Review: Lime Crime Velvetines

I once saw a Youtube ad for Close Up starring Bianca Gonzalez where she teaches the audience how to apply red lipstick. She explained that her lipstick had blue undertones to match her complexion and true enough, it looked amazing on her. That commercial haunted me for months as I searched for that particular shade but to no avail, until one random day, I was browsing through Make Up Pro’s Instagram account (@mupstore) and found Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Velvet.  

Velvetines are matte lipsticks. They come in liquid form but dry matte upon application.

At that moment I knew my search was over and I set out to buy it immediately.  

I was so ecstatic to try the product on when I got home and the moment I did, I fell in love with it instantly. The red was the perfect shade. The colour was rich, dark, and suitable for my skin tone (I have a pretty yellow undertone). 

The product dries up quickly so you get to see the results instantaneously. For those who are not used to applying lipstick, this product may be more difficult to use as it leaves little room for error. But, because it dries so fast, you won't have to worry about it sliding off if you accidentally touch it. 

Lime Crime Velvetines in Red Velvet

I mainly use the product for shoots and events and the outcome is always beautiful. The red is strikingly romantic and mysterious. 

NOT MADE FOR EVERYDAY WEAR 

There was an instance when I decided to use it on myself for a normal day at work and I found that it made my lips very dry. It was uncomfortable to wear. In addition to that, patches would come off after drinking or eating that made it look unattractive. There was always a need to reapply the product but doing so only made the lips drier. 

I’d recommend this product for shoots or occasions that don’t take up the entire day. Otherwise, you would probably need to set a coat of gloss on top for moistures sake. Don’t worry, it still looks great under gloss! It also looks great when done in an ombre fashion. 

One of the shoots I've done using Pink Velvet under clear gloss

I bought Pink Velvet shortly afterwards and I also love the colour, it’s intensity is quite striking but in a good way. It came with the same sort of container but with rose designs on the cap. 

Application was also very easy to use and it dries just as quick.

Lime Crime Velvetines in Pink Velvet

PACKAGING 

Lime Crime has always had the cutest packaging. Their lipsticks come in purple cases with a unicorn adorned on it. Velvetines also have the trademark unicorn design on their caps. Highly girly and it’s always fun to look at when I open my makeup case. 

Top View

Red Velvet

Pink Velvet

Pros

• Fantastic, rich colour when applied
• Very pigmented, what you see is what you get
• Perfect for shoots and events
• Beautiful packaging 

Cons

• Not advisable for daily wear as it can dry your lips 
• Dries very fast so there’s little room for error but I usually have no problems with that.
• May take more time to remove with makeup remover

NEW COLLECTION

Lime Crime also came out with a new collection of Velvetines called The Clueless Witch. The colours have a more gothic feel as opposed to the classic reds of the original ones. 

These are available in Make Up Pro https://www.facebook.com/mupstore?ref=ts&fref=ts. Branches are in Makati City and Quezon City. They also ship worldwide.

Makati Branch Address

Laureano Di Trevi Tower 1 Estacion Street Makati City

Open Mondays to Fridays, 1-6PM 

+63920 951 3960

Until next time!

Besos, 

Bambi xx

Makeup used on myself

• Yves Rocher Second Skin Effect Foundation in Clair 100
• Faceshop FACE it Oil Cut Pore Concealer Dual Veil in NB21
• Inglot Body Pigment Powder 180 as highlighter and eyeshadow
• Beauty People eyeliner in Glimmer Beige
• Lime Crime Red Velvet and Pink Velvet on lips
• Blush from MDA blush palette
• Makeup Forever HD Powder

2nd Model: Stephanie Braganza 

Review: Kiss Whitening Collagen Mask and Snail White Moisture Facial Cream

Thai mega skin care brands Kiss and Snail White are two of the most raved about Asian skin care products to date. I discovered them through my friend, @snowprincess_mnl’s Instagram account, and I was quite intrigued by their lengthy descriptions. 

Here’s a general description of both products 

I. Kiss (Whitening Collagen Mask) a.k.a. the Miracle Cream, as dubbed by many of its users

The product targets people with 

• Dry skin
• Oily skin
• Pimple prone skin
• Pimple marks
• Blemishes
• Freckles
• Dark Spots (yay!)
• Skin discolouration 

Kiss is said to

• Diminish the appearance of pores
• Support natural nourishment
• Exfoliate 
• Address skin impurities
• Restore radiance, clarity, and suppleness to your skin
• Smoothen skin
• Whitens skin 
• Helps remove wrinkles and fine lines 

Other info 

• It is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.
• Made from 100% all natural ingredients (no steroids, no mercury)
• Co-founded by famous beauty and skin expert, Dr. Atom of Atom Clinic in Thailand 
• It comes in 15ml and 30ml sizes
• The mask is formulated with collagen extract, alpha arbutus, Vitamin C+, and other natural extracts
• The product is considered a mask but in reality it’s a cream. 

Certified TFDA (Food and Drug Administration of Thailand)

Certified GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) 

*Contains perfume

II. Snail White (Snail Secretion Filtrate Moisture Facial Cream)

Thailand’s Best Selling Snail Cream 

The 5 R’s of Snail White

• Regenerate
• Recover
• Repair 
• Restore
• Renew

It is said to

• Decrease the appearance of freckles
• Makes skin more vibrant and fair
• Minimises dark spots
• Helps cure black scars left by pimples
• Stimulates wound healing
• Reduces inflammation caused by acne

Snail White contains

• Vitamins which enrich and softens skin
• Natural collagen and elastin which are main components of the connective tissues in human skin resulting in firmer looking skin
• Consists of natural glycol acid which helps with exfoliating 

Certified TFDA 

Certified GMP 

REVIEW

I am reviewing both products at the same time because I have been using them together for my latest skin care routine and the results have been nothing short of AMAZING.

I have tried so many skin care products in the past that promise so many things but fail to deliver. Snail White and Kiss are excluded from that list. Both stay true to their descriptions without exaggeration. I may have found my forevers. <3 

I. FIRST IMPRESSIONS 

SNAIL WHITE

First of all, I have been obsessed with Snail related beauty products ever since I tried Tony Moly’s snail masks. They regenerate your skin’s collagen and elasticity, making your skin look firm and vibrant.

Snail White does just the same and MORE. It’s formula is quickly absorbed by the skin and upon FIRST application I already saw improvements. Skin looks refreshed and pores are immediately minimised. 

The consistency of the product is like a watery elastic type lotion but if you don’t get what I mean, here’s a picture

It may look sticky but it’s not. 

KISS

Kiss, like I said, is an overnight mask that’s actually a cream type formula and when applied, feels just like a primer. It makes your pores appear like they’ve taken a vacation and your skin immediately feels smooth and silky while leaving a matte finish. 

The results were so amazing I thought to myself, who cares if it’s a night mask, I felt like it would work well as a primer so I used it before placing makeup and OMG did I find a miracle product indeed. My skin looked PORELESS, with foundation on and everything. I didn’t know I could look more asian than I did after that moment. I was so amazed, I don’t think I would ever let go of this product, EVER. 

Note: The recommended use of this product is only twice a week as a night cream and must be washed off the next day. I am such a rebel. 

II. PACKAGING 

Snail White’s packaging is actually similar to Kiss’. They are both in pump-up containers which I find very common in Asian packaging. It’s hygienic in the sense that you only have contact with the product that’s pumped out. So whatever is left inside remains untouched by the bacteria on your hands or in the air. 

In terms of size, Snail White is a lot bigger and may be more difficult to lug around while travelling. Kiss comes in a smaller form but it’s still quite bulky. 

III. RESULTS

After almost a week of testing Snail White and Kiss, here are the improvements that I’ve noticed about my skin. 

• Pores are greatly minimised 
• Skin looks whiter and more vibrant
• Skin feels absolutely smooth and soft (even when I got bitten on my face it still felt smooth so I didn’t notice the bump until later…that’s right)
• Dark spots appear lighter but are still present
• Facial discolouration is still present around mouth area but lightened 
• Skin looks and feels firmer 

I will continue to observe the effects on the dark spots because that’s my number one enemy right now. Hopefully Snail White and Kiss can get rid of them permanently. I will do an update after a month. 

If you want to try these products out for yourself, contact Andi (@snowprincess_mnl on Instagram).  She sells a range of Asian beauty products that she has personally tried and tested. Quick and easy process! Plus, she’s on sale for the month of June!!! 

Viber: 0916 597 4460

UPDATE: 

August 20, 2014

Hey guys, I know it's been way over a month but here I am with my update. I feel nothing but love for these products. I've been using them everyday (for Snail White, and twice or thrice a week for Kiss) and my skin has never felt so consistently good. I have had no breakouts and my dark spots have indeed lightened. I just ordered my second batch a couple weeks back and I'm continuously using them until now. 

My skin feels smooth, soft, and it looks really healthy. What I love most is that these products are "affordable" as compared to the ridiculous prices of other branded skin care products and they actually fulfil the things they promise. 

BESOS,

Bambi xx

Review: Bebebalm

Bebebalm is a moisturiser suitable for babies a day old. The product was created by my cousin, Carol Ong who’s baby had eczema so bad that his cheeks would be red, dry, and super itchy. He would scratch his cheeks until it bled unless he wore baby mittens to protect himself. I remember my siblings and I babysat him and we would do our best to keep the little guy from scratching his cheeks the whole time. 

Carol's baby during his eczema days

Doctors suggested medicines for the eczema but these medicines contain steroids which can have adverse effects on babies. As a loving and protective mother, Carol sought an alternative using natural ingredients that would help get rid of the problem. She consulted with her husband, Dr. Michael Ong, a medical doctor and biochemist, and our aunt, dermatologist Dra. Jesusa Barcelona-Tan to create what Bebebalm is today. 

USES OF BEBEBALM

Bebebalm was mainly formulated for babies but not exclusively. Mothers, men, and women alike can use this product. If it’s safe for babies, it’s definitely safe for you!

As mentioned above, the product is made from all natural ingredients to ensure your babies health. The product acts as a moisturiser which can help babies who have dry skin, eczema, diaper rash, and cradle cap. It can also be used to soften rough hands, feet, elbows, and chapped lips. 

A lot of Bebebalm users actually use it as a lip balm such as myself and Sweden’s lead star for Miss Saigon, Li Tong. The smell is absolutely delicious, you would be tempted to eat it. 

It instantly softens chapped lips and it leaves a glossy look as well. 

I would highly recommend it for those who travel often to colder countries. I've tried a lot of lip balms in the past but so far what works the best for me are petroleum jelly and Bebebalm. The difference I find is that the texture of Bebebalm is much smoother when applied plus the taste and smell of coconuts are a bonus. 

You can find more testimonials for Bebebalm here http://bebebalm.com/category/bebebalm/

Bebebalm can also be used as a makeup remover and it’s gentle formulation makes it suitable to remove makeup on the eye and lip area. 

As a makeup enthusiast, I tend to wear makeup almost everyday, but, as part of my skin care protocol, it has to be removed once I get home. I usually use Bioderma for Sensitive Skin to remove my makeup, though sometimes I find that certain products can be more difficult to remove using it alone. Especially when it comes to eyeliner and mascara. 

Just last night I had difficulty removing my eyeliner and I was quite frustrated because I didn’t want to rub my makeup remover on too hard to get rid of what was left. Rubbing can cause premature wrinkles at my age and I do my best to avoid them. 

I then remembered Carol telling me that Bebebalm could be used as a makeup remover. I took a cotton swab and rubbed it on some Bebebalm to remove my eye makeup and it instantly removed what was left in one smooth glide. To say the very least, I was very impressed with it and I highly recommend it as a makeup remover. 

*It’s perfect for makeup artists and models who need an instant remover with the benefits of moisturiser at the same time. Quick and easy for shoots and runway! 

Here's a demo in stills  

My top 3 favourite eyeliners just happen to be the most stubborn to remove 

A little Bebebalm is all you need 

Apply on made up area 

With a cotton pad, simply slide to remove and voila!  

It took a second really...unlike Bioderma

Another way to use Bebebalm is as a night moisturiser. The product is made of Virgin Coconut Oil in a hardened form. The first time I used it as a night moisturiser I noticed that it doesn’t make your face feel as oily because it gets absorbed immediately. What I loved about it was that the next morning I noticed my skin tone was a lot more even, my skin looked very luminous, and it felt soft and smooth. I’ve been using it as a night moisturiser ever since. I place the product after either using a facial mask or serums. The product is made of oil so it’s best placed last before bed. 

So far, these are the ways I've been using my Bebebalm as a 23 year old makeup artist. For moms who are interested in learning more about what Bebebalm can do for you and your baby, you can check out Bebebalm's website bebebalm.com for more details. 

REASONS TO TRY IT OUT IN A NUTSHELL

1. It’s all natural ingredients are perfect for the health conscious beauty.

2. It’s small size makes it portable, perfect for travelling or lugging in your bag or pocket!

3. It has several uses beauty and health-wise for babies, teens, mommies and the rest of the human population. 

4. It has several testimonies from women all over the world saying that it works wonders. You can view them here http://bebebalm.com/category/bebebalm/ 

5. The effects are almost immediate!

WHAT IS BEBEBALM IN A NUTSHELL?

1. Bebebalm is a moisturiser that can be used on babies A DAY OLD. 

2. It is nourishing and is great for eczema, diaper rash, cradle cap, rough feet/hands/elbows, chapped lips.

3. For adults, it can be used as makeup remover (gentle enough for eyes and mouth area), night moisturiser (feel soft skin when you wake up), and even lip balm for softer lips!

For more information on Bebebalm, click here bebebalm.com

For interested buyers in the Philippines, email bebebalmphilippines@gmail.com

Disclaimer: I was not paid to do this review. The contents of my review are based on my personal experience of the product and may not necessarily be what you would experience though I highly doubt that.