My All-Nighter Rescue Kit!

Don't we all have those kind of days, where we just couldn't get enough sleep?

For whatever reasons,

be it partying, working, insomnia, or just being a new mummy..

We all want to look fresh and awake, while dragging our feet around for a new day ahead. 

Here are my favourite products to use when I need to fake that well-rested look-
Especially during this festive season where I am out partying with friends through the night! 

#1.   Philosophy Purity Facial Cleanser

Also featured in my TOP 4 Favourite Cleansers 

My easy, holy grail status cleansr, that is an all-in-one product.

It does not only cleanse, but also tones & moisturises. 

Perfect for those that are often late for work due to oversleeping. 

A good cleanser in the morning is the perfect solution for a clean & fresh face.

Not only will you leave any residue like makeup & eye gunk (eww) from your face, 

you will look fresh & awake. 

& trust me, when your skin looks good, you will feel good too!

This is one product that I have personally introduced to my close friends & family,
& everyone loves it as much as I do!!

#2.   SK-II Facial Treatment Essence 

Also featured in my July'14 Favourites!

For those with some extra time to do the full range of skincare line up,

the SK2 Facial Treatment Essence is another of my holy grail product.

I use the FTE as a toner, to remove any impurities, balance out the pH level of my skin,

& also to prep my skin for the day ahead, with or without makeup. 

It provides subtle hydration & always leaves my skin clean & fresh. 

I always include the SK-II FTE in my daily makeup routine.
I love how it preps my skin for my makeup,
and also reduces any form of sensitivity.
As I don't have a problem with acne, but rather. dry skin,
I often have some dry and irritated patches just right above my lips.
I will use the FTE especially around that area to soothe the skin,
and makeup is applied beautifully on top of it later, also reducing the dryness & itch.

#3.   Origins Gin-Zing Range 

Origins products are pretty amazing. 

The Gin-Zing range was formulated specially for those important moments when you need a little,
(or maybe huge) perk me up!

It contains caffeine & other ingredients that helps to brighten, refresh & restore radiance in the skin. 

Since I don't own the entire range of Origins Gin-Zing products, 

I use the Origins Gin-Zing masks once or twice a week to awaken my dull skin.
My skin often feels supple, refreshed & moisturised. 

(Read more here for my First Impressions of the GinZing Mask)

#4.  NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard

I love a good concealer that not only cover my dark eye circles,
but also doesn't crease or settle into my fine lines.
What's ,more is that this concealer is light on the undereyes but provides a solid, full coverage!

After having tried about at least 10 different brands of concealers,
the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer really does lift up to its name as a cult favourite!
Not only is it not drying under your eyes, but it doesn't crease & last for a decent amount of time.
Total HOLY GRAIL!!

When  choosing a concealer, I love to use ones that are a shade or two lighter,
as it also helps to highlight the under eye area,
making your face look more structured & 3 dimensional!!
If you need an extra boost, try a concealer that has a slight pink salmon tone,
cos the colour just counteracts any blueish-black undertones in the undereye region.


#5. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder & Blusher

To avoid looking sallow & dead,
invest in a good highlighting product.
Regardless if it is a highlighting powder, or even a blusher.
You will be amazed at the difference it makes, when your skin looks radiant & glowy,
especially under the Sun.

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders are crazily amazing.
You will definitely be blown away by how finely milled the powders are.
So that means, definitely no caking or cake face situations.
The powder does not give you a sheen or glitter.
It just gives you a pretty glowy complexion, without the drama discoball look-a-like glitters.

For an all-over face powder, I use the one on the left.
The middle one which is called Incandescent Light is more for a highlight for me,
as it is about a shade lighter than my medium skin tone.
While the most right, Dim Light, can be added to bronze and warm up the face!


I hope that the various products I shared would help you get through those days where you look sallow & suffering from a lack of sleep.
Share with me in the comments below, what products, tip or tricks that works for you,
while you are hungover or feeling sleep deprived.
I'd love to try them out!!

Till the next blog post,
xoxo @clarabeltan

First Impressions: FOR BELOVED ONE's Red Wine Antioxidant Night Jelly

What do you think of, when you hear the words "Red Wine"?

For me, my brain immediately processes good images associated with it.

A romantic escapade, a relaxing night out, & even health benefits.

Yes, red wine has been proven countless of times to be beneficial for our health.

It helps protect the heart & even lowers cholesterol levels.

BUT, Red Wine for the skin? 

That was pretty much a first for me. 

About the Brand:

For Beloved One was founded in 2011, by their founder Margaret Wu.

Margaret has been a beauty editor for over 20 years, and has experimented & tried many top beauty products, and skincare secrets. 

However, she could not find 1 product that could satisfy all types of needs, by different women. 

That was how the brand was first founded. 

The concept of Red Wine Facial Mask was introduced by the famous Taiwanese celebrity- Barbie Hsu, 10 years ago.

For Beloved One, the well known Taiwanese skincare brand, has since launched an upgraded version of the Red Wine Facial Mask.

The Red Wine Antioxidant Night Jelly, like its name suggests, 

is a overnight skincare treatment that provides antioxidants and their benefits.

So, what are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are nutrients (vitamins and minerals) and enzymes (proteins inside your body) that can help to prevent and repair damage to your body's tissue. Antioxidants do this by slowing or preventing the effect of free radicals, which start oxidation -- a process that causes damage from oxygen that can lead to cell dysfunction. If you've seen a peeled apple turn brown, you've seen oxidation in action. As antioxidants block the effects of free radicals, they end up being oxidized. This is why it's important to constantly replenish your supply of antioxidants.

When it comes to caring for your skin, antioxidants can help to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Unlike sunscreens and moisturizers, antioxidants can protect your skin from the inside out by guarding your cells from damage. Vitamins A, C and E and the mineral selenium are thought to be particularly helpful in skin care. In addition to helping fortify cells against free radicals, vitamins A and C also encourage cell and tissue growth, helping the body to repair itself. This is very helpful to the skin, which is constantly shedding and regrowing cells. For this reason, any antioxidants that protect cells and encourage cell growth could be helpful in an anti-aging regimen, as they may help fight fine lines and wrinkles [source: WebMD].

In general: 
Anti Oxidants can help with blemishes, enlarged pores, lines and even wrinkles!

So for anyone that is looking to solve any skin problems as listed above,

the For Beloved One's Antioxidant Red Wine Overnight Jelly is the one for you!!

I was honoured to receive a full size bottle of the Anti-Oxidant Red Wine Overnight Jelly,

to review for my readers.

& here's my FIRST IMPRESSIONS, & simply how I felt about the product. 

Packaging: The Overnight Jelly comes in a heavy plastic container with a red top.
I love products with simple packaging like this, yet eye catching at the same time!
The container is simply fuss free, & comes with a spatula for you to scoop up the amount required.
without contaminating the product in the jar.
Perfect for fussy, clean-freaks like me!

Smell: 
Fresh floral smell, alike the smell you'd find yourself whiffing in a high end spa.
Nothing too overwhelming.

Colour:
Wine Red. Very Unique.
But spreads out to become a translucent layer on the skin.

Texture: 
Like its name suggests, a Jelly like texture that easily blends out into a liquid,
Light on the skin, easily absorbed & non tacky.

Effectiveness: 
I woke up to very supple skin that was hydrated and moisturised,
while tackling a 22 degrees air conditioned room with really dry air.

Overall Rating: 
I love this product for how lightweight it is, which is super comfortable on the skin.
None of us love that heavy feeling on our skin, that suffocates our pores.
With this jelly texture, the product is rapidly absorbed into the skin,
leaving almost no feeling of any product left on the skin, while you catch up on some beauty rest.

Waking up to supple, hydrated and smooth skin,
this product is now a must have in my skincare collection.
I have also realised that it calms my skin, to prevent any irritation.

Therefore, a 4.5/5 for this product!

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Here are also some magazine snippets from around Asia (Hong Kong & Malaysia)

NuYou Malaysia (November 2014)

Cittabella Malaysia (Bella Awards)

 

So what are you  waiting for?
Grab this For Beloved One Anti-Oxidant Night Jelly to combat your skin problems!
Grab it for a Christmas present for the lovely women in your life too!

The For Beloved One's Antioxidant Overnight Jelly Mask is exclusively available at Sephora outlets, 

at $78 per 50ml. 


Hope you find this review helpful!
Till the next time,
xoxo @clarabeltan 

Types of Couples That All of Us HATE..

Happy Hump Day!!

Today's blog post will be on the types of couples, I utterly hate seeing or spending time with.

They could be my friends, family or just random strangers I see on the commute, or malls.

Yes, I have "Been there, done that" in a few of the following examples below.

So here's just a tip of how not to put people off in public, including friends!

#1.  P. D. A

For those of you that do not know what this stands for..

It stands for "Public Display of Affection". 

It could range from the snogging, groping to the "Go get a room!" kind of situations. 

I personally think this is something with a really fine line to define what is appropriate,

and what is not. 

I guess it really depends on the situation, venue, instance, & people around. 

If you make out in a club on a party night, I wouldn't judge. 

It's a party night for a reason, & everyone's kind of in the mood & doing it. 

BUT, do not snog for minutes to hours on hand, & stop with that groping or public fondling.

& yes, GO GET A ROOM!!

P.D.A is common, & I do not hate it or discourage it.

I mean, if you feel like showing your partner (& the world) that you simply love your partner alot,

go ahead. 

But no when to stop, and not to put us people in an awkward situation, especially friends. 

The trick is to do it mildly, never too overwhelming,

& if things get heated, stop whatever you are doing, & go somewhere private. 

#2.  DRAMA MAMA (& PAPA)

I will put it out there first, 

I used to be one of them. 

Yes, one of them, and very guilty of it. 

The Drama Mamas & Papas are just generally the type of couples you see publicising their relationships on all forms of Social Media. 

Simply put- They post their dirty linen for all to see. 

Their fights, arguments, quarrels, "Who cheated on who" kind of story line might somehow be entertaining & intriguing at the start.
But after awhile, it gets boring & irritating!

*Especially if you know both of them.* 

Word spreads like fire on the Internet, 

even if you are not famous or a celebrity to begin with.

Friends or acquaintances on your social media platforms would use you as their gossip material.

& that was what got me to stop.

I used to post my sob stories about relationships & what not on Facebook. 

& every single time I quarreled with my ex, this would go back & forth on our walls.

For common friends of ours, I guess it was entertaining at first, 

but then it got too painful to watch. 

Girls usually fall prey to this bad habit, 

cos we just needed that little bit of affirmation from our friends that we are not the ones at fault.

& C'mon, we all have to admit that it feels pretty good to be sided, 

and have friends on your side to agree that person is a jerk/bitch.

But, let's just take a moment to just analyse this bad habit.

Does it do anything for us?

Does it make the situation better? Or worse?

& Do I really need to put it all out there, on the Internet?

The answer is NO. 

So, if you ever do catch yourself doing something silly like that- STOP.

Take a breather, type it all out, post it if you like (BUT remove it 2 secs later).

Else, you'd be the talk of the town. (the laughing stock kind)

#3.  SUPER GLUE.

This is something I hate, especially if the girl or guy in the relationship is a super good friend.

The Super Glue couple is simply the couple that you will never see apart. 

They are ALWAYS together. 

They live together, some even work together, & they are ALWAYS in the same space, 

breathing the same freaking air. 

The kind of couple whom if you wanna get hold of, call the partner's phone. 

He/She will definitely be there. 

I have almost no issues with couples wanting to spend all their time together. 

BUT, before he/she was in a relationship, he/she was my friend.

& we used to hang out alot. 

So, I'd expect to get to spend time with my best friend, without having his/her's +1, 

all the time!!

I don't usually hate the person's partner, or dislike them even..

Sometimes I am even glad I made a new friend, & of cos' happy that my bestfriend has found someone he/she likes..

But, give me my bro/sis back!!!!

#4.  The Too Perfect Couple

The last one is a couple that we all secretly hate.

Not hate, in a bad way..

But their relationship is so perfect that it makes us think twice about our own.

The guy is good looking, the girl is gorgeous.

They are super happy, & lovey dovey, & never ever quarrel.

If there was anything on their Facebook posts once every now & then, 

ir usually are praises & love declarations or photos to one another.

They are just everything that we all want to experience, and be, while being in a relationship.

BUT, all couples have their problems.

Their problems could be hidden very well beneath the surface, shoved under a rug..

Or they could simply have very good mutual understnading, & tip top communication tricks.

So, don't hate them, but rather, look at them as role models.

Ask them how they achieved whatever they have. 

Hear from them, analyse them, and see if  any of the pointers are worth to carry forward. 

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I hope you guys enjoyed my short relationship posts on the Types of Couples We All Hate.

It was a random inspiration after sighting some couples, and observing their actions, 

especially in public. 

Till my next relationship post, 

stay positive & happy. 

xoxo, @clarabeltan 

November Beauty Favourites 2014!!

Hello Lovelies!

I am so sorry that I didn't do my October Favourites last month,

as I didn't really have many new products that I was loving..

& I didn't want to bore you with the same old ones.

For those who have not read my previous months' favourites, 

here are the individual links!

July Skincare Favourites

August Beauty Favourites

September Beauty Favourites

For those that do not know what this blog posts are all about..

Well, they are generally what I've been loving for the past one month.

For now, more skincare & makeup favourites,

Starting next year, I will be putting in other fashion favourites & random favourites too!

So stay tuned...

Let's get started, cos' I really have a lot of products!!

Cle De Peau Beaute Teint Naturel Fluide

     A very expensive foundation, I would say.
Real expensive.
Retails at SGD$175 per bottle.
BUT, I got it from the Shiseido Beauty sales just 2 months ago at only $50!!
What A Steal!!

Anyway, this foundation has been the newest love of mine,
and I've been reaching for it more often than my MAC Mineralise Foundation.
I'm currently in the shade B20, which has a pink undertone, and is one of the lighter Asian shades.

I love this foundation for the pink undertone as it helps brighten my dull complexion.
It provides a light to medium coverage with a dewy finish.
The foundation feels light on the skin, and provides sufficient moisture to the skin.
Suitable for dry to normal skin.
For those that love a glowy, dewy foundation look, this foundation is for you!

Clinique Cheek Pop/Blush Pop in Peach Pop

A new favourite in my blush collection.
If you know me well, I cannot leave the house without a good amount of blush on my cheeks!
I bought this in the most recent Sephora VIB sale.
& this was exactly what happened..
I was standing at the Clinique counter, waiting for my girlfriend Christie to be done with her shopping.
& I decided to swatch this beautiful shade.
One swatch and I never looked back.

The texture of this blusher is just so rich, smooth & creamy.
Super easy to blend, & the lasting power is pretty, decently long-wearing too!
The colour peach pop is the prettiest peach pink blusher I've seen & it looks good on my medium skin tone.
A light handed swirl on the blusher gives you the loveliest pigmentation.
The pretty flower embedded in the blusher adds a few more brownie points too!!
However, Clinique does only 4 shades for their blushers- I wish they did more.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12h Blush in Blissful

The newest to join my holy grail status in my collection.
I have always loved slapping on my "Peachy Keen" blush from MAC.
But this has slowly climbed its way up in the blush hierarchy.

Blissful-
The perfect peachy coral colour that brightens up any skin tone, even darker complexions.
& common to the Tarte Amazonian Clay blushers,
the lasting power of this blushers are to die for!
The blush does not have any glitter or shimmer, but leaves a beautiful glow and flush on the cheeks.
I cannot stop raving about it..

NARS Audacious lipstick in Janet

My most grabbed Fall lip colour!
The perfect fuschia purple, with a matte texture that is not drying at all!
With just one swipe, you can get the most beautiful & pigmented lip colour,
that makes applying darker colours, a breeze,
It fades off nicely, lasts a good 4 to 5 hours, through drinks & food.
The formula is so awesome that I have gotten 3 more shades from the NARS Audacious line.
READ MORE at the link below!!
REVIEW: NARS Audacious in Janet

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Palette 

The newest baby love!
The ambient lighting powder from Hourglass is so popular & highly raved about,
that I had to get it from the States.
If anyone of you are interested, Hourglass is not available in SG,
but you can get it from Net-A-Porter & Nordstrom US.

The trio is "Radiant Light", "Incandescent Light" & "Dim Light".
(from left to right)
The powders are super, super, finely milled & the overall glow it gives is AMAZING.
I use Radiant Light for an overall powder, & Incandescent Light to set my undereyes as it gives a wondeful bright highlight under the eye area.

If you love the subtle glow, without using a shimmery highlight,
try the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette!


Tarte Maracuja Oil

Read my full review HERE!

I have been using this everyday!
Like seriously...
I use this after cleaning, toning, applying my serum & moisturiser.
My final step in my night time routine!
Just 5 drops on your palm, warm it up, & pat it on your skin.
I will wake up with beautiful, hydrated, radiant skin!


Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream

A very thick & rich eye cream which I enjoy putting it on, before my makeup.
It is thick but not heavy, and has not caused me any milia/oil spots.
I simply love how my concealer looks after applying the eye cream,
as it does not crease or settle into my fine lines.
*Yes, I do have those horrid fine lines..*


Vitamin Science Vitamin B Serum & Emulsion.

My current A.M & P.M Skincare products.
I use it both day & night!!
Enough said, you can read the full review HERE!!


& lastly the Klarity Lasertox CC Cream!

Do not be mistaken.
This is not a CC Cream.
It is a whitening makeup base with SPF.
I use it daily as my SPF & makeup base/primer.
& I swear this makes you look fairer & holds your makeup decently well.

It is paraben free & has a white cream-looking texture.
With light rubbing in, the cream becomes a liquid like texture that is no longer white,
but translucent.
Looks & feels like magic.

Klarity is available on Luxola's website now!!


That's all for now!
November has gone by so quickly, & the next monthly favourites will be my December favourites-
also the last one of the year 2014!!
I hope you've been enjoying my monthly favourites since the month of June,
& I'd see you soon in my next favourites!!

Have a good weekend, darlings!
xoxo, @clarabeltan 

How To Ruin Your Relationship in 5 Simple Steps!

Hello lovelies.

Yes, you read that right!

Not 5 Simple Steps to better improve a relationship, 

but rather the 5 Simple Steps to Ruin Your Relationship. 

So avoid them as much as you can, or say bye bye to that relationship of yours. 

The below 5 are the TOP 5 common mistakes I have made, 

or seen other make. 

So take note of them, and definitely do not do them.. 

UNLESS, you want to get rid of that special someone,

or simply end the relationship. 

So let's begin!

#1.  Compare your partners with everyone else (Including that Ex-Girlfriend)

I think a lot of people know this one pretty well.

Never compare your current partner with the ex-girlfriend, friends, mother or family. 

Just never compare them to anything & anyone.

UNLESS, it's a favourable one. 

Like, "You cook as well as my mum!"

Example of unfavourable ones.

"Why ain't you as understanding as my ex-girlfriend?"

"Why can't you be a better cook, like my mum?"

"Why can't you be as buff & muscular as my ex?"

"Why can't you drive me around & spend more time with me, like John used to do.."

I would say that it is common for people to have benchmarks preset in their minds,

from their experiences with others. 

But NEVER, EVER, say it out loud. 

Heck, I won't even recommend you comparing anyone even if it's in your head. 

Cos' it's just not fair. 

Everyone is unique in their own ways & no one loves to be compared to someone better,

or be put down by their loved ones. 

#2.  Nag or Grumble too much!

There's a thin life between complaining & grumbling incessantly, 

reminding & nagging.. 

Men hate naggy women.

They get enough from their mothers & other older women in their family. 

Generally, they would hate it if you did it too.

So remember, say it nicely in a pleasant tone & never say more than 2 times in a row. 

#3.  Leash Them Real Close,

Nobody loves being suffocated. 

Nobody loves having no personal space or no air to breathe. 

This is something I always advocate in my relationships.

I am someone who values my own personal time & space, so this comes naturally for me. 

Cut them loose at times.

Whether it is a trip to the mall with the girlfriends, for a shopping trip or pamper session. 

OR a girls' night out. 

OR a guys' night out watching soccer or heading to the bars. 

Nobody likes to be stuck to someone 24/7,

and being refused of anytime with his or her friends. 

Remember, before you appeared, those friends & activities were what he/she did & loved.

As long as it is healthy, let them go. 

Being stuck together over prolonged periods of time causes conflict to arise. 

So why not take a step back, and enjoy some alone time or time with your besties/buddies.

#4.  Keep Scores like in a Football Match

YES, a lot of us do this. 

Especially the women, I'm not gonna side the female population.

Cos' even I know, I am guilty of this one. 

Humans in general, forgive when other fault against them. 

But it is very hard to forgive. 

So... Talk it out completely once the situation occurs. 

Clear it up, & sweep it under a rug. 

& NEVER bring it up. 

It gets tiring, & yes you feel it is necessary to bring it up, 

cos it helps prove your point.

But imagine being thrown the same shit in your face.

It gets tiring to hear & say.. 

& it irritates everyone. 

So don't bring up the past, cos no one likes to reminded of their mistakes,

even after months & years. 

#5.   Cheat, like Love is Just A Game!

This is something I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE!

No one should ever cheat, while being in a relationship.

Relationships are sacred things that are fragile & delicate.

Once someone cheats in a relationship, the relationship is pretty much headed for doom.

When you cheat, you might think that your partner may never find out.

But deep down, you are plagued with guilt and some anger towards your self.

*That is, if you even love your partner at all!*

& what I observed from people around me is that,

once someone cheats, it is very unlikely that will be his first & only time. 

Not only with you, but even with the next partner they have. 

Cos' somehow with every cheating that lies undiscovered, 

it is a certain motivation to cheat even more. 

& some people do like the thrill of it. (Sick Bastards..)

I never do see a need to cheat. 

You know how badly it will hurt your loved one. 

So why do it?

I'd rather end the relationship there & then once I've gotten tempted to even think about cheating.

So if you love & cherish your partner and the relationship,
never commit the 5 mistakes above!

What else do you think will ruin a relationship?
Share with me in the comments section!


In the meantime, have a great week ahead!
xoxo @clarabeltan