The basics in beauty such as facial cotton and cotton tips are never a topic or rather not spoken at all because it was often forgotten. Yes the products are the star of a show but I also believe the tools are equally important as well. I always stock up on facial cottons and makeup cotton tips whenever I see a deal at Guardian. Why Guardian? Because they happen to carry all three of my most used and favourite tool of all time! And no, this post is not sponsored by Guardian by the way LOL.

We often thought that in-house brands are not the best and so we like to avoid buying them and go for a more known brand instead. This is true to an extend and I do prefer to go for known brand most of the time, however I find it to be a different story when it comes to these facial cotton and cotton tips.

Soft & Care Ultra Soft Facial Cotton (RM9.88 / 3 x 226 pcs)

I have been through so many types and brands of facial cotton. My favourite is still the cotton rounds from The Body Shop but since I go through a lot of facial cotton in a day, the price is not feasible for long run. I used to stock them up when they are on sale and recently I don’t see them on sale as cheap as before. Then I bought the Guardian Soft & Care Ultra Soft Facial Cotton and immediately found a new love. These are 100% pure cotton that are dense enough for makeup removal or toner application, and not too harsh or hard for the delicate skin. It doesn’t have a non-woven outer layer which tend to slide off the face and peel off during usage, which I am so glad about. It looks like the old time Premier facial cotton, only denser. So if you like that you will LOVE this as it doesn’t break into pieces on the face

Make-Up Cotton Tips (RM6.13 / 100s)

Now, this Guardian Make-Up Cotton Tips I have a box of them that could last me for a few more years! Same as facial cotton, I go through several brands before settling for one that I like. Which is this one from Guardian. I discovered this accidentally as I ran out of make-up cotton tips and I was at Guardian. I bought a tub home to try and went back for more, and bought even more when I saw them on sale. Can’t remember how cheap but it was really cheap. I think it was two tub for a special price. I know make-up cotton tips are almost similar everywhere but what I like about this particular one is that the round end/tip has ridges on it so it doesn’t break easily after several use. Therefore it is highly durable. If you’ve go through make-up cotton tips as much as I do, you will know what I mean. I use this for everything especially during makeup application to clean up smudges or any mistake I make.

Children Cotton Tips (RM6.55 / 200s)

I never thought of using a smaller cotton tips as my make-up cotton tips until I saw Youtuber Estee Lalonde talking about it. I think she was using the Muji one and even mention that Daiso has it too. Since I am not one that will purposely drive to Muji as it’s only at certain mall, I though Daiso would be a better option. But before I even go to Daiso, I saw this Children Cotton Tips at Guardian. And the price is cheaper than Daiso. I don’t have much expectation for these children cotton tips but surprisingly these are good! In fact I like these much more than the regular Make-Up Cotton Tips. It is smaller so it gets into nook and cranny more precise without messing the makeup more than it should. It cleans up makeup mistake much better too thanks to the smaller tip. I like this especially to clean my eyebrow pencil at the end of the brow to give the brow a sharp tip. It clean the under brow much better and precise too. I have somewhat a box of these too thanks to Guardian sale last year . Is it necessary to use this if you are already using a make-up cotton tips? No. I rotate between both since I have so many tubs of both type and use whichever I feel like that day.

Do you have a favourite facial cotton brand and type? Which one do you think I should check out?

The post Facial Cotton, Cotton Tips and What Not appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Unicorn, holo, rainbow, iridescent. These are what beauty enthusiasts are obsessed with from the recent trend. I think the key word is unique. Anything that is not the ordinary sells like hot cake. Then came the obsession with anything unicorn. And the Unicorn Brushes were launch and people go nuts!

The original Unicorn Brushes are not cheap and it is based on pre-order. Is there even such thing as the “original”? I don’t know. It’s the first to launch, it has better aesthetic look to it such as iridescent handle, evenly-made unicorn rainbow bristles and a unicorn brush pouch. I didn’t jump onto the unicorn brush bandwagon the minute it was out. I learnt through all the years of being a beauty enthusiast that some things are best to wait. And I was right this time. Unicorn Brushes are sold at RM90 per set of 5 or 10 on average, depending on the seller. Thanks to some shopping vouchers I obtained from some event, I had to browse through an online shopping portal that I discovered Unicorn Brushes selling for just RM11 per set of 5 or add RM4 to upgrade to a set of 10. But of course all the 10 pieces were sold out and I had to settle with a 5-piece set. I bought two different 5-piece set as I had to maximize my shipping fee. I got them weeks later and I hated them. Then I browse through the site again only to discovered the same seller changed the price to RM11 for a set of 10 pieces. This time I was determined to get another set but in plain white bristles. I got them weeks later again as seller informed me that it was sold out. When I got them, I was so happy with it. The plain white bristles with pastel purple handles are way better looking than the colorful bristles. Here are 5 Things You Need to Know About Unicorn Brushes.

1. They’re Light

These brushes are no doubt made in China. They are synthetic brushes with plastic handles. Despite some of the face brushes had a longer and fluffier bristles, overall they are light. The lightest brushes I own. It feels rather weird on hand especially when using it to do makeup as it is awfully light weight.

2. Plasticky Handle

The unicorn swirl handles are made with light, flimsy plastic material. It feels plasticky, it looks plasticky. It’s pretty alright. However, the workmanship surprised me the most. It is not badly made overall. Not even any glue were popping out of the sides of the metal ferrules. In fact these are quite well-made despite being a mass production and cheap product. Quite a neat job I say. Because the bottom are so light and the top bristles are much more heavier, it doesn’t sit well in brush container. It tends to tumble down if not placed properly. I think the handles are way too long. Sometimes it can get very inconvenient, hitting the mirror in front of me constantly. I am constantly worrying that I might snap the handles in two as they are so flimsy!

3. Easy to Blend

I notice that all of the bigger brushes especially the face brushes has wavy bristles. These brushes are made with synthetic taklon-like material so that they are soft but these type of material also makes the bristles to be “slippery”. Understandably it is harder for the bristles to grab products and this will pisses off users. So wavy bristles are used for better grip. I was surprised the manufacturer thought this through. Or do they? Is it just my thoughts? Maybe. Putting that aside, I absolutely love the eye brushes. The blending brush blends transition shade on the crease so effortlessly. I was shocked. One thing you have to bear in mind is that you are not paying hundreds so the least expectation the better.

4. No Discolouration During Washing

I was so curious to see if the color dye will comes off from the colorful bristles and so I washed these brushes several times and nope. There were no discolouration coming off from the brushes. I even run the brushes over a white towel to double confirm. Not bad.

5. Dry Fast

I also tested to see if these brushes dry fast. Compared to Sigma or Zoeva, these definitely dry faster even under fan condition. And they are so easy to clean and wash. It doesn’t stain the white bristles but that said, I haven’t left it unattended long enough. It may be a different case based on the product used with and based on how frequent you deep wash your brushes. I’m not too worried as this type of bristles are basically easier to wash through.

There you have it! My 5 Things You Need to Know About Unicorn Brushes. These are the basics you need to know if you have been wanting to get these Unicorn Brushes. Are they a good buy? I paid RM11 for a set so I have to say yes it is, as my spare brushes. I have no complain on them. I use a lot of brushes everyday so these would be good as rotation brushes so that I don’t run out of clean brushes before the next deep wash

The post 5 Things You Need to Know About Unicorn Brushes appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

I was going through my lipstick drawers and I kept looking at these NYX Butter Gloss, which I bought a few years ago for one sole purpose. Yeap. The one and only lip gloss that I used, like, love and still using . I still remember a few years ago when NYX arrived Sephora. It was so exclusive and limited that every single day all the NYX counter would be swamped with girls. I literally have to snuck one arm in between waists to grab something. IT WAS INSANE. There was two product that was all hyped up back then. The NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, which I hate and this NYX Butter Gloss.

Butter Gloss is a lip gloss that is said to be super hydrating and not sticky. Did someone said not sticky? I’m in! But that’s not all what people say about Butter Gloss. The reason why I bought a lip gloss (rare case) was because I read about how this Butter Gloss works like a charm as lipstick topper, especially on dry lipstick. So I went on a hunt for Créme Brulee. That’s the shade that errrbody was raving for. I have to hunt for it because it was sold out everywhere. Whenever Sephora restock them, it was sold out again.

My first NYX Butter Gloss was Créme Brulee. I can’t remember how much I bought but it was hella cheap. RM22 maybe? I cannot remember. I don’t use it on its own because I still am not a fan of lip gloss what more having lip gloss on my entire lips on its own. At that time I had issues with lipstick being too dry or cracked and this Butter Gloss is said to work in preventing that if you apply a little bit on the center of the lip. Boy oh boy it works like magic. It is so comfortable on the lips, NOT sticky at all and lasts the whole day. Despite having a matte lipstick on that was drying, a little bit of Butter Gloss on the center of the lips took my mind off the entire day. It is just too comfortable.

It is not opaque. That, you have to take note. But it is decent enough. What I like about this being a lip topper is that regardless what shade I used, it still look natural. It doesn’t change the lipstick shade at all. It just brings life back to the lips. Some lip gloss can break up a lipstick making it all patchy but not Butter Gloss. So far I have no problem with that. It doesn’t change the lipstick texture. It’s like it has its own life lol.

The scent is quite vanilla-y. Quite pleasant and not nauseating at all. The scent doesn’t lingers on for long. It is gone in no time. If you want a good gloss that is not sticky, affordable and good as lipstick topper to get rid of the dry lipstick feeling, get this Butter Gloss. I am also aware that there is a Intense Butter Gloss. Honestly I have not tried the intense version yet so I can’t compare and tell you which is better. This 5 tubes I have will last me ages and I don’t intend to get anymore

I just did a quick run through my old Sephora receipts and true enough, NYX Butter Gloss was RM22. I bought Créme Brulee at full price and the remaining 4 Butter Gloss I bought at the same year during Sephora Private Sale. I paid RM17.60 each after 20% OFF. Not bad eh!

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored review. I bought the product on my own.

The post NYX Butter Gloss is My Secret to Revive Dry, Uncomfortable Lipstick appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

It’s quite easy to maintain the natural shine of your skin if you know how to moisten it and what products to use for it. During summer and winter months, your skin requires a special care. You need to choose skin care products paying attention to the properties of its ingredients. Since many men name “beauty” one of the main reasons to date a girl from Ukraine, we asked these gorgeous women how they take care of their skin and here is what they recommend buying during your next beauty shopping.

1. Lip balm with oil

Your lips are the only part of the body that isn’t hydrated naturally. It means that you can’t do without additional products if you want soft and moisturized lips. Lip balms containing such natural ingredients as beeswax and coconut oil have the perfect moisturizing properties that prevent and heal dry, chapped lips. If you use a lipstick on a daily basis, apply lip balm as a base in order to protect lips from changes in temperature and harmful ingredients contained in the lipstick.

2. Natural hydration

Hydration is the key to beautiful winter skin. Drink enough water, cut down on caffeine and soda you usually drink during the day. Natural hydration can be achieved not only by consuming water but also by using beauty products based on water or natural oils. If you want to have soft and glowing skin, use premakeup moisturizers. Make sure they contain only natural ingredients. You can also use essential oils as a cheaper alternative to moisturizing face creams. A few drops of mandarin or almond oil will make your skin look fresh, toned, and hydrated. Don’t forget to use the sunscreen every time you leave your house, even in winter.

3. Matting without powder or foundation

Powder and foundation can cause dryness of the skin, especially during those seasons when your skin needs hydration. That is why you should refuse these products. There is a healthy way to mattify your skin using blotting paper. It rids your skin of excess sebum or oil, cleans and refreshes your face, and prevents spots.

4. Quality oils

There are different organic oils for different skin types. Each of them has its own consistence, so all you need to do is to choose the one that is right for you. Jojoba oil is the best choice for a hypersensitive skin since it is hypoallergenic. Seed and flower oils are also good for face care. Natural face oils not only moisturize the skin but also repair dry skin and combat acne scars.

5. Lip scrubs

Lips need exfoliation the same as face skin. You can buy a lip exfoliating scrub or make a DIY scrub of sugar. Use a kids toothbrush to apply the scrub or just rub sugar into your lips with your fingers. Remember lip scrub should be very gentle since lip skin is very delicate and easy to damage.

6. Aroma bath

Using essential oils in a bath is a great way not only to relax but also to improve your skin. Each essential oils has its own properties and if properly combined, their effect can reach the deep levels of skin. Use lavender, chamomile, and almond oils to remove irritation and soothe the skin and ylang-ylang, patchouli, and mandarin oils to refresh and tone up your skin.

7. Facial exfoliator

Using a scrub twice a week or even every day has a lot of advantages. First of all, when you apply it rubbing your skin thus massaging and stimulating blood flow. As a result your skin gets resilient and toned up. Secondly, it removes the old layer of dead skin and makes your skin cells “breathe” getting enough oxygen. You can make a facial scrub at home using a spoon of sugar and coconut or lemongrass oil.

The post 7 Secrets of a Glowing and Healthy Skin appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona