ISEHAN'S KISS ME MAGIC!

Recently, I've been on the lookout for a really great mascara and the perfect BB Cream. These are two makeup products that are constantly in demand. But with so many out there to choose from, which are the best ones?

These days, I have a growing love for Asian products especially Japanese and Korean brands. So when I found out that the Japanese food store located on the ground floor of the building where I live sold Japanese cosmetics, I practically jumped for joy!

Here are the gems I found:

ISEHAN KISS ME Heroine Make

Volume & Curl Mascara (S01 Jet Black)

Kiss Me Heroine Make Volume & Curl Mascara (US$10)

This mascara with the super cute packaging comes from one of Japan's biggest drugstore cosmetic companies, Isehan. Their Kiss Me Heroine Make Volume & Curl Mascara contains a fiber-in, curl-set polymer extract with volume plumping wax to bring volume and curl to your eyelashes. It is sweatproof and waterproof. It also has moisturizing extracts of chamomile and camellia. 

As I tried it on, it glided on smoothly over my eyelashes with the brush, leaving a shiny and glossy finish and no clumps at all! The polymer formulation keeps the curl and sets it in place. I'm actually really liking this mascara and for the price, I would say it's definitely value for money. 

IMPORTANT TIP: Everything about this mascara is great, but you will need a VERY GOOD eye makeup remover/cleanser to get it off completely at the end of the day. It is a bit hard to remove without a good cleanser.

ISEHAN KISS ME Heroine Make

Mineral BB Cream SPF34 PA++

(02 Natural)

Kiss Me Heroine Make Mineral BB Cream SPF34 (US$10)

I got a free sample of the KISS ME Heroine Make Mineral BB Cream SPF34 in 02 Natural and decided to try it out. I love BB Creams because they are really great for everyday. They are not as thick as foundation yet still give a nice light coverage that looks really natural. They are usually packed with anti-aging skincare ingredients as well that can be really beneficial in the long-term. If you have never tried a BB Cream yet, I suggest you go out to your nearest drugstore and buy one. A little warning though: you might get addicted. 

I noticed right away as I tried this particular one on my skin that it had a bit more coverage than other BB creams I've tried, which tend to be more sheer. This is a medium coverage BB cream that is slightly opaque, perfect for covering pores, spots, dullness and freckles. 

The cream is said to contain hyaluronic acid for optimum moisture and mineral ingredients such as brown algae extract. It is fragrance-free and contains SPF 34. 

Ready to head out: Me wearing the Kiss Me Heroine Make Mascara and BB Cream

http://www.isehan.co.jp/heroine/

SCENTS OF SUMMER

Summer is in full swing here in China and a change of season is always the perfect excuse to buy new things...new clothes, new shoes and of course, new perfume! If you're a self-confessed perfume addict like me and constantly looking for the next best-smelling bottle of goodness...it's time to shop!

For summertime, since the heat is on, it's best to leave the musky and heavy scents for the colder seasons. Fresh, light and breezy are best in warm, humid weather.

Here are my summer picks:

CHANEL NO. 5 EAU PREMIERE

Eau de Parfum

http://www.chanel.com

I really love Chanel No. 5’s woody, powdery, floral scent. But I know the original one is not everyone’s cup of tea. Many people claim it smells too old-fashioned. To be honest, I don't agree with that, although, it is definitely a heavy perfume.  So I prefer the lighter version of the fragrance that was released in 2008, Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere. Eau Premiere still keeps the distinct scent of No.5 with the familiar notes of Ylang-Ylang & Jasmine Absolute, yet is also slightly different with a little more citrus and rose notes in it. It is lighter and fresher but still elegant & sophisticated. Perfect for everyday and even in hot weather! 

VERSACE BRIGHT CRYSTAL

Eau de Toilette

http://www.versace.com

This is my new favorite now! I've basically been using this everyday and it's my go-to scent this summer. Bright Crystal is a fruity floral scent that smells unbelievably posh. That's the best way to describe it. It's very refreshing and light, yet lasts pretty long on the skin. This pleasant scent has fruity top notes of yuzu and pomegranate, floral middle notes of peony, magnolia and lotus, and base notes of musk and amber. Experience its juicy goodness this summer!

DURANCE LOTUS-LAVENDER

Eau de Toilette

http://www.duranceusa.com

I love the scent of lavender so I'm always on the hunt for the perfect lavender fragrance. Durance Lotus-Lavender Eau de Toilette smells amazing and is my latest discovery amongst the many lavender perfumes out there. The mix of lotus and lavender notes creates a sparkling and fresh aroma. The fragrance is described as aromatic, herbaceous, balsamic, rustic, powdery and iridescent. It smells clean, green and wonderful.

LUSH KARMA KREAM 

Hand and Body Lotion

http://www.lushusa.com

I can't believe I just discovered this recently! My mom-in-law introduced me to it when I smelled this amazing scent on her. LUSH Karma Kream is a hand and body lotion that smells like a spicy, citrus dream. The unique scent is made up of the intoxicating fragrances of orange flower, lemongrass and patchouli. It also contains cocoa butter and almond oil to soften and calm skin. When you put this on, you don't need perfume at all! The scent lasts all day yet is light enough to wear in summer. Best of all, all LUSH products are handmade, organic and against animal testing. 

Last but not the least, my latest obsession and on my current wish list...

ARMANI CODE FOR WOMEN

Eau de Parfum

http://www.giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com

This signature fragrance for women from Giorgio Armani is captivating and just lovely. A blend of Orange blossom, Madagascar vanilla, Sambac jasmine, sandalwood and honey gives this perfume a powerful radiance that cannot be ignored! Super feminine and sensual...in my opinion, this can be worn all year round! A fragrance for all seasons!