Giveaway Goodies: Wanna Win A MAC Brush Set??

Merry Christmas everyone! I bring you a nice little present. A chance to win some MAC brushes! These include SE brushes! Cool or not?

The giveaway in question is by the generous TheShadesOfU.com! All you have to do is become a subscriber, post a link to the giveaway page or homepage, and fill up the form provided on the page.

Here are some pictures to whet your appetite!

The first one is from the 2009 Holiday Magic, Mirth and Mischief brush sets: the Wave of a Wand Sweep and Define Brush Set. It contains the following special edition (SE) brushes:




129 SE Powder/Blush Brush
190 SE Foundation Brush
227 SE Large Fluff Brush
212 SE Flat Eye Definer Brush
275 SE Medium Angled Shading Brush

The other is of MAC Holiday 2008 Adoring Carmine Face Brush Set:




187 SE Duo Fiber Stippling Brush
190 SE Foundation Brush
168 SE Contour Angled Brush
194 SE Concealer Brush

This giveaway is open internationally! Woot!!

Giveaway ends Dec 29th! So get posting everyone.

Click here for the giveaway page!

Giveaway Goodies: Seek For Beauty's 50 Followers + X'mas + New Year Giveaway

The lovely Janice of Seek for Beauty promised a giveaway once she reached 50 blog Followers. And here it is! Plus, Christmas and New Year are coming and thus she is giving 3 prizes to represent each event!

Here are the pressies being offered.




Since there will be 3 winners, Janice has distributed the prizes into groups so that winners can choose their pressie for themselves.


Group A :
ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer
The Body Shop Eye Lustre Liner - Golden Radiance


Group B :
L.A. Colors 5 Metallic Colors Palette - Serenade (Pink)
L.A. Colors 5 Metallic Colors Palette - Tranquill (Blue)
L.A. Colors Eyeshadow Trio - PE 708 (Green)


Group C :
Maybelline Eyestudio Quad - Winter Iris
The Body Shop Duo Eyeshadow - Khaki Green
Maybelline Impact Express Smooth Pencil Shadow - Impact Lilac


Group D :
L.A. Colors Sheer Lipgloss - Raspberry Tart (Pink)
L.A. Colors Sheer Lipgloss - Candy Sprinkles (Sheer Red Glitter)
NYX Fruit Lipbalm - Grape


So here's how this giveaway will work:
1) First winner gets to choose 1 item from each group.
2) Second winner will be the next to choose from the remaining items. 1 from each group as well.
3) Then, the third winner will take what's left.
4) Notice that Group A has 4 items? Yup. I figure out if someone who already own ELF Shadow Primer would appreciate if they have other choices.
5) So after the giveaway, they will be 1 extra item left from Group A. That item will be the special prizes for 1 more winner BUT this will only be selected if I've got more than 100 followers by the end of the giveaway. :p

Now, it's time for rules. I don't want to make it hard so the rules are simple. :)

1) Follow Janice's blog by clicking the "follow" button in her right sidebar. (This step is necessary!)

2) Leave a comment in her blog with the below details.
- Follower ID :
- Email :

3) For 1 extra entry, blog about this giveaway and leave another comment with your blog URL.

4) For 1 more extra entry, follow her on twitter and retweet the following. Then comment and let her know about it.

RT @seekforbeauty Seek For Beauty Blog Giveaway~ Woohoo~ http://TwitPWR.com/yQL/


5) For those first 50 followers, they will have 1 extra entry as promised. :)

6) Winners will be picked randomly. How is still undecided.


What else? Ah! Deadline!

The giveaway will end 1st January 2010 at 12:00am (Malaysia Time GMT +8). This is open internationally. :D

Now let the game begin! Have fun everyone!

Go grab your chance of scoring cool goodies now!


By Abby

Giveaway Goodies: Win A Chanel Lip Gloss!

This time around Miu of Plusizekitten is giving away a brand new Chanel Lip Gloss for the best pouter!





Example:



*slurp* so good u wanna eat it!
my favourite: stila lip glaze in grapefruit
(don't hide your face, my pic is just an example)


To win the CHANEL lip gloss, Miu wants you to take a picture of yourself posing with your favorite lip gloss and a caption! Pout, pose, or do anything with your lip gloss so as long it looks real damned good or cool!

This is how to enter, leave a comment in Miu's blog post with your details:

Follower Id:
Email:
Blog Link: to your yummy lipgloss picture
If you don't have a Blog: email tammylci@gmail.com your picture.

For the weak hearted and extremely camera shy followers: (like myself)

Just spread the news around by blogging & leaving your blogged link in the same blog post. The lucky blogger will win a travel size Stila Lip Glaze.


Terms & Conditions:

- contest starts 20/11/09 and ends 1/12/09
- only followers of plusizekitten can enter the contest, if you're not a follower please join by clicking the follow button on the right hand side of her blog (somewhere below the links).
- only complete entries are valid
- only 1 photo per entry
- bloggers can post up in their blogs while non-bloggers can email me a pic
- your pictures will be put up on her post for judging
- you can wear a mask/hide your identity while posing with your lipglaze (for those who's shy)
- judging is based on voting

So what are you waiting for, get posing and send in your entry now!

Happy posing and Good Luck!


By Abby

Movie Buff: A New Moon Has Risen

I just returned from yet another movie premiere a few hours ago. If you haven't guessed, it was for the much-anticipated sequel to Twilight, entitled New Moon. New Moon has been gaining a lot of buzz the past week but does it live up to the hype?

Now I won't bore you by going into a summary of the movie. You, like a lot of other people, have probably already read one, watched the trailer on TV, on the Internet, or even seen movie posters. In a nutshell, this movie is a detailed introduction to Jacob Black, Bella Swan's (Kristen Stewart) good family friend who has had a crush on her since the first movie(of course). Don't we all love a good love triangle.

Consisting mostly of Jacob's (Taylor Lautner) story, there isn't much eye candy in the form of the lusted-over Edward Cullen, played by the mysterious Robert Pattinson (love!!). This is one of the gripes I have with this movie. But it does go according to the book so those who have read it will be able to follow the movie easily. The same can be said for the rest of the Cullen clan, who don't have very long scenes. Their normally good looks were also played down this time to help the new "pack" of characters stand out.

Personally, I found the movie too short in the sense that a lot of scenes were cut from the movie. Also, I think the makeup artists OD-ed on the white powder, especially on Edward's body in the scene where he exposes himself to the whole of Volterra! I love pale skin but he looked whiter than those masked faces in Chinese operas, which is saying quite a bit.

On the plus side, Team Jacob fans will get to see a LOT of flesh! And what nice flesh that was! He does get more dominant screen time in this one and proves to be able to stand his own against Edward. His secret is larger than life too if you know what I mean.

For Team Edward supporters, do not despair as Edward looks exceptionally exquisite in his scenes if I may say so myself. He looks flawless as ever, complete with nicely curled lashes! See if you can spot them! His scenes are dark and intense, sure to claim squeals of pleasure from the female audience, as it did in the hall I was in.

The Volturi, the "royals" of the vampire world, are scary at first glance, due to their blood-red eyes. Jane, played by Dakota Fanning, was very strong, her eyes terrifying. The trio were fun to watch. Especially Aro with his eye-popping eyes and fun demeanor. Volterra is beautiful sight, having been filmed in Italy. Sadly those scenes are rather short, I longed for more!

New Moon blows hot and cold, but in a good way. Jacob is the hot to Edward's cold. The sight were lovely, the music very suitable. Honestly, I prefer Twilight over this one. Mostly due to the fact that I am a huge Team Edward supporter but Jacob is starting to grow on me, thanks to that buff bod of his. One scene is especially hot, you'll know it when you see it! Am now looking forward to Eclipse, the third of the four part saga. I know for a fact that there will be a more equal amount of Edward and Jacob!

As this review was written solely on my own experience and point-of-view, I say go watch it yourself and create your own opinions! And do share them with me! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie.


Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.

Giveaway Goodies: 'I Heart Cosmetics' Christmas Holiday Giveaway

Want a chance to win some goodies this Christmas? Read on for your chance!

Sarah of I Heart Cosmetics is having a Christmas Holidays Giveaway. Everyone and anyone, anywhere can participate. You have to be a Follower of her blog though so do that for your chance! Giveaway ends 3rd of December and winners will be chosen via Random.org and posted the next day.

What you need to do to enter
Basically this is easy peasy, all you need to do is

1. post the link to this post on your blog and then comment in the box below and
2. tell me your favourite holiday food or drink (for example eggnog or haggis!) this doesn't have to be Christmas, whichever holiday you celebrate at this time of the year

*Remember to become a Follower first or it doesn't count!


What you stand to win

1st prize

Sleek Cosmetics Graphite Eyeshadow Palette

Sleek Cosmetics Ink Pot Gel Eyeliner in Purple Rain

Gosh Darling Lipstick

Essie Chastity Nail Varnish

Rimmel Nail Varnish in Coralicious

Bourjois Black 1001 Cills / Lashes Mascara

Marks and Spencer Chocolate Snowy Balls Sweeties

Lush Sexy Boy Massage Bar (not pictured as I will pick up a
fresh one the day of posting)

2nd prize

Sleek Cosmetics Glitter Liquid Eyeliner in Glam (purple)

Gosh Darling Lipstick

Rimmel Nail Varnish in Orange Bliss

Marks and Spencer Chocolate Snowy Balls Sweeties

Lush let them eat cake lipbalm (not pictured as I will pick
up a freshly made one on the day of posting)

Good luck everyone!


By Abby

Must Go's: Clarins "Power to Try" Workshop Update!!

On Saturday, 31/10/09, one of my girlfriends and I attended the Clarins "Power to Try" workshop held at their Training Centre in the AMODA building. Yup, it is the very one that was kindly organized by Miu. We went for the afternoon session.

Products for using and testing

All the sets ready to be taken home

Form with details, mirror, box of tissues,
cotton pads & buds, and personal bib

After everyone (or almost everyone) was in the room, Michelle started the presentation. We were introduced to Clarins' background, their founders, and taught about different skin types and products suited to those skin types. Some scary stuff were brought up, bringing the seemingly hushed room to a collective "Ooo..."

During the presentation we were taught how to properly care for our skin, from the cleansing to masking to makeup application. We got a sneak peek of their new Double Serum Generation 6 that helps "Boost" the 5 vital functions. Saw this in the papers a few days ago.

Some of the stuff I used:
Skin Care:-
Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser (Pink) - to remove makeup, dust....can also be used in case your water supply is cut (haha...)
Toner (Yellow) - Gentle toner that does sting eyes nor make my sensitive cheeks flare up
Beauty Flash Balm Mask - was adviced to try this instead of the HydraQuench Cream-Mask due to bruised tomato-ish shade of my cheeks
Eye Contour Gel - for day, refreshing feeling
BI-Phase Serum - needed lots and lots of hydration for my dehydrated skin...love
HydraQuench Cream - bring on the hydration!!
White Plus HP Sunblock - Clarins had to try to instill in us the importance of sunblock. Us lazy people.

No picture of me masking as I did not have the "white" face. Mine was almost skin coloured. Freaking orange shade when taken off with cotton pads though.

Pics of my gal pal and some other ghouls (I mean girls! sorry...it was Halloween!!)

Makuep:-
Complexion Perfector - can remove mascara smudges, used on the eye area
Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch - line filler, garnered lots of "Ooo"s from the crowd, myself included, going on my wishlist(!), really fills in those lines
Instant Light Perfecting Touch 01 - face base, 01 for fair skin, very light coverage, could still see my horrible spots
Blusher (Pink) - triangle style, only on apples of cheeks, never use below the nose line
Eye Lash Curler - could not get it to work, needed help, luckily for helpful assisstants!!
Instant Light Eye Base - helps absorb oil, gives eyeshadow more intensity
Double Fix Mascara - mascara sealer to help keep it from smudging
Lengthening/Volumizing/both Mascara - don't really dig mascara so I skipped this one
Refreshing Mist Long-Lasting Hold - to well, hold makeup in place, which it did.

Some of the stuff I used on my canvass

Michelle demonstrating the correct way to apply blush

Some of the things I learnt from the workshop:
1. A single eyelash takes 4 years to grow to full length! (gasp)
2. Always PAT excess water on your face. Don't wipe or fan with hands.
3. Sunblock is a MUST especially with the increasingly dangerous global warming happening these days.
4. Finally, how to do the Clarins Auto-Lifting Method! Been hearing so much about it yet not being taught how to actually do it.
5. Hydration masks (hydration ONLY) can be used everyday (yahoo!) AND do NOT skimp on the product!
6. Pigmentation take 5-10 years to appear. (scary much!)
7. A 3 step program is NOT enough! 6 is better.
8. The PROPER way to remove mascara (I do it the wrong way)

My mini haul and goodie bag!

Mini haul of HydraQuench Set

Goodie bag

If there ever is another workshop, event, anything, Count Me In!! Am now lemming some of those facials/body treatments/products!!!

Products on display

Facials! Here I come!

A very big THANK YOU to Clarins and Miu for giving us all the "Power to Try" and discover the wonders that is Clarins for ourselves.


By Abby

Movie Buff: This Is It...A Tribute to the King of Pop

Besides food, skincare, bodycare, and recently makeup, my other passion is entertainment. And especially in the form of movies. I haven’t had the time to go to the cinemas despite all the great new movies that are out. My last was Transformers 2!! Tonight (or Wednesday 28/10/09) however, I was given the privilege to watch a special screening of a particular movie. I just couldn’t pass on this one.

It was entitled, This Is It. for those of you who don’t already know what it’s about, well…someone has been hiding out somewhere I guess. This is the Michael Jackson movie that has been much anticipated and talked about worldwide. And I can see why after watching it.

It isn’t a biopic, nor a documentary. What it is, is an up close and personal concert of sorts. In a nutshell, and without spoiling too much, it is the practice sessions MJ went through while preparing for his tour. You go behind the scenes, watch the rigorous audition process, the colourful and realistic setups, the videos shot just for the tour, as well as witness the genius that is Michael Jackson.

This movie, all 1 hour 40ish minutes of it, was thrilling to say the least. Watching the King of Pop belt out his most famous hits while performing his dance routines, complete with backup dancers and props, what excitement! He sang, he danced, he directed. If you ask me, I’d have thought those legs of his had never stopped dancing for a day! The voice, still the same, still enthralling.

There are a few humorous bits which are sure to make you laugh. Or make your sides hurt. I really liked one prop in particular; a really cool one used in some of the first few performances. Look out for that one! The costumes where so realistic! Especially for the Thriller performance! Didn’t think they’d skip that one did you?

If you like instrumental music, look out for the uber brilliant female guitarist! Awesome I truly must say! A real rocker chick! Without the goth makeup. See it to believe it!

All in all, a MUST watch. Whether or not you are an MJ fan, if only to understand what the hype is all about. I only regret it ended so early. A crash course for the non-MJ fan and a masterpiece for fans. I hope you booked early, I hear those tickets are flying fast!

Watch it and let me know what you thought about it. I just hope you find it as amazing as I did. Public screening starts today (Thursday 29/10/09)!

Well, what are you waiting for!! THIS IS IT!!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.

Giveaway Goodies: Jessying's Birthday Giveaway !

Wanna get you hands on these goodies below??

Stage Divine Lash Mascara in Black (worth RM55)
1 Inuovi Eyebrown Powder (worth RM60)
1 H20 Travel Size Clearwater Body Balm
1 H20 Travel Size Clearwater Shower & Bath Gel
1 Laneige Travel Size Water Bank Cream2 EX
1 Laneige Travel Size Water Bank Essence _EX
1H20 Lip Oasis Lipgloss
1 Mac Nailpolish in Silverstruck (RM32)
&
Others mysterious items :D
are up for grabs!!

All you have to do is head over to this lovely lady's blog and follow a
few simple steps to be in the running!

All you have to do is Be A Follower, and answer a simple question which is:
When you read my blog, what is the one object (things/persons/animals) which reminds you of my blog and why ? (30 words or less)

My answer?
The lovely heart and flower charms on your banners, together with that pink striped wallpaper which reminds me of the Christina Aguilera Candyman age.


Good luck everyone! This contest ends 31st of October so hurry on over!



By Abby

Freebies A-Hauling: Freebies & an H2O promo!

I know I haven't posted in a very long time. Real busy with school and all the work that comes with it. A family member has also been sick lately thus not having much time to do any posts although I have so many in mind.

Had a day off today and of course went to get some freebies and samples. Happiness.

First off, went to Jusco in 1 Utama to get Clarins and Clinique freebies. Then off to Guardian for Vichy! Before going to Kiehl's to get some of the new Sunflower range samples.


Did you notice the Clarins? Looks nice huh. I got it from this month's issue of MYC! Magazine! You probably don't know about it unless you're in college. Or frequent various McDonald's outlets. Well they had a page on the Truly Matte range with a 3-piece giveaway! And I got mine!





Included are a 3ml Pore Minimizing Serum, 5ml Hydra Matte Lotion, and 5ml Pure and Radiant Mask! Happy happy happy. Very pleased with Clarins and am truly awaiting the Workshop with the greatest of anticipation. 31st please come faster! 9 outlets are listed for the redemption. It's until the 15th of November so if you can get your hands on this magazine, do so now!




Clinique is having that Eye Cream giveaway. If you don't know about it, go to their Malaysian website. http://www.cliniquemalaysia.com/oct/redeem.html and fill up the form to get your M-coupon! It expires this Sunday so hurry! Unfortunately, the Jusco 1 Utama outlet was already out of stock since last week. So instead, I got a Derma White Moisture Mask in exchange. SA Sally was nice enough to do so. But do try the other outlets. Hope you have more luck than I did. I so want to try their All About Eyes.

On to Vichy. Got it from that mini coupon from MWW magazine. CLEO has it to so get yours now! Until the end of the month. Sachets are from the new Bi-White range, the Essence and Cream.

As I got my Kiehl's newsletter today, I found out for sure that their new Sunflower Color Preserving range is out! Got samples of their raved about Hair Recovery Pak. Look for KCR Yen or Anna. They are lovely. Also got a Creme de Corps sample to try. Tried on a little Pear Tree Corner (PTC) Body Lotion and boy, it smells so divine. Now you know why I have the whole range on my wishlist! Even though I already have their Scrub!


On the way to Kiehl's, I also saw my favourite food shop. Shojikiya!! They are on sale again! Until this Sunday also. RIGHT ouside the Kiehl's outlet. Had to stop by. This is the second one I have been to this year. And I want more!! My haul. I bought my favourite Nissin Instant Noodles but thought it wasn't so appropriate to show you that. Most people know about it anyway. Those are a RM 1 off the normal price. Going at RM 6.50 now!

Hello Panda is for my friend. Although it is rather nice. They have lots of testers for all sorts of food items. Usual price is RM 15+, going at RM 13 right now. Recently have been having an Azuki bean craving. Yes, Japanese red bean craving. I love those littl;e pleasure beans. This is my new favourite snack, All Azuki it is apparently called. Normal price is RM 8+, now it's at RM 6.90. About RM 2 cheaper! I snapped up 3 packs! Subtle yet delightful taste! Especially for those who hate overly sweet stuff. This is definitely for you! Comes in Raisin flavour also but if you can get Azuki, why bother with Raisin I say. Also got a pancake-like snack. Yet another Azuki frenzy treat for me. This one comes with chestnuts too! Got it for RM 16. Those Japanese really do love their chestnuts and Azuki. Also comes in just Azuki. Bought it for a relative recently who said it was really nice thus bought this for myself. Mine! All mine!!



Oh yeah, with purchases of RM 30 and above you get a Pasta Zanmai voucher for a free Matcha Ice Cream! Only in 1 Utama outlet though. I have never been there before.

Saw this ad in the Thursday Star paper. 20% off on H2O Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment 50ml!? Go get it girls! I heard it is really good! Either that or stock up if you already have this. Like the ad says, "Grab the opportunity that may not happen for another 20 years". That is a looong time. Until the end of the month.


Go crazy everyone! See you soon!

By Abby

Foodie Hunt: Kura, Be Still My Heart

Food, needless to say, is one of my passions. The consumption of it. Not the preparation. Thus, I felt that for my first foodie review, it should be of one of my favourite restaurants of the moment, Kura. Now, I am a real sucker when it comes to Japanese food. And Kura has hit the mark every single time! I have been here more than 5 times now and it just keeps getting better. As I needed to get tickets for the upcoming (I can’t wait!) Beyonce concert, we simply drifted off to Kura for dinner.

Kura is located on the first floor of the One World Hotel. Bet you didn’t know they served good food in the hotel with it being next to 1 Utama. There is a door that connects the two buildings so you can shop till you drop before winding down with a scrumptious dinner.



Now, the place looks like a maze from the moment you step into the outlet. There is a section, which can be viewed from the outside that looks like a Japanese garden.




Another section houses the sushi table, where the chefs are busily preparing your sushi and sashimi orders, there are a few cubicles for a more intimate dining experience, a smoking section, a non-smoking section, and a few other areas I myself have not been into. Walk around and take your pick I say!




Onto the menu, it is HUGE to say the least. I get greedy when I see menus like these. With nice colourful pictures, and even cooler food choices! They even have fugu (puffer fish) and matsutake mushrooms! However, we were presented with a smaller extra menu last night, called their Shokuyoku no Aki menu. Translation, Autumn menu. Even more good stuff to choose from!

In the end, we ordered the Autumn Roll from the well, Autumn menu, as well as 2 Set Dinners (I love these!). They were the Sushi to Yakiniku Zen and the Unagi Kabayaki Zen. Kura has Set Dinners ranging from RM 32 to RM 85.


One thing I really love about this place, they have fresh wasabi! Okay, I personally dislike the stuff but my dining companion, can eat it on its own! you do have to request for it though. otherwise, you get the normal stuff. apparently it's a totally different experience! Try it for yourselves and let me know.


First came the salad, nice fresh, crisp greens with cherry tomatoes and onions topped with dressing.


Then, the Autumn Roll! This was REALLY good! Too bad greedy me forgot to take a side view picture. Inside the roll are salmon, crabmeat, mushrooms, and omelet topped with slices of wonderful avocado and ikura (salmon roe). Delish I must say! The seaweed, although soft (not the crispy type), was so easy to bite through it just melted.


Next, the Sushi to Yakiniku Zen arrived. Consisting of the salad (from earlier), chawanmushi, miso soup, bowl of mushrooms, 7 pieces of delectable sushi, fruits, and of course, the beef itself. This dish doesn’t come with rice as you get that from the sushi. Beef was nicely done, this was a first. A word of caution to those non-wasabi eaters like myself, they do add a little of the green stuff between the sushi. So do bring this up when ordering and have it removed.


This is my love. The Unagi Kabayaki Zen. I rarely eat unagi (grilled eel) in Malaysia. I find it is always not up to my standards but this place, I have it all the time! My set consisted of a bowl of rice, pickles, miso soup, fruits, bowl of mushrooms, chawanmushi, and my favourite, the eels themselves (how many times have I mentioned my love for this?). Perfectly marinated, not too sweet, tender, and yummy. Although, being eel, they do have some small bones in them. So do take care when eating this.

Alas, that was the end of our meal. No space for dessert yet again. Although some do look very promising! Next time perhaps. The uni (sea urchin roe) is good too. So too are their sashimi!


Kura is a pork free restaurant. They sell alcohol though. They serve lunch and dinner, although I have never been there for lunch. I wonder why.

Kura Restaurant
One World Hotel
Bandar Utama
Petaling Jaya
Tel No: 03 - 7681 1111


Tip: Park in 1 Utama if you can. The parking fee at the hotel is pretty high. But beware, the door that links the two buildings closes at 11pm!


Have you ever been to Kura? Do share your thoughts on the place. If not, recommend me some other Japanese places to visit!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.