toner, dub little oil on my finger, then dub it on my face. I don't apply any moisturiser/ gel in Summer. It may look so oily to the face, giving you the shinny face. I tried apply too much on my face once, it looked way too greasy.  I guess use little by little, then you will know the exact amount for your face.


I knew this could be a bad thing to my skin, but the weather in Hong Kong too hot and humid. I tried to applied light weight moisturiser, however I got pimple in the next morning. So I have been trying to know any good stuff suitable for oily skin in summer. Since I turned on air-conditioner at night, I usually use sleeping mask once a week, to add up some WATER to my skin.

As for the price, i got my first bottle on sale in Australia, merely AUD$3 (60ml). I knew it's kind of pricey in Hong Kong which is HKD$110 for the same size. My second bottle is bought in South Africa, HKD$110 (200ml). Bio Oil is available in most drugstores.

                    

Topshop Lipstick Infrared

After I have been hearing people raving for Topshop lipstick, I decided to give it a try. Since I have a lot of pink/coral lipstick, I thought why not give the orange lipstick a shot?! I picked up Infrared - bright orange-red colour, so vivd. I have never tried putting any orange-y lipstick. I knew orange lipstick fits perfectly for pale skin, however, I have the opposite ones (dark olive). It's bold. It's perfect for going out, may be a little bit over for work. If you have a pale skin, I recommend you to try it. I put it on with my bronze eye makeup, give the focus to the lips. I'd say orangey-red lipstick looks amazing on olive skin tone. With the matte finish, Topshop has given me another excellent choice of makeup. The price is HKD$99。


P.S. Students can get 10% off discount in Hong Kong Topshop! What a surprise!

   

Dollywink Liquid Eyeliner

Here we go for another waterproof product. Since I have oily eyes, I wouldn't dare to wear any eye liner pencil on my upper lids. I have learnt my lessons hard after all those years of try lots of brands. Now I found one life saver Dollywink Liquid Eyeliner, Japanese cosmetics brand, another favorite from Japan cosmetics. Luckily for this eyeliner, smudged and messy eyes never come back. The tip is fine and smooth.  I have used it everyday for months and it doesn't dry out easily. I even tried to wear it to the beach, it barely washed off. Sometimes I wear it alone with eye primer, it still stay all day. It's not very difficult to take it off either with normal eye makeup remover. I found this in local makeup store with a drugstore price HKD$107. It looks so nice with cream eyeshadow, which is also another less smudge makeup tips to wear to beach. Summer's here! Let's enjoy the beautiful sunshine!

   

Nail of the Day: Nicole by OPI

This is "Hit the Lights" from Selena Gomez collection. It's my first attempt of Nicole by OPI (a gift from a friend). The texture is more creamy than regular OPI. Bright yellow color may not look good on every olive skin tone, I bet pastel yellow will look better. At first, I was kind of hesitated of putting on yellow polish with my dark Olive skin tone. The skin looks more yellow-ish. However, while I got a little tan lately, this looks nice on my tanned hands. (mom complained it made me look more tanned) but who doesn't love tan in summer!? So this is a go to me. I may put on it with other colors next time. Get a summer look for my nails!

   

Sofina: Sweat Proof Makeup Base Review

Just begins the hot summer, the weather is getting hotter and more humid. Since I have super oily skin, the makeup usually tends to get melting easily. Although I am always a fan of European and American makeup brands, I admitted mainly because Japan and Korea makeup brands don't usually carry out my skin color, since I have darker skin than average East Asian. However, after I tried out many makeup base product like MAC and Smashbox Photo Finish Light, I am still finding hard time to find a right one. W with the specific weather in Hong Kong. I will give a average score to MAC, which does a job of moisturize my skin, but not particularly to control oil. I have heard of lots of editor raving for Smashbox Primer, I like the smooth skin finish after application, and the Light version doesn't break me out. But I feel like the product still doesn't control my oil.

Recently, I reached out to Sofina, a Japanese makeup brand, quite popular in Hong Kong. This time I aimed for its Primavista Long Keep Base UV makeup base with SPF 20 PA++ . I screamed out loud! This is it! After I applied it before my makeup, my makeup lasted very well under 90 degree. Even on my regular work and shopping day, my blush, bronzer, and powder didn't smudge. My face has slightly oil flashing on my nose which is totally acceptable. Overall, this makeup base has an affordable price and amazing effect on controlling oil. I highly recommend this makeup base for anyone who is struggling oily face. It has SPF 20 PA++, not much as a sun screen, but definitely better than nothing. If you are looking for a sun screen, I would not recommend it for you. I suggest a higher SPF sun screen, if going outdoor activity. But this is really a good make up base for daily use. And this is the end of my Reaching Makeup Base Trip.

Sofina makeup products are available on ebay or local Sofina counters.