BlogLovin'

This is a short note for any of my followers because Google Reader is due to end. I have chosen BlogLovin' as my new alternative so do follow my blog on BlogLovin' to keep updated!

As a sidenote, I am working on a new project that I will announce here once everything is sorted out. I will be hosting a giveaway on this blog soon so do keep your eyes peeled!

Here is the link to follow me on BlogLovin':

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Cheers
annsleyw :)

Japan Exclusive Review: Rimmel London Crayon Pen Lip & Cheek



Rimmel London is on a roll with its release of lip products. While the Apocalips were launched in the UK late last year, these Crayon Pens were newly launched in Japan sometime this year. I picked up mine when I was on holiday in Japan in April.

With Georgia May Jagger as the spokesmodel, it is different from the usual Kate Moss advertisements that I have come to expect from Rimmel London. Nevertheless, Georgia May Jagger is gorgeous and who can resist her gap toothed pearlies? ;)



The Rimmel London Crayon Pen Lip & Cheek Collection comes in 6 shades: 001-006. The shades are very wearable. The shades range from your nudes, pink, raspberry red and an orange to suit the Asian market. In case you were unaware, orange is trending in Asia especially Japan and Korea. However, there are no exciting shades that will excite or shock but that's okay. There is something to suit everyone.

I picked 003 which is an orange shade. I like this shade of orange because it is very wearable. It is not too bright or neon-y. On me, it appears like an orange-based nude which is an interesting shade that I don't have in my collection.



The Crayon Pens have the same concept as the other brands' crayon lip products except that these are featured to be used as cheek products as well. These Crayon Pens are also much smaller in diameter that they resemble actual crayons rather than the Chubby Sticks or Lip Balm Stain that we are accustomed from Clinique, Revlon etc.



Since the Crayon Pens are much smaller, they make it easier to draw around your lips but harder to fill in with the colour. It takes more effort and time to actually colour in my lips. The formula of the product is not as creamy or moisturising as the Revlon Lip Balm Stains but the Crayon Pens don't claim to be a lip balm or be moisturising. Being accustomed to the Revlon Lip Balm Stains, I find the formula of the Crayon Pens to be slightly drying. I suggest using a lip balm or moisturiser prior to using the Crayon Pen on your lips and cheeks. Staying power is average-good. It does not stain so do expect to touch up after you eat a meal or drink during a meal. Otherwise, it will last a fairly long time if you do not eat or drink.



Packaging-wise, it looks like a legit crayon! You will need to twist the end for more product to come up. At the beginning, it is not necessary as the top will look like what you see in the picture. However, the packaging fails because the product came loose that the twist end will not work anymore! :(((((

I think these may be Japan-exclusive but let me know if I'm wrong.

Are you impressed by Rimmel’s lip offerings so far? What sort of lip products do you want to see next?

Cheers
annsleyw :)

 

Swatches & First Impressions: Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer

Photo from http://uk.rimmellondon.com

The beauty industry evolves every single day that you always see something new. While it may be completely unthinkable that lip balms can have superior pigmentation ten years ago, it is completely the norm these days.

Now hail the liquid lipstick. The concept of a liquid lipstick has been out in the market for a few years now. However, Rimmel London pushes the boundary of the concept of a liquid lipstick to include one more feature: lipgloss. The Rimmel Apocalips Lip Laquer is dubbed as something bigger than a lipstick and lipgloss.

The collection was released in the UK sometime at the end of last year but recently made its way to the Australian shores this month. Note: It has already been released in the US market too.

This collection comes in 8 colours.

Judging from the swatches, the pigmentation of these lip lacquers resemble a liquid lipstick but they come with the sheen and shine of a lipgloss. I like how creamy and opaque they are and how easy they apply. There is a certain smell to the product that isn't particularly pleasing so do take note of that. It may be a make or break factor for some. The applicator is a doe foot applicator with a well in the centre so that there is more product trapped there. It allows you to get sufficient product for each use without having to go back and forth to get more product.

The colour range is decent. Under different lighting, the colours appear to be slightly different. It comes with a brown based nude, beige nude, pink nude, purple-brown toned mauve, a berry mauve, a bright fuchsia, a raspberry red and a coral red. While there is no colour that particularly excites me, there are shades that will suit everyone. No weird crazy colours here.

I swatched these at the drugstore on my hand and after a good half an hour or so, I used a tissue to wipe them off. What surprised me was how easy they came off- with a tissue.

After removing the Apocalips swatches with a tissue.

It shows that these lip lacquers do not set (as they are still creamy) and most of them do not stain either. It also means that these lip lacquers are not long-wearing as you can expect them to come off when you eat or drink. You will definitely need to reapply your lip product if you use these.

As a no-fuss-I-don't-like-to-reapply-my-lip-product kind of girl, I'm hemming and hawing over them. I prefer the L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Aqua Lip Lacquer for its light weight aqua feel and the long staying power as the Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer is definitely creamier and not as long lasting. The Apocalips are more for those who do not like stains.

The shade Big Bang has been receiving a lot of attention in the social media but alas, Australia does not have Big Bang! It is also particularly interesting how the shade selection varies in Australia, UK and USA. Australia and UK both have 8 shades. The difference between Australia and UK is: Stargazer, Phenomenon and Solstice (Australia) vs. Luna, Big Bang and Galaxy (UK). On the other hand, US gets 14 shades but they are called the Show Off Lip Lacquers instead. The difference for between Australia and US is: Comet, Aurora, Luna, Galaxy, Out of This World and Light Year (US) vs. Phenomenon (Australia). Essentially, US has the same shade selection as the UK but with extra shades: Comet, Aurora, Out of This World and Light Year. The only shade unique to the Australian Rimmel Collection is Phenomenon.

If left to my own devices, I will probably get Celestial, Nova, Apocaliptic, Stellar and Big Bang (if I can get my hands on it). It is hard to resist lip products especially if they are lip lacquers (my favourite type of lip product). The packaging is nice and it will make a great addition to my ever-growing lip collection.

The Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers are available at Priceline for $15.95. They are currently on special at Priceline for $12.76. Alternatively, you can try ASOS.com where they are available in the UK shades for $7.87.

Have you tried the Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer yet? Which shade(s) will you pick?

Cheers
annsleyw :)

Puretopia Glowingly Smooth Exfoliating & Renewing Body Polish= Cup of Coffee?

Puretopia Glowingly Smooth Exfoliating & Renewing Body Polish

Every time I go to the shower, I always tell myself to blog about this awesome product that has me hooked- bait, line and sinker. The distractions of my everyday life usually take away my attention after my shower and I usually forget about it until the next time I hit the shower. As a result, I am down to the last quarter of my second tube as I write this review.

Besides this product, I have also been rather obsessed with body care since it is the winter and my skin usually needs more tender loving care (TLC). What most of us will do during winter is to pile on the moisturizers, body butters, creams etc. However, what most people neglect to do is to exfoliate. There is little meaning to piling on the moisturizers, body butters, creams etc. if you do not exfoliate The dead skin cells will sit on top and you are merely moisturizing the dead skin cells which is meaningless (in my opinion).

I exfoliate on a regular basis so I definitely have my favourites. I prefer body scrubs that utilize salt or sugar crystals to those that utilize nut shells because they do not leave residues in my shower area. However, this body polish is so good that I don't mind cleaning my shower area more often!

My all-time favourite body scrub is Soap and Glory's Scrub Actually (which uses sugar crystals) but Puretopia Glowingly Smooth Exfoliating & Renewing Body Polish is my current favourite. Phew. What a mouthful of a name. Touted as being 100 per cent sulphate, paraben and soap-free, it is suitable for all skin types. The body polish contains Amazonian acai berry and guarana for skin stimulation and detoxification while walnut shell gently polishes, and aloe vera soothes, clams and moisturises. It says that the body polish has a lime, lemongrass and ginger fragrance. The body polish is used to exfoliate dead skin cells, excess oils, traces of daily pollution, grime and makeup.

I use it "neat" all over my body and mix a little with my facial cleanser when I use it on my face. The exfoliating bits of walnut shell do a good job of exfoliating my skin as I feel that my skin is reborn to become smoother and more vibrant. However, it stops short of being too harsh and abrasive.  I have sensitive skin so it is a major concern for me if the body scrub is too harsh and abrasive but I also dislike those that are too gentle as you do not feel like you have exfoliated anything at all. I give Puretopia's body polish a thumbs up as it does not have any negative effects on me.

While there are many good body scrubs/polishes in the market, what stands out in this product is its smell. I disliked the smell when I first used it as I likened it to be "herby". However, the smell grew on me and I grew to like the smell. Also, there is something about the smell that seems to invigorate and rejuvenate my soul as I use it.  I am familiar with the smell of lime, lemongrass and ginger so I doubt that it is the smell of these ingredients. I suspect it is due to the use of guarana (an ingredient found in energy drinks). Though I am not a fan of energy drinks, the use of guarana is possibly why I love using this body polish during my morning showers. Using Puretopia's Body Polish in the morning is the equivalent of having a power pick-me-up cup of coffee (smell-wise) that I feel more awake and ready to face the morning. Having a smooth, vibrant, clean and refreshed mind and body is always a bonus!

What sort of body scrubs do you prefer? Let me know in the comments section below!

Cheers
annsleyw :)

Winter Skincare Essential: Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream)

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream)

As Perth enters its winter months, the weather becomes drier and the heaters are cranked up to its optimum. Perhaps it is just me, but I feel that this year's winter is colder than before. It is the same for the summer that just passed a season ago, except that it was a lot hotter. Anyway, I stray from my purpose. I intended to illustrate that as the season and environment become drier, our skin requires more hydration and moisturization.

I heard of Embryolisse from Sam (Samantha Chapman) of Pixiwoo on YouTube as she featured this product in a few of her videos featuring what is in her makeup bag, her skincare routine etc. She has praised this product to no end and it piqued my curiosity and interest since I am very obsessed with skincare. Though she has dry skin and I have combination-oily skin, I was mainly interested in the product because she said this cream is good for sensitive skin.

Having sensitive skin is no joke and when something is marketed for sensitive skin, I get pretty excited. As such, I did some research of the brand and on the product. It was a fascinating read. Skip through the next few paragraphs if you just want to read the product review.

*************************************************************************************

From Embryolisse.com.au:

The History of Embryolisse

Embryolisse® was formulated in the 1950’s by a physician who desired to create his own pharmaceutical skin care brand that met the expectations and acceptance of his profession.

With the use of progressive technology and the most up-to-date research regarding skin surface physiology and bacteriology, Embryolisse® Laboratories has improved the specific formulas for healthy and natural skin. This process led to the development of the Embryolisse product line, an innovative dermo-cosmetic that respects the natural balance and composition of the skin.

Embryolisse® was created with the understanding of the “natural barrier” properties of the skin. The formulas preserve the biological balance and assure anti-aging prevention. The simplicity of these formulations minimizes the risk of allergy and respects the natural balance of your skin.

Embryolisse® products help restore skin tone and elasticity while protecting your skin; leaving it smooth, gentle, and supple. All Embryolisse® products are based on active agents, which restore skin deficiencies and at the same time promote the “natural barrier” function that protects against free radicals.

The plant extracts and active ingredients used in Embryolisse® are recognized for their gentleness and tolerance. All products are tested under dermatological control for their effectiveness and safety.

********************************END OF HISTORY LESSON***************************

If you bothered to read the history of the brand, it is impressive. That you bothered to read it, and the history is impressive. There is a lot of technicalities involved but I can sense their dedication and sincerity in providing the best skincare possible.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream)

If Embryolisse decided to create a miracle product, they did! (PS: I think this is why they decided to name it the 24-Hour Miracle Cream. I just realized how apt the name is.) The Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream) contains essential fatty acids and vitamins that provides the skin all the nutrients and hydration, repairs our skin by reconstituting the barrier that protects our skin from aggression (i.e. pollution, sun rays etc.) and accelerates cell renewal. It is a nourishing moisturiser for all skin types. This product is also a multi-tasker as you can use it for numerous purposes: to cleanse the skin or remove make-up, as a repairing mask, an after-shave cream, or as a baby-care product. YES, BABY CARE PRODUCT because it is paraben-free as well. It checks all my boxes.

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream)

I purchased and received the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè (24-Hour Miracle Cream) sometime last year when it was spring going to summer. I used it as a moisturizer for day and night. While I thought it was a fantastic product, it was too moisturizing for my purposes intended (I have combination-oily skin). However, now that it is winter and my skin is feeling tight and dry, I have been using this product at night. My skin really laps up all the nutrients and hydration that the cream provides that I find my skin feeling like a million bucks the next day. My skin feels nourished, supple, revitalised, and incredibly smooth and soft that my makeup simply glides on. It is with no doubt that I declare this product my winter skincare essential!

Do you have any special products that you use exclusively during winter? Do share!

Cheers
annsleyw :D