REVIEW: VDL Metal Cushion Foundation in A205

~AG~

VDL Metal Cushion Foundation has been in my beauty chest for over a year. It is about time that I try it out. The reason I bought VDL Metal Cushion Foundation is because of the unique functional packaging. Unlike the usual CC Cushion packaging, VDL Metal Cushion Foundation has a metal plate to deliver the foundation. Moreover, the foundation shade tested in-store matched my medium skin tone well (for reference I am NC 30-35 and Urban Decay 3.0). Most Korean face makeup tend to be for the fairer skin tones, and it is difficult to find a match for my warm skin tone. VDL Metal Cushion Foundation has a surprisingly lightweight texture. I do not like when foundation or BB creams feel heavy on the skin. My ideal foundation is one that does not feel like I have any makeup on.

So what can I say about VDL Metal Cushion Foundation?
VDL Metal Cushion Foundation has a low coverage. It works great for those with good skin and do not need much coverage. For myself, I still need to apply concealer to disguise my dark circles and blemishes. The shade A205 (Vanilla Beige) matched my medium skin tone well. For shade reference, I am Bourjois Shade 52 (Vanille), MAC NC 30, Bobbi Brown Beige (3), Chanel Beige (10) and Urban Decay Shade 3.0. VDL Metal Cushion Foundation comes in 4 shades: M101, A201, A203 and A205.

Unlike Korean BB Creams, VDL Metal Cushion Foundation did not leave a white or grey cast. The foundation blends well with the skin, and does not feel heavy on the skin. VDL claims this metal cushion foundation will deliver 24-hours of bright and clear skin. It claims to provide a glowing radiance through hydro-rich prune water.

VDL Metal Cushion Foundation is pricey at KRW 27,800 (S$34). This VDL Cushion Foundation is good in that it is lightweight and the packaging makes it more hygienic. But other than that, I would not repurchase this Cushion Foundation as there are other Cushion Foundation on the market that I want to try.

High-End vs. Drugstore (Roadshows) Makeup Products

Worth the Splurge:
1) Foundation - I almost always buy high-end foundation. The biggest factor is the process of selecting a color match. A saleslady at the counter can greatly assist in the color selection. For drugstore brands such as Revlon or L'Oreal, you often have to play the guessing game to select a color match. Plus, the lighting at the drugstore is often not suitable for selecting a color match for foundation. The only drugstore foundation brand that I adore is Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation. But in Singapore, they sell it at BHG counter, so I had the helpful assistance of a saleslady. 
2) Concealer - There is a huge difference between high-end concealers and drugstore concealers. High-end concealers provide more coverage, and yet goes on smoothly. As with drugstore foundations, you often have to guess your color match because there are no testers available. Even if there is a tester, the lighting at drugstore is not adequate to accurately determine a color match. Drugstore concealers that have high coverage tends to be cakey too. 

 

Not worth the extra $$:
1) Mascaras - Since you have to replace them every 6 months, it would be very costly to purchase high-end mascaras such as Lancome, Dior and Chanel. Drugstore brands such as Maybelline and  CoverGirl produce good-performing mascaras that are easy on your pockets. Korean roadshow brands such as Etude House and innisfree have a good selection of mascaras as well. 
2) Lipstick - A girl needs an array of lip colors. I have a confession to make: I am a lip product junkie. I probably have more than 20 lipsticks, lip tints, lip crayons, lip glosses and lip balms. I do own some high-end lipsticks such as Chanel, NARS, Dior lipsticks. But I also own mid-priced products such as Benefit Benebalm. For affordable-priced products, my inclination is towards Korean roadshow brands such as Clio, VDL and innisfree. I especially <3 the VDL Expert Color Lip Cube Ex! 

So there you have it! Makeup products that I splurge on, and those that I save on. Tell me about yours!

AG & MG Beauty Award 2015

AG'S TOP 5 PRODUCT FINDS FOR 2015

SKINCARE 

Favorite makeup remover: Bioderma Sebium H20
- - Still on my favorite list for 2015! It is a must-have to remove sunscreen, makeup and impurities. Gentle on the skin, and effectively removes face makeup. The acne-fighting ingredients such as zinc gluconate and copper sulphate help purify the skin. My skin feels fresh after use.

Favorite toner: Derma-RX Toner
- - Never thought that toner is an essential part of skincare regimen till I met this Derma-RX Toner. It thoroughly preps my face for the next skincare steps. Plus, its AHAs content helps exfoliate my sensitive skin. 

MAKEUP

Favorite lip product: VDL Expert Color Lip Cube EX
- - Creamy texture. Very pigmented lip color, almost like a lip stain. Its unique packaging makes application super precise.  

Favorite eyeliner: Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Liner
- - Super fine eyeliner tip. It goes on smooth and stays on all-day! 

Favorite facial moisturizer: Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX
- - Perfect for my sensitive combination skin,  it hydrates my skin without leaving it feeling sticky. The scent is refreshingly oceanic.

MG'S TOP 5 PRODUCT FINDS FOR 2015

SKINCARE

Favorite toner/essence: SK-II Treatment Essence and SK-II Clear Lotion

::: I use the treatment essence and clear lotion twice a day.
Treatment essence has been consistently part of my skincare regimen since the start of this year.
Clear lotion has only been part of my skincare regimen since September of this year. Clear lotion has salicylic acid which helps fight off blemishes. It acts as a toner.

Favorite lip balm: Nivea Watering Lip Care
::: Because it goes on very smoothly. It leaves my lips well-moisturised without feeling sticky or leaving a residue. The thin and sleek packaging makes it handy to carry around.

Favorite cleanser: Korres Wild Rose Daily Brightening & Refining Buff Cleanser
::: My blackheads are reduced after I use this daily cleanser. It is a scrub that is gentle enough for every day use. 

MAKEUP

Favorite concealer: Cle de Peaue Beaute
::: Starting using this concealer this year. Because it is GOOD! It covers up my dark circles, acne scars and any redness. This concealer provides high coverage and fully hide my blemishes. Other concealers does not fully cover my acne scars. Plus, it lasts the whole day!

Favorite lip product: VDL Lip Tint
::: I love the color! It is nice! The texture is smoooth and it is moisturising. An easy way to create gradient lips.

REVIEW: VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot in Triple Peach and Triple Red

~AG~

Left to Right: 601 Triple Peach and 501 Triple Red

 

Triple-colored tint (Base color, Sub color and Main color)

 

MG bought these lip tints while we were in Korea. She cannot remember the exact price, but recall it to be around KR 14,500 (~S$17). It is great to have a sister who is also a beauty product junkie, we get to share products and feel less guilty about our purchases. :D

MG asked whether I wanted to try these lip tints. Without hesitation, I tried them on. I was AMAZED by the effects of the lip tint.These triple-colored tint is an easy way to create gradient lips. Korean singers and actresses often sport gradient lips. Instead of using multiple lip product to create a gradient lip, all you need is a VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot. The texture of the lip tint is very moisturizing, it feels like a lip balm! I really <3 it! The color of the gradient lip is natural and flattering. VDL Tint Bar Triple Shot is a great product to have to brighten up your lips. I will definitely recommend VDL Tint Bar Trip Shot to everyone. The next time I am in Korea, I will be sure to buy them. :)

REVIEW: VDL Festival Lip Stick Glow Balm

~AG~

Purchased this VDL lip balm in Korea for KRW 18,000 (S$22). Saw this VDL & Kakao collaboration in-store. The packaging is so adoooraaableeee! This VDL Festival Lipstick Glow Balm is adorned with Apeach emoticons. Since I am a fan of Kakao, I cannot resist to grab this lip balm. This lip balm claim to moisturize and nourish the lips to give a smooth, non-flaky surface.

The second from the left top. The signature yellow Kakao packaging 

Apeach icon embossed on the lip balm

So what can I say about this lip balm?

It does not have much color on my lips. It leaves a slight pink sheen on the lips. This lip balm reminds me of Dior Lip Glow. The only difference is that Dior Lip Glow is more hydrating and long-lasting. After about an hour, I do not feel this lip balm on my lips anymore. VDL Glow Balm is not as moisturizing as other lip balms such as Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment or Rosebud Salve. When I am on the plane or other places with drier climate, this lip balm is not sufficient to keep my lips moisturized.

I would not recommend this VDL Glow Balm as a lip balm to buy. The bright yellow packaging and Apeach emoticons embossed on the lip balm are the only good things about this lip balm.

Korean Beauty Products Haul - Face Products

~AG~

Korean stars are famous for their flawless and luminous skin. Korea is a country where BB Creams, CC Creams and CC Cushions are must-haves. So, without any question, I had to buy some base makeup to bring back to sunny Singapore. My makeup collection is lacking of base makeup. There are only a few products that I use consistently - Bourjois Healthy Mix Skin Foundation, Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Compact and Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer. 

At the top on my shopping list was to find a CC Cushion that will perfectly match my skin tone. Additionally, I also wanted a CC Cream that did not leave my skin looking white or grey. Sounds simple enough? From my past experience, it is tough to find a CC Cushion or CC Cream that match my medium skin tone, since Koreans tend to have fairer skin tone. For shade reference, I am Bourjois Shade 52 (Vanille), MAC NC 30-35, Bobbi Brown Beige (3) and Chanel Beige (10).

Below are the base makeup that I purchased on this trip:

>>> Hera CC Cream (KRW 31,000 = S$38)
This is MG's most raved about CC Cream. Click link for MG's review of Hera CC Cream. She loves it so much because it gives her radiant, flawless skin. It has a heavy pricetag, but it is worth it! People always compliment MG's skin whenever she wears this CC Cream. It is also Allure Korea's 2013 Award Winner for CC Cream.

>>> VDL Metal Foundation (KRW 27,800 = S$34)
This product was not on my shopping list. While at the VDL store, this metal foundation was placed at the very front. It is their newest product! Being the makeup junkie that I am, I had to try it. When I tried the foundation on my hand, the texture was Grrreeeaaatt! It felt very light and natural. However, I hesitated buying it at first, because I really wanted to buy the Hera CC Cream. On the last day at the airport, I looked high and low for this VDL Metal Foundation. I finally saw the VDL section when I was almost at the gate. This was the very last-minute buy before boarding the plane. I felt so HAPPY afterwards. :)

>>> The Face Shop Velvet Skin Primer (KRW 14,900 = S$18)
This primer accidentally sneaked into my shopping basket. I only realized that I had bought this product when I was unpacking my stuff. This product has a Get It Beauty sticker at The Face Shop store. So, I guess it should not be too bad. I hope it works for my sensitive skin and does not clog my pores *fingers crossed*

>>> The Face Shop Concealer (KRW 10,900 = S$13)
This was my must-buy from The Face Shop because it won Get It Beauty blind test in 2013. Concealer is an essential makeup product for me. I wear it almost everyday to disguise my dark circles, and conceal my blemishes. I hope this affordable concealer works well to hide my imperfections.

 

 

I will do a separate review of each product some time in the near future. Stay tuned :)

Korean Beauty Products Haul - Lip Products

~AG~

Since I bought tons of beauty products during my trip to Korea, I will separating my haul into different posts. This post focuses on lip products - lip balm, lip tint, lip crayon, and lip stick. 

VDL Expert Lip Color Cube Ex (KRW 24,000 = S$30)
The triangle-shaped lipstick. Great texture and very pigmented. The packaging allows for precise application of lipstick. 

VDL Festival Lipstick Glow Balm (KRW 18,000 = S$22)

This product is a collaboration with Kakao. The packaging is in Kakao's signature yellow color. The lip balm is embossed with Kakao character, Apeach. How cuuuuuteee is it? The lip balm itself reminds me of Dior Glow, because of the light pink shade. 

Clio Gelpresso Melting Lipstick (KRW 18,000 = S$22)

A creamy lipstick from Clio. The one that I chose was Somewhat (1) which is a pink-nude shade. A great everyday pink lipstick. It has a rather flat tip, which reminds me of my Cle de Peau Beaute concealer's shape. 

Banila Co. Floral Seoul Lip Crayon (KRW 14,000 = S$17)

The cheerful packaging of this lip crayon is what initially attracted me to this product. The brightly-colored flower print makes it a great product for collection. It is so pretty! This product has a rounded tip which is different than typically lip crayon. The one I chose is Boston Pink (ND02) which is dusty rose shade. Another great shade for everyday. It is very natural and not too much for the office. 

Innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm - Deep Moisture (KRW 6,000 = S$8)

* not individually pictured*
One of Innisfree's bestsellers. The very hydrating lip balm with canola seed oil & canola honey extract. It also contain mango seed butter that moisturises lips. 

Innisfree Canola Honey Lip Balm - Smooth Care(KRW 6,000 = S$8)

*not pictured pictured*
Another of Innisfree's bestsellers. In addition to canola seed oil and canola honey extract, it also contains shea butter & murumuru butter to protect the lips. 

Peripera Rouge Pang (KRW 10,000 = S$14) 

This product is a pigmented lipstick that have texture similar to lip balm, and strong pigmentation of a lip tint. It is very smooth and glides on very easily. I was attracted to the beautiful red shade. The shade pictured is Party Party (RD 03); the name is very appropriate. A red lips is a confidence booster on days when you need it, like when you have a big meeting or on special occasions. 

REVIEW: VDL Expert Color Lip Cube EX in Tease You

~AG~

Mentioned about this product in a previous post. http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2015/05/to-buy-vdl-expert-color-lip-cube-ex.html

This was my beauty must-buy while in Korea. Currently, this is my #1 product! It is a lipstick shaped especially for careful application. The long and sleek packaging looks different that typical lipstick. The triangle-shaped lipstick applies the product precisely on the edges of the lips and cupid's bow. There was no worries about color going beyond the lip lines. I was impressed with the packaging of the lipstick. It was super GREAT for lipstick application! It was so eassssyyy to use :)

Slim packaging 

Triangle-shaped lipstick

The shade that I chose was Tease You. The shade would be described as pink-red. It is a great pick-me up color to wear on a gloomy day. This particular VDL Lip Cube EX has a more sheer finish. I tried other shades in store and found them to be more matte. VDL Lip Cube EX in Tease You looks natural and flattering. It was fine to apply this lipstick without prior application of lip balm. The lipstick is rather hydrating. You can build up color by applying more coats of the lipstick. This product stays on very well. Mine lasted for about 4 hours, and only disappeared after eating. It is pretty long-wearing.

The pink-red shade swatched on the back of my wrist

Don't mind my sleepy face. Zzzz

The one major thing that I have to WARN you readers about it is that this product has only a uni-directional twist. This means that it only allows for twisting upwards and not downwards. This was a lesson that I had to learn the first time I used it. During the first use, I had twisted the lipstick enthusiastically upwards. When I tried twisting it to go downwards, nothing happened. I thought there was some defect with this particular lipstick. However, after Google-ing about it online, there were reviews stating that it does not twist downwards. I still do not understand why such function does not exist on VDL Lip Cube Ex. It is a mystery to me. I had to push down the lipstick so that it will not be capped off. 

The lipstick chipped off when I tried to push it down

Apart from the flaw in their packaging, I still like this product! The lipstick does not dry out my lips, has a nice pigmentation, and is easy to use. I will recommend this product 100% to you readers you are looking for a fuss-free everyday lipstick. The only thing that forgot was to take note of the price. I think it retailed for KRW 24,000 (~S$30). It is more pricy than regular lipstick but the extra $$ is worth it. 

NEW BUY: VDL BEAUTY METAL CUSHION FOUNDATION

 

~AG~

This is the beauty buy from Korea that I am MOST excited about. Introducing VDL Beauty Metal Cushion Foundation. It is different from your typical CC Cushion in that it has a metal pan for application. How cool is that?!?

 

When I tried this product in store, the coverage and finish was great. It had a natural colour that did not have white or grey effects on my skin. Good job, VDL! The coverage was light and did not feel thick at all. The finish was not too luminous, but rather a nice healthy radiance.

 

It comes in 4 shades: M101, A205, A203 and A201. It costs me KRW 27,800 (~S$34) at Lotte Duty Free.

 

I am not a big fan of skin makeup or foundations. I reserve liquid foundations for special occasions only. In regards to that, I prefer foundation that does not feel like anything at all on my skin. A light-to-medium foundation that still lets my skin breathe is my top choice.

 

I CANNOT wait to try this product and let you all know how it is. :)

 

Please check out VDL official website for more details. http://www.vdlcosmetics.com/eng/product/detail.jsp?pid=EN38000798

TO BUY: VDL Expert Color Lip Cube Ex

~AG~

VDL Expert Color Lip Cube Ex SPF10. Available in 8 shades.

 

VDL Expert Color Lip Cube Ex Candy You. Available in 4 shades.

Saw this product on Get It Beauty show, and was so intrigued by it. Found out that it was a product by VDL. Since I am going to Korea soon, this would be a great addition to my makeup collection. This cube-edged lipsticks allows for precise application. It creates a dimensional lip makeup without the need for lip liner.

When the makeup artist on Get It Beauty applied this lipstick on the lady, the color was beautiful. If I am not mistaken, the makeup-artist used VDL Expert Color Lip Cube Ex Candy You in 01 I Love You. The lipstick seemed to go on smoothly. The color was pigmented with a semi-matte finish.

I cannot wait to get my hands on it, and try the colors in VDL stores. Stay tuned for my updates on this VDL Lip Cube EX. Click link for more information on this product. http://www.vdlcosmetics.com/eng/product/detail.jsp?pid=EN38001037