Beauty Tips & Tricks: The Eye Liner

Eyeliners are tricky things. They can highlight your beautiful eyes and make you look like a sultry temptress or downgrade you to looking like a panda on crack. So I went on the net and asked you girls what your eyeliner problems were, and came up with a few personal tips that definitely helped me avoid any eyeliner woes.

1.       DON’T use pencil liners if you need more than 12 hours’ coverage.

Pencil liners are good for smoky eyes and that soft sexy outline that you’d want on dates. But wear it for more than 10 hours and you’ll notice that it will start to run down your eyes. This is especially bad since most of us already have eyebags. No need to add smudged eyeliner to the mess. Looking like you have just been punched is not attractive.

2.       DO use lasting eyeliners like liquid liners for lasting coverage.

I personally find liquid liners awesome for work. It just looks just as fresh at the end of the day. I’ve been using in-2-it liquid liners for the past 6 years. I absolutely love their thin brushes & at just RM 15, I don’t feel the pinch when I have to get a new one.

3.       DO set your pencil & gel liner.

So you think that the only thing that needs setting is your foundation? Think again girls! Here’s a quick & helpful tip to make sure that your liner doesn’t leak all over your face:

Step 1: prep your lids. It’s not that hard. Just dab a little bit of BB Crème or eyeshadow primer on your lids. How this helps? Well, as you continue with your day, you’ll notice your lids getting oily. This in turn, will cause your liner to smudge. Prepping your lids will keep the oil at bay!

Step 2: draw it up! Wing it or cat it, it doesn’t matter. This is the step where you draw in your lines.

Step 3: Now that you have your lovely even lines, it’s time to set your eyeliner. My trick is to simply grab a blending eyeshadow brush, swipe some loose powder (or compact, that works fine too), tap off the excess powder and lightly set your eyeliner with it. It also creates an effortless matte look.

Warning: If you plan to go for the ‘wet’ look, setting is not the way to go. In fact, just opt for a liquid liner.. It’ll save you time & a whole lot of effort.

Ta-dah! You’re done!

4.       DO use small soft strokes when drawing in your eyeliner.

I’m sure you’ve seen this funny picture floating around online.

But let me assure you, the pain is REAL!

A surefire way to fix this is by simply using small light strokes. This is especially helpful with beginners.

Another great tip is to NOT finish one eye before starting on the other. Most girls have problems creating the perfect flick for both eyes. So a tip is to line your lash line on both sides and use small light strokes for your flicks. Going back and forth between left & right eye to get the perfect balance.

I know… It will be troublesome and it takes slightly more time. But trust me, if you’re not a pro at this, TAKE THE TIME. Because being late is better than looking like you have unevenly sized eyes.

5.       DO work within your means.

Eyeliners are no joke. I honestly think it that it took me the longest to learn how to master. With that said, please learn the basics before venturing into harder territories. We don’t wanna poke our own eye out right?? I always say, start with pencil liners. The reasons are easy:

a)      It’s hard tip makes it easier to maneuver.

b)      The ‘small light strokes’ technique works best with pencil liners. This is because simple pressure makes a difference. Unlike liquid liners, which applies just as bold regardless of how delicate you apply it.

c)       It’s easiest to smudge or wipe off. Those who have tried to fix liquid liners will understand. It is almost impossible to do without make up remover and then.. you end up removing too much and smudging anyways. Dang it! Pencil liners are much more forgiving. In desperate times, even cleaning up with your fingers will do.

I hope these tips helped. Especially to the newbies out there! 

Till next time!

XOXO,

Reina Lum

The Face Shop Big Mascara

Since late last year, I’ve been using a new tube of Mascara which I thought was quite interesting: THE FACE SHOP’S  Freshian Big Mascara.

Quite honestly, this is the first cosmetic I’ve ever tried from the brand but since Korean products have been working so well on me so far, why not right?

When it comes to mascaras, I only look for 2 things; Length & Fullness.

Yes girls, there’s a difference between fullness and a god-awful clumpy formula.

Here are the swatches of the mascara on my eyelashes.

   Without Mascara

Left Eye: One coat. Right Eye: No mascara.

Left Eye: Two coats. Right Eye: No mascara.
What a difference!

Both eyes: Two coats

Both eyes: Two coats.

Length comparison.

PRODUCT:

This is definitely not for the heavy duty mascara girls. The formula is actually quite thin. This may be a good or bad thing, depending on what you’re into..

If you love the natural look and just wanna put a little bit more emphasis on your lashes, this is the mascara for you!
The thin formula perfectly coats each of your eyelashes for a little ‘pop’.
Add another coat on for length and fullness.

But if you’re into the heavy mascara look (Pile on the mascara till it looks like you have fake lashes [or a bunch of dead spider’s legs] on) , then this is not for you.
You’ll end up spending more of your precious time putting on layers of this mascara (like 3 or even 4!) to get the look you want.

Mascara Tip!

Personally,  I will never bother buying multiple mascaras based on the look that I want. Luckily for me, I have a secret weapon, a base mascara!

(Just in case you don’t know, a base mascara normally has a white colored formula and is rich in fiber [NOT the kind you eat of course]. The fiber coats your lashes making them look thicker and does wonders at extending the length of your individual lashes.)

So if I have a night out and need something more heavy, I’ll just put on some base mascara before this black one and… ta-dah! Done!

PRICE:

I got this tube overseas for just about RM 15 (On sale!). A great deal considering a simple tube of mascara can go up to RM 40++ in a drugstore! I’ve been using this tube since August, so safe to say that it’s quite value for money (Or I just don’t use mascara’s that often. Meh.) In Malaysia, this might be in the vicinity of  RM 18 to RM 26++ (It really depends on The Face Malaysia). But if it’s below RM 25, it’s worth a buy.

REPURCHASING: 

I personally don’t wear make up THAT much. I might put in a little bit of effort for work and on dates, but that’s pretty much it. With that being said, I don’t mind buying something else. But this is a good staple to keep in your office desk drawer. I’d totally repurchase for the sake of the occasional cute-guy-comes-by-the-office situations. *Winks*

Till next time,
xoxo
Reina Lum

4 signs that your relationship is OVER.

Before I start, you'd probably like to know why you should even read what I'm about to write.
I don't have a degree in psychology & I'm sure as hell no Dr Phill, but I believe that I learnt from the best teacher; experience.
Everything I write today reveals small bits & pieces of my past relationships.
And hopefully none of you repeat the mistakes I've made.
(Or if you have, at least this will help you recover from it.)

Long story short, I had a lot of dysfunctional relationships. Too many to count.
But all of them never lasted more than 6 months because I knew what I wanted & had self worth.
Till I met my last boyfriend, let's call him Mr X. (Get it? Mr Ex. Badum-tss)
Anyways, he seemed like the perfect guy for me.
He never asked me to change who I was.
Remembered to tell me he loved me almost daily.
Above all, he was kind.
I loved him enough to not only reject all other romantic advances, I was ready to marry him.
In the 5 years we were together, I can confidently say that I never wished that he was someone else.
I was even ready to move across the country to be with him & I knew with every fiber in my being that I will stand by him through anything (bankruptcy, illness, any sort of addiction, etc.)- except one thing.
Infidelity.

Which brings me to sign No1:

#1 He/She Commits A Deal-Breaker

Before seriously going into a relationship, PLEASE determine what your deal-breaker is.
This will save a lot of heartache.
A deal-breaker is a list of things that you WILL NOT TOLERATE.
And I don't mean 'he-leaves-the-toilet-seat-up' issues. I mean serious things.
Here's a list of my deal-breakers:
1. He cheats on me
2. He abuses me
3. He disrespects my parents/brother
4. He steals money from me
Anything else, I am willing to work out with him. So you should have your list too.
And it's always better for you to share your list with your other half.
If he/she does it anyways, then YOU have to hit the brakes, turn off the engine and toss the keys into the Pacific Ocean.
Don't look back.

#2 There's Nobody Fighting To Save The Relationship

Now, let me say this loud and clear, some wars are not yours to fight alone.
If the ball is in his court, let him decide what to do with it.
If your other half commits a deal-breaker, you fight by verifying whether they did do it or not.
Once you have evidence.. it's their move.
There's 3 ways a person could react when faced with accusations:

1. They prove their innocence
They do this by producing evidence themselves.
If they start saying shit like "Who are you gonna believe, me or *insert name of friend/sibling/family*" then sirens should go off in your head. Trust is earned not served on a silver platter.
In my case, I was hoping that he would prove to me that 'she was just a friend'. I wished that he would order me into his car, drive to the "friend's" place and lay everything out. If they were really just friends, that wouldn't me a problem.
So just like in CSI, you accuse and prove yourself innocent with cold hard evidence.
If you're truly innocent, it's not that hard.

2. They admit they were wrong
Everyone makes mistakes.
If they have the balls to tell you the truth, then that's their move.
What you do with the truth, is up to you.
If you're willing to forgive & move on, do it.
Telling the truth doesn't automatically fix things.. It doesn't mean that everything can go back to the way it was. But it sure does save a hell of a lot of heartache.

3. They lie their way around it
If you're unlucky enough (like I was), you'll be on the receiving end of this dipshit move.
Only the true sleazeballs try to weasel their way out.
Now, a person may or may not successfully lie their way out.
It all depends on 3 things:
1. How strong is the evidence of their wrong doings.
2. How good they are at lying.
3, How much you truly trust them.
When you listen to their arguments, listen carefully. If there's a time to play Sherlock, there's no better time than at that moment.
If you catch them in a lie, then it's game over.
People only lie if they have something to hide.
Trust me on this, I learnt this the hard way.

So depending on how they react, decide if your relationship is worth fighting for.
If he's a dick, why bother fighting for him? Let him be someone else' problem. 

#3 Life Goes On As If Nothing Happens

He/she doesn't call.
He/she doesn't seek closure.
He/she simply drops you like a hot potato.
Once, you were the air they breathe (or so they say), but now they seem to do just fine without you..
If this is the case, you were not very important to begin with. (Sorry to burst your bubble)
There's no point pining after someone who doesn't care about you.
Nurse your wounds, then move on.
Because if you really were THAT important, they will MAKE it work.
"Reformed rakes makes the best husbands" It's true.
I personally know some men who were rattled to the core at the prospect of losing the women they truly loved. They made mistakes, acknowledged it & changed.
There's still hope for these idiots.
Some just have to lose what they had to appreciate it.
If you are no longer relevant to them, you need to move on. Do it.
You'll be just fine without him/her too.

#4 YOU Stop Mourning 

If you're ready to 'get back out there' and no longer have that ache in your heart every time you see your former partner, you're off the hook!
At this stage, you're set on finding someone else. What your ex does, doesn't affect you much anymore.
Congratulations! You've officially moved on & your last relationship is officially DEAD.
Grab that shovel and bury it.
You deserve someone better anyways.

XOXO,
Reina Lum

Leaders' Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch

On my last trip to one of Korea's beauty supply store, I picked up a few things..
One of those was Leaders' Vita Bright Skin Renewal Sheet Mask which I reviewed.
(Click link for review)
In a word, it was amazeballs.

So this time, I'm reviewing the eye mask that I bought on the trip;
Leaders' Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch.

PACKAGING: 4/5
The packaging is comprehensive enough..
I mean, it's obvious that it's an eye mask and you get a basic idea on the benefits of using it. (+Points)
Plus, it does look very clinical & professional. To me, that's definitely a plus point.
I don't trust shady looking products. (+Points)
But again, I have no idea what's in the mask since I can't read Korean. Bummer. (-Points)

PRODUCT: 4.5/5

The trouble I have with eye masks is that you can't really see a significant difference after every use. 

I absolutely LOVE the cool sensation when it's under my eyes, but I have no idea whether it really does help with eyebags/ wrinkles since I don't really have them. Ha!

I just love using eye masks!

So I'm guessing, if I don't have eyebags/ wrinkles when some of my friends do, I must be doing SOMETHING right..

One thing I am a huge fan of though, is the new silicone technology!

(OK, it's not THAT new, but for some unknown reason, you don't really get them here in Malaysia)

I just prefer the silicone masks because it just settles on your skin much better.

It stays put and doesn't slip & slide as you do things around the house. 

It actually shrinks as your skin absorbs the essence in the silicone. 

(Which is quite fun. I like the fact that you can actually SEE the mask work)

PRICING: 3.5/5

To be honest, I have NO IDEA how much a set costs here in Malaysia.

I've been searching for these gel masks for quite a bit now and none are sold at prices that I'm comfortable with. 

I got these in Korea & am mentally flying kicking myself for not getting more.

They were just about... RM 6 a pair. (Less I think..)

A bargain I think from going to the spa for a hydrogel mask. (That would set you back about RM 20)

REPURCHASING: 4/5

If I ever get the chance, I would. 

For the right price, of course. 

But since it's so bloody hard to get here, I foresee that it'll be quite a feat to get them. Gah!

Truth to be told, Leaders just gained a fan for life!

I am so impressed with their products and I'll definitely keep buying (and also trying new products) from them. 

Me thinks a trip to Korea is in order..

Till next time, 

XOXO
Reina Lum

Review: Revlon Colorstay Creme Foundation

Hello friends,

   Recently I have been travelling a lot for work commitment. It is an event where I have to be under the sun for a long period of time. Other than having a good sunblock it is really important for me to have a good foundation that stays long on the skin since I will surrounded by heat and of course taking a lot of photos (Plus I dont have time to do touch ups).

  I have been trying a lot of foundations recently but honestly nothing can beat the Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation. Although the setting sprays might be one of the reason that held the foundation well on my skin (reviews coming up soon!) or pressed powder, but personally I think the major contributor will still be this whipped creme foundation.



  To start off, this foundation is in whipped creme texture. It is light on the skin and you do not need a ton of it to achieve flawless coverage. I personally am in LOVE with this foundation for it's texture and coverage provided. You just need a little bit of the product for your whole face. I recommend you guys to apply this foundation with a flat top brush or foundation brush as it distribute the product more evenly as well as more coverage.



  As for the staying power, honestly I think it does stays longer than 24 hours. I wore this foundation from 6am to 11 pm and it stays perfectly well (I know did not test it for 24 hours but I mean who wears foundation that long right?). I am not sure whether the pressed powder helps but I don't think a bad foundation will stays longer than this whipped foundation even with the help of pressed powder.

  This foundation however comes in only 4 shades. I know, I am quite shocked at first for the shades offered. But I guess we have to work with what we have right? I am in a shade "Nude" which is a bit lighter than my skintone, but since the shades next to nude is too dark for me, I went with nude instead. No worries, with a little help from the pressed powder and blusher, it worked well on me.

 The other thing that I love about this foundation is that it comes in a beautiful packaging (although it is not travel friendly). It is packaged in a glass jar and it is decently heavy.



Summary:

Availability : Available at the 3 main drugstores in Malaysia (watsons, guardian and caring). 5/5 
Available shades : Limited. Only 4 shades. 2/5
Coverage : Full coverage. 5/5
Scent : Mild scent. 3.5/5
Lasting power : Long lasting. Can stay up to 16 hours for a person who has a very oily skin like I do. 4.5/5
Packaging : Beautiful glass jar however it is not travel friendly. 2.5/5
Price : A little expensive (RM69.90). 3/5

Leaders' Vita Bright Skin Renewal Sheet Mask

When it comes to the best beauty products out there, I've learnt that the best way to find out is by try & error. Or by a trusty reviewer but most don't have the balls to tell it as it is.

Which brings me to this little miracle in a packet. 

Shopping in the beauty isle of a Korean beauty supply store can seriously confuse you.

Especially since 95% of the descriptions are in Korean. 

Tip: When in doubt, get something that's a best seller. If people keeps buying them, there's a good chance that it really does work.

Another Tip: Don't bother asking the sales girls (or in my case, guys) unless they are known to give sound advice (But really, not all of them are bad). The thing is, they are pre-programmed to sell you stuff. Often times, stuff that isn't that good.. Ask other shoppers instead! You'll be surprised to see how much your fellow shoppers know. And you can bet that they will give you a frank opinion on a product. 

So a Korean girl said "You should try this. Leaders. Very good".

She was cute. So I believed her. Mehehe.

I bought 3 packets of Leaders' Vita Bright Skin Renewal Sheet Mask.

A box of their hydro eye masks.

And also their Teatree Relaxing Facial Cleanser. 

So here's my review on Leaders' Vita Bright Skin Renewal Sheet Mask:

PACKAGING: 3.5/5

It looked promising enough. 

Even a person with ZERO comprehension of the Korean language could basically understand what it is and what it's for. So kudos for being somewhat accommodating to international buyers! (+points)

But I have no idea what's in it. (-points)

As you can see, the back of the packet explains the product in great detail. Never in my life had I wished so hard that I could read Korean.. (Since I bought this in Korea, it's not really fair for me to -points because of this). 

 


PRODUCT: 5/5
I have never given such high praise on a product before.
So you can bet that this was REALLY good.
The first thing that I thought was interesting was the quality of the sheet mask itself. It was paper thin.
This is a good thing.
It maximizes the absorption of the serum (the serum is not wasted on the sheet itself), it fit snugly on my face (you can't even tell where the mask starts and ends!) and there was quite a lot of essence in the packet.
I ended up pouring the leftover essence bit by bit on the mask as it starts to absorb. Bliss!
When it's all dried, I took it off, did my little patting routine to get all the essence in my skin and I couldn't stop caressing my face!
It was so smooooooooooooooth!
My skin did not magically get a tone lighter or anything (let's be realistic here) but it did make my skin appear more luminous.
The redness from budding acne vanished and the next morning, the budding acne are GONE!
My only regret was that I only got 3 packets!!!

 

PRICING: 3.5/5
I would have given it a 4 if the price I bought it for in Korea is the same price it is sold here in Malaysia. I think I bought it for about RM 6 a pack. (Ps: This was also before the Malaysian currency dropped).
I'm happy to report that some major beauty retailers do sell them. I saw some in both Caring & Watsons, Sunway Pyramid. BUT it was selling for almost RM 9 a pack. Meh.
In my honest opinion, it's still a fair price to pay.
As I said before, an amazing product is worth the extra penny.
What's the point of buying 10 packs of slightly cheaper ones when 3 packs of these miracle packs gives you the same results right?

REPURCHASING: 5/5
Yes. YES. YESSSSS!
In a heartbeat.
I adore this product.

Till next time my beauty junkies!
XOXO
Reina Lum

Beauty DIY: Shape & Maintain Your Own Eyebrows (+ Tips!)

For so long, I have always feared shaping my own eyebrows. 

Because if I mess it up, it's gonna be a mistake plastered on my FACE!

And I HATE drawing on eyebrows. I don't even wear make up to work for god's sake :(

But I've learnt a fool proof way to do it.

So that none of you end up like this...

In response to online requests, 

here's my personal guide to shaping & maintaining your own eyebrows.

I use a 3 step guideline to figure out my natural lines. 

(Natural line makes the best shaped-but-natural-looking brows)

Step 1: Where your brow starts (no more unibrows! Yay!)

Step 2: Where your arch should be

Step 3: Where your brows ends

For a full and detailed tutorial, check out our latest video.

*Here's the full video*

I tried to squeeze in as much tips as I can in less than 8 minutes..

They range from the differences of an eyeliner & browliner to

how to tweeze without torturing yourself!

Oh, and I welcome feedback.

Enjoy!

XOXO,

Reina Lum