Ettusais on the make-up blogette

FAQ & DISCLAIMER

About Me

My name is Sophia, and I am in my early 30s. I am from Singapore and I am the sole writer of this blog.

About this Blog

I started this blog in 2006, I like to use a wide range of brands though I seem to have a growing preference for higher-end brands in recent years. I also like to share interesting things I have come across about makeup and beauty.

Currently The Makeup Blogette receives 39,000 unique views monthly or 2,238,932 views and counting.

My Makeup Style

I like classic looks (neutral tones on eyes, anything goes for lips & cheeks), though occasionally I try out dramatic/ statement looks. I believe that a flawless base is the key to achieving great makeup looks. I also believe that if you don't have great skin to start with, fake it with a good foundation routine, and even greater skincare. I am currently loving Clarins & Lancome skincare products, and Vichy NormaDerm for tackling with breakouts.

What Cameras do I use?

Most of the pictures you see in post 2010 entries are taken with my Canon G-11. Previously I was using Canon Ixus 80. I do post some pictures which are taken with my iphone4 which I will state in that particular entry. I have stopped watermarking my pictures as of 2011, because I think watermarks are ugly in general, and does not prevent people from stealing my pictures if they wish to. I just take it as a compliment that my pictures are even worth stealing in the first place. I might look into getting a Canon EOS next year, not just for blogging purposes, but I also like photography in general.

My Favourite Makeup Brand(s)

It is hard to name just one, but I like NARS, Chanel, Illamasqua and the ocasional Guerlain, Dior & Urban Decay item. I own quite a stash of MAC items, but recently I have stopped catching up with their collections, and I much prefer to splurge on a few really outstanding items.

Where to find me

Twitter (link button above!) Email (stated above!) Instagram (makeup_blogette)

I have no official Facebook fan page, and currently have no intention to start one at all. The Makeup Blogette remains my personal hobby and property, so as such, I don't believe in having a Facebook fanpage for it.

Final Disclaimer

I bought/ paid for all of the products mentioned in this blog. I am not affliated to any company. If certain products are sent to me for review purposes, I will say so and express my honest opinions about them. In any case, I will only review and showcase the products which I have personally tried and tested, and enjoy using. I do not get paid to review anything.

No ads, no paid links etc please. I am in charge of all content and pictures here.

I am not a makeup artist, nor do I have any professional training in makeup.

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Product Empties Part One: Cleansers & Skincare [May 2013]

Hi hi!

Time for another empties entry... I swear I have been putting this entry off for the longest time, it is at least 1 month overdue. And along the way, my bag of empties got heavier and heavier. Most of this products were used up in the months of Jan to Mar 2013..with a few products I used up as recently as last week and yesterday. I will be doing a part two which consists of mainly shower/hair products in an upcoming entry (maybe next week).

So lots of cleansers, I wash my face twice a day, and it is no wonder that makeup removers and cleansers are always frequently used up. Also sometimes my sister share these products with me, so we use them up more quickly than others.

Here we have three makeup removers:

1. LANCOME Remove all deep cleansing oil for face and eyes
A rich cleansing oil, I bought this for only S$20 when I was at the JPO. It removes all makeup effectively, especially foundations and eye makeup. I like that it comes in a pump, and really melts away makeup. I would repurchase this, but not in a long long time, I certainly didn't see it anymore at the JPO, and I have several other cleansing oils I can use in the meantime.

2. Ettusais Gentle Makeup Off
This reminds me of the Biore Jelly makeup remover, it is sort of gel texture, and not entirely oily. It is very effective and gentle for light makeup days, but if I have full eye makeup, this is not enough. If you have sensitve skin, this would be fantastic - very gentle and soothing to use.

3. Bioderma
This needs no introduction. I have lost count of how many bottles I have gone through. I constantly have backups, and I always have a bottle of this on my table. When I need to remove my makeup in a hurry in my own room, I would use Bioderma...and when I am on a major makeup swatch fest, I also use Bioderma to wipe my lips, hands, etc etc in between swatching and photo-taking. This is definitely an essential.

Next are three cleansers:

1. Lancome Blanc Expert Ultimate Whitening Purifying Foam
I really enjoy this cleanser, from the rich creamy foam, to the scent. It leaves my skin feeling super clean without being stripped.

2. Perfect Whip Foamy Cleanser
I have gone through several tubes of this. Really afforable, and really dense cleansing foam and always leaves my skin really clean afterwards. Definitely a staple in my cleanser stash. Many thanks to Amy for recommending this a year ago!

3. Clarins White Plus Gentle Brightening Exfoliator
I think this is my 3rd or 4th tube. I love the scent, and the natural exfoliator beads. Leaves my face visibly brighter and more radiant, and I always follow up with a brightening mask after this exfoliator. Will definitely repurchase.

Skincare products:
No surprises here that I am using up a lot of Lancome products, since I have been using them since Feb.

1. Lancome Blanc Expert Ultimate Whitening Refining Beauty Lotion
This is the very first time I finished a toner/ lotion type of product. (well, okay come to think of it, I have used up several Clarins ones in the past). I have never been a toner girl... but I started decanting this product into a spray bottle, and it makes this toning step of my skincare routine so much more effective and enjoyable. No more fussing with the watery toner in the palms of my hand, no more fussing with cotton pads. I just spray the toner onto my face, pat dry and go on to the next step. I love the feeling of this toner. It is not 'drying' nor alcohol-y, it feels moisturising and relaxing.

2. Lancome Genefique

3. Lancome Visionaire

I don't need to say more, this is my power super serum combination... I am currently using the brand new Genefique Advanced (which I am loving, cos it is richer and even more POTENT). I have used both serums at least 3 - 4 times... and always very very satisfied.

Click here to read all about my Lancome skincare routine - it is pretty comprehensive, and my skin has never been better.

4. Lancome Absolue Extrait cream
This is a deluxe sample tub, and it is just an amazing luxe face cream. Very very pricey, and I enjoy it. I use it very sparingly, and it leaves my face totally regenerated and radiant the next day. Definitely a skincare treat for your face.

Next are a bunch of randoms, LOTS OF EYE PRODUCTS. I am a eyecream, eye serum junkie.

1. Clarins UV Plus Multi-Protection SPF40
This lasts me forever and ever. It evens out the skintone, not oily, and provides great sun protection. It is a decent and effective sun protection product, and I highly recommend this.

2. Clarins Defining Eye Lift (old formula)
This is a eye serum, I don't feel any visible eye lifting effect, but it feels lightweight, and I don't mind this extra step before I use my cream. Better be safe than sorry. I am paranoid that way when it comes to skincare for my eyes. I don't really have serious eye issues, but I just want to be really careful anyway.

3. Kiehls Cream Eye Treatment
A super creamy rich eyecream, I LOVE IT because it is so thicky and cream, and it doesn't transfer into my eyes and irritate them. I would defnitely re-purchase this. Can't remember how much, I think it's around $50 (got it in HK) and it is super moisturising.

4. SK-II signature eyecream
This tub lasted me around 4 months. And I LOVE IT. It is very creamy, moisturising and definitely brightening. I would definitely want this as well.

5. Embryolisse Eye Cream
This is a very basic eye cream, and if you don't have much eye issues, I do recommend this.

6. Kiehls Midnight Discovery eyecream (not pictured)
Finished my second tube! I used it, but most of the time it's my sister who is faithfully use this every day and night. She really noticed brightening around her eyes, and all my friends whom I recommend it to, all love it. It is very lightweight, and very effective.

If you are wondering why I use up so many eye creams, it is because I am using 2 - 3 eye creams at any one point. I sometimes layer a serum and cream, and sometimes just a cream. I rotate my eye creams randomly too. So after 3 - 4 months, suddenly I run out of a few of them at one go.

And lastly, this Clarisonic brush head. It is the delicate skin brush head, as with the one I am currently using. I have been given the deep pore cleansing one lately, and I can't wait to try that out. I found the delicate skin brush head nice and gentle, maybe a bit too gentle. I think I will want to buy the normal ones next time. I don't really switch it out after a certain amount of time, I just sort of go by my gut feeling, like if I need to replace, I just do it.

Phew!

I hope you find this entry helpful, many of these products are not new, and I have mentioned many of them before. Feel free to leave comments below about anything I have mentioned!

What have you used up recently?

Thanks for reading!

Posted on May 06, 2013 at 6:26AM | Permalink | 8 Comments

Filed in: Lancome, Clarins, Ettusais, bioderma, random chat, product empties | Tagged with: Lancome, clarins, Ettusais, bioderma, random chat, product empties

April 24, 2013

Recent Favourite Combinations [Foundation, Makeup Removal & Hair!]

Hi hi!

It's starting to feel so rare that I am able to blog ramble on a weekday. Even during the weekends, I hardly have any time to just sit and attend to blog matters, but when life catches up with you, I guess I just can't get out of it. So for those who have noticed the recent 'absence', I do apologise, and I hope that the usual blog spam will happen soon. I hope. I hope. Because I have so many things to share!

Just want to feature a few products which I have been liking lately, they are a little all over the place and I think that's the way I prefer to present this entry. Hope you enjoy - there's some skincare, makeup and hair!

First off, we have this set of makeup removal and cleansing products. I have been using the Shu Uemura clear brightening gentle cleansing oil. I feel like this compliments my current (still Lancome) skincare rountine. It cleans off my makeup completely, and it is very lightweight. I didn't like the deep pore cleansing oil so much (the pink one btw) but this I really love. I don't think I need to go too much into the efficiency of the Shu Uemura cleansing oils, and I always have one or two of them in my stash. If you are looking for something that really takes off the heavy duty makeup after a long day, this is really a great performer.

As you know I usually keep 2 - 3 facial cleansers in my bathroom. While I love my creamy foamy cleansers, I also like to try out 'alternative' cleansing products. Namely cleansing balms - they are very big in the UK - and I like the idea of a cleansing balm. It is supposed to be very calming, cleansing and when used with a muslin cloth, even exfoliating. I have heard great raves about the Emma Hardie amazing face cleansing balm. I ordered mine from feelunique and here's the product information -

Perfectly balanced daily cleansing for skin that craves clean.

Benefits of Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural Lift and Sculpt Moringa Cleansing Balm:
- Thoroughly cleanses and moisturises the skin.
- Helps to purify and minimises the appearance of open pores.
- Calming for sensitive skin.
- Revitalising for dull and mature skins.
- Can be used as a rescue balm, i.e. on dry elbows or knees, or as a lip balm.
- Doubles as a soothing mask if left on the skin for ten minutes.

Key ingredients and what they do:
- Moringa seed extract, Wild Sea Fennel and Vitamin E: Balance, purify and help to minimise the appearance of open pores.
- Orange, Neroli and Mandarin extracts: Rejuvenates and revitalises the skin.
- Jasmine, cedarwood and Rose: Helps to recondition dull, dry, dehydrated and mature skins.

I don't use it with a muslin cloth though -- but I have just ordered some from feelunique in a separate order, and I shall try it out soon. I really love this - it is so soothing, and so luxe and smells really awesome. Even I just massage this into my skin, it just leaves my skin feeling so soft, and clean after rinsing. It looks a little messy from the picture below, there's this layer of oil (Moringa I think) and smells really relaxing.
This is always sold out at feelunique, so grab it while you can!

And another item which I recently discovered is the Ettusais peeling milk - this is a gentle exfoliator that doesn't have any scrubby beads. I have this for quite some time. When I got to learn about its properties at a Ettusais event a couple of weeks ago, I came home, and quickly took it out to try.
Basically it is a milky liquid that you rub onto dry skin, and it will rub off the dead skin cells. I particularly like to rub it around my nose area, that seems to be the most 'tough' area, and after I rinse my face, the skin feels super smooth. I usually follow up with a extra nourishing mask or face cream, cos that's when the skin is in the best condition to absorb products. Highly recommend this product if you are looking for a different sort of skin exfoliator.

Next, a couple of hair products. I have other hair products to feature -but I will mention those in a products I have used up entry. But here, we have a new shampoo which I have been using and loving for the past couple of ... days. haha. I saw this earlier in the week while I was at Guardian. It is Ancient Secrets Moroccan Argan shampoo. And it is only about $11 or $13 - very affordable. So far, I love everything about this shampoo. It leaves my hair super soft, not weighed down at all and even more shiny. I normally don't use any conditioner after shampoo cos I like the squeaky clean hair feeling after shampoo. This leaves my hair clean without being 'too squeaky' if you know what I mean.

And one some days, when I feel like I need to make my hair look a little more sleek, or when I want my hair ends to be more tame (esp after a big DIY blow dry), I will rub a tiny drop of the TONI&GUY Shine Gloss Serum just at the ends of my hair. It is a great lightweight hair gloss serum, that makes your hair super shiny, and also tame flyaways.

These are some cheek products which I am rotating this week. Finally, I am able to tear myself away from the URBAN DECAY NAKED FLUSHED palette. I decided to break out the Guerlain 4 seasons terracotta bronzer in 00 Nude - it is the perfect bronzer for my light complexion. It gives the perfect amount of warmth to my skin without being visible. The powder is so smooth, and it blends into the skin just amazingly. I would compare this to my DiorSkin Nude Tan bronzers - very natural, and very very fine quality. They are very similar with their quadrants of pale bronzing shades. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

Next, is a scary bright red blush - I just have to dab ever so slightly into this blush - MAC Devil powder blush - it is a pro only shade though. It makes my face looks healthy, and I just buff it into oblivion onto my cheeks, so I end up with a very naturally warm flushed cheeks - you can't even tell that I am wearing a RED blush.

Note that I have just shown below very very light swatch - this is a really pigmented blush, and I always proceed with caution. Hehe.

And next, I am loving this pair of base products.

I have been trying out and loving the MAQUiLLAGE Perfect BB Base. It is very smooth, and lightweight. I love how it evens out my skintone. I will give this a full review in a separate entry, so you can see how it applies on me.

And finally, I recently ordered the Revlon Nearly Naked foundation (at drugstore.com via spree). I just eyeballed the shade online...and it turned out to be a just perfect match for me. I could probably go half a shade lighter, but it's nothing some setting powder can't fix.
Like the name suggests, it feels like nothing on my skin, and yet it makes my skin look very smooth after I applied it over the base. And it lasted on me very well throughout the hot and humid days. I would even compare this to NARS Sheer Glow in terms of the consistency and finish. Highly recommend this foundation. And it is so affordable!

I hope that this entry is helpful and somewhat interesting!

Just want to rant about something I came across today. I received an email from a certain company, asking me where's my blog entry for xxx product, because she didn't see it on my blog....well, that's because I haven't posted it yet. (DUH)
Was it intentional? No. I simply have no time to be switching products all the time. When I am busy, I always just fall back on whatever is on my table. I don't recall signing up for deadlines when they want to send this xxx product to me. I will mention it when I am ready to feature it, after having used it. I have never subjected myself to some deadline crunching blogging/ reviews and I have a million of other blog entry ideas of my own without having to accept "FREE" products to sustain my blog. For some reason, I got very peeved by this kindly email reminder. I am in a good mind to send back this xxx product, and tell the person that when I am ready to try it out, I would jolly well fork out my own $18.90 to buy it, and use it if I want to.

Well, that's just a temporary mood damper..I would just continue doing whatever I do, and ramble on whatever comes to my mind.

Thanks for reading, and staying through to the end of this longish entry!

Can't wait for the weekend already.

Posted on April 24, 2013 at 6:48AM | Permalink | 4 Comments

Filed in: mac, Review, Shu Uemura, Revlon, maquillage, BB Cream, Ettusais, random chat, revlon nearly nude foundation, toni&guy, emma hardie | Tagged with: Mac, review, Shu Uemura, revlon, Maquillage, BB cream, Ettusais, Toni&Guy, random chat, revlon nearly nude foundation, emma hardie

January 27, 2013

Ettusais Quick Fix Powder

Hi hi!

This entry features the famous Ettusais Quick Fix Powder - I was introduced to it a while back by my girlfriends who all raved about this powder that is awesome for touch ups, and making your face look fresh and smooth after using it. When I was introduced to it again last Dec, I was super excited to try it out myself. The Quick Fix Powder is usually limited edition, but I have seen it still on the shelves lately, so definitely check it out if you have been wanting to try it.

I personally love it for its compact packaging, the very fluffy & dense powder puff, and how it provides light coverage while touching up my skin. It doesn't look cakey at all, and is super finely milled. Highly highly recommend this Quick Fix powder!

It retails for S$28 for 6.5g of product.

Product description:

This pressed powder instantly covers to even out skin texture and skin tone, hiding blemishes while preventing skin roughness with skin roughness preventing mineral powder. The Smooth Fit Coat that covers each powder particle helps powders fit onto skin beautifully so your make-up won’t look cakey after touching up. The Shine Prevention Powder also prevents shine from showing too quickly and helps for a longer lasting finish. Contains SPF 10 PA ++.

A close up of the packaging:

You can seen a fine smooth layer on my skin here:

Here's my niece 'modelling' the compact.. heheh, she loves to explore what's in my makeup bag whenever we meet. No surprises why I am her favourite aunt, huh?

Hope you find this entry helpful, and thanks for looking!

Posted on January 27, 2013 at 4:40AM | Permalink | 2 Comments

Filed in: Review, Compact Powder, Ettusais, ettusais quick fix powder, touch up | Tagged with: review, Ettusais, Compact Powder, ettusais quick fix powder, touch up

January 15, 2013

Ettusais x SWATi Lip Essence

Popular aromatic candle brand, SWATi collaborates with Ettusais this Feb!

The hand-drawn illustrations of girls’ favourite items, which are used as the motifs on SWATi’s candles are also featured on Ettusais x SWATi Lip Essence.

Lip Essence $31

A lip essence that gives lips a healthy shine!

Formulated with glycerin and glucose hesperidin to protect lips from dryness.

Formulated with hyper gloss oil to give lips a glossy luster and lock in moisture for long period of time.

Protects lips from UV-rays (SPF 18 PA++)

Formulated with natural treatment ingredients.

Lip Essence Stick $26

A lasting stick type lip essence that protects lips from dryness and UV-rays!

Formulated with hyaluronic acid complex, glycerin and glucose hesperidin to moisturize dry lips and prevents chapped lips.

Minimizes the appearance of vertical lines with spherical pink pearl pigment.

Protects lips from UV-rays (SPF 18 PA++)

Formulated with natural treatment ingredients.

Hope this sharing has been useful! Thanks for reading!

Posted on January 15, 2013 at 6:31AM | Permalink | 0 Comments

Filed in: Ettusais, SWATi x Ettusais, lip essence | Tagged with: Ettusais, SWATi x Ettusais, lip essence

September 06, 2012

Stuff that I used up [Sept 2012]

Hi hi!

I have been collecting a bunch of products which I have used up lately, over the past couple of weeks. And it is interesting to note that most of these products happened to be HAIR stuff. Especially hair treatments. Hope this is useful to anyone who is looking for random product recommendations (or not).

Here we go!

Let's start with the hair products - I wash my hair everyday. And I don't use a conditioner everyday. Instead I use a deep hair conditioner every other day, or sometimes I would just use my trusty Kiehls' Hair Conditioner and Grooming Aid Formula 133 to make my hair smooth and sleek.

1. LOREAL EVER SLEEK Sulphate Free Smoothing System (Intense Smoothing Conditioner)

I can't remember the retail price, but this is just average amoung the hair conditioners I rotate. It makes my hair feel smooth enough, but I feel like it is not RICH and thick to penetrate deep into my hair. I am glad to finish using it up. Not going to re-purchase this.

2. Essential Nuance Fairy - Treatment

I love this! I just need to use a small lump of it, and apply it all over my hair ends. It smells great, and really makes my hair very moisturised, and shiny for the whole day - and didn't wear my hair down. And it is often sold so cheaply at places like Oceans, Venus and those Chinatown toiletries shops. Even if you get it at Watsons or Guardians, I think it's less than $10. I think so. And I need to get more. I have gone through 3 or 4 tubes of this.

3. DOVE Damage Therapy Intense Repair - I think I got this for $2.90 at Chinatown Oceans. I am not a fan of DOVE shampoos and conditioners.. but I don't mind using this every other day. It has similar effect as the Essentials one (which I like better). I would purchase this if it is at $2.90 again, the next time I see it. This, I recommend too, if you have long hair, and want a deep conditioner.

4. When my big tubes of hair treatments are all used up, I reached for these little tubes of intensive treatments. They usually come in packs of 3, like the Pantene one, or 12 (or 14?) like the Clinicare one. I find that one tube is usually too much for one time usage, so I normally split into 2 - 3 times usage. I don't personally find these any MORE nourishing than the ones mentioned above.. but they are good for travel, and I always have a stash of these in my bathroom cabinet.

5. Vichy Night Creams - I am not going to name any specific range, but in general, I find them all super comfortable to use, and the prices are so affordable, especially when you buy them during Watsons/ Guardians 20% deals. I had to stop using this jar, because obviously I broke it, and there is still maybe 30% left, but boo hoooo... got to toss this out. They smell great, didn't break me out, and keeps my skin moisturised during the night in my air-conditioned bedroom.

6. Laneige Water Sleeping Pack - I have been using this little tub as a night cream after I broke the Vichy one.. it was lying around on my table, so I might as well use it up. I am always slapping on very moisturising products on my face, because I think that my skin is dehydrated underneath the oilier surface area. So far with my ultra moisturising routine, I have been able to keep my skin quite firm and smooth. Hydration & brightening is really the key to youthful looking skin.

7. Lancome Genefique - this needs no introduction, I truly enjoy using this amazing multi-purpose serum. I love the texture, and I love that everytime I am using this, my skin is always ALWAYS in the most tip top condition. This is my second bottle, and I bought the 50ml one.. which lasted me a while. I am going to either try out my NARS skincare, or Kenzo soon... but I have back up of this thanks to Lancome, which recently sent me a brand new one to enjoy.

8. Ettusais Mineral BB cream - whenever people ask me which is my fave BB cream, I always point them to this Ettusais one. And for me to use up a base product, it's pretty amazing. I have more than 10 BB creams in my stash, from various brands.. and this is really one of the more outstanding ones. I can't recommend this more. I will be featuring the new whitening version of this amazing BB cream soon, so do keep a lookout!

9. SKIN79 BB Cleanser - I do enjoy using this cleanser, I always double cleanse, so I use this purely to wash my face, not remove makeup. It smells very fresh and clean, and it does foam up quite well after you lather on your skin. I think it makes my skin feels clean, but never 'stripped' clean that sort of harsh sensation, which is nice. But I don't think I will go and buy it soon, because I am currently using other foamy cleansers.

10. FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil - Oldie in my years and years of makeup wearing. I got this in the special edition packaging, which always features some sort of illustration. My sister swears only by the Fancl cleansing oil. Again, this is something which I always will have or will buy... but currently I am trying out the Clarins cleansing oil, and the Biore aqua jelly makeup remover. Shall keep you all posted on those when I am done using them.

And there you go, 10 items, and my quick thoughts on them, now I can really toss them away!

I shall try to post a update pictorial entry..maybe after this, if I am still 'awake'. :)

Thanks for reading, and hope it's been useful. Do share what you have used up lately too!

Posted on September 06, 2012 at 7:43AM | Permalink | 2 Comments

Filed in: makeup, skincare, Lancome, Dove, vichy, fancl, Ettusais, Skin79, empties | Tagged with: Lancome, makeup, skincare, Dove, Vichy, Ettusais, fancl, skin79, empties

August 25, 2012

Ettusais Foamy Rich Mousse [Photos & Demo]

August 2012

A cleanser with bouncy, enriched foam that leaves the skin firm and soft with a beautiful, fair complexion.

Ettusais launched a new foamy facial cleanser. It is a 5-in-1 product - gentle on the skin, makeup remover, cleansing foam, facial mask and also a massage. Touted as the first ever spongy, rich foam - the product conains an elastic bouncy film formula and microscopic micro mousse. The structure of the foam is a collection of aerated liquid which adheres to impurities and makeup, which gets washed away when you rinse your face.

Gentle on Skin:

It doesn't strip away skin's natural moisture.

Contains high moisturising effect (hyaluronic acid)

Provides moisture and support supple skin (collagen)

Moisturising ingredients (Glycerin)

Cleansing ingredient (Amino acid)

These ingredients help the foam to glide easily onto the skin without friction and will not strip skin of its natural moisture.

Because of the high cleansing effect, this means that double cleansing isn't required (though it is my habit and personal preference to always double cleanse) - the microscopic micro mousse picks up makeup and sebum with its ability to enter into skin's furrows and pores.

Product Summary

Spongy rich foam with excellent elasticity - bouncy film formula

Rich foam that does not require double cleansing, yet exerts the desired cleansing effect

Spongy, rich foam that can be used as a mask or massage.

Formulated with moisturising ingredients

Prevents acne

Non-comedogenic formula, dermatologist-tested

Let's take a look at the Packaging - very nifty pump bottle, and there is this closure which prevents you from accidentally pumping out the product, and you don't need to fuss with an actual separate cap.

lift up the tab...

and pump away!

How to use

Can be used for morning and night, to remove makeup and cleanse bare skin

Can be used on either dry or wet skin

Shake the can well

Take an appropriate amount of foam in the hand, about the size of 2 ping pong balls (3g)

Massage in circular motion for about 30 seconds to remove makeup or impurities

Rinse off thoroughly with water

The foam has a fresh citrusy scent. Refreshing!

How to use:

Apply foam over entire face, avoiding the area around the eyes.

Massage in circular motions for about 30 seconds to remove makeup or impurities.

Finally, within the next 30 seconds, massage around the eye area, avoid getting foam into the eyes.

Rinse off.

A quick demo, on a patch of BB cream on my hand.

wiped away with a tissue, looking clean!

another demo on my face

I had already removed my makeup (fyi)

super light but dense foam

very soapy, and very clean feeling after rinsing off...

and clean face!

Really enjoy using it so far, and I will be giving a more detailed review in a later entry on my cleansing routine.

Highly recommend that you check this out!

Hope this has been helpful, and thanks for reading!

Posted on August 25, 2012 at 1:16AM | Permalink | 0 Comments

Filed in: Review, makeup remover, cleanser, Ettusais, ettusais foamy mousse cleanser, foam | Tagged with: review, cleanser, makeup remover, Ettusais, foam, ettusais foamy mousse cleanser

August 25, 2012

Ettusais Reformulates Gel Top Coats [Swatches & A Step by Step Manicure]

Available July 2012

Ettusais reformulated their popular quick drying clear top coat that creates glossy nails that look like gel nails done at a nail salon. No UV light and no soak-off needed!

Retailing for $24 and contains 9ml of product.

Product description:

Creates a plumper, glossier finish

Has a longer lasting finish

Dries smooth, even if base coat applied is uneven

Dries quickly

Formulated with a natural treatment ingredient

Fragrance-free

The Gel Top Coats has an adhesive polymer entwining, softening agrent that absorbs shock and a luster agent to provide shine.

NOTE: if you apply the topcoat before your color is completely dry, they may mix with the colors on your nails, resulting in an opaque (non-gel) look. The product can be removed with a regular nail polish remover.

GEL COLOR TOP COAT (PK) LIMITED EDITION!

Retailing for $24 and contains 9ml of product.

Natural pink nail color that creates glossy nails, that gives a healthy finish to your nails with the pink shade of Sakuragai.

Has all the same features of the original Gel Top Coat and formulated with a natural treatment ingredient.

NOTE: Shake before use, and use a base coat is recommended for a longer lasting finish. You can remove it with a regular nail polish remover.

My thoughts:

I had first tried out the regular gel topcoat a couple of weeks back, and I made the mistake of not letting my color dry completely before applying the topcoat. This resulted in a rather dull (and def not gel like appearance of the topcoat). In this swatches, I let the color dry for a couple of minutes before apply the gel topcoat, and there was a tremendous difference. So, definitely heed the advice given, and allow your nail color to dry first, before you apply the gel topcoat. I found that it dries quite fast (not as fast as Seche Vite though) and it definitely is better at sealing in glittery nailpolish, and producing a very smooth surface. (glittery nailpolish tends to eat up my Seche Vite topcoat, fyi).

A quick step by step manicure featuring both the gel topcoats:

Step One - Apply basecoat as recommended.

Step Two - apply a layer of Pink Gel Topcoat

It is a pink sheer creamy polish - neutralises a bit of my yellow-ed nails, giving it a natural healthy tinge.

Step Three - Apply a gold holographic nailpolish to the tips.

This does not have to be neat like a French Manicure.

Just slap it on.

Step Four - Apply Clear Gel Topcoat

There you go, almost instant gel manicure at home!

Check out the bokeh effect of the holographic! No photoshop here!

These gel topcoats are definitely useful to have in your stash.

Highly recommended!

Hope this has been helpful, and thank you for reading!

Posted on August 25, 2012 at 12:04AM | Permalink | 1 Comment

Filed in: Review, Glitter, tutorial, manicure, Swatches, Ettusais, gel top coat | Tagged with: review, manicure, Tutorial, glitter, swatches, Ettusais, gel top coat

August 24, 2012

Ettusais Summer 2012 Nails: A Tropical Paradise [Photos & Swatches]

July 2012

A few weeks, I received a package of super cute summery nail polishes from Ettusais. Finally got round to trying them out, and I must say, I am super impressed by the quality of all these polishes. In my nail swatches, I applied a layer of Butter London basecoat, 2 coats of color (unless specified), and a layer of Ettusais Gel Top Coat. I will give more color descriptions and my thoughts in the swatches below. Overall, I highly recommend these polishes, they are tiny, great for those who want to try a lot of colors without worrying about buying big bottles that will never be used up.

Ettusais launches an array of nail colors inspired by resort vacations. Made for a summer's use, pick from vivid, glittery or pearlescent hues, stash them in your luggage and leave space for some holiday shopping too.

These mini 2ml bottles retail for $5 each. Pick a bunch to match your perfect summer vacation! :)

Product features:

Dries quickly

Coats nails smoothly and evenly

Shiny and glossy finish

Formulated with natural treatment ingredients and is toluene-free

Fragrance free

Shades:

1 - Sunset in Phuket

2 - Mother Nature in Bali

3 - Milky Way in Palau

4 - Blue Sky in Maldives

5 - Rio's Carnival

6 - Seychelles at Dusk

7 - Sandy Beach in Bahamas

8 - Hawaiian Hibiscus

9 - Neon in Miami

10 - Shores of Gold Coast

11 - Desert in Dubai

12 - Jamaican Cafe Time

I will be swatching this shades.

Before I start, I must say these tiny bottles surprised me with their full brushes which spread out easily over my nail surface, and apply beautifully and smoothly. There is a mixture of creamy, shimmery and glittery shades among these 5 shades, and they all apply equally smoothly.

11 Desert in Dubai

This is a metallic cool tone golden shade. It's very flattering on my skintone. No brush strokes despite the frosty shimmery formula.

Going to apply 10 Shores of Gold Coast on top...

It is a holographic glitter topcoat in a sheer golden base.

Perfect to layer over Desert of Dubai.

03 Milky Way in Palau

This, this this... is the PERFECT WHITE. Two coats, no streaks, it is so bright, so sharp, so cool that it just glows.

I need to find out if this comes in full sized, because I think I really need it.

(I have China Glaze white out, but it is like a warm white that reflects a little ivory..

but this is just pure pristine white, amazing, and I am in love with it)

08 Hawaiian Hibiscus

A coral red, this would be great for toes, and makes your skin looks like they have a healthy summer tan.

02 Mother Nature in Bali

This is a pale crispy green with subtle silvery shimmer.

I had to apply 3 coats for this shade, for maximum creaminess and opaqcity.

Love all these shades, and love that the quality of this mini bottles of nail polishes are so fantastic!

Hope these swatches have been helpful, and do check them out soon! :)

Thanks for looking!

Posted on August 24, 2012 at 11:39PM | Permalink | 0 Comments

Filed in: Nail Polish, Review, Swatches, Ettusais, ettusais summer 2012 nails, vacation nailpolish | Tagged with: nail polish, review, swatches, Ettusais, ettusais summer 2012 nails, vacation nailpolish

June 02, 2012

NEW Ettusais Oil Block Goodies & UV Aqua Splash

This summer, Ettusais releases 3 new products to battle the heat and keep us cool and pretty throughout the day.

Firstly, we have the Ettusais Aqua Splash UV SPF25 PA+++ [40ml, S$29]

This makes sunblock touch up possible - it is a sunscreen mist that is moisturising and helps to prevent shine, without messing up makeup.

There is no white cast to the mist, and it dries clear. There is no sticky afterfeel (and so true, because I have tested it on my face and hands).

This is due to new technology which is able to emulsify UV protection products into a clear liquid. The UV spray contains moisturising ingredients (hyaluronic acid, rosemary extract) and minerals (magnesium, postassium) to help prevent skin roughness caused by UV rays.

The spray can also be used as a makeup base, which will enhance the adhesion of foundation. It also blocks sebum, and prevents large pores - the chamomile extract gives an astringent effect and inhibits excess sebum production. Rosemary also prevent the festering of bacteria in the skin. The sebum balancing ingredient also prevent enlarged pores.

The spray also smells of a faint floral scent - relaxing effect, no icky sun-block smell at all.

The UV spray has a non-comedogenic formula, and is dermatologist tested, colorant free, gentle on the skin, and uses 100% purified water.

Next, we have the Ettusais oil block jelly - a limited edition release - it is a special jelly that keeps shine and pores hidden.

Ettusais Oil Block Jelly [15g S$27]

It blots away shine, and prevent the look of oily excess sebum with Vitamin B6, an astringent agent. It also blots away shine with Sebum Absorbing Powder. The oil block jelly also hides pores, with the light reflecting Pore Shadow Powder, and prevents large pores and acne with Loquant Leaf Extract. The oil block jelly is also acne friendly - because it is a gentle formulation, oil free, fragrance free, colorant free, and contains 100% refined water. It can be used before or after makeup. If you are using this as a touch up, blot the face with paper before applying.

And last but not least, we have the Ettusais Aqua Splash OB - which is an oil-blotting paper and astringent lotion in ONE product. It is a powder in mist that fixes fading makeup by blotting away oil and touching up with just a spritz.

Ettusais Aqua Splash OB [40ml, S$29]

This is a new and improved formula:

Micro powder for a finer makeup finish
Astringent Effect (rosemary extract) - also good for preventing the formation and reproduction of bacteria on the skin
Refreshing sensation and grapefruit scent
Prevents enlarged pores (Sebum Balancing Ingredient) - Glycylgycine - which blocks unsaturated fatty acids which is the cause of open pores

Shake the container well before use, to mix the powder into the mist.

I hope you find this sharing helpful. I will try to follow up with a review entry soon enough.

[Information extracted from press file, products were given to me for consideration]

Posted on June 02, 2012 at 10:32AM | Permalink | 1 Comment

Filed in: Ettusais, ob jelly, uv spray | Tagged with: Ettusais, ob jelly, uv spray

May 26, 2012

Ettusais 20th Anniversary Goodies

Hi!

Yesterday, I received the cutest package from Ettusais Singapore. The highlight must be the ducky cupcake, which many of you have seen on my instagram feed. I am not sure if it is edible yet...(the icing part smells vaguely like Play-Doh)... but anyway, it is so adorable, the little ducky which is Ettusais' signature cartoon figure.

There is also a bag of Ettusais goodies in the package, and I will review and/or feature them when I eventually get to try out the products.

The Ettusais story started in Tokyo in 1992, with the inspiration taken from poised and chic Parisian girls. The brand is noted for many of their makeup and skincare products, including favourite bestsellers as shown below:

1. Gentle Make Off Deep Cleansing Oil

Oil in water formula which effectively cleanses away makeup, no sticky after feel, and prevents acne

2. Peeling Milk [Exfoliating Milk]

Clay and plant-derived fiber help to exfoliate, unclog pores and remove impurities

3. Pore Care Lotion [Moisturiser for Pores]

Hydrate wiith a refreshing feeling, smoothen rough skin, prevent acnce

4. Lip Essence [Lip treatment]

Make lips a healthy pink by promoting blood circulation, moisturise with Jojoba oil, protect with SPF18 PA++

5. BB Mineral Cream [Multi-purpose foundation]

This is one of my all time fave bb cream!!

my review - http://retailtherapy.onsugar.com/Review-Ettusais-BB-Mineral-Cream-Powder-19188095

Makeup base, sunscreen, foundation and pore concealer all in one, Moisturise with Hyaluronic Acid

In addition to all these, the gentle make off deep cleansing oil is packaged with a pretty ribbon in a limited edition packaging.

Also from 04 May to 31 May 2012, your Ettusais purchase of $80nett will entitle you to a polka-dotted toiletry travel bag to fit all your beauty needs.

There are many more special promotions in conjunction with this special occasion, so do visit the following links

www.ettusais.sg

www.facebook.com.sg/ettusaissingapore

to find out more!

Hope this has been helpful, and thank you for reading. :)

Posted on May 26, 2012 at 1:52AM | Permalink | 2 Comments

Filed in: Ettusais, 20th anniversary | Tagged with: Ettusais, 20th anniversary

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Product Empties Part One: Cleansers & Skincare [May 2013]

Recent Favourite Combinations [Foundation, Makeup Removal & Hair!]

Ettusais Quick Fix Powder

Ettusais x SWATi Lip Essence

Stuff that I used up [Sept 2012]

Ettusais Foamy Rich Mousse [Photos & Demo]

Ettusais Reformulates Gel Top Coats [Swatches & A Step by Step Manicure]

Ettusais Summer 2012 Nails: A Tropical Paradise [Photos & Swatches]

NEW Ettusais Oil Block Goodies & UV Aqua Splash

Ettusais 20th Anniversary Goodies

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