Advertisements are FAKE!

Advertising is important but I cannot tell you how much I hate seeing false and misleading ads. No business may make false, misleading ads about a product(s). Misleading advertising has been egregious practice for many many many many many many(you get the idea) years. Advertisements offer discounts or declare they are for a limited period but such deals repeated week after week. It is time for us to stop these charades that deceive some and insult many.

One such company is MKUP SG 美咖. I have been seeing their ads for as long as I can remember. I wouldn't lie, some of their ads are quite attractive BUT here I am telling you guys...

NOT ALL ADVERTISEMENTS ARE REAL! I recorded this ad(down below) from my laptop. MKUP is advertising how awesome their foundation is. They can cover up tattoos, moles, pimples and even dark circles! Yes it's good. Kat Von D Lock-It-Foundation does the same thing but why am I calling MKUP out?

No one has BROWN dark under eyes circles aside from that, no one will have an uniform dark under eyes circles too. To be honest, I find it hilarious.

Another issue to look out for is...filter.

It's another cheap tactic to con people in believing their product(s) works. Filter helps to eliminate skin texture and brighten their skin tone hence it manipulate people's mind that the product(s) makes their skin brighter in fact, they just shot it with and without filter for before and after results.

True that it helps in our daily life to make us prettier in photos/videos with just one click and also being effortless and that's about it.

I never believe those makeup artists who use filter for their "after" work. Using filter does not make your work any better, it just hides the skin textures and tricks people into thinking "My makeup skill is that good that I can make your skin looks like baby's butt!".

Lastly, it's LIGHTING!

Whitening always doesn't actually mean whitening. 

I did screenshot of their ads. It's their Day 1 and Day 9 comparison. The areas that I pointed out with my red arrows indicate she bumped up her lighting (compare it with the screen shot on the left). Looked at the background, see the differences in brightness? Her face has shine on Day 9 (photo on the right) but none on Day 1(photo on the left).

https://www.facebook.com/MKUPSG/videos/2040726899505507/

Do note that they only apply this particular product only on their nose despite it saying it helps to brighten but I wonder why anywhere else aside from the nose became brighter.

Needless to say, don't believe in everything you see. Take it with a pinch of salt. Personally, I hate seeing ads deceiving people. I do hope this article helps you in someway.

PS: These are from MKUP SG facebook videos.

Also do check out my Instagram post on 13 Aug 2018, if you can't watch the video above.

Laneige: White Dew Skin Refiner

Laneige is famous for their water bank sleeping mask. It's a cult favorite.

"White Dew" is the renewed version of "White Plus Renew" line. I am actually excited to try it out. Usual price will cost me at $45SGD however I bought it off from Althea and only cost me $35.40SGD including a few other items. (You could check out my youtube video below!)

The new Laneige White Dew line incorporates the patented Mela-vita Crusher™ technology and Phyto Sugar Water to boost skin radiance.

And don't forget, hydrating your skin is the most important part of your skincare routine, NO MATTER WHAT.

White Dew Skin Refiner helps to improve dark spots and uneven skin tone as it contained Saururus Chinensis which helps to fill up your melanin with moisture and lightens up blemishes.

It is light, watery and milky. It does absorb easily into my skin and it does makes my skin feels very much refresh but not so much of being moisturized. As recommended, it is best use after cleansing your face, day and night and at the toner step.


Have you check out this video?

5 Beauty Tools for Beginners

With good products comes with greater responsibility.

Okay, I am exaggerating.

Oh wait, maybe I am not.

Okay I am kidding but it will make your routine easier and better. I started out knowing nothing but it was through years of trial and error that it has become my staple items.

The very first item is non other than...Beauty Blender. Not only it is easy to apply and blend for you effortlessly, it too feels comforting. It is therapeutic. The only downside is the pricing. It cost $20USD for this one egg but don't worry, I gotchu covered.

Real Technique is another popular choice. It is comparable with Beauty Blender and cheaper. It only cost $6.99USD and works just as well. However it is not as colorful as the former. They are both able to use wet and dry.

The second item that I have to intro is Blending Brush. I would say this is the most important tool for the eyes. It helps to apply and diffuse products on the lid as easy as ABC. This is the product where most doesn't realise the important of owning it. Makeup Geek brushes is one of the best brushes that I've come across and it's at a reasonable price. This soft dome blending brush only cost $8.50USD and I owned at least 3 of them which tells you I use it very often.

Duo Fibre Brush is a multi purpose brush. You can use it for foundation to blusher and needless to say you can achieve an air brush effect without any effort at all. Super duper easy for beginners. Makeup Geek is selling it at $10USD. Did I mention it can use on liquid, powder and cream products as well?

The most understate is The Eyelash Curler. The only rule to remember is to curl before you apply mascara. You do not want accidentally chop off your beautiful lashes after you set it. 

The last tool is...

Your Hand. The only thing that it can't do is to curl your lashes with it. Okay that was a joke. You can, with your pinky finger.

I too had a video on how to wash your brushes do check it out! 

Sample Store Beauty Show Event

Ola! I miss you guys!

I haven't been blogging for a long time and now I'm presenting Sample Store Beauty Show Event! Finally had time to attend an event and blog about it. March is a hectic month for me. I'm glad that my April starts with a Beauty Show.

This event was held in Marina Bay Sands - Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria. They too provided lunch for us, it was good but portion is too small! I really enjoyed their grilled pineapple, one of their main signature. Yum. Wish I can have a second servings.

You will be given a bag full of goodies. And here I am posing with Melissa Fan the founder of The Wellness Insider. Do remember to check her website out.

Event was hosted by Hossan Leong. He is a really good emcee and comedian. I never was bored by him throughout; on the side I really like his Kingfisher Blue hair. It's an insider joke.

We are as well accompanied by Finalist of SING! China Season 2 Singapore Selections. Congrats to the Top 5 to represent Singapore. Do your best! Make us proud!

Event was great and instructive. Learned a few tips from another Makeup Artist Candy Tiong and how she applies makeup on her client; occasionally accompanied by Hossan's sound effects. It just makes everything much more enjoyable.

These are the items that was in the goodie bag. Taiwan skincare is the next big thing in beauty world. I actually like skincare from Taiwan as they are make mostly from organic ingredients and eco friendly. Their beauty products are affordable and widely-varied masks makes a good gift for friends and family as well.

I am really mad that they did not showcase Lin San Yi brushes! They are really awesome as they help you to clean your face thoroughly with their super fine brushes. Now I don't have to worry as Beauty Keeper sells them. It is an online store that caters to Taiwanese beauty and skincare products.

You could get these products from:

http://beauty-keeper.com/

Anti Pollution Althea Haul

This is my second ALTHEA box! In love with it.

Plus it only cost me S$42 for 7 FULL SIZE items.

I am addicted in getting these boxes now.

This box is Anti Pollution. Just as what the theme suggested, skincare to protect against pollution.

It's My: Daily Sun Cream

It is essential to use sunscreen BUT I just don't have the habit to do it. I am trying to use it every morning. Luckily it is not sticky and doesn't smell.

Etude House: Wonder Pore Freshner

This is one of the famous product of Etude House and no I did not spell it wrong. It is to help to restore the skin pH level. This is a toner, for those that doesn't know about it.

Missha: Deep Cleansing Form

I've already used it but I found there's nothing special to it on my skin beside cleaning it.

Onsameein: Perfect Moisture Cream

This cream looks like silicon however the moment you touch it, it melts like butter on hot pan. My skin absorb it easily and it's not sticky.

Hopegirl: Jamong Cleansing Balm

I love the smell of it! Feels so fresh and it looks like jelly.

Calmia: Cleansing Water

This is a sparkling water makeup remover. However I got a leaked package upon opening.

Skinfood: Bitter Green Soothing Mask

I think this is suitable for people who doesn't eat greens. It really smells like green juice when I opened it however it is inedible. It helps in tightening.

ALTHEA HAUL!

Hello! Welcome back to my blog! I haven't been writing for the longest time! I do apologize for that. Too many things and stuff to do. Not forgetting, HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR! I do hope you had an enjoyable holiday.

Today I'm bringing you Althea Haul! It is one of the largest Korean online store. I was whining about Memebox months and months ago and now I found something similar. I'm so glad.

This is somewhat similar like a meme box, birch box or sephora playbox. The price of this gorgeous box is just only $42SGD. Wait, I am not done yet. They come in FULL sizes products. 

This time I bought the MERMAID BOX. How can I say NO to mermaid when they are my all time favorite? 

It says, it's a must have for mermaid's dewy skin. Oh god, who doesn't wants it? Every good skin begins with good hydration. I did mention a few times on my blog post, no matter what kind of skin types you are. Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate.

So this is my face upon receiving the parcel. Couldn't even see my eyes because I am smiling ever so much. I also did a video on this. You can watch me unbox or read it however I suggest you to do both.

$42SGD is a lot of money however the usual price is $241SGD. Technically we saved $200 but spent $42, irony. With $42, you get S E V E N items. Yes 7. It is a bargain. I get to try new products and brands. Win win situation. And they are FULL SIZED not sample size. I repeat, $42 for 7 full size items.

They wrapped up the box itself with bubble wrapped and even for the items in it. Do check out my video for that. 

I received both skincare and beauty products. Does hair product consider under beauty? To be honest, I do not know 4 brands out of 6.

Son & Park Beauty Water. 

I like this packaging. Very classy and elegant. Too bad it's not glass bottle but plastic.

The usual price is $39.

It IS a toner despite them saying this is a cleansing and toning product. 

Toner is the last step to cleanse the skin, for your information. Many thought it's the first step to skincare. I did made that mistake but no more.

Chica Y Chico Urban Princess Mask in Aqua.

Frankly speaking, I'm quite confuse about their packaging. Urban Princess and Aqua "flavored" mask? I can only make out this mask is good for hydration since it says AQUA and a ton of water image on the packaging.

Another Chica Y Chico product. Skinglow Essence.

Usual price is $47. I'm told this is the LINK between toner and cream hence this should use after toner but before cream products. However packaging says it's Essence hence it is obvious the first step to skincare. Water product absorb much easier than cream product. It helps in brightening so I have to try and see the magic for myself.

Rire Lucent White Pearl Cream.

Usual price $58. I'm pretty sure it is a whitening product since it says PEARL. It has cute packaging too, in a shape of a pearl and comes a cute spoon shape spatula.

Witch's Pouch Real Skin Moisture Ampoule Base.

Usual retail price cost $42.

This remind me of Guerlain L'OR Radiance Concentrate with Pure Gold Primer.

CFC Lab Argan Glow Hair Oil

Usual price $40.

It helps to smooth and moisture the hair with a sweet scent attached to it. I have to try it out to know that.

Tony Moly Lumious Goddess Aura Crystal Light

This reminds me of Benefit High Beam. Highlight the highest point of face. Or you may bathe in this if you want to.

Overall I think Althea is a great way to try out a ton of items at a good price. There are a ton of boxes for you to choose from, skincare to beauty products.

You can use my code here to receive $5 off for your first purchase!

African Black Soap Bar

African Black Soap is also known as "The Black Soap".

It is known for healing problematic skin, hydrates, cleanse and help oily skin for a clearer complexion. You can use this soap literally everywhere of your body including hair.

Shea Butter is rich in vitamins such as A and E hence it also provides a slight UV protection. Shea butter has a high nourishing fatty acid making it an awesome moisturizing product. Not only being able to nourish and moisture the skin it too helps in reducing inflammation so it is a great product for eczema and acne skin user.

The black soap isn't like any other soap bar where it will dry out your skin. Since it has a large amount of shea butter as ingredient it can be use daily, cleaning and moisturizing at the same time.

One thing I have to say is that...I do not like the scent. I have no words to describe it as the smell is quite confusing however it is bearable. You might not even notice it after a while.

This bar of soap is organic and vegan. Beside shea butter as it's main ingredient, it has aloe, oats, rosemary extract, vegetables glycerin and palm ash.

I have used it for about a week. It doesn't dry me out when I'm using it and it doesn't produce a ton of bubbles like other soap bar does. So far I haven't notice any significant differences on my skin but I do feel it being moisturized.

BUT...I do find it helps with my eczema. I do not feel as dry and uncomfortable during the day. I too don't scratch as much when I used it so far it does soothe my neck.

You should give this product a try...

Get it here for $5.40 at Iherb!

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED TO GO TO MAKEUP SCHOOL!

First day of (makeup) school, you defiantly will feel excited and had sleepless night. Who isn't excited for school? Not me for sure.

Frankly speaking, I've started preparing for the school, months ahead.

The best thing to do first is to check with your friends if anyone attended any makeup school, don't be afraid to ask them questions. I have been bugging my friends about the school I went to and they gave me a lot of tips and tricks and what to expect during classes. What kind of problems they've faced etc. Head online and google for information and this is why I am writing this post. To help you to pick the right school and make good choices. Because I can't find any worthy information about it.

Secondly, read up on the school that you want to enroll in. Such as if they are recognition from the makeup industry etc.

Third, is it worth it? What do you want to study for? To improve your own set of skill or to get that certificate? This helps you to pick the right school.

Fourth, ask the receptionist who is going to teach you and how is it like (consider that you have already picked the school).

Fifth, put some money aside. You don't know what else you need to buy the next minute. Cosmetics doesn't come cheap.


Now, I am going to tell you the things I've faced in school and they are not all pleasant. At least I am honest.

Receptionists and sales personnel are friendly and super helpful. Environment in school are clean, neat and tidy.

Classmates are great. I still keep in contact with some of them. However I am not pleased on how I was treated while studying - by the teacher.

Not only he insulted me verbally, he too bullied me in class. Sad to see someone does not even behave like a 50 year old man. He is childish and a bully. He basically find joy in salting people's wounds.

Incident 1:

I asked a question "What's the difference in soft putty and wax" and the answer I received were, "Why do you want to compare a t-shirt and trousers" in a sarcastic tone. If I were to know the answer I wouldn't have asked. However I do know but just want to reconfirm my confirmation.

Incident 2:

Same goes for my other classmates. They do not understand what is a moodboard, not only he is rude and unhelpful he said "moodboard is a moodboard". 

Incident 3:

This is one incident I will remember dearly. He insult my model for her weight by calling her "an elephant" in front of everyone (models, other makeup artists and staffs) during makeup artistry competition multiple times. How does it look to the school? He insult his own student's work and choice. He is someone who teaches beauty. Not only he put down my model's confident and pride is he too trying to put me down because of my choice? He promotes bullying and does not have a proper conduct like a teacher should have.

Incident 4:

Countless of times he insulted/bullied my classmates. Deeming some of them couldn't be a makeup artist. He is in no position to do that to a person let alone his own student. Instead of boosting their confident he is putting them down instead. Many of them are afraid to speak out and many thinks "I just have to bear for three months and I won't see him again". How many more students will suffer after this? How many more people he will put down?


Despite I've encountered a miserable old bat, I do hope you will find a good school and good teacher. For those who wants to know which school I've been to? It is Cosmoprof Academy. I too hope you did find something informative in this post and GOOD LUCK!

Kat Von D: Lock It Foundation

I have waited for so long.
I have waited for so long for Kat Von D. 

I have no confident in buying foundation over the website. 
I'm just so glad it came and I can FINALLY try the foundation first hand without any screw ups.

It cost $56 for 30ml. It wasn't as expensive as compare to the other brands, it is still affordable. You don't need to use a lot for this particular foundation and I will tell you guys why down below. So keep on reading!

I actually love their packaging. There's a modern gothic feel to it which is the signature of Kat Von D's. Some curves, rose, black and gothic. The bottle is designed in a way that it will never get in contact with the air, to prevent it from contamination and maintain the formula consistency. 

I love the design of the "lock" and at the same time it is a very troublesome lock. You have to pull it open to use the pump and clip it back once you are done. So if you lost it, that's it.

One thing I love about that it can prevent from accidental pumping while it is kept in a bag as the lock isn't too easy to dismantle. 

I have been dying to try this foundation as it is known for 24 hours wear and matte finish. Best of all? Super high coverage as this is cater to cover up tattoos! 

One awesome thing about Kat Von D Beauty that it is CRUELTY FREE! Kudos to it!

Lock It Foundation is super creamy, thick and pigmented as this is deprived from the mindset to cover up tattoos hence the coverage is surreal. You don't need a lot to mask all of your face. A little goes a long way. 

I used it with my Sigma Flat Angeled Kabuki F88 for the first round. I do see some streaks when I brush it across my cheeks. However I do find that it's better to use it with a wet beauty blender instead. It made the foundation looks more like skin.

The product dries up quick hence it's advisable to apply a small portion of your face first. I love this foundation because it dries up matte too. 

This is my face at 3am when I just applied. Please don't asked me why I do this at a weird timing because I'm probably still quite awake and trying to find something to do at this holy hour. 

I'm someone who doesn't like wearing foundation and I showed to a couple of friends and they too said it looks natural as if I'm not wearing any foundation and my skin is looking great. Like I said earlier, I'm someone who hates wearing foundation hence I still felt I've something on my face despite I've only put on less than a pump. 

I took another photo at 4am. There's tad of oiliness on my nose however it still stay matte for the rest of my face. Normally my nose and cheeks will be greasy after 30min. So far, this foundation is amazing. It still look natural on me. 

Beside setting powder, I did not put on any contour or highlighter. 
I had eyebrow, eyeliner, mascara and lipstick on. 
Frankly I too want to see how well this foundation can last at the corner of my left eye. 

I slept for 5 hours and this is taken at 9am. The most greasy part of my face is the nose followed by my cheeks. However it is still not as greasy as the other brands I've used.

Area under the eyes seemed to cake as I did add a little bit more of the foundation to cover up my dark circles. There's no sign of wearing off beside the area at the corner of my tears where I teared. 

Not so sure was it just me, I find that my 9am face looks much brighter than 3am. Looks even more like skin with the shine. 

If you're curious, I'm using Medium Netural 54. I'm somewhere in between Medium Netural 53 and 54. 53 is a tad pinkish as compare to 54 which is a tad yellowish. 54 looks much closer to my skin and natural as 53 doesn't match up to my neck/shoulder colour. 


I will make a video about Kat Von D's Lock It Foundation. It truly recommend you to get it and try it on yourself. It's pretty awesome. 

Still super stroked to meet her! Yes, I'm vlogging! Do keep your eyes peeled! 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Uu4mu_PlAs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqcVkEXMY_Q