Paul and Joe eye colour (#9 Ombre A Poppieres)

I went to the Paul and Joe counter looking for a replacement for an eye crayon that I bought there previously that I really like but it seems that they no longer sell that and the lady recommended me something else.

So I ended up getting the eye colour in ‘Ombre A Poppieres’. This is a pink based eye colour that is meant to be quite close to the previous one that I owned. I kept this for the longest time really before I finally opened it to start using.

The eye colour has a very fine pigment interspersed with a medium shimmer.

I wished I started using this earlier as I really love it. I use it as a base and the colour matches my skin really well to give a very natural matte finish and the shimmer is not too sparkly that it makes it unsuitable for day wear. I find that it gives my eye area a bright and refreshed look and definitely make you eyes stand out but in a natural way.

It has superb lasting power and even after the whole day, the colour has not faded and is still staying strong on my eye lids.

Luv ~ Great colour for a day look, makes the eye lid area bright and sparkly, lasts the whole day.

Don’t luv ~ Nothing.

24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil #Bourbon by Urban Decay

(Images/Info from Urban Decay website)

The lady at Sephora used this when applying the smoky eye on me and she and the eye pencil did such a good job that I just had to get it.

Advertised as:

"The best Eye Pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof, too. Velvety-soft, this never-before-seen formula stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries down to a long-lasting finish that WILL NOT budge. Line eyes with a hint of color or go for the full artistic, multi-hued effect with the wide selection of lush tropical hues, deep metallics and unusually vibrant neutrals. Incredible with Urban Decay Eyeshadows!

Created with 50% moisturizing ingredients suspended in a sophisticated waterproof formula, 24/7 Eye Pencils offer long-lasting color and a dreamy, creamy feel when applied. With Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E and Cottonseed Oil. "

The eyeliner gives a sort of creamy texture with a solid finish. The creaminess coming from the moisturing ingrredients. I didn't realised that it was waterproof until after I bought it. The colour that I bought is Bourbon which carries a teeny bit of gold sparkle in it.

This glides on really smoothly and is easy to use. It blends quite well and can be fixed quite easily for minor mistakes. It gives you that 30 seconds to blend and correct any mistakes. After the whole day, the colour does fade away. Maybe using an eyeshadow primer might help to minimise that. 

The eyeliner comes out in a medium to thick size, so if you’re trying to obtain a tiny line, this might not really work.


Luv ~ Glides on easily and blends well.

Don’t luv ~ Doesn't last the whole day.

Eye Crayon #2 Bouton De Nacre by Paul and Joe

  

(Images/Info from beautybay.com)

I really like this eye crayon from Paul and Joe and there are only two locations in London that has their counters as far as I know. I think that this eye crayon has been discontinued but it can still be bought online.

This eye crayon is advertised as:

This eye crayon glides on smoothly and gives eyes a soft-focus finish. Formulated from a base of lustrous macadamia nut oil then embedded into a lattice wax, Paul & Joe developed a creamy, glossy Eye Crayon with a velvety smooth texture. It spreads softly and gently over the eye lid and since the formula uses microscopic, sphere shaped powder particles, there's no gritty texture or discomfort.

I find it really easy to use and the #2 Bouton De Nacre complements my skintone really well. It is actually leaning towards a pink shade but when you put it on, it sort of disappears and blends into the eyelid to give that soft focus finish. Glides on smoothly with just a hint of sparkle more like a hightlight.

If you just use it in the middle part of the eyelid, it really brightens up the eyes. It looks really natural and lasts the whole day. I used it nearly everyday and after months, I have yet to finish it.

Luv ~ It has a rich velvety texture as advertised that glides on smoothly and lasts the whole day.
Don’t luv ~ It is discontinued.


Volum' Express® Waterproof Mascara by Maybelline

 (Images/Info from Maybelline website)

For an Asian,  I am blessed with longer lashes than the norm (although not as long as falsies!) and I tend to look for volumising mascaras more than lengthening ones.

Seeing this in the drugstore,  I decided to give this a try as I've had good ones from Maybelline in the past.


This is what was advertised:

• This waterproof mascara delivers up to 3X the volume instantly for a dramatic lash look.
• Patented Anti-Clump Brush and volume-building express formula quickly thicken lashes without clumps or globs.
• Contact lens safe and hypoallergenic
• Waterproof; Also available in washable and curved brush

Directions:

Apply mascara from your outer lash to inner lash, sweeping brush slowly from root to tip. Do not let dry between coats.  

This mascara is available in 2 colours, black and brown. I bought the black version.
 
My initial take when I first used this. 

It has a fat brush with a thicker middle section and large bristles. It was quite easy to put on and doesn’t clump at all. Their patented anti-clump brush works!After using it numerous times, I never had a problem with clumping.

The effect is a really natural finish though, almost as if you have no mascara on. The volume is not on the extreme end, what it gives is a stronger definition on the lashes. I guess this is where their anti-clumping brush shines, because the amount of mascara that comes out is not thick, less chance of clumping.

A good option for days when you want to have minimal makeup or for those who want to look a la naturale!

I also discovered that if you continue to coat your lashes a few more times before the initial coat dries out, you do build up more volume.

Luv ~ A good option for those who prefer minimal/natural makeup. Easy to apply and the result is very natural looking lashes.

Don’t luv ~ For those who are looking for more volumising mascara, this is not the one.

Tweezerman

I've always heard/seen rave reviews about the tweezers from Tweezerman. However, I wondered how great or different can it be from other tweezers. The price isn't cheap either and that put me off buying it.

I chanced upon it again when I was in a Sephora store in the US and decided to give it a try.

(Images/Info from www.tweezerman.com)

I bought a nice pink one. This was advertised as

The perfectly aligned, hand-filed tips are slanted to grab every hair, every time with the smoothest, true precision. In classic stainless steel or stainless steel with enamel color finishes.

The end which is where it picks up the stray hairs is quite sharp and made of stainless steel. The stainless steel end has a cover to protect it when not in use. Holding the tweezer, I find that it is easy to grip in the hands and doesn't require a lot of effort.

 

The tweezer end that touches the skin can feel a little coarse/rough but I was simply amazed at how precise and easy it was to pick up any stray hair. Its precision is its drawpoint. I couldn't believe it!

Now I know what a good tweezer is, I love my tweezerman.

 

Some tips from Tweezerman,

 

To ease tweezing, take a hot shower or use a warm washcloth to open pores. Tweeze in the direction of hair growth to avoid breakage. To close pores post tweezing, use cold water or astringent and try our After Tweeze™ Soothing Cream — it helps counteract redness and irritation while moisturizing and soothing tender brow areas.

 
 
Luv ~ Amazing precision, easy grip and comes with free sharpening guarantee.
 
Don't Luv ~ Nothing

Brightening eye drops

Been sleeping late and working hard lately and decided that having some eye drops would be handy.
Browsed through the eye drops section in Boots and noticed something that I didn’t see before. They now have Brightening and Whitening eye drops available.

I am a little sceptical about this as I think as long as you use eye drops that are soothing, that should minimise and soothe the redness in the eyes.

I have heard about these eye drop products in Japan before but have not had a chance to get those from Japan.


Was a little surprised to see that similar versions are now available in the UK and can be easily bought in Boots. Decided to give this a try.

The package says

“Our eyes can be left feeling sore, tired and uncomfortable by the drying environments in which we live and work. These soothing and protecting eye drops work by creating a cushion of moisture to keep your eyes cool and comfortable.”
 

· Brightening and soothing, Boots Brightening Eye Drops

· Restores eyes' natural bright sparkle

· Contains soothing witch hazel plant

The drops felt a little different to the other normal eye drops that I have used before. It definitely soothes my tired eyes and strangely enough, my eyes do have a clearer sparkle that other eye drops does not give. I guess that is where the brightening bit comes in. It definitely goes with the Chinese saying of having eyes that are 黑白分明。

As the eyes are the windows to our soul, it definitely helps to keep them in tip top shape. If you’re out looking for some eye drops, why not give this a try. Having bright white sparkling eyes definitely ups the beauty factor!


Luv ~ Extra benefits of clearer and brighter eyes

Don't Luv ~ Wish they come in disposable single dosage.

Real Lasting Eyeliner by K-Palette

I bought this when I was in Japan some months ago. With my limited Japanese, I couldn't really understand anything other than by looking at pictures when I was browsing the cosmetics shops. What I ended up doing was to look at items that they have tagged with #1 selling item or #2 or #3 and buy those.

Anyway, this was labeled as #1 selling item so I bought it. It was really cheap too at about 1000 yen. I started using it and I was just amazed at the result.

It is a liquid eyeliner in black with a slim tip. I never liked using liquid eyeliner as I was only starting to use eyeliner then and being a beginner, less clumsy with pencil ones. Amazingly, this was really easy to use and I think any beginner would love this due to the ease of control. The eyeliner goes on really smoothly and you can apply it really thin like a pencil eyeliner would give and yet apply a really thick line too. It lasts the whole day and didn't smudge.

I was so happy and an affordable eyeliner that does a great job, you'll love it. This just earn itself a place in my Diamonds Top 10 list.

Apparently, it is really popular in Japan and is K-Palette's best selling item. You can check out their website here.

Luv ~ Affordable price. Really easy to use and control. Doesn't smudge and creates a really beautiful line (whether thick or thin).

Don't Luv ~ Nothing.

Trick for attractive eyes

I saw this on Sasa and it shows certain tricks especially for Asian eyes on how to make them stand out.

For those who've always had problems with how to apply eyeliner, this is a good basic step by step guide. It took me lots of practice to apply my eyeliner correctly too.

Step 4 is really useful as Asian eyes tend to slant upwards if you end the stroke upwards. It's better to have the stroke ending a little downwards.

White eyeliner across the lower eye line and inner corners is a MUST! I always do that to make my eyes look bigger and brighter.

I personally find gel and liquid eyeliner a lot easier. However, there are times when a normal eyeliner works better on certain looks that you're trying to get.

One of the best eyeliners that I've used was bought when I was in Japan and it was not an expensive brand either. The review will be posted soon.

Another trick that I learnt was to only line 70% of your upper eye leaving both ends not lined. It can also make your eyes appear rounder and bigger.

If anyone else has more trick, do let me know. =)

Ultima II Lightcaptor-C Concentrate

Eyes are one of the first signs of ageing and wear & tear. The sun, constant rubbing of the eyes all contribute to wrinkles and dryness.

The Lightcaptor-C concentrate promises to

- Helps to minimise dryness, wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes and lips.

- Provides effective skin smoothing without without irritation.

The sales lady also mention that it has Vitamin C in it to lighten and brighten the eye area as well as massaging it to rid of toxins.

I've used it for a while now and I like the roller ball as it doesn't pull at the eyes. It also gives a good massage. My eye area definitely looks a lot brighter now. As I don't really have much wrinkles or fine lines, not sure how effective in that area. I bought it mainly for the puffiness that I get when I wake up in the morning and for the lightening effect.

Luv ~ Love the massage that the roller ball gives. I can still use it once it's empty by applying other eye cream next time and using this to massage it in. My eye area definitely was a lot brighter.

Don't Luv ~ Can be $$$.

Eye Designer by Pupa

Pupa has always come up with interesting designs to market their products. This is another product that is unique, application wise for an eyeshadow.

This works such that you get 2 colour shades on your eyelids in one stroke. According to their website, the shape of the anatomical latex applicator has been especially designed to follow the eye's various contours.The kit includes an applicator glide system to release a constant and appropriate quantity of the product. The guides let you regulate pressure on the sponge so that the product does not come out all at once.

I tried out the tester and the handle is made of some sort of latex and you just glide it across the colour from one end to the other. The applicator picks up the colour and it is define quite well. You then slide/stamp it across your eyelids. It does leave the 2 shades on your eyelids. You can then use your fingers to soften and blend the colours.

This is useful for those who wants something quick or can't be bothered too much with makeup, I guess. However, I think I love the whole make up process too much and would rather spend time playing with my colours.

Luv ~ Simple, ease of use for someone new to makeup, quick.
Don't Luv ~ Restricts being able to blend with your own palette of colours.

Eyelash Curler by Shu Uemura

I've always heard about the Eyelash Curler from Shu Uemura. Some people swear that it's the best thing they've ever used. I've always been a little skeptical considering that they were selling for quite an exy price.

I finally decided to buy it when I was on a Cathay Pacific flight and it was selling on board for USD15.

All excited, I checked out the website. Its design and features allows for ultimate precision that delivers the perfect curl. With an upgraded silicone pad in a new "mushroom" shade provides improved safety yet still delivers an optimum curl. The patented hinge with precise engineering applies the write amount of pressure on the eyelashes.

I seriously wasn't sure about this and was more convinced with actual reviews and experiences from people. Anyway, having got it, I finally tried it.

Wow! I am convinced. One of the best that I've used so far. In just one to two curls, my lashes are perfectly curled and shaped like a fan. I hardly need to apply any pressure at all which is better for your lashes. This curler doesn't require you to heat it up a little for about 5 seconds before hand with a hair dryer either!

Although in my excitement, I went a bit overboard and all of a sudden, the lashes were straight up like it was shooting for the stars. This is one curler that requires minimum effort for maximum results. Finally something that works for Asian eyes.

The price is worth it. It is always better to be able to buy it at a cheaper price. Cheapest I have seen was at the duty free shop at Kansai airport in Osaka selling for 900 yen.

Luv ~ Minimum effort, great looking lashes

Don't Luv ~ Nothing really.

Rimmel London Magnif'Eyes Mascara

Rimmel London showcased their new Magnif'Eyes Mascara recently. It promises 70% more vertical lashes and a unique lash-sculpting formula that that boosts volume and length.

Now I discovered recently that I need to look for a mascara that adds volume to my lashes instead of just length. Heard quite good things about this mascara and I bought one to try.

It definitely adds length to my lashes, however this mascara gives minimal volume at best. I was a little disappointed, I think I need to go for a volume boosting mascara. This is still a good one though as it gave me natural looking lashes as it defines each lash individually and there was no clumps. I wore it for a few hours and there was no rub offs on my lower lids.

Luvs ~ Natural looking lashes, no rub offs on lower lids.
Don't Luv ~ Minimal volume on lashes.