[Empties] April 2013

REGULAR-SIZED PRODUCTS

Lancome Visionnaire (30ml | $90) 

This product functions as moisturizer and, although I am not a person who is very weary of the changes on my skin, I was able to tell that this product has minimized severe acnes and most of my minor acnes. ★★★★☆ 

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Ivory ($12.99)

This product is used to brighten up under & inner corners of my eyes as well as my nose. While it definitely highlights and glides on the skin quite smoothly, but it fails to cover up much and settled in creases. The brush is slightly harsh too. ★★★

Bioderma Sensibio H2O (500ml | $30)

This product is effective even for base and waterproof makeup. I apply this product on two cotton rounds to remove the entire makeup. It leaves the skin hydrated. ★★★★☆

Purell Hand Sanitizer (236 ml | $?)

Hand sanitizing is the key in reducing acne problem; therefore, I usually sanitize my hand before starting my makeup routine. I've tried other brands, but this sanitizer moisturizes while sanitizing. It also dries fast. ★★★☆

Jack Black Lip Balm in Lemon (0.25oz | $7.50)

This is my Holy Grail lip balm that I use everyday. It is the only product that will melt my lips. ★★★★

Deborah Lippmann Rehydrating Base Coat (15 ml | $20.00)

I don't really agree with the hydrating part, but this base coat is still great. ★★★

Delon+ 100% Pure Cotton Premium Cotton Rounds ( 8 Packs of 100 Rs | $10.99)

It is just a pack of cotton rounds, but it has one piece/layer of slightly rough fabric attached on top of the cotton rounds. The rough side is quite helpful in removing nail polishes. If it is not used for the purpose of removing nail polishes, remove that fabric to use soft sides. It is hypoallergenic,  soft, absorbent, and used by cosmeticians. It also contains aloe vera and provitamin B5. It is also not tested on animals. ★★★☆

Macadamia Rejuvenating Shampoo (ml | $18)

(Image Credit: Amazon)

It is a shampoo that helps maintain my brunette hair colour. My hair tends to turn brunette/brown colour into lighter colour (ex. brassy blonde-brown), but this shampoo has helped me maintain the colour that I prefer. However, it is expansive, does not make my hair smooth in comparison to my other shampoos and fails to keep the scent last all day. ★★☆

SAMPLE & SAMPLE-SIZED PRODUCTS

Dior Miss Dior Cherie Blooming Bouquet (Sample Size | $0) 

This product is one of my Holy Grail perfume that I use everyday. It is very floral and fresh; but it does not last more than 2-3 hours, so I always keep a sample-sized container in my purse. Unfortunately, it was a limited edition perfume and it is no longer available. ★★★★☆

Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System (2ml each | $0)

(Image Credit: Sephora)

This skin care system contained 4 try-ons of Liquid Facial Soap, Clarifying Lotion 2, Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (2-day supply). As for the Facial Soap, it was very mild, but there was not a factor that would attract me to purchase the actual product. Clarifying Lotion 2 felt like nothing but an alcohol. Although I avoided my eye area, it was burning and irritating. I tried it several times in order to see the difference, but it never got any better. Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion was definitely hydrating and made the surface very smooth. However, it was not enough for night time use. ★★★☆

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream With Super 7 Complex (Sample Size | $0)

(Image Credit: Sephora)

It feels like whip cream melting onto your skin. It sinks into the skin quite easily and smoothly too, leaving your skin very fresh and healthy-looking. It smells like freshly-cutted cucumber. ★★★★

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream (0.05 oz | $0)

(Image Credit: Sephora)

I enjoyed using this product at night. It was very smooth, keeping my skin extra moisturized overnight. ★★★★


I hope this empties/mini-review was helpful. See you tomorrow with my April Haul!

xoxo
Cynthia.

[Bobbi Brown] Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Cabo Coral

I usually don't purchase Bobbi Brown products. There was the time when I fell into the pool of vanity where I thought that only the high-end make-up products have long consistency, excellent quality, and a great range of colours (which was partially true). Furthermore, they were perfect attractions for the ones who 1) have fallen into the pool of vanity like myself 2) can actually afford these extravaganzas. However, I came to realize that I shouldn't purchase what I cannot afford and what is not worth its price. Therefore, I consider as many positive and aspects as possible before purchasing high-end products. 

But I'm trying to talk about one of my numerous success from the high-end brand experience and here's an example: Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Cabo Coral. 

Design 

The Pot Rouge jar reminds me of Chanel Illusion D'ombre. They are about the same size (although Pot Rouge comes in a 5cm jar in diameter) and both have the logo on the black plastic lid. Pot Rouge comes in a transparent jar. 

Product 

It is a gorgeously light peachy coral shade (honestly looks more peachy to me) which falls into the warm-tone category. The colour in the jar is quite overpowering but it is gradually buildable. 

Its texture appears to be very hard wax-like but it melts, sticks and glows gorgeously on the cheeks, giving a dewy finish. However, the formula definitely is thick and dry for the lips, requiring an application of lip balm before using Cabo Coral. 

Moreover, it has a distinguishably awful scent (and taste) that may be recognizable but undefinable. It is undetectable once applied around the cheekbone but strongly detectable once applied to the lips. 

Personal advice

If you really want to apply it to the lips, Scrubbing the lips using lip scrub and applying generous amount of lip balm is recommended. Keep your lip balm handy at all time since it is very dry for the lips. 

xoxo

cynthia.