Collective Makeup Haul and Hiatus

Hello! It's been a week already since I last posted :) This was my final week of uni for the semester which now means that I should be studying hard for exams! Just thought I'd do a blog post before I get into major study/cram mode, eek I'm so not looking forward to my first university exams :( I have 4 to do by the end of this month.

Thanks for the comments on my two previous posts which I wrote last week. If you haven't checked them out, they are here and here. And in one of the posts I held a mini giveaway of two 10-pair false eyelash boxes and I have drawn the winners. They've already been contacted but I'll still share the winners here...

Sue

Jennifer H

Congratulations girls, hope you'll like the lashes ^.^ And for everyone else, I promise you that there will be more giveaways from me!!

One of the main points of this post is to say a temporary goodbye from my blog while I prepare for my exams. I didn't want to be MIA without giving you guys any notice, that would probably make me a bad blogger. I'll be on hiatus for 3 weeks as my exams will finish on the 28th of this month. It sucks for me that I will be absent from the blogosphere while most of you will still be here (those on summer holidays and those who can study for exams + blog) and I will definitely be missing you guys haha T.T Sorry that I have to do this, I hope that you'll all understand. I really need to focus on my studies now...

Don't worry though, because when I'm back I will be on holidays! Which means more time for blogging instead of once a week AND I'll have time to create a new blog header, so be on the lookout for that when I make my 'comeback' ;D Feel free to create a blog header for me while I'm away, I'd really appreciate that (since I'm a major photoshop noob) and I'll feature/mention you here =P

Now that I've got the sad/bad news out of the way, I'll now attempt to make this post more happy to read. Not much has been happening to me recently besides uni, but I have bought/received new makeup products. This will be a collective haul because I didn't get all of these items at once (that'd be a little crazy for me) or from once place. Some were bought online and some were from my favourite drugstore, Priceline.

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara

I bought this when it was on sale, and my main reason for purchasing it was because I received a $3 discount voucher for the mascara! I thought I'd make use of it and purchase a mascara that I was rather curious about. I think there are a few mascaras that claim to give that 'false lash' effect but I reckon Maybelline's version is the latest. I have tried this so I can give a review if requested. I'm happy with the price I paid instead of the RRP (around $17 is the RRP and I paid around $12)

Manicare Precision Blending Sponge

Funny how I bought this a while ago but still haven't used it yet! In case you're not familiar with this sponge, it's an egg-shaped sponge to apply foundation and have it evenly distributed. I guess it's a dupe for the more expensive and well-known beauty blender. It was around $7-8 and I didn't get it on sale. I don't use a liquid foundation (I use a velvet/cream textured one) so it would hard for me to test out how well it blends. I do however have a tinted moisturiser with a very smooth consistency but it wouldn't require the use of a blending sponge. When I do get around to using it, it's likely that I will do a review =]

Red Earth Brows Perfecting Kit

This was in the bargain basket where all the heavily discounted items were sitting. Priceline has now discontinued selling Red Earth cosmetics and so most of the items are around $2 each. I picked this up because I really wanted/needed an eyebrow kit and $2 was a more-than-ok price to pay! I love how it comes with mini tools, so cute. I'm glad it's the right shade for my natural brows but since I've dyed my hair (if you're not following me on Twitter, you probably didn't know that I've become brunette!), I've wanted to slightly lighten my brows but I don't know how without using a dye =[ I know how to totally redraw the brow but no idea how to lighten! Someone teach me pleaseeee.

1000 Hour Heated Eyelash Curler

Another product that I had wanted and was on my wishlist. It definitely won't be replacing my usual manual lash curler and I don't think anyone should even consider replacing a regular lash curler with a heated one - they work differently and have different purposes :) But yeah, so far I'm liking it and it was worth the $15 or so dollars I paid when it was on sale.

88 Ultra Shimmer Eyeshadow Palette

I won this from an eBay bid for under $20 shipped and the seller happened to be from the same city as me, so I received it in a matter of days xD That was pretty cool actually. Anyway, I had been wanting an 88 palette for a while, just so I can have heaps of colours to work with for makeup looks. I won't be buying anymore eyeshadow anytime soon, I swear! I must say though, that I am happy with the pigmentation.

6 Shades Contour Palette

Another item that I wanted which used to be on my wishlist hehe - got this on eBay as well for $11 and free shipping. Now I can contour my face and nose to make it all look slimmer hehe. I'm not that great with contouring but I am practicing and trying ^^" I don't mind that they aren't that pigmented and are a little chalky because I did get this really cheap and it's not meant to be pigmented like eyeshadow.

L'Oreal Infallible Make-up Sample

Being a Priceline club member has a few lovely privileges and one is getting samples. This is actually the first time I've received a sample from Priceline so it's not like they send out samples often. I guess I could try out my blending sponge with this foundation sample, cool =]

Sigma Miss Taylor Retractable Kabuki Brush

As a Sigma affliliate, I received this cute purple kabuki brush and I love how it's retractable - so purse-friendly. I will be doing a review on this next month after I make use of it :P All I can say now is that it's super soft like fur! Hope the analogy isn't too bad, especially to those who are anti-fur... oops ;S It's synthetic hair by the way so no worries ^_^

Maybelline Baby Lips Balm in Anti-Oxidant Berry

I think most people in Australia got this for free in the mail but the letter than came with mine said that I was one of the lucky few to win this so yeah @_@ I can't even remember how I entered to win this but it was such a surprise to me when I received this haha. It smells lovely and I probably will eventually do a review when I have time.

Since I'm going to be away for a while, here's a little something for you....

Another mini giveaway, 1 prize =]

- My Beauty Diary Pearl Powder Mask

- Cellnique Jar Samples (inside the box)

- Pupa Triple-Purpose Eye Pencil

I know it's not much at all but I've decided to giveaway items to match the theme of my post (just like my previous mini giveaways lol).

To enter, please leave a comment with your name and email address AND also your answer to this week's questjen. I will randomly draw the winner's name out of a hat when I make my return:

Do you prefer makeup or skincare?

My answer:

It's tough to pick one because as much as a makeup junkie I am, I also care a lot about my skin. Despite sensitive skin being low-maintenance, it requires quite a lot of attention. It's almost like a skin disorder because when an allergic reaction occurs, it should be treated with special cream etc. I have never visited a dermatologist but I have seen a doctor about redness/itchiness/rashes on my face. I haven't had any problems with my skin recently so I haven't been needing to use specific cleansers or creams. To be honest, I don't even have a skin care routine! I usually just wash my face with water and put on moisturiser, that's it haha. I use makeup wipes to remove foundation and don't bother with toner. I could do without using makeup and skincare but makeup... I love how it can transform your look. Concealers and foundations can hide an ugly pimple so well whereas skin care products only help the pimple to become gradually smaller. So what do I prefer? It's almost a tie but not quite - makeup wins for me.

One last thing before I go - I have some new pictures of me :) I went out on Wednesday night to my friend's 18th dinner! An OOTN to share hehe~

- Grey woolen dress with a turtle-neck style?

- Grey blazer ($10 fromValleygirl)

- Brown and gold belt ($5 from Temt)

- Black glittery tights ($2 from Supre)

Oh and the bag I used is also seen in this picture, it's sitting on my chair! Burberry-inspired vintage bag

Now onto my jewellery which I kept very simple

Wearing the dangly earrings that Natsumi aka Bunny got me, yay (:

And my crown studs which I adore

You can also see my lashes and I didn't wear falsies, just used my The Falsies mascara hehe

Flower ring which I got from Lovisa for $3!

I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it

This sort of reminds me of something that you'd see on Tumblr. Don't ask why lol. I don't even use Tumblr but I've seen pictures like this where they don't show their face haha

My hair doesn't look as brown as it really is in those pictures above but I shall do a post where I do a before and after comparison so you can have a better look.

One last picture before I go for good....

See you again at the end of this month bloggies, I will miss you guys!

 Hugs anyone? Or not...

 Look at the mess on the floor... my studying materials x]

TAKE CARE EVERYONE, and best of luck to those who also have exams now or soon :]

Byeeeeee~~

[CLOSED] Jen's May Giveaway

Hi guys! So today is my last day of uni holidays which is a little sad because I'll have less time to blog again :( But don't worry, I'm hoping that I can stick to my once-a-week blogging for a while but it probably won't be happening when exam time is near. I'll let you guys know when that happens!

There's so much I want to announce right now, one which is already on the title of this blog post =) I will start off by saying that it's May now, one of the busiest months of the year for me. It'll be full of highs and lows but mostly highs because I have a lot to plan for this month which will all unfold.

Instead of talking about my plans, I want to instead say a big THANK YOU to all of my wonderful blog followers and readers! There are at least 500 of you now, that's so incredible to me :] I always feel so corny when I thank you guys each time I reach a milestone because I'm just so happy that I can't find the right words to say how thankful I am for all of you. I won't say anymore so I'll just give you all a heart ♥


And as always, I have a small token of appreciation for my lovely readers each time I reach a milestone in the hundreds. That's right, I'm having a giveaway for my fabulous supporters!


I was actually planning to have a giveaway starting on the 1st of May anyway because May is a month that means so much to me. In terms of it being blog-related, it's been one year since my first blog post on QuestJen, formerly known as jlyxoxo. So even if I hadn't reached 500+ followers, I still had this giveaway planned.


May is also the month of my birth so it's like a 3-in-1 purpose for this giveaway....


That's why I've called it 'Jen's May Giveaway' - a giveaway in May with many reasons behind it.

You may have noticed that with each giveaway, I increase the number of prizes by one. My last giveaway had 3 winners which means that this giveaway will have.... 4 winners!!


There are 8 items in each prize except for the 4th prize which is one bigger and heavier prize.


I know you're all curious about the prizes so here they are:

Prize 1 - Cosmetics Package

~ Nude by Nature Natural Mineral Eyeliner in Brown

~ Palmer's Cocoa Butter Body Gloss

~ Daiso Long-lasting Eyeshadow Quad

~ Prestige My Blackest Lashes Mascara

~ Rimmel Colour Rush Mono Eyeshadow in 122 Live Show

~ Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in 045 Raspberry

~ Cellnique Vital Cellular Repair Emulsion Sample

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~ Cellnique Intensive Hydrating Complex Sample

 Prize 2 - Stationery Package

~ Happy Together Writing Set

~ Hearts Writing Set

~ White Bow Pencil Case
~ Cute Notepad

~ Korean Stamp Set
~ Pink Pacer

~ Miffy Eraser

~ Ambulance Eraser

 Prize 3 - Girly Package

~ Palmer's Cocoa Butter Body Gloss

~ My Accessory Artificial Nail Set in Petite

~ Pretty Floral Bow Pouch

~ Pink Drop Earrings

~ 2 Set of Stud Earrings

~ Bird and Cage Earrings

~ Heart and Key Necklace

~ Beaded Pearl Bracelet

Closer look at the necklace:

Closer look at the earrings:

 Prize 4 - LV Inspired Handbag


If you're interested in this giveaway, simply fill in the entry form below and submit! You can have up to 5 entries for this giveaway to increase your chances of winning :)

This giveaway will only go for 3 weeks so get in quick before it's too late. 

You have until May 22 2011, 11:59 GMT+9:30 which is the night of my 18th birthday (hopefully you'll be able to remember hehe).

The winners will be picked through random.org

Good luck to you all and thanks once again!

Review: Cellnique Skincare Products

Hello everyone! Today is Christmas Eve and guess what tomorrow is? :D Christmas! I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas ^_^ I sent out some Christmas cards to some bloggers around Australia and also international bloggers :) I hope you've all received them by now but if not, I hope you do receive yours very soon. I only sent out cards to the addresses that I had.

My family doesn't get too much into the Christmas spirit, instead the day is a perfect opportunity for a family gathering. I still get gifts from parents but other than that, we just have a quiet celebration at home with everyone over. This year my family and extended family decided to have a gathering on Sunday (26th December) instead of Christmas Day due to the hot weather, and Sunday just seems to be a more convenient day for everyone LOL. So tomorrow won't really feel like a day of celebration, instead Sunday will!

Since I'm not so busy right now and tomorrow, I've decided to do a blog post. Thanks to all the comments on my previous post, my vlog. It never used to be something that I would be brave enough to do, especially this time last year when I wasn't part of this friendly blogging community. Thank you all and thanks for giving me the confidence to do another vlog x)

A few weeks ago Selina from Cellnique contacted me to do a review on two skincare products. I agreed to try out some products that would be suitable to my sensitive, dry skin. I was surprised how fast these products got to me, and I didn't expect it to be express international shipping.

These are the items that I was sent:

1. Vital Cellular Repair Emulsion

2. Intensive Hydrating Complex

It was dark when I took these photos. This was the morning that I received the products - at around 8 in the morning! (knock on the door package)

So, what is Cellnique?

Cellnique is The Expert of Problematic Skin. All Cellnique products are formulated with Cx Formulation. Cx Formulation is an advanced in-clinic formulation that combines the power of biological active ingredients, natural plant extracts, antioxidants and a bio-active delivery system, offering the best performance for immediate and visible results for various skin problems. Also, Cellnique does not test on animals.

I was able to choose the products to be sent to me but since this was my first time trying anything from Cellnique, Selina selected and these products which would be suitable for my type of skin. She was very kind and she took into consideration of my skin type.

The packaging definitely looks very professional (especially with the mirror lids) and sturdy plastic. It is also very glassy, quite heavy and expensive-looking. I had a look at the prices on the boxes and oh my, they made me think 'pricey' straight away!

I know that these are in RM but still, wow. I have never tried expensive skincare products before and converting these prices into Aus Dollars will still be pricey for me.

1. Cellnique Vital Cellular Repair Emulsion:

Description: Specially designed to repair damaged cells and promote healing process, this formulation protects all skin types including sensitive skin from environment aggressions and provides relief to dry and dehydrated skin conditions.

Benefits
•	Repairs damaged cells and promotes healing process
•	Replenishes moisture and soften skin
•	Antioxidant and whitening agent
•	Anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory
Color: Yellowish white Scent: Mild characteristic Texture: Creamy type Feeling: Refreshing and non-greasy

	Here's the list of ingredients and more detailed description
	The scent is really hard to describe but all I can really say is that it isn't perfumed and is bearable. This is something that I like because my skin is sensitive and does not always react well when a skincare product is perfumed. The fact that it is fragrance-free makes it less harsh on my skin :) It has an extremely lightweight texture and is non-oily and non-greasy. It easily smooths onto my face and the yellowish colour seeps into my skin and rubs in very well.
	As much as I enjoy applying this onto my face as a moisturiser and because of its scent and texture, it gives me a tingly stinging sensation just after smoothing it on. It kind of feels that it irritates my skin, even though this product has been formulated to minimise the risk of allergy. using the Intensive hydrating Complex (which I will review straight after this) eased the stinging sensation and felt better on my skin. However, I still don't think that this emulsion has done anything positively new for my skin. My face has always had some light redness and I was hoping that this emulsion would reduce my skin sentiveness (as it claims) and perhaps reduce the red appearance. It didn't seem to do much for my face, except break me out! I have never broken out form using a skincare product before and the only change that has occurred to my skincare routine is the addition of this emulsion and the Intensive Hydrating Complex. I have been applying this on one side of my face alone without the Intensive Hydrating Complex and so I am quite convinced that this caused me to get a few pimples on my face. I don't usually get pimples or anything (unless it's that time of the month) so I'm not convinced that it has anything to do with my hormones. Okay I think I might be getting off topic... The only improvement I see is the redness being lighter but is it really worth having breakouts also?? I hope that these pimples don't scar and will go away asap. I don't want anymore either... I've read other reviews and some have experienced the same thing while others have seen this as an extremely good product. For me, the price doesn't cut it (US $73) and if I had purchased this, I would have regretted it. That's why I always believe that it's good to have samples to try first before you buy. We all have different skin types and we can't just rely on reviews to know what would be suitable. Don't feel discouraged after reading my review or seeing my pictures. Again, my skin type is likely to be different to yours and this may work out to be perfectly fine for you. If you are interested, you can purchase and read about it more here. 2. Cellnique Intensive hydrating Complex Description: A lightweight formulation with high concentration of Hyaluronic Acid and Essential Amino Acids. Helps bind moisture to restore elasticity of the skin. It thereby minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and helps deliver an instant supple and smooth skin. Benefits • Keeps skin moist and smooth • Locks in skin moisture • Improves on scarring, lines and skin tone Color: Colorless Scent: Characteristic Texture: Thick fluid type Feeling: Sticky, firming and moisturizing It's a dropper I really like the texture of this. Although it says it's 'sticky', it's not an annoying type of sticky like honey. It's quite runny and can smooth easily onto the skin. Again this is very light and can makes a great light moisturiser instead of just a serum :) The scent is bearable and smells different to the Vital Cellular Repair Emulsion. I think I like this scent a bit more than the emulsion. I've used this for 3 weeks and this hasn't given me any breakouts. I haven't been able to experience the benefits as of yet but I am still going to use this to try and see some differences. I may need to discontinue using the emulsion so I can have a better experience with this on its own. I love the dropper and it makes application really easy and non-messy. This retails for US$61 which I of course believe is way too expensive for me, especially because I haven't been able to see the benefits as of yet. I definitely have had a better experience with this than the emulsion. It is currently out of stock on the Cellnique page but you can read more about the product here If you are interested in trying the Intensive hydrating Complex, Cellnique is offering a FREE 3mL sample of it to 50 of my blog followers :D First 50 readers that register on their website and enter the following will be entitled to receive the sample. 1. Complete the registration form. 2. Where do you hear about us?: jlyxoxo.blogspot.com 3. Company: Your blog’s URL T&C: Valid ends in 1 week (so get in quick!) and sample delivery within 4 – 6 weeks. Substitutions of sample will be made if sample is out-of-stock. For more information about Cellnique and up-to-date info, you can also visit Cellnique's Facebook Fanpage at www.facebook.com/cellnique Thanks Cellnique for giving me the opportunity to try your products!