Archives for March 2018

11 years : I’m a Beauty Blogger and I’m imperfect

March 9, 2018 Paris B 68 Comments

I occasionally go ‘live’ on Instagram, where I take the opportunity to physically talk to those of you who check in, and I always have a good time! During one such recent session, I remember someone asking me if I’d consider using clinical strength skincare treatment products from a dermatologist or doctor. My answer was that I would not.

I have nothing against seeing dermatologists or skin doctors. If I had a problem, I would see them. I had contact dermatitis on my hands once, and I saw a doctor for that. But if it was just purely for aesthetics, i.e. how I look, and not a medical condition that needs treating, I am less inclined to. The reason you see, is because I know I’m imperfect, and I don’t actively seek perfection.

I realize it’s a a strange thing to say, because we are told that we should strive for perfection in various aspects of our lives. But what if I just want to be better than average, but not necessarily perfect?

What if I acknowledge that I have imperfect skin – large pores, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone just to name a few that most of us also suffer from – but accept that it otherwise, is still better than average, and that it’s fine for my age?

It seems that as a beauty blogger, I am less allowed to be imperfect, as compared to the next woman. Today marks 11 years I’ve been blogging about beauty, and the pressure to be perfect is even stronger now than it ever was before. But why does it have to be so?

Revisiting the Clarins Hydra-Essential Intensive Moisture Quenching Bi-Phase Serum – A product I first tried 9 years ago!

March 7, 2018 Paris B 15 Comments

Back in the day, one of the very first products I tried from Clarins was from their Hydraquench range. Anyone remember using that? That was back in 2009. In 2011, I had little revisit of the Hydraquench range. Both times, one of the products that stood out for me was this very same one I’ll tell you about today – the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Intensive Moisture Quenching Bi-Phase Serum.

Thereafter, Clarins and I parted ways, meeting occasionally, but never serendipitiously, to talk about their hydrating range. So, when I found out that it was no longer called Hydraquench, but now called Hydra-Essentiel, and boasting a brand new key ingredient, I was surprised. Then again, Clarins is no stranger to embracing new names and ingredients for their iconic products.

The only product I’ve since tried from the Hydra-Essentiel range is this very same bi-phase serum. We have certainly come full circle! 😀 I’ll call it the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum for short, as it is a mouthful otherwise!

I’ve put the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation through its paces and found it almost perfect!

March 5, 2018 Paris B 21 Comments

Someone asked me quite recently what sort of makeup products I liked. My unhesitating answer was “Base Makeup”. By this, I don’t mean “base” as in “primer”, but “base makeup” as in everything that goes on your skin as a base. This could well include primer (although that isn’t something I’m keen on) but my primary focus is on foundation, concealer and perhaps, powder.

Needless to say therefore, that any new foundation or concealer launch has my ears pricking up.

One such newbie is the Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation SPF15 PA++ (What a mouthful!) This one promises full coverage and oil-free shine control. It says so right on the bottle!

Now, I was a little wary. You see, the product comes in a frosted bottle. It also says “long-wear” and then talks further about “shine control”. For someone with drier skin like me, these are all clanging warning bells. It usually makes me think of thick, drying textures, settling into fine lines, and a matte finish on skin. A look I do NOT go for.

Which is why I was left pleasantly surprised! 😀

5 Ways you can help keep your skin hydrated with Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

March 2, 2018 Paris B 11 Comments

This post in written in collaboration with and is sponsored by Clinique Malaysia

One of the products I first enjoyed using from Clinique was their Moisture Surge Gel Moisturizer back in 2009. Goodness me has it been that long?! But you know what they say about innovation – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! But if you can make it better, then by all means, improve it!

And so on our shelves now in 2018, is the Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator. This refreshing light gel cream promises to offer up to 72 hour hydration, so your skin feels comfortable and moisturized for longer. This is done using the Activated Aloe Water and caffeine ingredients to stimulate our skin’s water pump, to draw water from deeper layers to saturate our skin. I think of it like a self-watering plant system. As someone who dabbles in a spot of balcony gardening, this is a system I’m trying to rig up for my plants too.

The Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator is already now available at counters, but I’ve had this in my hands for just about 2 months now, thanks to Clinique’s sneak preview. In the process, I’ve been experimenting with it, to get the best out of this moisturizer, and realized that there were up to 5 ways I could use it, making it helpful as a multi-tasking moisture tool. I am very big on hydration, as you know, and I’m always trying to find ways to keep my skin hydrated. It is truly one of the best secrets to healthy, glowing skin! You might find it helpful too!

Archives for March 2018

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