MY FAVOURITE BLOGGERS/ YOUTUBERS

Having become familiarised with myself on Youtube land, especially in the beauty channels department for the past 2 years, it's become a bit of daily routine of mine to have an overview of what's to watch.  I still get very excited whenever there are new videos uploaded, waiting for me to watch.

Here, I want to share with you all a handful of my favourite Beauty Youtubers, and Bloggers that I watch and read religiously.

Amanda Muse

She's a mom of two, Canadian girl who's moved to Malaysia 2-3 years ago with her husband.  I used to like watching her beauty related videos (she still makes that) as she's absolutely beautiful to watch (fresh and glowing face all the time), and she has her own take on beauty products and doesn't always follow the crowd.  Ever since I fell pregnant, I have become even more of a fan of her videos, especially her pregnancy vlogs.  When she had her baby #2, she started vlogging weekly of how her pregnancy went, and giving tips on her own pregnancy.  I like that she has such an approachable attitudes to life in general, and I can relate to her so much.

Where to find her?

Youtube - www.youtube.com/amandamuse

Instagram - amandamuse

Twitter - @museamanda 

Essie Button

Another Canadian girl who's moved away from home, to London for love (her boyfriend Aslan).  Essie's beauty videos on Youtube is fun to watch, she's hilarious and absolutely passionate about makeup.  I especially like her vlogs - I feel like I know her already (and was lucky enough to bump into her not long ago, and appeared in her vlog: Amazing View of London #VLUNE 1!  I was on from 13.47min for a few seconds.)

What I like about her vlogs?  I like the fact that she's so open about sharing her personal life with us, I like to see where she's up to, especially eating places and how she spends on days, weekdays and weekends.  She also maintains a pretty beauty blog, too!

Where to find her?
Youtube:  www.youtube.com/user/essiebutton (beauty videos)/ www.youtube.com/user/essiebuttonvlogs (vlogs)
Blog: www.essiebutton.com
Twitter: @essiebutton
Instagram: essiebutton

ViviannaDoesMakeup

I found out about Vivianna from Lily Pebbles.  I like Vivianna's sense of humour when making beauty videos.  She always gives the most honest opinion on beauty products which is music to viewers' ears.  I like that she has her own take on makeup, she doesn't over do it or follow others blindly.

Recently she started making more food related videos which is cool as it shows a different side of talents from her!

Where to find Vivianna?
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/viviannadoesmakeup
Blog: www.viviannadoesmakeup.com
Twitter: @ViviannaMakeup
Instagram: viviannamakeup

Lily Pebbles

How can I not mention Lilypebbles (used to call WhatIHeartToday) when I have just expressed my favouritism to Vivianna?  Both of them have been working closely from the start on Youtube lands, and even more regularly now.  I like them separately but I think I like them even more when they are making videos together.



I really like Lily and have met her in person.  She is such a geniue girl who steals my heart from the beginning.  I think that she's done so well on both Youtube lands and the bloggersphere.  You can tell she's a real hard-worker.  She seems to knowledgeable about all things makeup related, and it shows on both her beauty videos and blogs.  I like to hear what she says about beauty products that she's tried before I go out an try it, most of the time I agree with what she says.

Where to find Lily?
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/WhatIHeartToday
Blog: www.lilypebbles.co.uk
Instagram: lilypebbles
Twitter: @lilypebbes

Lisa Eldridge

The queen/goddess of makeup worldwide!  Lisa Eldridge is my bible in makeup.  Her videos are definitely not one-hit-wonder.  They would never go out of fashion but whenever I needed to refresh my mind on a particular area in makeup, I would do a quick search then I can bury myself into them again and again.

Lisa also has a blog but I much prefer to see her in actions.  She always makes applying makeup the easiest thing in the world, well I don't blame her for that cos that's what she does professionally!

Where to find Lisa?
Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/lisaeldridgedotcom
Blog: www.lisaeldridge.com
Instagram: lisaeldridgemakeup
Twitter: @Lisa_Eldridge

Wendy's Lookbook (Wendy Nguyen)

Wendy is an American Vietnamese fashion blogger who is based in the US.  She makes amazing fashion videos on youtube regularly.  All of her videos are made with style, artistic value and with tons of creativity.  Her video - A Shoe Adventure is especially stunning!  Her recent routine videos cover a lot on 'pairings', such as how to pair skinny jeans, trench coats, high-low skirts, etc.

She also keeps a blog as well which has all the pretty pictures on how she creates different looks.  She looks so chic all the time and really stylish!

Where to find Wendy?

Blog: www.wendyslookbook.com

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/wendyslookbook

Instagram: wendyslookbook

Twitter: @wendynguyen

Style Scrapbook (Andy Torres)

Mexican born, Amsterdam based fashion blogger.  I have been following her on youtube for quite a few years.  I loved her early styling videos, although she doesn't make them as often now.  I follow her on her blog - Style Scrapbook instead.

She's a real stylish girl, who loves hughstreet fashion, especially Zara and H&M which is great as it's so much easier to take ideas from her outfits.  Her pictures on her blog are absolutely stunning, she can basically pull any style off effortlessly and I wish I could be like her!

Where to find Andy?
Blog: www.stylescrapbook.com
Twitter: @stylescrapbook
Instagram: stylescrapbook

Who's your favourite bloggers/ Youtubers?

TOPSHOP LOLITA '60s ROUND SUNGLASSES

What not to like when the sun is finally out more frequently!  I love wearing sunglasses for the cool factor that it gives to my outfits, it completes it and makes it more stylish.  The pair of sunglasses I have has reached the age of 5 or 6 which I bought in Portabello market, I still love it as every time when I wear it, I receive compliments on how special they are.  However I feel tempted to add to my sunglasses collection recently.

The other day, my sister (@forksandbrushes) and I went shopping as we do.  We went into Topshop, as I wanted to check out some makeup bits there.  In the end, I found myself wondering in the sunglasses section, trying out a few pairs.  I couldn't help but trying on this pair of Lolita '60s Round Sunglasses, and found them surprisingly 'suitable'.  I have quite a round-shaped face, so I thought a round frame wouldn't suit me but they actually complement the shape of my face.

The sunglasses also come with a choice of 3 plastic sunglasses pouch with a piece of small cloth, I chose the purple one.

Ever since I bought them, I have either been wearing them or at least keeping them in my handbag just in case when I want to look cool!

What do you look for in a pair of sunglasses?  Do you think Lolita suits me?

MY EVENING STANDARD: GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER

I am probably rather late to jump onto the bandwagon of trying out the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water.  Forgive me but this product isn't available just yet in Hong Kong so I had to wait until now that I'm back in London, I could finally give this a whirl.

A dupe for the good old Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water?  I think so.  Honestly, I am a big fan of the Bioderma cleansing water, I didn't find it that great in removing my eye makeup albeit it has a mild to water like formula which doesn't (never have) irritate my skin, so a great recommendation for sensitive skin.  However it has stung my eyes on a number of occasions so I ruled it out of my life for now.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is claimed to remove face, eyes and lips makeup, also no perfume; so gentle as water but able to help cleansed off makeup.  Did it work?  Hm.... I'm half way through the bottle (in about 6 weeks time, fair speed I think)..... It's a bit hit and miss.  I soaked two pieces of cotton pads full of this cleansing water, cover my eyes as a first step to remove makeup.  I would hold it for at least 30 seconds whilst gently massaging in circular motions.  Most of the eye makeup would come up, including smokey eye shadows and eyeliners.  For mascaras, it really depends, if I have put on too thick a coat on that this would require a second rinsing.  However the good thing is this stuff has never caused any irritation to my eyes whatsoever so in this department, it's outperformed Bioderma.

So, after 4 cotton pads and a few drips and drapes of Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, most of my makeup will have come up.  However, I always make sure that I use a cleansing balm/ cream to put my face through a second cleanse and that way, I'm reassured that no dirt is left on my face.

Would I repurchase this pink bottle again?  I think I would - for the price and for what it's capable of doing.  Yes there are more effective products out there but for now, I'm liking beauty products which are slightly friendlier to my purse.

Until the next discovery of drugstore cleansing water, I shall report back in here!

Have you tried this?  What's your favourite makeup remover?

OMOROVICZA THERMAL CLEANSING BALM

Possibly one of the most expensive facial cleansing balm known to mankind  -Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm (£46).  A brand and a product which I have been intrigued for a long time but wouldn't take the plunge to make a purchase purely because of its killer price.  Until I saw the Omorovicza Essential Pack available from Space NK online - it's not cheap as it would set you back at £75 but you get to sample 5 of the brand's most famous products, a once in a life time opportunity I wouldn't pass up.

So far, I have only managed to try out the Thermal Cleansing Balm so I would like to share with you what I thought of it.

Its black/ clay looking balm makes you think that this would heat up when it's put on the face but the truth is that it didn't for me, strangely.  I'm not sure if it's the balm supposed to warm up though.  It's got a thin but creamy texture, it has some fine sandy bits running in between; they are so fine that it's not enough to 'exfoliate' your skin.

It feels slightly 'greasy' to touch and it remains so when massage onto the face.  You don't need that much, for me a 10p size of the balm is all I needed for my whole face (note I have a large pizza face).  It's great for removing makeup as a second step to an evening skincare routine, at least that's how I've been using this balm for.  It does feel like a 'moist' film over the face once the balm gets in contact to my skin.  

I especially liked the flannel that comes with it.  I experimented it with a muslin cloth when wiping off the balm but I think that a flannel works so much better.  It feels much cleaner and fresher if a flannel is used.  I made sure that warm (steaming hot) water soaked up the flannel, so when it wiped off the balm from my face, it feels like a true spa-like experiment.  It's simply a great pampering at home that you can do it yourself.

I have to say though it does feel a little bit 'greasy' after wiping off all the products albeit my face felt very cleansed afterwards.  However I didn't mind that as I have dry skin and it's not broken me out so it worked for me.

Would I purchase the full size?  I would if I had more spare money.  I would recommend it if you are dry skin like myself, and that whilst stocks last for the Essential pack on Space NK online - it's well worth trying!

Have you tried Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm before?  Or other of its products?

STYLEFILE MINI S-CLIPPER

How often do you take that nail clipper out and start to clip your long nails away?  Are you a fussy person when it comes to choosing the perfect nail clipper?  Or are you one that just grabs any old clipper from your mom or sister's vanity cabinet?  *Stylefile Mini S-Clipper (£7.49) might be the next best nail clipper you can invest in.

Invented by Tom Pellereau, The winner of The Apprentice 2011.  After his success on his first invention (also seen on TV when he took part in The Apprentice 2011), the S-file; he launched the Mini S-Clipper to solve even more problems for us!

The idea of this S-Clipper is that it doesn't 'ping' any nails that are clipped out 100 miles away!  So instead of targeting your nail clipping actions into a rubbish bin, you can sit back and relax a smooth nails cutting experience.

The design of the mini S-Clipper is slick and handy, it is made of surgical steel so it gives a really reliable feel to the product.  

The curve of the clipper at the back makes holding it a dream.  I opted for the mini size one as I feel that it can be used both at home or when I'm travelling.  The size isn't too small you can't clip your nails impractically.

The Mini S-Clipper is also meant to be strong enough to clip all sorts of nails: human nails and acrylic nails which is so handy for us girls when we need to trim those fake nails.

If you look closely to the 'clipper' part, it's got an 'uneven' close end (curved blade) which is something I have never seen before.  Basically, you aim the wider side onto the nails then you can start clipping away.  The curve of the clipper part also allows you to follow the curve of your nails naturally.  Unlike other clippers which offer a one-dimension curve and you almost need to move your fingers round it for the job to be done.  With the S-clipper, all you need to do is to aim the clipper part to your nails, then it feels as if it's almost an automatic motion to make your nails looking neat and tidy.

You might find that the first time using this a little tricky, I must say so myself but once you get the hang of it; it's incredibly fun and you will see the benefit of it yourself.

You can click here for a detailed and fun demonstration by Tom himself.

Stylefile Mini S-Clipper is available online at Sainsbury's, Amazon.co.uk, and healthpharm.  Or you can get it in-store from Sainsbury's.

*PR Sample

KIKO PRECISION EYE PENCIL: WHAT'S GONE WRONG?

When a product gets mentioned, it is either very good or it is disappointing.  Kiko Precision Eye Pencil  has become a controversial staple product for me and my sister (@forksandbrushes) recently.

Kiko is an Italian makeup and skincare brand that I have fallen in love with since last year.  The super affordable prices and the quality of their products are fantastic.  This eye pencil has received good repertoire on BorB, you can click here, here and here for further details.

This brand new eye pencil is my repurchased product - it's quite an achievement to finish a whole eyeliner pencil!  This one in particular is great - it didn't use to smudge, it's soft and very easy to glide on the eyelines, it doesn't require much sharpening so it's a real bargain at £4.20.

However, recently when my sister and I exchanged what's in our makeup collection, we both realised that something has changed with our Kiko Precision Eye Pencil.  They smudged on both on us!  This has occurred continuously for over a month's of time.

Since last month, I ditched the use of mascara and only used this eye pencil but realised that within 2 hours of wearing, panda eyes were formed clearly.  At first I blamed it on the humid weather in Hong Kong (I was still there last month), and that I didn't wear eye primer (which I don't normally need).  So I experimented it with wearing eye primer before I wore the eyeliner but it seemed didn't solve the problem.

Ever since I came back to London, I also tried again as the weather is drastically different here, a lot drier and cooler.  The same result is seen.  I have dry skin and my makeup stays on pretty well throughout the day, especially my eye makeup.  Whilst my sister has oily skin and her eyelids are particularly oily.  What wasn't an issue for her, smudging; has now become a problem for both of us (different skin types).

I wondered what happened?  Has the formula changed for this?  Or have our skin qualities changed and reflected on the result of using this eye pencil?

Has any of you noticed the different?  If so, please let either me or my sister knows!