Review: Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Nature Republic

Happy New Year everyone ;) Let's we all welcome 2013 with a smile. May this new year be a step forward into new adventures, new roads to explore, and new success to reach!! <3

For my last post of the year 2012, I'll pay off my previous promise to review this product, Aloe Vera Soothing Gel from Nature Republic. It was a freebie I got last September from Cosmopolitan Magazine. I was really excited to try it out. Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Nature Republic is quite a best seller product in Korea. I was reading that it was sold more than 1.5 million in Korea. And as you all might know that Nature Republic is a Korean brand which has recently entered Indonesia market. I haven't tried other products from the brand other than this product, but I look forward to test others too.

Without further rambling, let's see how I like the product!

Product Description

Soothing and Moisture Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel

(taken from description at the back of packaging)

• Abundant 92% aloe vera! Mild formula free from paraben, mineral oil, and artificial colors. 
• certified by CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) which has real 92% of the aloe.
• it can be used to mildly moisturize various parts of the body such as the face, arms, legs, and hair.
• fresh taste and fast absorption. It gives no sticky face but relaxed.

Ingredients

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (92%), Alcohol, Glyceryl, Polyacrylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglutamic Acid, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Carbomer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Triethanolamine Phenoxyethanol, Water, Parfum, Disodium Edta

Packaging

It comes in a transparent green plastic jar with 10 cm diameter and 5 cm height and contains 300 ml capacity. When you open the lid, there is another transparent cover inside to protect the gel from spilling out. I would say it is a pretty big size jar. Compare to The Body Shop Body Butter jar, it is slightly bigger than that. I might think twice to bring it along for traveling though. However the good thing is it lasts for quite long time. I nearly finish the product now since I was using it almost everyday.

Texture and scent

As you could see below image, it has clear gel and super light textures. It also gives a cool and relaxing feeling with fresh aloe scent on skin. At first when I applied this, it felt a little bit sticky luckily after a minute it absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves your skin felt soothing with no more stickiness.

How to use

Apply on appropriate amount to dry, sensitive parts of the face and body often for the best results

Results after usage

Out of the best 8 how to use this aloe vera gel, I've tried 6 of them. Honestly, I really like the soothing and fresh feeling after I use it as mask pack and body care. I have also tried to mix this gel with foundation (base make up), it actually turned out pretty well. My foundation texture became lighter than normal. It gave more luminosity look and hydrate the skin at the same time. It also works well as nail essence and to relax my eyes because I can feel the instant difference before and after using it. It hydrates your skin really well and gives more healthy look. 

Before I was reluctant to try applying this gel on my hair, because I was afraid that my hair won't absorb the gel as good as my skin and leave me with stickiness. But one day, I felt my hair was really dry and I was using this gel as a face mask, then I thought there's no harm to take a small scoop of this gel and applied it on tip of my hair. I was surprised how it doesn't leave any stickiness on my hair, instead it makes my hair feel smoother and smells nice and fresh. After that, I often apply it on tip of my hair anytime I want my hair smell fresh. The two things I have never actually tried are using it as after shave cream and for relaxing sunburns, but I believe it will work wonder on that too.

Price 

I am really grateful to get this product as a freebie, because it is really a good product. It retails at IDR 49.000 or US$ 5 at Nature Republic official counters. 

Overall thoughts

I definitely recommend this versatile product. It works amazing for multiple usages from head to toe. Besides, it has mild formula with no paraben, mineral oil and artificial pigment. The only downside for me is the packaging. I found it is tricky to remove the inside transparent cover when you still have full contents. 

I wish they have pump packaging because it will be much easier to use. But after all, I was not surprised how it becomes best seller product.

I know many of you might have tried Nature Republic' products, therefore let me know in the comment below your recommendation of Nature Republic product that worth to try. Lastly, Have a Happy Prosperous New Year 2013 all!! <3 <3

Amour,

NOTW Christmas 2012: Cute Winter Snowman Nail

Dear girlies,

Today's post will be my last Christmas nail design post series in 2012. Originally I want to recreate four Christmas nail designs and I knew that now I'm a bit behind for this, but I've been ill for few days that's why I don't think I could post the fourth design on time :(

Speaking of which, who doesn't love to have a White Christmas with all snows around for this time of the year. I totally would love to, however since I won't particularly have a White Christmas this year, I decided to rock wintery theme on my nails instead. I feel winter is not complete without building a snowman tradition; since obviously I could not build one that's why I painted cute snowman on my nails, alternated with snow flakes on the other nails. If you would like to see how I create the design, please keep reading through!! ;)

First, let's see what you need to prepare first!!

Products Used
1. Base coat and top coat
2. Light blue polish- O.P.I What's with the Cattitude?
3. White polish - Orly French Manicure Nail Lacquer
4. Black polish - Orly Liquid Vinyl
5. Red polish - Revlon 745 Frankly Scarlet
6. Pink / orange polish, O.P.I Strawberry Margarita
7. Dotting tools
8. Nail art brushes

Now, let's see how I create the design!!

Tutorial
1. First of all, apply your favorite base coat to protect your natural nails.
2. Paint your entire nails with light blue polish as the base color. You might use other alternative color, like light purple.

Snowman part:
3. With a dotting tool dipped into the white polish, create one large circle near the edge of the nail for the body, and the smaller one on top for the head. In order to make a better shape, twirl the dotting tool while you creating the circle. 
4. Place two small black dots for his eyes.
5. Draw small triangle for the nose using a nail art brush dipped into the pink polish. I recommend you to use orange polish if you have any. I was using pink since I ran out of the orange polish.
6. - Add two small red dots on the body as the buttons.
- With a nail art brush dipped into the black polish, draw two lines at the right and left side of the body for his hands. You also could add a little pair of mitten.
- To create his hat, using a nail art brush dipped into black polish, draw a horizontal line on top of his head and draw a square shape above the line.

Snowflakes part:
7. Using a nail art brush dipped into the white polish, create one X and a line go through it until it looks like asterisk (*). Then, add a little V shape at the end of each line to complete the snowflakes.

8. Using a dotting tool dipped into the white polish, fill the empty area with white dots to create snow.

9. Let the design dry about 30 minutes.

10. Last but not least, apply a layer of top coat to preserve and smoothen the design.

11. And now, you are good to go!! ^^

That's it girls!! So easy, right??!! I hope you all enjoy this post and if you recreate the design, let me know below or send me the pictures to my twitter @classyjezzie. 

Lastly, I wish you all Merry Christmas and may you all rejoice the spirit of Christmas with your beloved family, friends, and colleagues!! <3<3<3

Amour,

NOTW Christmas 2012: Christmas Reindeer Nails

Dear all nail art lovers,

Today I'm back with my second Christmas Nail Art, Reindeer Nails. Not forget to mention that Reindeer is other popular Christmas symbol, especially the flying Santa Claus' reindeers who help him to deliver all the Christmas presents. But for you who do not specially celebrate Christmas, you definitely still could rock this design anytime you feel like it. I guess the design is pretty versatile, not necessary only for Christmas time. 

Honestly, I really enjoy to recreate those cute reindeers on my nail and often get compliments on it ^_^. So, if you would like to recreate this design, let's get to the tutorial!!

Before jumping into the tutorial, let's see what you need to prepare first!

Products used:
1. Base coat and top coat
2. Pink polish, OPI Pink Friday
3. Black polish, China Glaze Ink with Ultra-Fine Nail Art Brush
4. White polish, Orly French Manicure Nail Lacquer
5. Brownish taupe polish, OPI Over the Taupe
6. Your choice of base color; I chose OPI Did You Ear About Van Gogh, a light beige creme polish
7. *Optional* Red polish for the female reindeer bow, China Glaze Red Satin
8. Nail art brushes
9. Dotting tools

Tutorial

1. First, apply base coat to protect your natural nails.
2. Apply your own choice of base color. I used light beige creme, OPI Did You Ear About Van Gogh.
3. Using a nail art brush dipped into the brownish taupe polish, draw a vertical line at the center down to the edge of your nail, as the guide on how tall your reindeer's head would be. Then, draw a half oval shape as the reindeer's head.
4. Using the brush, fill in the head shape with the same brownish taupe polish. You may adjust the shape or the height of the head as you do this.
5. Add two small ears on each side of the head.
6. a) Using a nail art brush dipped into black polish, draw two vertical lines on the top of  the head as the antlers. To finish the antlers, continue by drawing small horizontal lines at the right and left side of the vertical lines you made earlier. If the lines go over the edge of the head, you could simply correct it by painting over using the same brown polish you used for the head. b) Paint a small half black circle near the edge of the nail for the reindeer's nose.
7. Using a dotting tool dipped into white polish, create two small white dots for the eyes. If you wish, you also could dab a small white dot on the reindeer's nose too.
8. Use a smaller dotting tool to put two smaller black dots inside the iris of the eyes. Then dab two small pink dots on the cheeks for cuteness.
9. Actually I draw female reindeers on my both thumbs for some variation. You simply just add a small bow on the top of the head using red polish and nail art brush. Then, dab a small white dot on the middle of the bow.  
10. Let the design dry about 30 minutes. But, you might see some irregular strokes are too noticeable.
11. That's why, don't forget to apply top coat to seal and smoothen the design. 
12. Now, you are good to go!! ^^

Finish look, inspired by simplyrins design

So, what do you think of this nail design?? This is fairly an easy design to recreate. You might just need to practice to handle the brush as you wish. 

If you do recreate it, don't hesitate to send me the picture to my Twitter. In case you have any request for certain Christmas nail design, let me know in the comment, I might try to recreate it. Thank you for reading <3 <3 <3

Amour,

Review: NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny

Dear beauties,

I have a new favorite beauty product in my collection ^_^ hehe...

I knew that this product has been around for quite long time ago and so many beauty bloggers have reviewed it. In fact, it just came handy for me to grab this product about two months ago. At first I never really thought of wearing bronzer in my daily makeup routine and honestly didn't exactly understand where I should put it on. However, since now I am mostly writing about beauty products, I try to improve my beauty knowledge along the way too. That's why I decided to grab my first bronzer ever, NYC Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny. 

Honestly, I was really curious to use the product as soon as I got it, and completely forgot to take picture before. That's why you might find in the pictures that the texture might not look as smooth as the brand new product since I have been using it almost everyday after I got it. But I guess the picture still works fine since we still could see the overall look of the product ;)

Product Description 

(from newyorkcolor.com)

Let a little sunshine into your life for cheap, with NYC New York Color Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder. It glides on easily for a sheer bronze glow that looks like you just stepped off the beach. It is easy to use everywhere and is perfect for quick touch-ups throughout the day. Only available in Sunny shade.

Benefits:

• Sun kissed yet natural look year round without the damaging effects of the sun
• Glides easily for sheer effect
• Adds a tanned look in seconds
• Can be worn alone or over make up
• Dermatologist tested

Key Ingredients:

• A blend of micronized pigments and silica for smooth application
• Kaolin to minimize pores and lines
• Natural mineral powders

What do I think about NYC Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny?

LOVE IT!!! <3<3<3 

I'm glad that I picked this product as my first bronzer 

How do I describe this product?

Shade and texture

I would say that Sunny is a light-medium matte brown bronzer. It has no shimmer, and the shade is pretty soft and sheer, which means really good for every day contouring without making it too obvious. Although it is sheer, the color is actually buildable. I normally apply this with my shading brush and amazingly the powder in the pan doesn't crumble at all like other face powders. The texture is very smooth and easy to blend. At first I thought it will give powdery finish on the face, but it doesn't. Instead it simply leaves a fresh natural finish look with no harsh lines. 

Swatch under natural light

Formulation and staying power

This powder indeed has nice pigmentation and staying power. Just to let you know, I am a NC20 or a yellow based skin tone. When I first saw the powder, I thought it will be too orange or too brown on me, but it wasn't. However, it might turn out too orange for you who were paler than NC20, but you always could tone the shade down by applying a little more face powder over it. For the staying power, this bronzer works fine for me. It lasts about 4-5 hours of wear.

Application

As I mentioned above, I normally use my shading brush swirled in the bronzer, and then dust off the brush to get rid off any excess. I prefer to work from sheer and build up the color gradually until getting the shade I want. Use very light strokes to apply this onto areas of the face where the sun would naturally hits, like across the forehead near the hairline, the temples, across the apples of the cheeks and bridge of the nose. You also need to practice not to apply it unevenly or excessively if you do not want to end up look too dirty or fake. Sometimes I even skip the blush and simply wear this as blush on my cheek and it gave me the sun kissed glow look.

Packaging

This part is my least favorite of the product. This bronzer comes in brown plastic case with a mirror in the lid and a round applicator sponge. The plastic case is actually quite thick but it still looks cheap for me and does not feel like high quality product. I also feel the applicator sponge is unnecessary because I thought it will be tricky to apply bronzer with round sponge for contouring. Don't you think?! But after all, it is pretty compact and practical to carry inside your purse or makeup bag.

Price

Although the packaging isn't really a favor, I would not complain so much since this product is absolutely a steal. It retails for around US$ 3.00 or IDR 77.000. I would say that low price tag doesn't mean low quality product, and NYC Bronzing Face Powder totally proves it!!

Final Verdict

I have no more to say, except get this bronzer if you haven't!! It is a great bronzer, especially for beginners. The color blends really well, and gives such a natural effect to the skin. Considering the price tag, you have no excuse not to buy this product. I don't really hear so much about NYC brand before, but this product is absolutely what makes them stand out. I am really pleased with this bronzer and can't get enough of it. 

Lastly, thank you all for dropping by and if you have some other recommended bronzer, let me know in the comment below because I would love to try it!! <3

Amour,

NOTW Christmas 2012: Christmas Holly Nails

Happy December everyone ^^ Hohohoho...

Hard to believe that this month is already the last month of the year 2012. Before the year ended, make sure you all are enjoying December. Every time in December I always feel so happy and festive, especially because the Christmas spirit is just all around. 

What are your favorite thing to do during Christmas guys??

I personally love that it is decorating time. I like to decorate my room with Christmas ornaments, or even by simply decorating a Christmas tree. I absolutely adore the festive ambiance brought by. I also never forgot to dress up or just decorate my nails with something Christmas-y. 
Back in October, I  posted some tutorials of Halloween nail designs, and I admit that I had a lot of fun doing it. That's why, I decided to challenge myself again for this month to make another nail design post series with Christmas theme. I will try to post new nail design each week before the Christmas time; so you still get some time to practice.

For this nail design I was frankly looking for recreating something simple and easy, but still have Christmas-y feeling. One of cutepolish video did inspire me and I feel it will be the perfect design for what I'm looking for. So, here it is...Christmas Holly Nails!!!

Do you actually know what is Christmas Holly??

Image Courtesy by bbc.co.uk

Based on its definition from dictionary.com, it is basically any of numerous trees or shrubs of the genus Ilex, usually having bright red berries and glossy evergreen leaves with spiny margins. Its foliage and berries traditionally used for Christmas decoration. You might find those as Christmas holly wreath too. 

So back to the tutorial, let's see what you need to prepare!!

Products used:
1. Base coat and top coat of your choice
2. White polish for french manicure ( O.P.I Alpine Snow )
3. Green polish (O.P.I Jade is The New Black)
4. Red polish ( China Glaze Red Satin )
5. Dotting tools / toothpicks
6. Nail art brush 

Instructions:
1. First of all, don't forget applying bare coat to protect your own nails
2. Start off the design by doing basic french manicure
3. Create three small dots, as the berries, in the corner of the nail using a dotting tool dipped into the red polish. I actually dotted the berries only on my thumb and ring finger.
4. On the same nail, using the nail brush dipped into the green polish to draw the leaves (look like double arrows)
First, create the line coming out from the berries
Then, continue it by drawing two vertical lines on each side
Repeat the same step for drawing the leaves at the other side of berries
5. For your other nails, create more simple design by creating small alternating dots in red and green using a dotting tool
6. Finish off by sealing your design with a layer of top coat

Finish look

under natural light

If you decided to recreate this nail design, don't forget to post the picture in my Twitter because I would love to see it. I hope you all enjoy the tutorial and have fun for recreating this cute nail design. 

Besides, I also have other good news which is that NOW you can get 3% off for minimum purchase of Rp.150.000,- in Enchanté Yourlittlesecret, just by mentioning the code: CLASSYJ. In case you have any further questions regarding the procedure, you might drop me some emails, and I would be happy to help.

Last but not least, don't forget to follow my blog to get the updates of my next Christmas nail designs ;) 

Amour,

Shiseido Beauty Event Malang, 24 November 2012

Dear beauties,

I have something exciting for today's post. Last Saturday, I was actually attending Shiseido beauty event held by Jayanata in Hotel Santika Premiere, Malang. And to let you know, it was my first time to officially attend a beauty event. I was so excited about it and think would be nice to write a blog post about it. So, here I am sharing my experience with you all ;)

As a matter of fact, I have no idea that this event was mainly  for Shiseido. I thought there would be some of other beauty brands in the event, since Jayanata staff was the one who contacted the invitees. Honestly, it was my mom who was invited to attend this event but unfortunately she couldn't make it, and ask me to go instead. Luckily, I wasn't really disappointed with all that, because as you all know Shiseido is literally a good brand too.

I actually found out later on that Shiseido was celebrating their 140 anniversary and specially introduced their Autumn/Winter 2012 makeup collection during this occasion. I actually aren't too familiar with the Shiseido product lines because I have never really using Shiseido products, except their Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover. When I first arrived, I actually expected they will do slight presentation about the brand, so I could have more knowledge about it, but unfortunately there was none. 

Basically, I was greeted and escorted to the seating area by one of Shiseido staff and she started asking the problems I got with my skin etc.., then she recommended some products might be effective for my skin. The good thing was they offered some discounts with the purchase amount of IDR 1.500.000 (US $155.00) and IDR 2.000.000 (US $205.00). And, I actually forgot the exact discounted price :( 

I know that is big amount of purchase, but as you know their products are relatively in higher price. 

After you made some purchases, they did offer you a free skin check & consultation or a free make up. And as you know, of course I chose for having a free make up by Shiseido MUA. I actually requested to have a natural smokey look. Et voila...here is the result!! 
(I'll try to link the products used for this look if I could remember all the names)

Products Used:
Perfect Foundation Brush
Refining Makeup Primer SPF 21
Perfect Smoothing Compact Foundation SPF 15
Eyebrow and Eyeliner Compact - Deep Brown
Automatic Fine Eyeliner - Black
Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio - Snow Shadow
Nourishing Mascara Base
Perfect Mascara Full Definition - one of Shiseido New Collection products
Luminizing Satin Face Color - Orchid
Bronzer
Smoothing Lip Pencil
Lacquer Rouge (forgot the name) - one of Shiseido New Collection products

What I love the most of this look was definitely the eye make up. It was a center point of the overall look. Pretty vibrant, yet natural and classy. The eyeshadow shade was actually a deep dark blue, however it appeared more grayish in the picture. The pictures might not show the justice since I was mostly using my camera phone, but the eyeshadow colors are absolutely gorgeous and well pigmented in real. Here I'll try to show you some best close shots of the eye make up for inspiration: 

top: under natural light
bottom: under flash light

Last but not least, here are all the products I got at the event. I did purchase some skin products from Shiseido, because I'm the type of person who prefer to invest more in the skin products. Besides, I almost finish up my current skin care products, so I thought there's no harm to alternate my skin products. Other products I got was actually their welcoming gifts. I was really exciting to try those all. Eventually, I will do product reviews for you guys ^^ and don't forget to follow my blog if you would like to get the updates.

WHITE LUCENT Intensive Spot Targeting Serum+
WHITE LUCENT Brightening Protective Cream W SPF 15
WHITE LUCENT Brightening Moisturizing Cream W
Refill Perfect Smoothing Compact Foundation SPF 15 - Natural Light Ochre (O20)
Sample Advanced Hydro-Liquid Compact - Natural Light Ochre (O20)
Sample Perfect Rouge Lipstick - Mystery 
Calendar 2013

For disclaimer, I did not receive any paid or other things from Shiseido to write this post, I actually purchased all the products I got with my own money.

Thank you all for stopping by and let me know if any of you, including Malang beauty bloggers, happened to attend this event too.

Amour, 

NOTW: O.P.I Black Onyx & O.P.I Pirouette My Whistle

Hi lovelies!

Today I'm back again with NOTW post. For today's post I actually gonna feature two nail polishes at once, which are O.P.I Black Onyx and O.P.I Pirouette My Whistle. 

As my previous post, My Favorite Fall 2012 Nail Polishes, I mentioned that I tend to wear darker shades these days. Yesterday I did paint my nail black. Somehow I don't want it to be plain black, that's why I added a silver glittery top coat, and it turned out really pretty as what I imagined.

 O.P.I Pirouette My Whistle over O.P.I Black Onyx under direct sunlight

Without further rambling, let's jump to the product review!! ^^

O.P.I Black Onyx

I would describe O.P.I Black Onyx as my perfect true black polish. It is the nicest and most pigmented black I've ever gotten. It's a bit hard to find truly black polishes that not tend to fade easily. 

I love the consistency of this polish, like always with most of O.P.I polishes, it took me about two coats for excellent coverage. If you would like to wear this shade alone, you actually could skip the top coat part since the polish already has a shiny finish on it. But for me personally, I would add a layer of top coat to make it all glossy and classic. You also don't need to worry to reapply this polish often, because it stays on for days and doesn't chip as easy. The only downside I experienced was during removal process. Since it is a dark shade, I got the shade is a bit hard to remove, especially when it stained on the skin around your nail. I required quite amount of nail remover to clean it thoroughly. 

under flash light

O.P.I Pirouette My Whistle

Sometimes I did wear O.P.I Black Onyx on itself, but today I don't feel like to wear it simply bold black. Hence, I paired it with O.P.I Pirouette My Whistle for layering. O.P.I Pirouette My Whistle is actually from the New York City Ballet Collection 2012. It is a gorgeous clear base glitter polishes with very fine yet tiny silver glitter and some larger hexagonal silver flecks. 

I'd rather using this polish over the other colors, since it is quite a soft sheer color and certainly require many coats to build full coverage up. This polish is quite versatile, you basically could pair it with any colors, either dark, bright, or even pale soft shades from the same collection. When I used this polish as a top coat, I normally applied 1-2 coats to even out the glitters dispersion. The other thing that I also love that the sparkles are not too chunky, so it won't overstate/overpower the other shade, instead just add elegant and dainty look to the nail. 

Similar problems as my previous NOTW post in September, I found it's as hard as O.P.I Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It for fishing out and placing the larger hex silver flecks, as well as for removing the flecks off your nails. I guess O.P.I should give more attention to overcome these problems for their next glitter polishes. But after all, I still love this polish. I often get compliments every time I wear it; it's a definite glitter polish you all should invest in. 

indoor

So, how do you like both polishes?? Have you ever tried them?? And I'd like to know what shade are you wearing on your nail now?? Let me know in the comment below ^_^ and thanks for stopping by!

Amour,