October's farewelled products (2013 edition)

October was a productive month for emptying as I had the satisfaction of finishing quite a few makeup items.  Heck I even tossed one!  Nothing like a good purge!

 



 Skin care

 

107) Milk Moisture Mask - This delicately scented sheet mask contains 110mg milk extract and did as it said, leaving my skin feeling "moist and soft" after wearing it.  The scent was particularly lovely and added to the enjoyment as I relaxed with the sheet mask on my face.  I'd love to buy more of these! Fingers crossed I can find them on the Sasa website.

108) Skinlite Anti-stress Chamomile Mask - This mask is meant to soothe and relax the skin.  I don't remember it being remarkable in any way but of course it's enjoyable taking the time out to relax nonetheless.

109) Rose Moisture Mask - With 30mg rose extract this mask is one for rose lovers as it was permeated with their fragrance.  As with all of these sheet masks my skin felt super soft afterwards - still I'd say the milk moisture mask was my favourite of the three masks I tried last month, even if it was all about the scent!

110) Sasatinnie Rose Makeup Remover Wipes for Sensitive Skin (10 wipes) - the last pack of these lovely gentle rose-scented wipes is now finished. Add these to my Sasa shopping list because I loved them.

111) Sasatinnie Cherry Blossom Makeup Remover Wipes For Normal Skin (10 wipes) - I was in love with these Cherry Blossom wipes the first time I tried them but the second time around I did notice these being a little more drying on the skin and I definitely needed a moisturiser afterwards.  Still nice but the rose wipes were the favourite as voted by my skin.

 

 

112) Cyber Colors Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (59ml/2oz.) - Yet another Sasa purchase gone! I bought two bottles because they were a travel-friendly size and now I've finished both.  For some more of my thoughts on this effective dual-phase remover click here.

 

113) Dior Capture Totale One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum (3ml/0.10 fl.oz.) - Samples are never enough to give you optimal results but they can be enough to get you hooked! I think that's the case with this serum.  The formula is almost gel-like and absorbed instantly with a cooling, refreshing effect on my skin (I'm guessing this is due to the alcohol which is probably a no-no?).  At first impressions my skin was left feeling noticeably smoother and softer and I tolerated this rather strong serum very well.  I would consider this for a skincare splurge as to be honest I don't think there's a Dior skincare item that I've not liked.

 

Hand and body care

 

114) Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Argan & Grapeseed Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy (100g/3.5 oz) - This hand cream is enriched with natural plant oils (macadamia nut, pomegranate, grapeseed and argan oil) so it's extremely moisturising.  The scent was lovely and fruity and the cream absorbed quickly. The only thing I can fault is the metal tube which split at the sides from continuous bending and squeezing, allowing some of the product to seep out.

 

115) The Body Shop Macadamia Body Butter Duo (200ml/6.75 oz) - I bought this split tub comprising two different strengths of body butter (half of the tub for normal skin/half for drier areas such as elbows) at half price and was disappointed to find this clever product had been discontinued.  True, I did end up with the drier skin formula left in the tub long after I'd plundered the normal skin butter but...the richer formula melted easily into my skin so I found myself liberally applying it all over because it absorbed so well! In my opinion TBS didn't need to discontinue this product but just rethink the repackaging - instead of a 50/50 split they could have relaunched this as, say, 70% normal body butter, 30% dry skin formula and there wouldn't be so many beauties out there with half-used tubs! Bring it back!!

 

116) OPI Original Polish Remover (120ml/4 fl.oz) - Just another bottle of my usual remover added to the yearly pile.

 

117) OPI Nail Lacquer Thinner (60ml/2 fl.oz) - I've used these drops to salvage many thickened old nail polishes.  Mostly I found the drops useful for thinning base and top coats to get maximum value out of them - I can get down to the bottom of the bottle using these!  I often found the recommended 2-3 drops of thinner insufficient, but nonetheless even when using 6 or 7 drops regularly this bottle lasted me a good couple of years.  I've repurchased already.

118) China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat (14ml/.5 fl.oz.) - This is still one of my favourite quick dry top coats because it won't dissolve or disturb the fresh nail colour underneath.  However as I've said before it will shrink and wrinkle your manicure when it gets old and thick - usually right down the bottom of the bottle though when I don't mind tossing it.

 



Cosmetics

 

119) Revlon Colorburst Lipstick (Raspberry) - I wasn't happy about finishing this lipstick as it's been discontinued.  Revlon, why oh why did you get rid of this line? 

 

120) Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch highlighting concealer (02 Nude) - I still love this concealer.  I'm currently trying Maybelline's other best seller, their Age Rewind concealer but I have a strong feeling I'll be coming back to this one.

 

121) ModelCo Fibre LashExtend Mascara - It wasn't that long ago I told you what I thought of this mascara.  It's just not for me - see my thoughts here.

 

122) Revlon Wet/Dry Shadow (Not Quite White) - There's not much point in reviewing this long discontinued dinosaur.  I used it as my browbone highlight and there's a thousand matte ivory shadows out there to do the job.

 

123) Silkygirl Magic BB Powder Foundation SPF20/PA+ (01 Ivory) - I'm sure I'd still be using this pan if I hadn't dropped and crumbled it.  Luckily it happened when I was in Singapore so I was able to buy a backup then and there!  I really enjoyed using this bb powder because I prefer powder coverage on my face (why take two steps with foundation and powder when only one will do?) and the colour match was great for me too.  I'd either use it with the sponge for heavy coverage or sweep it over with a powder brush for a sheerer look as a finishing powder.  It's one of those little drugstore gems I enjoy finding - actually I didn't find it.  Thanks again Liz!

 



Fragrance

 

124) Versace Bright Crystal EDT (30ml) - Crisp, slightly green floral and my summertime, vacation scent.  Notes are Iced accord, yuzu, pomegranate, peony, magnolia, lotus flower, acajou, vegetal amber, musk.

 

Until next month!

 



What's in my fragrance wardrobe?

This is one of those "come and take a peek" type of posts where I'm sharing another little bit of my beauty-related self with you!

This time I've opened up my fragrance wardrobe to share the full sized fragrances I have on current rotation.  "On current rotation" is the thing here:  I do have a few more still in their boxes but I always worry about fragrance spoiling once it's been opened and exposed to light, heat etc. so I try and limit the number of what I have open at any given time.  Yes, I'm a department store queen when it comes to fragrance so there aren't any indie brands here - although I need to get me some education on that.  Help and recommendations please!

Clockwise from bottom left:

 L'Occitane - Voyage En Mediterranee - Labdanum (EDP 75ml)

Notes: Citrus fruits and spices, Labdanum (a woody shrub with a warm amber scent), benzoin, vanilla

I bought this scent on a whim going through the airport a few years ago because I loved its warm amber notes - amber fragrances always get my attention!  I originally wore it as a cold weather scent but now I've found it works rather well for me on warmer evenings too because it has a sensual oriental undertone to it. With its vanilla base this also works well layered over my chocolate scented Chocomania body lotion from The Body Shop to create a warm gourmand scent which isn't too sweet or cloying.  I'm just sad this is no longer readily available.  Sadly, as with L'Occitane's previous L'eau Ambree, these amber based scents have been discontinued.

Bulgari - Mon Jasmine Noir (EDP 50ml)

Notes:  lily of the valley, sambac jasmine, musky nougatine, vibrant wood

This was a gift from my husband and while the soft floral scent wouldn't have caught my nose's attention I do find it quite pleasant and easy to wear.  Jasmine seems to be the predominant note and although the fragrance is soft - I hate saying this - and inoffensively safe enough for day wear I save it for the evening - in particular date nights with my other half!

YSL - Elle Summer Edition (EDT 90ml)

Notes:  Grapefruit, sambac jasmine, pink pepper, benzoin, amber

I'm a fan of the original fruitier, woodier Elle fragrance and bought this version as my summer scent on a whim (and because it was on sale).  I like the lightness and freshness of this version but ultimately I'm a true fan of the original pink bottle with its woodier base notes.  I save this fragrance for weekend wear only - and then only for warm, sunny days!  Somehow I don't want to break the connection with this scent, summery weather and fun - go figure!

MOR - Marshmallow Perfume Oil (9ml)

Notes:  Vanilla musk, jasmine flower, sugar dipped rose petals, white carnation, cotton candy

Get the idea this is sweet scent? Yes, oh yes, and I don't particularly understand the reference to marshmallow as this fragrance definitely smells like musk candy to me.  I bought this because I actually liked the marshmallow scented hand cream but I find this is just a little too much for me.  Worn sparingly on rare occasions only!

Versace - Bright Crystal (EDT 30ml)

Notes:  Iced accord, yuzu, pomegranate, peony, magnolia, lotus flower, acajou, vegetal amber, musk

I bought my first bottle in the same size for a travel-sized scent, then liked it so much I bought another - mostly because it reminded me of that wonderful vacation.  It smells quite crisp and slightly green to me for a floral scent. Very summery and a favourite choice for the weather we've been having because I smell so fresh when I wear it.

L'Occitane - Pivoine Flora (EDT 75ml)

 Notes:  bergamot, grapefruit, green notes, peony, magnolia, violet, vanilla, cedar, musk

I bought this last spring when I was looking for a lighter, fresh scent for the season.  I love how this scent rides the balance of floral and green so while it is very feminine it still has that clean freshness that I love in the warmer months.  This is one of my everyday daytime scents because it's so versatile.  Good for the office or  worn as a casual weekend scent.  

So there you have it - you've had a little peek into my fragrance wardrobe.  I can see I'll be including some richer, warmer fragrances when the weather cools down but these are my current go to's.

What are your current favourites?