Category Archives: BEAUTY 1 2 3

Aug 7

Khol Eyeliners–A Beautiful Mess

I guess most people will try to refrain from khol eyeliners even though the intense effects it could bring. Plainly because they are not waterproof nor smudge proof. However, I tried them and I love it because it creates this messy line that I find refreshing. There no need to really blend it well. A time for a change. Messy is in. Harsh lines can be hip.

Tip: Set the area around your eyes with sufficient powder or eyeshadow to prevent oily lids. Touch up by blotting the oil accumulated and top up with eyeshadow.

Love,
JERA
THE MAKEUP PAPARAZZI

Oct 2

BEST EYE MAKEUP REMOVERS

Tired of rubbing away repeatedly till the last stain of mascara is gone? Afraid of wrinkles forming due to improper ways of removing eye makeup? ” Oh I have sensitive eyes. The remover I am using now, stings my eyes :( “

Worry not!

Here is a list of my top 3 coolest eye makeup removers that promises to remove without hard work yet moisturises on the go!!

Make Up For Ever Sens’ Eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser

I simply adore this cleanser. Great smell and gentle to my eyes. The most waterproof eye makeup is not a threat to this amazing cleanser. Just apply the product to cotton pad and leave the pad on your eyes for 5secs before wiping away. The makeup just melts! Your eye area is moisturised and refreshed after the wash.

Retailing at $42.

Lancome BI-FACIL- Double Action Eye Make-Up Remover

Well, this is another product that is gentle for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Shake and use. It takes away waterproof eye makeup easily without the creamy effect. It feels like Loreal Lip and Eye Makeup Remover though. Loreal owns Lancome so you might get the catch now? :p Well, as long as it works :)

Retailing at $48.

Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes and Lips.

Dissolves waterproof eye makeup without stinging your eyes. The non oily formula aids in prevention of milia seeds. If you are not using too heavy waterproof eye makeup, the efficacy of the product is sufficient to thoroughly cleanse gently.

Retailing at $39.

So take your pick to a hassle-free eye makeup removal regime. Fret not about putting on too advanced or thick eye makeup formulas because of these great cleansers! Enjoy :)

Love,
JERA
THE MAKEUP PAPARAZZI

 

 

 

Aug 10

TESTED ‘N’ PROVEN: BEST 8 CONCEALERS

Recently, I recommended a new colleague of mine a concealer that is in my Top 8 list. It was then I realized that this isn’t the 1st time (in fact, countless) that I’ve been asked by friends to recommend concealers for them.

Dark eye rings, fine lines and puffiness are the major concerns for almost everyone. Finding the right shade and coverage is very important because we want to conceal the flaws, not magnify them.

Tips to remember:

1. Always apply eye cream before you use a concealer.
2. Always try on the shades to find the closest  and perfect shade for your skin tone. Never guess!
3. Always find the shade that matches your face overall tone. Lighter shades may emphasize the puffiness or make the blue-black shade of dark eye rings look worse.
4. If you have a very serious case of dark eye rings, always use a corrector in salmon shade first before concealer for better coverage.
5. Apply the concealer using a nylon brush or with your fingers. When you are using your fingers, remember to dap the concealer until it reaches a smooth layer. Rubbing will result in an uneven layer and it will also cause damage to the thin skin under your eyes.
6. Concealers that promises high coverage will most likely have high pigment concentration, which may create fine lines or make the existing lines you already have, more obvious.

And now, it’s time to share with you my Top 8 favorite concealers~!

1. Make Up For Ever HD Concealer

It covers and brightens, and contains an oil-free formula.  One to two clicks of the applicator is all you need. This concealer creates a soft-focus effect, brightening the eye area while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a natural, radiant look.  The range comes in 14 shades and you can definitely find a shade for your skin tone.

2. Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer

This is my everyday concealer. It aids to lift up fine lines and wrinkles while it conceals. Thanks to tensine, an active ingredient with skin-firming properties for the eye area, and vitamins A and E, which regenerate the skin. This multi-purpose product also conceals specific, darker areas (brown spots, blotches, etc.) and can be used as a highlighter on the more prominent parts of the face (cheekbones, forehead, and chin) for added radiance.

3. Make Up For Ever Full Cover

As the name goes, it provides maximum coverage indeed. It is said to be able to cover up tattoos and scars, let alone dark eye rings. I will only recommend to eye areas that are free from fine lines and wrinkles due to its high pigment concentration. Waterproof and oil proof, it is also a good concealer for your face and body too.

4. Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Touche Eclat (Brightener)

This brightener/corrector/ concealer is so loved by models, makeup artists and celebrities! To me, it is an instant radiance pen that conceals fatigue and discoloration with wonder. Not enough sleep?  Use this to fake the fresh look you will ever need. It can also be used as a highlighter too!

5. Amazing Cosmetics Concealer

This is another high coverage concealer and it claims to be the most amazing concealer available today. With its  highly-pigmented super-emollient waterproof formula, the product blends well and creates a flawless natural-looking complexion.

6. Christian Dior SkinFlash Radiance Booster Pen (Brightener)


Another well-formulated illuminator booster. Just one click and stroke of this lightweight skin perfector instantly diminishes shadows, fine lines, and imperfections. Say hi to radiance everyday! :D

7. Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer

Why do models and celebrities always look so good in the midst of their busy schedules?  With this full coverage concealer, you’ll be camera ready in no time! The densely pigmented concealer stick is a sizzling hot favourite for runways and the best thing about it? No powder is needed to provide a finish as the concealer has soft focus powders which will matify and set after application!

8. Smashbox High Definition Concealer

A light-weight liquid concealer that masks dark circles and imperfections, it leaves a natural finish and you can build up the even coverage by applying layer after layer. The formula contains cell-energizing Ribose which renews the appearance of skin, and soft focus pearls deflect light to minimize the appearance of blemishes and fine lines.

That’s all for now. Head to the stores and try them out to find the right concealer for yourself! Happy shopping :)

If you do have any recommendations or a favourite concealer to share, please feel free to comment :)

Love,
JERA
THE MAKEUP PAPARAZZI

Jun 11

IN THE HOT SEAT: Vitamin C

So, we’ve got a curious request that came in:

Hi Jera & Sabby….. would you be able to write an post more on eye care like using vit c etc etc……What does Vitamin C in eye care do?

-Butter

Well, according to My Dark Circles Blog, the reasons are that “Vitamin C in eye care treats discoloration of the skin associated with dark under eye circles. It helps protect against free radicals by neutralizing them. It can protect against damage from sun exposure but cannot be used as a sun screen by itself. Vitamin C must be present for collagen growth.”

And based on Internet sources,

  • Vitamin C is a must in a skincare regime as well as health supplement.
  • Getting the right product with stable and efficient concentration of Vitamin C is important to fight the signs of ageing.
  • Proper storage of skincare is also important.
  • Pure Vitamin C concentrated formulas might irritate your skin, therefore do a skin allergy test before using the product on your face.
  • Get an eye care with Vitamin C for dark eye circles

To combat dark eye circles even more efficiently, you should get an eye care product with Vitamin K and Kojic acid too, because Vitamin K is known to inhibit bruising, and doctors believe it can help to counteract dark shadows caused by too much blood flow and minor bruising under eyes. Kojic acid and hydroquinone are skin-lightening agents, often found in bleaching and age-spot creams.

For more, you can visit Smart Skin Care or Skin Inc to read up more :)

Lastly, just to remind you the wonderful benefits of using Vitamin C in your skincare regimes (besides eyes) – it helps to moisturize, soften, exfoliates and cleanses to reveal a brighter and even complexion, and best of all – it helps to prevent the growth of melanin in the skin, which are the dark spots that often increase with aging. Not only that, it helps wounds to heal and will boost your immune system.

Essentially,Vitamin C is good for those with dark circle problems… and remember, it’s not just about the product but also your lifestyle! Insufficient sleep is one of the most common issues that link to dark circles… and if you hope for your dark circles to ‘disappear’, you need to use the product regularly for at least one month before you can see results ;)

Love,
JERA
THE MAKEUP PAPARAZZI

Jun 2

TOP 10 EYE CREAMS & GELS

Credits: Elle.com, Allure.com, TotalBeautyAnswers.com, BeautyViewPoints.com

Yes!!! The list is out :D Have you been waiting eagerly for this? After all the research & comparison I’ve done, here’s my top 10 eye creams to recommend! It’s really difficult to find a good eye cream that works when there is just too many eye creams in the market… and the following recommended eye creams have been tried & tested, & are very popular among today’s women ;)

You have to be faithful when using an eye cream. Why? Because as mentioned previously, the eye area is one of the first signs of aging! Especially if you are already beyond your mid-20s! To brighten up your eyes & ensure that application of concealers are smooth, you need to make sure your eye area has already been prepped well with an eye cream. Most eye creams & eye serums contain important ingredients such as retinol, collagen, alpha-hydroxy acids, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin A & cucumber extract.

What are the benefits of using eye creams? They…..

  • Reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles around your eyes
  • Tighten your under-eye skin
  • Lighten dark circles under your eyes
  • Enhance the appearance of your eyes
  • Reduce the puffiness
  • Prevent further damage to the delicate skin around your eyes
  • Provide extra moisture
  • Smooth and calm the eye area

And in case you didn’t know, there is a difference between eye creams & eye gels. Cream-based formulas are more suitable for dry skin types whereas gel-based formulas are suitable for medium to oily skin types. Also, using too rich formulas on oily skin type of eyes may produce oil seeds or oil clogs around the eye areas, which is a serious issue altogether!

TOP 10 EYE CREAMS & GELS

1) La Mer Eye Balm

Rich, luxurious, soothing, & intensely hydrating! Not greasy nor heavy, it spreads easily & is absorbed almost immediately. It provides a calming, soothing & brightening effect, thanks to the Brazilian Malachite, one of the ingredients found in this amazing cream. Provides excellent results when applied to other vulnerable areas, such as smile lines, forehead lines & lips. Suitable for all types of eye areas. The only downside? It will burn a hole in your pocket :P

2) Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel

Suited for all skin types, this instantly revitalizing essential harnesses the natural power of cucumber and calendula to counter signs of fatigue, irritation, & age. It intensely hydrates & uses humectants to plump, firm, & smooth the often-neglected eye zone.

  • Aloe vera gel Moisturizes, calms & heals
  • Calendula extract Lightly energizes & softens
  • Cucumber extract Tightens pores & works as a decongestant
  • Eyebright extract Calms, soothes & constricts the capillaries around the eye area
  • Hyaluronic acid Seals in moisture to the skin

3) Lancome Renergie Anti-Wrinkle & Firming Eye Cream

This highly rated ultra fine creme works to correct the signs of aging around the delicate eye area & is formulated with powerful hydrating agents to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines. It also contains plant extracts that restore firmness. With continued use, it proclaims to reveal younger-looking eyes ;) Recommended for women aged 25 & above.

4) Clinique All About Eyes

This particularly lightweight eye cream diminishes the appearance of eye puffs, darkness & fine lines. It also actually helps to hold eye makeup in place. For use in both morning & night, & for under-eye area and on the eyelids. Ophthalmologist Tested. Suitable for all skin types, it is also one of the best-sellers in Sephora. Try Clinique All About Eyes Rich for anti-aging & intense moisture if you have dry eye areas.

5) Olay Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream

Not only is this reasonably priced… most importantly, it has proven to be “GOOD”! Said to be America’s #1 selling eye cream, this lightweight anti-aging cream provides 7 transforming therapies in a bottle!

  1. Line Minimization: Reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles
  2. Lightening: Reduces the appearance of dark circles
  3. Brightening: Improves dullness
  4. Reducing Puffiness
  5. Moisture Nourishment: For firmer appearance & suppleness
  6. Gentle Smoothing: Renews skin texture
  7. Tone Enhancement: Reduces appearance of blotchy skin

The cream aids well in smoothing, de-puffing & brightening to give your eyes the immediate glow. However, it does not really help in minimizing dark eyes circles and the glitter pigments in the cream provides a temporary aesthetic effect only when it is applied. But it is said that you are able to see visibly good results in a week! So cut this product some slack; for its price, you already have more than you bargain for :)

6) Kate Somerville Line Release Under Eye Repair Cream

The cream cushions, firms, and lifts the delicate skin around the eyes. You are able to see immediate results as this intensive formula brightens & smoothes the skin, reducing expression lines & dark circles. The eye area will be left hydrated & fresh, so your beautiful eyes can stand out against a pristine canvas! This product is said to blast dark circles & fine lines,  allowing you to skip your concealer.

Unfortunately, this product is not available in Singapore :( Hopefully, someone will bring in this range soon! The creator of this product is one of the TOP dermatologists in US & her products are sought after by many of the top celebrities like Scarlet Johanson, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Alba, Annette Benning, Kirstin Dunst, Teri Hatcher &  many more. I hope to get this product through my cousin from US :P

7) Dior Capture R60/80 1eres Rides – First Wrinkles Smoothing Eye Creme

This rich formula cream targets the physiology of wrinkles & is developed specially to act on those areas where lines first develop. It combines powerful Bi-Skin technology with the Ox-Cellular™ complex to fight aging triggered by micro-porosity as well as under eye circles & puffiness, giving you radiant eye contours. To put it simply, it re-invents anti-wrinkle care by protecting & re-launching skin cell activity to encourage faster, healthier regeneration, eventually “pushing” up the depressed wrinkle for a smoother, more even look. Designed specifically for the delicate, highly wrinkle-prone eye contour areas, XP Eye Crème is instantly absorbed & exceptionally soothing. Suitable for women aged 30 & above who have dry eye areas.

8) Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Roller

Roll your dark eye circles & puffiness away! Super handy, super affordable & super light, achieving radiant & brighter eyes are just at your finger tips. While you are sleeping, circulation actually slows down & causes fluid to accumulate in your lower eye area. Hence, dark circles & puffiness appear. What this roller does is that it aids in gently stimulating micro-circulation around your eye area to decongest excess fluid delicately to diminish dark circles & puffiness. Suitable for all skin types. Try Garnier Ultra Life Pro Deep Wrinkle instead if your problem lies with wrinkled eye areas!

9) Clarins Eye Contour Gel

A lightweight odorless gel, this amazing product smooths out puffiness & also lessens dark circles. It is suitable for those aged 25 & below as it does not provide anti-wrinkle benefits. It combats the stress that your eyes face due to late nights & reduces the puffiness often found on Asian eyes.  Suitable for all types of eye areas.

10) Murad Moisture Silk Eye Gel

This anti-aging miracle in a bottle soothes & conditions tired eyes, reduces puffiness & dark eye rings. It provides a silky finish & is enriched with anti-oxidants. A fave of many celebrity makeup artists, it creates a good canvas for concealer application.

EXTRA TIPS FOR EYE CARE

Put on sun shades when the rays are strong. To ensure right protection, look for shades with large frames & lenses with  “UV 400″ for maximum coverage. Remember to apply sunscreen, no matter what!!!

Tuck an extra pillow under your head; the elevation helps to prevent fluid from settling under the skin around your eyes.

Don’t OVERDO it. Resist the urge to gob on tons of eye cream at night. Too much of your eye cream can lead to itchy eyes the following morning & it can actually make your eye bags look even puffier.

For immediate effect to pump up fine lines & wrinkles, use primer, eye care or concealers with silicon ingredients… because silicon will help to fill in the lines for an even appearance.

In addition, regular late nights, smoking, constantly rubbing of eyes & long periods of staring at the computer  screen will speed up the process of dark eye circles & wrinkles :( You can also keep your eye creams & gels in the refrigerator for soothing cooling effect!

On top of eye creams, eye gels & eye serums, you can also try eye masks as a bonus! I will touch on eye masks, camouflaging dark eye rings, & choosing the right colours for puffy eyes in later entries… Hope you find that eye cream or eye gel that suits you ;)

p/s. Eye care works for most people but in some cases, like the minority with hereditary dark eye rings, it may only improve a certain extent. For more potent formulas, you can try Rexaline or Eyliplex-2, found at Sephora!

Love,
JERA
THE MAKEUP PAPARAZZI