Win Group Tickets to Maybelline Singapore HUGE Beauty Bash of the Year!

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This June, Maybelline Singapore will be holding the single, most important, high-profile beauty bash of the year - #MAKEITHAPPEN PARTY!

It will be a night of fashion, beauty, drinks and music and the expected turnout will be over 1000 friends & fans of Maybelline.

Date: 9th June 2017

Time: Drinks start pouring at 7pm, stage activity starts at 8pm

Venue: Zouk Singapore

Wanna party with me + other celebrity influencers & friends of Maybelline? 

We heard you! I am giving away group tickets of 4 to EIGHT of my followers and her 3 friends! 

To win four tickets for yourself + your 3 friends, simply tag 3 friends on my Maybelline #MAKEITHAPPEN event photo on Instagram 

Terms & Conditions:

* Contest ends on Monday 29/5/2017, 12.00pm.
* Winners will be contacted directly.
* Must be over age of 18 to enter the giveaway

Event Sponsors:
Forever21 Singapore
Superga Singapore
Redken Singapore
Zouk Singapore
Martell

Good luck and hope to see you & your squad on 9th June!

Vote for Clozette Beauty Awards 2016 and WIN PRIZES!

Want to get some inspo on which are the top beauty products good for your skin? Check out Clozette Beauty Awards! Vote for your favourites and stand a chance to bag home some branded pouches and other mystery prizes.

Click to  vote: http://www.clozette.co/clozette-beauty-awards-2016/home

This year, I am one of the 50 beauty judges on the panel.

Show your support for your favourite beauty products. Good luck!

http://www.clozette.co/clozette-beauty-awards-2016/home

Palladio Pop Shine Brilliant Lip Balm - reviews, swatches and FREE giveaway!

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By now you'd have heard of this drugstore brand that just landed Singapore shores some months back. They are known for their amazing quality at unbelievably affordable prices.

You can read more of my reviews of Palladio Pop Shine Lip Balm and other products here.

I won't be posting repetitive ramblings on how awesome I think this product is - I believe the product speaks for itself (You only NEED to try it!). What I will do here is to share the available shades and swatches you might want to view before heading down to Guardian Singapore to get yours.

Six available shades:

Socialite - a bright peach with pink undertones

Outrageous - a bright red with orange tones

Psyched - a bright red with pink undertones. Slightly cooler than Outrageous.

Get Real - mauve nude with cool undertones. Recommended for fair skin tones.

Flirtatious - sexy purple. Olive skin tones please avoid.

Scandalous - deep berry. One layer will reflect as red; Two layers as wine red, more layers = vampy dark red.

Texture:

Creamy and applies like a lip balm. However, because of its pigments, it is less moisturising than the usual lip balm. Dries to a slick muted sheen on lips. 

Lasting Power:

It's a balm, not exactly a lipstick (although the pigmentation totally looks like one) so please don't expect much lasting power. For me, all gone after a salad meal.

In my opinion, I think swatches and lip swatches are not visual enough/holistic. So I included my unabashed selfies/MOTD with each shade. #sorrynotsorry

Socialite

Outrageous

Psyched

Get Real

Flirtatious

Scandalous

Which one is your favourite pick?

Maybe you can buy them all! Why, it's S$9.90 each only!

For the month of October, the generous Palladio Singapore company is hosting a giveaway event at Guardian Vivo City! Hurry and get yours for free! (But I bet you will be tempted to buy more. Haha!)

FREE [POP SHINE Brilliant Lip Balm] at VIVO City Guardian Singapore​ 

Every Friday , Saturday and Sunday in October 2016. 6pm -8pm.

Here's what you need to do: 

1. Like Palladio Beauty Singapore​ FACEBOOK Page
2. Like this Facebook post & Tag 3 Friends.
3. Head on down to Vivo City on any of those days & timings!

Terms & Conditions:
1. Each person will be entitled to only ONE free Pop Shine Brilliant Lip Balm throughout the whole event.
2. A mandatory quick photo-taking session at the event booth backdrop after you have collected your lippie.

3. Limited to 60 pcs per day. Whilst stocks last basis.

Enjoy your new play thing and go be beautiful! X

Confessions of a Blogger (1): Bitchiest, Funniest, Jaw-dropping Remarks Overheard at Media Events

Hi lovelies!

Thanks to my insomnia (again), I finished re-reading all of my previous blog posts and realised that I have been too focused on beauty product reviews recently and kinda lost some personal touch on this blog?

As you probably already knew, I started this blog due to passion in all things beautiful. And it will pain me (not to mention, cause me further insomnia) should I one day lose my initial fervour. Keeping things real yet diplomatic (and sometimes entertaining. Haha.) will be my lifelong pursuit…both in life and on this blog. Heh.  

#I_Sompa #ISwearOnMyTOMFORDLipstick

However, today I want to write about something more light-hearted (and slightly juicy). Having been in the bloggersphere/social media industry for slightly less than two years, I am very thankful to be blessed with many socialising opportunities at media events such as new product launches, blogger parties, fashion shows, makeup/makeover events, etc. Rubbing shoulders with celebrities, popular media & online personalities, CEOs/founders of huge beauty companies – all of this wasn’t part of the reason why I started the blog, but I guessed I lucked out to be regularly experiencing these via blogging. (In my past work industries, the professional profiles I met are mostly academics, politicians, lawyers, aviators and business owners. Well, let’s save those old-school stories for another time.)

Being part of the social media scene has definitely opened my eyes wider. There are just so many interesting sights & sounds to share with you guys…which I did of course - on Snapchat and Instagram Stories. BUT…what you haven’t heard are some of the most hilarious jokes, rudest remarks, super entertaining banter overheard at events. Many of those were generously targeted at me during conversations. Some were unfortunately thrown at other people.

I hope they didn’t take it too hard, like how I did...NOT.

(LOL. Actually I just didn’t know how to feel and what to make of it. *shrugs)

Disclaimer: No malicious intent for sharing this. Purely for entertainment purposes only.

Funny, Bitchy Remarks and Eye-rolling Situations at Media Events

...............................................................................

Blogger A (to me): “Oh, so you’re a housewife now?”

My face.

...............................................................................

PR Manager A: “Bloggers, you can start to post photos on your Instagram account right NOW! Remember to hashtag us!” (And no, this wasn’t a time-sensitive live Instagram contest. We can post after the event, which have always been the practice at other such similar events.)

...............................................................................

 

Blogger B: “You know, nowadays a lot of people asked me for opinions regarding beauty products… and get influenced by me as to which products to buy. I think I am really AN INFLUENCER.”

(All of us are influencers there. Ahem.)

WOW. Come I come for you.

 ...............................................................................

Me during event Q & A: “Which products are suitable for oily & sweaty skin? These are my concerns.” 

 X Brand Manager: "Oh, I can tell. (Stares at my shiny face & started sniggering) Heeheehee!"

...............................................................................

 

Me: “Hi C! Faith here. Pleasure to meet you.” *genuinely smiles at C

Arrogant Blogger C: “Sorry, I am socially awkward and I am busy taking photos now.” (All these while, she hasn't cast a glance at me, at all.)

(In my head…): Oh really? I CANNOT tell ffs.

...............................................................................

 

Blogger D: “Faith, I know already! Aiya, they (a beauty brand) didn’t invite you to the event cos they know you will buy their products anyway! You’rerich mah!”

 

...............................................................................

Popular beauty blogger, M, was conducting a makeover on a participant’s face at a makeover show. 

Event Emcee: “So M., what are YOU doing NOW?” *sultry voice

(Anyone could see M was applying blusher on the cheeks. Never in my life have I met such a bimbotic emcee.)

 ...............................................................................

Blogger E: “OMG! Faith, you're 34?? You look FUCKING YOUNG.”

"Thou shalt not spell out the swear word FUCK in full."

...............................................................................

Brand Owner A is a total stranger. It's the first time we met.

Brand Owner A: “OH, so you’re a blogger! Can you blog about my shop (free of charge)?”

...............................................................................

 

Brand Y Marketing Executive: “Erm… your stats are for yourself right?” 

(In my head..): What stats? Vital stats? Yes, BIG secret for myself. 

...............................................................................

 

Blogger F: “EHHH…why you take photos with the Christmas tree? Hahaha! Very funny leh!! Take outside lahhhh!”

(The “Christmas tree” was the main star product of the day.) 

___ 

Hope you guy enjoyed reading this post as much as I had creating it! Side note: The social media industry, behind all that glamour & glitter, is still a space made up by human beings. The same kind of office politics that takes place at work sites happens here too. That being said, as with any human environment, there are ALSO nice, kind & friendly people present too. So please do not misunderstand my point.

And if there is a moral behind this story... it is this: 

"Be humble. Be nice. Everyone should be treated with the same respect & sensitivity." - This is a personal philosophy that I lived by (except #thestruggleisreal toward assholes people undeserving of respect).

To the people involved (whom still remember the shit they say, which I highly doubt so):

No matter who you are and what you said, I STILL LOVE YOU! I didn't mind, and I hope you don't too. This is really in the name of fun, okay? :)

To those whom I may have offended, my heartfelt apologies to you. I didn't mean it. No names were mentioned here. No names will EVER be mentioned anywhere else too - this I can promise. 

#天知地知你知我知

Happy weekend, lovelies! Stay happy & cheery!! X

 

New Orbis Boutique Opening + Review of Orbis =U White Series

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If you have been following my Instagram page, you'd have been informed of the opening specials of Orbis at their newest boutique, located at Takashimaya Shopping Centre. 

For those who are new to Orbis, this is a Japanese beauty brand that is eco-friendly, simple, effective and advocates a holistic approach to beauty & wellness. It is also the first to create 100% oil-free skincare products, based on their fundamental belief that by cutting out oil, skin can release its vital power. Sounds like god-send to oily/combination skin? I would think so.

I was at the opening of the new store at Takashimaya last month, and was so happy to bag home some skincare and makeup loots.

They offer beauty & health supplements, and a wide range of health teas as well. You can see from the above picture that their products are packaged in a simple, minimalist manner - nothing fancy or luxurious; yet very clean & pretty.

 Orbis =U White Series

After assessing my current skin condition by the beauty advisors, I was prescribed this Brightening X Anti-aging skincare range, namely Orbis =U White, which consists of Jelly Wash, Lotion (Toner), Day Moisture and Night Moisture.

As the name suggests, this range promises to whiten/brighten skin...and what is most interesting is that at the same time, it promises anti-aging properties too. Usually brightening skincare may be too drying and it is a challenge to find one with good moisturising properties, much less to say, anti-aging effects.

How It Works

Through the use of W.H. Amino shield, protection of skin-beautifying enzymes happens, thus harmful external stimulants exposure can be reduced. The range also contains safflower extract and arbutin to further inhibit production of melanin.

Sounds simple? You can read further on http://www.orbis.com.sg

Orbis =U White Jelly Wash

MY THOUGHTS

Unique non-foaming texture. Feels soft and grainy at the same time. Melt onto skin upon application. 

It doesn't feel clean whilst you are washing your face...however, as soon as you rinse off with water, this feeling changes in an instant! As you touch your just-rinsed skin, you will notice your face feels clean but not tight at all. Refreshing, comfortable and if you're like me, you will look forward to your next wash!

Orbis =U White Lotion

MY THOUGHTS

This is the toning step that saves your cotton pads. Apply it by patting onto skin with hands; half a teaspoon amount will suffice. 

Toning preps skin for the upcoming steps. For this lotion, I felt effects can be seen right after product is fully absorbed. Skin turns soft, hydrated, slightly brighter and even-toned.

 Orbis =U White Day Moisture

MY THOUGHTS

A day moisturiser armed with SPF 30, this product is really good for people with skin that is sensitive to high SPF but want enough sun protection on a daily basis. As swatched above, it dries down to a slightly white finish, but it is non-sticky and colourless. I personally do not think it is meant to be used alone as a primer or base product before makeup; but it CAN be used under makeup just like any normal moisturiser. Oil-free so of course it doesn't feel greasy at all. Lightweight and suitable for daily wear before sun exposure.

 Orbis =U White Night Moisture 

MY THOUGHTS

Oil-free night moisturiser that works best with oily/combi skin. Super lightweight, this is not your usual night cream - it feels more like a serum ( yet works as a moisturiser). As a last step in the skincare regime, this needs to follow the Lotion (Toner). Because of the fact that this range does not offer additional serums, I am uncertain if this is enough for dry or mature skin; or even those normal skin types who live in dry climates.

On a personal level, I adore this...especially when my skin acts up. This is calming and soothing to my angry skin. A basic hydrating fluid that I also use during the day in place of Day Moisture when I don't want additional SPF.

OVERALL RATING:

When used as a complete series, brightening effects are then maximised. Products are all very mild and gentle to the skin. I believe their active ingredients work, but you have to give it time to see results. If I could only pick one or two products to try in this range, then I definitely won't skip Lotion and Night Moisture! Those two deserve 5 lippies-rating!

___ 

 Orbis U=White offers a one-week trial set at SGD26 only! Check them out at Orbis official website or follow them on their Facebook and Instagram!

Side note: I have also tested Powder Wash + and The Cleansing One, plus some other makeup items. If you'd like a quick review, do let me know and I will post on Instagram!  

Ready for Summer with Laneige! Review of Laneige All Day Anti-Pollution Defensor, Mask and NEW Water Bank Cream.

Sponsored

Summer is round the corner! In Singapore, it is all-year round summer. Not cool, literally. And these days, we are talking about a good 30-33 degrees blazing heat.

This Spring/Summer, Laneige has got you covered. 

If you'd followed me on Snapchat (@faithyvanity),  you'd have seen some of the fun moments captured on screen at the Laneige Refill Me Campaign kick-off: Laneige Beauty Road with Water Bank roadshow at ION Singapore. In support of Waterways Watch Society, this fund-raising campaign aims to raise SGD12 000 towards education and public awareness programs to protect to Singapore's waterways. So the above is a photo of the products I bagged home from the said event, including:

•  Water Bank Gel Cream
•  Water Bank Moisture Cream
• All day Anti Pollution Defensor
• Anti Pollution Mask
• Three "Refill Me"Bottles

 Sharing some of my thoughts of these products after using for 3 weeks. So let's start with...

 Water Bank Gel Cream
 Water Bank Moisture Cream

Moisture Cream pictured on the right and Gel Cream pictured on the left. (50ml)

Housed in pretty electric-blue tubs, both work as moisturisers - last step to seal in all your prior face serums. Comes with a neat spatula, so no dipping in of fingers necessary- yays!

Moisture Cream is targeted for normal to dry skin types. And Gel Cream is more suitable for normal to oily skin - combination skin types will also fall into this category.

With an updated new formula, we can expect this range of Water Bank skincare to surpass the older version in terms of moisturising capabilities. Read more HERE.

Swatches

After spreading onto the skin, both creams glides on smoothly and absorbs quickly. To the point you can't see any difference, since everything has basically been instantly sucked into the pores.

MY THOUGHTS

Both creams are super hot weather-appropriate. Lightweight, fast absorption, hydrating and yes, the hydration & moisturising effect lasts through the day or night! Skin become smoother and bouncier as a result of ample moisture. Hello, chok-chok skin!

As compared to the previous formula, I very much prefer this new one. Sometimes I broke out with the old formula; and during my overseas travel in winter, the old formula wasn't moisturising enough. However this time round with this updated formula, my problems are resolved and my skin just feels softer and healthier after three weeks of use.

Recommend these two creams for folks in their 20s or 30s, with dehydrated skin concern; OR anyone who is looking for a great basic water-based moisturiser.

TIP FOR NORMAL COMBINATION SKIN:

- Use Gel Cream in the day under your makeup. It can double up as an awesome & comfortable primer. 

- Use Moisture Cream at night, especially if you sleep in air-conditioned room.

PRODUCT RATING:

 

___

 

All Day Anti Pollution Defensor (50ml)

The recent hype of anti-pollution skincare which originated from Korea (where else? haha) generated lots of buzz both online and in the beauty community. I am fortunate to be living in a country with minimal pollution; and without the four seasons, erratic weather changes are also reduced to bare minimum. However, in temperate countries where there are seasonal changes, spring time is infamous for an increase in fine dust particles as more heat is seeping through. 

And that's why Laneige jumped onto the bandwagon and introduced their DUST BLOCK™ Technology in both their Anti-Pollution Defensor and Anti-Pollution Mask.

By using the magnetic polarity, in which same poles of the magnet repel each other, this technology helps skin to repel dust as the product with negative charge repels fine dust, which also has negative charge. Read more on their website HERE.

Swatches

 

If you're still a little confused what a "Defensor" really is, simply put - this is a serum + sunblock product (SPF 30), coupled with brightening properties and helps skin form a protective barrier to protect again harsh environmental elements. Well, even if you are lucky enough to reside in a place with no environmental pollution, it is still good to try this as you can't be sure what is or isn't present in the air. For fellow Singaporeans, USE IT because I don't know if you are aware, recently the haze is on-and-off and you won't know when the haze will come back full-on and wreak havoc to your skin!

As pictured above, the brightening effect is immediate upon first application. Skin is further moisturised after all the prior skincare steps has been completed. 

HOW TO USE?

- Use this as a primer before your makeup, or the last step in your skincare routine. Either way, just remember to apply 20 minutes before sun exposure, like any other sunscreen.

- Pump once and spread all over face and neck (skip the eye area), then gently press with palms to help it penetrate into skin better.

MY THOUGHTS

Of the recent new skincare releases by Laneige, this is by far my most favourite product. As someone who don't usually buy into hypes, I think this Laneige All Day Anti-Pollution Defensor deserves its due credit. My skin had its experienced lots of problems with products of high SPF, especially BB cushions or sunblock containing SPF 40 or higher. AND recent beauty trends favour high SPF products. Hence, this Defensor is a god-send to sensitive skin types like mine! No bumps, no allergy, no bad reactions. Product is such an excellent makeup base; and when used alone, it produces a natural brighter skin with a muted glow (matte enough, not oily yet smooth enough and looks radiant) Knowing that your skin is protected from dust, haze, sun; and at the same time, your skin will be nourished & brightened while looking good - I can't find a reason not to love this product!

Price: SGD 50
PRODUCT RATING:

Anti Pollution Mask

Laneige Anti-Pollution Mask takes a step further to complete skin protection against environmental pollutants. It sells in a box of 5.

This mask is made up of three types of fibres - tencel, chitosan and bamboo carton. Chitosan fibre dissolves into a gel liquid that provides a lifting and tightening effect. Bamboo absorbs and eliminate heavy metals that may be present in the skin as a result of exposure to the elements.

KEY INGREDIENTS

Saururus extract can help minimize skin irritation with its anti-inflammatory benefits; green tea extract are added to improve pigmentation issues and ginger extract grown in Korea to enforce skin protection barrier.

HOW TO USE? 

- Once a week.

- After refiner (toner).

- Place mask on the face and leave it for 10-20minutes. No rinse required. 

I love scaring people with my makeup-less face! That's what beauty bloggers do yassss!

 MY THOUGHTS

Laneige have a long history of producing fantastic masks - out of which the highly popular Water Sleeping Mask enjoyed the most success.

Unfortunately, this elevated expectation placed on this new Anti-Pollution mask doesn't serve it well. Personally, I did not find anything special with this mask. Yes, it does help firm the skin a little and end of the day, makeup holds better which means the mask delivered its basic hydrating & firming properties, and perhaps some clarifying effects as well (not too significant though). 

But, that was it. Effects did not last more than 24 hours.

For a mask that costs SGD5.60 per sheet, I expected a little more. Since you can grab a Korean mask for less than SGD 2.00 and still produces similar results to this one.

Price: SGD 28 per box (5 sheets)
PRODUCT RATING:

___

LANEIGE "Refill Me" Campaign 

In support of Waterways Watch Society

Aren't we cute? Take us home today!

Fun Fact: We are made fom BPA-Free Tritan! Better than glass, stainless or any other plastic. Looks like glass but totally shatter-proof. We won't create endocrine-disrupting chemicals even if you pour hot water into us!

From 13 May to 30 June 2016, you will be able to purchase the Limited Edition 'Refill Bottle' for SGD8.00, with any purchase at LANEIGE Singapore boutiques or counters. SGD2.00 from the sale of each bottle will be donated to Waterways Watch Society to expand their educational programs at Punggol Waterways and develop sustainable programs to benefit the future generations.

Punggol's population has been steadily increasing over the years. And there is a projected influx of  50 000 residents in Punggol residential areas for the next few years. I AM ONE OF THEM! I am moving into Punggol this July, so this campaign speaks to my heart truly.

Please support LANEIGE, support Waterways Watch Society and ensure our kids continue to enjoy clean water source and a pleasant living environment!

For more product details, visit LANEIGE SINGAPORE website. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram as well, if you haven't!