REVIEW: Soap & Glory Kick-Ass Blur & Brighten Concealer Crayon

Crayon stick with a cap

A twist-out mechanism that extends and retracts

~AG~
The first thing that I came to my mind when applying this concealer was how soft it was. I was very careful to apply the concealer carefully, so as to not break off the crayon. The shade, Medium, matched well with my skin tone. My main use for this concealer is to disguise my severe dark circles. The Soap & Glory Kick-Ass Concealer helped brighten my under eyes area. The coverage is light to medium. In comparison, my HG Cle de Peaute Beaute Concealer has a higher coverage. I had to use about 3-4 swipes of Kick-Ass Concealer to decently conceal my dark circles. I cannot comment on its concealing power for pimples, or redness. The best thing about this concealer is the texture. The concealer was very smooth, had a similar  texture to that of a makeup primer's texture. It does not crease or accentuate fine line. Its creamy consistency is similar to that of Bobbi Brown's Corrector. I highly suggest that you set this concealer with loose or pressed powder. With that being said, I had no issues with it smudging or melting off. 

 Left under eye concealed with Kick-Ass Concealer Crayon. Right under eye without any makeup

 

Left under eye area much brighter than the right under eye area

At S$16, I will most likely repurchase this concealer. The only problem is that it is not available in Singapore. Soap & Glory, please bring your makeup range to Singapore! Or else I would just have to check out Boots during my next trip to Bangkok. The concealing properties of Kick-Ass Concealer Crayon satisfied my expectations (P.S: I have very high standards for concealer, as it is my must-have makeup product). Soap & Glory Kick-Ass Concealer Crayon is a great product to carry in your travel makeup bag.

REVIEW: Ettusais Quick Fix Powder

Palm-sized powder compact

Cute pink and white packaging

~AG~

Bought this Ettusais Quick Fix Powder from Metro Paragon for S$28. It is rather pricey for a setting powder, but was in need of a good quality powder to keep my creamy concealer in place. This is my first Ettusais purchase in a long time. The last time I bought a product from Ettusais was in Secondary School, which was many years ago. The reason why I decided to try Ettusais powder is because of the good experience I had using one of Ettusais's powders during Bloom by Roseanne Trial Makeup Class. When I applied the Ettusais's loose powder, which is either the BB Mineral Powder or Premium CC Loose Powder, the texture was soft and nice. The powders were finely milled and did not leave my face looking cakey at all. The main reason that I did not purchase Ettusais BB Mineral Powder or Premium CC Loose Powder instead was due to the packaging. Loose powder packaging can be bulky to travel with, plus they tend to get messy during the application. With my past track record of leaving loose powder unused, I decided to go for a compact powder instead.

Naturally colored powder

Comes with a fluffy puff

The Smooth Fit Coat that covers each powder particle helps powders fit onto skin beautifully so your make-up won’t look cakey after touching up. The Shine Prevention Powder also prevents shine from showing too quickly and helps for a longer lasting finish. Contains SPF 10 PA ++. Ettusasis Quick Fix Powder is a colorless powder that sets makeup. Ettusais claims that the powder can even out skin texture and tone, without looking cakey. Furthermore, Ettusais's skin roughness preventing mineral powder claims to show beautiful, natural skin. 

After using Ettusais Quick Fix Powder for a week, I can safely say that this setting powder does not trigger any adverse reactions on my sensitive skin - no bumps or new breakouts were noticed during this time. The powder is very finely milled and feels natural on the skin. Yes, your face would not look cakey after applying it. Even though it is a setting powder, you have to generously apply the powder to notice its mattifying effect. The first few times I used this Ettusais Quick Fix Powder, I did not apply enough product to achieve the ideal matte look. After a few more tries,  and I finally found the magic formula and I was pleasantly surprised with the lasting power. When I checked my face at around 3pm (4 hours after application), my skin was still matte. *thumbs up* FYI, my T-zones tend to get oily after 2-3 hours.

Since it has little or no coverage, this powder will not do for those that prefers more coverage. In my case, Ettusais Quick Fix Powder's sole purpose was to keep my creamy under eye concealer in place, but it was able to perform its duties. With that being said, I will definitely try the other powder selections from Ettusais, as the powders are very soft and natural, and would not repurchase Ettusais Quick Fix Powder. 

Q&A: Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream EX

Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream_EX

The durable & heavy packaging

50 ml of product

~MG~
1) How long have you used this product?
MG: I have been using this Laneige Gel Cream EX ever since September 2014. This is my fourth tub! One tub lasts me for about three months. 

2) How do I use it?
MG: I apply it after I spray a moisturizing face mist such as Nature Republic Bee Venom or The Face Shop Argan Oil Face Mist on my face, and after application of SK-II treatment essence. For daytime use, I use one pea-sized amount. For nighttime use, I use two pea-sized amount.

3) Where did you buy it?
MG: The first time, my sister bought it for me from South Korea. Subsequently, I bought it from Laneige stores and department stores in Singapore for around S$52. Found out that it was cheaper @ $44.70 to purchase Laneige's products in Changi Airport Shilla Duty Free than in the city. 

4) Would you recommend to me? 
MG: Of course, because it is good and it has Laneige's signature scent. It feels light yet moisturizing. Though it is not very moisturising since it is a gel cream. It works well for my acne-prone skin.

5) What would you change about this product?
MG: The only reason I stopped using Laneige Gel Cream EX is because of the tub packaging. I did not like dipping my fingers into the tub, as it is not so hygienic. The tiny scoop that comes with the cream is inconvenient to use for each application. Plus, the packaging of Laneige Gel Cream EX is so heavy, not good for traveling.

Fresh Sugar Lip Polish

~MG~

Scrubbing my lips is one of my newer night skincare routine. Back when I was still in the U.S., my lips would get so dry, flaky and chapped during the colder weather. I didn't dare look at the mirror that much because my lips were just in that unslightly condition. What I hated even more was how my lips looked when I applied lip-coloured products. It looked so unsightly that I didn't dare to use colored lip products much. 

Using lipbalm did helped but that was only if I diligently applied to my lips. I needed something else to get rid of my flakiness and chappness of my lips and so I turned to Fresh's Sugar Lip Polish! I managed to get a mini size of the lip scrub from Sephora.

I must say that this lipscrub is good! The consistency is abit thick, almost like a brown sugar paste. 
What I like the most about this product is its nature-friendly scent (it smells really great and fresh!) and its exfoliating and moisturizing effect. 
I have only 2 dislikes about this lip scrub. Firstly, I dislike how it is packaged in a tub. I would much preferred it to be in an easy-squeeze tube because it's more hygenic and convienent to use. Secondly, if I were to buy the full-szie of this product, I would not have enjoy the price tag (Note: US$22.50 for 0.6oz). It's not really that expensive but I find that it is abit overpriced for just a tiny small tub of product.

Would I buy the full-size of this lip scrub? Well, maybe not so soon because I still want to explore other brands' lip scrub.

A MG skincare tip before I end this post: Make sure to apply some heavy-duty super-duper moisturizing lip balm after scrubbing your lips so that it will help to prolong your lips to look and feel good!  

REVIEW: Hada Labo Perfect Gel

Travel-sized version of Hada Labo Perfect Gel

Contains Collagen which helps firm the skin and Super Hyaluronic Acid instantly hydrates your skin and provides long-lasting moisture and smoothness.

~MG~

Q: How much did you buy Hada Labo Perfect Gel for?

A: I bought it during my trip to Bangkok trip for around THB 200 (S$8).

Q: Why did you decide to try this Hada Labo Perfect Gel?
A: On Hada Labo's official website, this product claims to have 5 functions: lotion, milk, cream, serum and mask. Because it comes in a sample size, it is a great way to try new product. Plus, I have always love Hada Labo's products.

Q: How long have you been using this moisturizer? 
A:  I used it for two weeks, day and night, when I was in the United States.

Q: What do you like about this product? 
A: Hada Labo Perfect Gel is lightweight. Like all the other Hada Labo products, my skin did not suffer breakouts or adverse reaction because of it. The texture of Hada Labo Perfect Gel is similar to that Laneige Gel Cream_EX. The texture is also similar to Fresh Rose Hydrating Gel Cream, though Fresh Gel Cream is more moisturizing. 

Q: What do you want to improve about this product?
A: It is not what it claims to be. It claims to hydrate with a long-lasting effect. Hada Labo Perfect Gel's moisturizing power is not that great. From the information provided about the product, I thought that it would be only good to use at night, but I can use it for daytime as well. For night time use, I layer a face oil over it for added hydration. Even though Hada Labo claims it can work as a face mask, I find it is not as moisturizing. 

Q: Would you recommend this moisturizer to your friends? 
A: Would not recommend Hada Labo Perfect Gel for a night time moisturizer. It will work well for those who want a lightweight moisturizer and/or those whose skin does not much hydration such as oily skin type.

NEW BUY: Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup

~AG~

My HG Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation is way past its shelf life, it has been in my beauty collection for almost two years. Yes yes, it is so BAD that I have yet to dispose of it. But within these two years, I probably used it less than 10 times. I am not a big fan of having face makeup on a daily basis, thus my liquid foundation is only reserved for special occasions. 

Introducing Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup!

• Naked Skin uses light-diffusing spheres to 'blur' imperfections for a luminous, demi-matte finish that feels invisible but looks professionally retouched. 
• Naked Skin is oil-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and loaded with nourishing ingredients: 
• Matrixyl 3000-Anti-wrinkle and lifting peptides restore and maintain skin's youthful appearance while increasing elasticity. 
• Litchiderm (derived from lychee fruit) – Protects the skin from dehydration, oxidative stress and accelerated aging, resulting in a brighter, more radiant complexion. 
• Green Tea & Vitamin E – These anti-oxidants neutralize free-radicals and promote collagen production for smooth and supple skin. 
• Sodium Hyaluronate – Holds and attracts water for optimal hydration, circulation and nutrient absorption, making skin smooth, soft and youthful.

The saleslady tried the shade 2.0 on my hands but it was too light. Then she watched the shade 3.0 on my jaw and it matched perfectly. I fell in love with the feel of the liquid foundation, it was very lightweight! UD Naked Liquid Makeup comes in a pump packaging, which is my favourite type of liquid foundation packaging. The hygienic pump packaging means it can be good-to-use for much longer. Shilla Duty Free retails UD Naked Liquid Foundation for S$52. It was the more affordable option compared to lightweight options from Chanel makeup, YSL, or Shu Uemura, which were all in the $60+ price range. Stay tuned for my review of UD Liquid Makeup!

REVIEW: Visée Nudy Rich Eyes in BE-3

Visee Nudy Rich Eyes

~AG~
Prior to my trip to Tokyo, I have not heard about the Visee brand. From what I know, this brand is only available in Japan. Visee is the more affordable sub-brand of Kose. Visee's products can be found in drugstores around Japan.

This Visee Nudy Rich Eyes palette retailed at JPY 1,512 (S$18). Pretty steep for a drugstore eyeshadow palette. But what convinced me to buy this eyeshadow palette was the pretty colors. The five shades on this palette are all flattering for my medium skin tone. At first, I was unsure whether the lightest shades (the white and pink) will work on my skin tone, but it does! I LOVE the texture of this eyeshadows! It is so creamy and glides on easily. There was little to no fallout from the eyeshadows!  I was super amazed by it! 
The highly-rated Urban Decay Naked palette still have some falling out of eyeshadows during application, but Visee eyeshadows had none of that problem. Even though it is a powdered eyeshadow, it feels more like a cream eyeshadow. The shimmers on this eyeshadow are so finely milled, and does not irritate the eyes. Korean glittery eyeshadows from brands such as Etude House and Espoir tend to irritate my eyes. I am sorry to say, but Japanese eyeshadow > Korean eyeshadow. The only bad thing that I can say about this product is the brush/sponge applicator that comes with it. The brush side, especially, is too small to do anything. I prefer to apply my eyeshadows using my fingers. 

From Top Clockwise: Beige, Light Pink, Cocoa, Light Brown and Peachy Pink

I will definitely recommend Visee Nudy Rich Eyes to anyone who is looking for a great everyday eyeshadow palette! I will love to try the other shades available from Visee.