Product Review: Benefit The POREfessional

Hello again, everyone!

If you're considering buying this product, I'd suggest reading my review first.

Jar Packaging: No
Tested on Animals: Yes
Price: RM 40.00 (7.5 ml), RM 115.00 (22 ml), RM 210.00 (44 ml)

Claims

Quickly minimise the appearance of pores! Apply this silky, lightweight balm for translucent pore coverage and smoother-than-smooth skin. Pores...now you see 'em, now you don't! Complements all skin tones.

Ingredients

Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Fragrance (Parfum), Mica, Iron Oxides, Trethoxycaprylylsilane, BHT

How To Use

1. Cleanse your face and apply facial moisturiser.

2. Apply The POREfessional.

3. Reapply as needed.

Lil' Missy's Review

It's highly recommended to apply The POREfessional after your facial moisturiser to hide enlarged pores and give your skin a smoother and matte appearance. Note the word "hide".

The texture is a little creamy, and it goes on dry and silky. Upon application, it's shine free, but if you have stubborn oily skin, you'll definitely need to keep reapplying the product as it doesn't hold back shine for long.

If you're looking to hide your large pores for nights out or events, then you would want to consider this product. It will do the job for a few to several hours (with reapplication).

I've discovered that the best way to use this is to apply a bit first, then blend it well. If you need more coverage, apply more. Also, let it set into your skin for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then apply powder by gently pressing it into your skin (as opposed to using sweeping strokes).

The ability to minimise pore size is highly overstated. I may not repurchase this product as the effects are superficial; there are no skin-care properties that actually help to reduce enlarged pores.

Do I like this product? Ehhh... it's not bad. 

Would I recommend it? No. Not unless you want a temporary measure to hide enlarged pores.

Pros

• Temporarily reduces the appearance of enlarged pores.
• Upon application, skin feels and looks shine free, silky, and smooth.

Cons

• Expensive.
• Effects are only superficial; doesn't actually help to reduce enlarged pores.
• Provides temporary silky, smooth, and shine-free skin.
• Not fragrance free. Has a bit of an intense fragrance.

Skin-Care Tip

Using the right moisturiser makes a big difference because if you have enlarged pores and oily skin, applying most traditional moisturisers will almost definitely exaggerate both skin concerns.

If you have oily skin and large pores, I'd recommend using a lightweight, gel-type moisturiser for smoothing your skin without a creamy or slick finish.

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I hope this review helps you, especially if you're considering purchasing this product. I'm certain that the skin-care tip would definitely help you!

Until my next update soon... :) xoxo

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

Product Review: NYX Eye Shadow Base

It's a brand new week, my lovelies!

The best way to ensure your eye make up stays on longer throughout the day/night is to apply an eyeshadow base first.

I've been using NYX Eye Shadow Base (just in case you aren't already aware, the correct way to pronounce the brand is by saying the letters N-Y-X, and not 'nicks').

NYX Eye Shadow Base in Skin Tone shade ESB03

Jar Packaging: Yes
Tested on Animals: No
Price: RM 30.00 (6 g/0.21 oz.) - the price and quantity are the same for all shades

Ingredients

White (ESB01)
Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Mineral Oil / Paraffinum Liquidum / Huile Minérale, Ceresin, Isododecane, Isobutylmethacrylate , Bis-Hydroxypropyl Dimethicone Acrylate Copolymer, Isopropyl Isostearate, Petrolatum, Phenyl Trimethicone, Microcrystalline Wax/ Cera Microcristallina / Cire Microcristalline, Aluminium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Silica, Beeswax / Cera Alba / Cire d'Abeille, Phenoxyethanol. 
*May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ultramarines (CI 77007)

White Pearl (ESB02)
Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Mineral Oil / Paraffinum Liquidum / Huile Minérale, Ceresin, Isododecane, Isobutylmethacrylate, Bis-Hydroxypropyl Dimethicone Acrylate Copolymer, Isopropyl Isostearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Petrolatum, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Silica, Mycrocrystalline Wax, Beeswax / Cera Alba / Cire d'abeille, Phenoxyethanol. 
*May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Manganese Violet (CI 77742)

Skin Tone (ESB03)
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax / Candelilla Cera / Cire de Candelilla, Isododecane, Isobutylmethacrylate,Bis-Hydroxypropyl Dimethicone Acrylate Copolymer, Isopropyl Isostearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Petrolatum, Microcrystalline Wax / Cera Microcristallina / Cire Microcristalline, Silica, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax / Cera Carnauba / Cire de Carnauba, Beeswax / Cera Alba / Cire d'abeille, Phenoxyethanol.
*May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77492, 77491, 77499)

How To Use

1. Cleanse your face and apply facial moisturiser.

2. Apply foundation (if you use one).

3. Apply NYX Eye Shadow Base all over eyelids and blend well.

4. Apply eyeshadows.

Lil' Missy's Review

NYX Eye Shadow Base is packaged in a small plastic jar and can be purchased from all Sephora outlets. It's available in 3 shades:

• White (ESB01)
• White Pearl (ESB02) - glittery white
• Skin Tone (ESB03) - warm beige

Photo Credit - http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/
Photo Editing - WMM

Each shade intensifies eyeshadows in different ways, but I'd recommend avoiding the White Pearl shade because the glitter particles flake and could end up travelling to other areas of your face. 

I chose mine in the Skin Tone shade, ESB03, because I wanted a more natural base for my eyeshadows. This cream eyeshadow base sets to an almost-powdery feel that enhances eyeshadow and eyeliner application. 

I use my finger to pick up the product from the jar. The consistency is such whereby when you pick it up, you won't get a blob of it on your finger. This is great because if you need more of the product, simply apply more. Rather than picking up and applying too much, then wiping the excess off.

Although it blends down to a matte finish, it still has enough staying power to intensify the colour of whatever eyeshadow you apply over it. The formula helps eye makeup stay in place and prevents creasing, but those of you with oily eyelids may still experience some creasing by the end of the day.

All in all, this is a pretty decent and affordable eyeshadow base. If you have dry skin, make sure your eyelids are moisturised well before applying the product.

Skin Tone ESB03 Shade on The Back of My Hand

Pros

• Affordable.
• Easily purchased from all Sephora outlets.
• Available in 3 shades: White, White Pearl, and Skin Tone.
• Helps eye make up stay put and resist creasing.
• Intensifies eyeshadow colour.
• Intensifies eyeliner colour.
• Easy to apply.

Cons

• Those with oily eyelids may experience creasing.
• The ultra-glittery White Pearl shade tends to flake.

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Until my next update soon... stay beautiful inside out! :) xoxo

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

Nails for The Week: Blue Skies

Hello, hello, everyone!!

It has been quite some time since I published a Blog post on nails, so I thought I'd start this regularly again.

When you lead a busy lifestyle, sometimes the best colours are the simplest and most convenient. Especially when you paint your own nails like I do!

This week I'm showcasing a gorgeous blue. Check out Blue Skies!

Products Used

Sally Hansen Double Duty Strengthening Base & Top Coat

Elianto Nail Polish in S05

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This nail polish applies easily and dries pretty fast. It's sold at all Elianto outlets. I bought this during a recent sale for only RM 6.00 (14 ml)!! I must admit that it was such a good steal!

I'd love to have a collection of O.P.I nail polishes, but each bottle costs about RM 60.00. That's pricey for just one bottle. 

So, ladies, splash your favourite nail polish on for instant, bright nails! With two coats of this gorgeous blue, I did mine in about 30 minutes in total. ;) 

Until my next update... Stay beautiful! xoxo

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

Product Review: GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment

Hello, my beautiful friends!

Thanks to The Butterfly Project, I'm one of the 50 selected Beauty Bloggers who's been given the opportunity to be amongst the first ones try out the travel size (15 g) GlamGlow YOUTHMUD™ Tinglexfoliate Treatment. I was told that this travel size could be used up to 3 times or more.  

This product is claimed to be THE secret of Hollywood celebrities for immediate camera-ready instant glowing skin. Being an avid skin-care enthusiast, NATURALLY, I was VERY excited to try it out!!

Sorry! The words were already smudged when I collected my sample.

Brace yourself for a lengthy review (and some seriously sexy photos of me without make up). I figured that since the product is said to be amazing - and comes with a hefty price tag - I'm going to ensure that I give you a more thorough write up.

Ready? Let's begin!

Jar Packaging: Yes
Tested on Animals: Yes
Price: RM 240.00 (50 g/1.7 fl.oz.)

Description

Designed as a 10-minute professional "facial in a jar" for behind-the-scenes use in Hollywood’s Entertainment, Music, Fashion, and Award industries, YOUTHMUD™ provides immediate camera-ready glowing skin. NEW Patented TEAOXI® technology with real Green Tea Leaf is the "magic" behind our powerful anti-aging and anti-wrinkle results, delivering fresh antioxidants directly into the mud to hydrate, balance oil production, and fight free radical damage. 

French Sea Clay works to detoxify and awaken the skin by drawing out impurities, while Ivy helps tone, tighten and lift the skin. Revitalise dull, dry skin with Volcanic Rock multi-level surface exfoliation and experience smoother, brighter, softer skin. 

Get your Youthful Sexy Glow back in just 10 minutes.

Claims

• Leaves skin noticeably radiant and glowing.
• Activates moisturising collagen synthesis.
• Provides gentle resurfacing exfoliation.
• Helps to leave skin smoother, brighter, and softer.
• Provides tighter skin texture and tighter pores.
• Helps to provide a more youthful appearance.
• Absorbs impurities without removing natural oils.
• Helps to protect against free radical damage.

Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Montmorillonite (Volcanic Minerals), Kaolin (French Sea Clay), Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (Purified Clay), Polyethylene, Pumice (Micro Volcanic Rock), Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea Leaf), Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract (Green Tea), Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract (Chamomile), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract (Marigold), Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract (Cucumber), Hedara Helix Extract (Ivy), Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract (Comfrey Herb), Lavandula Hybrida Oil (Lavender), Glycerin (Vegetable), Parfum, [Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool], Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone

Technology

TEAOXI™ GREEN TEA LEAF
Groundbreaking patent pending TEAOXI™ is GLAMGLOW’s proprietary continuous time-release technology, delivering daily fresh Super-Squalene, EGCG Super-Antioxidants and Polyphenols direct into the mud from the real pieces of tea leaf contained in our mask. TEAOXI™ is the "magic" behind our powerful anti-aging and anti wrinkle results.

How To Use

Apply a thin layer to clean face. Expect a tingle-tastic tightening effect in 10 minutes or less. Remove mask with water in circular motions to exfoliate. Use twice a week or as often as desired.

Lil’ Missy’s Review

I've read so many raving, positive reviews about this product prior to trying it out on my own. Obviously, I couldn't contain my excitement and had to try it as soon as I could!

First and foremost, let me clarify that even though I've been selected to review this product, it doesn't affect my opinion. As always, I give you my honest, personal feedback on products.

With that said, let's put the product to the test! 

To prepare my skin for this product, I did not apply a scrub or mask to my face for a week. I had dead skin cells comfortably planted all over my face, rough bumps on my nose, and more whiteheads and blackheads than usual. Yuck! A whole week! Good God, my skin felt icky to say the least - this is the longest I've ever gone without using a facial scrub or mask. This product had better be GOOD!

So the process begins. I cleansed my skin with my regular facial cleanser.

Face cleansed and ready for mask application.

Then, I applied the mask on my face using my fingers, avoiding the eye area. The texture is slightly thick, though it spread pretty well over my skin so I didn't have to use much. I like that there's a mild fragrance that isn't over powering. To me, it smells like a mildly-scented clay mask. Duh.. it is a clay mask, after all. :p

Mask applied on my face.
There are actual green tea leaves in the mask!
How cool is that?

And now I wait. Close to 5 minutes after applying the mask, my skin definitely felt tight as the mask was drying. I could barely smile and speak properly. I did not feel a tingly sensation, though my skin did feel cool. It's a cool sensation; there's no burning or tingly sensation. It was such a delight to have my face feel this, especially with our crazy warm and humid weather!

Areas with the darker shade indicate the mask hasn't fully dried yet;
areas with the lighter shade show that it has. 

10 minutes are up, and it's time to wash my face! I know it's time to wash my face because the mask had dried to a light grey colour.

The mask has dried and it's time to wash my face!
Pretty, right? :p

I was pleasantly surprised to feel tiny granules that did a wonderful job of exfoliating my skin as I gently washed off the mask in circular motions. You don't really feel the granules as you're applying the mask, but you definitely feel them as you're washing the mask off. What I also like about this mask is that the granules are fine and are not harsh on your skin - just make sure you gently exfoliate like how you would with a regular facial scrub.

The black bits are the tiny granules that exfoliate wonderfully.

After washing off the mask, my skin immediately felt super clean, taut, and VERY smooth. My skin felt like porcelain! It did not feel tight and dry like with some masks I've used in the past. There were no rough bumps on my nose, and my pores appeared smaller. Also, my skin looked fresh and bright. I love this product already!

I washed off the mask and my face is noticeably brighter!
Woohoo!!

Sounds too good to be true? Stay with me.. there's a bit more.

That was not the end of the process for me, though. Being the skeptic that I am, I used a pore strip to see just how effective this mask is for removing blackheads and whiteheads. ;)

I waited about 15 minutes, then removed the pore strip. The pore strip had only several small whiteheads attached to it. All in all, the mask did a great job of removing the blackheads and whiteheads on my nose considering I haven't cleansed my face thoroughly for a week! Hah, be gone nasty buggers!

I was impressed. This mask makes no make-up day a very happy day! Freaking amazing stuff!

Barely any whiteheads on the pore strip. A-m-a-z-i-n-g!
Lil' Missy Test: Pass!

I managed to use the travel-size sample 4 times in total, and the results were the same each time - it's great that the results are consistent. I'd definitely recommend this product if you can afford it!

I've done a lot of research on the usage of this mask and discovered that you can use it in 2 ways:

1. As a face mask, or
2. As a spot treatment. If have a pimple on your face, simply apply a tiny bit of the mask directly onto the spot, wait 10 minutes, then gently wash it off.

Also, many people have said that if you use the product as a face mask, you can use the entire jar up to 17 times. 

For more visual representation, here's a "before" and "after" shot of my face:

Pros

• Recommended for both men and women.
• Recommended for ALL skin types.
• Can be used as a face mask AND for treating spots/pimples.
• Skin feels super clean, taut, and very smooth. 
• Skin does not feel tight and dry after washing it off.
• Exfoliates the skin very well to remove rough bumps.
• Pores appear smaller. 
• Skin looks fresh and bright.
• You don't need to apply a lot of the product on your face for each use.
• Now available at Sephora outlets in Malaysia.

Cons

• Very expensive.
• Not fragrance free.

Annnnnddddd.... I also made a video of my review, so you can watch me in action. Check it out! :D

If you can't view the video above, click this link.

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I hope you find my review helpful, and hope you enjoyed my super sexy photos and video! ;)

This is a product definitely worth checking out. Visit Sephora for your own mask today!

For more details, click these links:

Sephora Malaysia on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SephoraMalaysia

Glamglow on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GlamGlowMud

GlamGlow - http://www.glamglowmud.com

Be good, stay true to yourself, and be the most beautiful version of yourself! :) xoxo

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~

Product Review: Nivea In-Shower Skin Conditioner

Hello again, my beautiful friends!

Are you usually short of time to moisturise your body? Do you have dry skin, but live a hectic lifestyle that doesn’t leave you time to nourish your skin?

Maybe you’re a busy mum, who’s constantly juggling tasks and you simply don’t have the time or energy to keep your skin moisturised?

Say goodbye to the days of waiting for your skin to absorb body lotion or cream after showering. With Nivea In-Shower Skin Conditioner, you can now moisturise your body before you even get out of the shower!

Jar Packaging: No
Tested on Animals: No
Price: RM 12.50 (250 ml), RM 22.90 (400 ml)

Claims

NIVEA In-Shower Skin Conditioner is the convenient new way for silky, soft water-like looking skin everyday. 

It is activated by water and immediately absorb into the skin. It leaves a nourishing and caring film on the skin surface without a sticky feeling.

Ingredients

Aqua, Cera Microcristallina, Paraffinum Liquidum, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Stearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Parfum, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Sodium Carbomer, Sodium Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral

How To Use

1. Use your shower gel and rinse off.

2. Apply product while still in the shower.

3. Rinse off.

4. Dry yourself, get dressed, and go!

Lil' Missy's Review

As advertised, Nivea In-Shower Skin Conditioner is possibly THE most convenient way to moisturise your body.

The thick, creamy texture is almost instantly absorbed into the skin, leaving a nourishing coating on the skin's surface to give your skin the moisture it needs. 

This product is used just like how you'd use a shower gel or bathing soap. 

For example, I soap myself and rinse off. Then, I slather the product all over my body and immediately rinse it off while brushing my teeth. Multitasking at its best, y'all! No need to rub or massage it into the skin! No waiting time required! Brilliant product, this is!

It feels like you're using a creamy lotion while you're in the shower - minus all the fuss.

If that's not enough to convince you, here’s one more reason you should get your bottle today: there is no greasy after-feeling, so you can slip into your clothes immediately after drying from a shower, and continue with your day! Bravo, Nivea! You've outdone yourself! :D

This product is available for either:

• Normal To Dry Skin (with Sea Minerals), or
• Very Dry Skin (with nourishing Almond Oil)

It can be purchased at Guardian, Watson’s, Caring Pharmacy, hypermarkets, and some smaller convenience shops.

I really like the fact that it feels like a body lotion without the fuss of rubbing it in and waiting for it to absorb into the skin. I use this twice a day, and a large bottle (400 ml) lasts me close to 2 months with daily use. To give you a better idea, the amount I use is equivalent to the size of our classic Malaysian silver 50-cent coin.

If you haven't tried this yet, you need to. I've repurchased this a number of times already. I hope Nivea never stops reproducing it!

Top - product on the back of my hand
Bottom - product spread on the back of my hand

Pros

• Affordable.
• Easily purchased from Guardian, Watson’s, Caring Pharmacy, hypermarkets, and some smaller convenience shops.
• Easy to apply.
• No need to rub it into the skin.
• No waiting time.
• No greasy after-feeling.
• Keeps your skin moisturised.

Con

• For those of you constantly in cold environments or climates, you'll also need to apply a rich body butter/cream to ensure your skin's moisturised. Think of it as double protection to nourish your skin.

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Until my next update soon... stay beautiful inside out! :) xoxo

Signing off...

~ Lil' Missy ~