Hi everyone
My apologies for dropping off the face of the earth or what seems like it for the past month. I’ve been told I don’t have to explain myself and I won’t because this break’s just something I’ve had to do. But I’ve received many heartwarming messages and emails (Thank you!) that’s made me feel pretty awful about not updating, or at least not delurking for a bit to say Hi and that I’m still alive and kicking and for the most part alright albeit feeling a little battered.
The thing is, I’m not ready to come back to blogging for various reasons, so this doesn’t mean we’re business as usual here at MWS, but I just wanted to stick my head out of the sand to say thank you for your concern and well wishes and continued support. It means more to me than you realise 🙂
Since I have a post up anyway, I thought I’d quickly share some of the beauty stuff I’ve been using during this period. I’ve been maintaining a very simple routine while on a break and I like it! So here are the 5 things I like that I’ve been using a lot of and if you are the lazy sort (ok, not lazy, but minimalist perhaps? 😉 ) then you may like these too.
1. Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum – RM195/50ml
Truth is, I did not expect to like this serum. This is Kiehl’s newest serum targeted at delivering hydration to the deepest layers of the skin and then maintaining it, so skin remains plumped and looks better. While Kiehl’s tells us that this product is exceptionally good at addressing age-related dehydration (yeah, no need to remind us we’re all getting older yes?) which is dehydration that occurs naturally as we age, I think this one will be nice for anyone who has a problem with dehydrated skin, whether dry skin or that pesky oily-on-surface-dehydrated-underneath skin.
I have to warn you that it contains dimethicone and therefore silicones and is in fact quite heavy on it. But the beauty of this product is that it doesn’t coat your skin with a film of silicone despite what you may expect from the texture. On contact with skin, the silicone texture breaks down to a very lightweight watery texture that absorbs almost immediately into the skin without leaving any residue or film or greasiness. It’s great. I like using it in the day under a moisturiser and I do believe that it keeps my skin feeling hydrated despite the long hours spent in an air-conditioned office.
I really like this one and if you can, ask Kiehl’s stores for a sample so you can test it for yourself and see how it fares for you 🙂
Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Dimethicone/PEG 10/15 Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Citrate, p-Anisic Acid, Disodium EDTA, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Sodium Hydroxide, Adenosine, Perilla Ocymoides Extract/Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Citric Acid. fmla 685657 4 Code F.I.L D164356/3
2. Pai Skincare Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream – S$55/30ml
This day cream was another product I wasn’t expecting to like but I do. Pai Skincare is a natural and organic brand from the UK and this was introduced to me by Pure Tincture, a webstore from Singapore that ships here. The texture of the cream feels a little thick when pumped out into my palm so I was a little unsure about it’s claims for day use. I had tried a similar texture from Antipodes but found that a bit too thick for day in our climate. But my worries were for naught.
The Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream is formulated for those with dry or dry-sensitive skin so if you have oily or combination skin then you may find this a little heavy. For me however, although it feels a little thick to the touch, once I spread it out on my skin, it sinks in very nicely and disappears without any greasy or oily feeling. Best of all, it doesn’t make me get oily throughout the day and doesn’t mess with my makeup! This is very nice, a little goes a long way so if you have drier skin, then take a look at this one 🙂
Ingredients: aqua, simmondsia chinensis seed oil* (jojoba oil), persea gratissima oil* (avocado oil), carthamus tinctorius seed oil* (thistle oil), cetearyl alcohol (coconut-derived emulsifier), glycerin* (vegetable glycerine), borago officinalis seed oil* (borage oil), butyrospermum parkii butter* (shea butter), cetearyl glucoside (corn-derived emulsifier), mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin e), helianthus annuus seed oil* (sunflower oil), pelargonium graveolens oil* (geranium oil), litsea cubeba fruit oil* (may chang oil), jasminum officinale flower extract* (jasmine oil), sodium levulinate (corn extract), sodium anisate (basil extract), glyceryl stearate citrate (from sustainable palm oil), sodium lauroyl lactylate (from coconut oil), lactic acid (derived from sugar beet)
Naturally occurring in essential oils: citral*, citronellol*, geraniol*, limonene*, linalool* *Certified Organic by the Soil Association (Organically produced 77% of product). Suitable for Vegans. Not tested on animals.
3. Face Oils
For some reason, I’ve simplified my evening routine so much it almost feels like I barely use anything on my face. It’s not true of course, I do. And the product I use the most of are facial oils. In my current rotation are just 2 – the Human Nature Overnight Elixir which is a brilliant and affordable oil that I’ve reviewed prior to this and the Pai Skincare Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil.
I used to breakout from products that contain a high concentration of rosehip oil, but for some reason, this one from Pai doesn’t break me out. It is quite thick and you do need to massage it into your skin and I do so after a generous misting of my skin (read more tips here on how to use facial oils) but it leaves my skin feeling moisturised and seems to work as well as using a serum so I now just use this oil and then a layer of moisturiser over. My night time routine has never been so simple!
4. Cream Eyeshadow Sticks
Since I stopped taking FOTD photos of myself, I’ve slipped into a very simple, and quick makeup routine and I’ve found myself reaching for cream eyeshadow sticks a lot. My favourite are the Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Eyeshadow sticks and Laura Mercier Caviar sticks although my personal preferences lie with the latter. I prefer the texture of Laura Mercier’s and if you can get your hands on the mini set that’s out for Christmas, please do! They’re excellent value (I got a set last year) and this year’s has a much better selection of colours.
What I’ve been doing is just slicking on the colour and blending it out very quickly for a very simple look. Use it alone or blend 2 shades. It’s so hard to get this wrong, and that’s why it’s so great for me right now when I don’t really feel like picking up a makeup brush and fiddling about with powders and colours and combinations. Best of all, it’s budge and water proof. Once it goes on, it stays on all day and through sweat and tears so trust me on this one. If you’re not a fan of wearing eyeshadow, these sticks will change your mind.
5. Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth Effect Makeup liquid foundation
I’d been warned about this one. Apparently, it’s a wonderful foundation but some people find it drying. The Velvet in the name might give you a hint that it dries down to a semi-matte or velvety finish on the skin, and when you’re someone like me, who has slightly dry skin, it’s usually a sign to just stay away. Couple this with the fact I’ve never had any luck with Chanel foundations. They all tend to oxidise on me or just not be the right shade.
Well, this works. I take it in Beige 10 which is pretty much a perfect match and best of all, it does not oxidise at all. The second best thing is that while it does dry down to a velvety finish, it isn’t drying for me. It offers light-medium coverage depending on how you use it which is pretty much how I like my foundations. The texture is light, there is no discernible scent, the packaging is compact, it lasts without oiling up and it’s an excellent foundation for our tropical weather! I’ve lots of love for this one and some day, I might actually do a full post about it and even remember the price 😛
Have you tried any of the products here and do you like them too? Are you also being minimalist in your skincare or makeup routine?
I’m going to disappear again for a bit but I just want you to know that I appreciate all your kind words and support here on the blog and on Instagram (where I’m also conspicuously missing for a spell) and I’m doing my best to hold everything together so I can come back to business as usual here at MWS again.
Thank you.
Paris B
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glad to see update here again 😀 don’t hide too long!
LOL I’ll be sure to crawl back out by NY 😉
What a nice surprise! Enjoy your break and come back refreshed. Take care.
Hiya Cecilia, hope you’re enjoying the last couple of weeks of the year! Can’t believe that 2015 is practically on our doorstep!
HERRO! COME BACK SOON! I check your site everyDAY. 😀
HUGS. RAINBOW. SUNSHINE. BLUE SKIES.
Hahahaa!! Thank you thank you for making sure my stats keep looking healthy FA 😉 Be back soon!
I was pleasantly surprised to see an update from you in feedly! I hope you are doing well and it is great to hear from you. As always I am now 10000x more curious about the products you mentioned 🙂
Hello there Shana! Things had their ups and down and it looks like it’s almost time I crawl back out before I forget how to blog at all! LOL 😀 These products are good stuff, I promise and if you haven’t already tried Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks… why not?! 😉
oh hello! long time no see! hope you are doing okay 😉 *hugs*
Plodding along, Plue 😀 Hope you’re keeping well and look forward to seeing you soon!
I wanna revisit Kiehl’s! I love their moisturizers! Welcome back and come back soon, Paris! That was confusing! hehehe! TC!
Hahaha you cracked me up Laarni 😀 Hope you’re keeping well and enjoying the holiday season! 😀
Pai skincare have been in my wish list for a while now especiaklly the two above! And I have you to thank for Laura Mercier caviar sticks I managed to grab last year! Although the new set tempted me so much but I’m more inclined on blush palettes this year ????
Ooh these 2 from Pai are really nice, Effa! I hope you get to try them! I passed on most items this year but despite already owning a few of the colours in the LM Caviar stick set this year, I still bought it! LOL! I figured I could always do with some travel sized sticks 😉
I’ve missed you!!!! Have never tried Pai skincare but you sure are making me want to try them! Have much love for the same Chanel foundation + Laura Mercier Caviar sticks! Come back soon, please! <3
Hello hello Sukie! I hope you’re well? Haven’t “seen” you around in ages 😀 I’ve actually liked what I’ve tried from Pai to date. Very nice, very gentle and effective skincare that is also supposed to be all nice and natural 😀 Glad you too are loving the Chanel and LM sticks! Yay for good taste ahem! 😉 See you around soon!
Hi Paris!
I’ve tried the sample for Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum. My cheeks seemed to be redder after using it. Not sure whether it’s caused by the serum; hence wondering whether anyone else experienced that.
Hi Cece, that’s very strange but not unexpected because there maybe something in there that your skin doesn’t take well to. If it doesn’t work for you, I’d suggest not using it because there are options out there 🙂
Curious on the perfection lumiere velvet and how it fares! 😀
It fares very well Alyssa! I don’t find it drying and it stays on and keeps my skin looking matte for most of the day. I’ll be sure to do a proper review once I’m back to blogging properly 🙂
Hey Paris, don’t worry about it! We’ll always be here when you decide to come back 🙂
I have tried sample pots of all the Pai creams, and I like them all! I just can’t remember which one(s) I like more than the others, but I tend to use them as night creams because they’re too rich for my skin during daytime. I bought the 6-piece LM Caviar Stick set, and I am seriously loving it! I’m glad I didn’t really get around to purchasing any of the new shades, because the two that I might like are already included in the set. Also, I am glad to hear Perfection Lumiere Velvet works for you! I had it on yesterday 😉
Aww thank you for the vote of confidence, Sunny 😀 Pai Skincare actually surprised me because many years ago, I tried the hand cream and wasn’t too impressed. It might be because I tried the wrong thing, since I don’t usually use hand creams a lot. But their face creams are nice! I too bought this year’s LM Caviar Stick set! I mean I already own like 3 of the shades haha! But I figured I could always do with travel sized options and I use them so much anyway! Glad you like it too and yes! Perfection Lumiere Velvet! I wasn’t sure if it would work but it’s so great that it does! 😀
Glad you have selected Pai!!! great brand!
Kiels serum is full of silicones…..def not a fav for me!
x
Yep, this new serum is chockful of silicones which I realise will put off some people, but it did surprise me at how it applies like water on the skin without that awful silicone touch 😀 Oh and Pai Skincare is great! I’m so glad I was introduced to it
Glad to see you bk it was a suprise one! I tried a sample of the chanel velvet foundation and i love how my skin stay pretty shin free.. Probably gonna get the fullsize but i need to finish up most of ny current ones though
Hi Jennelle, happy to know the Perfection Lumiere Velvet worked for you too 😀 Like you, I liked how it kept my skin nice and fresh and shine free all day. Oh and I also like how compact the bottle is! One of those times, I’m glad it’s not a glass bottle.
could you do a review on the charlotte tilburry lipstick you posted on instagram? the nude one
Thanks for reminding me, Mary. I’ll remember to do a feature on it when I start blogging regularly again! 🙂
Glad to see an update from you. I hope you’re doing ok and are enjoying your break. 🙂
Hi Gio, Well, it was a nice time away from blogging but there were a lot of other things in real life that took up most of my time and energies so I can’t be sure I totally enjoyed it all haha 😀 But I hope you’re keeping well and enjoying this holiday season! 😀
Hi PB, welcome back and looking forward for more thoughts on beauty related or even not about beauty is totally fine with all your followers, I believe. Once again, keep movin’ movin’ for better situation.
Thank you for the support Tuti! 😀 I will be sure to come back and it’ll be happening soon. After all, new year, new start right? 😀 Hope you’re having a nice holiday season and that the weather in Bali is good!
Yay! Hope you come back soon when you’re fully rested and recharged. This post is very typically you–face oils and the LM caviar sticks 😛
I also wanted to say how helpful the misting technique is! It’s not winter in my country but it’s pretty old and I started to get dry, flaky patches on the sides of my nose. The current moisturizer wasn’t cutting it. So I tried misting and then using a facial oil which worked! So thanks 😀
Hi Karina, Oh dear I’ve stereotyped myself! haha But thank you, I’m so happy that there’s things that people identify with me! 😀 Thank you too for letting me know the misting technique helped you. It’s always nice to get feedback and I love how nourishing facial oils can be for our skins once we use them correctly 😀
I love the eyeshadow cream sticks. Finally some good brands come out with it. Kate used to have them then discountinued. I got the Laura Mercier set and i love it on days when im in a rush. Just draw some on the eyes, blend and im good to go
I’ve seen some promo pix for NARS and it looks like they too will have some shadow sticks (not like their current useless pencils) in their line up soon! I do wonder how theirs will fare by comparison because for me, the LM ones are the best I’ve used to date, with Bobbi Brown coming in quite close after!
I hope you are enjoying your break, sometimes it’s a must! x
Absolutely, Marina. A break is good for the soul 😀
Welcome back Paris,
Its great to see you back in the blog !:)
Im enjoying Kiehl’s hydro pumping too. It’s light, and works well on my oily skin..This is the first time i’m actually using moisturizer in daytime. I alway thought that my skin will be too oily if i’ll to use moisturizer before makeup!
I will be having a 6 mths break from work wef Dec due to bad health..im really looking forward to my break too…hahahha..will make use of this time to heal my injury, lose some weight and get my health back…..
All the best to you 🙂
Hiya Anne! Good to know you like the Kiehl’s too, and sometimes, it’s all about finding the right moisturiser right? Oh I’m so sorry to hear you’re having to take an extended break due to health issues but if that’s what it takes to get well again, then it’s probably for the best! At least you’ll get to enjoy the whole festive period with family and friends 😀