Ever since MAC came out with Masterclass brushes, I want one. And when Artis Brush came out with similar brushes, I want the whole set! What set me back was the price. The hefty price tag that does not justify the purchase at all especially when USD conversation is off the chart now. When I saw one at Etude House a few months ago, I was overjoy. But RM100+ for a brush still does not make sense to me. Not when I have so many new brushes yet to be used at home.

Now, this Missha Professional Oval Make Up-Brush is unexpected. Every other bloggers told me they knew about this brush as they did some research on MISSHA before going over to the store opening. I of course just charge ahead to the store with no googling . I was among the first few to arrive early to the store and the brush shelf was facing the registration counter. After registering myself, they first thing I browse at was none other than makeup brushes. I scanned row by row from top to bottom and guess what I saw? A familiar looking “toothbrush” alike brush! And the price is so reasonable. Like RM55 reasonable! I bagged it of course.

I did not practise what I preach with this brush. I did not wash the brush prior before using lol. I was too excited to start using. Oh boy. I have not had such excitement with beauty products for so long. So I kind of forgive myself this time round . Don’t do what I did girls. ALWAYS wash your new makeup brushes, let them dry properly before using

This Missha Professional Oval Make Up-Brush is only available in one universal size (I think). The brush head size is just right. It is not too big and not too small. At one glance you might think heck, this is too small for foundation for the face. Yes but because it is so efficient, it does the job in a jiffy.

The brush head is in a tear drop shape. The middle part of the holder is flexi and elastic so it bends according to your face shape as you are swiping it on the face. I always tell myself to go light. Just in case I broke the brush unintentionally. I was relieved that the bristles are in golden chocolate brown rather than the usual white or black. It’s refreshing.

The bristles are very densely packed BUT ultra soft. Each of the hair are so fine that it does not leave any brush strokes on the face. And because of this also I find it hard to wash. No matter what I cannot seems to get it as clean as my other brushes. Perhaps I did not use enough Daiso Detergent For Puff and Sponge. I don’t know. I am going to try again

What I learnt from Youtube with this type of makeup brushes is that you swirl the brush on the face. But I heard from other blogger that Missha recommend to use the brush in a single direction. You know me. I do not follow direction. I just use whichever method I know suits my preference. And that is to swirl all over the face as if I am buffing car wax on my car. There is no right or wrong. Remember that

What I love about this brush? Plenty! I did not know where to start. Firstly, I find that the most tricky foundation that either is too watery or too dry goes on the skin easier with this brush. There are no brush strokes AT ALL. Nil. Zero. Zilch. It covers my ginormous pores, which I could never do so with other brushes or beauty blender. The brush smoothes the foundation over my pathetic pores like icing on the cake. And for some odd reason, the coverage seems fuller. Sometimes I feel that the bristles does not soak up a lot of product as all the products will ended up on my face. But with such fine hair it is impossible that it does not soak up product, eh? Let’s talk about my nose. Let me tell you I have headache applying foundation on my nose. This brush? Takes care of it for me, covering all the pores, and minus the brush strokes #love. The size of the brush head fits the inner corner of my cheeks, nose, corner of my nose, under eyes and everywhere!

I was lucky to be able to bag this brush home as there was only two available at the store. Partly because some bloggers who reached early has no idea what it is or how to use it or what to use it for or have no use for it, and they are distracted with makeup products heh! If you managed to find this at Missha store at Sunway Pyramid, BUY IT. Do not think twice or thrice as it may be sold out by the time you made up your mind.

The post Missha Professional Oval Make Up-Brush: For a faster, poreless, smooth, streak-free application appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

When I was invited over to the new Missha store opening at Sunway Pyramid, I agreed immediately after checking my event calendar. The calendar shows that I am available but what I had forgotten was I am available because I am going to Thailand. After the email was sent out only I remember I will be at Thailand. The excitement Missha gave me makes me forget about everything else. Can’t blame me. I used to buy Missha a lot 10 years ago with the help of an air stewardess. So imagine how shocked and happy I was when I read the email that Missha reentered Malaysia market. My trip to Thailand was postponed and I happily went for the store opening.

Missha’s first store is at Sunway Pyramid. I know what you are thinking. Why Sunway Pyramid? Why so far? I asked the owner of the distributorship for Missha Malaysia and he said Sunway Pyramid is actually the center of Korean beauty. You know what? I have to agree with him. The mall really has all the Korean beauty brands under one roof. Where else better than to open your first flagship store but Sunway Pyramid right?

The store is located at the old wing, Lower Ground 1, just one floor above the ice skating rink. It is a corner outlet facing the ice skating rink so you will not missed it for sure. The first thing I do when I reached was to head straight to the brushes. The registration counter was just in front of it and being someone who is very much into makeup brushes, I have to check it out.

I scanned the brushes one by one from top row to the bottom. Just when I reached the bottom row, I SAW THIS. Can you see what I see?

Yes. It’s a toothbrush-alike brush similar to MAC Masterclass brushes or Artis Brushes, only cheaper. This is the Professional Oval Make Up Brush (RM55) and I am one of the lucky two to grab this. In fact I had this in my basket the minute I had the basket with me lol.

You know how statement makeup pouches are so in trend and it is hard to find one here in Malaysia? The first thing I spot from far while walking over to Missha was these pouches. These limited edition canvas makeup pouch are exclusively for the first 350 customers with purchase of RM350 and above. Guess which one I picked?

Okay. As usual I will bring you around the store for a virtual store tour. The store is not too big, just nice and the layout are in a way that it is quite easy to browse around. The first thing you will see from the entrance is a huge pillar. That is where all the mask packs are. It comes in different colours too. And the lady on the mirror is not included upon purchase

Korean beauty brand are also known for their wide selection of face masks. Missha is not exceptional too.

I like that beauty specialty store carries a small selection of accessories. It is one of my favourite section to browse through. Sometimes you will find some odd, dainty tools or accessory!

Missha is known for their skincare. My fondest memory and my favourite is not the iconic Time Revolution but their Super Aqua range.

The prices are quite reasonable although you may still find it to be on a slightly higher side due to the low currency rate at the moment. The Missha I know was very cheap but that was 10 years ago

I almost didn’t know Missha carries a small selection of hair products until I saw a media friend buying a few bottles of shampoo. Besides that, you may also find sun protectors, hand creams, body care products, and body slimming products as well.

If you like more value for money skincare set, Missha got you covered! They have a few skincare set available.

Now let’s move to the makeup. I remember Missha has lots of makeup products. Let me repeat that – A LOT of makeup products. I am not sure if the makeup products at Sunway Pyramid are complete but even if it is not, I’m not surprised. It is quite impossible to bring them all in as it’s just too much.

I spent quite some time at the Eye makeup section, which I was surprised myself as I expect to linger more at the Base section but turns out I was more intrigued with the Eye products. I found myself a dark grey angled eyebrow pencil and a skinny mascara for the lower lash! I almost cannot believe it when I spot Catch Eye Skinny Mascara as I have been searching high and low for such mascara. So if you are looking for one too, go get yours at Missha. It is said to be non-waterproof but so far it never smudge on me. Definitely one of the ‘must get’ product at Missha, besides the toothbrush-alike brush of course

Look what I spot? No, not the stressful looking lady on the mirror on the right . Missha’s best-selling BB Cream – Perfect Cover BB Cream, which I have reviewed before long time ago.

Surprisingly, Missha also carry men’s fragrance as well! Who would have thought

Colourful nail polishes makes a good photo anytime

And, here are my haul.

I got myself of a Creamy Latte Strawberry Cleansing Foam, Catch Eye Skinny Mascara, Perfect Eyebrow Styler, Professional Oval Make Up Brush, and a pack of Super Aqua All in One Cleansing Oil in Tissue, which is the bomb.

If you have missed the limited edition canvas makeup pouch promotion, don’t worry. Missha is now having a Christmas Special Offer until 31st December. With every purchase of RM100 and above, get a Missha Candle Set for free.

Happy shopping!

The post Missha, Korea’s leading brand for cosmetics and skincare products re-enter Malaysia market appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

I’m pretty sure what I’m going to talk about today is not something new to you. You might have already heard, been told, seen, and even shopped personally at Althea Korea. Althea Korea made its debut appearance in the Malaysia beauty scene 2 months ago. Almost everyone I know has been asking me if I knew or tried shopping at the new online store and they want to know what I think before they place their order. You see, my friends sometimes treat me as the “experimental” type of person when it comes to online shopping. I have no idea what they are afraid of. Not like the online store will bite

I’m not going to torture you with my whole shopping experience first so here is my haul from Althea Korea. I know you are curious with what I got

Now that you have already seen briefly of my overall haul, let me tell you what I think.

Interestingly, I found out what Althea mean. The national flower of Korea is Hibiscus syriacus, which is Mugunghwa in Korean. Althea is called the Mugunghwa (무궁화), which also known as Rose of Sharon. That solved my curiosity on the name Althea . The concept of the online store is to be an one-stop shopping destination for all K-beauty products at an affordable, if not cheaper price. Just like being physically in Korea to shop for K-beauty products. Thus the name Althea – representing Korea and delivering Korea beauty to beauty enthusiasts all over the world.

The site is simple, clean, user-friendly and very easy to navigate around. It’s basically fool-proof type of website, even for someone who never shop online before. I have been asked so many times before on how to shop online. Actually there is no formula. Just follow the step by step and you’ll be done by the time you know it.

Price. The main question that everyone has been wondering. Yes, it is true that Althea offers lowest price in the market. It is even cheaper than buying from physical store in shopping mall. Product selection on the other hand is a work in progress. I believe Althea is working hard to add more and more brands or products into the store.

Althea Promises

Now, there are 3 simple ways on how you can start your online shopping at Althea – by Facebook, by Google Plus or even by creating new account the good ol’ way. I prefer to have an account so I register mine using the good ol’ way

As for the navigation of the site, I find it to be easy as well. Everything is well-listed on the top menu bar. All you need to do is to pinpoint what exactly you are looking for i.e. makeup or skincare etc and click on the button on the top menu. If you select Skincare, you will be able to see ALL skincare products. If that’s too much for you, just click on the specific brand you want from the left menu and you will only see that specific brand selected.

I love it’s short but sweet info full product page. The description beside the product photo is the summarize version, which I find is good for quick reading, but if I really need to find out more about the product to decide if I want to buy it, I would need to scroll further down for a more detail version of product description.

This is what I’m talking about. Actually I prefer this type of description. It’s compact, not too lengthy like an essay and I’m able to find out what I wanted to know about the product. Basically this is where I decide if the product suits me.

If you’re impatient like me (sometimes) and you don’t want to spend time browsing, use the search box. Some online site search box can be a bit wonky, not this one. It’s pretty accurate provided you enter the correct name. Even before you press the Enter button, a bunch of similar results already appear. You can either select from the drop-down or press Enter to be directed to the search result page.

And if you find yourself still in the indecisive mode, try reading the Reviews left by other consumers. It helps.

I had a small hiccup when I was placing my order due to my own mistake. I accidentally pressed the “back” button at the payment page. My order was captured and I can see the full order, but I cannot make payment. So I contacted Althea customer service using the little green Help button on the bottom right of the page. I received a reply from the customer service within the short half an hour and my issue was solved there and then. I was impressed!

My order was placed on the 3rd September, parcel was shipped out from Korea on the 4th September, and I received the parcel on the 8th September. It took a total of 4 days including the weekend. That’s even faster than Luxola parcel which was sent from Singapore! The pretty baby pink box was wrapped with bubble wrapping before placing it in a bright pink courier wrapping. I gotta say, I love the pink theme. Along with the box is also the invoice of my purchase.

On the inside, I find that each and every product was individually bubble wrapped, carefully and neatly arranged in the box. The empty areas are stuffed with loads of soft tissue papers. Not the face tissue paper, k? It’s wrapping tissue paper.

Also included in the box are loads of samples from Missha and Skinfood skincare. I have used Missha before many years ago so I was happy to get Missha samples

Here are my haul in detail. I took more than an hour of browsing and careful planning because I did not want to end up with the same product that I already have in my stash. First and top priority in my list was cleansers. I ran out of cleansers at home and that almost never happened to me before. So I picked up two cleansers from my favourite Korean brand, Innisfree

You will know that I apply Laneige Water Sleeping Mask everyday to boost hydration to my skin in order to lighten acne marks. This trick works and because I was applying daily, I ran out of the mask. So I grabbed a jar. It’s way cheaper too.

I also ran out of grainy face scrub and I’m now using non-grainy type from my stash. I still prefer something grainy for exfoliation and I’ve heard so much of Skinfood Black Sugar Mask. And this product is almost half price from retail store. Score!

I have something for face primer. I cannot stop buying makeup primer and I find myself constantly searching for “the one”. The Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Primer was calling out for me and based on all the positive reviews I found on Google, I knew I had to have this in my life. I now have it in my life

The next following item has been on my wish list for so long. I often walk to Innisfree store but always forgotten to grab it. For some reason it never occur to me to buy it because I have so many powder that I’m using on rotation that it is not the top priority. This time I remember. It is slightly cheaper than the store so that’s a plus point for forgetting previously lol.

Lastly, an item which I’ve been trying to get my hands on from other online store last year and it is ALWAYS out of stock. I finally FINALLY got it! At a much more cheaper price as well. Double score!

Too Cool For School Dinoplatz Dear Brachiosaurus Oil Paper to Sponge (what a mouthful!) is an oil blotting paper BUT you don’t pick up the paper like normal. You use the sponge that comes with a sticky base to pick up a paper and blot. Too cute.

How do you like my haul? I did not expect to pick up mostly skincare. I thought I would go all out for makeup products but I guess my skincare stash is running low so I decided to pick up skincare products instead. All of them has already been taken out to use after I photograph them

I have been receiving Althea newsletter recently on their current promotions such as freebies, special discount and many more. The current promotion would be 10% OFF all Laneige products from 15th to 18th September, and RM15 new sign ups for the month of September. Free shipping for all orders amounting RM150 still applies so start your shopping now

The post Althea Korea: One-stop K-Beauty online store shopping experience and my haul appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Anyone notice that for a brief while we have MISSHA in Malaysia but later on closed down outlet by outlet? That was a few years ago. Boy how time flies. Before I even knew the existence of MISSHA in Malaysia, I have been buying MISSHA online from a seller. This seller is an air stewardess that flew to Korea very often. At that time I only bought MISSHA skin care from her. Never cosmetics. I wasn’t into cosmetic at that time. Seller was very generous with samples even if I only bought one bottle of emulsion. I remember that I accumulated a few M Perfect Cover B.B Cream sachet from numerous purchase. This M Perfect Cover B.B Cream was also my very first encounter with BB Cream and I love it. I never have the chance to purchase a full size because she increased her price, postage and eventually slow down with her selling activities. So when I was offered a M Perfect Cover B.B Cream for review, I jumped right in.

So girls, meet my first BB Cream love – MISSHA M Perfect Cover B.B Cream SPF 42 PA+++.

MISSHA M Perfect Cover B.B Cream SPF 42 PA+++ comes in two shades – No. 21 Light Beige and No. 23 Natural Beige. I can’t remember which sample I tried before so I decided to choose No. 21 as most BB Cream and foundation turns 2 shades darker on me as my face gets oily. It’s easier for me to tone down the BB Cream light cast than lightening up darker shade face

I know I’m suppose to do a 24-hours patch test due to bad experience in the past but for this I didn’t as I’ve used this BB Cream before

The M Perfect Cover B.B Cream gives an even and natural-looking coverage with the soothing, moisturising properties of a cream. It is suitable for all skin types including acne-prone skin, and can be used as a makeup base or foundation. This BB Cream comes with SPF 42 PA+++ as well. Very important to have SPF in our base makeup as the sun nowadays is blazing hot and harmful to the skin.

MISSHA M Perfect Cover B.B Cream comes in a generous size and ml. Weighing at 50ml per tube it is definitely the biggest I have ever seen so far. The product comes in a tube with a perfect pump system. I have been using this daily for the past 2 weeks so there is a dent on the tube as you can see

This is a 3-in-1 multi function BB Cream with effect of UV Blocking, Whitening and Wrinkle Care.

Perfect Coverage – It covers blemishes effectively while making the skin looks natural and splendid with smooth texture and finish.

Perfect on you skin – Containing Rosemary extracts and Camomile extracts with skin calming effect, Gatuline RC with skin resilience effect (extracted from beech bud), moisturizing ingredient of hyaluronic acid and ceramide with moisturizing effect, it keeps the skin comfortable and moisturized.

Excellent UV Screening Effect – SPF 42/PA+++ You don’t need to apply sunblock separately.

Whilst half a pump is sufficient for the whole face, I prefer to use one full pump instead. I’ll tell you why it is so for me. I used half pump as a full coverage base for the whole of my face. The balance half pump is for me to dab onto the acne marks on both side of my jawline. You can say that I treat this BB Cream as concealer as well. I find that the coverage and texture is perfect for me to dab and cover those ugly marks. Some base makeup no matter how you dab and dab the marks is still visible. MISSHA M Perfect Cover B.B Cream covers EVERYTHING.

As you can see from the swatch below, No. 21 is not too light on me. Once it is fully blended out the shade melts and blend in with my skin tone. It has a faint flowery powdery scent to it that stays on for a while even after I left my house. I’m not bothered by the scent anyhow because it smells quite good!

Using this BB Cream is pretty simple. Just apply all over your face with your fingers / brush / sponge after skin care. If you like you can still apply sunscreen before that but I skip sunscreen when I’m using this. Set with powder and off you go!

Here is the Before and After comparison without setting powder, just the BB Cream alone. As soon as I finished with the application my face appear one tone fairer than the After picture below. However I notice that once the BB Cream sets and blends in, the shade is back to my normal shade and tone.

Remember I said that I also use this BB Cream as concealer for my acne marks? It works like a charm. There is no need for other concealer at all. Usually dabbing more base on these marks doesn’t work as it just doesn’t layered on. MISSHA M Perfect Cover B.B Cream doesn’t have problem with that.

Below picture is only with MISSHA M Perfect Cover B.B Cream without setting powder or concealer.

One main factor that makes me like this BB Cream is the excellent oil control property. For oily skin like mine this BB Cream is a must-have. I have never had any oil-free face after makeup for so long now. Not even with oil free foundation. By the end of the day only my nose and inner cheek is slightly oily. The rest of my face stays matte for the longest time. Amazing. Some BB Cream slips but this does not. No wonder this is world’s best seller BB Cream!

Now, where can you get this since MISSHA closed down and retrieve from Malaysia market a few years ago? I get mine from BeautyDesire House. BeautyDesire House carry a few popular skincare products such as Etude House, Missha, Skinfood, The Odbo and The FaceShop sold in Korea. The price is quite affordable and even cheaper than the seller I used to buy from. For Street Love readers, “Like” BeautyDesire House Facebook page and get RM5 cash voucher of any purchase and free gift! Remember to mention you are from Street Love ya.

Now that I’ve settle your curiosity on where to buy, here is the ingredient list for those that are interested.

Water(Aqua), Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mineral Oil, Phenyl Trimethicone, Talc, Arbutin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Dimethicone, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Squalane, Adenosine, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Beeswax(Cera Alba), Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Caviar Extract, Algae Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Ceramide 3, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance(Parfum), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Salicylate, Hydroxycitronellal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Citronellol
MAY CONTAIN[+/-; Titanium Dioxide(CI 77891), Iron Oxides(CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)]

Disclaimer: Product was sent to me for review consideration. This doesn’t affect my judgement in the review in any way.

The post Review: MISSHA M Perfect Cover B.B Cream SPF 42 PA+++, The World’s Best Seller BB Cream That Give Full Coverage and Excellent Oil Control appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona