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

 

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

Trendy Tuesdays -Oscars 2017 Makeup Looks

Hi everyone,

As it was the Oscars a couple of days ago, I thought why not recap some of my personal favourite looks! This year was all about flawless skin with peachy pink blush and long thick eyelashes, not forgetting a bolder red lip, or nude/pink lipstick.

What’s your favourite look? My personal favourite is Emma Roberts.

Divya

Trendy Tuesdays – What’s all the fuss about? – Korean sheet masks

Hey guys,

*Today’s post is by our featured guest blogger Sanchita.*

Being new to Hong Kong, I was very amused to see the influx of mainland Chinese roaming the streets of Hong Kong with huge suitcases.

What amused me even more was when I realized they weren’t just buying milk powder, but actually were lining up at Sasa, Watsons, Bonjour etc… to buy the latest Korean skin care products. 

With a love for skincare myself and the fact that everyone stocking up on these products had great skin, I set out to identify exactly what they were obsessing over.

Yes, I’m sure you’ve heard about Korean skincare by now as not only in Asia, but even in the US, people are raving about the routine and honestly it can be a bit confusing.

But, the fact that many of us reading this blog live in Hong Kong and have direct access to these products, we must take advantage of that.

So let’s take it one product at a time.

After literally stalking several people (yes, literally), I came to find out there were several common products they were all purchasing, and I tried and tested one of the best ones.

Here are the deets:

What is it: N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask

Ok, what does that mean: It is basically a sheet mask, an essential step of the Korean skin care routine, that contains an ampoule, which is a highly concentrated serum, to help target a certain skin issue- In this case its dehydration.

Ampoules come in liquid forms as well that you can purchase in bottles, but what a sheet mask does is it places a lot of this ampoule on a sheet so when applied on your face it has a supercharged and immediate effect on your skin, Like a quick pick me up, for your face.

So what’s in it: You can find sheet masks targeting many different concerns, as this one targets lack of moisture, the main ingredients include, sodium hyaluronate and glycerin. These ingredients are actually what your skin produces, and when there is a lack of it, due to pollution, stress, hormones etc…, your skin feels dry.

How do you use it:

·       Like all sheet masks, first step is to start with a dry, cleansed and toned face.

·       Take one sheet mask packet, remove the mask and place it on your face.

·       Important: don’t throw the packaging just yet. There is a lot of ampoule still left inside the packet. Take it out and you can rub it on your arms, neck or any other part of the body.

·       Leave the mask on for 10-20 minutes (make sure it doesn’t get dry ).

·       Remove the mask, throw it away, and rub in the leftover essence on your face.

·       If you are doing the mask in the day, wait a few minutes then add moisturizer and/or sunscreen. If you are using the mask at night, you can leave as is or add moisturizer on top to seal the moisture.

How often should you use it: This is really up to you as it is not a part of the daily skin care routine, but whoever uses sheet masks tend to use them minimum twice a week.

Suitable for: All skin types, but mainly those with dry skin as its main target is to hydrate the skin. But hey, in this cold weather, we all need a little moisture in our lives.

My review: I absolutely loved this mask after trying it the first time. I have very dry skin and whenever I feel that my skin is too dry, I apply this mask and I feel like my skin is hydrated and rejuvenated. I love using it before and after I travel because it keeps my skin hydrated throughout the flight and I don’t even need to add extra moisturizer during the journey.

Where to get: They come in packs of ten and can be purchased at Sasa, Bonjour, Watsons, Mannings or any Chinese pharmacy. You will find it cheapest at a Chinese pharmacy for only 58HKD for a pack of ten. Very unlikely that you can find a single mask to try at a store but sometimes they do have it at a higher price per mask. My suggestion, get a packet and share it amongst friends.

Please Note: As we all know, everyone’s skin is different, so what might suit one of us might not suit the other. For example, this mask contains witch hazel, which is a key ingredient in many skin care products known to reduce inflammation and fight bacteria. However, some people find this plant extract too strong for their skin and can break out.

Remember: It’s all about finding what is right for your skin.

Let me know if you guys want to know more about other products that are flying off the shelves that are a must try.

Sanchita
Follow me on instagram: sanch265

trendy tuesdays – nyx suede lips

Hey guys,

So everyone is obsessed with the Kylie Lip kits (see my review here) and the Huda Beauty Lip kits, but I like the Nyx suede lips especially the Cherry Skies -Deep Wine Red. I think the formula is just as good as the Kylie and Huda but the Nyx is way more affordable. I highly recommend this because the pigmentation is amazing and there is so much product so you get your moneys worth, buy it here for HKD$56.

Sasha xx

 

TRENDY TUESDAYS – 3 steps to lash perfection

Hi everyone,

I figured out the 3 steps to getting the ‘lashes for days’ look without wearing false eyelashes . This is my new foolproof method and I love it !!

Step 1: Curl those lashes with an eyelash curler

N.B – this photo was taken in the morning and sleepy eyes are a real thing. I only wake up after my cup of tea haha

Step 2: Use the L’Oreal False Eyelashes in Black. I start by using the white mascara base and then follow through with the black mascara to coat my lashes.

Step 3: Use the NARS Audacious Mascara for definition and to intensify the lashes

Then you get this glorious lengthening effect, plus I look and feel more awake !

Divya 

Trendy Tuesdays – Makeup for Christmas!

Hi everyone,

For Christmas, I’m so excited to get out the red/berry lipstick and shimmery champagne eyeshadow. I haven’t figured out my entire look, but these are the products I’m going to wear.

Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Golden Mink

Sleek Highlighter Palette

Kiko in Wine (110)

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate 001

 

I can’t wait for Christmas! What products are you wearing for Christmas?

Divya 

Trendy Tuesdays – Nyx in HK!

Hey guys,

Who doesn’t love Nyx? It’s cheap, you get beyond amazing value for your money and the best part – if you don’t like the product (which will rarely ever happen) you can throw it away/give it away and not feel bad because you spent a fraction on it than you would have otherwise! Also, the amount of times I want to buy that ‘different’ shade of lipstick and I’m scared to spend large amounts of money on it, I can always count on Nyx to allow me to experiment before I invest.

So, it has come to my attention that Nyx has opened its first store in HK. Where? G-08, Ginza Plaza, 2A Sai Yeung Choi Street South, MongKok. I plan to go in the next few days so I will probably show you what  I bought next week!

If you’ve been or you happen to go, please do let me know what you think about the store. Is it big/small? Are they selling all of their products? Is it more expensive than in other countries (UK/US)?

Sasha xx

TRENDY TUESDAYS -My guide to the 3 best body lotions

Hi everyone,

Winter is here and even if in Hong Kong it’s 20 degrees celsius – there’s a dryness in the air and my poor skin needs some TLC.

Here are a list of my favourite body lotions and why –

(1) SMELL –

Soap and Glory Righteous Body Butter – This sits on my bedside table and it smells so amazing, I’ve repurchased this product around 2 to 3 times. Its available and sold in Boots. According to Soap and Glory, one tub of this goodness is sold every 20 seconds. If that’s not indicative of how gorgeous this product is, I don’t know what is!

(2) MOISTURE

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion – This is my go to – my legs are feeling terribly dry and I need as much moisture as possible. Using this product every day does improve the overall texture of my skin. Best of all, its recommended by dermatologists if you have particularly sensitive skin.

(3) NATURAL

Coconut Oil – The most moisturising and gives your legs a natural sheen. It’s so perfect for moisturising your legs after a day at the pool or on holiday. I use coconut oil if I have more time after a shower to really rub the product into your skin. Plus, it’s natural !

What’s your favourite body lotion?

Divya 

TRENDY TUESDAYS- OUAI by Jen Atkin

Hi everyone,

I have waited eagerly and patiently (ok, not so patiently) to get my hands on some products from Jen Atkin haircare range. Jen Atkin is the celebrity hair stylist to Khloe Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen. A lovely friend of mine, picked up these products from Sephora in Singapore for me and I tried them out and I really like them.

OUAI Treatment Masque

The treatment masque has to be the most nourishing hair mask I’ve tried in a really long time. After applying my shampoo, I opened a sachet and massaged the product all over my hair, starting with the scalp and working the product towards the ends. My hair is extremely dry and so I’ve been finding that my hair has been looking limp after I blow dry my hair. I let the masque sit in my hair for 10 minutes and rinsed it off. My hair feels glossy and has that shiny I-could-be-in-a-L’Oreal-hair-commercial feeling. It smells really good too!

OUAI Finishing Creme

I wanted to try a finishing creme as I normally stick to a hair oil. I like the smell and the texture of the product. I wouldn’t say it’s fantastic, but I have only used it once. Maybe, after regular use, I will be able to reap the benefits. It does separate the ends of my hair and leave them looking noticeably softer.

 

I was really impressed by her haircare range and I’m going to be repurchasing more products in the near future!

Also, just out of curiosity, does anyone have any recommendations for haircare products that cater for anti-frizz control. I’m looking to try something new!

Divya