Goodbye 2016~ Hello 2017!

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Assalamualaikum (Peace Be Upon You) Everyone!

Turning A Year Older

1.  Gucci Soho Disco

My first ever red bag. Totally love it. It may look small but don't judge it's content by the size. Watch my unboxing video here.

2. Louis Vuitton Key Pouch

This was in my wish list, that I posted nearer to my Birthday. I got some money for my birthday and decided to get it! Yay!

3. Swatch Bracelet Watch

This was a surprise, I've never owned anything like it and realise I got so much use out of it. Perfect for dressing up girly with a dainty watch and classy too. Love this!

4. Tommy Girl EDT

I love this scent since I was 12. One of my teachers used to wear this and I asked her what was the perfume name. Since about 5 years ago, I used this scent for work. 

5. Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede Candle

This was another that was in my list and my best friend surprise me with this. The few scent that I love from Jo Malone and want a candle from there. But now, I feel that it is too precious to be burn. Am I the only one feeling this way? I hope not. 

6. Zoeva Eyeshadow Palettes

Beautiful palette. I won't go on and on about these palettes. Full review here.

7. Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick

Just being honest here. This is a love-hate relationship. It is beautiful in colour and so thoughtful of my friends to get this for me as they know that I just love makeup and red lipsticks, but its so drying on my lips. Not sure if its just me, but I won't wear this for long period of time. Nonetheless, its a gift, will make full use of it. 

8. Tarte Colour Wheel Holiday 2016

This is another palette that I have a full review and swatches. Read more here.

9. Hermes Clic Clac

What more can I say about this beauty., it was in my list, I got it and it's awesome. Its beautiful and it so nice to wear it on its own or layering.

I hope you enjoy this post! I am nosy to see what people get for their birthdays. If you wanna share, leave a comment below and do share a link if you have a similar post.

For now, Good night lovelies!

xoxo

Ain

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ZOEVA - Eyeshadow palettes

Assalamualaikum (Peace be upon you) Everyone! 

Where do I start with these beautiful palettes? Let just say I'm in love with these beauties. Every since I got them in October, they have been my "go-to" eyeshadow palettes. I constantly reach for them. The story was, I was gifted these palettes for my birthday from my friends at work. Originally they bought me a Tarte Bloom palette. Coincidently, I purchased that a week before my Birthday. With their permission, I went back to Sephora and exchanged them for these. I have been eyeing these for awhile ever since Sephora started carrying Zoeva brand. I always swatch them at the store and envy them. When I got my hands on these and try them on my lids, I do not regret, these palettes are DREAM.

Packaging:
The packaging is sleek and simple. It is really slim and it has a magnetic closure, which I love about a palette. The only downside was, it had no mirror. But I can deal with that. 

Formula:

It glides really smoothly, very pigmented. Soft and velvety with almost zero fallout. It blends easily as well. I can't gush more about this palette. 

Cost:

SGD$36, I was blown away with the price of this palette, I guess the no mirror kept the price low as well. It is really value for money. for the price you get 10 colours, mixture of matte, metallic and glitters.  

Where to get it:
Naturally Yours Palette
Cocoa Blend Palette

1. Naturally Yours Palette 
Naturally Yours Palette comes with 10 neutral colours that in my opinion, can be use everyday. It is subtle yet visible, perfect for work if you do not like too heavy eye-makeup.

Here are the swatches for Naturally Yours Palette.

Left to right: Timeless Chic, Lovely Monday, Sweet Sound, Casual Elegance and First Love

From Left to Right: Slow Dance, Forever Yours, Smooth Harmony, Soft & Sexy and Pure

2. Cocoa Blend Palette

The colours in this palette are more deep tones. I really love this for night occasions. It has more metallic shades as compared to the Naturally Yours Palette. It really brings out the colours in your eyes. One word for this : BEAUTIFUL!

Here are the swatches for this palette.

From Left to Right: Beans are White, Subtle Blend, Warm Notes, Sweeter End and Bitter Start

From Left to Right: Delicate Acidity, Infusion, Freshly Toasted, Substitute for Love and Pure Ganache.

Personally, I am inclined towards the Cocoa Blend Palette more (shhhh...! Don't tell Naturally Yours)
I hope you enjoyed reading my views and thoughts on these gorgeous palettes.

Good Night~

Xoxo
Ain

Colour Wheel by Tarte - Works of Tartes 2016

Well well well, here we are again with the new Tarte holiday blush palette! Where have the rest of the year gone to? We are now back to the Holidays season. With that, I went on the hunt for the Tarte blush palette, which is my fav! This year's palette is the BEST. We are not only getting 5 colours, but 10! 10!!

Will I ever need another blush in my life? The answer is NO, I don't need anymore. However I WANT them. Blush Addicts would understand me :D

As usual Tarte Amazonian Clay blush are exceptionally wonderful. This year's set, not only it is value for money but it gives you more! This year's palette comes with two highlighters. Both are so beautiful! It is not as pigmented or works like the Becca but you can definitely build it up. It is great for beginners who wish to explore with highlights.

If you want to read on last year's palette: Tarte Bling It On 2015

Packaging:

The packaging is rather simple. Round, hence the Colour Wheel by Tarte, with a snap closure and a gold trimming (classy). It is easy to pack into your makeup bag which means, you'll never have to worry about the blushes you need. Highlighters are covered too. I just wish it has a magnetic closure.

What the palette consist of:

The micro-pearlescent highlights comes in two tone:
Idol - It is a Champagne tone
Crafty - Moon frost tone

There are two lustre blushes: Concept and Culture

Six matte blushes : Mod, Deco, Surreal, Icon, Montage, Ironic

Left to Right (clockwise): Crafty, Concept, Icon, Montage and Ironic

Left to Right (clockwise): Deco, Surreal, Culture, Idol and Mod

Application:

It is is a combination of five cool shades and five warm shades. All the colours are highly pigmented.
I've tried most of the colours and both the highlighters. The blushes are very long lasting, about 10 hours and it is still visible even after a running gym session. The highlighters on the other hand, do not last as long as I wish it would, it wears off after about 4 hours.

Cost:

It's certainly value for money considering that a single Tarte Amazonia Clay Blush cost SGD$47 at 5.6g (0.20 oz). This palette consist of 10 Blushes and each at 2.4g(0.084 oz) - not as big as last year's palette. Priced at SGD$65.00, that is SGD$6.50 per blush. Worth your money!

Where to get them:
Sephora of course!

At stores or Online

Don't miss Sephora Black Friday Sale on 25 November 2016 to get 20% off!!

Here are the swatches:

Left to Right: Crafty, Concept, Icon, Montage and Ironic

Left to Right: Idol, Mod, Deco, Surreal and Culture

Hope you enjoyed this post. Share it if you do! Especially about the Sephora's Black Friday Sale!

Xoxo
Ain

What's On My Wishlist?

Assalamualaikum everyone...

My Birthday is coming and when it does, I like to dream about things, whether I get it or not, dream big is not a sin - Haha!. Just sharing what I'm currently craving for this year!

1. Chanel Espadrilles in white and black colour block. 2. Givenchy Antigona Bag in small, Stone Gray. 3. Louis Vuitton Twist PM in Blueberry 4. Gianvito Rossi Suede in Black 80mm
5. Hermes Clic Clac in Gold and Pink 6. Jo Malone 200g Candle in Peony and Blush Suede
7. Louis Vuitton Key Pouch in Rose Ballerine Vernis 8. Tods Gommini Suede Loafer in Taupe.

I hope you enjoy this kind of post. It's my first. I really like looking at other people's wish list to get an idea of what I want sometimes or just to look at. Eye candy, if you know what I mean.

Xoxo
Ain

Our Part in the Community

Assalamualaikum everybody!

Today's post will be slightly different, I was informed of this Charity event cum Bazaar which benefits the less fortunate.

It is really important to do our part in the community and help others. It is a value that I always emphasise to my child. This event is a really great way of giving back to the people who need helps in their daily life. It could mean so little to us with what we do, but it could mean a lot to those children and family in need. A little goes a long way.

So let's do our part!

Details of the event are down below.

Event:

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS BAZAR CUM CHARITY

7 Bedok North Street 2

11 am to 8pm

1st and 2nd October 2016

Entrance is free.

This event benefits the Star Shelters. Its a non profit organization that helps with temporary shelter for women and with children. They come from abusive marital, disfunction family, unwed mothers..etc. 

The residences from this shelter are majority from our own Muslim Community.

They are in need of food ration to have their everyday meals.

You may donate food items and drop them at the event itself.

They also invite Madrasah Al-Maarif to be part of this event for them to do their own fund raising to help their needy students to further their studies. 

Let's do our part in the community!

There are many vendors which will be participating in the bazaar, so you can shop for a good cause and feel less guilty!

Here are the list of all the participating vendors:

I hope you enjoy this post! 

If you want to know more, do visit their IG @afcreationz_team

Xoxo

Ain

Doll Skin Sendayu Tinggi Makeup Review

Assalamualaikum (Peace be upon you) Everyone!

Been awhile since I blogged or uploaded a Youtube video. I have been MIA and really really missed it a lot. It was due to a overwhelming schedule I had in the past month that I was not able to cope with everything going on at the same time.

I was given these products about almost two months ago to try and review them honestly (as I always do). These are products from a Malaysian Brand called Sendayu Tinggi (aka ST Cosmetics) and they actually have a Youtube channel called Yatie Sendayu Tinggi which consists of tutorials.

As there are a lot of products, let's get into it:

We start with the base. I was given 2 foundation

Both are under the same range. The "Doll Skin".

1. Doll Skin BB Cushion 

As previously stated, I have a normal to oily combination skin. When I was given a Cushion foundation, I was hesitant to try them as I've read and seen many reviews online that cushion foundation does not suit well for us with oily skin as they tend to be more moisturising and intended for people with normal to dry skin. 

However, I was totally surprised with how well this foundation goes onto my skin. It made my skin feel smooth and flawless even though it was not meant to be full coverage. 

Packaging:

The common cushion foundation packaging which comes with a sponge (I'd rather use my beauty blender or a buffing brush - It applies better)

Consistency:

As it is a sponge, it is more runny and thin rather than thick or creamy.

Coverage:

Light to medium coverage. It applies light but you can build it up by adding another layer. It leaves a dewy, glowing finished. On top of that, it does have SPF35. Anything with SPF is awesome in my book!

Cost:

SGD$21 

I think it's reasonable as it is in the range of "high-street".

It has a scent to it, nothing overwhelming, its a nice, almost like a moisturising lotion 
scent. I love the smell of this!

Note: I had to blot my face twice for the whole day ( about 10 hours) to remove the access oil due to my skin type, but it was not as bad as I though it would be. No reapplication/touch-up was needed for this product.

My Rate:

2. Doll Skin Foundation

The Doll Skin foundation is one of their popular products and is always sold out. I was very intrigue to try this foundation as i've heard many wonderful reviews about it. However when I put it on, it made my skin looks dull, but maybe because I may have gotten the wrong shade for my skin tone, as i was not able to sample the colour first (It was given and I choose the closest colour i think that would match my skin). 

And one more thing that I don't like about it is the feel it leaves on my face. I can feel I am wearing foundation, cake-y, even though I use the smallest amount. But nonetheless, the foundation looks flawless on your skin, comparable to Esteé Lauder double wear foundation.

It claimed to act as foundation, concealer and sunscreen. It does not state the SPF level on this one. I prefer to use it as a spot concealer.

Packaging:

It comes in a pink pot. It is very little for a foundation but little bit goes a long way with this product.

Consistency:

Very thick and creamy. Suitable for oily skin combination. 

Coverage:

I say its high to full coverage. It really covers up, even my mole on my face!

Cost:

SGD$16.00, relatively affordable with the fact that it is a full coverage foundation.

Scent:
It has that old school make-up scent, which I don't really fancy.

My Rate:

Would have given it a 4 if I got the right colour!

3.Doll Lips - Creme Shine

Colour:
Nude Raisin. Pretty mauve-brown colour. Very neutral everyday colour. LOVE IT!
There are 10 different colour. You can check them out on their website, otherwise this post will be damn long! (Website)

Consistency:

As it says, creme, its creamy and moisturising!, and it shines like a lipgloss. Lasting power, it last pretty well for a creme lipstick, about 5 hours fully intact with eating and drinking. Then it slowly starts to wear off. But its so comfortable that reapplying it is like applying lip balm. :D

Cost:

SGD$12.00, very affordable. Highly recommend!

Scent:
It has that old school make-up scent, which I don't really fancy.

My Rate:

4. Intense Colour Eyeliner

This eyeliner is really intense, as it says. I got mine in black. It is an automatic pencil that comes with a sharpen, so that you can make the tip pointy so as to apply a precise line.

What I find is, if its blunt, its quite smudgy. The lead is bit soft for my liking. But it stays put once you apply.

You will definitely need a make-up remover to remove this, otherwise it doesn't budge.

Cost: 
SGD$11, again relatively affordable.

My Rate:

5.Duo Eyebrow - Mascara & Pencil

This product is really nice. I really enjoy it.

Colour: 
The colour I got is Deep Blonde. I prefer my brows to be a little bit lighter e.g. brown, auburn. I don't like that hush brows on an everyday basis, once in a while is ok especially if I go for Red bold lips and clean eyes. This colour is however, a little bit too light but it works okay once I've applied the mascara over. 

Consistency:
The pencil is waxy and soft. 
The Mascara is runny, so don't go too fast, else it may flicker tiny bits onto your face.

Cost:
SGD$13

My Rate:

Where to buy:
Instagram - @aniesa2


Xoxo
Ain

Primary One Registration - Tips, Advice & Experience

Assalamualaikum (Peace be Upon You) World!

I've been AWOL for awhile. Life has been and is hectic at the moment. Starting work after my No Pay Leave, my school, educating my daughter and Primary one (P1) registration stress and on top of it all, Eid celebrations that felt like it was never going to end. 

Today’s blog is a little bit different and special as it only applies to people in Singapore who have kids going to government or government-aided schools here. I want to share my experience with all of you who have kids age 4 to 5 year old. YES! Its not too early for mental prep. I would also share my first-hand experience in applying Primary one for my kid. Yes she is 6 years old this year and is embarking on a new journey to a Primary School.

Just a brief intro, I am not one of those kiasu parents, or those who will push their child to study hard or really cares a lot about which school he/she will attend. I personally think that all schools are the same, but it’s the value that makes a difference. So either you as a parent instil the values in your child or send your child to a school that will influence her values and behaviour. Afterall, they spend most of their time in school anyway. I did fine, not great, in a neighbourhood school, finished my studies w/o playing truant or getting cane by the principal or discipline headmaster (thumbs up for me).

I’ve heard of parents volunteering at a school to get a position for the child. I wasn’t sure of the process. Honestly, I didn’t know a lot of the things. The only thing I knew was that, if you already have a child in the school, the siblings will get priority going to the same school above every other applicants.

Things that I will be sharing with you next are what I found out during the application period (Yes, I am that slow).

There are 3 phases to Primary one registration. The following are listed according to Priority:

Phase 1

For a child who has a sibling studying in the primary school of choice.

Phase 2A (1)

a.   For a child whose parent is a former student of the primary school and who has joined the alumni association as a member not later than 30 June 2015.
b.     For a child whose parent is a member of the School Advisory / Management.

Phase 2A (2)

a.   For a child whose parent or sibling has studied in the primary school of choice.

b.   For a child whose parent is a staff member of the primary school of choice.

Phase 2B

a.   For a child whose parent has joined the primary school as a parent volunteer not later than 1 July         2015 and has given at least 40 hours of voluntary service to the school by 30 June 2016.

b.   For a child whose parent is a member endorsed by the church / clan directly connected with the           primary school.
c.   For a child whose parent is endorsed as an active community leader.

Phase 2C (This is my phase!)

For all children who are eligible for Primary One in the following year and are not yet registered in a primary school.

Phase 2C (Supplementary)

For a child who is not yet registered in a primary school after Phase 2C.

Phase 3

For a child who is neither a Singapore Citizen nor a Singapore Permanent Resident.

You may read more about the registration process and Phases at Ministry of Education (MOE) website: 
https://www.moe.gov.sg/admissions/primary-one-registration/phases 

Personal Tips from my Primary One registration experience

I did not have the afflicted schools in mind as I was not from one and thought that it was impossible to get into one. I thought that there would be some IQ test for my child to go through or expensive school fees for those afflicted ones.

Tip No. 1: Ask your child which school he/she wants to go to (they may surprise you)

Boy was I wrong. This came as a surprise. Knowing that I am in phase 2C, I know my chances of getting into a school was slim and that distance of the school plays an important priority when you apply for one. The nearer you are, the higher the chances of getting into the school. So me and my husband didn't ask my daughter which school she wanted to go to and had our mind set for the nearest school in our area, which was also a quite popular school among the schools available in my area. We were just talking to her and told her that she will be going to a Primary One, when she then asked, "Can I go to a Girls' School Umi?" Stunned.

We then looked at the various Girls' school we can send her to. None is in the vicinity of my house. I checked with my colleagues whose children went to such schools. They told me, can just apply and to go for it. Just have to hope that my daughter is lucky enough to get in.

I kept asking myself if I should take the risk? What if she didn't get in and I couldn't find a vacancy in a school nearby my house? I didn't do any volunteering or anything.

I took a leap of faith and just went to the school and applied during the start of the P1 registration (if you don't have the time, you can also apply online using your SingPass). I had a good feel about it. It felt right. The results were updated timely on the MOE website including the number of applicant and vacancies available for each Phase. I keep on tracking the numbers, if it was a 50% chance I will apply at the school. Otherwise, I will not take the risk.

Tip No. 2: Do volunteering if the school of your choice is popular

It was a extremely stressful moment, as my daughter kept saying that she will be excited to go to a girls' school. Her hopes were high. I felt bad that I didn't take the initiative to ask her earlier and do volunteering, which has a better chance of getting into the school. But we took the risk when we saw that there was a 50% chance of getting in after Phase 2B.

Tip No.3: Distance Matters

The places available was 103 after the Phase 2B out of 270 places. When Phase 2C was over, there were 37 applications over the quota. Meaning there were 140 applicants but only 103 places. Priority was given to those 

• staying within 1km, 
• then 2km, 
• and after the balance will be for those who stay more than 2km from the school. 

As I was live more than 2km away from the school, we had to ballot for a spot. There were only 33 spots available after they gave priorities to those living nearby. Each potential student was given a number and there were pingpong balls with the numbers on it. It was like a Bingo game, they will spin and a ball will come out each time. It was stressful, as my daughter almost cried when her number didn't appear when it was almost halfway through. Although I kept mentally preparing her that it is OK if we didn't get in, there are many other school she can go to. Alhamdulillah (Praises to God) we got a spot at no.15! 

So parents, if you want to get into a affiliated school, it is POSSIBLE. You don't have to be affiliated in any way. Chances are higher with affiliation and volunteering. 

I hope that my experience that I share was useful. And start volunteering if you have some school in mind (even some neighbourhood schools are popular!). Remember you must volunteer at least 1 year before the application starts (usually 1 July) and a total of 40 hours of service!

Good Luck! 

xoxo
Ain