Review: Bench FIX Styling Stick

Bench FIX Styling Stick (with matte finish)

This is an oldie, so I've forgotten how much it costs, but it lasts forever. It's a 30g twist stick of wax with a twist cap. While there are instructions on the stick on recommended use, I only use this product to smooth out my hair downwards. It's excellent on fly-aways, although you have to be careful to use only a little bit, otherwise it looks greyish and stuff will stick to it.

What I like best about this product is that you don't have to touch the product, so no sticky residue on your hands. It's much more convenient to put it in your bag for on the go touch ups (for example, when you go to the gym) than to use sachets. It has excellent holding capabilities to that effect and looks natural (but doesn't feel like it).

You also don't have to fear for spillage since it's a solid and uses a twist cap (instead of a dispenser). It doesn't smell as nice as the other bench waxes, though it is strong. Some hair might get stuck on the wax, but since it's a solid, you can easily wipe it off (more hygienic).

I wish there was a manufacturing date, but since it's on my hair (not scalp or face!), I don't feel too bothered about it.


Pros
-convenient (portable)
-no contact necessary
-excellent hold

Cons
-best for "flattening" (I'd recommend using other products for active styling)
-no manufacturing date

Edited Note: I've heard complaints of this product being hard to wash off. It is, because it is a wax. Use a gel if you prefer something easier to wash off. Also, waxes are best on DRY hair while GELS are for WET hair, which is why it's better to use a wax on the go.

Tutorial: A Noob's Eye Make-up

This is the first time I've done my eye make up for an event. My sister, who normally does my make up for me (because i am n00b), is gone for the next X years. :( (IMY SISTER)

So I did my it all by myself and it turned out quite well. I wasn't able to take a picture of it before the party, but I got a lot of compliments for my eye make up. I took a bunch of pictures when I got home. This is after being on my face for over 6 hours so it doesn't look decent anymore.

Without flash:


I actually placed black eyeliner but the eyeshadow went over it, creating the blue line. There has been some debate over whether to put it before or after, and I chose to do the former. I'm putting it on after next time.



With flash:



Note: Tools and make-up belong to my sister (heehee).

I used these four colors from the Stila Barbie pallet:



And this is how I did it:



This is meant to be read like an english comic (left to right, up to down). Click to enlarge image :)

Review: Fashion 21 Dipliner

This is my newly bought Fashion 21 Dipliner. I'd been using my old one for over 2 years and I had to throw it out (because unlike a pencil, you cannot sharpen dipliners and as it can go INSIDE your eye, it's better to throw it out after 1 year), so I bought a new one today.



What's nice about this liner is that it's cheap at P115 (around $3), so I don't feel too bad for disposing it.I also like the non-tube packaging. Also, it comes with a manufacturing date (circled-this one at 21/2/12) so I know when I should be throwing it out.



The tip is flexible so you can get a nice thick line or a thin one (top to bottom). Though it isn't a true black, you can layer it on or not wipe it too much before applying to get a deeper black. It's going to need to dry for a lot longer if you do the latter, so don't open your eyes for 15 seconds to prevent smudging. Afterwards, THIS DOES NOT BUDGE on my oily face. Unless you rub your eye, it's there to stay!

Pros

• cheap
• with manufacturing date
• long lasting (nearly anything proof)

Cons

• not a deep black

I'm not very good at applying make up so I prefer using pencils, but I just love this product.

Edit: May 15, 2013. I may have gotten oilier, but right now, this liner lasts less than 8 hours now. I am probably not going to buy this product again.

Oversharing About Underarms Part I

Ever since I've reached puberty, I've had 3 problems with my underarms.

1. Hair
2. Skin darkening
3. BO

There are many ways to get rid of the first problem and they all come with pro's and cons. Also note that they also all have risks of ingrowns, etc.

1. shaving
+quick
+painless
+can be done continuously (you can always look "hairless")
+cheap on the short term
-expensive in the long term (considering how many blades you'll need over your lifetime along with shaving cream)
-hair grows quickly after one day
-possibility of nicking skin
-may cause skin darkening

I avoid shaving unless I'm in need of a quick fix. I think it's a good idea to have a razor stocked at home in case of emergencies.

2. plucking
+slow return of hair
+may be done at any time (you can always be "hairless")
+cheap (all you need are tweezers)
-time consuming
-painful
-may cause skin darkening

This is only to get rid of any stray hairs: I don't use it as my primary hair removal method.

3. epilating
+slow return of hair
+quick
+cheap in the long term
-painful
-expensive in the short term
-hair has to be a certain length

I like using this, except it doesn't get all the hair sometimes (hair grows in different directions) so you have to change angles.

4. depilating
+hair grows back quickly compared to 3 and 5 (not as quick as shaving)
+painless
-expensive
-possibility of chemical injury
-slow

Not something I'd recommend for underarms (sensitive as they are).

5. waxing
+can be cheap (DIY)
+slow return of hair
-hair has to be a certain length
-painful
-can be expensive (done in a salon)

When using hot wax, i tend to burn myself (darkening my skin in the process), and I can' get the hang of using sugaring or cold wax. I prefer having it done professionally, and be hairless for a around 10 days, but it does get expensive.