The month of June has got me addicted to a product I thought I swore off after my experimental (wayang-looking) days – fake eyelashes. I’ve been lucky enough to test out Miche Bloomin’s range of lashes, and have fallen in love with three styles easy for anyone to get into. There’s also a shade of polish I picked out from DFS that’s perfect for Spring/Summer, along with some of the basics I can now no longer live without.
Miche Bloomin’ Lashes
There was a period of time I donned fake eyelashes every day. I loved how it made my eyes bigger, brighter and more awake – but, let’s face it, they were uncomfortable and often looked way over the top. Eventually, I swore off them.
That was until Japalang.com sent me a box of Miche Bloomin’ No. 14 Lady Point. I got so addicted to them, I went out to SaSa and got myself another two boxes of No. 12 Sweet Brown and No. 6 Girly Flair at S$19.90 for four pairs.
Thin, light with a soft thread-like transparent lash bone, they were so comfortable I almost forgot I was wearing them at one point (especially with No.14 Lady Point). As I have sensitive eyes, where the wrong eyeliner or mascara can induce a tear-fest, these lashes were a godsend.
While my eye makeup is more dramatic than usual, the transparent lash bone is essentially invisible and can be masked with a thin swipe of an eyeliner. They are soft and do look natural. Those wanting a more effortless look can go for the No.14 Lady Point. These are partial lashes with a gradient for the outer corners for an easy fancy fringe; perfect starting falsies for newbies as well. My favourite is the Girly Flair. It has the drama that I love, without making me look like I am heading out the club. On days where I am going for a softer look, I switch over to Sweet Brown – same flair, but less harsh thanks to the brown fibres.
They are worth the price as I do reuse them, after a wash with remover, soap and water, where they will last for about three more uses.
Miche Bloomin’ Lashes are sold are SaSa outlets at S$19.90 per box of four pairs.
2. Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse in Rich Brown
Wearing makeup is a pricey, pricey task. So, when I saw that this came with a double-ended bamboo brush, I cheapened out and went for it without thinking. This is probably one of those rare times where impulse buys don’t end in regrets.
The formula is light and airy, and makes for easy filling in of my brows without looking blocky with the angled brush. No joke, it glides and blends smoothly without harsh lines or build up. Even if I did, the bristled brush is there for me to “undo” my mistakes. Though, the best part has got to be its waterproof formula. Something I tried and tested, no thanks to sudden downpours popular on our “sunny” little island.
Available on Zalora.com or Sephora at S$48.
3. OPI Altar Ego and OPI Start To Finish
I love a traditional manicure; a smooth, pristine surface. Really, removing anything with sparkles is a major pain. That does not mean I have to stick to plain block colours on my nails.
Then, I found Altar Ego as I was roaming through DFS. The shimmery, iridescent pink/purple effect is reminiscent of the inner walls of seashells. Not only is it perfect for beach season, it is a very pretty shade you can wear anywhere for the classic, effortless look. So pretty, so versatile.
This is my new go-to, one I can do in 15 minutes, tops, and right in my very home. Well, this is partly thanks to my favourite all-in-one Start to Finish. It acts as a long-lasting, quick-drying Base and Top Coat with an added nail strengthening property – something I dearly need as I may be the clumsiest human being in the world. I purchased the original formula, but there is also a Formaldehyde-free version at the same price. When I am done with this bottle, probably years later, I am definitely going for that.
Available from DFS Changi Airport at S$15 for Altar Ego and S$21 for Start to Finish.
4. Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Blue
The most important part of my makeup routine is creating a clean, blank canvas. Good skincare is number one, but it cannot rid of the freckles, redness and my natural yellowish undertone (a true blue Asian Chinese, after all). That is where a good base make up comes in.
I discovered Make Up For Ever’s range of primers last year, but it turns out I have been using the wrong corrector. I switched to using Radiant Primer Blue for Fair Skin last month. This is a great prep for those having my skin tone – fair with pink/yellow undertones.
The person at the counter recommended getting the hydrating or nourishing primers for the whole face, and using the Blue as a spot corrector. However, at S$68 a tube, I found it hard to commit to buying more than one. I stuck with just the Blue, and, yes, it does an amazing job at equalizing out my yellow tones and making my makeup last with a pop of radiance throughout a very humid day.
Available at Sephora at S$68.
5. Make Up For Ever HD Pressed Powder
If you do a quick search for “the best face powder”, this would definitely come up on top. I decided to give in to the hype and headed straight for Sephora – and I never looked back.
This pure white, translucent finishing powder is exactly as raved. It is silky-smooth and incredibly lightweight on the skin, with no clumping or feeling cake-y throughout the day no matter how harsh the conditions were. Sure, it does not provide much coverage, but it adds a beautiful radiance while softening appearance of my pores. It is like I was wearing Photoshop! No wonder all the makeup artists from film and TV are swearing by this crème de la crème of face powders.
About the Writer
Jessica is a young lady of many obsessions. She gets herself into everything ranging from the latest in the monochrome fashion world (she only wears black, and sometimes, white) to convincing the masses that Community is the best TV series ever made.
Currently, she enjoys looking like Sailor Mercury had a baby with Wednesday Addams.
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