PRODUCTS I LOVE #1

One of the "privileges" (that many consider) as a beauty blogger is the vast range of products samples that were gifted to us for trial purposes. Or misfortune, when a certain products do not work towards your favour. I am pretty lucky in that aspect - have not had a crazy breakout or reaction throughout my years as a guinea pig!

Today, I will be sharing a few of my favourites in which I had personally tried and tested. Just so you know, there is a lonely corner in my bedroom which accommodates unused press samples (some of which are still in the goodie bag). In another words, I am selective and do pick products that best suit my skin/ preference and also for the blog. The fact that they are gifted has absolutely zero influence on my opinion. 

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist Deluxe Edition 

This is a more intense, deluxe edition of Jurlique's best selling risewater balancing mist - with all proceeds going directly to Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience to support Indigenous Youth. This Limited Edition Rosewater Balancing Mist has a stronger rose scent which is not surprising at all as it contains 10,000 rose petals. Nothing better than a few spritz of this baby in the morning before applying anything on my face for a little wake-me-up. Deluxe also means it comes in a 200mL bottle.

Bigger  IS better. #TWSS

EYLURE Katy Perry "KA-POW" Color Pop Lashes 

(available in September)

Prior to the discover of these incredible falsies, I have almost retired from the falsies scene. Rocking Friday night after work drinks with some killer lashes just seem a little overkill. However, I have been spending an extra 5-10 minutes (at the expense of my drinking time - which BTW, is very important on a Friday arvo) after work to apply these lashes every since I got them from their launch party. 

It feels so comfy (non of those thick band bullshit), natural looking yet enhance my asian almond eyes and did I mention there's a hint of purple too? I don't know about you, unless I am walking down the runway or attending some kinda costume party, anything purple on my lashes is a big no no! But the subtlety of this purple, is just perfect!

On a side note, a huge thank you to the Eylure team for sending me a replacement KA-POW when they found out I have misplaced mine during one of my many Friday shenanigans. Please tell me I am not the only one who rip their falsies off after one too many Moet Sav Blanc. I am not that much of a baller as yet. 

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Stellar, Apocaliptic, Nova

 L - R: Stellar, Apocaliptic, Nova 

If you are a frequent stalker follower of my twitter, Instagram, or Facebook (if not, WHY HAVEN'T YOU :P), you could probably already tell that I am a fan of bright, bold, lips. This is exactly why I have been reaching out for these few babies lately (and left the remaining nude colours feeling #foreveralone). Lasting power and pigmentation is beyond amazing! I am still very much a lipstick person though as I don't like the "glossy" feel on my lips. 

 L - R: Stellar, Apocaliptic, Nova (Without Flash)

Key tip: don't forget to blot your lips upon application! You don't want to look like you have just finished an intense make out session with the sexy lawyer working on the same floor as you. :P 

PURE TAN Pure Moisture Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Coconut Body Creme

(Available in September)

See, I have this love hate relationship with anything coconut flavoured. I love coconut but most often than not, the scent of coconut flavoured products are just way too overwhelming that it makes me sick. This Body Creme however, has just the right degree of coconut scent. BINGO. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil? Moisturizing factor - TICK. The fact that it's organic? Don't really care. 

I polished my sample tub within a month and the actual product is not going to be released till September! WAHHHH. *sad face*

Thank GOD I have more than one favourite products, most of the time. (Hence, I barely declare HG status!)

AVEENO Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion

This is my to-go-to product when my skin goes completely havoc. I tend to avoid scented products when my skin gets extremely dehydrated and is borderline scaling to avoid. This moisturiser works wonders! On my better days, I mix this up with my other scented body butter to "omph" up the moisture & smell good! #winning Now that my coconut creme has hit tub, this has became my go to body moisturiser!  

Shu Uemura Powder Blush in Soft Pink & Highlighter in Radiant Pearl

After a somewhat long love affair with my Illamasqua blush in Ambition, I believe its time to give other blushes a chance. The Shu Uemura Powder Blush in Soft Pink caught my attention amidst all other product in my lonely stash. I can't believe I didn't use them any sooner! (I believe they were sent to me at the beginning of this year!). This baby pink is the perfect cool tone for winter and it goes extremely well with my smokey eyes! As for the highlighter, it really accentuates my non-existent cheek bones and give my face and instant lift! 

Do keep in mind though, there are tiny shimmer bits. If you are not a fan of glittery highlighter, you might want to give this a pass! 

David Babaii Blow Out Rapid Blow Dry Spray 

God sent for a frequent hair washer like myself, who happens to have very thick hair and loves showering late at night. A heat protectant and speed up blow drying time? YES PLEASE. 

Warning: You might appear weird to public for sniffing your hair every 5 minutes. 

YEAP LADIES, it's coconut scented too! 

CHAPSTICK Night Repair Lip Treatment

Every girl needs a chapstick, especially in winter. Nuff said. I am digging the night repair one at the moment, slap it on before bed and wake up with a smooth & moisturised lips the next morning! 

That pretty much sums up the recent products that I have been trying and loving! 

I wonder if there's actual correlation between winter and the number of moisturizing products posts. As you can tell, I haven't been that "adventurous when it comes to make up products besides lipsticks. It's all about getting moist, darling! #ThatsWhatSheSaid

Have you tried any of the products above?

If not, what are your current favourite?

Disclaimer: All products above were provided to me for consideration purposes. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions stated are 100% honest. For more information, please refer to Through Beauty Eyes disclosure policies.  

XOXO,

A

Diary of the "One Handed Warrior" - 9 Fun Facts of a Cripple

Howdy! 

For those of you who follow Through Beauty Eyes social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook or Instagram), you would have known I snapped my middle finger, walked around with a HUGEASS cast which I thought wasn't that necessary for 1.5 weeks, had two screws inserted to fix my broken bone with feral stitches, and now finally en route to recovery with a robot-like splinter for the next 6 weeks. (For visual effect, please click on each event - as there are some that are not for the faint hearted) :P

1. The White Cast has became my daily accessories. 

As evident by the series of my #OOTD above.

Spotted: Lotus Mendes Goddess Ring! 

In fact, I rocked up to Colgate's #OpticWhite event without realising that it was a White Party. BUT HEY, MY CAST IS WHITE SO I WAS KINDA FOLLOWING THE THEME. #winning

2. The White Cast can also be a pain in the arse, especially when it's raining. 

God bless Glad Wrap! This is how I roll - rain or shine; cripple or not - I party on! :P

BUT THAT DOES NOT STOP ME FROM CRIPPLE FIST PUMPING AND SAVING THE WORLD WITH SWEDISH HOUSE MAFIA! 

3. The White Cast AND the splinter are both a huge pain in the arse! 

Because I can't get it wet and have a hard time keeping it dry. This is NOT what she said.  

Imagine having to wrap the cast/ splinter up everytime I shower, do dishes, meal prep or any activities that might potentially get it wet... NOT FUN! Which brings me to the next point....

4. EXFOLIATION became a LUXURY! 

I have been exfoliating every 2-3 days ever since I discovered The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Exfoliator (which recently took over the HG Exfoliator title from Soap & Glory Flake Away exfoliator). SMELLS SO FRICKIN AH-MA-ZING & SO GENTLE on the skin with its tiny exfoliator bits.

I did not exfoliate during the 1.5 weeks when I had my massive cast and only resumed exfoliating a couple of days ago after the cast came off and the post-surgery pain has subsided. And BOY, DID IT FEEL GOOD! Except, my right arm will probably need an INTENSIVE exfoliating once my suture wound has fully heeled. GO FIGURE! 

5. At the very least, I can haz pretty painted nails with splinter. 

 Taking the new Illamasqua Speckles Polish in Mottle from I'MPerfection collection on a test drive! This polish is revolutionary and an absolute darling - mint plus glitter bits 2 IN 1? YES PLEASE! 

At least, it made my splinter slightly prettier. 

#ThisISHowYouSpotABeautyBlogger

#NOTD #Cripple #Edition

6. My skin, face & body is lacking TLC.

Try picture trying to massage the serum and/or moisturser all over your face; applying body butter/ lotion all over your body; and applying haircare post shower single handedly. 

Yeap, fun times.

I probably wasted half of bottle/ tub of skincare in the past three weeks; pretty much passed on bodycare since the faithful day; and so's my haircare. (I did however, manage to curl my hair with my robot cast. =P)

7. When I am feeling down or depressed over my injury or the inconvenience caused by it, BRIGHT lipsticks always save the day. 

Illamasqua Lipstick in Immodest on the left and Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick in Bright Pink on the right. 

I know I went through an orange/ coral phase towards the end of last year, I am now swaying back to bright, matte barbie pink lippies with smokey eyes. :)

Whilst they are both matte and look pretty similar on the lips but when swatched, Immodest is more of bright fuchsia and Bright Pink is well, more of bright barbie pink. :P

8. I MISS THE GYM SO FRICKIN BAD 

Especially lifting AND pole dancing! 

Yours truly sneaking in a spin class a day before my surgery.

I could barely walk after the class and cast didn't exactly feel the best (EW, I know) - it felt SO. DAMN. GOOD. The endorphins kick was priceless! Me thinks I am going to sneak in a pilates session later this arvo although my physio said I shouldn't really be hitting the gym till the stitches are off this Thursday! 

Gym Junkie or Gym Addict? You tell me! ;)

I have also been working on my new side project Eat This Burn That - will let the cat out of the bag when everything is more organised! At the meantime, don't forget to follow me on Twitter (@EatThisBurnThat) or Facebook for health and fitness updates! :)

Hand exercise, as prescribed by the physiotherapist. This is as active I have been since surgery. =.="

(Pun might be intended)

If only I could list down all the inappropriate comments I received :P

9. IF ALL THINGS FAIL, GRAB A SPOON AND HAVE BEN & JERRYS 

Chocolate Therapy is my drug to replace Panadeine Forte when I was in pain or when I am down and annoyed. #LetsDigIn

FINALLY,

My GORGEOUS & AMAZING bestie whom I stumbled upon (literally) 5 years ago! She's pretty, smart, kind hearted and an awesome listener & advisor when I need it! LOVE YOU LONG TIME MISS CSJ! 

I am glad that despite all the hoo-hah, I am able to celebrate my bestie's 25th birthday - partyin it up like its 2008. My dress even matches my splinter! :P

A little unusual compared to my usual post but I hope you guys enjoy it!

Happy Tuesday, y'all!!

XOXO,

A

FRIDAY FAVOURITES: LIPPIES (QUICK REVIEW + SWATCHES)

Happy Friday lovelies!

Feeling absolutely jolly and chirpy as I'm writing this - Sydney is at its best, showing off its warmth; it's FRIDAY (Friday FRIDAY!); life is a whole lot better compared to the first three quarter of 2012; just demolished my daily dose of small strong latte, about to get myself a grilled chilli prawn pizza LOL and just simply because its SUNNY FRIDAY! (Now, to assess whether hitting Bondi Beach is feasible during lunchtime =P)

At days like this, I am usually spotted with a bright coral/ orange lippies to match the mood. On a moody day, I can be seen with bright fuchsia or a cooler toned pink with lavender undertone lippie. On days that I feel a tad under the weather or having some self-doubts (you know, one of those days), I turn to my faithful red lippies for some confidence booster!

(Did I just write a paragraph on the relationship between my mood and my lippie of choice?)Yes ladies (and gents), this is totes, like, legit.

Just thought I'd share with you the lippies that have contributed to my right biceps (read: lippies that I carry in my bag with me) and are currently on high rotation:

(Please note: These are my current favs in no particular order. As mentioned earlier, it's highly dependent on yours truly mood at time of selection).

REVLON Lip Butter in Trutti Fruti: PERFECT everyday, to-go-to corange (coral + orange) lippie - it's moisturising, pigmented (for a "lip butter" standard), long lasting and not too OTT. If you have always wanted to try orange lips but feel that it's a tad too much, this is a great product to start with! (You can vouch me for that =P)

Wet & Wild Lipstick in 907C – This baby is a scarced resource in the land down under – I was lucky enough to try this lippie thanks to my lovely twitter-pal, Gwen who kindly included in my love package a couple of months ago . I am never a firm believer of love at first sight, except when lipsticks are involved. And this is a prime example. This is a cool toned, bubblegum pink colour *squeals* with matte but non-drying formula, smooth, long lasting, pigmented… what more can you ask for? I can definitely see more wearage out of this in the cooler months.

Without Flash

 L-R: Revlon Trutti Fruitti, WnW 907C, Australis Make A Wish, Rimmel by Kate #20, Shu Uemura Parisienne Pink, Australis Fandango, Sisley Rouge. 

Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in Make A Wish (Limited Edition) - This could be a tad too much for work, but it is one of my top lippies and it's usually spotted after hours - be it an event or after work drinks! Pigmentation - superb; lasting-power - amazing; best part is its super affordable! Priced at $12.95 a pop (you can get it at a cheaper price during specials) - pretty on the lips, easy on the purse! (For Australian standard, that is). I have already bought a backup for this lippie, seeing that it’s a LE collection. #Hoarder

Rimmel Lasting Finish By Kate Lipstick in #20 and #22 (not pictured)* - If you haven't tried the lippies from this range, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!? If I gotta pick ONE fav drugstore brand (please don't make me do that, it's a very hard decision to make), this range will probably get the title. Buttery smooth texture, extremely pigmented, long- lasting, sleek packaging, has a natural rose scent (not the usual yucky plastic lipstick scent!) and incredulously affordable for a product of such quality! #20 is my favourite fuchsia shade - and also my instant "glam-me-up" product that takes me from work to an event! #22 is a siren red whenever I need an instant pick-me-up to feel like a Wonder Woman.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in Parisienne Pink from Karl Lagerfield X Shu Uemura collaboration* – Isn't the packaging SUPER ADORBS with the kawaii Monshu Girl? Parisienne Pink is very toned down in comparison with the other lipsticks of choice - more of a lip balm texture, sheer and extremely moisturising! I find myself reaching out to Monshu Girl on days where my lip requires some immediate TLC or when I'm having bolder smokey eyes! 

With Flash

L-R: Revlon Trutti Fruitti, WnW 907C, Australis Make A Wish, Rimmel by Kate #20, Shu Uemura Parisienne Pink, Australis Fandango, Sisley Rouge.  

Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipgloss in Fandango* – This is probably a cheaper “dupe” for SISLEY Phyto Lip Gloss in 6 Rouge - but a tad brighter. As mentioned earlier, I am not usually a fan of lipgloss. However, Fandango looks absolutely amazing when layered on top of Make A Wish to give a plumper effect – perfecto for a weekend night out. Did I mention, it actually tastes quite yummy too? #DontJudgeMe

SISLEY Phyto Lip Gloss in 6 Rouge* - The hybrid between a lipstick and lipgloss. Rouge has the texture of a gloss (thicker than a lipstain) but with amazing pigmentation and it lasts longer than a lipgloss! I opt for this precious over Australis Make A Wish when my lips are exceptionally dry (which happens a lot over the past few weeks!) and I am in the mood for bright co-range lips. This is a fantastic product for the fans of lipgloss, looking for something more pigmented. However, for yours truly, lipgloss formula has never really been on my favourite list! Lipgloss, long hair, wind... you get the picture. This stays in my make up pouch to save me during my “dryer” days. LOL

As you can see, I'm definitely no brand snob here. If you are, you should definitely give these drugstore products a go, you'd be surprised! Same amount spent, you get more products or you could use the change to grab yourself a glass of bubbles. =P 

Have you tried any of the above lipsticks? What are your favourites?

Can you guess which one did I wear to work and what will I be wearing?

Disclaimer: Products marked with asterisk* were sent to me for consideration purposes. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions stated are 100% honest. For more information, please refer to Through Beauty Eyes disclosure policies.  

XOXO,

A

Spring Specials: FOTD featuring Sisley Phyto-Ombre E´clat in Garden Rose

 Doesn't this Sisley Phyto-Ombre E´clat Eyeshadow in Garden Rose just screams spring? :D

 When you think of spring, you think of gorgeous flowers in the shade of pink and lilacs; summer dresses with sandals; florals and the warm, crisp air! SPRING is what first popped into my mind when I received this beauty!!

If you have been following ThroughBeautyEyes for a while, you would probably already know that I am not usually adventurous when it comes to my eye make up, except for very special occasions, like my Harajuku inspired FOTD or Mermaid Inspired FOTD . 

It could be the lovely sunshine Sydney has been blessed as of late or it could be simply because Garden Rose is such a gorgeous shade - I decided to rock this pinkish EOTD during a recent Friday night out. 

On my EYES

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Androgen*

Sisley Phyto-Ombre E´clat in Garden Rose* (all over the lid)

INGLOT single eyeshadow in Matte392 (crease colour)

INGLOT single eyeshadow in DS459 (to blend the lid & crease colour together)

Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in Hazelnut

Kiss Me Heroine Smooth Liquid Eyeliner

Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eyeliner Pencil in Black

Dolly Wink Volume Mascara in Black

On my FACE

Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin UV Under Base Youthful Radiance Mousse* (as sunscreen & primer)

Illamasqua Skinbase Foundation in Shade 11

Illamasqua Limited Edition Skinbase Foundation in Shade Au*

Arbonne Cosmetics Creme Concealer in Light*

MAC MSF Powder in Medium

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact in Bronze*

Jane Iredale In Touch Highlighter in Complete*

On my LIPS

Australis Limited Edition Lipstick in Lick The Icing

The Complete Look which shouts spring, don'tcha reckon? Pink-themed EOTD plus floral top. ;)

:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:

Make up done, now its down to the hair business. 

Remember my post about achieving fuss - free waves using Scunci Pin Twirls? That was exactly how I rocked my hair along with my Garden Rose FOTD. Easy peasy way to give your hair some wavy curls! 

Please note that my hair colour is WAY darker than that - I was just tweaking around with the lightings and effects and I loved this colour. Hmmm, serious consideration to be put into this colour as the summer 2012/2013 colour?

:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:+:

Yours truly got a little too engrossed in playing around with the different colour settings and effect and Picassa and VOILA - the results as follows: 

Hope you enjoyed this "Spring FOTD" - it has been a while. =P

What are your favourite spring colours?

Disclaimer: Please note that products marked with asterisk (*) were provided to me for consideration purposes. However, all opinions expressed are 100% honest. Please refer to ThroughBeautyEyes disclosure policy for more information.

XOXO,

A

FOTD & TIPS: The Glasses Make Up ft Jane Iredale Lips Fixation in Passion

Had a long and epic weekend and find it a little hard to put on your contact lenses on a Monday morning? Remember, just because you need to rock those glasses on a Monday, doesn't mean you have to look any less gorgeous than any other day. :)

There's always the glasses make up look! Can't make your eyes pop? Go for a bold, bright lips!

Here's my take on the glasses make up look and some tips for you: 

Simple eye-make up but enough to pop behind those frames and bright, chilli red lips.

 My favourite Ray Bans :)

Neutral lid - champagne coloured lids and a hint of dark olive outer corner for some dimension.

 A slight twist from my usuals - double-winged liner with bright silver liner in between. 

On my EYES

Urban Decay Primer Potion

MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study

NVEY ECO Eyeshadow Palette

Maybelline Hyper Sharp Liner in Black

Shu Uemura Shimmer Eyeliner in Commet Silver

Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eyeliner Pencil in Black

Kiss Me Heroine Volume & Curl Mascara

 Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in Hazelnut

On my FACE

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Soft Beige (foundation)

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Treatment Make Up

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Ivory (as highlighter)

Flomar Terracotta Blush On

Hello Kitty Compact Powder in Pashmina Amber (as bronzer)

Australis Ready Set Go Finishing Powder

Jane Iredale Lips Fixation in Passion

On my LIPS

Jane Iredale Lips Fixation in Passion

(a GORGEOUS lip stain with great pigmentation)

 The completed look without glasses. 

Can't leave the house without your Ray Bans or Dior glasses today? 

Just a few simple tips to keep in mind:

- Neutral eyes

- Double-winged liner with bright silver liner in between

- Cool-toned/ subtle baby pink cheeks

- Bright chilli-red lips

AND, you're good to go!!!

Do you wear make up when you wear glasses?

Let me know your fav glasses make up look! 

Is the framed glasses + bright chilli-red lips your cup of tea?

XOXO,

A

FOTD - Spring is in the Air

TGIF

TGIF

TGIF

Humming Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night" (which pretty much put my Friday nights into a song LOL) while writing this post. Lets see how will I survive with 4 hours sleep today. Hopefully it will be an early night for me. :P

Today's post is going to be a quick FOTD post to keep my posting somewhat consistent as well as to preview a couple of products that I will be reviewing soon :P 

Spring-inspired FOTD

The mixture of plum and peach colour using MAC Play On Drum Mineralised Eyeshadow DUO to welcome the arrival of spring, which is in about a week's time!!! Everybody says whoop whoop! I foresee more colours revolving around the likes of corals and peaches very soon! :)

I have previously done a FOTD post using the same eyeshadow duo HERE.

On my EYES

ELF Mineral Primer

Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Delirium* 

MAC Mineralised Eyeshadow DUO in Play On Drum

Milani Techno Liquid Eyeliner in Black

Milani Liquif'eye Metallic Eyeliner Pencil in Black

Maybelline Falsies Volume Mascara in Black

Shu Uemura Eyebrow Pencil in Hard

On my FACE

Cover Girl Aqua Smoother Tinted Moisturiser

Rimmel Match Perfection 2 in 1 Concealer & Highlighter in Ivory

Jane Iredale Pure Mineral Pressed Powder*

Models Prefer Blush in Desk to Date*

Milani Baked Blush in Bellissimo Bronze

Illamasqua Powdered Metal in Ether*

Face of Australia Translucent Powder*

On my LIPS

Ciccone Cosmetics Lipstick in Oceanus*

Thank god its Friday and have a good weekend everyone!!!! Be it party it up or spending time with your loved ones. :) 

What is your favourite spring colours? 

Does your make up style/ colours revolve around the seasons?

(*) Asterisk marked products were provided to me by the PR for consideration. I am not affiliated with them, neither am I compensated for this post. 

XOXO,

A