Winter is here!

LIFE is finally back on track and winter is here!

This is my 4th winter since we bought our one way ticket from Singapore to Auckland. Slowly but surely, Auckland has become a home for me - although Singapore always hold a special place in my heart. 

Days ago, I miss my Singapore life badly. I felt that my life in Singapore was a kind of life that I always wanted. Vibrant. Quick pace. Advance. It was a good one. But then, I took a step back and look around here, I feel happy. I feel that I am blessed to be in a place where I can get 1 year maternity leave to be with my baby and still get paid from the government. I feel that there must be a reason we are here today, and I choose to embrace that.

Anyway, just want to say hi again after a long break from this blog. 

These photos was from previous winter :)

I never got a chance to post them and I got a lot of question on how to get this makeup done.

Honestly, this was a quick makeup done at very odd hour because I couldn't sleep. 

Am glad it turned out alright.

I can't remember the products I use, but hey..I will be posting more makeup stuff more frequent in my IG (@eldiona) - let's get in touch, there.

Beauty Post - Chosungah 22

After spending more than 8 years in Singapore, I feel like I'm being pampered to the max in terms of convenience, technology, transport and of course shopping options. It keep up with new launches pretty fast and for me as beauty addict - it means getting access to new brand in pretty quick waiting time. Unfortunately for me now - and "thank God" for my husband, I don't have access to all shopping heaven here in New Zealand. Zara and H&M just launched a year or so ago, No Sephora in town, I repeat - NO sephora in town! Arrrggghhhh...beauty lover, can you imagine not going to Sephora for 2 years? It's drying you out, aye? 

But thank goodness, God bless you - Mecca Maxima - it's now open in Queen street :D

I finally have access to my world, the world of beauty and all shades of everything you can slap on the face. LOL!

I picked this C&T Blend fresh mix by Chosungah 22. The makeup artist from Korea finally making this line and giving us a chance to have the dewy korean look that I've been ooohhh and aaahhhh-ing whenever I watch K-drama.

First impression:

Oh shit, they only have 4 colours - after a test and trial, my skin tone is on their Ivory shade. phiuff, good to know that I have matching shade, because you don't want to look ermm, weird, with different skin tone between the face and your neck, right?

The packaging is flawless. Compact and quite edgy with chrome looking all over.

The pump is quite ergonomic I would say. It's right where your thumb is when you tilt the bottle upside down to get the product out. Although it claim to be use directly from the bottle to the face, I find it turn out quite patchy on my face. So I prefer to use my BB cushion sponge or brush as applicator.

I will create makeup tutorial using this product but I personally think this product is awesome for my dry skin with Auckland spring dry climate as of now.  It could be too moist for oily skin and definitely not humid climate friendly. I'm going to test this in summer when the humidity tends to be more humid than now. 

I love the coverage on this C&T Blend fresh mix. You can build them up of wear it light in just one layer. Will prepare my makeup tutorial soon, stay tuned!

Cheap Oval Brush - Does it works?

Another long overdue post!

It's a beauty post time and I think you might wants to know if the cheap oval brush that you can buy in Amazon for like $10+ for the whole set, works?

This is my before basic makeup.

I wore contact lenses, faux lashes and eyeliner to save some time in testing the brush.

This is my after..

..and this is the kind of cheap oval brush I use..watch the video and let know what do you think of this cheap oval brush. Do you think it works?

Hikoco - Your K-beauty Webstore!

Hello guys! I'm finally back with beauty stuff!

This post gonna be quick, coz I just want to share my mini haul with Hikoco. I've been looking for a good online shop that sells authentic Korean makeup and skincare. After a thorough browse, I found Hikoco and this online shop based in Auckland, New Zealand. I found other beauty blogger reviewing this shop as slightly more expensive compare to other online shop, probably yes, they are right - I didn't check the price on that. As for me, I like how they work. I like the shopping experience with constant promo code, QUICK delivery, and authentic products. That's it for me. When online shop have those, I am buying. 

I won't be reviewing the website interface or sort of stuff, because if a tech dummy like me can buy from this website, means idiot proof. :D

I bought pretty broad range of skincare and make up, and guess what - they have those. 

NEOGEN

Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Wine

30 GENTLE EXFOLIATING PADS THAT OFFER ALL THE BENEFITS OF CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL EXFOLIATING IN ONE.

My take: I LOVE on how the whole packaging works. This is pretty much like fully dip cotton pad in beautiful wine smell, and seriously the scents is gorgeous. Sweet like a grape juice. There you go.

- Buy now at Hikoco -

SU;M37

Water-full Timeless Moisturizing Cream

FERMENTED BAMBOO SAP AND FERMENTED FRUIT EXTRACTS MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN FOR A LONG TIME AND PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM DRYNESS, MAINTAING THE BEST CONDITION FOR YOUR SKIN.

My take: I run out of my SK-II - and I give this product a go. 

It won't give you the radiant look like SK-II though, but it works wonder for hydration.

Like, amazingly wonderful for dry skin.

- Buy now at Hikoco - 

SU;M37

Water-full Skin Refresher

THIS TONER CONTAINS AN AMPLE AMOUNT OF FERMENTED BAMBOO SAP, WHICH IS ABSORDED INSTANTLY, CALMS DOWN AND MOISTURIZES YOUR SKIN.

My take: Therapeutic scent that absorb instantly and ample up my skin so well.

- Buy now at Hikoco -

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL

Egg Mousse Soap

A WHIPPED EGG WHITE MOUSSE CLEANSER INFUSED WITH EGG YOLK EXTRACT THAT GENTLY HYDRATES, PURIFIES, AND REPLENISHES YOUR SKIN.

My take: This product gives me a clean feel and a healthy glow after every cleanse. But I don't really enjoy the tightness feel afterwards. 

- Buy now at Hikoco -

L’AFFAIR

Aqua 3-Step Skin Renewal Mask [10 Masks]

L’AFFAIR AQUA 3-STEP SKIN RENEWAL MASK COMBINES FACIAL FOAMING CLEANSER, HIGH FUNCTIONAL AMPOULE AND SKIN RENEWAL MASK.

My take:  Buy this! Just buy this. 

If you want to dewy Korean skin the next morning, use this mask.

It comes with generous ampoule and lotsa moisturising liquid in the mask.

- Buy now at Hikoco -

CLIO

Kill Black Waterproof Brush Liner [Black]

I have done a full review in this post, go have a look - and clearly you know why I re-purchase. :D

- Buy now at Hikoco -

CLIO

Kill Cover Liquid Founwear Ampoule Cushion 

I have yet to try this one, but I read tons of good review about this BB cushion and can't wait to try it!

I'll let ya know what I feel about this product soon! Currently finishing my Laneige BB cushion. :)

- Buy now at Hikoco -

And oh, every purchase come with free samples and free delivery for above $50. Take a look of the generous samples I got on top of my purchased products. Am overall very satisfied on my purchase with Hikoco, and definitely will buy again from this webstore.

"Till next time!

Chacott flagship is open in Mandarin Gallery!

Singapore’s retail scene is set to excite as we welcome the opening of the first SouthEast Asian flagship store for Chacott and Freed of London in the well-placed Mandarin Gallery located within the bustling shopping hub of Singapore, Orchard Road.

 Chacott and Freed of London are two of the most esteemed labels in the ballet world. Both labels have a rich history of producing some of the best handcrafted pointe shoes adorned by the top ballet dancers around the globe, making the two labels the go-to brands for professional ballet needs.

Signifying its enormous global reputation, the brands are represented by strong Dance Ambassadors and major ballet troupes that support the art in Japan, Switzerland and Unites States of America, including the prestigious Singapore Dance Theatre. Chacott Freed of London can be said to represent a quality lifestyle and inspiration of the ballet world.

As a dancer myself - or should i say " retired dancer " , to be in this shop is really bring the whole memories back. It reminded me with my old days where all i think about is to pass my RAD exam or get another new pair of toe shoes :)

With Chacott professional and Freed of London together in one place, I would say it's really the one stop shopping for dancer and yoga enthusiast.

Apart from that Chacott is proud to present its professional stage makeup range, Chacott For Professionals. Chacott For Professionals took inspiration from and was originally created for the needs of the ballet stage. Today, Chacott For Professionals range has now found fans in stage performers, celebrities and professional makeup artists.

Take a look on how gorgeous the range are:

Also, I did some video preview of the collection :)

Do take a look!