My favourite things from May

1. My Beauty Diary mask in Japanese Cherry Blossom

I first got to try this variety thanks to Yasumi, and loved the smell, so I had to pick up a box on my vacation. It has a lovely cherry blossom smell - not too overpowering, and more pleasant than the Bath and Body Works version. The mask itself is quite hydrating and soothing as well. For some reason this version isn't sold in the Asian supermarkets here.

2. Mary Kay Ultimate mascara

Already reviewed here, but to sum up I find the mascara adds just the right amount of volume and length. It doesn't clump at all, and doesn't smudge easily either. Perfect if you want a natural but better look.

3. Marcelle Minerals eyeshadow in Playa

I didn't think much of this eyeshadow at first, because it creased easily as an all-over lid wash. However as a brow highlighter it performs superbly. The colour is a beiged champange with some shimmers, just right to highlight under the brow, and because it is a loose shadow it blends easily with whatever colour you use in the crease to soften any harsh edges.

4. Etude House Peach Cheek Blusher in 05 Happy Peach

Great blush for spring - it adds a hint of peach colour to your cheeks. Best suited for lighter skintones.

5. Canmake cream blush in 07 Coral Orange (LE)

This product has to be one of my favourite blushes ever! The consistency is perfect - easy to blend, not too greasy, and doesn't break me out. The colour does not have any shimmer nor is it fully matte, but it has a glow of its own.

6. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in Pageant

I'm loving bright pinks for the warmer weather, and this is a gorgeous, pigmented fuchsia pink. Definitely a must if you are considering trying out the Lip Tars. Be warned though, it can stain your fingers if you don't wash it off promptly.

the Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara

The applicator is a traditional brush style:



I do like the formula, it has the perfect consistency. Some mascaras that are too wet like L'oreal Voluminous are messy to apply for me. Drier formulas like Too Faced Lash Injection are so dry they barely coat my lashes properly. However, the Mary Kay formula is just right, coating my lashes easily without any clumps. The brush is also quite good at separating my lashes, creating a natural but better look.

Here are some pictures to show you what I mean:

Before - curled, bare lashes



After - with 1.5 coats of mascara. It looks natural, but slightly longer and more defined.



I used it by itself without any lash primer underneath, and it kept my curl properly without making lashes droop at all.




Pros
- clump free
- traditional brush wand is gentle on eyes unlike some others with plastic bristles
- does not smudge on me even without a waterproof claim
- holds my curl, doesn't weigh lashes down at all

Cons
- not for you if you want dramatic, fake lashes type of look
- does not claim to be waterproof

Quick reviews of Mary Kay skincare

I received a travel sized set from Mary Kay some time ago, which came in handy during my recent trip to Asia.

The set contained an eye soothing gel, eye makeup remover, moisturizing cream, and hydrating gel moisturizer.

Since I had finished my eye cream at the time, the first thing I tried is the Indulge Eye Soothing Gel:



I found the gel to be cooling and quite refreshing. It was actually perfect for the warmer weather where I was, as it soothed my eye area without feeling heavy at all. It also absorbed quickly without stinging my eyes at all. I've tried another eye gel before from St Ives, and that one stung like crazy if it got into my eye. The MK Indulge gel was perfect!


The next thing I tried was the Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover:



The makeup remover is dual phase, so before using it should be shaken to mix the layers.


Once shaken the makeup remover turns a bit cloudy as the layers are mixed.


I used it during my vacation to remove eyeshadow and mascara, and it does a good job of taking them off without leaving much oily residue. Most dual phase removers, such as the Lancome Bi-Facil, leave an annoying greasy feeling on my lids and sometimes get into my eyes / on my contacts as well. However this remover did not leave that nasty oily feel, it simply removed what it was supposed without any residue.


I did not try the moisturizing cream, since it was quite emollient and seemed to be better suited for dry skin (I have combination skin) but I tested the Oil-free Hydrating Gel on my trip as well. It is a translucent gel that hydrates the skin similar to NARS Aqua Hydrator.



The texture is slightly thicker than the NARS product. It has a nice cooling feel when applied, which I really like. Since I only tried a sample size, I don't have the ingredients list but according to the website, it contains Vitamin E and green tea extract and marine extract to soothe the skin. I used it on the plane too and I think it did a good job to protect my skin against dry cabin air.

Since I only tried sample sizes of the gels, I can't attest to their long term effects but as basic moisturizers they did the job well and kept my skin happy!