L.A. Girls - Rock Star

Shade: NL131 Punk
Contents: 0.47 fl .oz (14ml)
Price: US$4.00



According to L.A. girl webpage:

The Rock Star line debuts with a new sparkling assortment of colors that provide mega shine with MICRO sparkling glitter.

• Add some dramatic flair to your scene-stealing look and bring out the edgy glam in you.
• Mega Shine with sparkling Glitter!
• MICRO GLITTERS for intense look!
• Infused with DIAMOND POWDER for strength and long lasting wear!
• White Tea extract to help nourish nails!
• Toluene, Formaldehyde & DBP Free

My Opinion:

This polish is super glittery and beautiful, I was unable to catch the glitter in the photo....

Cover Girl Eye Enhancers 3 Kit Shadows

Shade: 105 Cafe au Lait
Contents: 4.8g or .17oz
Price: US$4.99

I got this from Ulta, and according to their webpage:

Description:

These collections of great shades are hand-picked by our make-up pros. Designed for a classic look, these shadows blend effortlessly to bring your eyes out beautifully, without overshadowing. Matte, Pearle, and Sparkle Shades. Blends easily.

Directions:

For best shadow effects, rely on the pro's tools. Use a Sponge Applicator tip for precision and targeting creases and lash line. Use a Eyeshadow Brush for a soft wash of color all over lid.

For Day: Smooth the medium shade on your eye lid from lash line up to eye crease. Blend the deepest shade into crease and slightly above it.

For Evening: Line eyes close to lash line with a Perfect Blend Pencil in a dark, dramatic shade. Sweep the lightest shade from base of lashes to brow bone. Apply the deepest shade close to your lash line and blend into the outer eye crease for more definition. To prevent eye shadow from creasing, pat concealer or foundation on the lids, dust with translucent powder, then brush on a powder eye shadow.

Dark eyes look good in grays, blues, purples and greens.

Light eyes look good in brown, taupe and bronze shades

Ingredients:

Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Tribehenin, Ozokerite, Silica, Nylon-12, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba)Wax, Tocopherol, Propylparaben Sparkle shades also contain: Calcium Sodium Borosilicate May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Chromium Oxide Greens, Carmine, Ferric Ferrocyanide

My Opinion:

We don't have Cover Girl in Hong Kong, but I keep on hearing emily raving about this on youtube, so I had to get my hands on it.

I got 2 quads, both in neutral shades, and so far I'm very satisfy with it. They are pigmented but not over, very blendable, and very affordable. I like using it for work.

I'll be showing the swatches for the other quad later.

Sekkisei White Powder Wash

Contents: 100g / 3.5oz
Price: HK$205

According to Sekkisei's webpage:

A foaming powder wash that effectively brightens the complexion with each use, while restoring skin’s natural moisture barrier and preventing inflammation.

On a wet palm, place powder about the size of a quarter. Using lukewarm water, work into lather. Wash face and rinse well.

Herbal Extracts: Peony Root Extract, Perilla Extract, Coix Seed Extract, Angelica Extract

My opinion:

This is my all time favorite summer facial cleanser, and true to its word, it does brighten your face with each use. I think because it comes in a powder form, it does slightly exfoliate your skin with each wash.

This is only my summer favorite because after I wash my face it does feel a bit dry, but since my skin is sort of oily during summer, this is a great product.

Skin Food Milk Smooth Body Lotion

Contents: 230ml
Price: HK$100 (it was a free gift while I was shopping in skin food store)

According to the package:

Milk has been used by a beauty as Cleopatra because, it is rich in nourishing vitamins A & D plus skin-softening proteins, lactic acid and lactose. It maks skin soft, smooth and purified.

This product is especially formulated for dry, sensitive skin.

To use: gently massage some amount of product over dry body.

My Opinion:

This version is no longer available, skin food has a new version with honey added to it.

I'm not a huge fan of this product, because it does leave a film over my skin after application and it take ages to absorb, I've tried to use it after shower while my skin was still damp and it did improved slightly. I'm still using it, mainly because this body lotion smells delicious (vanilla scented), but I don't think I'll be buying it again.

Liese Designing Jelly II - Swing Wave

Contents: 75ml
Price: HK$49.90






According to Kao's webpage:

Product Features:
Hair does not feel oily, sticky or stiff after styling. You will not experience the usual stickiness from wax nor the stiff, hard look that results from using gel. Allows you to re-shape your hair anytime. The Designing Jelly spreads easily and allows you to style and re-shape your hair quickly without fuss.
One-touch pump design that prevents styling products from getting under your nails.

This product comes in 4 texture, and II Swing Wave is designed for soft, fluffy waves. It gives curls definition with a soft, fluffy finish. Wavy hair looks soft and swings in a natural way.
My Opinion:
I already did a review for the Liese Designing Jelly III - Nuance Make, which I'd loved, however this version was a huge disapointment. It left my hair super sticky while it was unable to hold the waves, the bottom of my hair was frizzy while the top was greasy (not a good combo).

Koji Curving Eyelash Curler

Price: HK$118

Description:
Unlike other eyelash curlers, Koji Curving Eyelash Curler is of brand new design. 38mm size curler curls up all eyelashes. Its lightly-curved shape covers the roots of eyelashes, bringing radial eyelashes.

My Opinion:

Although I'm very satisfy with my Shiseido eyelash curler, everyone is raving about this, so I had to try it out.

I can see why so many people likes this curler, because it's wider than the usual eyelash curler and it grabs every single lashes from my upper eyelid. However, it gives you a very dramatic effect, and I'm just not comfortable with it, after I curl my lashes, my eyes looks like anime, if you are into that kind of look, this would be a very good product.

I've heard a lot of people complaining about their eyelash curler pinching their eyelid, I've never had this problem, because a friend of mine taught me to tilt back my head when I curl my lashes, this trick should fix the problem.

Eye Roller

Price: HKD 400+




Product Description:

• Medical silicone material containing cosmetic mineral element and conduct heat by far-infrared technology
• Contain germanium element with 99.99% high purity
• Improve skin activity and postpone skin aging
• Eliminate the black eye rim and pouch, smooth wrinkles
• Fade the splash and shrink pore, release eye fatigue
• Improve eye blood circulation and postpone the aging of cells, improve skin luster and elasticity
• Lithium battery is chargeable and reusable
  

My Opinion:
I was clearing my drawer and found this in my possession, and this is the crappiest gadget that I have ever bought...

This is suppose to be a dupe for the i roller from jcshop (selling for HK$980), which is suppose to reduce eyelines and dark circles. I haven't tried the jcshop one, but after using this I have no intention to try the other one.

The sales lady told my to roll over my eyes after I wash my face, and whenever I finish rolling my under eye area are all crinkly, and I look exactly like my grandma (sorry grandma).

I've alwyas intended to get rid of it, and since I'm clearing my make up drawer, this would be gone.

L'oreal Elseve Smooth-Intense Anti-Frizz Serum

Contents: 100ml
Price: HKD69

For Dry, Frizzy and Rebellious Hair

• Leave in Anti-Frizz Serum
• Contains micro nutria-oil that penetrates deep into core of hair for long-lasting smoothing and manageability. Its fluid texture is light and easily absorbed for an instant anti-frizz result, all day.

Additional info:

• Elseve smooth intense range is specially designed with Nutrileum - a combination of smoothing agents and Cameline oil
• all active ingredients are broken down into micro-oils to melt evenly into dry hair, giving you 4 X Smoother Hair!

Directions for use:

• Apply onto wet or dry hair.
• Dispense 1-2 pumps into hands.
• Rub hands together and distribute evenly along the hair
• Do not rinse out

Ingredients:
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl-3-Cyclodexane carboxaldehyde, Camelina sativa / Camelina sativa seed oil, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl salicylate, Alpha-isomethy ionone, geroniol, Butylphenyl methylpropional, citronellol, BHT, Hexyl cinnamal, Amyl cinnamal, Parfum / Fragrance F.I.L C2900 / 1
My opinion:
This was useless for me, I've initially tried to apply it in wet hair, and when after air dry my air was still frizzy. I've then applied 2 pumps on dry hair, and it was super greasy, I've tried to reduce to 1 pump and it was still frizzy. Useless product....

Dalacin T Topical Solution

Contents: 30ml
Price: HK$110



The following information has been extracted from drugs.com:

Category:
Antiacne agent (topical)
Antibacterial (topical)

Acne vulgaris(treatment)—Topical clindamycin is indicated in the treatment of acne vulgaris. It may be effective in grades II and III acne, which are characterized by inflammatory lesions such as papules and pustules. Topical antibacterials are not generally considered to be as effective as systemic antibacterials in the treatment of acne, especially more severe inflammatory acne. However, some studies have shown that clindamycin phosphate topical solution may be as effective as low-dose tetracycline for moderate cases of inflammatory acne.

Skin infections, bacterial, minor (treatment)—Topical clindamycin is used in the topical treatment of erythrasma caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum , rosacea, periorificial facial dermatitis, folliculitis, stasis, chronic lymphedema, and familial pemphigus.

Ulcer, dermal (treatment)—Clindamycin phosphate topical solution is used in the treatment of dermal ulcers.Not all species or strains of a particular organism may be susceptible to clindamycin.

Unaccepted

Topical clindamycin is not effective in the treatment of deep cystic lesions or noninflammatory lesions.

My opinion:

This acne solution only works for the mild and occasional breakouts, but if you have read my previous article about Ultima II Immediate Rescue Stick, I think they both works the same, but this is half the price.

Cosline Croan Nail Polish

Contents: 0.54 Fl. Oz./16ml
Shade: 05
Price: HKD$20+

This is a dupe for OPI Summer Flutter Collection, Wing it.

This is a Korean brand, and I've google it and found out that during 2007 this brand has produced a mascara that has to be removed from the market because it contains some kind of bacteria that might cause blindness (Scary!!!)

Now I'm really unsure whether I should still use it or not, but I was unable to get hold of Wing It, everywhere I go is out of stock.

Mac Sheertone Shimmer Blush

Contents: 6g / 0.21 Us Oz
Shade: Peachykeen
Price: HK$165

Ingredients: Talc, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Dimethicone, Nylon-12, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Octyldodecanol, Tetrasodium Edta, potassium Sorbate, chlorphenesin [+/- Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090),Carmine (CI 75470), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Chromium Oxide Greens (XI77288), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850) Red 30 (CI 73360), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Yello 6 Lake (CI159851)]

Barielle Intensive Hand Treatment Cream

Contents: 2.5 oz./ 70.8 gm
Price: HK$118

According to Barielle's webpage:

For Rough, Dry, Chapped Hands

An intensive overnight, moisture treatment that heals rough, dry, scaled, and chapped hands. This greaseless penetrating cream, formulated with revolutionary Oat Beta Glucan, provides a protective barrier directly on the skin to prevent dryness. Oat Beta Glucan is a unique ingredient derived from natural oats that acts as a natural anti-irritant which is safe for even the most sensitive skin.

Use: Massage cream into hands twice a day, once in the morning after bathing and once again in the evening before bed.

For Best results: Allow cream to penetrate overnight.

Ingredients: AQUA, ISOPROPYL PALMITATE, CETYL ALCOHOL, PEG-100 STEARATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, CYCLOMETHICONE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, SORBITOL, SOLUBLE MELANIN, OAT BETA GLUCAN, ROSEHIPS AND FRUCTOSE, CITRIC ACID, LACTIC ACID, TARTARIC ACID, PAPAYA (CARICA PAPAPYA) EXTRACT, APPLE PECTIN (PYRUS MALUS) AND LIPOSOMES, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ALOE BARBADENSIS GEL, HONEYSUCKLE (LONICERA CAPRIFOLIUM) AND JASMIN (JASMINUM OFFICINALE), PASSION FLOWER (PASSIFLORA CAMATA), GARDENIA (GARDENIA TAITENSIS), RED CLOVER (TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE), ECHINACEA (ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA), CHAPARRAL (LARREA MEXICANA), MILK THISTLE (SILYBUM MARIANUM) AND BLACK CURRANT (RIBES NIGRUM) EXTRACTS, SIMETHICONE, PARFUM, MAGNESIUM ALUMINUM SILICATE, XANTHAN GUM, TRISODIUM EDTA, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, SODIUM BENZOATE

My Opinion:

I only use this hand cream before I sleep, and the effect is amazing, especially during winter, when my hands looks like snake skin (gross), and this is the only hand cream that works for me.

During summer I use it every other night and it really does get rid of the lines in my hands. Love it!

OPI - You Don't Know Jacques

Contents: 0.5 fl. oz or 15ml
Shade: NL F15 You Don't Know Jacques
Price HK$118

I was looking for a brown color polish for ages, but most of it just doesn't look good on my skintone, this one is by far the best looking brown that I have. I was going to say that this is my favorite brown, but I've noticed there's a brown in the new China Glaze colection (Vintage Vixen) that looks really promising. I intend to get that one and let you know which one I prefer.

RoseBud Strawberry Lip Balm

Contents:0.8 oz
Price: HK$59

According to Rosebud perfume.com:

Strawberry Lip Balm Indulge your sweet tooth as you soothe dry, chapped lips with Rosebud's newest, strawberry-scented lip balm. Following in the Rosebud tradition of simple, easy to use products, this vintage-inspired tin contains a combination of rich emollients that lock-in moisture and banish dryness after only one application.

Ingredients:

Pertolatum, Lanolin Alcohol, Synthetic Wax, Natural Flavor, Artificial Flavor

My Opinion:

I've used this once and toss it to the bin , this taste like strawberry flavored plastic. I've read lots of raves about this product, and I think that I got a bad batch, and i do intent to get another one to confirm.

Lush Haul

This is a small haul from Lush:

1. Mask of Magnaminte HK$155


2. Big HK$165


3. Colour Supplement - Light Pink (free gift)


4. Lemon Flutter Cutible Butter HK$99


5. Ballistics - Avo Bath HK$49


6. Bubble Bar - The Comforter bubble Bath HK$85


7. Ballistics - Happy Pill HK$79

I haven't really started using these products, but they all smell sooooooo delicious, I think I'll enjoy using it.

L.A. Girl Matte Flat Finish Nail Color

Contents: 0.47 fl. oz/14ml
Shade: NL545 Matte Blue Twilight
Price: US$2.80

I love this shade, matte blue with hints of purple.

I usually hate matte finishes because I can't apply my Seche Vite on top, and I don't have the patience to wait. However, this dries fairly fast, and I think it is worth to wait.

Pot of Gold Skin Balm

Contents: 100g
Price: NZD31.11

According to Pot of Gold's webpage:

Pot of Gold skin balm has been made and shared by our family for six generations. In that time it has been attributed by family, and more recently our customers, with helping in the treatment and control of almost all skin related ailments and injuries. Pot of Gold skin balm is a natural product in the truest sense of the word. It contains no cortisone, steroids, petrochemicals, fragrances, synthetics, or carcinogens of any kind. Pot of Gold skin balm is made in New Zealand from 100% natural ingredients and is 75% organic too. The skin balm works by feeding the skin a powerful skin food which simply helps your skin to do the healing itself.

Try Pot of Gold skin balm for:

• Eczema symptoms
• Psoriasis symptoms
• Seborrheic dermatitis (infant cradle cap) symptoms
• Dermatitis symptoms
• Stretch mark reduction
• Scar repair and reduction
• Burns of any kind
• Acne treatment
• Cold sores
• Dry, cracked skin
• A supplementary skin cancer treatment
• Cuts, scrapes, wounds and more

Our skin is the largest organ of the human body. It is also a reflection of our overall health. In order for our body and skin to function properly we must receive sufficient nutrition, rest and exercise. A deficiency in any one of these can adversely affect our health and can lead to skin that heals slowly, has poor circulation and looks shallow and dull. Similarly, our skin helps to keep our body healthy by acting as a protective wall against possible harmful effects of the environment. At Pot of Gold, we believe taking care of your skin from both the inside and the outside will lead to a lifetime of good health.

Allergy warning: Pot of Gold skin balm contains coniferous pine tree resin along with beeswax which can in turn hold traces of pollen, propolis, and bee venom.

General Tips for Application:

• Pot of Gold skin balm contain multiple natural vegetable fats. For this reason the balm should be allowed to absorb fully (usually five minutes) before spending prolonged periods in the summer sun.
• Pot of Gold skin balm are affected by ambient room temperature and may seem very firm if the room temperature drops below 16c. Pressing firmly or rubbing your finger around the surface of the balm will warm a sufficient amount for most applications.
• Pot of Gold skin balm do not contain any petroleum, lanolin, topical steroids or cortisone. These substances can be harmful. For more information on what these chemicals can do to your health, read this:
• Allergic reaction may occur if the person has an acute contact allergy to propolis, beeswax or beeswax components (traces of bee pollen and bee venom). A simple contact test may be peformed by applying a fingerprint-sized amount of the balm to the crease inside your elbow several times a day for several days. If a reaction is noted then discontinue use. People with allergies to bee venom should be cautious as there may still be residual amounts in the balm that may cause an allergic reaction to occur.

Ingredients:

• beewax
• tree resin
• palm oil

My Opinion:

This is a huge article, but since this is my holy grail product, I've really wanted to share it with you people.

Whenever the season changes, my skin would be really sensitive, and so far nothing had really work for me with the exception of this product. About 3 years ago everybody was raving about this product, but I've only started to use it last winter....

I've actually tried Egytian Magic first, because everybody was raving about it, but it was a disaster, and if you are interested, read my previous articles. Anyway, I've done some researched and notice that the ingredients for Pot of Gold and Egytian Magic are very similar, so I gave it a try.

Apart from healing my skin from the previous damage from the Egyptian Magic, this product smells good, and is cheaper than Egytian Magic, anyone interested consider giving this a try

Maybelline Unstoppable Lash Extension Mascara

Shade: Dark Brown
Price: HK$75

This is non waterproof (can't stand removing waterproof formula), but it comes with waterproof as well.

When I've used this on myself I didn't really notice much of a difference, but then I've only applied a single coat on my lashes (personal preference, I don't like to apply multiple coats), but recently I've applied it on someone with shorter lashes, and it really did make a difference. I think It really lengthens the lashes without being clumpy.

Pinkey Nail Polish

Contents: 12.5ml
Shade: 132 (it doesn't have a name)
Price: HK$12

I got this from SASA and is really cheap, I think I'm going to try a few more shades before drawing a conclusion, so far the application was easy, it dries fairly fast and I can have it on for 3 days without chipping.

Banana Boat Ultra Defense Broad Spectrum Sunblock

Contents: 3 fl oz/88ml
Price: HKD$71.9



Product Details:

• SPF80
• Broad Spectrum Sunblock
• AvoTriplex™ photostable UVA technology
• Long Lasting UVA/UVB Protection
• Protects & Hydrates
• Enriched with Aloe Vera
• Waterproof
• Absorbs Quickly
• Fragrance Free
  Banana Boat Ultra Defense SPF 80 sunblock with patented AvoTriplex technology provides photostable, high UVA/UVB protection that helps protect skin from sunburn and premature aging. This quick absorbing formula is enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, so skin stays hydrated while protecting it from the sun.

Ingredients:
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3.00%), Homosalate (15.00%), Octisalate (5.00%), Octocrylene (2.40%), Oxybenzone (6.00% Sunscreen)
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Styrene Acrylates Copolymer, Polyester 7, Glycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), C12 20 Alkyl Glucoside, C14 22 Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Paraffin, Steareth 20, Steareth 2, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Polysorbate 60, Triethanolamine, Fragrance (Parfum), Propylparaben, Methylparaben

My Opinion:

I don't think I can really provide a review for this product, because I've only used it twice, and I had a huge allergic reaction which even after a week I'm still on medication. My mother decided to try it and she did not have any complains at all. So I guess this product had something in it that irritates me, I hope that I'll find out what it was.

Yashali Krack Polish

Price: HKD80
Shade: Black
Contents: 0.6fl.oz / 16ml

Although I was satisfy with the outcome, I've really hated this product, because:

• It has a matte finish that takes ages to dry (I've applied a top coat, that's why it looks shiny in the picture)
• The applicator is crab, it's not even a brush, is just a bunch of hair that are stick together.

Maybelline Clear Smooth Shine Free Face Powder

Contents: 10g/0.36oz
Shade: White
Price: Sorry, I got this from Bali earlier this year, and I don't remember the price (but it was cheap)




According to the package:

• Keeps skin fresh, clean and shine free for hours.
• Oil Free
• Fragrance Free
• Won't Clog Pores
• Hypoallergenic
• Non-Comedogenic
• Non Acnegenic
• Dermatologist Tested
• Advanced oil-control powder keeps skin fresh, clean and shine free for hours.
• Lightweight powder glides on smoothly and evenly, for a flawless, natural, matte finish.
• Won't cause blemishes or over dry skin.

My Opinion:

I've actually wanted to get the Johnson's face powder, but couldn't find it in Indonesia, so I got this one.

This is actually a love/hate product for me, I love the way how my skin feels after I apply it, silky smooth and shine free, but I hate that it does leave a white cast (I was actually expecting a translucent finish), even if I mist it with Fix+, I'll still look like a corpse for about 20minutes, I can't use it for touch up....

I've wanted to try the other shades, but I don't think this is available in Hong Kong, I'll just have to wait for my next trip.