Vanity Trove April 2013 Malaysia Edition: The Shower of Summer... What did I receive in the box? [SHOW and TELL, VIDEO]

(THERE WILL BE A VID UP SHORTLY >_< SORRY I HAVE SOME CODING ERROR WITH UPLOADING)


Hi peeps,

As you all know by now Vanity Trove as I affectionatly refer to as VT came on Malaysian shores in February. This month of April will be the 3rd Edition released.

But as a bonus, VT invited me to an exclusive party where I received my April VT XD I also got the chance to have tea and meet fellow bloggers! Hurrah! 

There's more! POSH! Sponsored a free express manicure for those who attended! Yay! 

My beautifully manicured nails!

Pretty ? (^_^) The colours are Lemonade - Orly (Yellow) and Neely - Zoya (Green - Pixie Dust Collection)  

The brand new ZOYA Pixie Dust Collection available at POSH!

So let's get on to business shall we? 

Now, for the month of April 2013 the theme for Vanity Trove Malaysia Edition is "The Shower of Summer" 

This time it's a mix of cosmetic, manicure and skin care! 

Now it looks like for this month there is no categories and VT has listed out the items that are being packed. The only exception is that you only receive one of the sample perfumes. 

• 1st Clarins

White Plus Total Luminescent - Intensive Brightening Serum, Anti-spot, antioxidant (5 samples **no content amount stated*)

RM 295 (30ml)

• 2nd Issey Miyake

L'eau D'issey - Florale 1ml/0.03 fl. oz

Fruity Fragrance - apples, pears with dashes of peony and sweet pea

RM 255 (50ml) / RM 350 (100ml)

• 3rd KATE Eye Shadow

 Shade: BR-3 (1.6g)

A shade than can go smoky or fresh for the summer

RM 49 (1.6g)

• 4th Perkins Nail Wrap

Used in lieu of nail polish! Good for a pair of hands.. Twice!

RM 39.90 (20 strips)

• 5th Oriks 

Gemstone Nano Platinum Aqua Watery Cream - Moisturizer that smoothens wrinkles, tighten pores and brightens complexion

RM 398 (50g)

• 6th Kiladoll

Licorice and Job's Tear Whitening Mask

Verdict, thoughts and my 2 cents...

So what do I say?? I'm happy!!! Super duper happy that this month's VT is much much better. The products are on theme, there is a good mixture of stuff to cater to everyone, e.g. nails, makeup as well as skin care and perfume. 

The sizes are pretty darn good in terms of mask, a full sized cosmetic, 1 box of nail wraps that contain 2 sets (wooot!), and two pricy skin care products! 

Will I be around to see what's in store for next month? Yes! Sign me up girls! (and boys). 

I will be trying out these products. As for last months VT I'm nearly done trying everything out. I was thinking in terms of doing a one off video to just talk about my experience with the products as oppose to having a full length editiorial blog. However the will be some pictures of me trying out said products.

So stay tuned! ~

Camera Ready Cosmetics (CRC) What is it? Cosmetic for MUA, Big names like Kett, Ben Nye, Mehron, etc

Please please please Thumbs up this video so that I may win this competition!

Winners of the 5 minute Giveaway Makeup challenge! [VIDEO AND GIVEAWAY]

Welcome! The winners of the giveaway are.... in the video XD 

Vanity Trove March 2013 Malaysia Edition: Temptress... What did I receive in the box? [SHOW and TELL, VIDEO]

Hi all,

I have something to let you guys know! Vanity Trove has come to Malaysia! Well it actually came to Malaysia last month in February 2013, but I only subscribe for it this month. I was so impressed with February's Trove that I wanted to subscribe to March 2013. You can check out what's in the February Malaysia Vanity Trove box HERE

Lo and behold, just as I was going to subscribe to it and guess what happened? VT sent me an email asking me if I wanted to review their box and the products it contain! @_@ I was like "wahhhhhh" this must be heaven sent. Not only that! They are giving me 2 month's worth of boxes to review. Which I now have to say bless you after checking out the VT March's box. (You'll understand why below)

As most of you know, I've subscribed to VT Singapore for 6 months last year and I have to say the initial boxes were fantastic.

Now on to the box, For the month of March 2013 the theme for Vanity Trove Malaysia Edition is "Temptress" 

Lets get on to "What did I receive in the box!" 

First I'd like to say that in terms of its outward appearance its exactly the same as the Singapore box.

A nice mix of items, cosmetics, and something for the face and body. 

1. Kanebo

• Lunasol Skin Fusing Powder Foundation with SPF 20 PA ++ in shade Y002 - 0.6g.... For the link click "here"

Retail: Casing only with sponge : RM 60
          Foundation Refill 10.4g : RM 140

• Lunasol Smoothing Makeup Base 2 pieces/ 1g each... For the link click "here"
• Kanebo voucher for 45 minutes makeup lesson or makeover

2. Timeless Truth

• TT Orchid Extract Replenising Mask (not the Whitening Mask featured) 

Retail: Per Piece : RM 10

• Voucher for 20% off for next purchase

3. Asian Potions

• Blooming Body Lotion (as least that's what I hope it is) no clue as to ml either

Retail: Per bottle of Lotion 250ml : RM 89

• Voucher for a 10% discount on a Full size Asion Potion Body Lotion or Designer Aromatherapy Candle.

4. Etre Belle

• Sensiplus Hydrasilk Gel Tonic - 2ml/0.68oz
• Sensiplus Hydrasilk Day and Night Cream - 5ml/0.17 oz

Retail: 

Sensiplus Hydrasilk Gel Tonic 140ml : RM 138
Sensiplus Hydrasilk Day and Night Cream 50ml : RM 188

5. Others ^_^

b.Liv by Cellnique

• Blackheads Sebum Gel (clear black and whiteheads in 14 days painlessly) sample 3ml/0.1oz

Bio-essense

• Bio-Energy Firm and Brighten Eye Cream SPF 15 - 3ml

Verdict, thoughts and my 2 cents...

Pros: The pros for this box is definitely the fact that it has a nice mixture of products. There is something for the face (facial care and cosmetics) and body. There are also some really good brands inside.

I also love the interactive site where you can vote for the things you like and build your own beauty profile. This is a form of survey of Vanity Trove to know what products the subscribers like and love. So when you get an account with Vanity Trove please make sure you build your beauty profile people.

Cons: I have found several cons with this box. First for the price of RM 60 it's too pricey for everything to just be samples that could possibly only last a week with the exception of the face mask. 

Second, the items in the box have nearly nothing in common with the theme "Temptress". I was expecting something in line with "Temptress" maybe a dark or scarlet lipstick or nail polish, or dramatic falsies, heck even eye shadows to create smoky looks. 

Third, while I do like the concept of their vouchers. I would have preferred that they gave us redeemable vouchers for things like foundation, base, BB cream etc. That way its a win-win for both the product company and us as we get the proper shade of product that's suitable for us, the subscribers. Instead of just discount vouchers that we might not use. 

Fouth, while I love love loveee the extra products that were given  that were not in the card, I'm at a loss at to how to use them or what they are. Example I love that I got a makeup base from Lunasol but I had to search for the website to be sure as to what it was and how to use it. For the link on the product click "here"

Lastly while I love the sample I received for Asian Potions, the sample bottle was not labelled as to whether the product was actually the one listed in the card.

Final thoughts...

To be frank, I am quite disappointed with the box especially after reading reviews of the February Edition. But I've seen great things from Vanity Trove and hope they do not disappoint with the April Edition which is "The Shower of Summer".

With that being said see you next time.

XOXO

5 Minute Makeup Challenge Between 2 Bloggers - Plus a Giveaway! [VIDEO, CHALLENGE & GIVEAWAY]

Hi all!

I've been away again for quite sometime. I have no excuse I know and for that I would like to say sorry.

If you're interested to know what happen and why I was away... it was due to life. First it was Chinese New Year and I got so busy cooking, and catching up with people. Later I fell sick, now I'm not sure if it was because I was pushing myself or I caught it from someone but I fell sick. I had flu, sore throat, cough, phlegm and fever. It sucked big time and the doctor told me everyone was having it. Like that would comfort me. (snort)

PS: Don't you guys hate it when you see the doctor and he/she ask "how are you doing?" or worse still "how are you feeling?" I mean duh! I'm sick! How do you think I'm feeling? 

That being said, I have a giveaway that ending on the 14th of March 2013 and I'm a bit sad that so few have entered this giveaway.

So... Please watch the video and enter the giveaway before it ends. 





What are we giving out for the giveaway? 


SET A of Giveaway
Urban Decay - Primer Potion 3.7ml/0.13oz
Benefit - That Gal 7.5ml/0.25oz

SET B of Giveaway
Kiehl's Lip Balm - Pear 0.5oz/15ml - Full size
OPI Mini - Kiss me on the tulips
Pure Beauty - Soothing BB Cream 30ml - Full size
Body Shop - Lip Gloss 12ml/0.4pz - Full Size


For the RULES of the GIVEAWAY

1) You need to subscribe to http://www.youtube.com/user/2beautychatter

2) You need to follow this blog. (The box to subscribe is on the right bar just scroll until you see it)

3) You need to follow the blog http://milliondollarbeauty.blogspot.com/

4) Vote in the "Comments Section" of the Youtube video (you can click on this link to get there) and state which giveaway set you want to win. Eg. "I vote for ...... and I want to win giveaway A"

6) Giveaway is only open to those that reside in Malaysia

The Giveaway Winner will Announced on 14th March 2013 via a Youtube video.

Etude House - Mascara Remover (One Shot Clean) [REVIEW]

ETUDE MASCARA REMOVER - One Shot Clean by Etude House (80ml)

This product is essentially similar to the Etude Eyes and Lips Makeup Remover. How? Well it comes in two parts the oil and the water. The only difference is that this oil substance is pink and this product is a little stronger and more effective towards removing strong waterproof or thick coatings of mascara. Like all other makeup removers of this kind you must shake the bottle well before use.

It also claims to be a one shot clean solution. 

The liquids separate when it's not used. 

Clear substance = Water

Pink substance = Liquid

Bottle well shaken. As you can see in the picture above its been well mixed.

PRICE:  RM 18.90 (on 26.6.11)

My Verdict:

Pros: It is much more effective than the Eyes and Lips Makeup Remover from Etude. It's also slightly cheaper than the other one though not be much. It's one of the more effective makeup remover with a low low price. It works well removing thick waterproof eyeliners and multiple coats of mascara on your eyes.

This product also removes makeup with minimal movement. a.k.a. you do not need to rub your eye area to remove the makeup; a simple blotting technique will work. (If you've read my blog you'd know that I'm against rubbing the skin near or surrounding the eye area as it causes premature wrinkles). 

Also there is minimal to no irritation on the eye. My eyes turns a bit red (hence the slight irritation)  using this but there is no burning sensation, tearing, swolen skin or lasting redness on the skin. The redness receeds pretty fast when I wash my face. 

(Ps: I have yet to FIND an eye makeup remover that does not turn my eyes just a tiny bit red when using it)

Packaging:  I love that the bottle looks simple and has clean lines. Its not overly made up which is in accordance with the price. The bottle also closes up tightly/securely. I've had no spills when it comes to travelling on ground and normal travelling. The liquid comes out through a dropper once you remove the cap.

It kind of streams out and doesn't require excessive shaking or squeezing for the product to come out of the bottle.

Cons: It is not a one shot clean in any sense. I still needed a 2nd swab of cotton pad or cotton bud to remove traces of makeup left on the water line and the areas close to the lash line even if you are not wearing waterproof make up.

Packaging: I've had an issue when you put this product in check-in luggage, it does leak out a bit. Not overly but you do notice it so its best that you put in a plastic sleeve before placing it in with the rest of your luggage.  


PS: I heard from Etude House staff that they are coming out with a new formulation for this so if I get a bottle I'll let you know. 

Keep an eye out, I will post up a tutorial on how to remove eye and lip makeup using the Eyes and Lips Makeup Remover from Etude as well as a comparative review.

Price List .. What I have so far.. [PRICE LIST]

Hi Everyone,

This is a list that I managed to put together so far both locally in Malaysia and overseas (I will list the country I bought it from)... its hard work going through all those receipts but here it is.

Be sure to check back from time to time as I do update this list when I find my receipts and purchase new items. 

PS: The dates are date/month/year
PSS: I have bought many more items but I'm not always diligent enough to keep all the receipts... (=3) sorry

FROM Sephora
Shiseido
Macquillage Finish Powder/ Translucent Powder RM 115.00 (5.7.11)

Sephora Brand
Mineral Loose Powder FDT Medium 25 RM 65 (5.7.11)
******

The Face Shop
Black Head Clay Nose Pack - RM 22.91 - bought it for RM 20.60 @ 10% off (27.12.12)


SASA Cosmetics
Bel Natural Cleansing Konjac - RM 8.90 - RM 7.12 @ 20% off (3.10.12)
VMO Konjac Face Washing - RM 12.90 - RM 10.97 @ 15% off (3.10.12)
*****

Melvita 
Nigella Oil RM 77.00 - RM 73.15 @ 5% off (24.11.12)
Argan Oil RM 111.00 - RM 105.45 @ 5% off (24.11.12)
Apricot Lip Balm RM 43.00 - RM 40.85 @ 5% off (24.11.12)

Guardian
Keratinology Shampoo - RM 17.50 (17.11.12)

Kiehls
Abyssine Eye Cream 14ml RM 130 (3.10.12)
Ultra Facial Oil - Free Gel Cream 50ml RM 100 (16.7.11)
Line Reducing Eye Bright Concentrate 15ml RM 160.00  (26.3.12)
Lip Balm Cranberry 15ml - RM 35.00  (26.3.12)
Lip Balm Pear 15ml - RM 35.00  (26.3.12)


MAC 
Penultimate Brow Marker (Marrilyn Collection) 1gm - RM 68 (3.10.12)
Matte Lipstick - Deeply Addictive 3gm - RM 75 (3.10.12)

CARING PHARMACY
Liese Bubble Hair Colour RM 37.80  (27.3.12)

Silky Girl Gel Eye Liner - RM 23.90

IN SINGAPORE - Loreal Lipstick SGD $ 19.90

INGLOT
AMC Cream Foundation MC100 - RM 86.00 (26.6.11)
Face Blush (Stand Alone) - RM 50.00 (26.6.11)
Freedom System Concealer Cream - RM 22.00 (26.6.11)
Freedom Shadow - RM 28.00 (26.6.11)
AMC Freedom Shadow - RM 28.00 (26.6.11)

LANCOME
UV Expert GN-Shield Make Up Base and Sunblock SPF 50 PA+++ 12/UV/High UVA PPD RM 175.00  (11.9.11)

ETUDE HOUSE
Lip and Eye Makeup Remover - RM 22.90 (26.6.11)
Mascara Remover Perfect - RM 18.90 (26.6.11)
Peach Body Lotion - RM 13.45 (26.6.11)

Bobby Brown 
Sparkle Eye Shadow RM 90 (18.1.13)
Brightening Finishing Powder RM 195 (18.1.13)
Brow Pencil RM 75 (18.1.13)
Tinted Eye Brightener RM 105 (18.1.13)
Retouching Powder RM 130 (18.1.13)
Limited Edition Caviar and Oyster Palette RM 285 (23.12.12)
Brightening Lip Gloss RM 85 (23.12.12)
Dual Ended-Mascara RM 95 (23.12.12)
High Shimmer Lip Gloss RM RM 85 (23.12.12)
Shimmer Nail Polish RM 65 (23.12.12)
Sheer Lip Color RM 85 (9.5.12)

PS: This is only a guide and should not be  taken as the undeniable truth.