Kyanvi's Cosmetic

Belated Favourites of 2011

2012-01-04T00:59:00.000Z

Although it is slightly late, I still have to entry this blog entry, as seems a year didn't complete perfectly without the list of my favourites of the year. And therefore, here they are:

Cleanser
As I made my own herbal infused olive oil to remove my makeup, there is no specific cleanser that I really have to mention, well, other than Origins Modern Fiction, I think.

Toner
To me, toner is just a basic form of moisturising water, so as long as they are not concentrated with alcohol, cheap toner will do for me, as I have used high end toner as well as those flower hydrolat, there is not much significant difference for me....

Skincare

Clockwise from the front:

The Body Shop Lip Butter - i love them so much that i have purchased the whole collection. It's smoothing and i love the buttery texture.
DHC Lash Tonic - since i realised that my lashes were falling off, i grabbed this quickly and started using it since. There was a noticable growth, but somehow it could irriate my eyes sometimes.
Za True White Sunscreen - as most of the sunscreen can irriate my skin, this is one of the rare one that won't and that it is not expensive
Gariner Eye Roll - love the rolling ball and it's my 2nd one already, though i have already decided to get something else once this is done.
Olay Total Effect Touch of Foundation - this is my quick touch up if I am just going to the veg market or around the corner to local shops, as seems nowadays, i cant leave the house without any foundation and this is one of the best way for a quick touch up.
L'oreal Youth Code Serum - it has been a great hit on the net last year and that I have enjoyed the effect of the serum, which the only fatal fault is that i felt that my skin could be burn very easily after using this serum, so if your skin can be tanned as easily as mine does, then remember to put on extra layer of sunscreen after you use this serum at night.

Perfume

Clockwise from the front:

L'occitane Cherie Solid Perfume - i have a newly found obsession of solid perfume, for which i have already collected 4 extra and for that this is my favourite as i love the smell of orange blossom.
L'eau Par Kenzo por homme EDT - i love most of the perfume by Kenzo and that the person who gave this perfume to me is sort of part of the reason that i love it. However, the main reason that i like this as i love the scent that japanese combined. i love the citrus smell of yuzu, as well as the use of rosewood.
L'occitane The Vert Green Tea Solid Perfume - i used to use Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea EDT, but this scent of green tea is better than that and that i love stronger scent perfume.
The Body Shop Moroccan Rose EDT - i think every woman should have a bottle of rose based perfume and that for this one, it is not strongly scent, which is the exception for me as i normally like strong perfume. This soft fragrant of rose is suitable for young girls or people like me, who much perfer a unisex or men's perfume.
The Body Shop Dreams Unlimited EDP - i love the combination of cedarwood and white flower, which are the key essential scent. i love the musky scent, and that i love the shape of the bottle.
L'occitane Calanques EDT - this is similar to Dreams Unlimited, but this is more mediterranen style, a more subtle and soft smell, which remind me of the mediterranen sea.

Base/ Foundation

Clockwise from the front:

Cargo OneBase Concealer + Foundation In One 01 - this is my most frequent use concealer, and that i sometimes use it as a foundation when i was travelling. it is light weighted and that it is not too pink toned.
e.l.f. Tinted Moisturiser SPF 20 Procelain - i love this tinted moisturiser as the colour fitted my skin well, and it is yellow based rather than pink based. also this is really cheap, its only £3.50 for 25ml!
Bourjois 10 hour sleep effect foundation - as titled, it is so light-weighted that i have been complimented when i was wearing this foundation, most people, even ladies thought it was my bare skin! so impressed by it to the fact that i have purchased a second bottle already!!
Za Skin Beauty 2 Way Foundation - this is my favourite compact, though it's slightly darker to my taste, as in hk, they did not have the lightest shade, which is shade 20. Nonetheless, i love the formula that it's alright to have a slightly darker face.
e.l.f. Mineral Booster, Sheer - i love this powder very much, as with Bourjois 10 hours sleep effect foundation, they were so light weighted to the fact that people thought i was wearing no foundation, while they actually covered my faults. also this powder gives a subtle, soft matt finish.

T.B.C.

Happy New Year

2012-01-03T21:35:00.001Z

First of all, sorry about my missing, i was barely in my house for this festival season, out almost every single day. My schedule was so packed that I didn't even switched on my pc for more than a day.

Nonetheless, Happy New Year to you all and wish you a very happy 2012!

Kyanvi.

p.s. though it is a stormy start, I really hope that we would have a nice time.

p.s.s. googled the photo, it is from http://www.pickledpolitics.com

What's in my bag?

2011-12-04T22:11:00.001Z

Funny enough, I never talk about what's in my bag at all. It was due to the fact that I don't even use a bag, but since as I have more gadgets and stuff to bring, I no longer can fit my stuff in my jean pocket.

Anyway, here are the two main pouch/bags that I have normally apart from my leather envelop bag for my galaxy tab.

The smaller case is a freebie from a Japanese Make up magazine last year and the one on the right is the new bag in bag that I bought from Muji 2 weeks ago. As I love tweed/ wool materials, I fall in love with it in first sight. Also, it is useful when I need to drop my bag for museum/ event/ sample sales as I can simply pull this bag out from the larger bag that I carry.

As always, typical Asian design, zip on top by the handle and there are 7 compartments, so that I can put my stuff in an organised manner.

And for content, these are the items that I must have: (L-R)

Patrick Cox card holder - this is my current new love as I found this in TKMax for only £7! As these days, with shops tend to have their own reward cards, it is getting hard for me to fit everything in my wallet
Ipod and Patrick Cox case - not my most favourite mp3, but as before I have my galaxy tab, I want to use wifi access, (even though I have actually pay for 3G services), so I just bought this so that I can do some browsing and some easy games.
Soap & Glory Hand Food - it's not a bad hand cream for smell, but it's not that moisturising either.
Parker Ball Pen - if I am out for a long period or going to a museum, then I will normally bring my journal as well.
Jordan's cereal bar - Honey & Almond, taste not bad
Tissue Paper
Versace Wallet - I love men's wallet, though I have 2 women wallets from Coach and VW, I still much prefer men's one as I normally shove it in my jean back pocket
Wrigley's Extra Mints - from HK, I can't remember why I have it there, but useful anyway...
My inhaler and extra tube of lip balm
Sony headphones for Ipod

And for my makeup bag, which I have no idea why it remained portrait as I have tried so many time to rotate it, but not working @@:

Superdrug Contact Lens Eye Drop - with the same ingredients, it was the same as the one by Boots, but it's cheaper, so that's the reason I switch.
No 7 Shimmering Lip & Eye Sunscreen SPF 30 - useful for a quick touch up with sunscreen, especially around the eye area and my cheekbone as well as nose.
Sleek Pout Polish - I love this, as it is not dry and quite moisturising as well as it has SPF15. Sometimes, I am really need it, I actually use this as a cream blush.
Molton Brown Lip Stick - I think lots of people didn't know about their cosmetics, okay, for the same price, as I remember correctly, it's RRP£13.50, people will rather get a MAC instead, but I love this as it's creamy and not drying.
Nivea Milk & Honey Lip Balm - not a bad one, and I love the smell of milk & honey
Gosh Velvet Touch Eye Liner - my favourite eye liner, soft and easy to slide on, also not expensive, a must have, if I have to say.
The Body Shop Love Etc Solid Perfume - I love collecting solid perfume as they can be kept for longer period, and that I don't need to specially go to shops to find miniatures and that I think it's more piratical
Models Own Retractable Brush - for my Za compact as I am totally no good with sponges when I am outside in those cramp toilet. Not expensive, though man made hair, but soft, yet maintain the shape perfectly well
Za Skin Beauty Face Powder - the powder form of BB cream + pressed powder. Seriously, I love both the 2 way Skin Beauty Foundation as well as their Whitening series.
The Body Shop Divide & Multiply Mascara - fitted all my requirement: waterproof, volumising and that I love the pointy wand, which hopefully I will do a review later on.
Alcohol wipe for first aid and plasters at the far corner.

So what do you think??

Kyanvi

Bourjois Free Gift in Superdrug

2011-11-28T16:26:00.003Z

For Christmas, to me, I felt that it was always a war between Superdrugs and Boots. Normally, Boots won the competition, at least for my money, but this year, without the present of my husband nor my parents, it was hard for me to purchase £50 worth of items in one go as I am not too keen to carry boxes of pads and bottles of shampoos, etc. Also, somehow, for these 2 years, I have found that Superdrug is actually cheaper in price and that with the their 10%/25% off survey voucher thing as well as the introduction of beauty card, I have found myself more in Superdrug than before.

This time, even though Boots is also doing 3 for 2 on Bourjois, but with a free gift for every 3 item purchase, this is a much better offer and that Superdrug is doing 10 points for £1, if I am correct, then, it is better than Boots, which is only 4 points for every £1.

Inside the gift bag, there are the following:

mini nail polish 3ml
mini eyeshadow powder 1g
mini lip gloss 1.7ml
mini eye liner 0.46g
elastic mascara, 6.5ml, which i believe it's slightly smaller than the usual one, which i think it is 9ml

I can't remember how much they used to charge for those mini versions, but I definitely would say it is a bargain, as I quite like the bag that came with, though its only made of nylon, but it is not flimsy and that it is actually not bad quality.

Oh.. and what I have purchased?

Even though I have not finish my current bottle, but since I have been compliment that my skin looked flawless and that they could not believe I have put lots of foundation and make up on, I am in love with their 10hour sleep effect foundation as it is so light weight and that for the lightest shade, 71, it fits my skin tone nicely.

And for the other two eyeshadow, they are my 3rd and 4th ones as they are heavily pigmented and that they are really nice to use, as I love the colours that they offer.

So what do you think?

Vi.

p.s. Currently, in Superdrug, they are also doing GWP with Collection 2000, L'oreal, Accessorizes, NYC, Barry M, so if you are looking at those brands at the moment, it may be a better ideal to check it out, as for me, I love gift with purchase!

p.s.s. the free advert leaflet/ magazine thing, published by Superdrug, Dare, there's a coupon for a free pack of Fisherman's Friend Blackcurrant lozenges (25g) too!

Sigma Free Shipping Tomorrow 9-5 CST

2011-11-24T18:10:00.000Z

Just received an email from Sigma, there will be a free worldwide standard shipping tomorrow from 9am - 5pm CST, which will be 6 hours behind our time in UK, which is GMT. Therefore, for readers in UK, it will be 3pm - 11pm tomorrow for us.

Therefore, check it out if you are interested. Click here

Vi.

p.s. that's remind me that I have not done my review on the brushes yet @ = @ //.. I am so tired today, sigh, have been fighting with 5 bulb of garlic for more than an hour and my fingers smells arrrrr

Latest in beauty perfume box arrived

2011-11-24T17:51:00.003Z

As I have mentioned 4 days ago, the perfume samples from latest in beauty arrived at my doorstep this afternoon. Well, I have only 5, instead of 6, but then as it claimed that the content may be varied, so I am not making a fuss here, as my main interest was the L'Occitane perfume and the Laughter from SpaceNK, since somehow I began to start to gather perfume from there. lolz

It was also great that inside the box, there's a catelog from L'Occitane, in which there's a coupon for a free gift set when you spend £25 or more in store. This is what I actually waiting for as I somehow got a similar voucher last year and I was hoping to get the same this year too!

You Fragrance Discovery Box by Latest in Beauty

2011-11-20T20:10:00.001Z

Saw the information about this box on Make Up Savvy, and just thought it's a good idea to share this info. I agreed with some other people online, about the hit and miss, as individual may not like all the perfume samples inside, but for me, it is alright, as I love all the perfume from L'Occitane and that I have two perfume from SpaceNK and they were lovely.

Also, consider the price, the SpaceNK Laugther 15ml mini spray is charged at £15RRP, though I know they normally sell them at £5 during either X'mas or Summer Sale, but nonetheless, as the box itself is only £4.95 p&p included, I still think it's not a bad buy, as if not, you can always pass the samples to your friends as X'mas present. ;-P

Here is the link: click here.
Vi

Glamour nails inc free nail polishes again

2011-11-03T20:23:00.001Z

As titled lol

Best of Versace for H&M Collection

2011-10-27T18:27:00.000+01:00

Have anyone checked out the coming up Versace for H&M collection?? I loved Versace, but just that the items this time are not really my cup of tea and consider i have to pop out to central London just for that... i think i am too lazy... sigh...

also, its kind of unlucky that every single crossover, they were either not my cup of tea or just that i want to check out some of the item but they were all gone by the time i have chance to visit the regent st store... like last time with Lanvin... which i wanted to buy something... for Garcon, i simply didnt like the items as Garcon is good for hte cuting and design, with mass production, i dont think the style was there...

anyway...

off to do other things first

kyanvi.

T k max shopping - Marshall Curtis shower gel

2011-10-27T18:17:00.002+01:00

As christmas its coming soon and all the store offers flooding in,so I went tocheck out my storagebox and see what I need to get this time. Funny enough I have lots of body lotion and scrub, but not shower gel, for £ 2 this is an good catch as this smells much better than the normal shower products for this price and its 80% organic, looking forward to use this tonight

Sleek makeup at Westfield stratford city

2011-09-30T22:59:00.001+01:00

Sorry for being m.i.a.these few months. But once other interest took over the importance, then as one only have 24hours, then some has loss while some gain

anyway, just went to the brand new Westfield stratford city as it just opened this month and sleek makeup has an temporary counter on the first level

as always there are lovely makeup artist to match your foundation with your skin tone and they dredging special offers. If you have your shade matched the if you purchase a foundation then a pressedpowder is for free ifnot, they are lovely£10.99 for two together, i believed.

Also 3for 2 on blushes and lip products while 3 i divine eyeshaodw palette for only have£15.

Most importantly, they are doing a pout paint competition that you can mix your ownshade and enter the competition. My entry piece is the bottom right and i love their ipad app, as all you need to enter is to fill the for on the app and take a photo with you and the lip colour that you have mixed. The only downfall is that they have set the ipad stand quite low, so it was rather difficult to take the photo. Also, as a present, you will get a free mini size pout paint for free!

But after i have tried the pout paint, i much prefer their pout polish as i found the pout paint bit strong though i have only starting my interest in matt lipsticks.

Anyway, when i was first in the lovely sleek staff gave me a mini pout polish for free which i am so ad and pleased as i have four of them qt home and one has been my staple in my make up bag as i usedthem as lipgloss, lip balm, and blush as well!

So if you live in London or close by, the do pop by as they are only there till the 2nd Oct!

Kyanvi

ps sorry for my typo if there is any as i am using my galaxy tab and not my normal keyboard.

Space NK 'not so private' private sale

2011-06-22T19:55:00.001+01:00

I think lots of people should have aware of Space NK private sale as I recevied the email from N.dulge. Today is only for people that have their N.dulge card, but from tomorrow till Saturday, it will be open to everyone. Even I went very early today, 10mins after the sale began, there was already a queue outside and it took me 10mins to get it. I was not intending to buy lots of stuff, but still managed to spend £83, though from my estimatation, I have save around £80, as most of the item are 50% off.

From the look of it, they have plently of stocks, so if you are nearby, then it worth the hazzle to pop in and check it out.
From my memory, shu uemura gold curler is £15, mini one is £10. Mono eyeshadows, lipsticks, blush balms, eyeliner are all £10-15.

By Terry stuff are £15 -20, can't remember what exactly they are, as I am not familiar with their stuff, though I remembered that they have foundation for £15, but only in a very dark tone (no 8, if I remembered correctly)

Space NK own branded bath and body stuff from £10, and their perfume gift set from £15 - £35 for full 50ml size. Travel set for around £15 and same as the candles. Men stuff from £2 and there was not much choices.

There were few hair products and travel set, but I didn't really looked at it.

Lot of skincare set half priced, but even half priced, some of them were still £90, which I didn't look carefully as no way I am paying this price. Anyway, jurlique mini travel set are £15 and there were 3 types.

Nude is also 50% off, got cleansing milk, lotion, lip balm etc from £10.

There were few other perfume choices and lip balms, from £5 - 35.

And for Laura Mercier, I think the main thing to buy is the tinted moisturizer travel set, as down to £20, while RRP is £42. The only down point is that they only have the 2nd lightest colour, nude.

So here we go, I felt that compare with the private sale that I saw in other places, this is totally not a crazy sale, but it is not bad in general if you live near to london. I said this as consider some SA/BA gives samples generously, then it may be cheaper to purchase at counter, or during one of the Space NK events.

x kyanvi x

Palmer's Olive Butter Formula Body Lotion

2011-06-06T20:04:00.000+01:00

Just borrow a picture of the Palmer's Olive Butter Formula body lotion on google, as I have a sample and it's bit no point for me to take a photo of the sample.

My association with Palmer's was the smell of coconut, as there were a few fellow schoolmate used their body lotion everyday when I was at boarding house. As I was not a great fan of coconut, I like the smell, but I found that the smell of Palmer's product was bit excessive. So I was not a fan of Palmer's.

But since I got a sample of this, may as well give it a go. The smell of olive oil can be a tricky one. As you know, some of the extra virgin olive oil that I have used before can have a slightly 'grassy' smell if I think, the olives are rather raw. But for this, the smell of olive was not bad. It was not strong, just a hint of it, which I like.

For the texture-wise, it is not very thick, just like normal body lotion and it absorbs quickly, which is good. For sustainbility, it really hard to say as I have no encounter a body lotion that can keep my hand moist all the time as I think I wash my hands too frequently with soap.

Anyway, it claims on the pack that it will take care of your skin in 3 ways:

unique lipid structure moisturises instantly
loaded with antioxidants to keep skin youthful
emulsifies on contact for superior skin smoothing

From all these, I can say I quite agree as it does moisturise and smooth my skin. But for antioxidant? it really depends on whether they have really add olive oil in there, which I am no chemist, so I can't say for sure.

So what you think? You like olives?

x kyanvi x

UNE fund raising lip balm

2011-06-05T15:58:00.002+01:00

Not sure has anyone got their £3 off voucher from their green beauty bible before, but if you have it, then pop to your nearest unease pointer before it explores in mid June (as i forgot the exact day)

On the voucher it said you can't use on pencils as they are only £5.49, but as when they gave out the voucher, this fund raising lip balm has not been out in the market, so it didn't mention in the T&Cs. Although it took the lovely SA a while to try to deduct the £3, it is no harm to give it a go to use the voucher.
Also, if you don't have the voucher, do support and purchase this lip balm as every lip balm sold, une will donate £1 to NGO PLAN International's schooling of girls project called ‘Because I am a girl’, for girls in Cameroon.

And of coz, the lip balm is 100% natural ingrdients as same as the rest of the range. it has organic Shea butter, organic Jojoba oil, beeswax and candellila wax. It is also preservative-free and delicately perfumed with100% natural tomato leaf fragrance.

So check it out when you walked across a UNE counter.

x kyanvi x

p.s. why the sun is also taking a break on a Sunday? I was planning to get a chair out to the balcony to sun bathe!

Magazine freebies month

2011-06-03T20:29:00.002+01:00

I call this moth, June, as magazine freebies moth as almost every single female magazines are giving out free stuff.

Red magazine is giving out free Jemma Kidd lipgloss which is very good in quality as i got that last year.

Glamour which is coming out in the 9th is giving out free Benefit cosmetics.

Bazaar is giving out free leighton denny nail polish.

And instyle is giving out free £5 The body shop gift voucher, which is my 4th tbs gift voucher as this is my birthday month and received 3 from their love your body club
so which magazine(s) will you get?
Kyanvi

May Favourites

2011-05-30T21:41:00.003+01:00

Thsee are my favourites for this month:

Bobbi Brown lip liner in beige
Cargo Supereyes masacara
LSY flower kabuki, which is last month favourite
Muji blush Orange 01
Ruby & Millie brow colour blonde
TBS Dreams Unlimited EDP
Gosh angled brush
Crown eyeshadow? brush
Olay total effect touch of foundation - the price of this increase by 25% for these 3 months, it is rather annoying... = =
Bourjois 10 hour sleep effect foundation 71 abricote clair, which is also last month favourite
e.l.f. complexion perfection

x kyanvi x

Bits and bobs

2011-05-24T20:44:00.000+01:00

Although I have not update here as much as I planned, it seems a waste if I don't even border to upload the photos and show you, my readers, what I have bought these few months.

I have went to Berlin in Feb, so I bought a few bits from DM, the German version of Boots. Essence and P2 cosmetics are not bad, it is kind of like Barry M and 17 equivalent.

Then I went to Singapore during Easter, I was so glad that I managed to find out that there is a Daiso store in the basement of Ion Orchard (one of the famous shipping mall in Singapore, which is located at Orchard Road, the main shopping street) Everything there are S$2, which is slightly more expensive than the HKD$10 shop in HK, though they sell roughly the same products as they are sourced by the same company.

Crazy enough, I have bought the same magazine twice, as I meant to cut out one coupon inside the magazine, but it went missing at my partner's place @@. But anyway, you can find this in Guardian, for S$1, you will be samples and travel size products, as well as current beauty news and coupons, so don't forget to buy this Feeling magazine when you are in Singapore.

Furthermore, I have bought my favourite whitening product from ZA too! I was planning only getting the emulsion, but as I managed to find this deal, then why not, it is wired that in UK, we don't do these box set as often as in Asia, as my mum always stock up lots of box set at home, as apparently they are much much cheaper if you calculate the cost by volume.

At last, I have saw this on Dare, the magazine published by Superdrug. Their MUA line is producing eyeshadow trio, which looks like the Bourjois ones, I can't wait to see them in store!

LSY Brushes Haul (Photo heavy)

2011-05-23T20:37:00.000+01:00

I have used the new Lam Sam Yick (LSY) flower shaped kabuki for a while and I have to say, this is the most expensive brush I have ever purchased, and I am totally not regretting it at all.

It come in a chic square box for which it arrived at my residence from Taiwan safely. :-P
It come with a brush bag that is in lovely champagne pink colour, the only down fall is that the opening is bit too small, it just fit tightly, so I was bit concern that when I try to take out the brush, the zip will damage the brush

However, I have no intention to take it out with me, so it isn't really an issue.

Material - wise, it looks like pvc leather, but still, it looks chic enough for me.

Size - wise, compare with a 5p coin, it looks decent in size for my face, I should have take my primark kabuki and compare them. For size, primark one is bigger than LSY, but LSY has a nicer shape and I felt that this flower shape fits better than the traditional kabuki shape.

Also, one of the reason that I felt it worth the money is that this is made by the traditional method, as how the ancient chinese make the ink brushes. They do not trim the hair, but arrange the hair to the require length by very skillful craftmen. So you can tell from the photo on the left, all the hair align in the position where they need to be, and the tip of each hair is smooth and pointy as they have not been trim or cut at all.

Furthermore, as there was an early purchase offer, I have got a travel size lip brush for me. I rarely use lip brushes, but I have a few at home, e.g. No 7 , R&M, Lancome, this is one of the best brush I have use, as it is dense in hair, but also bouncy, which is not bad when I try to apply lipstick with it.

So what do you think?

x kyanvi x

p.s. this is only of the my favourite brushes atm, as long with kabuki from primark, bronzer brush from model co

p. s. s. just realised that LSY is exactly the mirror imagine of YSL! hahaha... so funny.

Trade in your old make-up with UNE

2011-05-20T20:23:00.001+01:00

Just saw on Beauty Junkie London:
"UNE natural brand UNE is supporting World Environment Day by holding a make-up exchange event in Westfield Shopping Centre. On 5th June you can visit the UNE stand in Westfield and exchange your old make-up, that will be re-cycled for a FREE UNE products and a £2 money off voucher to redeem against anything from UNE."

I simply can't wait as June is my birthday, so will be my shopping month!

x kyanvi x

Ruby & Millie

2011-05-19T11:26:00.000+01:00

Although sad to see it go, I have to say, don't forget to pop to your nearest Boots to stock up, as they are doing 75% off clearance at the moment.
Even though there may not have sign saying that, but I just grab the ones that I want to check out, and it still come out as 75% off.

For £10, I have grab these home!

[apologise for the low quality, as I have drag them from my weibo]

x kyanvi x

Glossy Box

2011-05-19T11:19:00.000+01:00

Apologise for the wired photo shape, I drag my photo from my weibo (Chinese equivalent twitter), I have just received my Glossy Box, as I saw it right outside my door!!!!!!

From the 1st outlook, I was already impressed by the quality of the gift box, as I normally received parcels in those plain old cardboard boxes, its good to see something different (haha... i just realise that i am quite shoppingholic) and I definitely will reuse the pink gift box to store my spare make up.

And for content for this month, I scared my friend, as I was talking to her on phone, and when I opened the box, I was quite speechless. This is because I was planning to purchase the NARS illuminator on Asos yesterday... and I am so so so pleased to received it!

For £10 per box, I have received: (L-R)

NARS illuminator in Orgasm - full size, RRP £21.50
Bionova Bioactive cleanser - 4ml, £ 0.86, as full size is £29 for 135ml
All for Eve lipstick - full size, RRP £10.50
Como Shambhala invigorate lotion - 50ml, £3.33 as full size is £20 for 300ml
Alterna Caviar rapid repair spray - 25 ml, £4? ( i didn't manage to find on its offical website, so this base on the prices that I can find on google shopping)

So in total, this month's box worth £40.19, while I have only paid £10!

What do you think of this???

x kyanvi x

Mail Forwarding company or assisted purchase company required

2011-05-14T22:01:00.000+01:00

Just wondering is there anyone who can recommend a mail forwarding company or an assisted purchase company in France? As i really want to buy agnes b cosmetics.

Thanks!
kyanvi

Magazine Freebie this Month!

2011-05-06T22:06:00.003+01:00

As you can see, these are the freebies for the magazines this month! [Does anyone know why magazines tend to give out freebies when we are very busy for exams??] I was lucky, I actually remember that Sainsbury was doing 3 for 2 for selected magazines and these 3 are the ones that in the list. Therefore, I popped down to my local Sainsbury to find them.

Although I actually prefer the other Cath Kidston tote bag and I have already got the similar muddy shade from nails inc (during the coca cola promotion), since its 3for2, then may as well. But actually, it turned out that the promotion ended yesterday (cheeky Sainsbury, as they know we will get the magz no matter what), but as I pointed out that the staff have not taken off the tag, then the manager kindly do the offer for me!!!!!

So will you get Easy Living for the Cath Kidston tote bag? Instyle for the Nails Inc nail polish (I actually like the orange shade a lot, damn= = )? And Marie Claire for the TBS body butter? (I am in love with the scent of Dream limited, I just bought the EDP and the shower gel, now with the body butter, I have my summer gear ready, as the smell reminds me of the sea and the breeze.... though the one from L'Occitane wasn't bad either @@)

x kyanvi x

p.s. next month, i heard that Glamour is doing Benefit freebies again! I simply can't wait, as I actually know a lot more of Benefit products as I collected the freebies every June (I think!)

Glossy Box

2011-05-03T22:09:00.004+01:00

When I was doing my daily internet surfing routine (?!), I bumped into a website called Glossybox, so I did some googl-ing on this and apparently they have this in Germany and so saw a few youtube haul on this [ though i only managed to understand around 20%, as they are in german = =]

Bascially, what this company does is that by paying £10 per month, you will receive a box of samples, which I saw on other's haul was 5 travel size items and from the stuff that they got ( see the photo below), it looked like they are worth more than £10, if you calculate each item by volume/ weight compare with the full size products in their RRP.

So I thought it's not a bad idea to give it ago. Apparently the next box is coming up around mid May, so I will post another post for that when I received it.

Also, they have a video on you tube explaining what they do, but as I don't want to advertise it as I have no connection with them and that I haven't received the products from them before, so no guarantee what will come up.

Anyway, if you like to purchase new thing every month or you love to collect mini size and samples, then this may be ideal for you!

x kyanvi x

大家都来说说常看的达人博客

2011-04-30T22:51:00.000+01:00

Saw this in
毛毛的博客, so may as well copied here for any reader that can read chinese
原文地址：大家都来说说常看的达人博客(转自E天使verazenia帖）作者：大粒花椒
大家都来说说常看的达人博客（一楼好长啊）
原帖地址在此：
http://forum.etianshi.cn/viewthread.php?tid=242205&extra=page=1
想知道大家平时都喜欢看哪些彩妆护肤或者其他时尚类的博客，互相交流一下，多多长草。。。根据大家的补充，填了几个我常看的。

先说说我爱看的，全当抛砖引玉了。

Arora（无人不知吧，爱彩妆必看）http://blog.sina.com.cn/arora8074
小蛮（这小妞太招人喜欢了）http://blog.sina.com.cn/rakkie
小腻腻（自从被ty帖子黑了以后就很少推荐产品了，当看看照片欣赏了）http://blog.sina.com.cn/nini1128066
小桃（更新挺慢的，但是文字风格我挺喜欢）http://blog.sina.com.cn/peachlette
吉尔（很有见地的女人，我喜欢，总有影评）http://blog.sina.com.cn/jill63082
miss蜜（每一篇都写得很用心，最擅长服装搭配，身材超好的）http://02040229.blog.sohu.com/
老苯（高手！单眼皮的mm一定不要错过）http://benny-filan.blog.sohu.com/
雪琦（妆面非常精致干净，技术高超）http://tiffanymile.blog.sohu.com/
honey公主（一个超级白的美妞儿，皮肤超好啦，画啥色都好看，涂啥指甲油都好看，推荐很多平价产品很实用）http://honeybaby20.blog.sohu.com/
忆心（又一个精致妆面的妞儿，非常气质）http://sansan516.blog.sohu.com/entry/

再添一个fashionguide FG部落格http://blog.fashionguide.com.tw/index.asp?TypeNum=2从这里可以直接看台湾妞儿们的更新，也可以单独点进去看每个人的，kate，AK，爱爱，雪伦，shockisgood，queenie，希默。。。达人无数，jms自己看去吧！

有jm提出将大家分享的都总结在一起，方便其他jms查看，所以我把这个帖子里提到的链接都一并放到一楼，粘贴了一些jms说的话，希望不要介意。

菁菁 http://jingjing920.blog.sohu.com/

久久妹妹 http://blog.sina.com.cn/mayzhuan

小花喵（她的照片拍得超级认真。看的人可以学到很多。）http://www.mariahlovesmakeup.com/

Kate http://blog.sina.com.cn/kateswonderland

higem(据说有篇修容很强大）http://blog.sina.com.cn/higem

Kevin老师 http://kevinchou907.blog.sohu.com/
补充老师的新浪博 http://blog.sina.com.cn/kevinchou907

喜欢NARS的一定要入 http://candyberry.jugem.jp/
喜欢mac的mm不可错过 http://www.temptalia.com/
yuki http://haruhii.pixnet.net/blog 超多新情报和试色，而且图片超好。。
信爷 http://sinshow.pixnet.net/blog 很专业

Catalina 这位也是u2b上的达人 http://www.youtube.com/user/cl2425
淘宝的妮妮 http://bbs.taobao.com/catalog/thread/154505-4972582.htm
弯弯的kate http://blog.fashionguide.com.tw/BlogL.asp?PerNum=33
tomoko  http://blog.fashionguide.com.tw/BlogL.asp?PerNum=497
爱丽丝 http://blog.fashionguide.com.tw/BlogL.asp?PerNum=2051
queenie  http://blog.fashionguide.com.tw/BlogL.asp?PerNum=2385
ayuki http://blog.sina.com.cn/ayuki2008
棒国的pony  http://bbs.hers.com.cn/thread-257897-1-1.html

米布 http://blog.onlylady.com/9711948
比较冷门的 fuless  http://blog.onlylady.com/9574740
瞄爷 http://blog.onlylady.com/article/10050174.html

一个在日本的mm的Aimee，非常日系和美丽 http://blog.sina.com.cn/aimee37
简直是艺术家的泪钻lulu  http://blog.sina.com.cn/lulumeluludl

在加拿大的优里娜 http://blog.sina.com.cn/yurinashan

sandy http://blog.sina.com.cn/sandyjang888
小咪 http://lovelymars.blog.163.com/

宋小财 http://yoyosong.blogbus.com/
陶之妖妖 http://blog.onlylady.com/459451

河马 http://hippohema.blogbus.com/

锁骨达人 http://zkskincare.blog.sohu.com/

申家希 http://blog.sina.com.cn/shenjiaxixixi

ogawahideto（浓妆π） http://ogawahideto.blogbus.com/

花见月（台湾MM，新品试色就看她） http://loloko.blog47.fc2.com/blog-entry-615.html

爱美主义 http://www.aimeizhuyi.com/

hanna http://blog.sina.com.cn/hannacy

阿屁 http://blog.onlylady.com/322259
穗穗 http://blog.fashionguide.com.tw/BlogL.asp?PerNum=2575

rox http://agelesslove.blog.sohu.com/
仙人掌 http://blog.onlylady.com/9750711

http://emilywang0805.blogbus.com/
以前也是天使上的一个MM，停更了一年，不过最近回来啦，还生个个娃儿~

patti mm提供了好多连接，我懒得很，直接复制过来了，嘿嘿！
http://www.urcosme.com/beautynews/index.htm （这网站算是更新比较快。也很全面的。每年各大品牌的限量啦。春夏新品资讯。我是全从这里看的）

http://hi.baidu.com/noneforever24  这个美人好早就不更新了。我也不知道原因。但是她的博客我一直收藏着。有一年多了吧。我总是希望她能再更新。。。。我也尝试过搜索过她的呢称。看看有没有可能在别的论坛出没过。。。不过很可惜。都没有。。。我很喜欢她的眼妆。她的眼睛。她拍照的角度。她拍照片显示出来眼影的光泽，以及她码字的风格。。因为喜欢，所以还是会再保存下去

http://lotuspalace.blogspot.com/   喜欢日系彩妆的人。。此人的博真的应该常阅。。因为一般日系品牌的新品。她都会全ALL了。并且有试色。有真眼。。。。可惜这博要翻墙。。

护肤类  http://blog.sina.com.cn/kenjiiii     博主很帅。。。。。啊啊啊。。

kenjiiii这个ID。不知道有多少人记得。。晃过OL的人应该认识的。。我很膜拜的一个神啊～～他的博客可能不好看懂但是研究成分学的人。我都觉得很值得追。。。

http://tamatamajp.blog.163.com/  tamatama桑  主打日系保养。人在JP～～～我比较喜欢这种有气质，有风范，写东西很客观的美女啊。。。。

http://cutelilys.blogbus.com/   LILY～～主打日系护肤。。。同上一位美女。都是我很喜欢看的人。她们俩个人写的东西。比较冷门。我喜欢看冷门的东西。

微酸硬糖 ---天涯时尚。她没有博客。给我印像最深的一个服装搭配达人。。。。这个女人。要脸蛋有脸蛋，要身材有身材，要才华有才华。。。实在是给我一大震憾。。。
可惜人家现在去生孩子鸟。不发贴了。。。。
http://www.tianya.cn/publicforum/content/no11/1/827736.shtml

在我心中算是女神级别的了。。虽然她的搭配过于华丽。在我的生活中不见得实用。。
但是她的颜她的皮肤以及她的图片。。是很赏心悦目的。。。
http://www.seaofshoes.typepad.com/

rossy说，这个网站很不错哦可以输入名字检查护肤品彩妆的成分哈很实用" />" />" />
http://www.cosdna.com/chs/

恭喜的博欢乐时光收藏机 http://carry0531.blogbus.com/
Natalia的博客 http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/articlelist_1673614910_0_1.html  澳洲的美女媽媽。

p.s. apologise if the font is not working properly as I always concern that my pc, which bought here in uk, doesnt read chinese properly

Superdrug Beauty Card

2011-04-29T15:26:00.001+01:00

Superdrug is launching a loyalty card, called the 'beautycard'; where customers can earn points that can be redeemed in store - much like the good old Boots Advantage Card, the points can be earnt online and in store and spent in store.

The card will launch on 11th May and to celebrate customers can earn 50 bonus points for every £5 spent on Superdrug branded products in store (until 7^th June), while online during the same period customers will receive 10 points per pound on all shopping¹, plus there will be 1,000 chances to win 1,000 points every week.

As standard though Superdrug’s 'beautycard' will offer one point for every pound spent, and every 100 points will translate to a pound to spend in store, plus there will be additional chances to receive extra points via promos in store.

Personally think that this is not a great scheme as only you can only redeem £1 worth of point after £100 spent. But the plus is that you can use the points as a part payment as at the moment Boots does not offer this.

In scheme will not make any strong persuasion for me to shop in Superdrugs, as I already shop regularly as there's a local store near my flat and that stuff in Superdrug is tend to be few penny cheaper than Boots. As long as their 10% /25% off voucher after survey is still here, I am more than welcome to see a few quid back as I definitely spent more than £100 in Superdrugs every year.

So what do you think?

x kyanvi x

p.s. the 2nd photo is of courtesy of http://chantellemakeup1.blogspot.com/

April favourite

2011-04-29T12:44:00.002+01:00

I have just got my new Samsung galaxy tab with me. So this is a trial test to see whether the camera give good photos if not i will go back to my old Sony dc.
The good thing withthis tab this that i can take photo and upload it on blogger as well as writing the post at the same time so if this works i can update more often. Lol
so this is a quick view of the product that i love this month, enjoy!

Kyanvi

ps my lsk flower brush has arrived and i love it

Sleek Blush Swatches

2011-04-28T23:15:00.000+01:00

I have just saw review on A little obsessed blog, which Sabrina has made swatches for all the Sleek blushes that she own, and if you are a fan of Sleek blushes, then don't miss it!

Kyanvi

[N.B. the photo is copied from Sabrina's blog]

Quick! Debenhams is giving out free Benefit new skincare samples

2011-04-28T15:19:00.000+01:00

If you are a beauty addict, then I think you have already received Debenhams Beauty Clubs email. With the email, you can pop to your local store to collect samples of the new Benefit skincare line, which is called b. right radiance skincare.
[apparently they are gone very quickly, according to the BA in my local store, so pop to your local store asap!]

As always, with my sensitive skin, I only used new skincare product as soon as I finished the previous one, so I don't think I will able to review any of them currently as I still mid way though my old stuff. However, I have seen reviews on a few blogs already, so do google it. [e.g. Meling's 蘋果的化妝箱]

Although I haven't tried it, I have already felt in love with the packaging. When I 1st saw the photos for this new line, I wasn't too keen as I personally not a great fan of this blue. But when I received the package, I was amazed that I already felt good and looked forward to try it.
I quite like this box as I like the size and that there's a string for you to tie the box, definitely will put it on my dressing table, it is a good size to store my pots of skincare.

Also, I seriously in love with the eye cream pot and the day cream bottle. When I 1st saw the day cream bottle, I thought that will be very heavy and it is not ideal to have a glass bottle for day cream when I tend to rush in the mornings. But when I hold the miniatures, it is kind of like perfume bottle and I love to collect cute perfume bottles. [ I can already tell you secretly that I definitely will reuse this bottle...shuhhh....]

So what's the wait? Pop down to your local store to see whether they still have it in store!

x kyanvi x

Royal Nailing

2011-04-23T21:01:00.001+01:00

Just saw on beautyandthedirt.com, Nails inc. has come out a collection for the royal wedding. Yes I know, for some of you will be sick of this 'royal wedding' adverting gimmick, but soon they will be over. As my friend said to me when I called her about the biscuit tin in M&S, 'wait until the wedding is over', she said, ' the price will drop straight away as there's an expiry date for these merchandise'. So for now, I haven't bought my biscuit tin, though I am still very tempted to bring them home, as who know, will they sold out before I arrive in store on the day after the wedding?!

Anyway, as you can see, they of coz name after them, Will, a royal red and Kate, a dreamy cream polish, both have crystal embossed caps inspired by the Union Jack and Kate’s engagement ring. [which personally think the blue does not goes well with the cream, while the red combination is excellent match, though I don't use red polish]. Also, they are £15 each, which is even more
expensive than the normal nails inc polishes.

Furthermore, they have come up with another set, the Royal Collection which includes shades, Westminster Abbey, Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral. [ as you can tell, all name after places which closely link with the royal family...] Also, unlike the normal silver cap, these have gold! caps. If you are fan of collecting those limited edition merchandise, then I recommend you to get this as it is only £25! for 4 bottles [ which is the normal price for a collection from nails inc]

Anyway, personally I won't purchase any of these, as I have enough nail polishes, but will you?

You can find them on www.debenhams.com

x kyanvi x

p.s. have changed the style, format of my blog, what do you think of it? nice? or worst?

Alternative to BB Cream

2011-04-22T18:27:00.001+01:00

I think lots of you heard about bb cream, or already order them from ebay or ask friends and relatives to bring you over some when they travel to Asia. I just come back from Singapore, and I have heard (and seen some of) the high-end cosmetics companies have set foot into the market which is dominated by Korean and Japanese firms. So this is really 'hot' at the moment!

N.B. FYI, I have seen bb cream from the following companies: Estee Lauder, Lancome, Bobbi Brown, Clinque, Dior as well as MAC

So what's bb cream?

"In a nutshell...

BB Cream is an all-in-one cosmetic beauty and skincare product. Depending on the brand you choose, this cream can act as foundation, concealer, sunblock, and moisturizer all in one go."

quoted from squidoo.com

Therefore, anything that claims to improve our skin, which means tinted moisturiser is kind of the same thing, so why border?

The only reason that I have only one bb cream at home is that when I was in Singapore or HK for holiday, I have tested lots of the bb cream that's available in the market and to be honest, I found all of them too heavy for my taste. This is because most of them have very high SPF, I found any sun screen lotion that has more than SPF 30 too heavy for my skin as I felt I can't breathe though the skin (well, this is just my opinion).... Also, they can turn grey easily and it was quite hard for me to find the right colour (most of them are very pink based or on the other extreme, very yellow based)

Therefore, I have a list of 'alternatives':

The closest match is actually Olay total effect, as there has been lots of good review on Olay's total effect moisturiser and Max factor's foundation. This is the perfect match as it said on the bottle: 'total effects with a touch of MF foundation'. This has SPF15, which is ideal for base. I have used this everyday when I was in Singapore, and with an extra layer of mineral powder foundation, I can go out quickly and that it is moisturising enough for the whole day without suffocated my skin cells.

The 3 at the corner are only available in Asia, sadly. These are from Za, one of my faourite brand. The 2 in front are blend with their beauty powder, which I will explain further in my next review as I have taken the photso ages ago, but just have not got the time to type up the review.

The one in the box is same as the Stila one. These 2 have whitening effect. If you shop in Asia, you will find every single brand with whitening foundation, almost no exceptation. You may ask why Asian people use whitening products all the time? I can say it is due to culture, but I will say it is because our skin tend to be yellowed tone, whitening product does not meant making your face like Michael Jackson, but it is more about even skin tone as well as give the skin a more radiance effect.

Furthermore, although these 2 have not got any SPF, I think these are not bad for an alternative to bb cream, as they claim to have skin improving ingrdients. They are my newly arrive Bourjois 10 hour sleep effect and Bourjois healthy mix foundations. They have been out in the market for ages and I have always heard good reviews about them. But I only managed to purchase them now as I was planning to use £20 to get a good quality bb cream in Singapore, but at the end, I could not find any, as I felt cosmetics in Singapore are quite expensive and that other than Dior bb cream, I really wasn't keen to purchase the rest... so I managed to save £20 and purchase these 2 instead.

So what do you think?

Kyanvi.

p.s. phew... this is one of the longest review I have ever typed in this blog. @@ so please leave me some feedback!

p.s.s. and the one of the left, the white compact is almay line smoothing foundation, which I have wrote about previously: here

Origins - again, I know

2011-04-21T18:18:00.001+01:00

I know, it is another Origins post, well, I have not been paid to write, just 'luckily' find 2 bargains, so post it before it is too late!

I used to be a fan of Garnier's roll on pen, but now as the price is increasing [not sure whether you have realised, the cheap stuff are getting higher while the high end stuff remain around the same price?!], from £4 (when it 1st come out) to almost £9/£10 nowadays, then I may as well find an alternative, since my skin is bit 'tired' of the same thing (or maybe just me not my skin lol)

So I managed to find out that Origins got similar caffeine rich eye cream, and I managed to find this set for only £12.50 in Boots! The eye cream alone is already £20 RRP, so I think this is a bargain, as it comes along with a mini mascara, a mini lip gloss as well as a plastic make up bag.

Also, if you purchase 2 or more Origins product from Boots.com, they are giving out 2 mini size, which I have already forgot what they are as I have tucked them into my miniatures box @@

But oh well, not bad for £12.50, yeh?

Kyanvi

p.s. ohhhhh.... here's the link: click here

Origins freebies tomorrow & friday!

2011-04-20T18:06:00.001+01:00

For tomorrow (20/4) and Friday (21/4), simply take in any brand skincare product - full or empty - to Origins counter and they will swap it for a full-size Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash or A Perfect World Antioxidant cleanser with White Tea (pictured) worth £16.

So check out the nearest store: here!

Kyanvi.

p.s. apologise for not update here for so long, life has once been up and down as usual. but I will gradually pop back more often.

Stila Eye Shadow Trio

2011-03-22T20:06:00.000Z

I first seen this eye shadow trio on Jojoba's blog, and I then kept looking online to get hold of this as you know, Stila has left uk market....and it is a good buy.

It is a bake mineral eye shadow, which meant that they can be used ethier wet or dry, though I only use it dry as they give a good soft metallic colour. Also, it can be used as a mix colour or 3 separate colour.

Compare with the Tiramisu from Laura Geller that I have got, this is a much lighter tone and it is great to use at all, as I can complete my look quite easily.

And last brown eye shaodw palette to go tomorrow!

x kyanvi x

p.s. as I am heading to Singapore this Saturday, my reviews will be temporliarly suspended unless I can use my partner's phone to upload stuff.

Natural Collection Duo Eyeshadow

2011-03-21T19:55:00.000Z

I actually got 2 duo eyeshadows, but I 'destroyed' one of them and this is the new one that I bought recently as I just suddenly turn my eye to browns. For £1.95, this matte coloured eyeshadow is good when you just want to get something new randomly or as a treat!

The eyeshadows are highly pigmented, but not strongly pressed as when I use my No 7 eyeshadow brush, there will be a lot of the eye shadow fled around in the air @@ But the colour is good for work, with the latte colour all over the lid and the mocha colour for contour.

I will definitly get a few more if I managed to hit some eye shadows pan, as I realised that I actually bought too much recently, so definitely need to pause my spending =[]=

x kyanvi x

Crown Brush - Not impressed, don't even border

2011-03-20T19:53:00.000Z

Crown brush, I heard of good reviews before, and heard that coastal scents brushes are from crown brush too.. So I have planned to get my hands on them for ages... However, I was put off by the postage, £5 for delivery is a bit too much for me [well same applies to Space NK, which I will only purchase online rarely =[]=] As there's a special discount on the postage, I decided to give it ago. Although the delivery was fast, I was quite disappointed with the quality of the brush.

Although the quality of the fibres for this Large Duo Fibre Face brush are okay, I was so disappointed with the quality of the brush as a whole. You can see from the 2 photos above, the black hair suppose to be shorter than white ones, but for here, obviously they forgot to trim all of them, as I found 3 strpies that are not trim.

The reason that I didn't require a return as I could not be border as I checked online, for returns there's a charge for it [ that's applies if you changed your mind], but there is not any information about if the brushes are damage during transit or when it come out of the factory.

For £9, I think I will rather purchase one from Sigma, as the 2 duo fibres that I have are much better.

Same applied for the angle fluff brush, one of the fibre is not trimmed properly, it is 2x longer than the rest. By the time I checked the brushes, I was so disappointed that I know I have to write this review before the others that I have in mind, as I totally discourage you to get things from there.

But, otherwise, for £2 this is still okay to me

For the Blush brush from the Basic series, I was shocked that the brush has been pressed so hard in their warehouse, the shape changed. I purchased brushes online from e.l.f., everyday mineral, sigma before, but none of them arrived like this! =.=// Although the shape changed back to what it suppose to look like after I wash it, when I washed it, it was another horror.

I actually ran out from the toliet to take this photo. The foam of the shampoo turned grey and tiny hairs felt out of the brush. I was shocked, as none of my brushes dropped so many as you can still see some on my balm.

For £4, I seriously recommended e.l.f. instead.

Furthermore, these 3 brushes are from the same range, but the Mini Blush brush does not have the name printed, this is rather confusing, but oh well, after all the shocks that I have, this does not really border me... Sigh....

Well, it is not totally wasted of money as at the end of the day, after a wash, the brushes are okay, still useable, but for £18.54 in total, which included p&p, I seriously rather get brushes from e.l.f. studio range or try their new bamboo range.. Sigh... quite regret now.

So, I totally NOT RECOMMENDED to get brushes from Crown brush any more!

x kyanvi x

Facebook + Honey

2011-03-14T20:29:00.000Z

The one of the main reason that I will log-on to facebook all the time is that sometimes companies will give out free samples to try out. As many of us know the nutrient in honey are very good to the skin, therefore I was so happy to see this at my door this morning!

x kyanvi x

Paul & Joe Eye Color Palette III

2011-03-12T21:51:00.000Z

Apologise for the delay, seems this week has passed so quickly.

So the 3rd brown colour eye shadow palette is Paul & Joe Eye Color Palette, which is an limited edition for Christams 2 years ago.

I wasn't really into Paul & Joe before, as I much prefer minimal packaging and I wasn't keen on patterns and floral, which is the impression of Paul & Joe for me when I was young. But since time passed by, I actually more into these floral patterns(?)!

Although we can't buy most of the Japanese brand in UK, other than some in Selfridges, Harrods and Harvey Nichols, you can buy Paul & Joe on asos.com and I heard from Fenwicks in Bond Street.

Although it's quite typical japanese style where the colour is not as strong as other western brand, the colour is stronger than the muji one, as it is less shimmer, though still give a sheen finish.

Also, this come with a typical sponge/foam applicator in one end, while a proper round end eye shadow brush on the other. [ which I only realised that when I took the photos, I have took the brush to wash @@]

Swatches

This is the clearest swatch that I have made, the middle eye shadow shouldn't be this orange, yet when I upload the photos, it turned out like this @@

And for the price-wise, I think it was £28RRP, but I got hold of it when it was only £8 something. If it is £28, it is slightly on the expensive end, but it is still worth a while (at least the packaging, as I really like this purple plastic box!)

x kyanvi x

Models Own Smash Up Crackle Polish

2011-03-09T19:29:00.000Z

Just received Models Own newsletter, if you are keen on crackle nail polish, then you must check these out! There will be black coloured and silver coloured one available in Boots store from the 20th April and the rest on its official site: www.modelsownit.com

But as I don't use nail polish that often, I think I will skip this @@

x Kyanvi x

Groupon Deal - ASOS

2011-03-09T19:21:00.000Z

Although lots of bloggers have mentioned on their blogs, just in case you have missed out. Groupon has done another absolutely bargin. For £9, you can redeem £20 goods from ASOS. [ with minium purchase of £21].
Free UK postage and sometimes free international postage, though £5 postage aboard is absolutly low price too! As I have ordered a pair of shoes before for my husband in Singapore, and if I used the snail- mail, it will cost a lot more!

So have you bought it today?

x Kyanvi x

p.s. oh.. link: http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/national-deal

Muji Eye Shadow Quad

2011-03-08T22:42:00.001Z

This is the Muji eye shadow quad that my friend helped me to get in Muji in HK last summer. Compare with the western tendency of metallics, Japanese tend to have their eye shadow shimmery as they aim for effortless look. However, they are also decent pigmented as I made the swatches fairly easily.

Furthermore, I like the design of the palette, as it is small and compact, easy to carry. Also the clear plastic design is very 'Muji', as they like things simple and minimal.

As you can tell from the size of the eye shadow, the bottom left is for highlight, bottom right is the eye liner. Top right is the eye shadow for the inner corner of the eye and the top left is for the outer corner.

x Kyanvi x

The Body Shop Limited Edition Eye Palette - Boho Beauty

2011-03-07T22:22:00.000Z

As I mentioned on Sunday, this week will be my brown eye shadow week! For first, let's start with a recent popular one, as I think everyone has secretly has a crush on the special word ' Limited Edition'

As I have bought the Groupon voucher, so for now, it is cheap enough for me to pick it up. haha The packaging is not bad, as I am a fan of white palette. Also, it is not flimsy, but firm plastic, which is good, as sometiems I foudn some of the palettes are very flimsy.

Inside, there are 4 eye shadow, one brown kohl pencil and a small eye shadow brush, which looks quite alike to their normal brush range.

The eye shadows are highly pigmented and tightly pressed., as for these swatches, I have just use my fingers and the colour come out easily as I have moist fingers. the texture is quite funny, as although it looks like powder, when I touch it, it is slightly creamy.

The brown kohl pencil is normal, soft and highly pigmented, but the only trouble for me is that I don't like sharp eye liners, so I have to draw at the back of my hands a few time before I can use it on my eyes.

Although the brush looks small, this is much better than those foam sponge applicator, and it is quite dense too!

I don't normally take any photos for the back, but the only problem is that TBS now produce their eye shadow in Thailand instead... @@ [ I still much prefer to have things manufactured in the EU]

So like this?

x Kyanvi x

Brushes from Taiwan

2011-03-07T21:24:00.001Z

I was keen to get hold of this brand, 林三益(LSY), but wasn't as keen as google and see whether I can find a buy in UK until this flower series!

林三益 is a traditional ink brush maker in Taiwan. As you may know, traditionally, chinese use ink brush since 475BCE, and this brand is one of the famous ink brush maker. If you have done Chinese calligraphy before in school, you will know how important the quality your ink brush is, which is the same as the importance of your make up brush.

With a reasonable price (i.e.£22+/- for a MAC 188 equivalent) . and that they are hand made, I always keen to get hold of this, but now I am even more keen than ever =[]=

Think you will be more keen if you see the rest of the series:

my 1st fav

my 2nd fav

my 3rd fav

Keen?

I am very =[]=

x kyanvi x

p.s. photos taken from one of the LSY retailer:http://amazing-palace.blogspot.com

The ray of Browns

2011-03-06T23:00:00.000Z

Since I have started work from October, I found out that people in my office dont wear makeup, or mininal make up, so I kind of trying to adopt a more nude/ simple make up to work; and from then, I have build up a collection of brown/ netural eye shadows. [and I know this sounds like a very rubbish excuse to buy a lot of sutff hahaha]

Terefore, tomorrow, for this week, I am going to write about the 7 palettes that I currently using, as I still got a few hidden around my drawers.. lol

So see you tomorrow!

x Kyanvi x

This week shopping

2011-03-06T15:10:00.001Z

Actually I have bought more than these this week, but the only reason I put this up as I just read lots of reviews on the L'oreal Youth Code recently, and I just suddenly keen to try this out later!

Also, I have just realised that Boots tend to overcharge these days, as for the Olay Total Effect Tinted Moisturiser, at my local Superdrug, it is only £12.99, while at Boots, it is £17.99. And for the Youth Code, it is only £14.99 in Superdrugs while it is £24.99 in Boots. Also, although both stores are doing 3 for 2 on skincare at the moment, there' more reason to shop in Superdurg as if you completed the feedback survey which is at the back of the voucher, then you will save 10% or 25%. Therefore, for all these 3, I have only paid £24.xx, so only £8+ each! Isnt this wonderful!!!

So what do you think??

x Kyanvi x

Murad Blogger Event II

2011-03-05T12:26:00.000Z

Finally! Coz I only used my SE cyber-shot camera phone, so I can only take photos during the day, which is slightly impossible with full time office work =[]= [well, technically, if the room is bright enough, SE phones are still good, but I have a strange habit of keeping the room dim @@]

Anyway, here's the products that I have took away with me. As I only have spot rarely, I have managed to find a friend to become the 'white lab mouse' for me. However, as she does not live in London, until I meet her during Easter, so the review for this line will be postpone... =[]=

I have flipped though the book, which I found it interesting to read, so I will write a review for that and hopefully share some of the new info that I have learnt later on. [ as I am still working on my essay, so if I have time to read, I got to read my law books]

Also, as well as Murad, I have been given a set of Doctor's Brand. For this set, I am going to ask one of the boys in my office, but not sure whether he will be keen on this or not. If not, I will do a giveaway for this set.

I have took a few photos during the event, but as the quality was very bad, so I only save this one. Marriott hotel in Country Hall is really nice, as you can see the Big Ben easily. The event room is very classic, it's actually looks like a library to me instead. lol

I have seen the pitcher of health somewhere in the book, I think, so once I managed to find it out, I will take a more clear photo. Also, this is the Smoothie that I am keen to try, so just took a photo of this and see whether have anyone tried this before!

Well, this is my review on the event, what do you think of this? [ coz this is my 1st time to attend a blogger event !]

At last, thanks Elle, the senior press officer of Doctor Brand, for this!

x Kyanvi x

p.s. Have a nice weekend everyone!

Glamour Freebie

2011-03-04T12:26:00.000Z

As you probably aware, as lots of bloggers have wrote about this. [so did I ;-P] Glamour is celebrating their 10th years. It's funny that I started to read Glamour, well on & off, since I was 14, which is the 2nd year I was in UK. I have also spent 10th year in UK too this year!

Anyway, as I said before, I bought a copy for the moisture surge and a copy for the mascara. I saw on Money Saving Expert, there's a break down how much these samples worth: (these based on the full sized products on the Clinique website)

Liquid facial soap 30ml - £1.95
Eye make-up remover 30ml - £3.48
All about eyes eye cream 5ml - £7.50
7 day scrub rinse-off formula 30ml - £5.10
Long last glosswear 2.3ml - £5.37
Superbalm moisturising gloss 7ml - £6.07
High impact mascara 4g - £7.50
Dramatically different moisturiser 30ml - £9
High impact lipstick full size - £15
Moisture surge thirst relief 30ml - £18

From this, the best deal is Moisture Surge, lipstick and Dramatically different moisturiser. Also if you are keen to collect them all, my suggestion is pop to local Superdrug and use the till voucher, as for over £10, i.e. 5 magazine, you will get 10% off, which is £1!

So which one you have bought?

x Kyanvi x

Quick Update before I forget!

2011-03-02T23:58:00.000Z

This evening, I went to the Murad's blogger event in Waterloo and met a few lovely bloggers, which I hate to say, I only reconise Charlotte from lipglossiping.com, as I am very bad at remembing faces... [which I have no idea that I managed to suffer in an office when people come in & go all the time @@] Anyway, I have also met Dr Murad and have known a little bit about his book and Murad's product.

So I need to thank Elle for the invitation!

[p.s. photos later!]

* courtesy of Pink Haired Princess

So this links to the second thing that I need to mention. I am so regret that I didn't pick up a cop of this month's Glamour in Waterloo station!!!!! In this month's Glamour, there will be a free sample of Clinique product and I really want to try their moisture surge for ages, as I think it's the expensive version of Za one, yet there's so many praises on this.

For more info, check out Pink Haired Princess' blog, as she has collected them all!

See you all tomorrow! As I got to go now... got work tomorrow!

x Kyanvi x

Coca Cola Lip Balm

2011-03-01T21:28:00.000Z

I can't believe it's already March, time gone so quickly!

Well, I guess lots of people have already seen the new Coca Cola lip balm on blogs across the sea and maybe wonder whether to get it in UK. If you don't ever shop in Primark, then you will miss out; as this is available near the queue for the cashier and they have sprite and fanta as well.

For £1.50, its not a bad gift for coke lover, but if you are looking for a proper lip balm, then I suggest you get a tub of Vaseline instead, as I felt it's kind of like makeup for kids. [although i wont say it's useless, just not good if your lips are dry.]

So what do you think?

kyanvi.

Groupon Deal - The Body Shop

2011-02-25T18:12:00.000Z

Once I have received the email from Groupon, I dashed to the nearest The Body Shop store and bought a lots of things for £11.50! Well, technically. £23.50, as I have paid £12 for the £30 voucher, but still, it's an amazing bargin!!!!!

I have finally bought the limited edition eye shadow palette! Also bought a mineral powder foundation, as they are doing special offer; buy any 2 make up products and you will get a carbon eye liner for free!

Then I realise they actually sell sharpener for jumbo pencils, for the size of their concealer pencil, but it will be handy for other pencils anyway!

Also bought another lip butter, as I love their lip butter! [see previous post here] As I only need £1 to reach the £40 target, then I just browsed around the store again and realised that for their limited edition bag for life, it's included 4 mini samples and 2 voucher! So i thought for £2.50, it's amazing cheap, so just grab this as well... Not sure whether this applies to other stores as I haven't seen them before. So for the free present, I can choose any mini size body butter, and I have chosen strawberry one as if body butter is on sale, it's the fastest to go.

So what do you think? Amazing right?

I still got 1 more voucher to use :) but I think I will save that for skincare, but as I am not too keen on the Chamoile Eye Makeup Remover that they are giving out at the moment, I think I will save it for another offer.

2011-02-23T22:52:00.000Z

I am already writing shopping post at the start of the week! O.M.G.

Well, i meant to pop to Superdrug to check out the new Sleek Primer Palette... But I actually not keen to buy it.. instead, I check out other foundations in the store as I realise I have hit the pan of my sleek creme foundation compact. At the moment, I have discovered my favourite type of foundation. I am so into creme compact foundation, as its so quick and easy to apply before work.

Since I have heard good comments on the PhotoReady line, so I just want to try it out. Also, I heard lots of comments on the lipsticks, since there's a 3 for 2 offer at the moment, so may as well pick this up, as I am going to get the eye shadow palette as I am so into the brown colour now!

Secondly, just want to share my favourite cookies. M&S' Pistachio & Almond cookies is my favourite, I roughly ate already 3 packs since the start of the year! Since it's on promotion, so I just give Lemon Meringue a go, as I have tried the apple crumble cookie.

2011-02-23T19:46:00.000Z

Groupon is doing a special offer! For £12, you will get a £30 The Body Shop Voucher. To redeem, simply print out the pdf file that they send you tomorrow and bring it to the selected TBS shop in UK.

So interested?

Click here to registered and buy this deal.

K.

Sugar Magazine... I know... this sounds crazy

2011-02-22T10:18:00.002Z

It's very funny... I have moved to UK since the age 13, but I actually did not buy any teenage magazine till now when I am actually into make up... The most frequently bought magazine since age 13 is actually, amazingly, is Glamour... which I have no idea why when I was that young, I bought Glamour instead of others...

Anyway, the reason that I have bought this month's Sugar magazine was because of the Barry M Eye shadow pencils, as they are Special Edition! and you know, its kind of hard to resist Speical or Limited edition!

So will you actually buy a magazine because of its free gift?

Boots £5 Skincare Voucher

2011-02-21T22:52:00.000Z

Just a quick reminder, if you still have any Boots £5 skincare voucher, then remember to use it tomorrow!

In order to use my vouchers, I have stocked up 3 extra bottles of Sanctuary Pore Refining Toner!

Although I did not able to point out which part of the toner I like, I just like to use it after I have use wipes to wipe of makeup right after work and I kind of like the smell of the sea water (!) that is used.

So what do you think? What other product you will buy instead?

The Body Shop Limited Edition

2011-02-21T00:08:00.001Z

Have you checked out the new limited edition from The Body Shop?

I have read a few reviews on this and I like the eye shadow palette, Boho Beuaty (RRP£15), as I suddenly into brown/ beige eye shadow as seems to me, these are the colours for work @@... But personally, I think it's slightly expensive, as I saw Rimmel has come out a similar eye shadow quad for a lower price, though that one has no mirror and brush. Anyway, I have not checked it out in person, as I am afraid that I will just buy it as soon as I see it... So I am staying away from the stores at the moment....

But if you fancy to get anything, they are doing special offer at the moment, buy 2 make up products and get a eye liner free.

Tempted?

e.l.f. Tinted Moisturiser SPF20

2011-02-20T21:29:00.001Z

Finally!!

I was browsing the e.l.f. website last month and was wondering when this tinted moisturiser be available in uk e.l.f. and just saw the email, they have finally! import this to uk site! Can't wait to see reviews on that and get!!!

Have you see any reviews on this yet?

Kyanvi

Sleek Primer Palette

2011-02-19T21:22:00.003Z

Sleek has come out a primer palette 2 days ago, and there are numerous reviews online at the moment, have you read them?? and are you tempted?

Actually, I am bit tempted, but I am still trying to stop buying makeup as I don't really want to have to much things that I don't really use. I have already have a little play at the local Superdrug and they are not bad at all.

So what you do think?

Kyanvi

Murad Blogger Event

2011-02-18T21:40:00.000Z

Just wondering is anyone going to the Murad skincare event on the 2nd March??
I am still not sure whether I will go or not... just curious who is going... ;-)

Daily Mail Offer

2011-02-17T23:42:00.001Z

Saw this on Money Saving Expert forum, which is here, Daily Mail is doing a special reader offer, by paying £1.99 (which is p & p), you will get a free Bonne Mere soap (£4RRP)

So which one will you choose? I have order the rose one, really can't wait to see this come though... [but in addition to these 3, I really interested in the milk one though lol]

Finally, its Friday, so what's your plan for the weekend?

Kyanvi

A post that I saw today

2011-02-16T20:32:00.000Z

*belongs to Make Up Savvy

Aren't you tempted by the design?

I saw this on Make Up Savvy's blog and I would like to share this with you!

To read the post in full,

CLick here

x Kyanvi x

2 of my favourite lipbalm

2011-02-14T22:51:00.001Z

I don't used to use lip balm when I was younger, but as I am more into make up and beauty, I realised the importance of lip balm, so now I become a fan! These 2 are the few favourites in my brunch of lip balm.

The green one on the left is Grape favour and its for hydration; while the white one is Almond favour and its for nourishing. The Grape one has more a jelly texture than the Almond one, as the Almond one has more a buttery texture, which I much prefer during winter time and which I tend to use the Grape one when I am not going to work as the office is very dry.

These can be bought from Yves Rocher website, as sadly there's not any store available.

Kyanvi

p.s. apologise for the short review, I suddenly ran out of words and I am slightly miserable when I am having dinner all by myself.... sigh

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T17:50:00.001Z

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Even if you are single today, no worries, your Mr/ Ms Right is always waiting for you round the corner, so cheer up!

If you are 'double', then I don't think you got the time to check out blog! haahahaha

2010 Favourites Continue

2011-02-10T23:06:00.000Z

Blush (Clockwise)

e.l.f. Cool Bronzer
Sleek Face Contour Kit - Light
Laura Geller Baked Sateen Blush -n - Brighten Ethereal Blush
Muji Blush - Orange
Cargo Beachblush - Coral Beach

Eyeshadow (Clockwise)

e.l.f. 6 colour palette
Laura Geller Baked eyeshadow - Tiramisu
Stila eye shadow trio - champagne glow
Muji 4 colour eye shadow - brown
Ruby & Mille Completed Eye kit

This is the end of my series... as I actually forgot to take the rest and I have already throw the magazine away... sigh..... = =//

Kyanvi.

Lloyds Pharmacy Bargain - if you fancy organic skincare product!

2011-02-10T22:08:00.000Z

During my usual routine, surf on the internet, I found out that Lloyds Pharmacy is doing special offer on their organic skincare range, Your Orgnaics. Although I haven't seen much reviews on this, I already decided to buy them, as the price was so attractive. 5 products for £4!

As well as that, 99% ingredients from natural origin and its free from mineral oils, paraben, lanolin and phenoxethanol. If you are really concious about these ingredients in your skincare routine, then I really think you should give them a goal. [ I only started to look at the ingredients in my cosmetic products recently and realised its so hard to avoid paraben if you want to get skincare products around £5 @@]

I haven't tested them out properly as I only received them yesterday, but I have opened the night cream and it gave a slight lifted feeling to my skin, which wasn't bad, consider the product is less than £2. (as postage is £3.95)

Also when I received the package, they have included a FREE body cream from the same range too! how lovely.

So are you tempted now?

Kyanvi.

p.s. i just realised this post sounds like advert, but I paid for the products, not freebies.

2011-02-09T23:49:00.002Z

Follow my blog with bloglovin

2010 Favourites Continue

2011-02-09T21:47:00.001Z

As continued....

For this time, these are my favourite brushes:

Cheek / Highlight (L-R)

Models Own Retractable Kabuki
Sigma F50
e.l.f. Complexion Brush
Charles H Fox Angled Brush (didn't remember the exact name, does anyone knows?)
Sonia Kashuk Small Angled Brush

Face / Foundation (Clockwise)

Primark Pink Kabuki
Model co Blush Brush
MAC 190
e.l.f. Flat Top Powder Brush
Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Brush

Blush and Eye Shadow next!

Have a nice day!

Kyanvi~

2010 Favourites

2011-02-08T23:16:00.000Z

Although I know it's already February, since I have already took the photos, then I might as well upload the photos [but too lazy to write that up @@] and put this as a record. ;-P

Eyeliners

Gosh Velvet Touch
Prestige Automatic
Prestige Total Intensity
Benefit Eye Bright
Stila Kajal

Brush - Eye

Barry M E/S brush
No 7 e/s blend & contour brush
e.l.f. e/s shading brush
Gosh eyeliner brush
Models own e/s blending brush

I will update the rest tomorrow! Good night!

Kyanvi

Bach Emotional Eating Kit

2011-02-07T23:16:00.000Z

I saw the £2 off voucher on Boots H&B magazine, then I actually keen to try this out. After looking out in several Boots in my area, I can only found this in the biggest Boots store nearby.

Apparently these 3 bottles contain herbal essences that can help you for the following:

Crab apple - acceptance of yourself & your imperfections
Cherry plum - to think and act rationally
Chestnut bud - gain knowledge from your experience

If these essences can do what they claim to do, then I actually think this is a workable formula, as for me, I sometimes eat more when I am stress or upset, seems eating can 'fill' the hollow in my heart, or it's a way to distract me from thinking of the bad things. So if they help me to act rationally and think positive, this will help me out, even if not losing weight, at least not gaining any weight.

In the instruction leaflet, 2 drops of each essence may be taken directly from the bottle, or dilute in a glass of water, and to be taken 4 times a day. However, (although this sounds bad), I am not going to take this 4 times a day, but 2 times a day, as I don't want to bring them to work @@.

Hope I got good result, wait for my report, or get yours before the voucher expire on the 22nd Feb.

So interested?

Kyanvi

Magazine Freebie this Month!

2011-02-05T21:02:00.000Z

Sorry for not showing up and update for this long. There wasn't any internet access in my place till last month, then, since I haven't update for a while, just not used to the habit any more @@ Anyway, hopefully I will able to get back to the routine again.

Walked into WHS today, then saw this month Elle is giving out free Neal's Yard Remedies Eyeliner, which is worht £9.50 RRP. I have checked online, there're 3 colourer available, but they are only giving out the black one.

I have tested on the eyeliner, it's not the cream / gel one that I like (e.g. Gosh Velvet Touch); it is more like Kohl to me. Also, it claims only 37% organic ingredients. So I personally will be pay £9.50 for this. However, £3.80 (the price for this magazine), I think it's worth to pick it up on your way to the weekly grocery shopping.

Also, one thing that I need to mention before I dash off, if any Elle's staff saw this, can you improve the way the freebie stick on the magazine? As it's very, really I meant it, hard to get it off from the front page. The amount of glue that they have use is ridiculous.

So what do you think? Get it or not?

Have a nice weekend, and belated Happy Chinese New Year!

Kyanvi~

2010 Favourites Part 1 Lip Products

2010-12-18T01:11:00.000Z

First of all, I am very sorry about my lack of reviews and blog post, the stupid Talk talk, yes, I am talking around the company who use X factor for advertising. I totally find the X factor, not the good one, but the reason to not to use this company ever, I really meant, EVER, again. As they overcharged me, the sales made false statements during sales and it’s already 1 month and a half since I have moved house and there’s still NO Internet!

Secondly, my computer has crashed previously; so all my photos were technically gone, unless I can find someone to fix my hard drive. I only able to fix my window and tried to install the software that I need. Therefore, I can only take new photos again and that’s come to 1 problem. I forgot the font that I used for my watermark. So a new font is introduced for the time being. If anyone can tell me which font I have used will me so great.

Anyway, since I can’t do any other review at the moment, I am going to sum up the stuff that I think are the best 5 for each category.

First start with Lip product - this is the easiest to start, as I only began to push myself to start using the ones that I bought, as I always forgot my dear lipsticks and glosses

Here’s the best 5:

Sleek Pout Polish – see previous post. This is the only lip product, other than NYX, that I own more than 2. I actually have 3 of them and the new Powder Pink, is so nice to go with my NYX Strawberry Milk. [If one day is sunny and I am not in the office, I am definitely going to take photos of that and write the review!] (£4.99 @ Superdrugs)

Models Own Lip Balm – similar to Sleek Pout Polish, I think it is thicker texture, and more pigmented, which I like, but no SPF, is the only downfall (£5 Models Own)

Hybrid 2 in 1 Colour & Shine Gloss – very golden and shimmery, which I like. Though the gloss is thick, it is not sticky at all, and quite long lasting. Bought it at a super cheap price for £3 @ justbeautydirect.com

Molton Brown Wonderlips – bought this as I got the £10 off voucher from last month? Or the month before Marie Claire magazine. Just have a browse the in the store and found this. Personally, I think this is the best that I have used, though Lancome and NYX are not bad too. (£13.50 @ Molton Brown)

Jemma Kidd Make Up School Lip Gloss – got it free from buying Bodyform products. This is super good as well. Light weighted, not sticky at all, yet looks so nice on the lip.

So have you used these before? What do you think of them?

Tomorrow will be eyeliner!

Kyanvi

p.s. have you seen the Soap & Glory set that is currently on sale @ Boots?

For £25, it is absolutely a bargin!

p.s.s. the prices may not be correct as I wrote them down from my memory. Please always double check online or at your local stores.

Sigma Free Shipping this Friday

2010-11-24T22:01:00.000Z

Sigma is doing free shpping this coming Friday, so don't forget to to click though my link to obtain a free gift!

But sorry for not updating my blog recently, as I only down with using the ipod to browse @@

Shampoo 3 -TRESemme Vitamin C Deep Cleansing Shampoo

2010-10-12T19:04:00.000+01:00

This is my 2nd favourite for deep cleansing. I used this around 2 times a week, around once every 2 days.

TRESemme said,
"If you are frequently piling on heavy waxes, pomades, creams, sprays, etc., this shampoo will get rid of that extra gunk. Don't save for just "spring" cleaning - coat on hair once a week for deep cleansing or every day for extreme build-up. Its clarifying formula thoroughly polishes hair, thanks to its vitamin C and extracts of grapefruit and lemon

How to Use

To get squeaky clean benefits, coat wet hair with a liberal amount of shampoo.
Gently massage the scalp and roots with fingertips to work into a lather. Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to scrub and scrub to get hair dirt-free (that motion only roughs up the texture and causes breakage and tangling).
Lightly squeeze the shampoo from roots to ends. Our salon stylists suggest to rinse thoroughly (most people don't rinse long enough)."

I said, I personally think this is weaker than the Avon one, so I can used it that often without extreme build up. But, I like the smell of this product. Unlike other professional product, it smells rather fruity, maybe due to the extracts of grapefruit and lemon.

Furthermore, I like the tips they provided on Boots website, so I just copied them down here for your references.

Kyanvi.

p.s. the next two review will be solely for Pantene!

Shampoo 2 - Avon Advance Techniques Purifying Treatment Shampoo

2010-10-10T18:49:00.001+01:00

I bought this around a year ago, and when I was writing this up, I am sad to find that it is not available any more in the Avon website. So now I have to start hunting the remaining stock!

This is one (out of two) of the deep cleansing shampoo that I used weekly.

Avon said, "Instantly removes the dulling build-up of products and restores natural shine. Use once a week."

I said, I love this shampoo! When I first used this, the smell was really nice and herbal, think it's mint, or something like that. It gave a tingling sensation to your scalp. It really removes the hair styling product and I felt my hair can able to 'breathe' once again.

I used it weekly and it is like going to a saloon to do a deep cleansing for your hair and seriously recommended anyone who use hair clay like I was everyday before.

It used to be available on Avon website for around £2 per bottle.

Kyanvi.

Shampoo 1 - Botanics Hair Glossy Brunette Shampoo

2010-10-09T18:38:00.000+01:00

Before I start my review series on shampoo, I have some bad news to announce:

My darling computer has decided to leave me along last week, I realised the CPU was still alive, but not sure about the hardisk and thought the main damage is the window, so I pop to PC world to get a new hardisk and run the usual re-installation of the window. Now I have my computer back, but may have loss all my data from the previous hardisk, finger x, so I can only do reviews from downloading photos online at the mo, apologise for that 1st!

If you are a brunette, I seriously recommended you to try this.

I have used half of the bottle already and I am very happy about the result.

Boots said: "Warm and complex tones in brown hair can fade or look dull sometimes.

Botanics Hair Glossy Brunette Shampoo uses Walnut Leaf that protects and shines. Rich in anti-oxidants to help protect natural colour and shine, walnut leaf has traditionally been used to bring out the tones and highlights in brown hair. Botanics Hair Glossy Brunette Shampoo also uses Honey which adds rich moisture. Dermatologically tested.

Plant extracts at levels that really work, combined and formulated for unbeatable product performance."

I said, I totally agreed with Boots. This shampoo leaves the hair with a layer of gloss, not too thick, but extactly what healthy hair to be. Also, as I keep dying my hair, sometimes my hair looks really yellow, but this improves the brown tone of the hair, which gives a natural feel. Not sure about other ladies, but sometimes I found people's new hair colour bit too fade, as you can tell it is obviously heavily treated. But with this shampoo, they gives you a nice, shine touch that nobody knows you have just changed your hair colour.

I think they have other similar products for red hair and blonde as well and they are £2.99 each at Boots. Also, check out your local 99p shop, as I bought it from there instead!

Kyanvi~

p.s. I got a new job, hopefully a new flat, a car and a piano!

Hair Dye 5 - Garnier Belle Colour Permanent Colour

2010-10-05T23:39:00.001+01:00

This is very similar to the previous Nutrisse Cream, but instead of Avocado oil, this have jojoba oil and wheatgerm oil. The texture of this is almost the same as the other one, so I will buy either one depends on the price. Personally think this gives a better radiance afterwards, but it is lighter in colour.

So what do you think? I have recommended 5 hair dye in total, have you used any of them before?

I think I will start talking about shampoos as the next 5, what do you think?

K.

Hair Dye 4 - Garnier Nutrisse Cream Permanent Colour

2010-10-04T23:18:00.000+01:00

I have used this few years ago and I have a good impression on this. If you are a beginner in DIY Hair Dye and you got weak or thin hair. This is a very good one, as the after care hair conditioner is really nourishing with the addition of avocado oil.

Although the colour is not strong for very black hair, it covers the hair evenly and 100% coverage. Also, it is long lasting which I don't even need to do extra caring afterwards.

Sadly, I have not got any photos of my hair with me as I didn't have a camera when I was young =.=//

So what do you think?

K.

p.s. I got an interview tomorrow, finger X for me!

OMG: Sleek Makeup i-Divine Bad Girl & Good Girl Palettes

2010-10-03T22:48:00.000+01:00

courtesy of theglamorousgleam.com

I was reading my usual daily digest just now and found out that there will be 2 limited edition i- divine palette coming out soon! Check the swatches here @ theglamorousgleam.com, really can't wait to see them in real!

Kyanvi.

Just a quick update

2010-10-03T22:42:00.000+01:00

Just want to give a quick update:

- Free L'Occitane hand cream with this month's Instyle magazine

- Free Ciate nail polish with this month's Marie Claire magazine

- Mid season sale @ ASOS at the moment!!!

Have a nice weekend.

Hair Dye 3 - Jerome Russell B Blonde Permanent Highlighting Kit

2010-09-28T22:44:00.000+01:00

I have only used 2 highlighting kit before and I think this is much better than the other one, though I am not sure whether this is still available in the market.

This has no set amount of dying time and can be adjust by the user. The lighter you can, the longer you have to dye. I have dyed twice, once I dyed it for too long, and I think I have destroyed the surface of my hair more than dying it as the colour was quite yellow and looked horrible.

But this is recommended if you want to do some DIY highlighting as I like the shower cap that come in the kit. As there's lot of small holes on the surface of the cap, you can pull a small stripe of the hair and dye accordingly.

The only good thing is that the hair colour will gradually be lighter after a few wash as you can see from the left photo compare with the right hand one. [ p.s. don't you think I look much different now compare with these photos? I took them when I was 18 >_<]

So you like highlighting your hair? and what do you think of my hair dye series so far?

K.

Hair Dye 2 - Nice 'n' Easy Perfect 10 Permanent Colour

2010-09-27T22:41:00.000+01:00

To be honest, if I really have to rate all the hair dye that I have used, I will for sure rate is highly, as I love this!

Pros
- It only needs 10mins!
- smell not bad, professional saloon feeling.
- I love the applicator brush!!! [which I even rinse it and kept it on my shelf for next time!]
- I love the after care hair conditioner, it meant to last for 6weeks
- it is long lasting.

Cons
- it is slight on the expensive range of the high street dyes.
- they only have normal colours of browns, though it is a hell lot of browns!

So if you are a fan of browns, then this is the one that is recommended!

Kyanvi.

p.s.Sadly I have already forgot which colour I have used, but you can see, the colour is really like and the applicator brush can apply the dye evenly in stripes.

Hair Dye 1 - Schwarzkopf Live Color XXL

2010-09-25T22:30:00.000+01:00

I always want to do a series of reviews on certain item in a role, but seems didn't have time to do it... or rather say, I am too lazy... =.=///

Anyway, it's no harm to at least try to start this.

So I will write about 5 hair dyes that I like as a start and build onto other products.

I normally dye my hair every 3months or so, so since age 13, I have used a fair amount of hair dye. lol. For hair dye, one of the key thing is the hair colour before you start. If your hair is dark, it is hard to dye in light colour. Oppositely, if you hair is light, it is easy to dye whatever colour you like. Also, after care is essential as it is the key to keep the colour... which I didn't realise till quite late in my 'dye-ing' history.

I have already used 4 box of Schwarzkopf Live Color XXL, and there's a strong love/hate relationship. @.@

Pros
- a dramatic range available
- not expensive
- long lasting colour
- strong dye, good for dark, thick hair which I have

Cons
- very concentrate, I even have accidentally dye my skin badly last time.
- smells quite strong
- require 30 mins, which I consider time consuming!
- took a long time to wash it off and colour pigment fall off within the first few wash

I have used the 2 purple and I just did my blue today and I really likes it. I will upload some photos of the blue later on, if I managed to capture a few good ones.

Cosmetic Blue:
This is my current colour. As my hair is reddish purple brown, so the blue covers the brown nicely. It looks exactly like the cover. I have used this when I was younger, but the blue didn't shown up as my hair was black. This can only be used if you hair is quite light in colour.

Cyber Purple:
I have this previously. But I don't like the colour as it is in red tone, which makes me looks yellow. Furthermore, if you have brown tone colour hair, the redness of the purple is even more visible. Compare with this, I much prefer the mystic violet.

Mystic Violet:
This is my favourite! I think this is the only brand that do this purple in Boots & Superdrugs, so highly recommended if you want to DIY purple hair at home! The purple is exactly what I want, but the only down fall is I have to pre-dye my hair to a lighter, sandy tone as I don't think I can dye this with my natural hair colour, which is black.

Left:
This is the mystic violet that I used 2 year ago, and I really like it.

Right:
This is the cyber purple. Sorry that I looks so spooky, but it was far too sunny for my taste when I took this. Think it is one of the better photo as you can see the blend of red, brown and purple.

So what do you think??

Kyanvi.

Maybelline Pop Up Shop

2010-09-25T17:26:00.000+01:00

Sorry for being MIA this month, as I am still looking for a flat to rent!

Anyway, from my previous post, click here, I went to the make up class at the Maybelline Pop Up Shop at Covent Garden.

I forgot to bring my camera along, but even I got a decent quality camera phone, I was not keen to take any though, as I found it rather useless.

I am not acting/ pretending professional, as I have not went for any class or have practical experience, other than do make up on myself. The info and tips the make up artist give out were not something that can wow me. If we are not into blogging and got no youtube make up guru, etc, then I think you may probably found the info amazing.

Also, I didn't particular like the way the MUA 'sell' the new gel liner they are going to have next spring. Seriously, Maybelline has promote that in Asia for more than a year now and maybe it is not that popular here in Europe, but there are numerous brand doing this in Asia, like Kate, Kanebo, Clinque, L'Oreal, etc, and even Maybelline has a gold colour eyeliner in China as well.

Furthermore, I am a consumer that will check the origin of the product. Living in UK means I have most of my toiletries and cosmetics made within EU for multinational company, e.g. L'Oreal products are made within EU here while make in China in Asia. So for the same product that make in Korea, I would rather ask my friends to get it for me in Asia as it is cheaper there.

At last, the last thing is that they only did 2 looks, one on a black lady and one on a white lady. As you know, Asian women have significant difference in the facial feature, so it is quite pointness for me as I rather grab a book to read or watch a youtube video online.

So how about you? What do you think?

Alternative to Mothball

2010-09-19T22:12:00.000+01:00

I don't think lots of people use moth ball in uk as I don't see them in shops that often. But, in Asia, when I was in HK, you can find them in every single supermarket. As my bf has to send his stuff back home by ship, so I was looking for alternative to mothball.

Cedarwood is a good choice, but I find another choice of DIY!

Material you need:

Some paper tea bags or muslin bags
Cotton ball/ cotton pleat
Strings
Dried mint
Dried lavender
Dried thyme
Dried rosemary
Cedarwood essential oil

Method

Drop 2 drops of cedarwood essential oil onto the cotton ball
Mix all the herbs
Pour 1/4 tsp of the herbs in the bag
Put the cotton ball in the bag
Use the string to tie up the bag

And you are done!

Isn't this simple?

Kyanvi

The World's 1st Maybelline NY Make-up Shop @ London

2010-09-18T20:26:00.001+01:00

Apparently, during this Sep, for 10 days only (16 - 26th), there will be a Maybelline NY Pop Up Shop courtesy of Marie Claire near Covent Garden, London. It will be all about backstage beauty, retailing exclusive products, like the gel liner that I have seen in Asia!; and showing how to achieve this season’s must-have catwalk looks direct from New York Fashion Week!

Courtesy of Liglossiping.com

As the new eye studio gel eyeliner won't be on the British shelves until 2011, and if you don't have time to go aboard for it, then, don't miss this chance, as there will be available this time!

Also, there will be complimentary threading and an in-store manicurist available. But I heard it is popular, so find a way to book it to avoid disappointment!

Furthermore, there are a no. of events taking place in and out in the store throughout the 10 days:

1. Meet the Marie Claire Beauty team (£5 per entry ticket, book here.) on the 20th,21st & 22nd Sep, but think they are sold out already as I can only able to book on the 20th 10am by the time I realised yesterday. =.=//

2. Buddying Beauty Model on Sunday 19th and 26th Sep.

3. How to Get into Beauty on the 20th Sep (£15 per ticket + champagne,book here.)

Check the details @ http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/features/494337/marie-claire-pop-up-shop.html

Address:

18 Shorts Gardens

Seven Dials

Covent Garden

WC2H 9LD

(just off Neal Street)

檢視較大的地圖

And hope I can see some of you on Monday 10am!

Have a nice weekend~

Kyanvi~

Quick Update

2010-09-18T20:07:00.000+01:00

Just pop into Croydon this afternoon, as I am still looking for a flat to move =.= /// After the viewing, went into the shopping centre and finally got the time to pop in the 'new' (it has been open for months already) shop called Tiger. Tiger is a homeware shop from Denmark, it is sort of a crossover of Paperchase x Ikea x Habitat. The things aren't expensive there and quick cheap, around a few quid for an item.

Bought this hourglass for only £1! and can be used to measure three mintues, which is the ideal length for you to brush your teeth. Hope this little gadget helps, as I sometimes can be quite lazy with the brushing teeth routine... oops... =.=///

I know this is a 2008 Limited Edition, but I could not resist to get this back home... as I really like the case. If I can finished the content or remove the content as it is quite old for shelf life wise, I think I will get a watch as stick it in the case and can be used as a pocket watch!

K,

Trick in the Bag - Interdental Brushes

2010-09-17T00:42:00.000+01:00

I can't remember where I have saw this trick, so sadly, can't give any credit to the clever lady who though of this. Anyway, these interdental brushes aren't just good for your teeth, but also your lashes.

As you probably have experienced before, normal mascara wand are bit big compare with the eye lashes, so corners and lower lashes are quite hard to reach without getting the area dirty. So these are handy for these situations.

Brush your interdental brush on your mascara wand, so that it is cover with mascara and just apply the mascara with this small brush as you use the normal wand. Also, these are much more handy to tidy your lashes if they are entangled.

I bought these from Superdurg for £2 for 2 and they do 2 sizes: 0.45mm and 0.5mm.

Personally prefer the 0.45mm, but I think 0.5mm is more useful to put in the makeup bag as 0.45mm is a bit too small for the upper lashes.

Well, what do you think of these? and have you have any other tricks with the lashes and mascara??

K

Sleek i-divine Acid Mineral Eyeshadow Palette

2010-09-15T00:14:00.000+01:00

Here's another Sleek palette, hopefully, gradually, I will remember to post up all the swatches of these lovely palette, and today is ACID!

Acid is mostly matte eye shadows and they are well, shall i say, quite difficult to use, yet, they are so funky! I think it gives people very strong impression as they have neon orange, green, pink, pruple and yellow.

Swatches

Aren't they adorable?

This is one of the usual edition palette, so you can still get them at selected Superdrugs.

K.

Eye shadow collection....

2010-09-13T18:36:00.000+01:00

I was browsing some chinese beauty forums just now and there was a topic about how much eye shadow you have at home, so I digged up the ones that are on my shelf at the moment, and not included the one still in my 'storage' box, and I am shocked by the number that I own. ;-P

Gosh,,, they look small here, but much bigger if you see them in real life... like cover 1/6 of my double bed...=.=

From these, Sleek palette's are good and pixi palette is good in quality. I don't recommend NYC, instead for the small range, I recommend e/s from e.l.f.

Laura Galler and Stila are good in mineral e/s, but they are bit on the higher end... as they are not cheap.

Don't like my dior palette as I don't think they are easy to use, not sure whether it is due to the fact that they have fewer pigments.

Barry M and model own pigments are good, but they took me quite a long time to press, so unless you want to do some serious DIY, I suggest you not to do so.

Revlon Colour Stay is good, which I have depot into the muji plastic case at the RHS corner.

Bourjois e/s are very nice too, but seriously for £4/5 each, I rather get a sleek i-divine palette or a Revlon colour stay quads as you get more from that. lol

Also, Maybelline Mouuse e/s is nice as a temporay base too, and it was so cheap as I bought it from poundland. ;)

So how big is your collection??

Kyanvi.

p.s. ohhhh... forgot to mention, The Body Shop e/s are so-so quality, I think, so only recommend when they are on sale!

3 Step Skincare by Clinique

2010-09-12T00:13:00.000+01:00

After I have been using the Clinique 3 Step Skincare for around 2 week +, I think it should around be the right time for me to sum up my experience.

Step 1

They say, "The first step in Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care System. All the benefits of Clinique's dermatologist-developed Facial Soap in a liquid formula. Cleanses without stripping protective lipids. Preps skin for the exfoliating action of Clarifying Lotion. Convenient pump dispenses just the right amount"

I say, this is really gentle, my skin wasn't dry at all these 2 weeks. Smell wise, quite typical soap smell, nothing fancy. The only down fall is that no matter how I use it, I cannot generate bubbles at all (please tell me how if you are die hard fan of this) and this is basic the only down fall that I hate, as I really like bubbles 8_8

Step 2

They say "Step 2 in Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care System-and the difference-maker for great skin. Gentle exfoliating lotion developed by Clinique's dermatologists de-flakes to reveal clearer skin. Smooths the way for moisture. Formulas for oilier skin help sweep away oil, maintain clearer skin."

I say, as all toners, I don't always see points that are very special, but I think their downfall can be spot out very easily. This is so-so as the main downfall is that the alcohol smell is quite strong (which I heard about this before in other blogs) and there's nothing much I want to mention particularlly. =.= Also, I finished the toner before the other 2, so I think this should be larger size compare with the other 2.

Step 3

They say "Skin's moisture "drink". Helps replenish lost moisture. Skin looks fresher and healthier. Leaves no residue. Safe to use around eye area. Comforts and smoothes the skin."

I say, this is the one I like most out of these 3 and I can see why this is heard most out of everything from Clinique. This is really moisturise my skin and can be absorb quite easily. It smoothes my skin and I quite like this. The only downfall is that I found it quite difficult to spread, so I need a little bit more than I need to spread around.

Conclusion

I can see why this series has been around for these years, but I don't think I will buy them again other than the moisturising lotion as I am not quite a fan of the cleanser and toner.

Anyway, they are on ofter at the moment. It is only £10 for a travel size set and can be bought at Boots.

Score

Cleanser 60/100
Toner 55/100
Lotion 65/100

So what do you think?

Kyanvi.

Discount Alert

2010-09-09T22:32:00.000+01:00

Lily Lolo is doing 20% off their autumn collections and 1 new foundation shade and 1 concealer shade have been introduced and their samples are only 50p each!

Sleek i-divine Graphite Mineral Eyeshadow Palette

2010-09-06T00:33:00.000+01:00

Out of all 11 Sleek i-divine mineral eye shadow palettes, I think this is my 2nd (?!) favourite as I really like to do smokey eyes if I have the occasion. ;-) This palette is perfect for this as it has a range of white, silver, black and purple/blue.

Sad that it is a limited edition palette and that I didn't find this out when it was available on shelf @.@ But I was so glad that I have won the competition that run by Sleek and have won this back home!

Closer look

Swatches

So which is your favourite sleek palette??

K.

Primark Little Glow Cheek

2010-09-04T23:26:00.000+01:00

Went to Primark around 2 weeks ago, just saw these on reduction, and did not resist the idea to buy them and they only cost me £1.50!

Forgot to take the photo for the packaging, but it is just plain pink plastic cover.

This is similar to the famous Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick or the similar cheaper version MEMEME bronzer, though the Bobbi Brown one is much much nicer and the Primark one has less finer powder. lol

Swatches

I personally found the orange stripe is too orange and the rest of the brown stripes are bit too reddish, so I don't think I will use it that much... qutie a waste... sigh...

Well, even though it is quite cheap, don't think I recommend this and rather save up to get a Bobbi Brown one instead.

Smashbox Pink Power Eye Palette in Celebrate

2010-09-04T22:34:00.000+01:00

This is my current favourite eye shadow palette at the moment, as these 3 colours are easy to use and I quite like pink instead of plain old earthy tone.

Swatches

I use the pale pink to cover the whole eye lid, then layer the end of the eye lid with the pink and use the brown to contour the eye lid and the last third of the lower eye liner.

Think this palette is already been old the market for a long time... don't think it can be found anywhere. lol. I am quite slow at finding my favourites.

So what do you think of this?

K.