[Sponsored Review] Mary Kay Foundation Primer Sunscreen SPF 15

I received full sized Mary Kay Foundation Primer Sunscreen SPF 15 for review.
I have been using this product for few weeks now and did find it worth writing about.

Product Description
This is a light-weight gel primer with UVA/UVB protection creating a perfect canvas for flawless foundation application. It makes the skin look smoother and also extend the wear of makeup. The primer is oil-free, comedogenic (won't clog pores) and is fragrance free.

Good For
All skin types and also sensitive skin.

My Impression about the Product
Texture & Fragrance
The product is fragrance free and has a gel like texture.
It spreads easily and is absorbed well, leaving the skin with a very slight powdery feel. It looks like nothing is applied on the skin.

How I Use the Product
After cleansing, toning and moisturizing, I apply a 10 cent coin amount on my face and blend it well with fingers, before applying make up.

The Effect
The skin becomes really soft and smooth and the makeup also stays on for longer. What I like is the non-sticky, powder like feel that you get on application. Being lightweight, it really seems to be a great product for before-makeup application.

The Verdict
After a long search, I could find a face primer that is so light and absorbs well. Definitely this is gonna be one of my must-haves. This is an all in one product, which acts as Moisturizer, sun protect and primer. 

Will I buy it again?
Definitely and also recommend it specially if you tend to have oily skin after applying make-up

Retail Price
S$40

Where can you buy it?
From Independent Mary Kay Consultant or if you don't have one, send me a mail at nsur20@gmail.com and I'll recommend one for you.

Do go for this primer if you really want something light weight and easy to absorb to put under your makeup, this is the product to go for.

What do you feel about Mary Kay Foundation Primer?  Have you used it? Please share your views 

Till then keep reading and discovering!

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Disclosure
I received full sized sample of Mary Kay Foundation Primer for review.
I was not paid to write the review only was given the product. The views and opinion are my own and not given under any influence.

[Review] BellaBox October 2013

This October, BellaBox is celebrating their Second Anniversary with the theme "We're 2". To commemorate the occasion the BellaBox products came in a bronze pouch rather than the usual box, along with Cosmopolitan October issue and a pack of P&G Whisper Cosmo Sanitary Pads.

The pouch came with 5 products from these brands- Laura Mercier, Elizabeth Arden, Jacqueline Burchell, Sexy Look, Indio Cosmeceutical and a bonus from Whisper. Let's have a look at them...

To talk about the products-
1. Elizabeth Arden UNTOLD EDP Spray, 1.5ml (Retail Price-S$69 for 30ml, S$95 for 50ml and S$119 for 100ml)- It is a sensual floral fragrance to fit the modern sophisticated woman. To me it came out as immensely floral and sickly sweet. To those who are fond of floral fragrance, this is something you should go for. 

2. Sexy Look 4D Mask, 1 pc (Retail Price- S$15.90 for 5 pcs)- I feel this is something which I would love to try out soon- this is a mask with unique ear-hook and neckpiece design to keep the mask in its place. It is a rejuvenating and Whitening Pearl from Pure Ocean  mask and is suitable for all skin types. Would try it out soon and post a review.

3. Laura Mercier  Foundation Primer Protect SPF30/PA+++, 15ml (Retail Price- S$55 for 50ml)- This is a multi purpose oil-free and light weight product which acts as primer, sunscreen and conditioner. It claims to be good for all skin types and tones. This creates a perfect canvas for make up. This is absorbed easily into the skin and leaves the skin soft and smooth.

4. Jacqueline Burchell Nail Lacquer, 5ml (Retail Price- S$16 for 15ml)- This is researched and developed in Singapore and is a quick drying formula. The shade I received is LA012 Applause. I would try it soon and post a review.

5. Indio Cosmeceutical Renew Cream, 10ml (Retail Price- 119.50 for 50ml)- This is a renewal formula suitable for all skin types. This is a gentle exfoliating formula which will exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. 

6. Whisper Cosmo Sanitary Pads, Pack of 10 (Retail Price- S$6.50 for 10s Pack)- These are the Japan's No. 1 Sanitary pads and I got a chance to try them while in Japan and I am glad that these have been introduced in Singapore as well.

Almost all the products seem to be promising and would love to try them out and post reviews soon...

These all products are available at BellaBox Online Shop or if you would like to go for your own BellaBox every month, you may do so at bellabox.sg

Till then keep reading and discovering!

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[Review] Mary Kay Botanical Effects Mask

I attended a workshop by Mary Kay conducted by a friend of mine... where I was introduced to Mary Kay's range of skin care and make up products. Will talk about the workshop in detail in a later post but one product that really caught my fancy was a cleansing mask from the Botanical Effects Skin Care Range from Mary Kay.

Product Description
This is a clay-based mask for cleansing, which will absorb oil where needed and hydrate the dry areas, while cleansing pores and leaving the skin looking fresh and renewed. The products in this range also have anti-oxidants, which help in anti-ageing and keeps the skin healthy, making it firm and elastic at the same time.This can be used 2-3 times a week. There are different products for Dry, Normal and Oily skin.

My Experience
I used the one for Normal Skin. This clay based mask also has some exfoliating properties. The mask has a clayey texture and the amount shown in the pic below is good for half the face, since I tried it on half face first to see the effect.

The mask has to applied in thick layer on the face, leaving the eyes and the lips.

If you are wondering what's there on my lips? That is a lip mask, will talk about it some other time. Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes and then spray some water and gently scrub it for 15-20 seconds and rinse with water or a wet facial cloth and tadaaa...

You can see the difference in both the sides. The right side of my face where I applied the mask is much more brighter and refreshed. Also, the best part was the change in the shape of face- getting a firmer and thinner look. This was the point when I was completely bowled over by this product and could not wait to talk about it.

Will I buy it again?
Yes, definitely

Retail Price
S$40 for 113g tube

Available at
Mary Kay Independent Distributors, if you feel like getting one, do mail me at nsur20@gmail.com and I can arrange it for you through my friend. 

I feel if you are looking for a product that will cleanse, exfoliate, firms and elasticise your skin, I think, this is a great product which will fit your requirements and budget.

Do leave a comment and share your views and experience...

Till then keep reading and discovering!

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[Style Diva] Monogrammed/ Signature Bags- Haute or Not

I was reading an article in style: (A MediaCorp Publication) Issue of October 2013, a couple of days ago, which was about our obsession with designer bags. Somebody has been mentioned who needed a functional handbag that can keep whatever she throws in, is professional and she should be able to pass in a Client meeting as well as Social evening with same confidence. She was happy to find a Proenza Schouler PS1 but was not sure if she should spend a fortune on a 'Simple' bag, which was able to fulfil her requirements but was not so identifiable. 
How many of us are guilty of doing that. That does make sense to some extent that if you spend Thousands of dollars on a bag, it should be identifiable to get its worth. After moving to Singapore, the number of Monogrammed or Signature Bags that I see around has increased many folds. Every other lady has a Louis Vuitton Tote with monogrammed canvas or Coach signature bag, which to me seem to be a bit on the face. I would rather prefer an LV in Damier Canvas, which still tell others that you are carrying an LV but is subtle. Similarly I love Chanel 2.55 as it is identifiable as a Chanel and is subtle at the same time. 

Subtle yet Effective!

But my only concern would be to dress up as well to make the bag fit your outfit. I don't remember how many times, I have seen women carrying a great bag teamed up with an outfit which shows how less she cares about herself, with a feel that the presence of bag will amp her up in any situation.
Another point that comes to my mind is what is the significance value of a bag that a fairly decent number of people are carrying irrespective of what they are wearing, what kind of houses they live in, what is the kind of lifestyle they have? How authentic does the bag come across as, knowing well the fact that there are lot of fakes going around in the market worth only a couple of hundred dollars. 
How authentic a bag would seem when it is carried by a woman wearing shabby, neglected and worn-out clothes vis a vis when carried by somebody in a chic dress. People view somebody as a complete package and just carrying an expensive bag with taking no care of your outfit and grooming will not present you as a fashionista. So, I always suggest if you are trying to carry an expensive bag or shoes, make sure your dress goes with it and you don't come across as an ugly duckling wearing a diamond necklace pretending to be a swan.

What are your views on monogrammed or signature bags? What is the best way to carry them off? Do you have a favorite Signature bag or you dream of buying one? Do leave a comment and share...

Till then keep reading... 
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[Review] BellaBox September 2013

Hey Lovely Ladies,
The September BellaBox was Pink all over, it came with the theme- "Pink Me Up". Pink which is the most feminine colour and is also used to represent females, is a colour which symbolizes innocence and passion, love and confidence all at the same time. Let me show you what was inside the box-

Talking about the products, they are-
1. Recolive Beauty Collagen, 3X5.2g sachets (Retail price- S$75 for Box of 30)- The sachet has a blend of German Collagen, French Olive and Red Grapes and is sugar and fat free. Collagen as we all know helps in getting a youthful skin with improved elasticity, moisture retention, bright and even skin tone and reduced wrinkles. Value of Sample- S$7.30

2. Vaseline Healthy White Perfect 10, 25ml Tube (Retail Price- S$7.95 for 200ml)- This is a non sticky body lotions targeting concerns like dark spots, fine lines, uneven skin tone to give a youthful radiance and glow to the skin regardless the age. It has a light texture and gets absorbed well into skin. Value of Sample- S$1.00

3. LA CLINICA Gly Refine Micro Dermabrasion Facial Exfoliating Scrub, 10ml (Retail Price- S$59 for 100ml)- This is a skin care remedy for smoother and softer skin. Scrub will get all the dirt off the skin making it brighter and radiant. It is made with certified organic ingredients. The product gas intense scrubbing action and does leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.  Seems like a promising product and would love to give it a shot. Value of Sample- S$5.90

4. Dr, Morita EGF Platinum Mask, 1 mask (Retail Price- S$15.90 for a pack of 10)- This is a Platinum age defying mask and the ingredients help to improve elasticity, firmness and smoothness at any age. Value of Sample- S$1.59

5. Dr. G Total Active Dual BB Cream SPF50+ PA+++, 5ml (Retail Price- S$55 for 50ml)- This BB cream has hydrating essence that moisturizes the skin and also has high SPF so gives sun protection as well. The tone is a bit light for my skin but provides a great coverage. Value of Sample- S$5.50

6. ENAVOSE Invisible Sunbrella UV Mist SPF-45, 10ml (Retail Price- S$ 39.90 for 30ml)- Great technology for sun protection. Rather than applying a layer of greasy sunscreen, it is so easy just to spray a mist and get going. Amazing... Value of Sample- S$13.30

7. Wish Formula JJOYY Bubble Peeling Pad, 1 pack (Retail Price- S$6.50 for 1 pack)- The mask contains natural AHA and extracts that help to eliminate dead skin cells and smooth out fine lines to reveal healthy skin. An easy way to exfoliate. Value of Sample- S$6.50.

8. Dr. Morita Eye Mask, 1 pack- This was a bonus product. The mask helps to ease out all the eye concerns like dark circles, firming and wrinkles.

Along with these products, there were vouchers from Recoliv and Enavose. From the products, I loved the LA CLINICA Gly Refine Micro Dermabrasion Facial Exfoliating Scrub and ENAVOSE Invisible Sunbrella UV Mist SPF-45. Will let you all know when I try it out for a while.

These all products are available at BellaBox Online Shop or if you would like to go for your own BellaBox every month, you may do so at bellabox.sg

Till then keep reading and discovering!

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[Review] Bellabox August 2013

After the American Beauty BellaBox in July (Read the Review here), in August it's the time to come home, back to Singapore and say "Hello Singapore", which is the theme for August BellaBox, Celebrating Singapore's 48th Birthday. The box cover was also inspired from Peranakan Design, which is defined as bright, bold and beautiful. I fell in love with the cover, which had my favorite Paisley motifs as well. Ok... enough of praises about the cover, I think I'll let you all see it for yourself...

High 5- The Style Must-Haves NOW!!

The classics that always are in vogue but are like the Fashion Must Haves at this moment-

1. Lace
To bring out your feminine side or just to add a bit of sexiness and mystery to your personality, go for lacy dresses in pastel or vibrant colours and see how this seemingly boring and traditional or ultra feminine fabric can work wonders for you!

Image Source- http://www.haute-cocktail.com

Image Source- http://www.fashion-era.com

2. Graphic Prints
Go as far as you want with the extreme and crazy Graphical prints but remember to team them up with accessories in solid colours.

3. Sleeveless
Go sleeveless to show off your well toned arms or if you are not very comfortable showing your arms (like me), add on a lacy cardigan or a bolero; to be able to wear sleeveless yet need not expose your flabby arms. To know what kind of sleeveless top looks good on you, register for Online Shape & Style Analysis with me at an Introductory price from S$25 (Usual Price- S$45). Send a mail at nsur20@gmail.com to know more.

4. Delicate Necklace
Delicate chain necklaces look great on their own or if you are someone who doesn't feel comfortable with so less of necklace, you may like to mix and match two or more chains in different lengths or add more than one pendant in a single chain (taking care not to make it extremely heavy)!

Image Source- www.shopwasteland.com

Image Source- www.miniinthebox.com

Image Source- www.aliexpress.com

5. Pink (Clothes and Accessories)
Whether you want to be sweet and innocent or flirty and sexy or you just want to add a spark to a seemingly boring outfit, pink is the new black... Go for pastel and powdery shades for added sweetness, or fuchsia and hot pink for a flirty touch to your personality or outfit. Everyone has a perfect shade of pink for them. To know your shade of pink or other colours as well, register for Online Colour Consultation with me at an Introductory price from S$20 (Usual Price- S$40). Send a mail at nsur20@gmail.com to know more.

So, grab these fashion essentials now and get a New Look! What are your style staples? Do leave a comment and let us know.

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[Review] BellaBox July 2013

BellaBox for July came with 'American Beauty' as theme, celebrating the freedom with American Style Icons like Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn. The box had a collection of American Beauty products. Let's see what was inside-

The box had five beauty products and a gift .

Let me now talk about the products-

1. SAGE + FASTEN COMMON SENSE EAU DE PARFUM, 4ml (Retail Price- S$65 for 50ml)- Extremely feminine SAGE + fasten's signature scent Common Sense is a combination of floral (Orchid and Lotus) and fruity (mango, peach and lychee) fragrance. It says- 'scent that empowers, never overpowers' is perfect to bring out your feminine side and and keep you sane and grounded in today's maddening world. It smells good but somehow it is not something that goes with me as I prefer fragrances with musky base notes more than floral or fruity. But would be great for someone who loves floral and fruity scents. Value of Sample- S$5.20

2. YES TO CARROTS LIP TINT, 2.6g (Retail Price- S$12 for 2.6g)- This is a full size sample of a moisturizing lip balm with a hint of colour. This is natural, paraben and petroleum free lip tint. It moisturize the lips well and has a cool-minty flavour and smell.

3. theBALM COSMETICS HOT MAMA SHADOW/ BLUSH, 1g (Retail Price- S$24 for 7.08g)- This is an all-in-one shadow, blush and highlighter with a peachy-golden glow. The packaging is really good- like a book with a magnetic closure. This is a good and compact option specially for travelling and outings and you no longer need to carry a big makeup bag for touch-ups. Value of Sample- S$3.39.

4. JANE TRAN BOBBY PIN SET (Retail Price- S$10)- This is a set of two bobby pins, which I feel is highly overpriced. The Pins in the sample are not so great to be priced at S$10 for two.

5. CLARK'S BOTANICALS DEEP MOISTURE MASK (Retail Price- S$94 for 50g)- This moisturizing mask contains high concentration of algae extracts which can revive dry and tired skin. This can be used as a mask by applying a generous layer and rinsing off after 15-20 minutes or by applying sparingly as moisturizer. The texture is creamy and it does leave the skin feeling soft and moisturized.

6. NATIONAL DAY INSPIRED NAIL STICKERS- This came as a gift to celebrate Singapore's National Day in August. The stickers are red and white inspired by the Singapore's National flag.

So, that was all about my BellaBox July 2013. Out of all the products, I loved Hot Mama Blush/Shadow and the Clark's Botanicals Mask. Will try them on for a few days and think of buying the full sized product. These all products are available at BellaBox Online Shop or if you would like to go for your own BellaBox every month, you may do so at bellabox.sg

Till then keep reading and discovering!

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[Review] BellaBox June 2013

Due to some kind of delay or the other (mainly from my end!), I could finally lay my hands on my BellaBox for June 2013 in the first week of July and once I did, I could not wait to open it and fulfil my Wanderlust into beauty world.
Yes, the theme was Wanderlust and the box was planned keeping the school holidays and vacations in mind and the products included were meant to keep you looking gorgeous during your vacations with all the travel stress, change of weather, lack of sleep etc. 
Let's take a look inside the BellaBox of June 2013...

The box came with seven product samples, two vouchers and a LUXE Travel Guide for Beijing. 

The products that I received in the June BellaBox are-

1. Veet Hair Removal Cream for Normal Skin, 25g (Retail Price- S$11.80 for 100g)- Quick way of hair removal without getting nicks and cuts from shaving. This helps you get rid of unwanted hair in only 3 minutes. Perfect for your beach vacation. I always have had this with me for emergencies and it works wonderfully well. I would say it's a must try if you have not used it already and if you have been using it then you don't need me to tell you how well it works! Value of sample- S$2.95.

2. Eleanor Nail Enamel, 11ml (Retail Price- S$4 for 11 ml)- This is a full sized sample of a high gloss nail colour. I got a mauvish purple shade. See how it looks...

It dries up really fast and does last long, so you may like to try it out. It's available in SaSa stores and BellaBox Online store.

3. Methode Swiss Age Delay Face Cream, 7ml (Retail Price- S$82 for 50ml)- This is an anti ageing cream with stem cell culture. It leaves your skin plump and moisturised and has a pleasant fragrance as well. Value of sample- S$11.48.

4. The Skin Pharmacy Silky Smooth Sunscreen SPF 30, 8g (Retail Price- S$49.90 for 50g)- This sunscreen is formulated in Singapore and hence is light weight, perfect for hot and humid Singapore weather. This is also available with SPF 50, if you are going to the beach. Value of Sample- S$8

5. VMV Hypoallergenics Re-everything Face-Hand-Body Lotion, 30ml (Retail Price- S$13 for 30 ml and S$62 for 185ml)- This was a full sized travel pack. It is something that we all need when on vacation- a lotion for face, body and hands with exfoliating action. Leaves you well moisturized and and removes dead skin cells. A great multi purpose product. 

6. L'Oreal Dermo Expertise White Perfect Laser Anti-Spot Brightening Essence, 5ml (Retail Price- S$39.90 for 30ml)- It would be great for those who have dark spots and those who spend long hours under the sun. Value of Sample- S$6.65.

7. L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil, 3.5ml (Retail Price- S$23.90 for 100ml)- This was a bonus product, a miracle oil that can be used as protective, nourishing treatment and a touch up conditioner.I have used it sometime ago as a leave on conditioner on towel dried hair and it leaves your hair fizz free and manageable the whole day. Value of sample- S$0.83.

Apart from these wonderful products, there was jooix discount voucher and VMV Hypoallergenics discount voucher. Also there was a free LUXE city guide for Beijing with all the information on travel, food and shopping.

I must say that this BellaBox was truly for satisfying your wanderlust without compromising on your beauty. The Skin Pharmacy Silky Smooth Sunscreen, VMV Hypoallergenics Re-everything Face-Hand-Body Lotion are the two products which I would love to try on for a while. 

And while I am writing this post, BellaBox for July 2013 came knocking on my door. You will get to see that soon! If you would like to go for your own BellaBox every month, you may do so at bellabox.sg

Till then keep reading and discovering!

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bellabox May 2013

Hi Everyone,
As promised in yesterday's post, bellabox- Beauty in a box, Let me tell you about the surprises that I received in my first bellabox of May 2013.

bellabox May 2013

May bellabox is celebrating #The Cannes Film Festival and the products will help us attain the glitz and glamour of Red Carpet. The bellabox was a bright pink cardboard box (I think that is their standard colour). The theme card was in the form of a ticket. The products were wrapped in a black tissue with a clapboard sticker. And one of the surprise was getting 7 products instead of 5. The May bellabox contents were

1. #Dr. Morita Hyaluronic Acid Essence Mask (Retail Price S$15.90) with moisturizing properties and extract of Cucumber, Ceramide, Marine Collagen, Licorice and Seaweed. The mask helps in keeping the skin hydrated and prevents ageing. This mask can be used daily. The value of sample in the box is around S$1.60.

2. #ModelCo Shine Ultra Lip Gloss (Retail Price S$23.00) is nude shimmer lip gloss with a sleek packaging and a built in mirror and the best part is that it's a full size product and not a sample. And the fruity smell makes you 

3. TALIKA Eye Therapy Patch (Retail Price S$120 for a pack of 6) claim to bring back the natural beauty of your eyes in 30 minutes. Each patch can be re-used upto three times. The value of sample in the box is S$40.

4. #ModelCo Eye Define Eye Pencil with an inbuilt sharpner (Retail Price S$23.00). The pencil is easy to glide on and has intense colour. It can be blended and after around 30 seconds, dries into a long lasting finish and again it's a full size product.

5. #Lanvin ME Eau de Parfum 2ml (Retail Price S$108 for 50 ml), a very feminine and sensual fragrance with notes of Liquorice Black Wood and Blueberry. The value of sample in the box is around S$4.32.

6. #Lash Card (Retail Price S$10.30 for a pair). This was something new. This helps to apply mascara without smudging or clumping. An amazing concept would love to give it a try soon. The box had a pair so sample value was S$10.30.

7. Borracha #Wine Wipes (Retail Price S$8.70 for a pack of 20 wipes). This helps to keep your mouth and teeth free of wine stains with ingredients like baking soda, calcium, salt and orange blossom promise to give you white teeth and pleasant breath and will still let you enjoy your wine. The sample value is around S$0.44.

So if you see, you get a mix of samples and then the value of products already exceeds the amount that you pay for the box. But this was not all, there was a voucher from THE SPA-LON for trial sessions for Rejuvenating Light Therapy and Signature Eye Ritual (both priced at S$239) at S$99. Also there was a voucher to get another vial of Lanvin ME fragrance by presenting it at any #Lanvin fragrance counter.

And last but not the least, as a welcome gift, I received an eye-shadow brush and a 15% discount coupon for shopping at bellabox shop.

To ask about my favorites from this box, they would be the #ModelCo Eye Pencil, just love the colour and smoothness; #ModelCo Shine Ultra Lip Gloss, perfect for nude glossy lips; Lash Card is screaming for trial but looks really promising!

WOW! That is something to look forward to every month. If you can't resist the temptation and would like to go for your own #bellabox every month, you may do so at bellabox.sg

Till then keep reading and discovering!

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