TheBalm's Bahama Mama Review & Swatches!

 

TheBalm is one of the under-rated make up brand out there. However, due to many good reviews on them, I decided to give a try on this product, which is the Bahama Mama bronzer. Why not right? Today, that is what this post will be all about. A review focusing on TheBalm's Bahama Mama Bronzer. Excited yet? I know I am! Well, where shall I begin? Bahama Mama Bronzer comes in a simple yet quirky packaging. The packaging includes a decent size mirror on the inside. There is also .25 OZ of product in it, assuming it will last a while before you have to purchase another. I actually found out about The Bahama Mama bronzer, by watching a lot of the Make Up Gurus on Youtube giving good reviews on this. I just had to get one myself!

This product comes in a very blendable formula and I find it easy to soften out the intensity , thank you TheBalm.  I don't find myself going back and forth trying to add more using this as it doesn't lack pigment. The color of it is dark enough to make an immediate difference (and I have warm skin tone!) Perfect right? It basically gives me the nice and natural finish I wish having everyday!

(Swatches on TheBahama Mama Bronzer by TheBalm)

And to round it all up, I would say with all these goodness The Bahama Mama offers a reasonable price for a bronzer. The only place I know that sells this in Malaysia would be in any of the nearest Sasa outlet near you! I got mine for only RM75! To me, for a bronzer that is not overpriced at all, like most prestige make up. (example : MAC // Benefit // Bobbi Brown)

I am even more satisfied with this product, knowing that after using this for a week or two, it does not leave any breakout on my skin! I guess this baby, just blended well in my skin! What's not to love about that right?  I guess, I have given my all in this one. Hope you enjoy this!

P/S : Hints on whats next : Budget Beauty! 

With Love,

Aleen Abdollah 

Acid // Exfoliating Toner for beginners by Quixotic Kitty!

In today's post, I am going to talk about acid/ exfoliating toner.

 Don't let the word acid freak you out. It's a gentle acid, that is suitable on the skin in your face. Not the corrosive ones we use in the laboratory.

What does it do?

Unlike the physical exfoliator (micro beads/ scrubs) acid/ exfoliating toner uses gentle acid to exfoliate the surface of our skin. Dead skin cells will be gone with a few swipes on the face!

 As opposed to micro beads to exfoliate the skin, some scrubs have rough edges and could make micro tear in the skin. I personally find acid/ exfoliating toners to be gentler on my skin.

How many kinds are there?

There are many types of strength when it comes to acid/ exfoliating toner. There are the gentle ones where you can use twice daily and there are stronger ones where you should only use twice a week. This depends on the needs of your skin.

I prefer an acid toner that is gentle enough for everyday use. This is because I live in the city and I am exposed to pollutants that could stay on top of my skin. Also, a gentle, everyday exfoliating toner will help to prepare my skin for a better absorption of serums and facial oils.

(Left) First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads, Pixy Glow Tonic from Pixy by Petra, (Right) Clarins Gentle Exfoliator

 The one that I use is Pixi Glow Tonic from Pixi by Petra. I bought this for £ 18 when I visited London. You can get this via pixibeauty.co.ukor cultbeauty.co.uk.

My sister, who is an avid skincare junkie owns four acid toners, but she only recommends two. She has a sensitive skin, while mine is normal. She loves Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner at RM 161.10 and First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads at RM 110. Clarins' toner is a little strong, hence it should be used thrice a week maximum, while First Aid Beauty's (you can get this at Sephora Malaysia) exfoliating pads is gentle enough to be used everyday.

The other two were Clinique Clarifying Lotion and Ren Clarimatte Clarifying Toner. She claims that both of these toners have alcohol in them, which dries her skin out. I have not tried these two yet.

(Left) Ren Clarimatte Clarifying Toner // (Right) Clinique Clarifying Toner

Why would I need an acid/ exfoliating toner?

 Some people think that toner is not a need and does very little for your skin. I disagree. Acid toner gives my skin an extra oomph, especially if I put on my facial oil right after before I sleep. I will wake up with a dewy-looking skin. Moisturized and supple. Not just that, exfoliating toner has helped me with pimples. It helps my pimple scar to fade quicker and "kill" off any incoming zits. Oil seeds are no longer in sight too.

Is it worth my money?

In my opinion, as a skincare junkie, yes. A 250ml exfoliating toner could last you for a year. I got mine 8 months ago, and I have only used half of the bottle. For the benefits that I get for using this on my face every night, it is worth it.

Below, is a picture of me with the result!

If you need more convincing, you can check out skincare expert, Caroline Hirons at carolinehirons.com or youtube.com/carolinehirons or, Lisa Eldridge, makeup artist at youtube.com/lisaeldridge.

Xxx Quixotic Kitty

October’s Favorites

 It’s time! After, narrowing it down. I have three hot items on my favorites this month! Let's begin shall we?

Maybelline Pure Mineral Concealer in #2

First item, Maybelline’s Pure Mineral Concealer. To be frank, I’ve had few concealers in my vanity but never thought of needing it every single day. That is until, I have the Maybelline’s Pure Mineral Concealer in my vanity. I need this baby, every single day! I find it very smooth to apply, and the coverage is great. I mean, good enough to cover up my blemishes! This works not only on blemishes but also on my dark circles. It goes by the saying “a little goes a long way”. Really! And the best part of it all, this only cost RM 21 per tube! This is definitely one of my holy grail concealer, if you must know! I would definitely get more of this, if it runs out! 

  Wet N' Wild Ultimate Brow Kit in #E963 Ash Brown

“Brows before bros”, that would be my second favorite item this month. Brows! I love drawing my brows, it doesn’t require the same shape every day. To me, as long as I feel good walking around with it. Its fine! But most importantly, with eyebrows well groomed, it brings confidence! I mean that is one thing I can’t go out without! If you’ve seen my “New in Vanity” post, you would know I’ve discovered the Wet N’ Wild’s Brow Kit. And I have loved it, ever since! Everything about it is perfect! For only, RM 24.30, I find this to be working very good! Mine, is in the color #963 Ash Brown. I believe that this is the only shade they stock. The kit comes with a light and dark shade, a wax, a brow brush, tweezers, and a mirror. The powder applies evenly and lasts for a long time! The product is a win- win, with its customized shades, handy tools and packaging, you can't go wrong with it! With its price, trust me this product is an absolute steal!  

NYX Badunkadunk Lush Lashes Mascara

NYX's Badunkadunk Lush Lashes Mascara. Now this is not THE BEST mascara out there, however, I noticed that I have been reaching for this one the most this month. That's the reason of this post after all right? I got this, at RM 34 per tube. It says here on the tube that this mascara is form as a length and volume mascara and to me, that is what is practically does. This mascara is however, not waterproof. If I know I will be out and about, under the hot weather, I know I won't go for this. But other than that, for an everyday use, I have been loving this very much! It seems, to give me the lashes I wanted for my go to everyday look!

Looks like, that's all three! Hope you enjoy this one, and if there's any interesting product you think I shall try, do leave a comment in the comment box below. 

Sincerely, 

Aleen Abdollah

IN2IT Gel Tint for Lips and Cheeks

Hey there! After spending so much on beauty this month, I have tried so hard to stop myself from buying anything anymore. Well, I guess I could not help it. Luckily, the IN2IT Gel Tint were very affordable! This happened,when I was browsing around in the mall alone the other day. I know I could not afford to buy anything "high end" at this time of the month, and so I decided to go to the Drugstore, Guardian to be exact. Later on, while I was not planning on getting anything as mentioned. I got my eyes on the IN2IT's Gel Tint, I mean look at how cute the packaging is! Let me share to you, a little about this product.

 

IN2IT Gel Tint for Lips & Cheeks

As picture above, you probably can tell on which color I chose. They have four in range, but these two catch my eyes the most! Plus, the other two were lighter shades. I had to go for the bright ones, knowing me! I bought these each for only RM 9.80 from Guardian! VERY affordable right? I have been using these for 3 days more or less. I could not yet share the full review. So far, all I know is these two works on lips and cheeks and yes I have tried it on. I thought probably it will work better with full make up on. I would not expect much from this product as I also have never tried much on any of the Gel Tint out there, However, a full review will be in soon, I promise! 

IN2IT Gel Tint for Lips & Cheeks in GT 03 , Raspberry

 IN2IT Gel Tint for Lips & Cheeks in GT 01, Peach

Swatches on the IN2IT Gel Tint for Lips & Cheeks

Above, are the pictures I could snap to summarize the outlook of this product. I hope you'll enjoy this one! Stay tuned on the full review on this!

P/S ; New discoveries, bring surprises! Stay tuned!

With Love, 

AA  

September's Favorites

September's Favorites 

I know this is a super late post on my September’s Favorites. However to hold by the routine. I know I just had to post this. I only have two favorites in the month of September. Which was the Clio Professional Art Blusher in #2 Pink and also the Body Shop Color Crush Lipstick in #205, now this should be familiar as it was featured in my “Current Favorite Lipstick” post recently. I just had to put it under my monthly favorites too!

     

Clio Professional Art Blusher in #2 Pink 

Now, I’m going to start with the Clio Professional Art Blush in #2 Pink. This one has come a long way with me. I started having this in my vanity ever since I was in the Beauty School when I first begin doing make up. I found out about Clio Professional itself as they were the only brand being promoted in my beauty school. I went back to using this as it goes well with the Body Shop lipstick I'm currently addicted to!

 Oh well, they were few shades from the Clio Professional range itself. And I had to get two (peach tone for the warm look and pink for the cool look). When I purchased them blushes they were RM 140 each. I don't know how much they are selling it now. I've used up the peach one sometime this year. It lasted so long! The blusher itself were baked for 24 hours resulting in a supremely pigmented product that glides on beautifully. The surface of #2 Pink is likely a strawberry pink /veined all over with touches of highlighting white, bronzey gold and a slight of deep maroon shade. They all blend well together to form a gorgeous pink shade that has a quality to it. Some might not like it as it is not a matte form blusher but I personally love it! Little that I know after I graduated from school. Watson has started carrying Clio' Professionals, however I have not seen any of the Art Blush Collection being carried. I hope they will soon! I cannot guarantee if the beauty school I went to still carry this. Will keep you update on this!

Color Crush Lipstick by Body Shop in #205

My second favorite as mentioned will be the Body Shop Color Crush Lipstick in #205. Going to make this one short. This is a super moisturizing lipstick however the color of this one is very pigmented! Even if the moisture were gone through the day the color would stay in. Which is why I totally love this one! Before I was actually unsure of the price, but a week ago I actually went on a quick survey. You can get this at the nearest Body Shop for only RM 59.90 , sounds great right? I can see this item with me for a long long time!

Hope you enjoy this one!

With Love,

Aleen Abdollah

New in Vanity // Price List

Hi there! Sorry for not posting anything for long. I guess I just got too caught up with everything. Today’s post will be on the new things I got in the vanity and also the price list. Hope this helps. I bought all these recently as I was celebrating my anniversary with the special one (benefit of celebrating the anniversary in a mall, I guess?). Now, below is the picture of the things I got and price list of them as per below. Have fun!

1.       Naked 1 by Urban Decay – RM 199

2.       Bahama Mama , Bronzer by The Balm – RM 75

3.       Mineral Pure Concealer in #02 Beige by Maybelline – RM 21

4.       24 hours, Color Tattoo in #45 Eternal Gold by Maybelline – RM 21

5.       Slide On Liner in SL 15, Brown Perfection by NYX – RM 40

6.       Ultimate Brow Kit in E963 Ash Brown by Wet n Wild – RM 24.30

And that’s basically it, to be frank I did not buy them all with my own money, the NYX Slide on and Naked by Urban Decay was actually gifts from my boyfriend for our anniversary. (HOORAY!) I hope you’ll enjoy this post and find it helpful in any way!

Also, do stay tuned! Soon there will be a post on these new things in vanity individually and my “September’s Favourites”, I know it’s practically October now but I’ll try to get the hang of it and come out with it very very soon! Till then, keep on having fun trying new things!

 

My date, on that day. Muzaffar Abbas <3

With Love,

Aleen Abdollah