Fashion takes a backseat

You’re probably noticing the severe lack of fashion posts around here lately. For some strange reason, I don’t seem to be as fashion-crazy as I used to be. Whether it’s a combination of my personal situation not allowing me to shop as much, or I’m just not really digging what’s being offered out there at the moment (80’s style strong shoulders? Seriously? Sky-high shoes that are impossible to walk in? Honey, have you seen the cobblestones in Europe? Hell on a girl’s feet), or the fact that I’m in an environment where it’s completely ok to not recognise labels, I’m not feeling the urge to rush out and buy whatever the latest ‘it’ items are. I will admit that I’ve recently started a love affair with underwear, and have dropped some serious ££ on pretty but structurally sound undergarments. Right now, it’s all about ‘shopping my closet’ (a phrase that seems to be as ick-inducing as ‘troubling economic times’) and downsizing my skincare collection by finishing whatever’s sitting on my shelf, and trying out pharmacy brands. Surprising things I’ve learnt:

• Caudalie’s Vinoperfect serum is fantastic, but as we’re entering Spring and Summer, the Boots No. 7 serum seems to be working just as well
• I don’t need Kiehl’s Rosewater Toner. The Boots Damask Rose toner from its Original Range smells just as lovely and has a beautiful vintage packaging to boot
• Neal’s Yard Lavender body lotion smells wonderful and feels satiny-soft on the skin, but the Body Shop Moroccan Rose body butter does a pretty good job too. (However, I’m totally in love with the Jurlique Rose body lotion, and am seriously considering re-buying once the body butter runs out)

Having said that, I did walk into House of Fraser last week and tew-tally fell in love with a pink Mulberry bag. Also, this 'no shopping' thing might change entirely when I go back home for a visit next month.

Head case

What it takes to maintain my hair

Reading Who What Wear Daily's post made me realise how much I spend on my hair. Before, a shampoo and conditioner and a quick blast with a hairdryer was enough, but gradually, I've found my list of "essentials" has grown to: shampoo, leave-in treatment, conditioner, heat protection spray, serum for dry ends, not to mention a special ionic hairdryer and a good brush. Let's not forget the optional extras like hair rollers and straightening cream.

The post also reminded me of an article I read a while back, as I felt it was a good reminder to myself to read the ingredients label on shampoo bootles. Essentially, it’s ok to stinge on buying shampoo. Best to get those that state SLES or TEA Lauryl Sulfate and steer clear of those that contain Ammonium:

Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate - very harsh
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate - harsh
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - still harsh
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) - mild, great choice
TEA Lauryl Sulfate - gentle, good choice
TEA Laureth Sulfate - gentle, also a good choice

This has made me a very happy camper as now it means I can stop buying Kerastase shampoos and channel the money into other things...like more haircare products.

Hair-raising

Note to self: don't use Klorane Detangling Balm with Mink Oil again unless you want the crazy, stiff hair sticking out everywhere look.

On another note, the length of my hair at the moment is at this annoying no man's land of being somewhere near my shoulders. Is it considered long or short? Thanks to the crazy length, my hair refuses to behave, and sticks out in all the wrong places. I'm trying to grow my hair out now, and it's taking me all my willpower not to run to the hairdresser to either chop it to a nicer looking length, or to straighten the hair. Urrgh.

Secret ingredient: Rose

Format swiped from Lucky magazine

While the rose has never been my favourite flower (give me orchids any day), I have recently become quite enamoured with the scent, after smelling a very exotic and unusual mix while in Paris in April, so now I'm constantly on the search for products with rose in them.

1. Juliette Has a Gun perfumes: the scent that sparked it all. 2 rose scents are available and definitely won't make you smell like grandma: Lady Vengeance (pictured) has Italian rose, vanilla and patchouli while Miss Charming has a more innocent smell, with Moroccan rose, wild strawberry and lychee. Also try: Penhaligon's Elisabethan Rose for a sweeter and more straight out traditional rose scent.
2. Kiehl's Rosewater Toner: Great for oily skin, feels fresh and leaves a faint trace of rose scent after applying.
3. Laneige Multi Glam blusher in light rose-rose: My go-to blush for everyday use. Also try: Nars Outlaw blush for a more glam, night-time look.
4. Benefit Benetint: The famous formula of crushed rose petals gives a pretty rose stain on cheeks and lips. Also try: Benetint lip balm with vitamin E and SPF 15.
5. Marks & Spencer Rose deodorant: Forget Dove or Impulse, I think M&S makes the best deodorants.
6. Original Source Rose & Aloe shower gel: Always a guilty pleasure to splurge on nice smelling shower gels. I recently discovered this in Cold Storage supermarket. While it doesn't really smell like rose, I do like the relaxing scent.

Also, while it is completely unrelated to beauty products, let it be known that my favourite macaron flavour is rose.

Benefit-ing Singapore

I've just found out that Benefit Cosmetics is now available in Singapore (thanks Wanz!)! This piece has news has gotten me incredibly happy, as I absolutely love this range of skincare and cosmetics, from the cheeky product names to the yummy-looking packaging to the actual quality of their merchandise. I first discovered Benefit (and Sephora) back in 2002 while on a work trip in the US, and have been hooked ever since. I was lucky enough to be sent back to the US every year, so I could stock up and feed my Benefit love. These are the products I've tried so far:


1. Smoooch lip smoother: I'm a sucker for lip balm, so I got this when I was in Paris recently. I don't use it too much though, as I'm currently trying to finish a tube of Burt's Bees lip balm first.
2. Georgia peach powder: Admittedly not one of my favourites, I honestly don't see any difference when I put this on, no peachy glow. Also, the hairs of the brush seem to shed quite easily.
3. Gilded gold highlighting pencil: I love the effect this gives my eyes; it gives an instant boost and makes them look bigger. I use this almost every time I put on eye make-up.
4. Honey Snap Out of It face scrub: The chunky grains smell nice, and give my face a good buff. I use this twice a week.
5. Fantasy Mint wash: I love mint shower gel, so when I saw this face wash, I knew I had to try it. It's refreshing and is a nice way to wake up in the morning.
6. Ooh La Lift eye balm: The copy states you can feel a cooling sensation when you apply it, but I'm not sure if it's just marketing gobbledegook. What I do know is I like how it feels under the eyes, especially when I haven't had much sleep.

Now that I know Benefit is available in Singapore, I can save US dollars and luggage space next time I travel to the US! Hoorah!