TRENDY TUESDAY: 5 Favourite Products purchased in Hong Kong

Hi everyone,

One of the best things about living in Hong Kong is that we have access to an array of both Western and Asian makeup brands. I have repurchased and regularly use the following products because the quality and price is so worth it!

In no particular order….

(1) B & C: Brow Lash Ex Water Strong Liner – This is my fifth black eyeliner. It’s available in Sasa for $75HKD, but look out for their promotions. At one point, they were doing a Buy 1 get 1 free deal, so I made the most of that promotion! This is hands down the best eyeliner, it doesn’t irritate my eyes, it’s easy to use, it doesn’t smudge and lasts all day. I wouldn’t say its waterproof, but the darkness and intensity of the black doesn’t fade throughout the day. It makes applying a winged eyeliner everyday a breeze. I can’t recommend this product enough if you’re looking for a new black eyeliner.

Originally from: Japan // Why I love it: At the back of the product, there is a makeup expiry date, so you can buy your eyeliner in bulk and not worry about it expiring!

(2) Etude House Moistfull Collagen Sleeping Pack 

My sister bought this product by accident and it was unused, so I thought I would give it a go! If you live in Asia and regularly sleep running an aircon in your bedroom, your skin tends to dry out and in the morning and it feels uncomfortable. I apply the product to my face, rubbing the gel-like consistency to my face and neck in circular motions. I normally apply the sleeping pack maybe one hour before bed, if I’m unwilling or lazy to go through my whole skin-care regime which does happen!  It’s a fantastic product and great for dry skin.

Originally from: South Korea at $84HKD // Why I love it: Extremely moisturising and lightweight, solves the post-morning aircon problem!

(3) Felicela Makeup Brushes

I’ve seen the Felicela makeup brushes in many SASA’s in Hong Kong and they’re not particularly striking as they are grouped with all the other makeup brushes, BUT only if you feel the brush hairs will you immediately find your wallet and pay for the brush. They are the SOFTEST brushes I have ever encountered, and if you’re like me, who has an embarrassing amount of brushes – that is saying something.

They are reasonably priced, something similar to the Real Techniques brush price range. My only criticism is that the brushes I would purchase are predominantly for applying powder and not for liquids. The brush hairs are white/cream and with continuous use, I feel will naturally stain over time.

I have the cheek brush and two eyeshadows brushes

Originally from: Japan// Why I love it: The softest brushes I have ever tried.

(4) Watsons Collagen White Regeneration Peeling Gel 

The sales assistant persuaded me to upgrade the originals Watsons peeling gel for this new updated product from Korea. I was very apprehensive as I explained to her I am not trying to whiten my face, but she reassured me that the technology actually evens out your skin tone.

I love the peeling gel, if you exfoliate your skin twice a week, you can genuinely see a change in the texture of your skin and your overall complexion.

Originally from: Korea // Why I love it: gently exfoliates your skin and naturally heals your skin texture

(5) Bioderma – Make-up removing micelle solution

I actually can’t live without this product. I use it everyday twice a day. I’ll take it with me on an aeroplane and I feel that this is the most gentle and effective way to remove my daily makeup. I can’t even count the number of bottles I’ve gone through, but this is by far the BEST MICELLAR WATER ON THE MARKET (The caps are for added emphasis)

Originally from: France (but for some reason I can’t buy this product in the UK, its available in all Watsons, Mannings and SASA in Hong Kong)

Why I love it: Can’t live without it! (enough said!)

 

Hope this list above was useful! I love each and every one of these products. Do you use some of the products above? Is there any product you can’t live without? Let me know!

Divya

 

MAKEUP MONDAYS: Makeup Declutter and Detox

Hi everyone,

It’s that time of the year where I like to declutter and discard any old makeup products and I cannot stress enough how important it is to let go of your favourite mascara you’ve had for over a year!

I was a little lazier this year and missed my annual Spring Clean, but this summer I’m determined to let go of some old makeup (NOT to buy more products, but that may or may not happen! haha)

This table below is a great guide for deciding whether to toss that product! (Its from the PopSugar website)

PRODUCT	WHEN TO TOSS
Powders (including blushes, bronzers, and shadows)	Two years
Cream shadows and blushes	12-18 months
Oil-free foundation	One year
Cream compact foundation	18 months
Concealers	12-18 months
Lipstick and lip liner	One year
Lip gloss	18-24 months
Pencil eyeliner	Two years
Liquid or gel eyeliner	Three months
Mascara	Three months

If you’re anything like me, you may have a hard time letting go of your makeup products, but what I like to do – is have a toss pile of expired makeup and then make a little basket of products that you’ve purchased and tried, but maybe find that the colour or skin finish doesn’t work for you AND ask your friends to take a little look, chances are they might love it and use it.

There’s nothing lovelier than sharing the makeup love around, one lipstick at a time… (Wow, that should be an advertising slogan or something!) Anyway I’m rambling….

Happy makeup cleaning!

Divya 

MAKEUP MONDAYS: Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk Lipliner and Lipstick Review

Hello everyone!

Apologies it has been a very long time since I’ve posted! I recently purchased the Charlotte Tilbury Pillowtalk lipliner and the lipstick after eyeing up this nude colour for years.

I feel like you can never have too many nude lipsticks and this meme perfectly sums up my relationship with nude lipsticks haha!

So back on topic…. This Charlotte Tilbury lipstick is the absolute perfect nude and I’ve been wearing it everyday since I bought it for a week and a half.

You can purchase Charlotte Tilbury products online or in store at Selfridges. The lipliner retails for £16 and the lipstick is £24.

For best results – lightly outline the shape of your lips and fill your lips in accordingly. Then apply the lipstick on top. The lipstick is creamy and has a beautiful natural finish. I think it will look great on fair to medium skin tones and it’s perfect for the evening and daytime.

 

Let me know if you have any other Charlotte Tilbury makeup recommendations, I’m so intrigued to try more products!

Divya 

 

MAKEUP MONDAYS – Why I wear makeup #personalpost

Hi everyone,

This post is a little different but I’ve been thinking of writing a post like this….

I’ve been interested in makeup since my 14th Birthday. I remember my Mum taking me to Selfridges in Central London and walking around all the brightly lit makeup counters looking at all these products feeling overwhelmed, mesmerised and intrigued all at the same time, because I couldn’t imagine using all of these products on my teenager face.

I vividly recall, purchasing my first two makeup products from Benefit, there was a lipgloss (because that was all the rage in the 2000s) and a cream eyeshadow. I remember feeling so happy and excited to try them out when I got home!

I always experimented with makeup and played around with colourful eyeshadows not knowing exactly what I was doing, but I found the process fun and exciting throughout my teenage years. I had the Bobbi Brown Teenage Makeup Guide and that was like a Bible to me. I learnt all the tricks including how to apply –  lavender and khaki eyeshadows and eyeliner was so much fun!

I never applied makeup everyday until I was in my last year of school, because this was when I got contact lenses. I would only apply some light concealer, kohl eyeliner and bronzer, because my skin is super pale, and that was it! It was never because I had to cover up my skin, felt shy or insecure if I didn’t have anything on, but because I liked the process and it gave me a little boost of confidence in the morning. I felt I looked more awake.

Throughout university and presently at work, I apply my makeup for 10 minutes every day. That’s the only amount of time I allocate in the morning. This is not because I have to, but simply because it completes my morning routine. It falls after my shower and before breakfast. If I skip the makeup application, I feel like I’ve forgotten to brush my teeth (which is gross)

I’ve been asked recently why I’m interested in makeup and skincare and why I care about my appearance, is it a confidence issue? Am I trying to impress someone in particular? Am I insecure or need to have constant reassurance?

My answer is NO-

No I’m not insecure about my bare face and I feel completely comfortable in my own skin and would wipe off my makeup in front of anyone if they asked me to.  It’s never been about wanting to change my appearance or the way I look. I find the process entirely therapeutic. Applying makeup brushes to the skin, adding definition to the face is simple artistry. It’s like painting a picture. As you get older, your face changes and you can see this in the lines of your skin and facial features, I love changing up my makeup routine and enjoy trying out new products.

Here’s my message for you – Don’t ever feel that you NEED to put makeup on unless you want to and there’s no point applying makeup for anybody else. Confidence is something which everyone struggles with, me included. Viewing beauty blogs with an instagram and pinterest worthy definition of beauty is not everything!

Be true to yourself, but NEVER ever try to impress anyone by wearing makeup for them. You’re only sexy and confident if you feel like it.

That’s my ramble for the day over.

Divya 

MAKEUP MONDAYS: Glowy, Dewy Summer Strobe Cream

Hi everyone,

One of my cult beauty products has to be MAC’s Strobe Cream. It’s back in my daily circulation with summer in Hong Kong practically here. It’s about 30 degrees and scorching hot! However, that being said, there’s something so gorgeous about glowy, dewy sun-kissed skin.

I can’t recommend this product enough, I personally apply the strobe cream to the areas of my face which I want to glow. If you want a subtle approach only apply to the cheekbones and then apply your foundation and concealer as per normal.

This strobing chart is very useful!

Let’s bring back glowy skin and put away our matte products. Nothing says summer like dewy skin. I’ve heard MAC has a whole range of strobe creams, I have yet to check this out! Does anyone have any recommendations for which one to get?

Divya

FASHION FRIDAYS – American Eagle Blouse

Hi everyone,

So I recently purchased this airy blouse from American Eagle and I absolutely love it.

It’s got this beautiful black choker on the necklace and lightly flared sleeves. It’s perfect for dressing up or dressing down. I’ve worn this piece numerous times and I think it’s the perfect seasonal piece.

The website link is here: https://www.ae.com/women-aeo-long-sleeve-choker-top-black/web/s-prod/4350_7828_001?cm=sHK-cHKD&catId=cat90038

and the best part is they have the top in other colours!

Divya 

TRENDY TUESDAYS: Guide on how to buy good quality eyeshadow

Hi everyone,

I love my eyeshadow palettes and I really want to eliminate the myth that purchasing high-end makeup naturally means that the eyeshadow quality is better, because there are some fantastic less expensive makeup brands with very good quality eyeshadow too – e.g. Sleek, MaxFactor and L’Oreal.

Here’s a breakdown of my 3 stage eyeshadow test –

1. PIGMENTATION – Take your finger and lightly swipe the eyeshadow. If the colour payoff is strong, meaning that the colour transfer is even and true to the colour (not streaky) then the eyeshadows will apply better.
2. TEXTURE –  Some eyeshadows generally have a better texture than other brands and the test comes from swatching the product onto your skin and seeing the finish, how the eyeshadow looks in light and shadows. My favourite texture are the eyeshadows that change from a powdery finish to almost a creamy texture once blended.
3. COLOUR – Look for unconventional colours, beautiful glitters and gorgeous metallic shades. You’ll figure out what colours are ‘special’ or ‘limited’ if you browse the makeup aisles and compare eyeshadow palettes.

I hope this is helpful! It’s how I go shopping for eyeshadow palettes.

My favourite brand at the moment is Zoeva and I’ve been wearing the Nude Spectrum Palette everyday for the past couple of months, it doesn’t disappoint!!

Divya

MAKEUP MONDAY – Huda Beauty Socialite Liquid Lipstick

Hi everyone,

Have you tried the Huda Beauty Socialite Liquid Lipstick? It’s genuinely amazing. I wasn’t sure what to think of the metallic lip trend, and wanted a subtler approach. This is the perfect soft pink with that unbelievable glossy shine and the product lasts all day. I’ve applied two layers to my lips and waited for them to dry, after an entire day of work which includes lunch time, the colour still stays on the lips.

I’m so obsessed with this colour, I’ve been wearing it for the past couple of weeks!

Let me know if you have any Huda Beauty liquid lipstick favourites! I’m loving this product.

Divya

MAKEUP MONDAYS – HudaBeauty Liquid Mattes Review

Hi everyone,

Apologies for not posting last week, I have a ton of new makeup/cosmetics I’ve recently purchased and can’t wait to share with you what they are!

I’ve been so excited to try out the Huda Beauty Liquid Mattes and I picked up the shades Bombshell and Trendsetter.

Bombshell

Trendsetter

Smell – Not as pleasant as Kylie’s, (I really like the smell of cake!) but definitely not unpleasant or particularly smelly.

Texture – Amazing, far superior and dries very quickly. One swipe and the colour stays on for most of the day, maybe a top up after a meal and drinking after 4/5 hours.

Colours – I love the colours and how they easily match a lot of different skintones.

Would I repurchase other shades? 100% yes, I’m considering trying the new shade in Socialite, as nothing sounds more luxurious than a rose gold metallic shade.

Have you tried any HudaBeauty products? If so, what would you recommend?

Divya

MAKEUP MONDAYS: Evening Favourites!

Hi everyone,

Seasons are changing and so is the condition of my skin and hair. Hong Kong is becoming more humid, and this year I want to get ahead of the game and start looking after my skin now in preparation for summer.

I’ve been using my Belif eye cream under my eyes to relieve stress and minimise the visibility of my capillaries.

The gold mask is a MUST MUST MUST have, I’m onto my second pack and I love that silky, dewy look I get the morning after.

The facial oil is back on rotation and I’m using this only at night, so that the rosehip oil gets fully absorbed into my skin.

For hair, I’ve given the Ouai finishing creme another go and I’m enjoying the thickness it brings to my hair, as well as the softer finish.

John Frieda’s Frizz Ease is a must have – Did I forget to mention that Hong Kong is REALLY humid? No it’s perfect to taming my long hair.

 

What are your go to products at the moment?

Divya