A collection of a few of the beautiful things I found this week!
Have a great weekend! 
Image: Unknown
December 16, 2009 in Diary
Phew, what a year! I can’t believe it was a year ago where I wrote about my best finds of 2008! Time sure does fly. Beauty-wise, I tried a handful of new products, and found some stand-out ones. Here’s some of the products I found to be the best this year:
- Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. I tried this exactly this time last year when my friend C came down to Singapore for Christmas. I had told her all the wonderful things I heard about Laura Mercier, so one afternoon while we were shopping, we went to check out the counter. We both tried this and fell in love. However, the price had us standing there for a while wondering if we could really spend almost 90 bucks on a tube of product. In the end we did, but for those who plan on using it everyday, this may be a bit too expensive. I’m not sure if C still uses it, from what she told me she used it everyday and it was done within a few months, so it really is quite an expensive product to buy twice a year. For me however; a year on and it’s going strong, and I use it twice a week max, and very little at a time. If you’re one who wants a flawless look and only needs a little product and coverage, this will go a long way. Here’s my full review.
- Chanel La Ligne Duo eyeliner. I know this was mentioned last year but it deserves a second mention. Over the summer after my trip to Europe I had stopped using it (big mistake) and just used normal eyeliner pencils, but meh … I think my eyes and I suit liquid liner, so I started using this again the past few weeks and I love it. It really is flawless; and the color is unexplainable – it is black so to speak, but when you layer the eyehshadow with shimmer on top, something happens and it turns into a beautiful midnight color with a hint of blue. Love it! Here’s my full review.
- Clinique Lash Power Curling Mascara. I really need to give some other mascaras a chance, I can’t harp on about Lancome’s Virtuose all my life! Nevertheless, I tried this mascara out this year at the recommendation of Christine, and it really is a great mascara. It can give both a dramatic and natural look. You can read a guest review from C about it here, or read my review here.
- The Body Shop Body Butters. These tubs have been around since forever, and I’ve used them for awhile in the past, but I never really appreciated how good they were until I was given a new tub this year and decided to write a proper review on them. They are fantastic at moisturizing, wonderful smelling, and is a real treat applying – so relaxing! You can read more at my review here.
- Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. Oh, another Clinique on a the list! I’m a big supporter of all things Clinique skin care because it has really changed my skin. This Gel version of their famous moisturizer is no exception – I LOVE this product. I can slap on as many layers as I want and it would never clog up or grease my skin. When I apply it at night, I wake up and my skin looks and feels like a baby’s bottom! Love it. You can read my review on it here.
That’s my favorite beauty finds this year! What about you? Did you find any great products this year? I’d love to hear about them! 
Last night, I decided that maybe I should actually get my final essays done (didn’t happen). I wanted to look for some of my old books, which I found at the bottom of a large Ikea box, under my bed. (Is it bad that school books from only 2 months ago have already migrated there?!)
However, I found something way cooler – this signed Anna Sui poster!
I couldn’t believe it; I had completely forgotten that I had met the super cool designer (who also has a makeup line, although admittedly, I’ve never tried any of her products).
I quickly went to my ancient PC and found this grainy, horrible photo! (Someone please remind me never to slick my hair that far back again, I mean, can you say ‘Egghead’ fast enough?! Haha.) I also can’t believe I look so different now, this was only 3 or so years ago!
From what I can remember, my friend Min and I were catching up and doing a bit of shopping, when we walked past a mall which had a sign saying something like ‘meet Anna Sui at 4pm’. We thought, “Yes, please.” And off we went.
I’m still not sure what she was in Singapore for, but she seemed to be promoting her 2006 makeup collection – but fly all the way to Singapore for that? Can’t be. Although, looking back, I think she was here for Singapore Fashion Week, but I can’t remember. There weren’t too many people there, so we were lucky to just walk in and waited our turn to meet her. I do remember that she was very quiet and sweet, and poor thing, she seemed really tired – must be tough being a high-fashion designer! I also remember Min thought that the guy hanging around her (is she married?) was pretty hot. Haha! Random.
Ah, the memories. So unexpected! Has anyone met any makeup giants? (I’d LOVE to meet Bobbi Brown one day, too!) Also, are Anna Sui products good? My friend swears by her mascaras but I’ve never been tempted to buy anything there yet. (It will probably change after today, though!)
Oh my I am the big 2-1 today, 09-19-09! I hope everyone is having as great a weekend as I am.
Now that I’ve accepted that I am an “adult” I thought I could pass on some of my wisdom (ha! as if) that I’ve learnt over the years. Or, you know, just spread the joy of life! There’s something about birthdays that just make you insanely happy, no?!
Here are 21 things I’ve learnt before my 21st birthday.
- Whatever crap you’re going through, it will pass. I promise!
- The saying ‘there are plenty more fish in the sea’ is totally true.
- When it comes to friendship, quality is always better than quantity.
- ‘You reap what you sow‘ is completely, utterly, true.
- Tyson Ritter is still the hottest guy alive. LOL!
- Whatever you’ve failed at, you can pick yourself up and succeed again.
- Health and family are the most important things.
- It is possible to really forgive people and let go.
- School and learning can actually be fun.
- This planet is so beautiful. If you can, you should really get out and explore the world – the history, nature, sceneries.
- Learning a second language is a total privilege, and I urge you all to pick up a new language. I vow to pick up my French, oui oui oui!
- It’s OK to ask for help.
- Not everyone online are weirdo pedophiles. You can meet cool, fun, smart people online … Like my readers (duh)! I can’t believe some of the great friendships I’ve formed. Thank you!
- Brian ‘Head’ Welch is a total inspiration. (I highly recommend his book, Save Me From Myself). Listening to his story really helped – as weird as it may sound – save ME from myself … Haha so dramatic!
- It’s OK to choose your best feature and flaunt it, baby!
- What doesn’t kill you can only make you stronger. Cliche, but it’s true.
- Children are the cutest thing alive. Spend more time with those under 6 years old and you’ll find that life really is simple, joyful and fun!
- … And also those over 70 – their wisdom will amaze you and it’ll open up your eyes to a lot of things.
- Smiling is contagious. Pass it on!
- Family does not only need to be ‘blood related’.
- Everything happens for a reason.
Does anyone else have anymore lessons they learnt ‘growing up’? Please do share any I might have missed out!
Have a great weekend!
It may sound vain to travel an hour to and fro for a mani/pedi, but … well, I got nothing. Maybe it is vain. However, I really wanted to experience a ‘royal retreat’!
Tucked away in a little (but popular) shopping mall, Royale Retreat is like that place you always go to meet your friends – kinda like Friends and Central Perk coffee place! Royale Retreat is owned by a husband and wife team and is a cozy, friendly, inviting place.
Mani and Pedi
I came for a manicure and pedicure that was pure enjoyment, although the surroundings made it much better. Royale Retreat’s owner, Selina is big on aromatherpay, so essential oils filled the hair. Not to mention, the seats are actually massage chairs (you guys know how much I love massages!) so that was just that little extra that made the whole experience enjoyable. I was also watching He’s Just Not That Into You on a big TV screen (which by the way, I think I have issues with that movie, they portray women terribly!) while chatting to the nail therapists. Also, one thing that Royale Retreat is very proud of is the absence of those weird blow drying machines that other nail salons use. It’s not that great for the nails, so at Royale Retreat your mani and pedi will be taken care of with OPI’s Professional Quick-Dry System.
I also enjoyed a hand massage with pure Shea butter, which I had never seen before (it smells though) and my hands were later wrapped in cling-wrap and put in heated mittens, resulting in them being super soft and smooth after.
After the pampering, I had a chat with Selina, the owner, who is very passionate about her business. I was really impressed at how she wants the best of the best in her store, which also includes a wall of speciality nail products for you to use. The nail polishes are mainly OPI (the best, I hear?) as well as Orly, Missha, Dior and Chanel.
The colors used on my were OPI’s Passion for my fingers, and Here Today, Aragon Tomorrow, which is a beautiful black green from their latest Espana collection.
I was the most excited about this the whole day! It’s beautiful. I would’ve taken a photo of it, but my crocked toes might make your lunch pop up again. Instead, this blogger has some great swatches of it! I LOVE it. It looks like black but with a little ‘edge’ – and who would’ve thought that black wasn’t edgy enough?!
And just so you can have an idea; my manicure lasted about 6 days, and my pedicure is still going strong after exactly two weeks.
Not just a nail place
When Royale Retreat say they are a nail spa, they really do mean spa. The place is infused with essential oils and smels wonderful, so that customers feel relaxed and calm – you know, really pampered! I was also very kindly given my very own little aromatherapy experience – Selina kindly gave me a candle holder (what are they called, I’ve never done this before?!) and an uplifting oil to burn. I will be writing about my very first aromatherapy experience soon.
Hygiene is very important at Royale Retreat, and everything is clean and sanitized after each customer with OPI’s Swiss Clean System. Last but not least, like I mentioned earlier – it is also a mini shop! Royale Retreat also sell other nail products, and their very own in-house Royale Retreat spa products.
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SzeLing recently tagged me in a tag called ‘I think you’re an awesome girl’ (thank you!) where I have to list 10 random facts about myself. I’ve never done a tag before, but I thought this would be great because if you have read my about page, all I say about myself is my age, where I live, and that I’m a student. Bor-ing! So I thought I’d share more about me. Here goes:
1. I have a strange obsession with The Maldives. I don’t know why I have such a fascination with the place, but blue water and clear skies sound pretty good to me. The fact that it’s sinking makes it even more … urgent. I need to go soon! Every computer screen I come into contact with has a desktop image of the Maldives.
2. I have had a very big variety of pets: countless fish tanks, an army of hamsters (one gave birth and ATE her babies after), sea monkeys and … eels. No idea where I got the idea to have pet eels, but they were cute! I currently have a dog, Jeri.
3. I tried every instrument in the world until I was 14 and bought a guitar, which I stuck with until now. I suck, but that doesn’t matter – I love music and love playing it.
4. I love my name! My Mom named me after the song, ‘Walk Away Renee‘ by The Left Banke. She heard it when she was 11, loved it, and vowed to name her daughter Renee. I’m also pretty sure she had a crush on the singer. It’s a French name that means “re-birth”, which I really like. Also, I was extra glad about my name when my Mom told me what my Dad wanted to name me. No offense Dad, but that name … no. Hell no!
5. I’m a Christian. I recently found my faith again – did a lot of soul searching this year – and I am so glad I did. I have never felt so fulfilled, complete and whole. My spirit has been lifted.
6. I can eat spaghetti for the rest of my life and never get bored. Actually, make that anything Italian.
7. I can’t stand the cold. I’m the one always wearing a cardigan! In shopping malls, the bus, wherever – I have my warm hoodie and look ridiculous, because this country is h-o-t.
8. I have loved writing all my life, and Beauty Fool is like my baby, you have no idea how much I love it! I can only hope one day, perhaps, I can make it a full time job.
9. Every time I hear the name Avril Lavigne I shudder – not because I have anything against her; but I used to be called ‘Avril’ all the time in high school and it was unbelievably annoying. Apparently I looked like her since I have straight brown hair, love eyeliner, and wore skate shoes in school. I didn’t know she owned these things?! I thought it would be over after high school, but I still get it from strangers now and again. Sigh … I don’t see it?!
10. I’m Eurasian. My dad is Danish and my mom is Chinese.
Alright, that’s all from me! I hope you found some stuff vaguely interesting and enjoyed this post. I am tagging any of my readers who have a blog and would like to do this! If you do this tag, please post your link in a comment so I can check it out; it’d be awesome to know more about my readers.
It seems like the ladies at Spa Scene can read my mind – that I am turning 21 next month and panicking about it – because they offered to let me try their Anti-Aging Signature Facial last week. I was so excited! They even offered me to have a hair treatment by top Korean stylist Nicky Shin, which again; of course I said yes – if anyone has seen my hair in real life, it’s in dire need of some help (or a cut, but I can’t bear that yet). That is for another post though – today, I want to share about my experience of the facial.
The Facial
Han, the beauty team director, gave me the Anti Aging Signature Facial. Han is qualified in makeup, skincare and asthetics – she even got her start being a bridal makeup artist, before she joined Spa Scene in 2008.
Han was so sweet during the facial and kept marveling about how firm and young my skin looks and that whatever I’m doing is working (woohoo! I felt like a queen). So I was in very good hands! She did say, however, that my cheeks and nose area were oily so I should cleanse my whole face, and double cleanse in that area. So oily skin ladies, (how to find your skin type here) double cleanse on your oily area.
The room was dimly light and freezing cold (I like) and the bed – can we take a moment to talk about it? First of all I loved it so much because it felt like my own bed! It has the fluffiest white blanket and was so comfortable. The whole atmosphere felt like really peaceful, and was very comfortable. The facial itself took 90 minutes, which I feel was the perfect duration – not too short that I think, ‘that’s it?!’ but not too long that I fall asleep.
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I never talk about fashion or really read about it since I’m so clueless on style. When I look at magazines I’m looking at the models makeup more than anything! 
This was the case when I saw the new ad campaign for Kensie Dresses, featuring one of the most beautiful model I’ve ever seen – Emily Didonato. Isn’t she stunning?! I love how the campaign is so fresh, young and feminine, but most of all, I LOVE the makeup and overall ‘look’ they were going for (especially the hair). The whole look is perfect:
Smokey eyes? Check. Wavy, volumized hair? Check. Soft cheeks and plump, nude lips? Check.
Me printing this page and showing this to my hairdresser, demanding for the same? Check.
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