beauty review: eyelash extensions

Me with Bare Eyelashes I've never done eyelash extensions before, and I rely on eyeliner and mascara to make my eye pop! The thing I like about mascara is that it makes me look less sleepy and tired! I feel that my bare eyelashes are quite short and isn't visible in pictures. So when Vanitee contacted me regarding a sponsorship of Eyelash Extensions, I thought, "Why not? Let's give it a go!"

Off I went to Angelxinbeauty to get my eyelashes done - they have two outlets, City Plaza @ Geylang and People's Park Centre @ Chinatown. I was informed that I would need to set aside 2 hours for the whole process. Who knew that it would take so long right? I was assigned to a beauty technician of the name Gena who was gentle with my eyelashes the whole time! When it comes to my face and nails, I really appreciate the technician to be gentle with me. I chose the natural beauty extension as I'm working full-time now. I can't possibly head to work looking like I'm ready to club anytime.

Gena snapped this picture of me after the eyelash extensions were done! It's 95 strands on the left and 100 on the right. During the whole process, I felt like I was getting little pokes on my eyelid, but it was never painful. If you're wondering what the white tape is for, it is a tape to isolate the top and bottom lashes from one another.

And viola! Done! My eyes are so huge now.

So this is me after my eyelash extensions are done - notice how curved the eyelashes are, and how long it is! Makes me look like I have eyeliner on as well. Score!

This is me a few days before the eyelash extensions with eyeliner and mascara. Can't even see my eyelashes! So what about my whole experience after the eyelash extensions were done? It was definitely uncomfortable on the first day as I wasn't used to it. Showering was slightly difficult as well because I was trying hard not to rub my eyes less it falls out. Today's the third day and I'm feeling good and prettier! You'll get used to it after a while.

If you want to get your eyelashes done, choose Angelxinbeauty! At less than $100, you can get beautiful eyes without putting on eye makeup, which lessens the hassle of removing eye makeup.

UPDATE: Good news! You can flash a screenshot of my Instagram post and caption on my eyelash extensions for $5 off your booking at Angelxin beauty! Thank you Gena!

Anyway, Vanitee is giving away a free product in conjunction with Singapore's 51st Birthday! All you have to do is to make a booking between 4th and 10th August 2016 and use the code <VTND16>! Limited to a one time use only.
With love & till next time,
mel ♥

beauty review: mane n' tail shampoo

I'm back after a long hiatus with a new beauty review for Sample Store's Mane 'n Tail shampoo!

Mane ‘n Tail Singapore provides a range of 5 specially formulated shampoos and conditioners - Original, Herbal-Gro, Deep Moisturizing and Gentle Clarifying & Replenishing. This shampoo brand has been awarded several highly recognised beauty awards including “Best Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner” by Woman’s Weekly and “Best Everyday Shampoo & Conditioner” by CLEO Magazine.

Having tried the Herbal-Gro shampoo which states that breakage will be reduced, here's my thoughts on this mint green shampoo. 

Picture credits: Elliewritesandsnaps 

The Herbal-Gro shampoo is said to provide the following benefits:

1. Gently cleanses, leaving the hair shiny, silky and healthy looking

2. Prevents breakage, frizz and spilt ends, thus leaving the hair stronger and longer (due to the micro-enriched protein formula)

3. Safe for relaxed, permed, colored or chemically treated hair

Herbal-Gro Shampoo

The Herbal-Gro formula consists of a blend of natural herbs and olive oil is designed to leave hair stronger and longer (yes, I'm always concerned about how slow my hair grows and so I was excited to try it)! Awarded the “Best Strengthening Conditioner” by Cosmopolitan in 2013, this formula contains no strong smell at all - perfect for a scent sucker like me!

I've also tried the Deep Moisturizing range and it has very much surprised me - after a simple conditioner, my hair has become more silky and soft! It looks really great too! 

Before

The Deep Moisturizing shampoo is said to provide the following benefits: 1. Locks in moisture (due to being micro-enriched with deep hydrating botanicals) 2. Fortifies the hair (due to Vitamin E & Pro-Vitamin B)

Deep Moisturizing Shampoo

After

However, my favorite range is still the mint colored Herbal-Gro shampoo and conditioner! It's amazing how at the first touch after washing off the shampoo feels dry but after drying, it feels healthier than ever. Not to mention, my breakage has definitely reduced and lesser hair is dropped each day (my mother would definitely approve)!

P.S. I do not blow dry my hair but instead sit under the fan and wait for it to dry - I heard it's better for your hair this way. For those with low immune systems, I wouldn't recommend it as you'll fall sick easily.

Final Verdict: 

Color: ♥ ♥ (I'm not a fan of anything green)

Moisturizing: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (creates a dry touch, but moisturizers after) 

Scent: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

You can purchase Mane ‘n Tail for $15.90 at Watsons, Guardian, major Cold Storage, 

Robinsons, John Little, BHG and NTUC or buy it online via their E-store Maimee's Corner.

Or simple get your FREE sample on SampleStore.com here! 

With love & till next time, 

mel ♥

vanitee - 100% happiness guaranteed

A huge thank you to Aidan and the Vanitee team for sending S$50 my way for a pampering session last weekend! If you haven't heard about Vanitee, Vanitee is Singapore's largest online beauty and wellness marketplace. 

Vanitee is an app that bridges beauty professionals and the consumer to explore, discover and book beauty services all around Singapore. This Chinese New Year, Vanitee is working with their artists to ensure that all users get to book beauty appointments on the app easily and quickly.

For bookings between 18 January and 14 February, Vanitee ensures that all appointments are confirmed and guaranteed - it's 100% happiness guaranteed!

This is the homepage of the Vanitee app - it includes services such as nails, makeup, hairstyling and even brow and lash!

You can filter your search by browsing popular or nearby locations - making it more convenient for you! Moreover, some professionals do housecalls for an additional charge. Filter your search to your liking!

With the S$50, I decided to pamper myself by getting my nails done for Chinese New Year! Here are some of the works and artists I browsed through.

Once you have picked a few designs, chat with your desired beauty professional by sending them a picture and getting a quote. It works just like at a nail salon - this ensures the price that you'll be paying, and also gives the artist ample time to prepare for the appointment.

These are the designs that I've picked and these are the quotes I've received from various artists (their Vanitee handles will not be shared). I eventually settled on Racheldoesnails as her location was very convenient for me! Booking services on Vanitee is real easy. All you have to do is select a date and timing and viola!

Don't forget to key in your payment details! You can book now and pay later, after your session is complete.

Be friendly to your artist and decide on one final design before you meet her! She can then prepare or practice the artwork before meeting you so that it'll turn out the way you want it to be.

I chose the second design! Here's how it turned out!

This Chinese New Year, book your beauty services through the Vanitee app and get 100% happiness guaranteed! With 500 beauty professionals, there's definitely something for everyone.

Thank you Rachel! I had a wonderful time and am really pleased with the results!

P.S. Quote <YOKEFONGCNY> when you make any bookings on Vanitee by 14 February and get a FREE Beauty Kit from VanityTrove worth $30! Share the love with your friends too!

With love & till next time,
mel ♥

beauty review: peri's tint crayon

Purchasing new lip colors online are always risky. You don't get to touch the product, or see it in real life. What's worse is that you can't test the color to see how it looks on you. Before I go on, this is not a sponsored post. I got this lip color using Althea's sponsored credits but was not asked to do a review on any of the chosen products.

I thought I would share this with you as I really, really love my new lip color.

I was real lucky with Peri's Tint Crayon from Peripera! From Althea's sponsored S$50, I picked the Pure Red tone from the range of five colors. I've always wanted to pull off a bold, red lip (cue pictures of Caucasian actresses).

First of, the application is easy, peasy. The crayon has a few angles - I call it the thick side and the thin side. The thin side helps to line your lip, whereas the thick side helps to fill in. Simply turn the crayon as and when needed. Not to mention, Peri's Tint Crayon fits my hand perfectly.

Secondly, the finishing is amazing. The color glides on with a creamy and moisturising texture. I placed a piece of tissue over my lips after the application and dusted some powder over for a matt-ier finish.

Like I said earlier, purchasing lip colors online is risky; you never know how it'll turn out. My experience with Peri's Pure Red Tint Crayon wasn't how it looked like in the picture above. This picture is on Althea's page when you browse Peri's Tint Crayon. Instead, it was redder, bolder and more vibrant than what it was made out to be.

Hence, I decided to go with the bold red look for an event by ELLE (ELLE x Fossil event). Paired with The Closet Lover's maxi dress with a slit (I love slits so much, by the way) and a pair of wedges, the lip color definitely brought out the glam in my outfit.

Final Verdict:

Color: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (absolutely in love with the color)

Vibrance: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (110% vibrance)

Texture: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (creamy and moisturising)

Scent: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (no scent at all)

Application: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (easy to apply, with the angles of the crayon to help)

Price: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (only S$8 per pop)

I do really have to thank Althea Korea for the chance to finally find a red lip color that suits me - thank you, Althea!

P.S. More details of the ELLE x Fossil event will be up soon!

With love & till next time,
mel ♥

christmas shopping on althea korea

Althea Korea has kindly sponsored me with S$50 to do some Christmas shopping on their webpage. In case you haven't heard, Althea is an online beauty marketplace with affordable and popular K-beauty products. I was previously sponsored by them - check out what I got with S$60 here. Stay till the end for discount codes and exclusive news!

Althea's website is very user friendly, with a navigation menu such as skincare, make up and even trendy items for you to find your perfect beauty product. As for me, I love surfing through their trendy items.

That's how I found the Black Kill Pore Tightening Pack (Vampire Pack) - currently my favourite beauty product (this will be my second time ordering it). At below S$20, this black mask tightens by drying up and peeling off is made easy. Your pimples ripen and blackheads cleansed out in only twenty minutes!

Once you've added things into your cart, you can view them via "my cart" on the top right hand corner of the page. Editing your orders are easy peasy with the edit function next to your order. Clear details of each product chosen is also included below the name of the K-beauty product.

Here, you can see that I've also chosen the CP-1 Protein Clinic, a haircare product also found under "trendy items". The CP-1 helps to repair and strengthen already damaged hair. It's great for over-coloured hair!

Scroll down further and you'll see options such as using your points (a.k.a credits) and the grand total you'll have to pay upon checking out. Better yet, with their estimate shipping and tax function, you can roughly check the additional amount you'll have to fork out to get the items to you.

Singaporeans often say "good things must share!" Althea Korea offers free shipping for orders over S$50 - these items are shipped directly from Korea in their signature pink box. Don't say I didn't tell you so.

Click "proceed to checkout" and you'll come to this page. A breakdown of the discount and shipping you'll receive is stated clearly. If you have a discount code, key it in the "coupon code" box!

Did you spot Innisfree? Yes! Althea carries Korean brands such as Innisfree, Laniege and even Tony Moly - all these products are 100% authentically guaranteed by Althea. If you're unhappy with your purchases, Althea even offers an unconditional returns for 30 days.

The final page after checking out! Althea sends you a confirmation email upon placing your order. If you'd like to refill items ordered previously, they have it at the side too. How convenient!

This is how I spent my S$50:

1. Black Kill Pore Tightening Pack (Vampire Pack) - S$15

2. CP-1 Protein Clinic (CP-1 Ceramide Treatment) - S$9

3. Super Effect Animal Mask (Super Leopard) - S$2.50

4. Peri's Tint Crayon (Pure Red) - S$8

5. Innisfree Wine Peeling Jelly Softener - S$14.40

Total spent: S$48.90

They even threw in a complimentary Skin Food Gold Caviar Collagen Plus Serum and Etude House Real Art Moisture Cleansing Oil! Thanks Althea! 

Before I say goodbye, here are some discount codes and exclusive news for you this Christmas!

1. Althea offers free shipping for orders over S$30 instead of the usual S$50

2. Quote <XMAS-SG> to receive S$7 off S$50 purchases

3. Althea offers a limited edition Christmas Beauty Box (while stock lasts), perfect for give gifting

4. Endless Christmas sales and promotions will be released on Althea Korea Singapore

5. Watch out for their Daebak Deals too!

Thank you Althea for gifting me a K-beauty-ful Christmas!

With love & till next time,
mel ♥

biore aqua jelly makeup remover

Biore has recently launched a new makeup remover! This makeup remover is unlike any other, with its revolutionary jelly-like texture. With a smooth and lighter consistency, this jelly makeup remover has the same cleansing abilities that lifts makeup off in a wipe!

Made with 40% more moisturising essence, Biore's new makeup remover nourishes and hydrates skin for a dewy moisturised finish. It's lightweight formula leaves skin feeling refreshed, with no sticky or greasy after-feel. Not to mention, it smells exceptionally great!

How To Use

1. Pump an appropriate amount (2-3 pumps) onto hands and spread evenly over face and eye area.

2. Massage gently to dissolve makeup.

3. Rinse thoroughly with water. It is not necessary to remove cleansing liquid with cotton pad or tissue.

4. For best results, apply on dry face and hands. Do not use facial cotton pad or tissue.

You can grab your very own Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover at all leading supermarkets, personal care stores and western pharmacies & departmental stores at only S$24.90!

With love & till next time,
mel ♥

luxola - compare and contrast

The lovely people at Luxola Singapore has kindly sent their top picks of sunscreen for me to compare and contrast! These three top picks includes Supergoop! SPF 30, Lunamer's SPF 40 and Soleil Toujours SPF 45.

I've been trying these sunscreens for the past few days - I'll let you in on a little secret! I actually didn't know which one to start with as I couldn't judge "the best" from the packaging.

Eenie meenie miney moe - I picked Supergoop! to try out first! A gentle squeeze lead to a large amount being poured out, it was a real pity as some of it had to be wasted.

If you've been following me for a while now, you'll know that I'm particular about the smell of facial products. Supergoop! smelt like antiseptic cream to me, which was quite a turn off.

It is always good to apply sunscreen at least fifteen minutes before you leave the house so that it can be absorbed into your skin for protection. Unfortunately, after fifteen minutes, the sunscreen could still be felt on my face, albeit sticky.

Scent: 2/5

Stickiness: 3/5

Absorption Rate: 2/5

Lunamer was more of a pleaser!

However, as compared to Supergoop! you'll have to give it a harder squeeze as the nozzle is much smaller. Less than fifteen minutes and the sunscreen has been fully absorbed! Although Lunamer had a vanilla or buttery scent that I didn't really like, there wasn't a funky smell at all!

Scent: 4/5

Stickiness: 5/5

Absorption Rate: 4/5

Down to the last sunscreen, Soleil Toujours! Do not underestimate this beautiful gold and black sunscreen. Instead of the usual twist and uncap, it is a push, click and squeeze. I love how there is absolutely zero sticky feeling after application!

However, it was extremely thick and difficult to apply. Worst of all, it smelt like medicated oil! That is a no-no scent for my face.

Scent: 1/5

Stickiness: 5/5

Absorption Rate: 5/5

Even though there are great points for Supergoop! and Soleil Toujours, I choose Lunamer's! I would give up the best absorption rate (Soleil Toujours) for great scent (Lunamer's)!

What is your favourite sunscreen? Comment below to tell me more!

Thank you Luxola Singapore for sending me these sunscreens to test out!

Thinking of pampering yourself with a skincare or beauty product, or simply surprise a loved one with it?

Enter "BLX-YOKE" during checkout to enjoy 15% off on all first time orders made before April 16th! Do note that this offer is not valid for non-discountable brands such as Laneige, Vichy, Origins and more!

With love & till next time,
mel ♥