8 Ways to WOW someone!

So I was up until the wee hours of this morning watching "Casablanca", and I'm feeling like a romantic today! :D

It's probably pretty hard these days to pull an Ingrid Bergman, enter a room and hold its gaze - have all eyes on you and you alone! But you can probably come close to doing that if you wear the right stuff and embrace your beauty - be it curves, confidence, toned physique, or something else altogether! ;D

So here are 8 ways to WOW someone in the 21st century! ;)
(Although if you already have a significant other to wow, you could always consider lingerie :P)

From Miss Aslyn's Wardrobe RM40 | RM45

Our favourite brands, at a fraction of the prices!
A silvery-grey Supre tank dress or an Oriental corset, complete with boning, from Krisp, UK?
Take your pick in forming your ensemble to flaunt your best assets! ;)
And best of all - all prices including postage! :)

From Chiqs RM40

Ooooooh! Tie-dye, electic-pop scarflike asymmetrical vests!
If these don't POP in a room, I honest to goodness wouldn't know what does :P



From Yellow Cab Trappings RM40
Here's an understated way to blow someone away! :D
Show off that sexy back with this backless leotard from Supre, Australia :)




From Mizu Closet RM45

Can can hats! :D Does this not remind you of those good ol' childhood days,
when we potter around on the beach with upturned buckets on our heads and squeaky shoes?
Well, Kim looks great in these - so maybe you can check it out too! :D



From Top Hauz RM70
Well, well, well. Here's an interesting take on the onesie phenomenon! :)
A Japanese floral jumper - authentic from Jap brand Page Boy -
this'll have heads turning your way in no time! :D
Personally loving the carefree breeziness of the cut and floral prints!

From Miss Aslyn's Wardrobe Bustier RM40 | Denim skirt RM25 | Bodycon skirt RM40
All prices including postage! :)

What will it be, what will it be?
So many exceptionally good deals, I have trouble deciding which to even review!
A Sportsgirl coral pink bustier top? A high-waisted denim skirt from Hong Kong?
Or will it be a soft purple panel bodycon skirt from Dunnes, UK? :D (A Topshop equivalent)
Plenty more goodies in-store!

Happy Shopping!
Your Shopping Kaki :)

8 Bargains To Add To Your Wardrobe

I spotted these 8 items and just couldn't resist a review! :P

From De Clique Boutique RM58 RM48 | RM56 RM46

Hard rock, candy-coloured bags on SALE! :D
A touch of vintage design, the comfort of messenger slings,
and the reliable structure of corporate chic briefcases.
So value for money! :)

From Varieties Shops RM30 (This album)

Floral toga tops - ready stock! :D
These are promotional items (hence the lovely pricing) -
so hurry up and grab 'em before they're sold out!
This blogshop is also having a Stock Clearance sale - look in-store for more info!

From Little Angel Shoppe RM39 | RM39
Why, aren't these dresses just the cotton-candy sweetest?
This is actually one of my go-to blogshops for affordable market prices,
so although RM39 isn't as cheap as their usual (which is RM25-30),
I trust their pricing so it probably means higher quality and higher cost :D

From Trades RM50 (including postage) | From Trades RM25

More second-hand goodies that have never been used! :)
We call 'em pre-owned, not pre-loved, because they haven't been "loved" yet! :P
The tapered denim jeans are originally from Pumpkin,
and the heart-speckled pantyhose originally from The Black Apple -
both intensely popular online stores! ;)

From Trades RM90 including delivery
High-waisted overalls with long, pleated pants! Nice! :D
Originally RM89 (excluding delivery) from Trendy Confessions,
and now RM90 (including Pos Laju) from Trades :)
That's about RM5 saved - so if you missed your chance earlier -
since Trendy Confessions only stocked four of these gorgeous babies,
this is your second chance calling your name! ;D
Fits sizes UK10 and up.

From Maxi Lovers Guide RM25-RM40
I hope you've been stocking your wardrobe for Maxi Dress Day! :D
(7th January every year, in case any of you forgot, hehe!)
This blogshop is having a big clearance sale for over a dozen maxi dresses -
it's their Closing Down Sale, so everything must go! :)


Have you spotted any bargains online? :D
Do share by leaving a comment below! :)
E.g. Floral dresses and vintage clothes at bargain prices at karang guni pang!

Happy Shopping!
Your Shopping Kaki :)

Product Review: What's the hype about BB Cream?

Welcome to the era of the BB Cream! :D

Most of us have heard of it, more of us are using it now than ever before - and now, you want to buy it! :D That's why you're reading this, after all ;) So here's a product review on three common BB cream that are available in the local online shopping community :)

SKIN79 | MISSHA | LOHASHILL

What is BB cream?

It stands for "Blemish Balm" - it's basically a make-up foundation that looks very natural. In fact, it looks like you're not wearing any make-up at all - but in a flawless, effortless kinda way :D Most BB cream have UV protection, moisturizing and skin-healing properties.

Is online BB cream authentic?

The short answer: Yes, and no!
The long answer: "No" because there are always plenty of imitation and fake products available on the Internet, but "Yes" because there's a lot of real stuff too! :) Don't worry, there are those selling authentic BB cream online. Of course, everything reviewed in this product review has the personal assurance of the sellers - they have stated that they're made in Korea but the distributors are in Taiwan.

I don't have physical or documented evidence for Skin79 or Lohashill BB Creams, so I'll be taking their word for it :)

YSK: Styles4u.net takes a firm stand against fake BB cream. Can you reassure our readers that yours are genuine, non-fake products - and how can you prove it?
Pei See (Styles4u): First, use the things I sell! There are almost 30 types of BB cream available and I have tried out 20 types already. Second, buy at local cosmetic counters and compare it with my own products. Third, source the products from official sites!

Compare it to a definite original?

The one product I can probably vouch for is the Missha one. I'm quite convinced that Styles4u.net is selling authentic BB cream because I compared it with the BB cream I bought from Missha counters in Korea. Below are photos so that you can compare, too! :) The larger 50ml bottle is the one I bought from South Korea, whereas the smaller 30ml bottle is from Styles4u.net :)

BB Cream 1: Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream
From: Styles4u
Price: 50ml = RM55 | 30ml = RM40 | Sample = RM1.50

Packaging
Between the 50ml and the 30ml one, I would definitely recommend the 50ml one. First, it's more worth it - if you like a BB cream, you're going to use it a lot. Second, it's harder and more inconvenient to use the tube compared to the bottle. :D The samples are even harder to use because the average BB cream user doesn't need the entire packet in one use - unless your skin needs it - so you have to take care not to squeeze too much out, and then take care to keep it safely for the next day.

Texture
This is the smoothest, most moisturizing BB cream I've ever tried. Totally my favourite, and I've been using this for the past 6 months (since I found out such a glorious thing existed). It literally just glides on your skin. Easily covers the usual spots, blackheads or freckles. I use the darker shade of #23 (natural) - only use the fairer shade of #21 (fair) if your skin is the colour of Edward Cullen's :P The #23 shade does not make me look unnaturally fairer, unlike #21 which makes me look like a Chinese vampire :/

Scent
Smells rather fragrant, a little sweet and floral. Love it :)

Lasting?
The whole day. It gives off a healthy, glowing look for at least 5 hours - but if you sweat too much then it'll get a little oily. Best used with compact powder. If you stay in air-conditioned places the whole day, then it's fine :P

Before & After Pictures
Ignore the fact that I look like I just woke up, and the crappy angles. Just observe how it covers all spots :) Make-up such as eyeliner and blusher glides easily on this BB cream (which essentially works as a foundation) - although it'd be best to use waterproof make-up, otherwise it will run after a few hours.

BB Cream 2: SKIN79 BB Cream (Oriental Gold)
From: Styles4u
Price: 40g (bottle) = RM68 | Sample (bottle + shimmering) = RM3

Packaging
I can't tell from the samples how the bottle works, but it can't be bad :P However, only the bottle version is available at Styles4u - the built-in brush one isn't. So I'll just be reviewing the bottle one since that's the one available full-size :)

Texture
This is not as smooth as the Missha one, it feels very slightly thicker and doesn't "glide" on as easily. I imagine it would be suitable for people with larger pores to cover. Combined with the scent (see below), you will be aware that you're wearing make-up :) But this SKIN79 Oriental Gold Bottle one has a great colour, a creamy ability to blend in with any skin tone - there's only shade available, so this is a safer bet for those with darker skin tones.

Scent
It smells great, but it has a very cosmetic scent - it smells like my mum's make-up drawer... so if you're curious to know how this BB cream smells like, take a whiff in your make-up drawer too! :D

Lasting?
My face looked rather oily by the afternoon, so I didn't like this as much as my usual (Missha) BB cream :( This should suit people with dry or normal skin (without oily T-zones). But if you do have slightly oily skin and want to use this BB cream, don't use it for long hours - either touch up your make-up every 2-3 hours, or remove it at mid-day and start over :)

Pictures
I felt that make-up runs more on this (or maybe my tear ducts were acting up that day!). Makes a good foundation (as all BB cream do). Covers imperfections as well as Missha BB cream :)

BB Cream 3: Lohashill BB Cream

From: Darcy and Jones

Price: Essential (50ml) = RM55 | Rose Sun (50ml) = RM60 | Rose Sun (Pink) (60ml) = RM68

Packaging
Now, this one has a very convenient sample size! :D A little bottle of the Essential (one type of three available on Darcy and Jones) was sent to me, and it has more than enough for testing. I don't know, however, what the full-size bottle looks like - so you should definitely ask if you're buying :D Probably looks like this: *click*

Texture
This is not the smoothest (again not "gliding") BB cream I've tested, but it has a very porcelain effect. I reckon it should be thick enough to cover larger pores for those of you who're looking for that "cement filler" effect :D However, this is rather whitening - I had to be careful in applying this so that I wouldn't have two tones on my face (haha). Lohashill BB cream are supposed to suit all skin tones - from tan to fair, so I suppose it will lighten whichever skin tone you have. When done properly, you'll look like a porcelain doll from afar! :)

Scent
This one is a herbal BB cream, so it does smell like herbs. There's no fragrance added like other BB creams. The strong scent was a bit too much for me, but it was nothing that a couple of good puffs of perfume couldn't cover :P The scent wears off after an hour or so. But there's a plus point - read what Darcy and Jones has to say:

Certain customers are also glad that no fragrance are added as some people are sensitive to the chemicals used for fragrance and it is more natural that way. :)

Lasting?
Oh, yes, very lasting! My face didn't get oily at all - eventhough I had out all day from 9am to 7pm! This was a pretty amazing feat. :D I'm not sure if this is a universal effect (seems too good to be true, LOL) but it is unbeatable in ... oil resistance :P

Which of the 3 types of LOHASHILL BB CREAM is best for you?

• Essential: Suitable for young adults, most basic BB Cream.
• Rose Sun: Suitable for young adults, contains SPF. Rose, Lavender, Chamomile and Arbutin added.
• Pink Rose Sun: Suitable for mature skin, contains repair essence, anti-wrinkle.
  

A quick note of advice from Pei See, the owner of Styles4u

YSK: How should someone decide which BB cream they should buy? There are so many choices!
Pei See: Many people always ask me which one is the best selling BB cream. I personally think that, bestselling may not be the best BB cream for you. Normally, I'll suggest customer to try a few samples first before going for a full original pack to avoid wasting.

First, choose a BB cream suitable for your skin type(dry, normal, combination or oily).
Second, you can compare the coverage, sun block protection, fragrance, shade, etc.

SKIN79 - Coverage is normal and is improving on newest range, easy to apply, light fragrance, general shade.
MISSHA - Coverage is normal to good, light fragrance, available in few shades.
SHILLS - Coverage is normal to good, light fragrance, general shade.

Here's hoping that this product review has helped at least one reader out there! :)
If you have any opinions, questions or stories to share about BB cream -
especially types that have not been reviewed in this post, or your personal experiences,
please leave a comment below! :D We would really appreciate it :)

Happy Shopping!
Your Shopping Kaki :)

Guest Blogger: A Love Affair With Shoes

A Love Affair With Pre-Order Shoes

By Anna (Guest Blogger)

The topic of today would be that which is adored and glorified by women all over the world – of every race, age, social status, and nationality. It has become both a source of pride to the wearer and curse to the wallet. It is a cause of envy to those who don’t have latest of it, and is something Lady Gaga recently tumbled in (read story here ).

Don’t know the answer yet?
Here’s a hint: Alexander Mcqueen & Jimmy Choo.
That’s right, SHOES.

No matter how much we girls deny it, deep down inside, we know what effect shoes have on us. They’re charming, irresistible, and we can never have enough of ‘em!

In an episode of Boys Over Flowers (yes, I’m one of those sappy Korean-drama-crazed type), there was a scene in which the famous model gave the female lead a pair of gorgeous heels, and told her this: “The most important things for a woman are shoes. They bring her to places.”

Boys Over Flowers (And yes, I think Lee Min Ho (centre) is uber hot!)

Needless to say, it brought me (literally) to my first bazaar at 3K Inn, and then to online shopping; expanding my then tiny circle of ‘blogshop-options-I-dare-shop-at’ from those only owned by friends to include those also run by complete strangers (I know, everyone does that now, but it was a big thing for me then okay... *smiles*), and it brought shoe-loving-little-me to Agape Boutique.

How about some leopard prints in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup in Africa? - RM52

As Sha-Lene has recently pointed out, a concern all of us would have when it comes to purchasing shoes online (or any other apparel, for that matter) is whether it fits, all the more since shoes tend to be a *little bit* pricier than clothes. It’s very heartbreaking to fork out so much money on those pair of lovelies only to find that your feet can’t fit into them, or that you might end up looking like a little girl walking around in her mummy’s heels. Then you might start scolding your feet for being too big or small, and then you become suicidal. Or maybe not.

Point being, sizing is a big issue and is probably the only thing preventing us from buying those gorgeous shoes. And when it comes to pre-order shoes, an extra element of concern comes into the picture pertaining to whether the product actually resembles the pictures provided. So, here is attempt two at quenching any remaining doubts and fears about purchasing shoes online, particularly those from pre-order, with this product review. (Can I hear a ‘Hallelujah’?)

I’ve been ogling over several pairs of heels from Agape Boutique, these being some of them:

Futuristic, no? - RM53 | Hellooo there cutie! - RM39

Love the array of colours available - RM50 | To-die-for wedges! *gasps & faints* - RM52

Something out of a Korean film, perhaps? - RM45

I too was afraid that the sizing would be a problem, so I decided to take a risk and purchase just one pair of shoes (along with several other clothes) just to experiment with the sizing. If it fits, then I know I’ve the assurance that sizing most probably wouldn't be a problem when I decide to buy the next bulk of shoes! I followed the sizing chart as found here and found that I was a size 37 (I'm a Vincci 6), and bought this:

Agape Boutique RM44

And this is what I got in the mail:

YESSS!!!! Awesome right? It turned out to be practically the same as the picture, and I love it!!

More pictures for you to feast your eyes on. What do you think? ;)

The first time I wore it out to uni, I received several compliments on how cute the shoes were! You can imagine what a proud owner of these shoes I was that day! They fit extremely well when ordered according to the measurements given in the size chart, hence it’s imperative that you measure your foot accurately according to the instructions given and compare it against the size chart to determine your shoe size. If still unsure, Sarah (the owner of Agape Boutique) is always more than willing to be of assistance. (Good job, Sarah! *two thumbs up*)

However, there’s just one *teeny-weeny* little defect that actually took me a while to notice. Have you spotted it yet? Maybe it’s not so obvious from the pictures above. How about this:

Now have you spotted it yet?


*Slight* imperfections are in the second picture.

The outer strap of the left shoe (picture on the right) was just *slightly* angular, as compared to the right shoe (picture on the left). But in my opinion, it is so negligible for the price paid, and considering how no one who saw me wearing those wedges that day noticed it, I say it’s completely forgivable and completely worth the money *winks* :)

While I’ve only ordered a pair of shoes (thus far) from Agape Boutique, from my single pre-order experience of boots from another source, boots (especially those without zippers to zip up from the ankle) tend to have a smaller cutting, and thus would require you to go about 2 sizes up to comfortably wear it. Do check with the seller.

Don't forget these if you're heading to a chilly country! - RM69

Besides, one cannot ignore the fact that Agape Boutique having a Mega Sales Pre-Order for shoes! While they take longer to arrive (1 month) compared to the usual pre-order (2 weeks), the perks are So . Worth . It. You'll get a discount of RM10 for every pair that you purchase!! So what are you waiting for??

Flaunting it for the last time *smiles*

Fun fact: Did you know that "Agape love" (pronounced a-ga-pē, in Greek) means "selfless love of one person for another"?

Happy Shopping!
Anna a.k.a Guest Blogger for YSK

Edited by YourShoppingKaki :)