REVIEW: Physician Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush

~AG~

Bought this Physician Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Blush when I was in the U.S. Physician Formula is a drugstore brand that is readily found in Target, Walmart, CVS and Ulta Beauty. Though it is less commonly found in Singapore. I have seen some Guardian stores carry Physician Formula products. 

This Physician Formula Mood Boosting Blush costs US$10.63 (S$15.50). It is available in three colors: Warm, Natural and Rose. It contains a vibrant mix of blushing tones infused with a pop of color to give a healthy glow. The blush contains multi-reflective pearls to add radiance to the cheek.

It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and paraben-free.This blush is infused with Happy Skin and Euphoryl, natural plant extracts which have been shown to promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of Endorphins (feel-good hormone) and protecting the skin against environmental aggressors. The sweet scent of violet provides a feeling of joy each time you apply.

The plastic packaging includes a small brush and mirror at the bottom of the blush. The heart design of the blush is pretty. It comes with 5 different pink/blush shades. I cannot say that this blush boost my mood. The pink shade is too bright for my liking, so I tend to use the nude and peach shades. It is not as pigmented as other blushes - Benefit box blushes or Tarte blushes. The formula of the blush did not cause my sensitive skin to breakout.

Overall, this blush is nothing special and I would not recommend it. 

NEW BUY: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Pressed Powder

Photo Credit: Sephora.com

~AG~

My HG Ettusais Quick Fix Powder had hit pan, so I decided to try a new pressed/setting powder. Walked into Sephora to look for a setting powder, and was confused with the numerous products there. I remember that Make Up For Ever (MUFE) is popular for their HD powder. The saleslady at the Make Up For Ever area suggested the Ultra HD Loose Powder, as it gives a more luminous finish. However, loose powder can get too messy for my liking. So I decided to buy the MUFE Ultra HD Pressed Powder in 01 Translucent. It costs S$61 for a 6.2g pressed powder. A heavy price tag for a pressed powder.

According to Sephora Singapore, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Pressed Powder is a micro-finishing pressed powder that gives a light matte effect and smooth, luminous finish. The invisible veil of powder combines synthetic mica, silicone powders and silica to instantly blur fine lines, pores and imperfections for a beautifully smooth complexion. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, ULTRA HD Pressed Powder also has moisture-retaining benefits.

After reading this, then I realized that this pressed powder contains hyaluronic acid. My skin does not react well with hyaluronic acid. Hope this MUFE Pressed Powder can work well on my skin and does not trigger any bumps. Will give a review of this product after an extended use of this pressed powder. Stay tuned!

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.

REVIEW: The Face Shop Disney Collection Mickey Mouse BB PowerPerfection Cushion

Cute embossed Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse!

~AG~

Mickey Mouse BB Power Perfection Cushion SPF 50 PA+++
This limited edition Disney Collection by The Face Shop is so cute! My boyfriend managed to get his friend who was in Korea to buy three Disney Collection CC products as surprise for me. How thoughtful of him! This is one of them, Mickey Mouse BB Power Perfection Cushion. The one I have is in Apricot Beige (V201) which is a little too fair upon application. Natural Beige (V203) will work better for my medium skin tone.  Even though V201 is too fair for my skin tone, the BB Cushion can somehow adjusts and better match my skin tone after about 10-15 minutes. This BB Power Perfection Cushion retailed for USD $16 at Seoul Shilla Duty Free.

 

Cute Mickey Mouse logo on the puff with Mickey's classic colors

Total skin treatment BB cushion with power elasticity, power hydration and power correction effects. The airy touch formula goes on in a thin layer yet perfectly covers up blemishes, making skin look healthy and radiant. The cushion contains African Walnut Oil and Sea Buckthorn Fruit Extract to moisturise the skin. The cushion also contain hyaluronic acid to instantly increase skin's moisture content, leaving skin plump and smooth with a natural glow. 

This BB Cushion claims to reduce wrinkles, brightens skin tone and protects agains UV rays. It has SPF 50 PA+++. This BB Cushion has low to medium coverage. You can build up the coverage by applying more BB cream. Do be careful not to apply too much product or else it would look cakey. The texture is rather light, and it does not feel heavy on my skin. My sensitive skin did not breakout after the use of The Face Shop BB Cushion. The staying power is pretty impressive, lasts about 4-5 hours (without makeup primer). I thought this BB Cushion would slide off my face in Singapore's humid weather. But it surprisingly stayed on well without any makeup primer. The Face Shop BB Cushion has a better staying power than Hera CC Cream. Even though I am not a face makeup kind-of-person, this BB Cushion has been my go-to product for evening out my skin tone. It does a good job in covering little blemishes and redness. It is easy to use with the puff provided. The only thing that I have against the BB Power Perfection Cushion is the bulky packaging. It is not sensible to carry it in your handbag or in your travel makeup bag, it takes up too much space. Other than that, this Face Shop BB Power Perfection Cushion is a good product.  

Before the BB Cushion application

The left side of my face has BB cream, while the right side is bare face

Shade V201 is not a perfect match for my skin

This is when both sides of my face has BB Cream. 

The shade is slightly fairer than my neck, but it still acceptable.

This is how fair I look before my pressed powder. 

Q&A: innisfree no-sebum mineral pact

innisfree no-sebum mineral pact is a replacement for oil control paper that leaves the skin soft and matte. Its double sebum-control system controls the secretion of sebum to keep the skin soft and fresh all day long. Jeju minerals and mint control skin oil and moisture to keep skin healthy.

~MG~

Q: How much did you buy innisfree no-sebum mineral pact for?

A: Bought this powder pact at innisfree Singapore for S$17.

Q: Why did you decide to try this innisfree no-sebum mineral pact?
A: This is one of innisfree's best-sellers. There are plenty of good reviews about innisfree no-sebum mineral pact online. 

Q: How long have you been using this powder? 

A: Mine lasts me for more than 2 years. I used it 2 or 3 times a week to set my face makeup or to reduce the shine on my face. 

Q: What do you like about this product

A: The affordability of this setting powder is the highlight about this product. It costs under S$20, which is such a bargain. The packaging is compact and durable, making it very handy to travel with. The oil control of this powder is medium; and I would not say it has great lasting power. My skin did not have any allergic reaction to this innisfree powder. This mineral pact  also did not cause my acne-prone skin to breakout. 


Q: What do you want to improve about this product?

A: As it is a setting powder, there is no coverage. You need to blend it well as it is a white powder, if not you will look blotchy. Your face can look cakey if you apply too much powder.

Q: Would you recommend this powder to your friends? 
A: Would not repurchase because I prefer powder that is more finely milled. This innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder is not as fine.

Pictures courtesy of innisfreeworld.com

NEW BUY: Innisfree Face Designing Duo #2 (Evening Sunset)

Face Designing Duo #2 (Evening Sunset)

~AG~
While browsing through the blush section of an innisfree store in Seoul, Korea, I noticed this contouring powder. I forgot to take note of the price, but it is retailing for S$20 on innisfreeworld.com. There were only two shades available in store. Decided to go for shade #2 (evening sunset) because #1 (afternoon delight) was too light. 

A shading & highlighting duo that emphasizes the contours of the face with natural shading colors 
1. The face is fully dimensional and has a healthy shine 2. Adheres softly to the face without being powdery 3. Incorporates vivid colors in your makeup that lasts all day

Picture Credits: innisfreeworld.com

Cannot wait to try this shading product! Hope it works well to contour my face. Stay tuned for my review of Innisfree Face Designing Duo.

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. 

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: Hera CC Cream

~AG~

This is MG's most raved about product. Now it is my turn to give my take on this award-winning CC Cream from Hera. Bought this CC Cream during my trip to South Korea last month. This was one of the top items on my must-buy shopping list.

According to the packaging, "Multicream, with an evolved and innovative skincare texture, merges skin-friendly cell biotechnology for complete coverage of blemishes and create a firmer and younger skin." Their clinical trial test claims that the use of Hera CC Cream will improve moisture content by 13.3% and skin tone brightening by 17.3%. It also claims to that the makeup will lasts for 8 hours. 

Pump packaging with a protective cap

Bought this CC Cream from Lotte Duty Free for KRW 31,000 (S$38,000). It is expensive for a CC Cream compared to other brands such as The Face Shop, Nature Republic or Innisfree ! Hera is considered an high-end Korean cosmetics brand so you pay more for their products.

The CC Cream has a light coverage. It feels like a tinted moisturizer rather than a foundation. For those with blemishes and redness, Hera CC Cream provides little coverage. You will need a concealer to cover up more problematic areas such as dark circles or pimples. The CC Cream does not feel heavy on my skin. The light texture still allows my skin to breathe. It also does not feel sticky or leave an oily residue. The best thing is that the shade matches my skin tone. It does not cause my face to have a grey or white effect. It evens the skin tone with masking the face. The shade I chose was True Beige (23), and it looks natural on my skin. Hera CC Cream is available in three shades: Pink Beige (17), Natural Beige (21) and True Beige (23). 

 It brightens and evens out my skin tone but still looks natural

There is no unflattering white or grey cast

 You can still see my blemishes

The only bad thing about this CC Cream is that it will melt if you are perspiring. During one of my experiences with Hera CC Cream, the makeup smudged badly around my eyes area when I was wearing sunglasses. It was embarrassing! I even used Giorgio Armani powder to set the makeup after the application of the CC Cream. So Hera claims that the makeup will lasts for 8 hours is not valid to me. 

However, I have resolved that issue. Hera CC Cream staying power is extended when you pair it with a face primer. I had no issues with the makeup melting or smudging off when I used Benefit POREfessional with Hera CC Cream. Bottom line is, if you live in a humid climate or during the summer, you have to use a primer before applying Hera CC Cream.

After several uses, Hera CC Cream did not have any adverse effects on my combination sensitive skin. It did not cause my skin to breakout nor did it cause any bumps on my cheeks area.

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 :)

TO BUY: Bourjois Foundation 123 Perfect CC Cream

~AG~

While on my lunch break, I stumbled upon the Bourjois section at Watsons. Since this particular Bourjois showcase had many testers on display, it was the perfect opportunity for me to explore the products. I have been a BIG fan of Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation. Its light-to-medium coverage feel comfortable on my skin. Click link for my review of it. http://beautyloverssisters.blogspot.sg/2014/04/review-bourjois-healthy-mix-serum.html

One of the products that I tried was the Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream. It is available in four shades: Ivory, Light Beige, Rose Beige and Bronze. The shade that I tried was Light Beige, which is the second lightest colour. A tip for testing foundation shade: apply the foundation on your jawline/cheek area instead of testing it on your hand to get a better colour match. It retails for S$25.90, which is comparable to that of Korean CC Creams. I was VERY VERY tempted to buy Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream, because the texture was so smooth and the colour matched my skin tone perfectly.

 

THE COLOUR CORRECTION OF A FOUNDATION:

Thanks to its 3 colour correcting pigments that smooth away imperfections

. APRICOT pigments > anti-fatigue

. GREEN pigments > anti-redness

. WHITE pigments > anti-dark spots

Result: luminous complexion & flawless skin in one step.

 

According to Bourjois UK official website:

Bourjois UK official website - 123 Perfect CC Cream

91% of women agreed that:
Their complexion is perfectly evened out
Their dark spots are concealer
Their skin is left flawless

 

However, in the light that I will be going to Korea at the end of the month, I decided to hold off on this purchase. Since Korea is a land filled with abundant choices of CC Creams and CC Cushions. If I cannot find a Korean brand CC Cream or CC Cushion that matches my skin tone and is suitable for my sensitive skin, I will definitely buy Bourjois CC Cream.

Q&A: Hera CC Cream

Comes with a hygienic pump packaging

The actual amount MG uses on her face

~MG~

When did you start using Hera CC Cream?

MG: August 2014

Why did you buy it?

MG: Because BB Cream is too thick for me, and I wanted something lighter for my skin. I wanted a product that will brighten up my dull skin. I heard of Hera CC Cream from Youtube guru, meejmuse. She mentioned that it was the best CC Cream that she tried, and she always said that Hera is a brand that is worth buying.

How much did you buy it for?

MG: Around US$30. It is slightly more expensive than Etude House but trust me, it's really worth the money because you only need a small amount for the whole face. For me, I only need half a pea size and it's enough to cover my (big round) face.

What can you say about the product?

MG: It is THE CC Cream to try! Usually, I do not get compliment on my skin. But after using it, I enjoy receiving some [compliments]. It really makes your skin looks glowing and dewy (just like the Korean celebrities!). So for those with oily skin, or have the fear of having oil pan on the face, this will not be the product for you. Also, please take note that this product has low coverage so you will need to use your concealer to cover up any imperfections after applying this CC Cream. For those seeking for more coverage, BB Cream may be the better choice for you.

The shade that I use is 01 (Pink Beige), which is the lightest shade. I have a relatively fair skin with pink undertones. This CC Cream only comes in two shades. The other shade is for darker skin tones.

How do you apply it?

MG: After applying my primer, I will squeeze out half a pea size of the CC cream and apply bits of it on my forehead, cheeks, under-eyes, nose and chin areas. After that, I will slowly tap on the product and blend it out.

What do you dislike about it?
MG: Hmmm, that's a tough question! I have nothing but love for it. But if I need to point out 1 dislike, I would say that I don't really fancy the product size. It's abit too big, I don't think I can ever used it up! Perhaps, Hera should size it down so that it will be more affordable.

Do you experience any allergic reaction or breakout after using it?
MG: None! (Yeah!)

Would you recommend it?
MG: Definitely! In fact, I already recommend it to my friend and she too loves it now!

Banila Co it Radiant CC Cushion

~AG~

I cannot wait to try this Banila Co. CC Cushion. I bought this while I was in Korea a few months ago. I forgot how much it retails for exactly. It was around USD$35. It is rather expensive purchase but I figured the cushion technology is what makes it pricey. Anyway, I will let you all know whether it is worth the price tag. Stay tuned!

Nature Republic Super Origin Complete Control Cream Tinted

~AG~

Whitening, Wrinkle-Improvement & UV Protection

This tinted cream provides a seamless complexion through prevention of dehydration. 

How to use: As the last step of skincare, apply an appropriate amount to the entire face. As this product has a UV protection function (SPF 30 PA++), you do not need to apply sun protection cream separately. For increased coverage, you apply BB cream or foundation together. 

It retails for less than USD $15. I was roaming around the Nature Republic Store and wasn't sure what else to buy. Since my mother had mentioned that she wanted a CC Cream to try out, I asked the saleslady about their CC Creams. She recommended this Super Origin Complete Control Cream and another CC Cream which has brightening properties. I decided to get this one because I think it will have more coverage. When you squeeze the pump applicator, the product that comes out as a white gel consistency. Then when you apply it to your skin it changes and blends into your skin tone, like a foundation or tinted moisturiser. A pretty neat product isn't it? 

I will let you know when I borrow this CC Cream from my mother and try it out. Hehe ;p

REVIEW: Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte

Chanel Poudre Universelle Compacte in 20 Naturel (USD $45)

Imparts a translucent, natural matte finish when applied over makeup in the morning or as an anytime touch-up. Ultra-fine lightweight formula with light-reflecting pigments and luxuriously soft feel creates a flattering, halo-like look.

~AG~

This is a translucent pressed powder that gives a matte finish and provides minimal coverage. Contrary to its description,  I cannot see its light-reflecting properties on my skin. I bought it together with a Chanel Mat Lumiere foundation. It comes in several shades (20-Clair, 30-Naturel, 40-core, 140-Muscade). The Chanel sales associate matched Shade 20 Naturel to my skin-tone, but the powder itself does not have much color. Since I do not use much foundation on a daily basis, this pressed powder was highly neglected. 

However, much later on, I found a use for it. Since my Benefit Erasepaste concealer would melt when I apply it under my eyes during the summer, I used this pressed powder to set it. This pressed powder does help make my concealer more melt-proof. 

The only downside to this product is that it will look too powdery if you use the powder puff that comes with it. However, when I use a large powder brush instead, it is fine. When properly applied, it would not accentuate my fine lines. 

Overall, this is a good pressed powder for setting your makeup, though it is pricy. 
I recommend Chanel pressed powder for those with oily and combination skin. And will not recommend it for those with dry skin. The Guerlain pressed powder will work better for those with dry skin. 

REVIEW : Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen

Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen

 Dior claims this skin perfector is supposed to diminish shadows, fine lines and imperfections. According to their study, 91% of women saw anti-fatigue effect after three weeks of daily application.








~AG~


This is a dupe of YSL Touche Eclat Radiant Touch. The reason I bought Dior SkinFlash was to have a quick & easy under eye concealer for on-the-go. However, I discovered that it can solely be a highlighter and does not work well as a concealer. SkinFlash has a sheer texture, hence the lack of coverage. When I use this in addition to my Laura Mercier Secret concealer, I’ve noticed it does help brighten the undereye area slightly.

But how significant is the brightening effect? Not enough to make me buy the product again especially with the hefty USD $37 price tag. 

MORE SHARING SERVICE