Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Sana Hadanomy Collagen Cream

I absolutely love this lotion, it is a must have if you have sensitive, combination and acne-prone skin like me. The cream is color free and mineral oil free, and it contains 1000 mg of Micro Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid Na, Acerola extract and Honey. As you may already know, collagen is supposed to help promote elasticity and make our skin look plump and youthful. 

Due to my skin type, typical anti-wrinkle products are often too creamy and caused me to breakout.  Then I would have to stop using the cream for awhile and wait for my acne to go away, which means I can never consistently use traditional cream to see any results.  

However, Sana Hadanomy Collagen Cream is the perfect blend to keep my skin moisturized while maintaining it acne-free!  I know the name has the word "cream" in it but it really is more of a thick gel-like lotion, and it will feel a bit sticky initially.  But this stuff works, smells great and is inexpensive, I highly recommend this product!!!  Winter is coming, it's the perfect time to give your dry-out summer skin a good replenishment.

You can also find this product at Amazon.com, in case you prefer to purchase it from a bigger online store.
  • Consistency  
    • Thick gel-like lotion
  • Moisturizing
    • Yes
  • Fine line Reduction
    • Yes
  • Wrinkle Reduction
    • Yes
  • Preventive
    • Yes
  • Price 
  • Rating (out of 5)
NOTE: I took the photo after I have almost empty my bottle, sorry.

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner

I just want to make sure that you don't even waste five bucks on this eyeliner.  It's worthless. The self-sharpening doesn't work and the tip keeps breaking off.  I ended up throwing this away and eventually it broke into two pieces and only a small piece remained inside the tube.  It's difficult to "glide" since it wasn't all that creamy.  It's impossible to draw the line. I have pretty much switched permanently to use Korean brands eyeliners, they work way better!!!
  • NOT Smudge-proof, NOT Waterproof
  • Poor Pigmentation
  • Not Creamy 
  • Difficult to Apply
  • Price 
    • $5.99 at CVS, at $5.64 Target
  • Rating (out of 5)


Thursday, June 28, 2012

Skin97 BB Miniature Set

If you follow my blog, then you may recall I had mentioned purchasing the Skin97 BB Miniature Set.  I was really excited when I saw this mini set because it's cheap and I can try four different types of BB cream.  And from what I read in the Internet, Skin97 is supposed to be the better brand of BB cream and people raved about Skin97.  


The packaging is very nice and cute but otherwise, nothing special about this BB cream.  The coverage is not bad but the color is a bit odd for me, it doesn't look natural at all.  BB cream is known to give you a natural look but all four of them give me that good old foundation look and feel.  And yes, I do mean it feels like foundation.  It's very sticky in my opinion, so maybe this will be good for people with dry skin.  After wearing the BB cream for one normal day, not an extremely long day, I had those little oily bump. I had to do a very thorough job cleaning my face afterward!



The BB Cream is in the following order in my photos:
  • Gold Label Mini BB Cream SPF25 PA++ (5g)
  • Pink Label Mini BB Cream SPF25 PA++ (5g)
  • Diamond Mini BB Cream SPF25 PA++ (5g)
  • Diamond Luminous Mini BB Cream SPF25 PA++ (5g) 
The differences among this set of four is that the Gold Label is the thickest of the four and the lightest is Diamond Luminous . You can probably see in the picture that the far right, the Diamond Luminous, is very fluid and was running down my hand.  Also the Gold Label is the darkest and most shimmer of the four and the color and shimmer quality go down as you proceed to the right.

I'm just really disappointed because I read so many good reviews about this line.  I guess I set my bar too high!  :(

  • Coverage
    • OK
  • Color
    • OK
  • Skin Type
    • Dry only but not for Combination, Oily or Acne types
  • Price 
    • ~ $10.00 at Amazon.com
    • Price varies depending on seller and shipping
  • Rating (out of 5)

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Hello Kitty in Star Wars!

This is too cute and I have to share it with everyone.  If you are a fan of  Hello Kitty, you have to check it out.  Just when I thought they can't possibly come up with any more new ideas with Hello Kitty, they prove me wrong!!!

http://giik.net/herro-kitty-art-toys-hello-kitty-figurines-for-geekettes.htm#

http://gadgetsin.com/more-hello-kitty-model-kits-by-joseph-senior.htm

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Lioele Quick Point Eraser

Besides the actual cosmetics, the one thing I must have when I put on my makeup is cotton swap.  Even after years of practice, I still make mistakes when I apply my eyeliner and mascara.  This is especially true when I want to draw the "wings" eyeliner effect, it's hard to get both sides even and aligned.  So I would dip the cotton swap to the make up remover to fix my eyeliner.  Another common clean up is to remove the mascara that I accidentally brushed onto my eyelids, very annoying!

I saw Lioele Quick Point Eraser on Pretty and Cute website, granted that I do think is a bit expensive, but I still want to give it a try.  And I absolutely love this eraser pen! It really works, even on waterproof eyeliners.  You are probably wondering what's so special about this pen when I could use cotton swaps.  Well, the problem with the cotton swap is that it smears and it's not a one-clean-swipe. And not to mention, those little fuzzy cotton sometimes get caught in my eyes, irritating!!! 

But this pen can do the touch up in one simple step and no fuzzy strand getting stuck in my eyes is wonderful. And yes, you do have to wipe the head clean after each use, but it's still so much more convenient than a cotton swap.  Also, what if you need to touch up your make up in the middle of day?  I most certainly don't carry a pack of cotton swaps with me in my purse, but this pen, I could take this with me everywhere! Yeah!!!

  • Works on waterproof eyeliners
    • Yes
  • Price 
    • $13.99 (1 oz) at Pretty and Cute
  • Rating (out of 5)

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Rimmel ScandalEyes vs Maybelline Colossal

I've been sick and just finally recovering from my cold.  So I'll keep this post short by showing just comparisons of my two latest volume mascaras.

  • Rimmel ScandalEyes
    • Brush head was way too big, it was very difficult to use.  Every time I stroke the brush, I have to clean up my eyelid.  It was impossible to use this on the corner of the eyes, the brush was just too awkwardly huge. I tried up to three coats but I still didn't get the volume I was hoping for, and no plump either!
  • Maybelline Colossal
    • The Brush head is bigger than normal size but much more manageable than Rimmel's. My pictures don't do the justice, but I saw immediate difference using the Colossal. Even my boyfriend commented on it, he said my lashes look much fuller. ;) The tip of the brush head is pointier and it's much easier to brush my little corner lashes.

BrandEase of UseClumps-FreeVolumeLengthPrice*Verdict
Rimmel ScandalEyesPoorYesBelow AverageGood$6.99Returned
Maybelline ColossalGoodYesVery GoodGood$7.49Keeper!!!
 * Prices are from CVS.
NOTE: The pictures are showing one coat.



  
Rimmel Volume Flash Scandaleyes Maybelline Volum' Express the Colossal

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Philosophy Miracle Worker Dark Spot Correcting System

I'm finally done with Philosophy Miracle Worker Dark Spot Correcting System and my overall impression is that it's OK. I do believe it is effective to certain degree but it does come with a pretty hefty price tag.  


My skin tolerates both the Retinoid Solution and Corrector, no allergic reaction and they are fragrance-free products, which is also good.  The pad is a bit greasy and it does dry up fast, so apply it quickly and be sure to tightly close the lid immediately after each use.  The Corrector has an odd light brown color to it, but it spreads clear on the skin, so don't worry. I use the system at night and apply plenty of sunscreen in the morning, and you should use sunscreen everyday anyways to protect your delicate skin from sun damages and aging.  


When I started this system, I was going through my regular episode of acne breakout, so I had quite a few red spots on my face.  And I felt like my spots did fade a bit faster this time around.  But, my one very old acne scar from many years ago remains about the same.  Now, according to Philosophy, this system also has a number of other benefits which I'm a bit skeptical about and I included my results in the list below.  I absolutely see no improvement on my fine lines, maybe it works for other people, but not for me!


The Correcting System costs $80 and it comes with a 0.5 oz Corrector and a 30-day supply of Retinoid Solution/Pads.  In other words, it will cost me $960 for a one-year supply, now that's a lot of money for just one product in one year.  Let's be honest, I still need to spend money on other skin care products such as sunscreen, masks, eye cream etc, and this system cannot replace my entire skin care routine, so this is far too expensive for me to invest in it.  However, I may use this as a treatment once or twice a year. If you know of a good dark spot correcting product, leave a comment.  It's almost Friday, yea...have a good weekend!!!
  • Skin Radiance Improvement  
    • No
  • Skin Brightness Improvement
    • A little
  • Skin Evenness Improvement
    • A little
  • Discoloration Improvement
    • Yes
  • Fine Lines Improvement
    • No
  • Price 
    • $80 at Sephora
  • Rating (out of 5)

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Streaming (RMVB) to iPhone iPad or Android anytime for FREE

This is such an awesome find that I have to share it with everyone. Now, I understand there's nothing special about streaming video, is such a standard nowadays that makes you wonder why I'm so psych about it. My dilemma is threefold, I want to stream RMVB format to iPhone for Free.  I can easily accomplish any of the above two combinations using various freeware such as Opera, VideoLan, Orb, with Orb coming closest to succeeding. But the free version of Orb only displays a random partial list of your media, and the video quality was mediocre at best during playback on iPhone.  

I sort of gave up hope but this past weekend, I purchased Seagate GoFlex Home NSS 2 TB (not quite a NAS) because my old external harddrive was choking to death.  In fact, I certified it last night, RIP, you have served me well.  GoFlex also offered web and iPhone access to your home NSS but once again, it falls short on streaming formats capability, useless to me.  

So I decided to do some searching and I stumbled across this website called, AirPlayit.  I couldn't believe my eyes, "Air Playit is capable of streaming 320 different video & audio formats to your mobile devices via WiFi and 3G/4G network"!  I kept searching for the price tag but I couldn't find it, no way, FREE too!  After a few quick setup/installation, with disbelief, it worked. It really worked, I was able to stream all different video formats, RMVB, MKV, DAT.  I was connected via WiFi so very smooth but I haven't tested it using 3G and 4G yet.  And the video quality was great, much much better compared to the days when I was testing with Orb. Airplay also offered other features such as live and offline conversion but right now, I'm just happy I can access my entire home media library at my finger tips. 

A lot of you probably don't care about the back story, LOL, below are the simple setup instruction. Happy Streaming!  If you have any questions, please feel free to drop a note.

NOTE: I cannot vouch for this company or software, please do this at your own risk!
  1. Download  AirPlayit 
  2. Install to your home computer (preferably the one that will be turned on and dedicated as a server at home)
  3. Next, configure Port Forward in your router
  4. Go to Permission tab, change all the passwords! (doesn't appear to be case-sensitive)
  5. Go to Shared Folders tab and add your media location, click Apply
  6. Go to Setting, check "Login when computer start",  click Apply
  7. Now install the app to your iPhone, iPad or Android
  8. Configure using the remote server option, I figured you wan to be able to watch remotely.
  9. Remember to use your the correct Server Name, port number and Internet (public) IP, all circled in red below.  The green IP is your local home IP address to configure your router port forwarding.
  10. I use Connection Type "Remote WiFi" but if WiFi is not available, then you can change it to 3G or 4G.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

PMP passed 3/14/2012 :D

Sorry I haven't done any reviews recently, I've been busy studying for my PMP for the past three months, hence the hold up on my blog. But I've officially passed the exam yesterday, I'm free again to play with my makeup and skin care products. 

It's been a great journey and I shared my experience on PM Zilla.  I don't think people who read my blog will be interested about PMP but in case you are, feel free to use the link above to read about my preparation.

I have to say 2012 has been pretty good to me. I've done many first, fly a plane, shot a real gun (in a range), wall climbing and I accomplished one of my new year resolutions, getting PMP certified.  I won't say what my other resolution is, otherwise, I won't get it done...hahahaha!

I just purchased Miracle Worker Dark Spot Correcting System but I'll have to try this out for a full month before I can review it.  But don't worry, I have plenty of other things to review.  Stay tuned!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum and Eye Cream

I'm really busy lately so this review will be short.  Also, I will combine this review for both Origins Plantscription Anti-Aging Serum and Eye Cream since they are technically under the same family and I did use them together.


There's no special scent in either product, and the consistency is pretty much the same for both the serum and the eye cream. I would say is between a gel and cream because it's not as heavy as a cream but not as light as a gel. They absorbed quickly to my skin and didn't feel oily.  


Now, does it really work like Origins claims?  Well, I'm already done with both of the products so I think my assessments on how effective it is on fighting anti-aging are fairly accurate.  And, I consistently used the serum and eye cream for three months. Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with the results, hence the 4 stars rating.  First, no allergic reaction which is very important to me and second, I actually saw a reduction of fine lines around my eyes area.  Also, the skin do appear to be tighter and I definitely didn't see any new fine lines developing. But please don't be fool, this will not miraculously erase your wrinkles, if you have any that is.  For whatever reason, I have a few deep wrinkles in my neckline since my 20s.  Yup, unbelievable, neckline wrinkles since my 20s?!)(#$&$%)(  Oops...sorry about that.   I have not yet find a solution to that and I was really hoping for magic...silly me.  


But in any case, I think this works really great to smooth out fine lines and as a preventive measure against anti-aging.  This combination solution is around $90 and it lasted the winter season for me, so all-in-all is not too bad of an investment.  If you must choose one, give the eye cream a try!
  • Consistency  
    • Between Gel and Cream
  • Moisturizing
    • Yes
  • Fine line Reduction
    • Yes
  • Wrinkle Reduction
    • No
  • Preventive
    • Yes
  • Price 
    • Serum $55 (1 oz) at Sephora
    • Eye Cream $42.50 (0.5 oz) at Sephora
  • Rating (out of 5)

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

My First Time Flying (AV-ED Sport Pilot Center)

My friend, Sze, is currently working on his Sport Pilot license and he invited me to the pilot school, AV-ED Sport Pilot Center, grand opening this past weekend. I've always wanted to learn how to fly, so I was pretty excited about this event. I understand that this is a very time consuming and expensive extra curriculum activity, so I have no definite plan taking on the license path at the moment.  However, I highly encourage anyone who is interested to at least try the introductory flight lesson, which is what I did.  The cost is just under $100, so it's very acceptable, remember we are talking about a flying lesson here.


What I loved about the introductory class is that the instructor actually made me walk through all the safety steps with him, checking the body of the plane, fuel level, fuel clarity to engine oil.  I actually feel like a real pilot!  I was surprised that the take off was nothing like my normal flight take off experience. This is a very small aircraft, it can only carry two people, so it didn't require much of a runway and it just lifted itself up like a bird, very smooth. And my instructor was really good, he gave me as much opportunity as possible to take control of plane during the whole flight.  For about ten seconds when he had to grab my camera and to take photos of me, I was completely flying solo, too cool.  The other thing was that I thought I was going to be very nervous, I didn't want to make a fool of myself.  But to my surprise, I was so occupied, constantly checking the attitude, the speed and tightly holding on to the control that I didn't have much time to worry about anything else.  I guess the only rough part of the entire adventure is the landing, it was a bit windy that day and the instructor had to swivel the control a bit to level the plane.  And first hand experience, mastering landing is really the toughest part of learning how to fly.


It was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon, time well spent!  And thank you to my friend, Sze, for adding such a wonderful and thrilling chapter in my life!  Below are some photos and a short video of the instructor showing me how to check the fuel.  Life is too short, you got to at least try this once in your lifetime!  :D

      
 

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Shop Online for Korean & Japanese Cosmetics...Updated 5/19

My last post was about Korean cosmetics and today I came across a post with a compiled list of online places to shop for Korean & Japanese Cosmetics. I thought I'd share with everyone.  The post is a year old but I think the list is still pretty valid.  I recognize a few of the online shopping sites from the list (i.e. www.yesstyle.com, www.sasa.com, www.strawberrynet.comwww.shuuemura-usa.comwww.kose-usa.com). In fact, I have previously purchase from yesstyle, sasa and strawberrynet, so I know these are definitely safe.  And shuuemura-usa and kose-usa are the US company websites, so they should be fine as well.


And just a word of advice, if have any doubts or if anything looks suspicious to you, don't purchase from the website.  Happy shopping!


Oh! And I just purchased Skin79 BB Cream Miniature Mini Set (Black), I can't wait to get them and try them out.  I'll probably write a post comparing them to my Dr Young BB cream.



Updated 5/19/2012
My latest discovery to shop for Asian cosmetics and skin care products is Pretty & Cute!  Huge selections, free US shipping on orders over $50, free samples and fast delivery.  I placed my order on Thursday and received it on Saturday using just standard shipping option!!! 

Monday, February 6, 2012

Lioele All in One Gel Eyeliner

If you are into cosmetics, I'm sure you know that cosmetics has a huge presence and market in Asia.  Every time I visit NY, I will go search for new Japanese and Korean cosmetics and skin care products. When I went to NY Chinatown this past Christmas, I stocked up a few items and here's the first item I want to share. 


Also, there are countless Korean and Japanese cosmetics brands, I simply can't keep up.  If you are interested to learn more about them, do some research online and you'll be surprised what you'll discover.  Another off the topic comment about Asian makeups are the packaging, these companies really do spend time and money on the packaging, talk about marketing strategies.  Most women would be totally attracted by the package alone, they are all so pretty to look at!

So this is my first time trying gel eyeliner, well officially the second time.  Before I forget, gel eyeliner is the same as cream eyeliner. I bought L'Oreal HiP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in purple a long time ago, I hated it!  It wasn't creamy at all, very difficult to apply and the brush was impossible to use.  And since that time, I've never touched cream eyeliner until my last trip to NY.  Honestly, I had no expectation but I figured I will give it another try. But when the package looks gorgeous, it somehow translates to it will look beautiful on me too.  How silly but many times that's how I decide on which make up product to buy!  

OK, back to the cream eyeliner.  It's sooo crazy smooth and easy to use, I didn't know I can handle a cream eyeliner too.  The color is as dark as a liquid eyeliner and I could draw thin or thick line.  I included a couple photos below using this eyeliner, the pigmentation really is impressive. I was totally amazed, I've always thought that the brush would be very hard to handle, I was wrong.  I absolutely love this eyeliner!  And it stays on ALL DAY, girlfriends, this is very important!!!  No smudge...finally!  Now, of course, if you are looking for a smudgable eyeliner, this wouldn't be it.  Please go check out my older post for smudgable eyeliner.


I think the eyeliner is very reasonably priced and with an over the top result, I gave it 5 out of 5.  Give this a try and you can find this on Amazon.com, so it doesn't matter where you live, you can own one yourself!  ;)


If you've used other Korean and Japanese cosmetics, please leave a comment and share!
  • Long Wearing
  • Highly Pigmented
  • Creamy
  • Easy to Apply
  • Price 
    • $16.99 at Amazon.com
  • Rating (out of 5)