Lifestyle – Bubbly Michelle

Gift Guide – Best of Skincare, Bodycare & Haircare

November 25, 2021November 25, 2021by Bubbly MichelleLeave a Comment

I love receiving gift sets. Not only are they great value, they make quite pretty gifts with the seasonal festive boxes & wrapping!

I’ve curated a few sets from a range of prices depending on the $$$ you might want to spend. Almost all of these are currently 20-25% off so you get to save even more on a box set that’s already good value!

P.S- Everything you see in todays guide are brands I love; and products that work!

Olaplex Healthy Hair Essentials (SGD95 via Sephora SG)

Olaplex does one of these sets every year and they ALWAYS sell out. I make sure I pick this up as soon as it goes on sale. Not only is it perfect for gifting, it’s also great for personal use if you want mini versions of your regular Olaplex haircare range.

Incase you have never tried Olaplex, they are essentially haircare that’s developed for damaged hair.. basically for repairing , nourishing and smoothing frizz.

Currently on sale at Sephora Singapore as well as Cult Beauty (25% off).

2. Clé de Peau beauty The First Step Serum Skincare Set (SGD380 via Sephora SG)

Have you seen CPB’s new holiday packaging? It’s divine! Each year they collaborate with an artist and spoil us with the most gorgeous packaging ever. The First Step Serum Skincare Set contains a full size of one of my favourite products by CPB; The Serum. It also includes three minis for a complete skincare routine so you get the whole Clé de Peau experience.

3. Charlotte Tilbury 3 Magic Steps to Perfect-Looking Skin (£90 on Cult Beauty)

I don’t think of CT as a skincare brand but I do love her Magic Serum for skin prep. It primes the skin but also contain anti-ageing ingredients which is a win win. The texture is very refined.. so luxurious as it glides on the skin; it’s light enough for even oily skin types but also nourishing for dry skin as well. Set comes with two additional mini creams as well.

Currently on sale on Cult Beauty which is having their 25% off Black Friday Event.

4. Sunday Riley The Big Glow Deluxe Good Genes Kit (£159.20)

When I saw this kit on Space NK I knew immediately it HAD to be in my gift guide. Good Genes is already a cult product but this supersized version (100ml) with amazing limited edition packaging is everything I look for in a skincare gift set. I have not seen it anywhere else but luckily, Space NK has 20% off on this product. GRAB IT NOW! Set comes with a mini Pink Drink (25ml) and a Tidal Water Cream (15g).

Perfect for your bestie or any die hard Good Genes lover.

5. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Magic (£44)

Glow Recipe makes great skincare for younger skin. If you are looking for something effective yet affordable, I love this little set which makes a perfect gift to anyone who’s getting into skincare. Whether it’s for someone in their 20’s or early 30’s this set would be ideal for maintaining glowing skin while refining pores.

The set comes with a PHA/BHA Toner (150ml) + Niacinamide Dew Drops serum (15ml) + Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore Tight Facial (25ml).

6. Percy & Reed All Kinds Of Wonder-ful Hair Set (SGD112)

Percy & Reed holiday sets are great for gifting. Not only do they come in beautiful packaging, this set also includes a sleeping mask that’s just too cute! I’m obsessed! Two of the products are full sized and two are minis. Not necessarily great value when you consider the full sized items each at SGD40 and extra minis. But it is worth grabbing while Sephora has their Black Friday sale.

7. Heure Ageless Night Treatment Moisturiser (SGD190)

If there’s one luxe item worth gifting as a stand alone product, the Heure night cream would be my pick. Now that Heure retails at Sephora you can save on luxe items like this and grab it for less $$$. This anti-ageing night cream will help maintain youth by firming skin and also smoothing wrinkles. I love the texture. It’s not too light, also not greasy. I’ll be gifting one to mom this Christmas since I loved mine soo much!

8. Augustinus Bader Body Care set (Body Cream + Body Oil)

If you are on the look out for luxury bodycare, it doesn’t get more luxe than an AB bodycare kit. I’ve got the Body Lotion in my basket and it’ll be a gift from ‘me-to-me’ this Christmas. Augustinus Bader is renowned for a formula that helps regenerate skin, restoring it back to it’s youthful healthy self.

Available directly via the Augustinus Bader site and also Cult Beauty (where you can currently get 25% off)

9. Omorovicza Perfecting Duo (£50)

A perfectly curated no fuss duo is always a winner. This kit contains one of my favourite mists of all time – the Queen Of Hungary Mist (infused with orange blossom) + a perfecting lip balm to keep lips smooth and plump all day.

Did I mention the pink packaging is just SO cute?!

10. Augustinus Bader Body Lotion (£75)

If you are gifting a Body Lotion.. might as well make it substantial.

I love a luxe cream to pamper myself and so far i’ve been a die hard fan of the Clé de Peau one. At SGD 150 a pop, it’s pricey but over time you do notice a difference in skin texture. The new AB Body Lotion is a wonderful investment for body care and makes a luxe gift for siblings and anyone ultra special.

Currently retailing at $95 on the Augustinus Bader site, and Cult Beauty.

11. Biossance Overachiever Gift set (SGD89 via Sephora SG)

Biossance is a brand that’s new-ish to my regime and so far everything I have tried has been exceptional. As someone who looks for clear results, the brand though may not come across as ‘exciting’ does deliver some stellar products. I love their Lactic Acid serum and the eye cream is one of the best i’ve tried for dull/dry under eyes. If you are new to the brand or plan on gifting skincare, this set is a great introduction to the brand.

Lifestyle

Gift Ideas – Hostess Gifts | Fragrance & Candles

November 25, 2021November 25, 2021by Bubbly MichelleLeave a Comment

Black Friday is the perfect time to stock up on holiday gifts & beautiful candles for the home. Today i’ve rounded up some gorgeous candles and fragrances that make the perfect hostess gifts and also for your home. Some which are on sale and ripe for the picking!

Number one on my list is Maison Margiela Replica candle trio – It’s currently ON SALE at Space NK and you save 15% off. This trio contains miniatures of their candles (By the Fireplace, Lazy Sunday Morning & Bubble Bath). If saving is your ultimate goal, a full size candle of By The Fireplace is still available on Cult for 25% off with their code CBBF25 here.

2. Diptyque Holiday Candles

Diptyques holiday favourite Sapin is back and this years candle is possibly the best one yet in terms of packaging. The candle is available in two sizes and is my top pick for a true pine scent. If you are looking for alternative that’s on sale, Jo Loves does a great fresh pine scent called Christmas Trees. The throw is exceptional and just as lovely as Diptyque and comes in a festive red and gold starburst print. You can grab this on SALE here.

3. Boy Smells Candle Wick Trimmer

A useful gift for any candle lover; and I adore the black version that Boy Smells makes. This one’s a good price too! ($18)

4. Diptyque Best Of Baies

Another perfect holiday gift is this beautiful Best of Baies set (£102) . It comes with a mini candle, room spray (which is one of my absolute favourites!) & a scented oval that’s perfect for hanging in the car or your linen cupboard to keep everything smelling nice. It comes in a beautiful gift box, ready for gifting to someone special.

5. Diptyque Reed Diffuser

If it’s a luxe home fragrance you are on the look out for, Diptyque also released this Reed Diffuser ($190) in three scents (Baies, Tuberose and Rose). It comes with a glass vase + the fragrance and reeds. I LOVE the minimal design of this but is pretty much sold out everywhere (that it’s on sale) but still available at Blue Mercury for their Cyber week sales. You can save money there.

For a budget alternative, NEST makes really great home scents, and this Birchwood & Pine reed diffuser will spruce up your spaces with fresh pine for just $50. If you are looking to buy from Europe, Nest is available at Cult Beauty.

6. Cire Trudon Limited Edition Holiday candles

This year they have the most incredible limited edition candle packaging. If you are into the ornate gold filigree vibe, you can choose from 5 candles in LE packaging. Ernesto is a divine mix of Bergamot, Patchouli, Clove with a base of smoky tobacco and leather. If you are looking for a twist on a traditional pine candle Bayonne sounds amazing. a mix of cocoa, chilli for spice and pine. I’ll be waiting for it to go on sale, so I can pick one up!

7. Nest Birchwoord & Pine three wick candle

Nest candles are a popular choice for the holidays. If you are looking for budget options, this is where you look! The three wick candle will last ages and make a substantial hostess gift. I love the glass packaging that’s accented with gold. It really does look expensive and is a tasteful design that’ll effortlessly match any decor style.

8. Diptyque Feu de Bois

Is a seasonal favourite of mine. The cosy smell of burning wood fills the room with warmth. This year Diptyque has the ceramic 600g LE candle in this scent and it’s beautiful. I love the grey vessel that can be used as a vase long after the candle burns out (which takes a while btw!). I have the pink Rose candle from last year and it’s still around! I especially like the three wick candles as they burn very evenly even if I trim the wick too short.

9. Diptyque Baies Scented Oval

Is a great way to gift something luxury but also keep it within the budget. I’m sure you’ve already guessed, Baies is my favourite Diptyque scent! .. find these at Space NK as well Net-a-Porter and directly from Diptyque.

10. Byredo Bibliothequé candle

Hands down my favourite by Byredo. If you are into smoky scents or plan on gifting one to someone who is into warm fragrances, this is my top pick. It’s also one of Byredo’s best-selling fragrances. Available at Net-a-Porter, Selfridges or Cult Beauty.

11. Do son Shower Gel

Another favourite for gifting is luxe shower gels. I’ve never tried the Do Son version, but the perfume is one of my favourites. If Jasmine scents and white flowers are your vice, this one’s perfection. I love LOVE LOVE this fragrance.

I feel this post is very Diptyque heavy, but they are my favourite fragrance brand soo…. >.<

For budget shower gels with great ‘giftable’ packaging, Aesop is my top pick. They do a whole host of curated boxes too. Find them at Cult or Space Nk during Cyber Week Sales.

12. Diptyque Accessories

For Diptyque fans out there, the holiday accessories are a must-have. I found several carrousels as well as lanterns that add a pretty sparkle to your lit candles. The best one in my opinion is this huge lantern accessory that sold alone without a candle; the Basile Lantern for Candle. If you already own plenty of their candles buying the accessory alone is a great idea & these last long with no tarnishing. I’ve had mine from a few years back and it still looks pristine.

Diptyque hardly goes on sale but you can find them at Blue Mercury that has discounts right now (20% when you spend over $250 | 15% when you spend over $175) It’s easy to fill up your cart at Blue Mercury since they carry LOADS of amazing brands including Atelier Cologne & Nest.

That rounds up my fragrance gifting guides. In addition you can also try some Atelier Cologne candles and gift sets. It’s my go-to for gifting perfumes and Space NK has most of them on sale 15% off right now. I love Orange Sanguine and Cédrat Enivrant (I have gifted both my husband and dad!) aaaaand i’ll be gifting more Atelier Cologne this year too! Here’s what I picked up. Don’t you love the celestial pattern on the leather?!

Lifestyle

Wellness & Fragrance Gift Guide 2019 (for the Guys)

December 19, 2019December 20, 2019by Bubbly Michelle1 Comment

Mens gift guide

Happy Thursday! 5 more days to Christmas and that very last weekend to get your holiday shopping done is around the corner.

Today i’ve rounded up some fragrance and wellness gift ideas for the guys. Some which my husband loves and enjoys, and a few unisex products I’ve discovered that also make perfect gifts.

1. Molton Brown Bizarre Brandy Gift Set

I love Molton Brown and find their shower range truly special. The fragrances are quite unique and elevate the whole bath experience. If you are looking for luxe body care options for guys, Molton Brown is one of the first places I’d suggest exploring.

This particular gift set includes a body lotion and a shower gel in their limited edition festive fragrance Bizarre Brandy. Soo delicious!

2. Diptyque Amber candle

Amber is one of my favourite fragrances for all year round. It adds that warmth and cosiness to any space and makes a great addition to one’s study or bathroom. What I love about these candles is that the fragrance tends to linger in a room regardless whether the candle is lit; and in smaller enclosed spaces such as powder rooms; not only do they add a decorative touch, they keep it from smelling musty or stale.

3. Le Labo Neroli Shower Gel

Is one of the best sellers they make. It’s light, fresh with a hint of Neroli but unlike most mainstream Neroli fragrances out there. Le Labo Neroli is a sophisticated blend of Rose, Musk, Jasmine and Vanilla and a medley of other essences that make this one stand out.

If you enjoy Neroli fragrances, i’d urge you to try this one. You’d be hooked!

4. Diptyque Car Diffusers set

Makes one luxurious fragrance gift! It’s a boxed set that comes with a scent diffuser and 4 cartridges. Baies, Rose, 34 and the new Tuberose.

Baies and 34 are great unisex home fragrances and two of my top favourites! This set will make a fantastic gift for any car enthusiast or just about any guy who loves his car.

5. Diptyque 34 Scented Oval

Since 34 is one of my favourite Diptyque scents I also picked out this scented wax oval that makes a great addition to any wardrobe to keep clothes smelling fresh. If you are already a fan of the brands candles, the scented ovals are a nice place to add a bit more luxury to other parts of your home.

6. Jack Black Balm Squad

It’s no secret Jack Black Lip Balms are some of the best lip care products out there. Why not gift a good supply that will last a while? This one’s a great stocking stuffer for guys. If you don’t feel like giving socks (again) this year 😉

7. Herbivore Detox Bath Salts

Is one of my best bath discoveries. It’s scented with refreshing Eucalyptus that alleviates muscle pain and soothes body aches. Perfect for running a hot bath after a long day.

8. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne

Makes for a great everyday scent. I also love Blackberry & Bay. Both which hubby has been LOVING ever since I gifted them last year. Overall I find fresher scents to be more on the safer side for gifting as they are universally appealing.

9. Acqua di Parma (Bergamotto Di Calabria)

Is a classic. They are the masters of summer fragrance. I would also recommend checking out the deodorant body sprays and the gift sets which are usually a good deal during the holidays.

10. Jo Malone Travel Collection

Is a luxury set of 5 mini (100ml) Body and Hand Wash. It contains their top selling unisex fragrances: Basil and Neroli, Blackberry & Bay, Wild Bluebell, Orange Blossom (another fave!) and Wood Sage & Sea Salt.

Ideal for the man who’s a frequent traveller or enjoys an elevated shower experience.

Lifestyle

Luxury Holiday Gift Guide 2019

December 18, 2019December 18, 2019by Bubbly Michelle1 Comment

For me Christmas is all about spoiling the loved ones. Nothing excites me more than discovering that perfect gift for a friend or family member that I KNOW will bring a smile to their face.

Personally I believe there are no ‘terrible gift givers’, just lazy ones and some who just don’t have the time to be out shopping. Whatever reason for being behind on checking off that gift list (me included this year), i’ve rounded up a few luxurious gifts that are sure to be enjoyed.

Holiday gift guide luxury

As you might have guessed, there’s a theme for todays gift guide. All things golden and shiny! Who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle during the holidays right? Gold packaging has this magical ability to instantly transform the most simple everyday things into something decadent!

1. Louboutin Beauty Metallic Eye Colour

Finally Louboutin Beauty has made its way to Singapore this year and now easily accessible. My very first Louboutin Beauty product was a lipstick from a few years ago and I remember being smitten. When I finally got to see everything in real life I found the eyeshadows to be just as Ah-mazing, if not better! There isn’t a huge shade range but the colours are beautiful and are super long wearing (read budge-proof).

I chose two shades, Morganite (shimmering pink) and Black Sapphire

2. Chantecaille Eclat Brilliant Highlighter

is total packaging goals! But of course Chantecaille do in-fact make fantastic highlighters. This years holiday collection featured a gorgeous true gold highlight Eclat Brilliant, just perfect for the festivities coming up! The texture is ultra silky and applies without looking powdery. I find the quality excellent!

P.S- While you are browsing, do check out the three limited edition Lip Cristals for some extra shimmer this holiday season. The packaging is gold of course with a chic, almost jewelled bullet that is a pearl pigment formula.

ALSO for each lipstick purchased Chantecaille continues with the 1 lipstick = 1 tree campaign, where they pledge to plant one tree in Kenya for each lipstick sold! It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

More swatches here.

Chantecaille holiday 2019 Lip Cristal

3. Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow Holiday Trio

If it’s gifting glitter, Hourglass is the way to go! I’m a sucker for adding some extra shimmer to my holiday makeup looks and nothing quite does it for me like these. They can be applied with fingers and add the most brilliant sparkle to the lids. This year (again) Hourglass have released a gorgeous limited edition holiday trio . The pots are slightly smaller than the regular size but just perfect to dip a finger in to grab some iridescent sparkle!

Hourglass scattered light glitter

4. Byredo Perfume Sampler Set

Personally I dont gift perfume unless it’s for my girlfriends or family. It can be tricky picking something without knowing their preferences and generally fragrance is a very personal thing.

However I make an exception for mini/trial sized perfume sets, I think it’s a great way to try a brand and also ideal for gifting. Byredo, one of THE most luxe fragrance houses out there does a sampler kit called La Selection. There’re several fragrance groups to pick from. If you know what the recipient normally favours, why not let them try something new! I have been loving my La Tulip Roll On for quite some time now, the smaller handy size makes it great for keeping in my makeup bag and travels so well! Most of all why I love Byredo is the fragrances are so unique and special, they make the most lovely gifts.

5. YSL Sequin Crush Eyeshadow.

YSL Sequin Crush Eyeshadow

What’s the point of Christmas if you don’t get to throw on some extra glitter…right? ,I guess I just successfully justified another glitter shadow as a gift idea 😉

Have you seen YSL’s new(ish) Sequin Crush Eyeshadow . I spotted a gold and a silver and couldn’t resist picking them up! Packaging is A+, and so is the glitter inside! It’s pigment galore with these. The overall effect is a high sheen foiled look rather than outright glitter. Count me obsessed!

6. CHANEL Gabrielle Shower Gel

Luxury shower gels are a total splurge and make the best gifts. I know I love receiving them.

CHANEL Gabrielle is for the floral lover. A mix of Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Orange Blossom with a hint of Tuberose. This comes in a decent 200ml bottle that’ll look perfect in anyones shower.

For other delectable gift worthy shower gels, check out Aerins selection. I love the Tuberose Body Wash and the Body Cream. A must have if you love white flower fragrances. This one’s extra decadent with it’s silky, creamy formula!

Chanel Gabrielle Shower Gel

7. Chanel Sublimage Gel-to-Oil Cleanser

Skincare is always a welcome gift in my books, and one of the most luxurious additions to my shelf is the newly launched Sublimage Gel-to-Oil Cleanser. It’s a major love for me. Review here!

Cleansers are pretty much fool proof, so I like to make it extra luxe so it’s truly special. A very lucky someone deserves to have one slipped in their stocking.

8. Silke London Hair Wrap

Something extra luxurious and a truly unique gift is a silk hair wrap by Silke. It protects your hair from tangling and eliminates frizz therefore minimizing hair damage while you sleep.

Also great for keeping the hair away from the face when you get ready in the morning. Order via Net-a-Porter! They deliver within 2-3 days, definitely making it in time for Christmas.

9. COVETEUR Coffee Table book

Gifting Coffee Table books will never go out of style. One of my favourite books to date is Coveteur. Be it flipping pages taking in the drool worthy editorial photography or reading about celebs wardrobes dripping in couture. This one’s for the girl who enjoys the finer things in life. Plenty of inspo in here.

10. A Spa voucher

If you made it at least halfway through holiday shopping by now, you KNOW how hard the holidays can be! Every friend deserves a little pampering and some me time especially after Christmas. Be it a new mom, a corporate rockstar or even Mommy dearest who deserves a little me time of her own. It’s honestly one of the easiest ways to make someone happy! I’m all for gifting experiences, it’s less stress on our planet and eliminates any need for unnecessary packaging. Do you think of zero waste gifting ideas too?

That wraps up todays guide. I’m working on a few more linked guides before the weekend since it’s the very last weekend before Christmas! I hope you manage to pick up the perfect presents for your loved ones before it’s too late. ❤ Happy Shopping!

Lifestyle, Skincare

New By Terry Baume de Rose Body Scrub, Lip Scrub & Lip Care Crayon | Review

February 1, 2018November 10, 2018by Bubbly Michelle4 Comments

My first entry for January starts with a pretty pink release by luxury french beauty brand, By Terry!

By Terry baume de rose 2018

There’re three new products that were added the existing Baume de Rose family.

Baume de Rose Body Scrub

Baume de Rose Lip Scrub

Baume de Rose Lip Care (crayon)

Apart from the visually pleasing pink packaging, this collection is sure to appeal to all rose lovers. The iconic scent of Baume de Rose is present in all three.

Up first is the exciting new lip care stick and scrub. Beautifully packaged in minimal, stylish pink.

By Terry Lip Care and Scrub

What I love about balm sticks is the convenience of application. No more grubby fingers poking into jars! Therefore hygienic application and also prolonged shelf life. I’m actually surprised By Terry hadn’t thought of launching this earlier.

If you are a fan of the iconic Baume de Rose, this new crayon makes a lovely addition to your handbag. Just as comforting, nourishing with a touch of luxurious Rose flower essential wax & Vitamin E to keep the lips supple all day. The only difference between the original pot and this crayon is the formula is less buttery and thick, which I believe was better as an overnight lip repair treatment. The stick version is more of a light balm that delivers long lasting hydration for day time. It’s colourless and goes on thin which makes it ideal as a pre-lipstick lip perfecter too.

The Lip Scrub is described as an “ultra-gentle scrub that delicately smoothes, refines & beautifies the lips. Super charged with Rose butter, Rose flower essential wax, Rose hip oil & oil extracts of Black Rose & Pastel Rose, it’s sugary rich balm leaves lips hydrated, nourished and more comfortable”.

L- Body Scrub, R- Lip Scrub

By Terry Baume de Rose swatches

The first thing I noticed was that the granules are suspended in a ultra creamy formula and rather sparse. For lips that tend to get extremely flakey, this most certainly will not be getting rid of every single flake. Personally i’d opt for something slightly more gritty with less creaminess for thorough exfoliating.

However, as the description, the smoothing ingredients do soften and nourish the lips for a pillowy pout. Something that would work for regular upkeep and comfort for anyone living in colder and dry weather or just have naturally dry lips that need constant care.

By Terry Baume de rose

Lastly, my favourite product of this launch. The Body Scrub.

It’s no secret i’m addicted to luxury body care. I find myself continuously reaching for products slightly on the higher price range as the ingredients and textures are usually more cosmetically elegant & refined. Basically you are paying more for the ‘experience’.

If you strictly indulge in budget body care, this one’s obviously not for you. But! I do believe, if you read my blog and follow me here, you are more likely a luxury skincare junkie too! Yes?

The consistency and granule size is perfect for a gentle but thorough scrub. The sugar particles don’t feel scratchy or harsh, and leave the skin feeling smooth and velvety after use. My preferred method of use is applying this directly on dry skin and emulsifing by adding some water halfway through. Smells amazing btw and gets the job done!

What’s noticeably special about this formula is that it’s deeply hydrating & nourishing even after rinsing.

Reading the ingredient list I find this includes Rose butter, Rose Hip oil and also Black Rose oil extract just as the lip scrub. All that keeps skin supple and moist & perfect for dry skin and drier weather.

Bottom Line

My top pick of the collection is the Body Scrub! It’s just such a luxurious treat after a long day. Trust, your body will love you for a nice scrub down with some luxurious and skin loving ingredients. Of course, the price is steep. But then again, we are talking expensive ingredients and a product that’s effective and also feels amazing.

The Lip Care Crayon is a good everyday staple. The product works and provides long term hydration. Something I always look for in lip products.

The only product that didn’t live up to expectations was the Lip Scrub. As far as an effective lip scrub goes, my experience was rather underwhelming (even though this is classified as ‘ultra-gentle’ and I should be expecting a softer exfoliation). Basically a lot more granules would be required for this to work on my flaky lips.

Pricing and Availability

Available end February, at Escentials Tangs & Paragon and Sephora (online).

Thank you By Terry Singapore for the samples to try. x

Pricing as follows,

Lip Scrub & Lip Crayon – SGD50

Body Scrub – SGD102

Lifestyle, Skincare

Inflight Essentials

July 27, 2017November 10, 2018by Bubbly MichelleLeave a Comment

Packing just the bare essentials into a pouch that’s small enough to fit in your hand bag can be quite the task. Especially if you find yourself catching a long haul flight for the very first time.

To make sure my complexion looks healthy and vibrant when I disembark, the first thing I do after take off is to cleanse and prep my skin for the dry cabin air.

I pack a mini cleanser like the Nutritious Radiant Vitality Foam Cleanser from the Nutritious Vitality 8 line. It gets the makeup off and leaves skin clean for all other skincare.

Estee Lauder Nutritious Vitality

For toner, I take the Nutritious Vitality8 Radiant Energy Mist. The packaging is super convenient for travel (just 30ml) and I absolutely love how uplifting and refreshing it smells.

Also keep this at hand for spritzing throughout the journey so my skin doesn’t get dehydrated.

To keep the eyes nourished as well, pack your regular eye cream. Whether you’ll be travelling day or night, the conditions inside an airplane call for something nourishing. Fitting into my little pouch, is this Resilience Lift Firming Sculpting Eye Cream. It ensures the under eyes don’t get dehydrated, and has a light texture that absorbs fast!

*If you are travelling soon, check out the value set (of two 30ml) of the Resilience Lift Firming Sculpting eye cream that’s exclusive to Shilla Duty free & www.ishopchangi.com

Finally, to keep the skin nourished and hydrated I put on a moisturiser, or better, a sheet mask while I catch a movie on the inflight entertainment system. Just 10 mins is all it takes to ensure you look rested when you land.

The Advanced Night Repair Power-foil Mask is an excellent choice (check my review here). Once removed, the deeply hydrating serum will continue to soothe & repair your skin while you catch some zzzzzzz….

30 minutes before landing I like to do a quick touch up. My skin is already plump and rested and doesn’t need much to look healthy so I use something like the Global Anti-aging Wake Up Balm. Not only does it prep skin for any base (as a primer would), but also has illuminating ingredients for a radiant finish so my skin looks glowy.

Lastly, I put on some light makeup, usually just the brows and lipstick or even a cream blush to look healthy and glowy!

Do you have any favourite items you travel with? Please do leave a comment below! ❤

*In collaboration with Estée Lauder. PR samples included.

Lifestyle, Makeup, Skincare

Stocking Stuffers – Over $50

December 11, 2016November 10, 2018by Bubbly Michelle3 Comments

When you are truly out to spoil someone and delight with exceptional stocking stuffers, I have options for those too! Here’s a round up of some fantastic products that I would LOVE to receive myself (hint hint).

stocking-stuffers-over-50-final-final

1. Tweezerman Rose Gold Love Story Gift Set S$65 – Tweezerman make some of the best grooming tools. This LE holiday set comes with a tweezer, lash curler and a tussled pouch all in luxurious rose gold!

2. Sephora Favourites Glow For It Kit S$55 – Filled with plenty of options to illuminate this festive season, the Glow For It Kit carries some of the best/latest highlighters. Great value for money as well!

3. Stila Highlight Trio (around S$50) – The only link I could find online that ships worldwide was on BeautyBay. Sephora Singapore carries this too but in store.

By far one of the most beautiful highlighters i’ve seen this Christmas and the quality is AMAZING! The formula is a soft bouncy one, totally unexpected as I had mistaken it for a baked version (hard pressed as the Chanel eyeshadows) but then….. a quick swatch ….. and the rest was history.

4. Film Noir Nights Lipstick & Eyeliner Set £35 – This brand new lipstick shade Opium Noir is only available as a box set for now. Order directly from Charlotte Tilbury.

5. Diptyque Sapin 70g approx. S$75 – Each Christmas Diptyque comes out with a trio of holiday scents. The special edition packaging is just hard to resist and any candle lover (or anyone with a home really!!) would love to have the scent of pine wafting through their living room this season. Available at Escentials Paragon & Tangs. Also available at Space NK and major department stores worldwide.

6. Kikki K Candles S$49.50 – So it seems I missed one amazing gift that should have made it to the under $50 pile. No worries, i’m gonna sneak it in here! These candles in metal jars need to be on your shopping list! Available in three versions, gold, rose gold & silver.

7. Smythson Leather Note Books $62 – I picked out this beautiful leather note book in a festive cheery green! Possibly the most stylish book to keep ones grocery list in. Order from Net-a-Porter.

8. Jo Malone Holiday Bon Bon (approx. S$75) – Filled with useful Jo Malone minis, this little bon bon was one of the best gifts I received last year. This years contents are the same but in a different mix of scents. A gift you can be sure gets used up 😉

9. Bbrowbar Brow Kit $51 – Everyone needs a nifty little brow kit in a stylish case! And this one is just the perfect set. Comes with a tweezer, brow scissors, spooley and brow gel. I need one for myself too!

10. Slip Silk Eye Mask $42 – A luxury eye mask for that jet setting friend. These ones by Slip are soo soft and fit comfortably ensuring you get good nights rest. Also available in several other colours. I picked up the one in pink and I love it to bits!

11. Origins Mask Marvels S$68 – Origins masks are some of the best out there. And this year for the holidays they’ve put together a kit with their best sellers along with the newly released Maskimizer (mask primer). A great value set filled with essentials.

Available at Origins Boutiques.

12. Bobbi Brown Party to Go Eye & Lip Palette S$63 – One of my favourite sets from this years holiday gifting goodies! There’s 4 eyeshadows and a mini lipstick included here to create a quick party look in a matter of minutes. For more gifting options from Bobbi, check out this post.

Have you already started on your shopping or a last minute shopper? Let me know in the comments along with any great finds you’ve snagged this year.

Thank you for reading ❤

Lifestyle

Irresistible Me Hair Extensions – Review

January 25, 2016January 25, 2016by Bubbly Michelle4 Comments

What’s in your party ‘glam arsenal’? Does it include hair extensions? Mine didn’t. I guess I never really saw the need for extensions when I can grow it longer free of charge!

Late last year though I was contacted by the PR person Blair from Irresistible Me hair extensions and was asked if i’d like to try some in exchange for a review. Till then, it had never crossed my mind using extensions and I figured why not do a blog post and enlighten all of you who are new to extensions just like me! So I followed the procedure for selecting the extensions (there’s a video so you can get an idea of the colours available which is SUPER helpful) and they sent them over!

Picking your perfect set of extensions

You can select from a range of colours and various lengths and weights. The heavier the hair extension, the thicker it will look, just as real hair does (which btw they are, in fact real hair). I went for a sensible length, around 2-3 inches longer than my normal hair. But then I got a trim in time for the holidays and my hair was much shorter than I expected. So I gave these a go!

What a hair extension essentially is, is a strip of hair that can be attached to your own hair via a clip. It doesn’t damage your hair in any way and stays secure throughout wear. They don’t come off even if you tug.

Seen above are various sizes of extensions. The larger ones go through the widest part of your scalp. Let’s say you sectioned off a portion ear to ear, that’s where you’d attach them. Similarly the single clip version is a good size to add a little bulk just above the ear, so the volume isn’t just concentrated at the back.

In essence every set of hair extensions come with several pieces as above. I believe I got around 8 in my Irresistible Me set, which was more than enough for an extremely voluminous look.

Method of application

The clip is snapped on as closest to the scalp (the root of the hair) as possible and is virtually undetectable (there are plenty of Youtube videos in case you want a tutorial on how to attach these).

As a demonstration, here’s my before and after. I didn’t use all the extensions in my set. Just one 3 clip extension close to the nape of my neck, the largest 4 clip from ear to ear and just two 2 clip sections above each ear. If you want the back of the head fuller, you can always add one more 3 clip set closer to the crown. Just remember to keep these around 2 inches away from any partings so you don’t see the clip when your hair moves.

Yup! The results are pretty amazing. You need to try them to see and feel the difference, and I do enjoy the extra confidence my longer, fuller hair gives me 🙂 It’s like makeup basically!

Pros

Extensions are a quick way to uplift your regular hair style for a more glam look.

Maintenance is easy. They can be washed, combed and styled like normal hair.

If you have flat hair, adding extensions will instantly make your hair look fuller. It’s not just for length.

Cons

Sensitive scalps may notice itchiness once the extensions are off. I figured it was the clip and the weight of the extensions tugging at my natural hair that caused it.

These particular extensions would only suit someone who prefers a layered look. If you’re looking for a blunt cut style or want the thickness of the entire length of hair to be equal, these aren’t for you. They do gradually thin towards the ends.

Bottom Line

Overall I’d say i’m pretty pleased with these. I get to experiment with longer hair without having to wait till my hair grows out! And since I do miss my long hair (only drawback is my longer length always looks so flat!) these are the perfect solution. Length with bulk.

Price & Availability

The prices vary depending on the length and thickness of the extensions.

You can purchase them here!

Lifestyle, Makeup, Skincare

A Holiday Gift Guide for the Ladies

December 19, 2015December 19, 2015by Bubbly Michelle1 Comment

One more gift guide for this season and it’s all for the girls! I rounded up some beauty, skincare and home décor for a balanced set of options.

The 1^st rule to gifting is always giving something you’d genuinely like to receive. Something extra special. As everything seen here!

Overall I abstain from gifting makeup as much as possible. With exceptions made for palettes (has lots of variety) or kits keeping within the brands I know the recipient enjoys.

The palettes & kits that caught my eye were,

1. Clé de Peau Holiday Coffret – A stunning limited edition palette for someone VERY special. The packaging is exceptionally beautiful with a masquerade theme this year and come with an eyeshadow quad a red lipstick and a mascara. Retails at $240.

2. NARS Steven Klein Despair Blush Palette – A selection of 4 blushes (3 new & LE) with a mini brush. I love that the packaging isn’t Christmassy which makes this a timeless piece. A great gift for the girl that seems to have everything and sure to be enjoyed for it’s sheer beauty. Retails at $120.

3. Clé de Peau Body powder – A shimmery highlighter for the body which could instantly be put to use for all the parties leading up to Christmas! Retails at $150.

4. Make Up Forever 15 Artist Shadow Palette – A great mix of neutrals & pops of colour. Unfortunately when I stopped by Sephora, the tester was no where to be found. However I still wish I got myself one. It’s great value for money! Retail price, $116.

Beauty tools & gadgets always make great gifts. Hence why companies come out with loads of brush sets specially this time of year. I spotted a few beautiful brush sets at Bobbi Brown and also Make Up Forever. Both excellent quality with the added bonus of festive appeal. If you swing by those counters today, do check them out. Sets always come handy for travel.

5. Bobbi Brown Travel Brush Set – A beautiful silver leather cased set of 6 brushes (full sized) for the face and eyes. This ones’s a slightly splurge-y pick but makes a wonderful gift for that jet setting friend (or yourself) 😉 Retail price – $288

6. Make Up Forever Cult Brush Set – A compact set of 5 brushes in a festive red pouch. I checked them out in store and was surprised how lovely they felt to the touch. A steal at $135.

7. Beauty Blender Makeup’s Best Friend Set – Contains two regular Beauty Blenders, a micro.mini Beauty Blender and a mini Rea.activate liquid. Good value for just $68. I got one for myself!

Skincare is also a popular choice and I love giving ‘the gift of good skin’ to friends & family. In general I prefer picking up curated sets as they have been carefully selected and packaged with gifting in mind and usually good value. Here’re a few that caught my eye.

8. Charlotte Tilbury The Gift of Red Carpet Skin – was a gift to myself this year and it’s been such a great buy! I know my friends would love to receive this too. Retail Price – $59

9. Skin Inc Mask to Perfection – A set of Skin Inc’s best selling masks packaged in a festive silver case. I love this set for value for money and also that it’s beautifully packaged for gifting! ($145, valued at $195).

10. Shiseido Snow Beauty – This powder doubles up as skincare and comes packaged in a gorgeous limited edition snow flake design. A beautiful gift for someone who appreciates collectible packaging. Retail price – $90.

11. L’Occitane Jasmin Immortelle Gifting trio – A set of hand cream, lip gloss and soap. (L’Occitane Singapore is currently having a 10% off discount on selected Christmas sets today. Now’s the time to swoop in!) They have plenty of options for gifting!

Lastly some gifts for the home.

12. Kikki K But First Coffee Mug – I picked this one up for myself as I adore the minimalistic design in simple typography. Also makes an appropriate gift for any coffee drinker 🙂 Retail price – $19.90

13. Jo Malone Candle Trio – Another great gift for the girl who has everything (hoping she hasn’t bought this already!). The set contains, Blackberry & Bay, Pine & Eucaliptus and the popular holiday release, Roasted Chestnut. All smell amazing! Retail price – $180

Store Locations

Clé de Peau – Tangs Orchard

Jo Malone – Tangs, MBS Shoppes, Takashimaya

Kikki K – Ion Orchard

L’Occitane – Tangs, Ion Orchard

Shiseido – Takashimaya, Tangs, Paragon

Charlotte Tilbury – Net-a-Porter, Selfridges

Skin Inc – Ion Orchard & Sephora

Bobbi Brown – Tangs, Ion Orchard

Beauty Blender – Sephora

NARS – Sephora, Robinsons, Tangs

Lifestyle, Skincare

Gift Ideas for Le Men.

December 17, 2015December 18, 2015by Bubbly Michelle2 Comments

If there’s one gift I always save for last, it’s my husbands or dads. They are by far the hardest to shop for and each year I feel like I’ve truly run out of creative gifts ideas and suffer planning my purchases.

This year however my shopping was done well in advance and I have the opportunity to show you what I plan on gifting to these special people in my life. So hopefully you’d benefit by this post too!

So first on todays guide… Monogram or solid coloured scarves in cashmere or light weight fabric. These make useful gifts specially if some winter travels are on the cards. My favourites are by Ferragamo and also Burberry. They make quality scarves which last forever.

Here’re some links. (all from Mr. Porter and directly shoppable! )

Burberry checked ombre scarf (which i’m particularly loving!) , Hugo Boss navy and grey scarf , and a dressy Hugo Boss two toned black and grey scarf.

If you are looking for cheaper options. Here’re some I found at Zara all available in Singapore.

Striped black and white scarf, solid mink scarf, solid grey scarf + hat pack.

For something more extravagant, Tom Ford makes some gorgeous scarves as well. You can check them out in store. (Boutique at Marina Bay Sands the Shoppes)

Next up, body care.

The secret to buying body care for men is ensuring the packaging looks unisex. Something very basic without loud labels is the best way to go. My favourite for gifting is Aesop. Their shower gels make the best gifts and come in a variety of fragrances. All under the price of $35.

Another great place to shop body care is Stenders, and while browsing around I found two things hubby would like. A Chocolate Sugar Scrub and a Coffee Lip balm. It’s no secret all men love chocolate, and a chocolate scrub is sure to be enjoyed! Btw this smells just as good as it sounds 😉

For the man who’s more open to dabbling with skincare, the Givenchy Le Soin Noir range is PERFECT! I’ve already gifted the cleanser to my husband and he loves it already. The product itself is black (interesting right?!!) and foams up lightly to cleanse without drying out the skin. I also love how this smells. Nothing crazy floral or girly, more of a unisex scent. Retail price – $148

Their eye cream is another ultra luxe treat if you’re looking to spoil your man. A nourishing lightweight gel cream that fits perfectly into a mans grooming routine. Not too greasy or heavy that he’d fuss about. Retail price – $285

Moving along to some fragrance options. I narrowed it down to a very luxe version and a not so splurge-y version.

Tom Ford Venetian Bergamot for a zesty hit of bergamot paired with ylang ylang, magnolia, gardenia and a hint of black peppercorn that adds a spicy warmth. The perfume smells divine as you’d imagine and utterly exotic. Something for a man with expensive taste 😉

Retail price $330.

Next up in the fragrance department is the new Dior addition, Sauvage with hottie Johnny Depp as the face of the fragrance.

This one’s more masculine with heavy smoky notes and a core of bergamot. Something bound to be enjoyed by a mature man. The packaging too looks very sleek and expensive. Perfectly Dior! and perfect for gifting.

Another interesting gift idea is stationary. It can be tricky shopping stationary as A. most stores don’t carry stylish stationary worthy of gifting for Christmas, B. how does one buy stationary men would actually use?

Persistance paid off when I discovered this luxurious leather notebook with gold detailing at Kikki K Ion. Perfect for the creative types who’d like to scribble down ideas or designs! It ticks all the boxes. Luxurious finish, unisex simple design. A Classic. Price- $59.90.

Last but not least, a few stocking stuffers.

I find men love receiving edible gifts as much as anything else. Slabs of fine chocolate, tied with a ribbon. A little package of bite sized brownies dressed up in ribbon or personalised tag. Assorted nuts in a hand decorated jar. There’s lots of great, simple gifts that can be made to look festive and holiday appropriate, you only need to jazz them up a bit 😉

Again for gorgeous wrapping paper and gift tags Kikki K is the place to go. Everything’s pretty much bundled in sets for easy gift wrapping and decorating.

Store Locations

Burberry – Ion Orchard and Paragon

Ferragamo – Paragon

Aesop – Tangs beauty department

Stenders – Plaza Singapura

Givenchy Skincare – Sephora

Kikki K – Ion

Tom Ford – Tangs beauty department, Marina Bay Sand Shoppes

Dior – Tangs, Ion, Paragon