I am terrible at styling my hair and applying eyeshadows. I'm pretty sure you already know that from the pictures I post on my Instagram haha. Before every special event, I always prefer to head down to my hairstylist to get my hair done but that would mean looking absolutely ridiculous in the public transport in my 4 inch heels and floor-length outfits. Either that, or the hair salon is not located in the same district as my event venue and that will mean making a detour and incurring extra taxi fares.

Learning about the house call services provided through Vanitee is truly a life saviour!

Vanitee is an online booking destination for quality beauty services from sought-after independent and emerging artists. The platform bridges the gap between beauty artists and customers, you can book a massage, facial, brow and lash services, etc.

I was headed for a formal event last week and decided to try out the Vanitee app for the first time to engage a hair+makeup artist, as well as a manicurist, straight to my house! The app is very transparent and there are LOTS of beauty artists in each category to choose from. You can read reviews, check prices and browse through past works before choosing your favourite! Moreover, chat with the artists through the app and get immediate responses!

After much surfing around, I engaged @kel to do my hair+makeup and @nailedyougood to dress my nails before the event! My appointments were confirmed right away through the app and text messages.

Kel and Rachel arrived right on time at my doorstep and we immediately got down to business! Both of them needed a table, chairs and electrical plugs to work so my dining table was the perfect choice since the area was spacious, and everyone can move around easily without getting in each other's way.

They came well-prepared and I love their professionalism. My gelish nails were completed in an hour and hair+makeup was done in 1.5 hour, all in the comforts of my own home!

Once I've changed, I was ready to go. No rushing around in heels and reaching my destination looking flustered or feeling sticky from perspiration. The convenience is unbeatable and I'm already looking forward to my next house call experience with Vanitee! 

With CNY around the corner, I'm sure everyone's looking to doll up and get ready for the festive season. You'll be delighted to know I have a 20% off discount code for all beauty services on Vanitee. Download the app and check out with JESSICA20 (for 1st time users only, code expires 29 February 2016) to book your nail, hair, makeup, and even eyelash extension appointments! Oh, and for all bookings made from now till 14 February, you'll be entitled to a sure-win ang pow! There are $30 Vanitee credits, cute Vanitee Unicat (their mascot) totes, etc all up for grabs!

Metallic Elements in VDL Skincare and Makeup

Sponsored Post

Hello again! Previously I shared about the VDL Base Makeup Collection Series 1 here! I'm still using the 3-step routine and growing more in love with the products! If you think liquid foundation is too much effort, today I'm gonna be sharing more about functional choices with better beauty benefits for us ladies with the use of metallic elements in VDL new skincare and base makeup products!

In this post, I will be featuring VDL's Base Makeup Collection Series 2 which consists of a new product, the SKIN P+R=O Wrinkle Care Roll-on Serum that comes with a metallic ball applicator and the Beauty Metal Cushion Foundation. There is a special promotion for my readers as well as limited quantities of trial kit sets available for redemption so do read on to find out! :)

Roll-on skincare products are not the latest technology available in the market for consumers. However, what is unique about the SKIN P+R=O Wrinkle Care Roll-on Serum is the high level of concentrated Centella Asiatica contained in the serum that promotes collagen production to improve skin conditions, reduce wrinkle formation, and protect skin elasticity! Patented anti-wrinkle ingredients (Medimin A™, and Oxytalan-SF™) penetrate deep into areas with frequent facial movement such as the skin around our eyes and nasolabial area (where our laugh lines are) to keep them smooth, soft and firm.

During application, I massage the eye area in an outward direction. The metal ball applicator helps in stimulation of blood circulation at my eye area, rejuvenating my tired eyes.

For my forehead, I move the metal ball applicator from right to left.

And lastly, the serum goes in a circular motion around my cheeks and nasolabial area.

When I do the same motion repeatedly with the metal ball applicator, I notice a quicker absorption rate of the serum when compared to using my fingers. I especially love how the metal ball applicator feels cool on the skin, which I believe will help in stimulation of blood circulation not only around my eye area, but also in every area of my face.

If you are worried about the hygiene factor for the roll-on serum, your worries are unfounded. We all know that skincare should be used on cleansed skin. Moreover, the metal ball is not in direct contact with the unused serum. Whenever you click the bottom of the bottle for application, the product secretes out the right amount of serum you need for each use. So you only use what you need and the rest of the unused serum remains "clean"!

Alternatively, you can also clean the metal ball with a clean tissue after each application too!

After the serum, I continue my skincare routine with the SKIN P+R=O Almighty Cream and Lumilayer Primer (refer to this post for the products' functions) before my next step - foundation.

Here's the Beauty Metal Cushion Foundation!

Barefaced with all the products I previously mentioned, on my skin.

I am no stranger to cushion foundation and I have seen many types available in the market. But to have a cushion foundation embedded with a metal plate in between the sponge and foundation? That's a first.

Other than the obvious hygiene factor, the metal plate keeps the low-viscosity foundation cool and maintains the moisture level of the foundation, so it doesn't "thicken" or "dry-up" over time after exposure to the environment.

And I am done after a layer of the cushion foundation! This is not the best picture, please don't judge me hahaha haven't filled in my brows!

For easier comparison.

The coverage isn't as thick as the Perfecting Last Foundation but for daily use, I would definitely choose this Beauty Metal Cushion Foundation simply because it is fuss-free, quick application and provides substantial coverage for day-to-day errands. As long as my veins and blemishes are concealed, I am ready to go!

p/s: I'm using VDL Expert Color Lip Cube EX Candy You in shade 03 here.

Also, the applicator sponge provided is soft and smooth. The foundation spreads easily on my skin, leaving me with smooth and flawless skin after application. I hope I'm not thinking too much because my skin seems to look much brighter and clearer as well!

Skincare benefits are also infused in the Beauty Metal Cushion Foundation to provide a complete experience. Prune Water, known for its extremely high anti-oxidants benefits, protects the skin from damages caused by free radicals and at the same time, promote cell regeneration. Hence, with this ingredient in the foundation, it is no wonder my skin looks a little more youthful and radiant!

At the end of the day, my face is not as oily as I had expected it to be. In fact, I love the whole dewy look even more after a day out!

In line with the Great Singapore Sale (GSS) till 31 July, you can enjoy up to 20% off storewide at VDL!

Also, from now till 14 June, quote "JessicaForVDL" at any VDL outlets to redeem a 4pcs Base Makeup Collection Trial Kit (While stocks last, T&C applies).

To stay updated with their latest news and be informed about their newest products, "LIKE" their Facebook page here!

VDL is available at:
- ION Orchard Linkway #B2-75
- Bugis Junction #02-21
- Bedok Mall #01-35
- Jurong Point #01-02
- Suntec City #02-338/9 

Achieve Flawless Face with Laura Mercier

I remember the makeup brand Laura Mercier was already causing quite a sensation 3 years ago before it came to Singapore. A lot of women were trying to get their hands on one of their famed primers and foundations which claim to be the best worldwide because they provide coverage that is flawless yet natural looking.

Sometime in mid-May, I was invited to the Global Makeup Artist event held at Laura Mercier's Tangs counter with the renowned Alexandre Ciancio who flew in from Paris!

That's me with the celebrity makeup artist!

He gave us some tips and techniques to using Laura Mercier's products as well as imparted some professional makeup tips!

Laura Mercier the brand is known in the market for the flawless face that every woman wants. I cannot speak for all but I am a true convert and believer now after using their makeup products for a month! Of course, with such an extensive range of hues that suit women of all skin tones, you are bound to find something that matches your needs!

There are the 3 holy steps for the skincare routine that we should follow if we want a clear complexion. Similarly for makeup, there are 4 holy steps to achieve The Flawless Face:

1) Primer

2) Foundation

3) Concealer

4) Pressed powder

A lot of ladies do not deem the primer as being necessary hence some skip the primer because they do not know the functions of it whereas others skip simply because they are lazy to add an additional step.

*raises both hands up embarrassedly*

Guilty as charged.

Ever since I included the primer into my makeup regime, saw and felt the results, I am never lazy again. Having the primer on after my sunscreen allows my makeup to go on more smoothly, and my face actually remains matte throughout the day. Additionally, it makes my foundation look more natural and not mask-like!

Did you also know:

"Primer creates a protective barrier over the skin, as well as seals in and protects any treatment products used during your daily skincare regimen. So, primer actually seals in the stuff you layered on before it, ensuring all the benefits you layered on actually work." (link)

Most importantly, a primer keeps cosmetics from being absorbed into the skin.

Who else is Team Primer now? Hahaha.

Anyway, the generous team behind Laura Mercier sent me their whole range of foundation primers (6 different kinds!) which consists of

1) The Classic Foundation Primer
2) Oil-Free
3) Hydrating
4) Mineral
5) Radiance
6) Protect (with SPF 30 UVB/UVA/PA+++)

There is definitely a primer for your skin type. Personally, I love the classic foundation primer because this water-based gel is rich in vitamin, very lightweight, and keeps my face matte all day. I don't feel like I've applied anything at all!

Note: Appearance of skin improves over time with regular use due to the ingredients of Vitamins A, C and E, as well as good-for-your-skin botanicals.

The classic foundation primer on left and radiance primer on right

My second favourite is the Radiance primer which provides a healthy glow to the skin. The pearl tint creates a soft focus effect to minimize the look of imperfections which makes it perfect for special occasions where I get to look fresh, like I am glowing with radiance.

The different textures of the 6 different primers Laura Mercier carries.
Left to right:

1. The Classic foundation primer
2. Radiance
3. Hydrating
4. Oil-free
5. Mineral
6. Protect (with SPF 30 UVB/UVA/PA+++)

A little more about the other primers I haven't touched on:

For ladies with dry skin type, the Hydrating primer is of course perfect for you. It holds water in the skin throughout the day, preventing it from evaporating. Additionally, it also helps to hydrate, sooth and refresh the skin.

The Oil-free primer, I've tried, is literally oil-free and matte. This is a specialized product for oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin types. It contains a unique, light-reflecting ingredient, which creates a "soft focus" appearance, causing fine lines and imperfections to seemingly smooth over, giving the skin a soft luminous glow with a semi-matte finish.

If you are looking for an ultra-silky, weightless finish that invisibly shields the skin, the Mineral primer is made for you. It enhances the performance of other mineral formulations and evens out skin texture for seamless application.

Lastly, if you would like the skip the sunscreen step, you can consider the Protect primer with SPF 30 UVB/UVA/PA+++. Of course, the texture is expected to feel a little heavier as it contains sun protection but it is perfect for those lazy days where you get to skip a step or when you're late for an appointment!

Here’s a test you can try it at home with your primer:

Step 1: Apply a Foundation Primer on one of your palms
Step 2: Apply Tinted Moisturizer over the Foundation Primer
Step 3: Apply Tinted Moisturizer only on the other palm without the Foundation Primer

You can see for yourself the difference a primer made. The foundation and colour are more evenly blended and closer to skin tone, skin looks smoother and flaws are not focused! So this is what Laura Mercier meant when she mentioned "soft focus" appearance - it's true!

The above are all part of my makeup regime at the moment, and of course the selected primer of the day (not pictured)!
Top (L-R): Smooth Finish Foundation Powder (shade 04), Loose Setting Powder (translucent)
Bottom (L-R): Secret Concealer (for under-eye), Secret Brightening Powder (for under-eye)

Bareface and ready to start achieving The Flawless Face! (no edit, no filter and please ignore the red marks on my neck - I scratched :x)

Looking a little pale here after applying the 4 steps of primer, foundation, concealer and pressed powder.

Slapped on some blusher and lipstick and I'm done! All in 10 minutes! I love that my makeup doesn't look heavy even though it might sound like I have piled on a lot.

This was taken after 6 hours of running around. No touch-up and my complexion was still looking matte! I only got home at 12.30am and only my nose was visibly shiny. Thumbs up from me for Laura Mercier's 4-step Flawless Face!!

If you would like to find the correct Foundation Primer that suits your skin type, head on down to any of the Laura Mercier counters (Robinsons Orchard, Takashimaya, TANGS Orchard) for a short consultation and receive a 5-day trial size Flawless Face sample when you mention "TIPPYTAPP". Limited to 50 customers per counter.

Also, if you share your consultation experience on Laura Mercier Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/lauramerciercosmeticsSG), you will stand a chance to win a $400 Laura Mercier hamper!

Contest and redemption end 15 July so go on down today! :)

p/s: Laura Mercier is available at Robinsons Orchard, Takashimaya, TANGS Orchard and all Sephora stores.