June Favourites: Designer

Hey! Sorry its been ages since I've updated- I've been busy starting my internship and doing other University-student-on-summer-holiday things and I promise I'll be more consistent once things start settling down!

For this month, I've been doing a lot of research on designers for my internships and I came across one that I LOVE. Her name is Yiqing Yin and she's not only incredibly talented, but also incredibly beautiful... everything you'd look for in a designer. 

Share any new designers with me? Loves loves xx

Source: here

Yin’s designs are just as complex as her heritage. Like her heritage, Yin’s designs depict an intricate backstory, and her numerous accolades and success in the haute couture scene since her recent arrival have been proof of that. She carries her artistic direction of creating a show wherever she goes into real life—her entrance into the creative world was dramatically successful; her first collection in 2010 earned her the Grand Prize of Creation from the City of Paris and an Andam Prize for first collections, and were later displayed at the Théâtre national de Chaillot and the French Ministry of Culture. Her second collection seduced the haute couture world and was invited to join the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture—where fashion powerhouses like Chanel and Givenchy have dominated for generations. But her theatrical rise to fame isn’t surprising, if one analyses her dedication and the scientific method to which she approaches her work.

Taking design directions from convoluted patterns such as animal skeletons and the human anatomy, she works them indirectly into her the architecture behind her creations. Her designs are a paradox—nature inspired garments embellished with medical gauze as an example—but are reminiscent of her speciality in creating structure out of the traditionally malleable, to redefine the use of materials in design by marrying the usage of traditional materials and innovate ones.

By approaching the female body through a woman’s silhouette to create a “second skin”, she aims to foster a relationship between the clothes and the wearer, and to empower both. In understanding and respecting the effort and experience that goes into creating haute-couture, Yin has innovated and redefined the meaning and face of haute-couture for modern audiences. And perhaps this is why her designs have been successful on and off the runway—she celebrates the complexity of women through her clothing and gives that complexity a different kind of grace.

February Favourites!

Happy March!!

Can you believe we're in the 3rd month of 2015 already? More importantly... can you believe spring is almost upon us?! About time I'd say- getting sick of waking up covered in blankets and still feeling like an ice lolly.

Its time for another Favourites post! This last month I've been focusing on feeling fresh and clean but still embracing the bits of winter before the early spring. 

L-R: Palmer's Shea Butter Formula hand cream, Garnier 2-in-1 makeup remover, Real Techniques "Mini-Brush" trio, Sleek 'Rose Gold" blush (926), Bobbi Brown face blender, Lush massage bar, Victoria's Secret Bombshell body wash

Sleek Rose-Gold Blush

This takes the gold for: Favourite Superdrug buy of the month. I've never bought a drugstore dupe blush before but I've tried this out on so many occasions and so many people have recommended it to me that I had to get it for myself. Its less than £10, which is a bargain for the colour choices, pigmentation, shine and overall stay. Because of how shiny and pigmented it is, I don't generally use them on a day-to-day basis, just when I go out during the night, or if I'm wearing a full face of makeup during the day (which I generally don't). I feel it works best with foundation, so if I'm not wearing any or I just want to blush my cheeks I don't generally use this because the colour can be strong. Bonus: It comes with a mirror, so I don't have to bring a compact when I go out. Teehee :D

Bobbi Brown Face Blender

Old favourite, but I've started using it again. Works so well with the Sleek blush and liquid foundation-- use for a blended, flawless and natural finish.

Real Techniques Mini Brush Trio

First of all, if you haven't checked out Real Techniques, they are the drugstore brush masters. Some of their brushes are even better than high end ones. Not that they need anymore publicity but you can see some of their options here and they're widely sold at Boots and Superdrug all over the UK. This mini-brush trio was an on-the-whim buy which I'm so glad I did. It comes in a little purse with 3 options: (L-R) mini face brush, mini foundation brush and mini shading brush. I'll confess I don't use all of these brushes for their stated purposes but they are extremely convenient and all-encompassing to carry around in your purse when you're out for the day. This was lacking in my handbag and I was lugging around my Macs and Bobbi Browns which are not only bad for the state of the brush but just unsanitary in general.

Palmer's Shea Butter Formula Hand Cream

Winter is dry and hands get chappy. This is a concentrated formula which lasts for ages and moisturises and hydrates your hands. It also smells like shea butter which is extremely helpful as the warmth smell somehow warms up your dreary winter surroundings. I will say that it does occasionally get sticky and very lotion-y even after you've put it on for awhile, so don't make the mistake of slathering too much over your hands.

Garnier Express 2in1 Eye Makeup Remover

Brilliant for removing water-proof makeup. Doesn't leave your eyes feeling dry and tired, but hydrated while not leaving a trace of product. 

Lush Massage Bar

This came as a birthday gift as a "Toucan Love" giftset. Use it on the weekends for a lemony, citrusy secent that relaxes and soothes your skin all at once. Its a massage bar so it does get rather oil-heavy at times, so don't use it too much if you're afraid your skin will have a reaction. Photographed on pink background so you can see how beautifully yellow it is :)

Also- with all Lush products, it smells amazing enough to eat........ be warned!

Victoria's Secret Bombshell Body Wash
Smells fresh, tangy but with a hint of winter-ish vanilla-y scent. It smells great in the shower and lingers long enough for you to feel clean and fresh. I will say that its not particularly long-lasting, so if you're looking for a body wash that lasts for a few hours, this might disappoint you. However, it is light and has a very relaxing scent which some others might appreciate.

What are some of your favourites? 

Follow me: 

Instagram @kaylarhx

Twitter @kaylarhxx

Smell Pink! October Body Favourites

Happy November!
Hope everyone had/is having an amazing (and responsible ;)) Halloween weekend!!

Before October completely fades away and the Breast Cancer theme is forgotten, here are some cute pink things from the Body Shop that I've loved in October!


So I've finally gotten around to using this pretty pink strawberry smelling gift set a wonderful friend gave to me for my birthday and I thought I would share all the wonderful things that I've been enjoying so far. I haven't used it all yet, but in light of breast cancer awareness month and pink and because I like smelling nice I've decided to share anyway ;)

The pretty pink gift set in all its glory!

Strawberry scented 

L-R (shower gel, body polish, loofah, body butter and body soap)

Bar Soap

Its not only incredibly amazing smelling, but there is just so much soap for a single bar, which is a plus. The one thing that I dislike about this is that although it smells great in the shower, it doesn't really linger for long. 

Shower Gel (250ml)

This comes in a really great size because 250ml is just enough for you to use it at home and if you really want to, to take on longer trips. Also its the perfect amount because its just enough for you to get enough use out of, but not too much that you risk getting bored of the scent. It also looks very pretty and smells refreshing which is fun :):)

Body Butter (50ml)

I love body butters because they are creamy, hydrating and the scent stays with you for a long time. This body butter also wins more points because its 50ml, which means it fits the carry-on requirements for most airlines! So if you really want a refreshing scent and a pick-me-up during a long flight or just a regular day, you can carry this around with you to brighten up and make yourself feel better. It also feels silky, soft and smooth and smells like a strawberry sorbet. What more could you ask for?

What did you enjoy over the last month?
Let me know! Tag @kaylarhx on Instagram or @kaylarhxx on Twitter <3

September Favourites: Makeup!

Hello again, Happy October and welcome to September Favourites, Makeup Edition!!


Autumn is coming and the last few weeks have been a bit weird for makeup.  I'm not entirely sure if I should still be doing very bright and happy and somewhat colourful summery eyes and bronzed skin, or if I should be going back to darker tones and gold-y and bronze-y warmer eyeshadows.

!!!!!!

I've never owned an eyebrow kit before and I figured that since my eyebrows have been unpredictable it was time to start learning how to fix them.  I'm still not entirely sure how to because I've just started and I have very thick eyebrows unfortunately, so I'm going to be learning over the next few months.  But what I love is that it comes with a blending brush for the various colours, a mini-tweezer and eyebrow wax.  At the box, I just realised, is also directions for how to make your eyebrow arch and how to shape & define your brows.  I'm also very excited for this because now I can start fixing my eyebrows on my own time :)

Eyebrow Kit, Barry M

Face Blender Brush, Bobbi Brown

Over the summer I've been experimenting with many kinds of makeup looks, which means there's a lot of blending to do.  While I love my Mac brush, this Bobbi Brown brush is smaller, which means it can get into more defined areas and blending makeup over specific places or even like giving a more blended foundation or makeup base.  Its also small, which makes it super handy to put in my makeup bag as opposed to the Mac one which is slightly larger and not as portable.

Master Duo Liquid Liner, Maybelline

After my last eyeliner ran out, I needed to find another liquid liner that doesn't 1. clump, 2.smudge everywhere and 3. was precise.  I've heard a lot about Maybelline eyeliners, particularly their gel ones, but since I wasn't sure about starting with gel liners for everyday wear, I chose this liquid liner.  I have been obsessed with this because not only is it extremely waterproof, but also the brush has a small ball-like thing on the end, which is super useful for easy application and makes sure that when you apply your liner, your hand doesn't slip and the liner goes everwhere.  It also makes it so much easier for cat-liners because of the precision.  It doesn't help the fact that I'm still terrible at putting on my eyeliner though, so I still don't get both sides even :(

Buff 4, Bobbi Brown

Another Bobbi Brown product! This is a lipgloss that I have been using quite a bit.  Its a nude shade with a lot of gloss and smells like vanilla.  I generally don't tend to go for things with a lot of gloss, but because its nude the gloss gives a lot more pop to your lips.  Also its so tiny and cute and makes it easy to carry everywhere.  The only thing that I'm a bit sad about this though is that the applicator is a brush, and sometimes the bristles can be a bit annoying and a bit hard to put on for precise application.

Gold Master Kajal Kohl Eyeliner, Maybelline

I'm not sure if I've already featured this, but I think I have.... if not, I only have 2 things to say about this: 1.  Its GOLD so why anyone should like this should be pretty self-explanatory... 

  2. Its a kohl liner so its easy for application on top of a black line. 

Top: Barry M Brow Kit

Bottom (L-R): Bobbi Brown Face Blender, Bobbi Brown Buff 4 Lipgloss, Maybelline Kohl Gold Liner, Maybelline Liquid Liner Black

What are some of YOUR September makeup favourites? Let me know!! Also let me know if you have tried these and loved them :)

Sidenote: Places you can follow me...

Instagram: @kaylarhx

Twitter: @kaylarhxx

xx and have a great weekend! Stay safe :}

August Favourites: Makeup!

There were quite a lot of makeup favourites, which is why I had to wait to combine all my faves into this one post! But here they areee (super delayed and overdue, but here nonetheless)! I've separated them by product because there are quite a few faves, so the first batch to go is lipsticks!! 

Christian Dior Cassonade Ginger Rose 518 

(excuse my thigh :S)

It's well loved (as you can tell) and it comes in a super chic packaging with a cute hexagonal type stick.  Its also a great nude colour.  It has a slight pink-ish hue, which is useful especially for those working days where I want to add a little colour but not too popping, but at the same time maintaining that girly, summery, au naturel look.

The Body Shop Colour Crush 115

I love Body Shop products for almost anything (as you can possibly tell).  But I am also super in love with their line of lipsticks because they are not only incredibly pigmented, but they are moisturising and stay on for a long period of time (ie. for more or less 90% of your night out).  Body Shop's products are also organic and don't leave a lot of residue on your lips because they're easy to remove, so its a win-win situation because you get a gorgeous, deep red lip colour, and an easy removal after a night out. 

Mac Viva Glam Matte 747

Another well-loved and classic Mac colour.  I don't generally use lipsticks, but the ones that I do are often of the same hues and are staple colours.  I love classic pinks, reds and nudes because I feel like they can add so much to a look, but at the same time stand alone and be the centerpiece of a look.  This Mac one is particular is one of my faves because not only do I love mattes, but I also love the fact that this is a much darker and deeper red than the previous Body Shop one, so it adds so much more dimension to a smokey eye or night out look.

What are some of your faves! Let me know (:

PS: I might do a swatch of these at the end of the series-- stay tuned !!

August Favourites: Skin care

Skincare Faveeeessss

It's that time of September again! Since I've been working I'm (unfortunately) a week late, but I've chosen some products that I think will be of use to all those girls (or guys) who love to carry around essentials or need a quick fix in the morning or evening.

Body Shop Camomile Gentle eye makeup remover (60ml)

I bought this on sale for about £3? It's totally worth it because I travel a whole lot, and sometimes just for the weekends or for a few days, so bringing around a massive bottle of makeup remover is impractical.  Not only has this been a great lifesaver over the past few days since I've put on makeup basically every single day, but its also just been so hydrating and truly, gentle, on my skin.  I don't normally carry it around with me in my handbag, but on the occasion that I have (such as when I know its going to be a long day or I'll be back home late in the evening), I bring a few cotton pads with me and take off my makeup after an event or on the way home on the public transport (totally unglamorous, but its better than rubbing your eyes and getting it everywhere... and as long as you do it discreetly, you can keep some of your dignity ;) ) 

Vaseline petroleum jelly (original 212g)

This is an all time favourite, especially during the last few weeks when I've needed a quick fix in the morning.  I don't wear lipstick, so I moisturise my lips before I go out or before I swipe on a thin layer of gloss or pigment.  Its also great for after a long day and just dabbing it on throughout the day because its clear, keeps your lips moisturised, and doesn't irritate your skin.  Plus its full of other uses (I've heard it can help grow fuller lashes), and its small and easy to carry around.

Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser (125 ml)

If you haven't noticed already, there's kind of a theme running.... essentially things that are scent-free, cleansing and simple.  I particularly love this one because its super hydrating yet so light on your skin, so you don't feel like its weighing you down.  Its also really affordable (its available in most shops in the UK and in most countries I've been to), but it does a fantastic job.  So for those of you on a budget and that want a product that's lasting and does everything it promises to do, this is your best bet!

Body Shop's Aloe Soothing Day Cream (50ml)

This is another cream and another Body Shop product!! Its a day cream, so its meant to be super light and hydrating and gives you a healthy glow.  It's definitely soothing, but its not as light as the Simple lotion, so sometimes I switch it up, especially when my skin is feeling particularly greasy.  The great thing about this though is that its super silky and a little bit goes a long way.  Plus, its super moisturising and even works as a neck care product.  Another great thing about this is that its only 50ml so its easy to carry in your handbag or travel essential bags.  I've carried this around in my handbag for the whole day and its never leaked out once, nor has it added a whole lot of weight to my purse.  Its also has aloe vera in it (the Egyptians nicknamed it the plant of immortality.... which bodes well for me) and aloe vera is a great product for treating sunburns and soothing dry skin. 

Exploring :)

Tucked away in the quiet corners of the city, there are lanes of untouched heritage that have recently found their way into the "cool" books of Singaporean youngsters.  Such was the experience I had with Tiong Bahru and Yong Siak Street.  To most, Tiong Bahru is merely an upper-middle class estate-- located in the Tanjong Pagar area, the community has been re-developed numerous times over the years, and is centrally located enough to command a high housing price.  But hidden away in the midst of the Singapore heritage trail are quaint cafes and bookstores that will light a hipster's heart up with delight.  (Unfortunately, as not much of a hipster myself, I'm not entirely sure if that's a valid statement), but I can say from a mainstream point of view that the charm of the comfortable road side eateries and restaurants were a pleasant change from the hustle and bustle of elsewhere in Singapore.

Unlike eating in other places al fresco, there was not a flurry of movement constant on the main roads, and any cars that did pass by were supercars (I counted 2 Audis and 3 BWMs in a row), giving one a faint sense of accomplishment and entitlement to the good service and good food being provided.  It was also a change as it was load enough to create a happening vibe, but not so loud that we had to shout over our eggs benedict to continue our conversations.

The interior of the restaurant for Brunch: Open Door Policy, which serves Brunch on weekends from 11-3:30.  Remember to make a reservation though, the place is packed!  Eggs Benedict had a curried hollandaise sauce, which I found very unique, but I would much prefer the original.  I wasn't expecting it to be so packed inside, but it seems to be an up and coming favourite with the expat and the young professional crowd...Almost becoming a slightly less expensive (and more young) version of Dempsey Hill


I appreciated the open kitchen as we sat by the bar, the red brick in particular gives it an illusion of a homey and vintage vibe.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: YUMMMMMMMMM EGGS BENEDICT!!!

Our next stop was a vintage bookstore called Books Actually that sold various kinds of books--- from cutesy art design photo journals to second hand books about famous politicians.  

I was very impressed by the DIY vibe of the store-- all the lights and decorations were handmade and the store was fully stocked of all kinds of DIY products and even DIY how-tos.  Also, if you're on Tumblr and into Tumblry- type books such as Haruki Murakami, this book store is on pointe.

There's a little corner of the shop that celebrates vintage and all things old-timey.  (Sorry Rachel--- disclaimer: she's not actually grunge but she's just trying a cool new look).  The entire area has old pictures of families, personal portraits, imported cigarette boxes and cigars...... its very unique.  

POPAGANDA!

http://www.popaganda.com.sg/--- check out this website for more information about Popaganda! Also, if you're in the Yong Siak Street area, you can be a part of this cool project if you stop by Strangelets, which is another DIY store that sells all kinds of super cute home-y stuff, including very wonderful smelling candles.  Popaganda, a kind of ice cream, is also sold there and they are popsicles that come in a variety of amazing flavours such as Mango Coconut and Kiwi Watermelon.  My friend tried one of them in the store yesterday but I wasn't aware that it was such a yummy flavour until I sampled one myself earlier today.  I'm starting to get very thirsty thinking about these yummy flavours ): ):  Popaganda is all about eating popiscles with fun and healthy flavours and contributing to others where we can.  2% of their sales go to non profit organisations such as the Association for the Visually Handicapped.  I will definitely be buying more of their popsicles from now on whenever I want to treat myself and get a healthy edge.


I know this area has been covered before by the likes of Lady Iron Chef and most other food-ish bloggers, but I was super excited to come visit here and be part of the cool crowd.  How did you feel about this place?

What did you think about this kind of blog style :O Where do you like exploring :)

July (Fashion) Favourites!

EEEEEEPPPP sorry its been forever since the last Favourites but this is the Favourites to tie up the July portion!  This post will be able fashion favourites.  When it comes to clothes in the hottest months of the summer, I tend to go for:

1. COLOUR: Blacks and monochrome and dark, dull colours are reserved for when its dark and dreary outside and not when you're experiencing a heatwave or sweatwave (ew).  That means prints, pops of colour and odd there designs and shades.

2. Comfort: Its hot, its sweaty, humid, you're sweaty and everything is just going wrong.... which is why in the summer, comfort is the key. So for me that means a lot of dresses, flowy skirts, fluffy shirts and of course sandals.... no closed toed shoes for me, thanks!

3. As for away from the winter as possible: I try very hard not to wear clothes that I could possibly wear during the winter months-- like staple tshirts, skirts, etc.  Summer closets are summer closets for a reason. Don't mix and match!

4. NO LAYERING. Its already sweltering as it is.

Fashion Favourites! 

3 pieces that I've found to be the epitome of all that is summer clothing, yet cute enough to wear a few times with variations of necklace or sandals.

I got this dress while I was on holiday in Thailand ages ago.  The bizarre geometric print, the colour contrasts of the bright blues and the light blues, and the hues of bright red make it the perfect colour combination for frolicking in the sea, a day out, or a brunch with your best girls.  I love the eecentric design and one of a kind pattern that you would never find anywhere else, making this not only a summer staple but a prized possession in my closet (:

I'm willing to bet that this is a pretty basic summer staple in everyone's closet.  I don't always find trousers (let alone shorts or skirts) in my size at Forever 21, so this was a huge accomplishment in my relationship with them!! I love this not only because it fits into my "colour" and "comfort" requirements, but also because high waisted shorts are great in terms of versatility.  Ie. for going for a night out where you want to wear something more comfortable but not necessarily a skirt. You can pair this with a cute top and sandals for a day out, but if you're gonna be out for the whole day just pop on a pair of cute heels and you're good to go!

Another old find from Forever 21! Its been mocked for being a "rave" shirt, but since I don't go to raves much, I'll just wear it for a beach/pool day/party, hanging around an amusement park, etc... basically any days that you're gonna be out and having fun but its gonna be hot and you're possible going to be soaking wet.  Its a great coverup, but also a cute design and a pop of colour that'll make you stand out anywhere.  Plus the yellow looks great in pictures under the natural sunlight and brings out your summer skin tone (;

What are some of YOUR fashion faves? I'd love to know (: 

To see the other favourites (skincare and beauty), click on the links below!

Beauty

Skincare 

July (Beauty) Favourites!

Beauty
Maybelline Dream Sun Triple-Bronzing Powder
I actually got this awhile back, but this has been almost an "always-use" everytime I'm going out during the summer months. You don't have to use a lot to get a really sun-kissed look and there are 3 shades so you can either use them as individual shades or combined to get a more golden-brown shade. It's also great for contouring and highlighting since the lighter shades can double as both a bronzer and something else (; --- Cheating whoops... Definitely recommend for anything from a night out to a day out.





Jack Wills Gold Nailvarnish
This was also a Christmas gift from awhile back but I've only recently started using it during the summer. Because its gold and my skin tends to not be as tan as I want it to, its never really matched my skintone during summer. LUCKILY FOR MEEE this summer I've been slightly more tan so I've been able to use this pretty colour especially on my toenails to highlight the tan shades. I also really like the gold because its not a very commonly used colour for nails, yet it matches with a lot of outfits and doesn't stand out while still being an interesting colour. This has effectively changed a lot of my nail colour choices as after I was gifted this I've been on a hunt for odd colours.

Clinique Almost Makeup SPF 15
This is great. Not only is it not thick and allows your skin to breathe, but because its not actually a foundation, it isn't intended to make your skin colour change or act as a base for makeup and so you don't have to worry about blending or it melting off in the heat. It has minerals and elements in it that help keep your skin looking presentable but also that help protect your face from the UV rays, which is helpful if you're going to be out and about in the summer for longer periods of time. This is something I've had for long long time and recently digged up again, so the product formula may have changed or the packaging may look slightly different, but I would expect the effects to be the same.

What are some of your favourites? Do share!

Look forward to Fashion Favourites tomorrow!

Wednesday OOTD Inspiration: Rachel Green!

Inspiration from "Friends" Character Rachel Karen Green! The One After Joey and Rachel Kiss (10x1)

Top: Uniqlo
Skirt: DKNY
Purse: Louis Vuitton (strap has a ribbon tied to the end)
Necklace: Forever 21

Scent in the right picture: Life by Esprit
It's fun, flowery and a casual scent for chilling.

How to make it more?

Jewellery: Preppy with either the Butterfly by Matthew Williamson or this pale pink (almost nude) Jasper Conran.  The Butterfly will add an edge to the otherwise simple ootd with the triangles, whereas the J by Jasper Conran is a more classic look.

Shoes: Any summer shoe goes with this summer look.  Sandals are of course the best option and depending on the occasion, the sandal will make the look.  Two options are: Tory Burch Metallic Thong Sandal  for a more polished look (because of the gold), or a more casual/running errands sort-of- sandal from the Miller collection.  Now, I'm not exactly the massive-est fan of Tory Burch, but I do like the Miller collection-- it seems like something most Mums would wear, but at the same time, the colours are very appealing and summer-y without being overly bright and colourful.  

What are some of your favourite OOTDs and inspirations? Do share! 

July (Skincare) Favourites!

So one of the things that I'm thinking of doing is posting monthly favourites and when the time comes, seasonal favourites that have to do with beauty/fashion/lifestyle related things.  Since I've been travelling quite a bit this summer, I've been mentally making a list of the things that I enjoy using especially in Asian summers as they can be a tad more humid than the UK (where I am most of the year for uni).  I've been in between Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai these few months, and I went on a family holiday for a few days to Perth in Australia, where the weather was significantly different from the the rest of the places I've been.

That being saaiiidd, I've compiled a list of things that I am extremely excited to be using and that I'd like to share with erryone! I hope that the vast majority of everyone is as excited as I am yay

*Disclaimer: None of these things are gifts from these companies (as if)  but stuff that's been given to me/bought with my own money... in case anyone was wondering.

Skincare

As mentioned previously, this month I've been out and about in various parts of the world and experiencing a plethora of climates-- ranging from super humid to somewhat humid and to dehydratingly dry.  Since I've mostly been in humid areas these few weeks, I'm going to recommend some of my skincare faves for humid weather.  It should be noted that I have combination skin-- I'm generally at mercy to the climate I'm in-- and while I've been in Asia I've noticed that my pores have increased exponentially and there is more discolouration and breaking out involved.  These are a few of my top picks for keeping your skin somewhat presentable in muggy weather.

Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Liquid Nose Pack (40ml)

Innisfree is a Korean skincare brand specialising in using eco-friendly and natural products to help purify, cleanse and strengthen our skin.  It also has a really great range of makeup that's ethical and doesn't involve too many kinds of damaging chemicals.  Being Asian, using Asian skincare brands is actually pretty effective because I guess they cater to similar genetic/skin make-ups?  I'm not entirely sure why.... but I do know that the culture in Asia is a very skin-orientated one, especially in Korea and Japan, so using their skincare products is definitely a great way to make sure your skin is taken care of! Check out more Innisfree stuff here!

I bought this in Hong Kong and haven't used it for long (the directions say 1-2 times a week and I've used it about 3 times), but the effect that this has is life-changing.  The first time I used it I wasn't expecting anything to happen instantly, but the result this has had on my skin was quite intriguing.  Similar to a nose strip, but its a liquid that you spread over your nose and peel off like a mask.  I would recommend this to anyone who's had trouble with clearing sudden blackheads and need a quick fix before going out.

Skinfood Black Sugar Strawberry Mask Wash Off (100g) 

ANOTHER South Korean skincare brand! Skinfood (as the name implies) treats skincare as nourishment for your food (let's face it, skincare is also nourishment for our souls and well-beings).  I feel like one of the best things about Skinfood is that their products always feel light on my skin.  They also wash off really easily and leaves my skin feeling nourished and soft.  Skinfood seems to have more stores across the world as opposed to Innisfree, in places outside of Asia such as New Zealand and the Middle East. Get acquainted with Skinfood here (:

This was a gift from my friend and I cannot thank her enough for it! It not only smells great and leaves your skin brighter and smooth, but its also a great exfoliant and leaves your skin was a lighter and more cleansed feeling.  I've used it for the last 2+ weeks and I can honestly say everytime I've used it I've felt like there's been a huge difference to the texture and look of my skin.  Unlike other face masks, it comes in a tub and you apply it yourself-- there's not sheet and you don't have to sit still for 15 minutes.  I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for a leave in face mask that doesn't require them to be a statue for an elongated period of time and maybe something you can use while you're getting ready for bed or a shower.  (Sorry I don't have the packaging for this one- as mentioned, I got this awhile back so I've thrown it away already).

Clean and Clear Dual Action Moisturiser (120ml)

Unlike the previous brands, I think most people are pretty well versed in Clean and Clear products.  Clean & Clear is probably the first skincare brand pre-teens used since its available almost everywhere.  Despite its underage clientele, I am still a really big fan of its products as I have sensitive skin and mostly react to products with too much non-natural scent.  Clean & Clear has always been great for me  as they work very well for my skin type because most of their products are not heavily scented and are very, well, clean and clear.

I enjoy using this product just in general when skin monsters pop up, regardless of the season or climate type.  Its also suitable for travelling as you can turn the top around to prevent it from being pumped all over the place while its in your suitcase.

So there you have it; my July skincare favourites.  What are your skincare favourites? Let me know and if there's anything anyone wants me to try out, give it a shout~ thanks~