REVIEW: Benefit Dandelion Travel Size

 ~AG~

Sharon Park, my wonderful makeup artist used this blush/highlighter on me for the prewedding (engagement) photoshoot and it surprisingly showed up well on my skin. Since I still have a handful of other blushes in my collection, getting a mini version makes me less guilty. This travel-sized version also comes with a soft bristle brush. Bought this from Ulta Beauty for US$15 (S$21). This box powder blush from Benefit is an iconic beauty product. Dandelion is a pale pink powder that has soft shimmers. This box powder gives a nice radiant glow. I would have never thought Dandelion would be suitable for my warm skin tone. For shade reference, I am Urban Decay Shade 3.0, Bourjois Shade 52 (Vanille), MAC NC 30, Bobbi Brown Beige (3) and Chanel Beige (10).

A soft pink shimmer

This box powder comes with a brush

Dandelion is a great highlighting powder to use everyday to achieve that healthy glow. You can layer it on to make the pink pop more. The good thing about this blush is that it will not be powdery even if you layer it on. *thumbs up* I would recommend Benefit Dandelion for those with light to medium skin tone. 

REVIEW: Vaniday Benefit Cosmetics Brow Waxing @ Sephora Bugis+

~AG~

For some reason, brow waxing is not as popular in Singapore. When I lived in California, there were many options to go for brow waxing. I tried the Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar at Ulta Beauty, Anastasia Brow Studio at Nordstrom and a local beauty salon. In my opinion, brow waxing is not as painful as threading or tweezing. Plus, brow waxing seems to better for my sensitive skin than threading. The only cons of brow waxing is that it takes a longer time than threading. A regular brow waxing will take 20-30 minutes while threading takes less than 10 minutes. As the strips of paper come in a standard size, it is difficult for 100% waxing to get the perfect brow. Not to worry, a professional eyebrow person will also tweeze some areas of the brows for more precision. 

Brow waxing by Benefit Cosmetics is done at almost all Sephora Singapore stores. It costs S$26 and takes about 20 minutes. There is some pros and cons of having the Benefit Brow Bar at Sephora stores. The biggest pro is that there are numerous Sephora stores in Singapore, so it is convenient for the customers. There are ten Benefit Brow Waxing Locations @ Sephora. The cons would be the waxing is done in an common area so there is no privacy. The seating is not as comfortable as you sit straight. It would be better if the seat could recline.

My review is for the brow waxing service at Sephora Bugis +. My eyebrow expert was Noli, and he is the only eyebrow expert at Sephora Bugis+. First off, Noli asked whether I had done brow waxing before and whether I was on any medication. Secondly, he asked about my preferred eyebrow shape. Before the waxing process, he tested a little wax on my hand. 

He worked on my left eyebrow first - carefully waxing the top, bottom and sides. Additionally, he also tweezed and used a scissor to trim the brows. After he was done with my left eyebrow, he showed me the finished look before moving on to the other brow. As there was one area which had an odd strand by itself, I asked him about it. He asked that if he removed that one strand, my left brow will not be the same length as my right brow. Without asking, he told me not to worry as he will show me how to fill in my brows later. After he was done with my right eyebrow, he cleaned up the waxed area and then applied aloe vera to soothe the skin. As my skin was red, he applied some powder before filling in my brows. He showed me an easy way to fill in the brows. Basically, you fill in the outline of your brows lightly and then blend the colors by using the spoolie brush.

As Vaniday had a 20% off promotion, the brow waxing costs only $20.80. What a good deal! I would recommend brow waxing at Sephora Benefit Cosmetics if you are looking for an alternative to threading and tweezing. The eyebrow expert, Noli, was highly skilled and professional. I especially like the after-care service. I would definitely come back to Sephora Benefit Cosmetics for brow waxing in the future. 

NEW BUY: Ulta Haul

 ~AG~

Let me introduce you to Ulta Beauty which can be found in the U.S.A. Ulta Beauty is similar to Sephora though they also carry drugstore brands such as Maybelline, NYX, Cover Girl, as well as a variety of hair care products. I <3 walking through Ulta Beauty to browse their mini-sized version of beauty products.

Here are some things that I purchased from Ulta Beauty:

1) Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo US$12 (S$17)

For days when I wake up late and do not have time to wash my hair. I have tried several dry shampoo before and this dry shampoo is my favorite yet. It does not leave any white residue on dark hair. Plus, it really absorbs oil and leaves hair feeling fresh. 

2) Benefit Dandelion Mini US$15 (S$21)

Sharon Park, my makeup artist used this blush on me for the prewed shoot and it surprisingly showed up well on my skin. Since I still have a handful of other blushes in my collection, getting a mini version makes me less guilty. Hehe ^_^

3) IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Corrector in Medium US$29 (S$41)

My sister, MG, asked me to try the IT Cosmetics Undereye Concealer. 

What really attracted me to this product was the claim that it is "8 hours of sleep in a jar". It contains green coffee extract, cucumber, avocado, aloe, peptides, niacin and hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen. All these beneficial ingredients must be of some help to my dark circles. *cross my fingers*

The corrector has a creamy texture that is lightweight. 

4) Eco Tools Deluxe Fan Brush US$5.99 (S$9)

A fan brush has been on my wishlist for a while. A fan brush is great for applying a light finish of highlighters or powders. Eco Tools is a great drugstore brand for brushes. I bought some Eco Tools brushes 4 or 5 years ago, and it still works well! The bristles are soft and it does not shed much. 

5) Eco Tools Eye Perfecting CC Brush US$5.99 (S$9)

This is part of Eco Tools new collection, Complexion Collection. This rounded tip brush mimics the shape of a finger for easy application of cream, concealers and moisturizers around or under the eyes. This brush results in less tugging around the sensitive eye area.

REVIEW: Benefit Lip Lovin' Tinted Balms

~AG~
These tinted balms hydrate the lips with mango shea butter. It glides on sheer, but is buildable for more color. It is like a lip tint and lip balm all-in-one. It was surprisingly more hydrating than VDL Festival Lip Stick Glow Balm and Dior Addict Lip Glow. These tinted lip balms do wear off after eating or drinking. The staying power is decent for a tinted lip balm, about 2-3 hours.

This trio of mini-version is a great way to try all three colors - benebalm, cha cha balm and posiebalm. This mini version weighs 1.4 grams each, making it very handy for traveling. Each travel-sized version lasts me for about 2 months.

cha cha balm, posie balm and benebalm

benebalm
benebalm has a red tone. The pigment shows up surprisingly well on my skin. It creates a subtle red lips. benebalm also has a nice rose scent. Out of the three, benebalm is the most vibrant. A great lip balm/liptint to brighten the face. 

cha cha balm
The cha cha balm has a sheer peach tone, and was not as pigmented as I had expected. The peach tone was rather muted. I had really high hopes for cha cha balm because I thought it would work for my warm medium skin tone, but it was a disappointment. :(

posie balm
The posie balm has a poppy pink tone. This cool tone will work better for those that have a fairer skin tone. For my warm medium skin tone, posie balm washed out my complexion. *thumbs down*

Top to Bottom: cha cha balm, posie balm and benebalm

The usual price is S$30 for the trio of mini-size, or $10 for each mini-sized tinted balm. That is pricey for a mini-sized tinted lip balm, don't you think? However, with UOB Credit Card 15% discount, the trio costs S$25.50. After the discount, each mini tinted lip balm cost S$8.50. Still a hefty pricetag for 1.4 grams of lip balm. Out of the trio, the one I like most is benebalm because of the vibrant color. Even though I do like Benefit benebalm, I would reconsider repurchasing it because of the not-so-great value for money. But if you have cash to spare, you might want to check these moisturising tinted lip balm. 

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!

NEW BUY: Benefit Lip Lovin' Tinted Balms Sephora 1-Day Sale

~AG~

Sephora Singapore is having a 1-day sale for UOB Cardholders. 15% off your purchase for today only! Hurry to your nearest Sephora store!

Bought this Benefit Lip Balms set during the sale. It comes with a trio of Benefit Cosmetics tinted lip balms: cha cha balm, posie balm and bene balm. The actual retail price is S$30, but with the discount, it came down to S$25.50. Not too bad for 3 travel-sized versions of the Benefit tinted balms. The tinted balms hydrate the lips with mango shea butter. It glides on sheer, but is buildable for more color.

I cannot wait to try it out! The benebalm has a rose tone. The cha cha balm has a sheer peach tone. The posie balm has a poppy pink tone. So, I can switch up my lip balms depending on my mood.

REVIEW: Benefit The POREfessional Face Primer

Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. Translucent, oil-free formula complements all skintones and helps makeup stay put. Contains a Vitamin E derivative, known to protect skin from free radicals.

~AG~
This primer can be used under or over makeup. Recently, I been putting this primer to good use. I apply it after putting on the DRX Hydrator (moisturizer). You only need a tiny amount of  this primer for the whole face. I apply a needle-head size to a few spots on my face - the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. I gently pat it on, and my skin feels instantly smoother.

I use Benefit POREfessional primer prior to using Hera CC Cream. After several uses, I noticed that Hera CC Cream stays on better with the application of Benefit POREfessional primer. Without the use of the primer, Hera CC Cream tends to melt in the high-humidity Singapore's climate. Especially with the weather being so hot recently, this primer helps to keep my face makeup in place. I <3 that it is an oil-free formula. As my T-zone areas tend to get oily, this primer works great on those areas.

The primer comes in a flesh tone shade. Though, it does not add any colour to the face.
My sensitive skin has not had any adverse effects to this primer. Some primers cause my skin to breakout after use, but I had not had any issues with this one. The primer feels weightless on my skin, which I enjoy! The primer is quickly absorbed into the skin. I do not like primers that I can feel sitting on top of my skin.

I will recommend this to anyone that needs a primer to keep their face makeup in place. This primer works well in Singapore's extreme humid weather. Even with the constant perspiration, my face makeup does not melt off with the help of this primer.

I bought this primer as part of the Benefit Cosmetics Perfect Hideaway set which retailed at $42.90. It came with a full-size of POREfessional and a mini version of Fake Up. 
See link for more details http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2015/01/new-buy-benefit-cosmetics-perfect.html

Alternatively, Sephora USA retails the mini version (7 ml or 0.25 fl. oz.) for USD$10 and the full size (22 ml or 0.75 fl. oz) for USD $31. You can find Benefit POREfessional primer at Sephora Singapore stores as well. But I am not sure whether the mini version is available in Singapore.

NEW BUY: Benefit lollibalm

~MG~

I saw this product at Changi Airport Shilla Duty Free and they were selling it for S$25.60. At first, I was not planning to buy this lip balm. But after seeing the not-so-expensive price, it convinced me to buy this product.

 

This is the lip balm version of lollitint, which is an orchid tint by Benefit Cosmetics. I have seen Song Ji Hyo of Running Man used the tinted version on her drama, Emergency Couple. The colour looks bright and "happy". I decided to buy the lip balm version because it will be more moisturizing then the tinted version. When I tested the lip balm on the back of my hand, the colour seems pigmented enough. I am not sure about the hydrating properties of the lip balm.

 

I still have to go through a few more lip balms in my beauty stock, before I get to this product. Please check back here again for my review on Benefit Lollibalm.

NEW BUY: Benefit Cosmetics Perfect Hideaway

~AG~

I bought this in December when Sephora Singapore was having 15% discount for UOB cardmembers. This is a value set from Benefit Cosmetics, which retailed for S$42.90. My friend, Stephanie, told me that she liked Benefit Fake Up for concealing dark circles. So I decided to buy a value set to try it out. The reason why I bought the smaller version is because sometimes Benefit Cosmetics under eye concealer can be too creamy and might not work well for Singapore's humid weather.

 

Previously, MG had bought Benefit Cosmetics POREfessional primer and I have had the chance to try it out. It was a decent primer and did not caused my sensitive skin to breakout. POREfessional will be a great addition to my makeup kit. The only primer that I had in my makeup kit is Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance.  I only use Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Radiance for special occasions. I do like it but it has an illuminating effect that can sometimes be too "shiny" for Singapore humid weather. Another primer that has a matte effect will be good to have especially for outdoor makeup looks in Singapore.

 

Please stay tuned for my review on Benefit Cosmetics Fake Up and POREfessional.

Benefit Cosmetics Cheeky Sweet Spot O' Blushes

~AG~

This cheek palette consists of:

• Dandelion Brightening Face Powder (Pale Pink highlighter)
• Belle Bamba 3D Brightening Pink Face Powder (Watermelon Pink)
• Sugarbomb Sugar Rush Flush Face Powder (Peach, Rose, Shimmering Pink & Soft Plum)
• Hoola Bronzing Powder
• Coralista A Rio Pleasure Face Powder (Coral)
• Rockateur Famously Provocative Cheek Powder (Rose gold)
• Watt's Up! Soft Focus Highlighter

This cheek palette retails on Sephora USA website for US$36. This is such an affordable way to try Benefit Cosmetics famous boxed powders. A full-sized Hoola Bronzing Powder costs US$28. The full-sized Watt's Up! costs US$30. If I were in the States, I will buy it online asap. I own a full-size of the Sugarbomb Face Powder and it is pretty good. Sugarbomb creates a flattering glow to my cheeks. My younger sister, MG, own a full-size Coralista Face Powder. I have tried it on several occasions and I will have to say that the powder is finely milled. Coralista is rather pigmented, and the shimmery bits are not too obvious. Benefit Cosmetics Boxed Powders are their bestsellers.

 

FYI, I tried looking for this set in Sephora Singapore but it was unavailable :(

Benefit Cosmetics, please bring this set to Singapore soon!!

NEW: Benefit Cosmetics Tinted Lip Balm

~AG~

Benefit cosmetics newest tinted lip balm conditions and hydrates with mango butter and sodium hyaluronate. It comes in 4 of Benefit Cosmetics' famous tinted lip & cheek stain colors - the benetint, lollitint, cha cha tint, posie tint. So if you are a fan of their tinted stains, their lip balms are a must-try. This sheer lip balm has buildable color for the prettiest lips. Retails fo USD $18.

I cannot wait to get my hands on one of Benefit Cosmetics tinted lip balm. The color I am leaning towards is the cha cha balm & posie balm. I will let you all know when I do try it out.

Benefit Lollitint

A new tint product from Benefit Cosmetics. It is a Candy Orchid

Sephora Beauty Insider Birthday Treat

~AG~

A mini Watt's Up and They're Real! mascara from Sephora USA for my birthday. Weee!! I <3 freebies!

REVIEW: Benefit Brow Zing

~AG~

I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to my eyebrows. I try to go to the salon to thread my eyebrows once a month, and in between that I occasionally tweeze any hair re-growth. Most often, I let my eyebrows grow back naturally without much tweezing. 

For my everyday makeup, I don't do much to my eyebrows. When I find my eyebrows are rather messy I use Benefit Brow Gel to keep it in place. 

For my friends who are of fair complexions, I find that they make the effort to "dress up" their brows everyday. I saw one of my friends using Benefit Brow Zing and it made her eyebrows looked very well-groomed. That got me interested in this product. But I was afraid that this eyebrow wax and powder combination would be difficult to use. Before using this Benefit eyebrow kit, I used eyebrow pencil but I find that it was difficult to create a soft and even eyebrow look. 

I bought the Medium shade which is supposedly for medium brown and red hair. Because I find the Dark shade will look too strong, and wanted a more a natural look. 

I only use Brow Zing for special occasions - when lots of pictures will be taken - because I find that my eyebrows are quite dark as it is. 

How I use it: I usually brush my eyebrows with a brow brush first and then use the angled brush provided to apply the wax. The wax keeps the eyebrows in place and makes it look neater. Then I use the powder brush to apply the eyebrow powder on areas where there needs to be shading, which is usually the front and tail of the eyebrows. 

I find Brow Zing easier to use and gives a more natural finish compared to eyebrow pencils. It is a worthy eyebrow product to buy. It is very useful, and also comes with a pair of tweezers which comes in handy when traveling. Even though it is a mini tweezer which I rarely use, it is convenient to have on-the-go. The compact and sturdy packaging makes it a good product for traveling. 

There are also similar eyebrow wax and powder combination products from NYX which is more affordable (USD$6). This one from Benefit Cosmetics retails for USD $30.