I was going through my lipstick drawers and I kept looking at these NYX Butter Gloss, which I bought a few years ago for one sole purpose. Yeap. The one and only lip gloss that I used, like, love and still using . I still remember a few years ago when NYX arrived Sephora. It was so exclusive and limited that every single day all the NYX counter would be swamped with girls. I literally have to snuck one arm in between waists to grab something. IT WAS INSANE. There was two product that was all hyped up back then. The NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, which I hate and this NYX Butter Gloss.

Butter Gloss is a lip gloss that is said to be super hydrating and not sticky. Did someone said not sticky? I’m in! But that’s not all what people say about Butter Gloss. The reason why I bought a lip gloss (rare case) was because I read about how this Butter Gloss works like a charm as lipstick topper, especially on dry lipstick. So I went on a hunt for Créme Brulee. That’s the shade that errrbody was raving for. I have to hunt for it because it was sold out everywhere. Whenever Sephora restock them, it was sold out again.

My first NYX Butter Gloss was Créme Brulee. I can’t remember how much I bought but it was hella cheap. RM22 maybe? I cannot remember. I don’t use it on its own because I still am not a fan of lip gloss what more having lip gloss on my entire lips on its own. At that time I had issues with lipstick being too dry or cracked and this Butter Gloss is said to work in preventing that if you apply a little bit on the center of the lip. Boy oh boy it works like magic. It is so comfortable on the lips, NOT sticky at all and lasts the whole day. Despite having a matte lipstick on that was drying, a little bit of Butter Gloss on the center of the lips took my mind off the entire day. It is just too comfortable.

It is not opaque. That, you have to take note. But it is decent enough. What I like about this being a lip topper is that regardless what shade I used, it still look natural. It doesn’t change the lipstick shade at all. It just brings life back to the lips. Some lip gloss can break up a lipstick making it all patchy but not Butter Gloss. So far I have no problem with that. It doesn’t change the lipstick texture. It’s like it has its own life lol.

The scent is quite vanilla-y. Quite pleasant and not nauseating at all. The scent doesn’t lingers on for long. It is gone in no time. If you want a good gloss that is not sticky, affordable and good as lipstick topper to get rid of the dry lipstick feeling, get this Butter Gloss. I am also aware that there is a Intense Butter Gloss. Honestly I have not tried the intense version yet so I can’t compare and tell you which is better. This 5 tubes I have will last me ages and I don’t intend to get anymore

I just did a quick run through my old Sephora receipts and true enough, NYX Butter Gloss was RM22. I bought Créme Brulee at full price and the remaining 4 Butter Gloss I bought at the same year during Sephora Private Sale. I paid RM17.60 each after 20% OFF. Not bad eh!

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought the product on my own.

The post NYX Butter Gloss is My Secret to Revive Dry, Uncomfortable Lipstick appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

With holiday office parties, white elephant exchanges and events with our friends and families in the works, you’ll want to make sure you look your best in the upcoming months. Take a look at these holiday beauty tips to ensure you’re party ready.

Skincare

The holidays are a time to indulge, and when it’s comes to beauty, you’ll want to indulge in good skin care specialist in order to keep your skin in the best shape possible. Estheticians are specialized skin experts and can help evaluate your skin to determine your skin type. They can then tell you what types of products will help or cause damage, providing you valuable advice about what actually causes acne. An esthetician can determine how to best create a regular skincare regime that works with any particular skin ailments and medications a doctor has prescribed. Depending on your individual needs, estheticians can also perform customized facials to help those with dehydrated skin (from dry, winter weather, one too many cocktails and not enough water) rebalance their skin’s moisture balance. Most specialists will also tell you that in order to maintain a healthy performance it’s best to schedule an appointment every three months and when the season changes. Give yourself an early Christmas present and see a skilled esthetician to get clearer skin as soon as possible.

Makeup

If ever there were a time to get glam, Christmas season is it. Break out of your usual go-tos and try something a little bit different. Try applying a glitter liner (if you don’t have glitter liner on hand, you can also take a small brush and use a bit of gold eyeshadow) and apply it over your regular, black liner for an extra bit of holiday sparkle, or, consider finally giving that winged liner look a try. The classic, smoky eye is a great look for the holidays as well, and the good news is, it doesn’t have to be complicated. To create a quick-and-dirty smoky eye that looks as beautiful as it is effortless, wipe a cream shadow across your eyelids and under the bottom lashes… just one step and you’re set! Or, if you’re looking for a bit more shimmer, try using an illuminator or translucent, glimmering shadow on your eyelids and cheekbones for an iridescent glow. If all else fails, a bold, red lip is always a winner — just make sure to keep your eyes and cheeks understated.

Hair

If you’re thinking of dressing up your hair for the holidays, consider trying a braided high pony. Simply start with blow drying it straight (no need to perfectly smooth) and then pull all of your hair into a high ponytail and begin a simple, three-strand braid. If you have bangs, you can use a flatiron to tame them backwards towards the ponytail and then pin, leaving a bit a volume. If a ponytail feels a bit gradeschool to you, a half-up, mini faux hawk may be just the thing to give your holiday look some edge. Using a bit of Big Sexy texturizing powder, create the “faux hawk” by separating the middle section that’s two to three inches wide at the top of the head. French braid the section so that it goes straight back, secure with bobby pins and then tousle. You can style the rest of your hair however you please: curly, straight or wavy, and then voila: instant holiday chic.

Recovery

All that celebrating is hard work…and is equally hard on your body. Holiday foods are usually fairly salt and sugar laden, which unfortunately, can cause water retention, puffiness and dull-looking skin. In between all the party-going, it’s important to take some time to recalibrate your system. You’ll want to make sure to drink plenty of water and caffeine-free fluids, such as peppermint or ginger tea. If you’re unsure of just how much fluids you should be drinking a day, an easy measurement method is to multiply your weight in pounds by 60%, or two-thirds. If you’re suffering from some major under-eye swelling, go old-school and cut up a couple of chilled cucumbers. Place them gently on your eyes for 20 to 30 minutes and allow the cucumber’s anti-inflammatory properties to naturally calm those unwanted bags.

Use these beauty tips to your advantage and look your absolute best this holiday season.

The post Holiday Beauty Tips for this Year’s Festivities appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

When I first started dabbing my toes into beauty, I kept buying and buying without realizing how important it is to keep track of all the product’s expiry date. As time goes by, I started doing research on how to read the codes on the products as not all products stated its manufacturing date or even expiry date on the bottle or box. I find it a bit dodgy that brands prefer to put some mysterious code that no one but only them will understand what it meant. Then I found Check Cosmetics. I first written a post on Check Cosmetics back in 2011. So this is like a newer version to the old post

Check Cosmetics is an online beauty code analyzer. Basically all you need to do is to just enter the product batch code into the calculator and it will tell you when it was manufactured and the estimated expiry date.

Check Cosmetics works on cosmetics, skincare and fragrance. However there are limitation in terms of the brand listed. And changes may took place without you even realizing it. According to the site, the brands supported by this calculator are as below (as at 8th November 2016). Definitely an extensive growth to when I first blog about it back in 2011.

Adidas, Adolfo Dominguez, Aerin, Aesop, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Ahava, Alessandro Dell’Acqua, Alpha Hydrox, Alfred Sung, American Beauty, Amway, Angel Schlesser, Anna Lotan, Anna Sui, Annick Goutal, Antonio Banderas Fragrances, Aramis, Argital, Armand Basi, Artistry, Aquolina, Arnaud, Aura Cacia, Avalon Organics, Aussie, Aveda, Aveeno, Avon, Axe, Azzaro, Badgley Mischka, Banana Boat, Bare Escentuals, Bath & Body Works, Baldessarini, Balenciaga, Balmain, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Beautycycle, Babe Laboratorios, Benefit Cosmetics, Beyonce, Bioderma, Biosilk, Biotherm, Bliss, Blumarine, Bob Mackie, Bobbi Brown, Bottega Veneta, Borghese, Boucheron, Bourjois, Brelil, Britney Spears, Bruno Banani, Brylcreem, Bubchen, Bumble and bumble, Burberry, Burt’s bees, Bvlgari, CAC, Cacharel, Camay, Canmake, Carmex, Carolina Herrera, Caron, Cartier, Calvin Klein, Celine Dion, Cerruti, Cetaphil, Chanel, Cezanne, Charmzone, CHI, Chicco, Chloe, Chopard, Christian Dior, Christina, Christina Aguilera, Clairol Professional, Clarins, Clean & Clear, Clinique, Coach Fragrances, Coffret D’or, Collistar, Comme des Garcons, Coppertone, Cosme Decorte, Covergirl, Crabtree & Evelyn, Creed, Custo Barcelona, Cyclax, Davidoff, David Beckham, DDF, DHC, Darphin, Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana, Donald Trump Fragrances, Donna Karan, Dove, Dr.Ci:Labo, Dr.Hauschka, Dr.Jart+, DSQUARED2, Dunhill, e.l.f. (Eyes Lips Face), Elemis, Elite Models, Elizabeth Arden, Elizabeth Taylor, Emilio Pucci, Everyday Minerals, Escada, Esprit, Essence, Estee Lauder, Faces Cosmetics, Faconnable, Faith Hill, Fekkai, Fendi, Ferragamo, Fissan, Flirt!, Fresh, Fruit of the Earth, Gai Mattiolo, GA-DE Cosmetics, Gap, Garnier, Gehwol, Geoffrey Beene, Gianfranco Ferre, Giorgio Armani, Giorgio Beverly Hills, Giovanni Cosmetics, Givenchy, Gloria Vanderbilt, Goldwell, Good Skin, Green People, Guess, Gucci, Guerlain, Guinot, Guy Laroche, H2O+, Halle Berry, Halston, Head & Shoulders, Helena Rubinstein, Herbacin, Herbal Essences, Hermes, Hipitch, Hugo Boss, Impress, Inglot, Isabella Rossellini, IsaDora, Issey Miyake, It Cosmetics, Jacques Bogart, Jane Iredale, Jessica Simpson, Jason, Janssen Cosmeceutical, JC de Castelbajac, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jesus Del Pozo, Jil Sander, Jill Stuart, Jimmy Choo, Jo Malone, Joe Blasco, John Masters Organics, Joop!, Jovan, Juicy Couture, JUJU, Justin Bieber, Kanebo, Kaaral, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Cole, Kenzo, Kenzoki, Kerastase, Kiehl’s, Kiton, Korff, Korres, Kose, L’Artisan Parfumeur, L’Oreal, La Colline, La Mer, La Prairie, La Roche-Posay, Lab Series, Lacoste, Lalique, Lancaster, Lancome, Lanvin, Laura Biagiotti, Laura Mercier, Lee Stafford, Lierac, Lime Crime, Lirene, Liz Claiborne, Lunasol, Lux, Lolita Lempicka, MAC, Macadamia, Make Up Factory, Make Up For Ever, Mandarina Duck, Mariah Carey, Marc Ecko, Marc Jacobs, Marni, Mary Cohr, Mary Kay, Masaki Matsushima, Matis, Matrix, Mavala, Max Factor, Maybelline, MD Formulations, Mentholatum, Methode Jeanne Piaubert, Michael Kors, Milbon, Missha, Missoni, Mizon, Molton Brown, Mont Blanc, Moschino, Murad, Narciso Rodriguez, NARS, NYX, NailTek, Naomi Campbell, Natori, Natura Bisse, Natural Instincts, Nautica, Neutrogena, Nice ‘n Easy, Nicki Minaj, Nikos, Nina Ricci, Nioxin, Nivea, Nu Skin, Nutrilite, Nuxe, Ojon, Olay, OPI, Oriflame, Origins, Orlane, Orofluido, Osiao, Paco Rabanne, Palmer’s, Paloma Picasso, Pantene, Paris Hilton, Paul Mitchell, Paul Smith, Payot, Pert, Peter Thomas Roth, Philosophy, Phyto, Pierre Cardin, Pond’s, Prada, Prescriptives, Puma, Pupa, Queen Helene, Queen Latifah, Radox, Ralph Lauren, Redken, Rejoice, REN, RevitaLash, Revlon, Rexona, Rihanna, Rimmel, Roberto Cavalli, Roberto Verino, RoC, Rodan and Fields, Rossmann, S.T. Dupont, SK-II, Safeguard, Salerm, Sanoflore, Sans Soucis, Sarah Jessica Parker, Schwarzkopf, Sean John, Sebastian Professional, Sephora, Serge Lutens, Shakira, Shu Uemura, Sibu Beauty, Simple, Sisley, Smashbox, Skin79, SkinCeuticals, Skinfood, Slava Zaitsev, Sleek MakeUP, Sofina, Sonia Rykiel, St Ives, St. Tropez, Stella McCartney, Stila, StriVectin, Styx, Sunsilk, Swarovski, Syoss, Talika, Taylor Swift, Ted Lapidus, Thalgo, The Face Shop, Thierry Mugler, Tigi, Tom Ford Beauty, Tom Tailor, Tommy Hilfiger, Tony Moly, Too Faced, Tory Burch, Tous, TRESemme, True Religion, Trussardi, Ungaro, Urban Decay, Uriage, Usher, Valentino, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vaseline, Venus, Vera Wang, Vichy, Victoria’s Secret, Victorio & Lucchino, Vidal Sassoon, Viktor & Rolf, Vivienne Westwood, Versace, VO5, Wella, Yves Rocher, Yves Saint Laurent, Zara, Zirh.

Read From The Product If You Can

I love Estee Lauder Companies. They have expiry date sticker on all the boxes for all their brands and batch codes on the product bottle as well. Their codes are simple to read so even if they missed the sticker on the box, you can always know from the batch code.

For example:
Batch code A13. The middle code represent the month. 1-9 means January to September. Double digit month are replaced with alphabet. A for October, B for November and C for December.
The 3rd code represent the year.

And if you are too lazy to even bother to decipher the code, use Check Cosmetics calculator!

First step. Go to http://checkcosmetic.net/.

Second step. Select the brand or if you are lazy to scroll, search for the brand in the search box. Key-in the batch code and click Calculate.

The result is shown at the same panel. Super easy, right? ?

This works well on the mobile too and it is useful when Sephora is having some sort of clearance as usually, magically the manufacturing date sticker disappeared

Let me know if you have tried it and if it is as useful to you as it is to me

The post Beauty Products Expiry Online Calculator appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Contouring or sculpting is weaving into the beauty trend rapidly with brands competing with each other by releasing contouring palette. What if I tell you that you do not need to run to the store to get a dedicated palette to achieve the ‘sculpted’ look? All you need is a few existing products and you are good to go!

LAKMÉ, the first cosmetic brand to introduce makeup to Indian woman in India since early 1952 and also one of the fast growing cosmetic brand in Malaysia recognises the sculpting beauty trend currently and held an event recently to share some of the makeup tips and introducing the LAKMÉ Absolute range of products.

Face Sculpting

Face contouring has got to be my current makeup technique obsession. It is the easiest way to reshape the face shape without the need to go under knift. All you need is a some good product and technique. By using LAKMÉ Absolute Mattreal Skin Natural Mousse Foundation (RM73.30), apply a shade that matches your skin tone all over the face as foundation. For contouring, choose a shade or two darker and apply under cheekbone blending downwards to emphasize and refine the cheekbone and jawline. This foundation sets to matte so no setting powder is needed. Lastly use LAKMÉ Absolute Face Stylist Blush Duos (RM51.80) on the cheeks for a hint of color, as if your cheeks are blushing from within

Sculpted Eye Look

The jet black LAKMÉ Absolute Kohl Ultimate (RM57.30) that is water resistant and smudge-proof once it is set are recommended to outline the contour of the eyes for a sculpted eye look. It has unique moisturizing ceremides that soothe and soften your lashes as well. Line the entire upper lid and lower lid close to the lashes and smudge away using the smudger for a smokey finish. For a high definition look, line it on the lower waterline as well. Wear it on your lower waterline for a high definition look.

To complete the sculpted eye look, use LAKMÉ Absolute Flutter Secret Dramatic Mascara (RM50.80) to coat the lashes with layers and layers as it has long term curl memory formula that gives your lashes volume and color.

Lip Sculpting

LAKMÉ came out with 12 dramatic new matte lipstick shades and it is said to be the perfect lipstick to contour and sculpt the lips. Pick a hot red LAKMÉ Absolute Sculpt Studio Hi-Definition Matte Lipstick (RM39.90), draw an X mark on the cupid’s bow. Trace the cupid’s bow to the corners of the lips with one stroke. That is all you need to get a chiseled, long wear experience with a rich matte finish.

For all the products mentioned and used to create the ‘Sculpted’ look, LAKMÉ will be compiling and launching a product set in June 2016. It will be made available at Guardian stores for RM99.90 (total worth RM132.10, save RM32.20), which consists of LAKMÉ Absolute High-Definition Sculpt Lipstick, LAKMÉ Absolute Ultimate Kohl and LAKMÉ Absolute Flutter Secret Dramatic Mascara.

LAKMÉ Makeup Pro App

LAKMÉ has also recently launched their makeup app called Lakmé Makeup Pro. The app allows you to try out different looks through the app. And it looked so real! You can try everything from prepping the skin to eye shadows, lipsticks, and so much more. Download the app at this link.

The post Achieve The ‘Sculpted’ Look with LAKMÉ appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona