MAC Dare to Wear Collection Review + Swatches! :D

I know!! I'm like the latest blogger to review this collection right?? Better late than never I guess!! :D

This is one of my favourite collections for obvious reasons - I just simply love brights! :D MAC have not put out such a bright collection in a very long while - since the C-Shock collection 3 years ago! I'm elated that MAC decides to repromote Going Bananas, which is my favouritest yellow of all times (I can now give my precious tiny yellow strip of goodness from the Manish Aurora palette a break now!)! :D

Ok enough blabla for now! Lets go straight onto the review and swatches! :D

Eyeshadows (US$14.50 / RM58 each):



Going Bananas (Frost) - Soft lemon yellow. Smooth and buttery and oh so versatile!! My favouritest yellow evar!! Ok i'll shuddup now! lol!! :P
Aqua (Matte) - Subdued, pale greyed aqua. A little chalky and hard to work with, but the color is beautiful! This is a Pro color.
Lime (Matte) - Lime green. Not terribly pigmented, but it goes on smoothly! I LOVE the color too!! This is a Pro color! :D
Sassy Grass (Matte) - Bright grass green. This one is a bit more pigmented than Sassy Glass, but still not as pigmented as i hoped! :(
Crazy Cool (Veluxe Pearl) - Pale frosty lavender. This one is such a lovely soft color, and it's beautifully pigmented and textured!! :D
Shock-a-holic (Matte) - Deep purple. This one is quite chalky and hard to work with!! :(



Sky Blue (Frost) - Robin's egg blue. Very pretty and easy to swatch, but it's a bit on the sheer side! This is a Pro color.
Zingy (Matte) - Bright sky blue. Another favourite shade of mine!! Gorgeous color and amazing texture!! :D
Winkle (Satin) - Midtone cornflower blue. Surprising it's quite easy to work with despite it being a Satin finish!! :D This is a permenant color.
Atlantic Blue (Matte) - Bright violet blue. This one is quite chalky and hard to work with! :( This is a permenant color also.
Free to Be (Matte) - Bright true coral. This one has a beautiful texture - and methinks that this will make a beautiful blush color dontcha think? :D This is a permenant color too! :)
Louder, Please (Matte) - Bright Fuschia. This one swatches easily too, and the color is really bright!

Alot of people were comparing Crazy Cool to Beautiful Iris, and Zingy to Electric Eel as permenant dupes for their LE counterpart, so i decided to swatch them both and see for myself!


Shadows side by side... can you tell the difference? :)

Swatches:



Crazy Cool vs Beautiful Iris - They're quite similar actually, with Beautiful Iris having more lavender tones in it, and a smoother texture too! :)
Zingy vs Electric Eel - They're definitely in the same color family, but Zingy is brighter than Electric Eel. Zingy swatches and applies better too IMHO!! I'm kicking myself for not getting Zingy now... it's sold out already!! T_T T_T T_T

Hope that helps those of you who're looking. Let's go onto the new Dare to Wear Lipglasses (US$18 / RM80):



So Bad - Midtone coral orange w/ pink & gold pearl
Wind Me Up - Dirty bronze w/ pink & gold pearl
Dare to Dare - Light blue pink w/ multi pearl
Gimme That! - Bright fuchsia pink w/ pink pearl
Bold & Brash - Bright red w/ multi pearl
Ban This! - Deep purple w/ multi pearl


These new and limited edition Dare to Wear Lipglasses come in a slim and long tube, and almost feels like liquid lipstick on!! They're so pigmented too... definitely not for the faint of heart!! :D
 
 
That's all for now!! :D Didcha get anything from this collection?? :D Are you all into bright colors, or you do avoid them like you would a plague? lol!! Do share with me! :D

Saturdays are for Sharing - August Edition! :D

Forgive me Lord for I've sinned... for I am only human and the flesh is weak!! :P I caved and got myself...



... another Upstarts kit! :P


The MAC Upstarts: Flatless kit! Comes with a Mineralize Satinfinish foundation, the Soft & Gentle MSF and travel-sized Charged Water and Cleanse Off Oil! :D

I couldn't resist not getting the travel-size charged water!! :P And oh, by getting this kit, it means that I now official own my first ever MSF!! I was thinking of selling it away earlier since i only want the travel-sized stuff, but i'm actually kinda liking it now! If you wish to buy this (I'm selling this at RM20 off retail BTW at RM95), hurry up and shoot me an email before i change my mind! lol!! :P :P

Now i have TWO pretty bags to bring with me whenever i travel! Muahahaha!! I hope my husband never sees this post btw!! lol!! :P


Seeing double? Pictured here with the Well Prepared kit I bought earlier! :D


With Merdeka approaching, it only means one thing - it's the end of the month again (gosh Time, slow down now!!)! Do check out these favourite posts of mine for the month by the other gorgeous bloggers:

Beetrice of Beetrice's Reviews makes me yearn for a pair of Fitflops!
Nikki of Ask Me Whats brings back fond memories of my college days with her review of the Vitamin E Lipbalm from The Body Shop!
Paris of My Women Stuff showcases her Guerlain Meteorites Pressed Illuminating Powders!! Oh be still my heart!
Syen of So Loverly got herself some pretty NARS!
Xin of Pretty Beautiful reviews the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack! Me wants!!! :D
Yani of Red Luscious Lips looks stunning wearing the very expensive Tom Ford lipstick! :D


Thats all for now! For those of you who'll be travelling over the long weekend, do take care and stay safe ya! For the rest of us, enjoy the weekend too (sales abound, so don't forget to hit the malls)!! :D

Product Review: Revlon Nail Enamel in 908 Red Hot Tamale

At a Glance:
Price: US$ 4.79 / RM19.90
Website: Revlon.com
Weight: 0.5 fl oz / 14.7 ml
Made in: USA
Likes: Beautiful pigmented glossy color, long lasting, dries quickly, cheap, easily available.
Gripes: None!
Repurchase: Yes! :D
Jenn's Rating: 4.5 Stars! Me really likey!! :D

Ingredients:
NA


Product Description

Revlon Nail Enamel delivers gorgeous smooth, chip-resistant color to nails.


Actual Product Pic:



Pigmentation & Color:
This is the perfect chili red color! :D This polish is quite pigmented - 1 coat is opaque enough to cover your nails, but 2 coats will just give you that amazing bold red color that not everyone can carry off (yours truly included!)!

This is me wearing one coat:



Texture & Scent:
The formulation for this polish is BEAUTIFUL! It's just liquid enough to ensure even application, and it dries streak free! It dries pretty quickly too, which is great! :D

This one smells just like nail polish!! lol!! :P

Packaging:


This nail polish comes in a glass bottle with the usual brush applicator attached to the cap! The brush is just the right size for the perfect application:



Time Test:
This polish lasted more than 2 weeks on my toes without so much of a chip! Amazing!! :D

Price & Availability:
This nail polish costs RM19.90, and should be available at all Revlon displayers at Watsons / Guardian / Your local supermarket! :D


My $0.02:

I've been lemming for this nail color ever since i saw it on Paris' blog! It took awhile before it arrived on our little island though, but I guess the wait is worth it because this is just the most gorgeous red ever! It's not for the faint of heart though - the color is just so striking! I've only worn it out on my fingernails ONCE! lol! :D

I'm also in love with the lovely texture - it's runny yet it goes on evenly!! It also doesn't dry out in the bottle as quickly as some of the other polishes in my stash - I've had my bottle open for coming to 8 months already, but the texture's still as good as the day i opened it! :D


Here's another picture of it on my toes:



Ignore Cookie at the back... she wants to be part of the picture too!! :P And oh, i didn't realise how messy my application is until i reviewed the pictures!! It looks better in real life?? :P

I just simply can't think of anything i didn't like about this nail polish! I will definitely repurchase when i run out (unlikely) or when this one dries up! :D


Here's what the other girls think about this red hot baby!

Paris B
Kahani


Do you dare to spot red hot nails? :D


Photo credit: Product picture from Drugstore.com

Product Review: Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions™ Ultimate White Surface Brightening Exfoliator

^ So sorry, i can't find an official picture of this product! :(

At a Glance:
Price: RM110
Website: NA
Weight: 150ml / 5.0 Fl. Oz.
Made in: USA
Likes: Really brightens skin well, a little goes a long way!
Gripes: A little drying for me, not available here in Penang!! T_T
Repurchase: Yes!! :D
Jenn's Rating: 4.5 Stars!! Me really likey! :D

Ingredients:


Product Description:

Our high-performance, foaming exfoliator is formulated with micronized shells to dramatically improve surface texture by removing irregulartities from skin and promoting a smoother and brighter skin surface. Combined with potent whitening actives of Plum Fruit and Botanical Extracts, as well as Ascorbyl Glucoside, this effective scrub helps remove dead and damaged surface skin cells and draws away surface melaninm helping to minimize dullness and boost cell turnover to promote an even and bright complexion.

With daily, continuous use, complexion is notably brighter with a more even and luminous tone. Dermatologist-tested for safety and gentleness. Tested and developed to meet the particular needs of Asian skin.


Directions & Precautions:




Actual Product Pic:



Texture & Scent:


This facial scrub feels quite grainy, but the granules are quite fine so its not harsh at all on the skin if you use it with a gentle hand! :D This foams up nicely once you rub it with water:



This has an citrusy scent which i'm ok with.

Packaging:


This facial scrub comes in a plain white plastic squeeze tube with a flip top cap.

The dispensing hole:



I like how this product is nicely sealed when brand new:



Price & Availability:
I bought this one for RM105 actually in January, but the price has been raised to RM110 recently. This should be available at all Kiehl's stores in Asia.


My $0.02:

After reading Paris' and Beetrice's reviews on this baby, I was sold! And the moment the nice SA washed this cleanser off the back of my hand, i was CONVINCED that this is the mother of all brightening scrubs! My hand looked so bright and clean! :D

The first time i tried it on my skin is no exception! My face looked really bright, however because of this i find that it accentuated my freckles and dark eye circles:


So bright right? Not only that! I've been using this daily on my back, and within a month or so this really reduced my backne scars by quite abit (not going to show pictures because it's gross, you just gotta take my word for it! lol!).

Although this costs slighty more than a hundred bucks, you need just a little each time you wash your face. I use slightly less than a pea sized glob for my face, neck and chest, and about half an inch long of product for my back, and my tube is still half full (been using this product almost daily for about 3 months now)! :D

The only thing i didn't like about this scrub is that it can be a little drying if you have dry skin like me. But it's nothing your usual moisturizer can't fix.

All in all methinks that this is an amazing product, and I'll repurchase for sure! :D


Oh and before i forget, do read their reviews and be tempted! lol! :D

Beetrice
Paris B


Psssst: Want to get this one now? Head on over to your nearest Kiehl's boutique, where you can get RM10 off every RM100 spent! :D This offer is valid until 9/9 so hurry!! :D 

Product Review: My Beauty Diary Bulgarian White Rose Mask 我的美丽日记保加利亚白玫瑰奈米面膜

At a Glance:
Price: RM3 (approx. US$0.83)
Website: http://www.beautydiary.com.tw/
Weight: NA
Made in: Taiwan
Likes: Moisturizes and brightens skin well! :D
Gripes: Mask dries up a little after 15 minutes or so, not available locally at a reasonable price.
Repurchase: Yes
Jenn's Rating: 4 stars! Me Likey!! :D

Ingredients:
NA

Product Description



Translation (Please correct if you spot any errors!! My Chinese is really rusty!!):

Effective for: Brightening & Whitening
Suitable for: All skintypes, especially dull skin that lacks radiance

Directions: After cleansing and toning, remove the protective covering and place mask on face for 20-30 minutes then remove. If there is any residue on your face, you can massage it with your fingers to aid absorption. There is no need to rinse off. Follow with your usual moisturizer / serum after to lock in moisture.

To Note: Place product in places out of reach by young children to avoid being mistakenly eaten (lol!! XD). If there are signs that this product is not suited for you or rashes / swelling, discontinue use immediately and consult a doctor. Do not use on injured skin or if you have rashes / swelling. Not suitable for infants and young children. If you have sensitive skin, please perform a patch test prior to using. If there is no adverse reaction from the test, you may use this mask.

Storage: Place in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight.

Manufacturing Date: Effective date: printed on pack.

Product Description on their website:

Main ingredients:
Bulgarian rose hydrolsol
- soothes, refreshes and moisturizes
licorice, kiwi
- whitens skin
aloe, cucumber
- calms and soothes skin; moisturizes

Appeals / characteristics:
offers radiance with translucent, flowing look of skin by its softening effect
moisturizing, smoothing, firming
for use on normal skin, especially recommended for dull skin lacking radiance

Actual Product Pic:


Texture & Scent:
This mask quite wet fresh out of the pack, however i find that it starts to dry up at the 15 minute mark. By the end of the 30 minutes, the mask is quite dry already! I'm happy that this one doesn't leave a sticky feel on the skin after you remove the mask! :D

This one smells just like a rose! :)

Packaging:


This mask is individually packed into a foil wrapping like your usual sheet masks. It also comes in a box of 2 or 10!

This mask is a little big for my face around the mouth part:



Time Test:
20-30 minutes, which is a little longer than what i'd like!

Price & Availability:
This mask is priced at about RM3 each depending on seller. You can get this from Guardian too for a high price of RM16.90 for two, or RM59.90 for a box of 10.

Usage:
Since this mask brightens quite well, this is perfect to use before an event to give your skin a nice glow! :D

My $0.02:

This is the 2nd last MBD mask i have!! One more to go next week!! Hehehe!! :D

This mask does lives up to its claims - it whitens and brightens skin quite well! It's quite moisturizing too, and fans of rose scents will really love this one! :D It's also not sticky! :D

However, i find that this mask starts to dry up about 15 minutes into the treatment! :D I'm willing to overlook this though because of all the good things about this that i've mentioned above! :D

Ok, enough blabla. Here's the usual picture to show you how i look after using this mask:



Super brightened and glowy skin after using! :D

All in all methinks that this is a great mask to use weekly to brighten up your complexion! I will definitely repurchase if I can find a reasonably cheap source to get this! ;)


Credit: Product photo from Mybeautydiarymask.com

Product Review: MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder

At a Glance:
Price: US$22 / RM90
Website: Maccosmetics.com
Weight: 8g / 0.28 US. Oz.
Made in: USA
Likes: Fine texture, keeps face shine free, gives a beautiful soft focus glow!
Gripes: Tub is abit small to use with a puff!
Repurchase: Yes! :D
Jenn's Rating: 4.5 Stars! Me really really likey!! :D

Ingredients:


Product Description

A silky finishing powder that provides an invisible way to set makeup. Reduces shine while optically minimizing the look of pores, lines, imperfections. Available in one universal colour that suits all shades. Wear over makeup or on bare, moisturized skin.


Actual Product Pic:



Pigmentation & Color:


This loose powder is white in color, but it disappears into your skin once you apply it on your face! :D



Texture & Scent:


This powder is very fine so it blends into your skin easily for a flawless look! :D Be careful not to breathe though when powdering your nose! Because this of how fine this powder is you may just well inhale some of the powder causing your throat to feel funny (speaking from experience here... *slaps self at own stupidity*)! This one doesn't have a scent to it! :D

Packaging:


This powder comes in a plastic tub with a screw off lid. Like all loose powders, i don't recommend peeling off the protective sticker to prevent a mini (or major depending on how vigorous you shake the tub) explosion everytime you open the lid:



What you can do is to prick holes through the sticker with a needle so that the dispensing holes are smaller! Works all the time for mua! :D

Here's a picture of the box it came in:



Some of you more observant ones will notice that this used to be 9 grams and costs RM82? Now it's 8 grams only and selling at RM90! Dontcha HATE it when this happens? :(

Time Test:
This powder lasts about 6 hours on me before i feel the need to touch up! :)

Price & Availability:
This powder is priced at US$22 / RM90 each, and should be available at all MAC counters / stores as well as on their website! :)

Usage:
I use this one almost daily now, even on no makeup days to mattify my face after applying sunblock! :D


My $0.02:

After my beloved Loreal Translucide loose powder permenantly disappeared from the shelves, I honestly thought that i will never find a loose powder that works as well for me (haha ok, i'm being such a drama queen here! :P But that's my totally honest feeling!)!

Enters this product. I didn't quite buy the silica powder hype previously so this slipped under my radar for awhile! But after hearing raves and raves about how this makes people look miraculously air brushed and glowy, i cannot help but to be curious about this product! Could this be the reincarnation of the Loreal one i used to love? Yes, and so much more!! :D

This powder is so finely milled, so it just blends into your skin beautifully without a trace! It also imparts a lovely airbrushed finished that makes my skin look so flawless! :D This also offers decent oil control, and it lasts longer than the Loreal one too! :D

The only thing i didn't like about this product? The tub is abit small to fit a decently sized puff in there! Ok i know that this is not really a very valid gripe, but since i prefer using a puff than a brush i find this annoying! lol!! :D

All in all i think that this is an amazing product, and i'll surely repurchase when i run out! :D


Credit: Product pic from Maccosmetics.com.