[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.

Cynthia's Beauty Favourite of 2012

FOUNDATION (FLUID)
Giorgio Armani "Luminous Silk Foundation"
This foundation creates a natural-looking complexion that really brings out the luminous sheen. It gives a medium coverage, but it is buildable to create a full coverage. The result is quite flawless: it covers visible pores, redness, and even faded acne scars. Moreover, it feels quite light and soft. It may, however, require an additional step of powdering for those with oily skin.

FOUNDATION (CREAM)
Innisfree Mineral Melting Foundation SPF 32 PA++
This foundation gives a medium to full coverage with dewy finish, but it feels amazingly moisturizing at the same time. The product comes in a compact that contains a compact-sized mirror along with an "air cushion puff" that helps to pat on the foundation to the face. The "air cushion puff" contains rubicell, the element that helps creamy-textured foundation to create better coverage and more luminous look.

EYESHADOW (SINGLE)
Nature Republic "Crystal Smoky Shadow #4 Smoky Dia(mond)"
This loose eyeshadow is highly pigmented and stays on all day with the help of an eye primer. It comes in a container with a sponge-tipped stick applicator, so it is quite easy to carry around.

EYESHADOW (TRIO)
Wet n Wild "383B Knock On Wood" 
Not that this fact matters, but a vampy look has been in high demand this year and this trio makes a perfect fit for this trend. Especially the dark plum eyelid colour really brings out the vampiness of this look. Aside from the chat about this year's trend, all shades are highly pigmented, long-lasting, and inexpensive.

EYELINER (LIQUID)
Estee Lauder "Double Wear Zero-Smudge Liquid Eyeliner"
This is one liquid eyeliner that I swear by that is highly oil resistant and somewhat water resistant at the same time. Compared to Lancome's Artliner, this one is more oil resistant, slightly more water resistant, and, most importantly, cheaper.

EYELINER (GEL)
MAC "Glitz & Blitz"
This is a smooth and easy-to-use eyeliner that really intensifies the look. It hardly smudges and lasts up to 8 hours without touch-up's. For a more defined look, avoid Glitz & Blitz and go for Blacktrack.

MASCARA
Maybelline "The Falsies Volum'Express Flared"
This mascara does not lengthen much and smudges a bit, but it can give a perfect amount of curl and thicken the lashes.

Maybelline "The Falsies Volum'Express Black Drama" 
This mascara can really lengthen and hold curls, but it fails to thicken the lashes at all and smudges a bit as well.

L'Oreal Paris "Voluminous Mascara #395 Carbon Black"
This mascara is quite capable of thickening, lengthening, and separating lashes, giving a dramatic and "false lash"-like result. It, however, does not hold the curls very well.

*FYI: If you have straight, pointing-down Asian lashes like mine, I would advise to use Maybelline Volum'Express Flared or Volum'Express Black Drama and then use the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous mascara next to thicken the lashes.

**FYI: I apologize for not having a single pencil eyeliner. I haven't found a pencil eyeliner that does NOT smudge.

LIP BALM
Jack Black Lip Balm in Natural Mint & Shea Butter
This product contains mint that "freshens breath" and Shea butter that "conditions and moisturizes the lips, keeping them soft and supple". It has minty cooling effect and nourishes the lips, keeping them soft and moisturized all night. For a more in-depth review, click here.

LIPSTICK
Lancome Rouge in Love 230M Rouge Rendez-Vous
This is a rose-scented rose-pink lipstick that is appropriate for everyday, especially for Spring and Summer. This can be worn by the ones with both warm and cool-toned complexion (neutral tones too). Because it leaves a semi-glossy finish, it obviously does not last long, but it is a long-wearing lipstick for its texture.

NAIL POLISH
Essie "#928 Don't Sweater It"
This is a taupe-brown shade that is closer to brown. It is almost opaque after one coat and did not chip for three to four days.

FRAGRANCE
Dior "Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet"
This fragrance is a limited-edition fragrance. While Dior's fragrances are intended for matured customers, Miss Dior perfumes are for everyone. This fragrance is definitely worth trying.

Dior "Dior Addict Eau Sensuelle"
Dior describes this fragrance as "an 100% addictive elegant floral" and "a fragrance that unfurls like a bouquet of extremely noble flowers". It contains "[t]he stiking encounter between a sparkling rose, a vibrant jasmine and white musk".

Bath & Body Works "Twilight Woods"
This fragrance mist smells quite sweet but it seems to suit slightly more matured customers because it is quite overpowering for first few minutes. Bath & Body Works describes this scent as "[w]oody notes like Tuscan Cyprus and sandalwood give Twilight Woods its rich and warm scent. Notes of vanilla and coconut make it sweet and comforting" (click here to read more).

REMOVER (EYE MAKEUP/LIQUID)
Clio "Fresh Lip & Eye Remover"
The remover is a cheaper alternative to Lancome's "Bi-Facil", only it is in light pink shade. It is extremely gentle but still works well on all types of mascaras, eyeliners, and makeups, including waterproof products and makeup's. On top of that, it has subtle hint of rosy scent that is not overpowering. If Lancome's "Bi-Facil" is considered overpriced, try Clio's "Fresh Lip & Eye Remover".

REMOVER (FACE MAKEUP/CLEANSING FOAM)
Laneige "Mild & Thorough Cleansing for Clear & Bright Skin Multi Cleanser"
This product is a thick lotion-textured makeup remover that has micro-beads for gentle exfoliation. It is not as harsh as scrubs (it's very gentle and mild), so it is perfect for everyday use. The result is amazing: it does not leave oily residues behind and gives a clean face to work with.

REMOVER (FACE MAKEUP/LIQUID)
Bioderma Sensibio H2O 
This product is a god-sent product that really helps cleanse sturdy makeups off. Despite its strong metal-like scent, it is quite capable of removing even the waterproof makeups off without much effort. It is also gentle and soothing. The only downside is its price.

REMOVER (NAIL POLISH)
Skinfood Lavender Nail Polish Remover
This product does not damage nails too much but it really can remove nail polishes quite easily. It also has an amazing scent. I also used the Grapefruit Nail Polish Remover from the same brand and, although it has stronger scent, it works just as well.

[Hits & Misses] November/December Hits & Misses

hey everyone! I now posted my November/December Hits & Misses video on Youtube. I'm trying to become video-friendly but I just don't want to be on a video yet so I apologize. I will be on my video in a near future....but until then, here's the video :)
(Sorry for the blurriness. I'm filming with my digital camera and I have to stop the video and zoom in / out so it was a lot of hassle for me to do that for each product (but I guess I have no choice...).

For more detailed pictures and explanations, please check below. If that's not what you're looking for, thank you so much and I'll see you soon in the upcoming post or video!

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm in Lemon & Chamomile

Container: Since this product is created for men, it appears to be very "un-female-product-like" but you will thoroughly enjoy the product nevertheless. In terms of the size, it only contains 6ml of lip balm with definitely leads people to think how pricey it can be ($7.50 + tax in Canada) but I would say that this was totally worth it.


Product: This product is in a gel texture (ticker constancy compared to lip gloss) which does its job of moisturizing and hydrating. I had it on for 8 hours or so since I applied it just before I go to bed and I still could feel the product on my lips. My boyfriend, however, didn't like this product since he was expecting rapid absorption and instant smoothness (instead of moisturization). If we are still talking about moisturzation, it has great consistency for sure. I think it is a great replacement for Vasline (not price-wise though). One thing that I haven't mentioned in the video was that, since it is in gel form, I thought many would confuse this product with lip glosses. However, it doesn't give a glossy finish like lip gloss. Rather, it gives that semi-matte-looking texture just like other lip balms.

Scent: strong lemon candy scent which I consider to be perfectly fine but I found it to be too strong when I felt sick.

Would I Recommend This Product? Definitely. I bought five more of these to give it to my brother, boyfriend, and friends as a mini-Christmas gift.

Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm

Product: While Dior asserts that this product is "a customized balm that lastingly enhances and embellishes the natural colour of the lips", the pay-off of this balm is quite unnatural: it gives cool-toned pink colour that you may not be expecting from the product. It also gives that glossy effect but it doesn't seem to last all day (although the colour stays). However, I agree that it gives fresh and radiant appearance to your lips. It also doesn't become sticky. Although I complained about this product quite much, I actually enjoy using this product.  

Scent: There's that scent that I cannot quite explain but it has a very unnoticeable but pleasant scent to it.

Would I Recommend This Product? Yes but it falls on the pricier side.

Biotherm Aquasource 24h Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel

Container: Replenishing Gel comes in a warm emerald-green round-ended rectangular jar with a white opaque rounded lid. It has another lid that you can simply lift up to protect it from dust that may sit on top. 

Product: It has an emerald green gel with fresh scent that smells quite pleasant. I feel that instant enhancement as I roll and pat it on my skin. It feels moisturized as the skin absorbs the product, leaving the surface smooth. It doesn't leave the surface sticky, giving that perfect condition to move on to base and/or foundation. However, I DO think that it is overpriced indeed. I think I paid around $40 CAD and it was too much for such small jar that only lasts for 6 months or so (if used daily).

Scent: It is not too strong but it smells quite fresh and pleasant. 

Would I Recommend This Product? Yes.

Biotherm Source Therapie Skin Perfection 7 Catalyzing Serum

Container: transparent navy blue glass container with a mini-pump on top. I purchased two for $150 from Duty Free.

Product: It has a gel to cream texture which applies really smooth. I always get blemishes but this product never gave me any trouble. Instead, with its "7 ionized minerals", I feel the instant "velvet-smooth"ness that Biotherm has promised. Moreover, it minimizes the sizes and the visibility of the pores. I don't get break-outs but I definitely avoid applying this product around my nose and forehead since those are the oily area.

Scent: It has Source Therapie 7's signature scent which I totally am in love with but I advise you to test it out first before you actually purchase the product because it may be a bit too overpowering for some.

Would I Recommend This Product? I definitely would but this falls onto the pricier side and may be oily for some.

MAC Dazzlesphere! Smokey Blue Crushed Metal Pigments 

I made a detailed video for these pigments so please follow the link below for more information:
http://benefitter.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-mac-dazzlesphere-smokey-blue.html
Would I Recommend This Product? NO.

Missha M Perfect Cover B.B. Cream

Container: The BB Cream conviniently has a pump attached to the tube so that you don't have to struggle to get the BB Cream out. It also has a lid of which helps to keep the product sanitary.

Product: This product has anti-aging, whitening, sunblock effect which sounds more attractive than foundation. In terms of coverage, it feels light and gives little to medium coverage which I'm definitely a fan of. However, I want at least my blemishes to be covered and it lacks in such ability (although the product promises to do so!) but still covers some redness of the face. Since most of the BB Creams aim to achieve dewy finish (and yes, it gives very nice glow to your face), it only lasts about 4-4.5 hours until it requires another touch-up in terms of consistency. I would advise to apply concealer if you want perfect coverage of blemishes and/or redness. Also, there's not a wide range of selection in terms of shades so that's another downfall.

Scent: It has a baby powder scent :D

Would I Recommend This Product? Yes. I forgot to ask my mom to purchase one in Korea so I'm getting mine shipped from Korea. I know I mentioned quite a bit of downfall to this product but I prefer BB Cream over foundation because it has the ability to continuously give a dewy finish without becoming powdery. I mean, I'm still in search for the perfect BB Cream (or the perfect foundation) so please give me a recommendation if you got the perfect "it" item.


And I know I had the original NAKED palette in the beginning of the video but didn't include it to review since I haven't played with it enough. To give you an idea, I'm not enjoying it as much as other Youtubers or Bloggers praised butlet's see how it goes and I'll include that for my January Hits and Misses.

If anyone came from the Youtubeland where I said I'll post this Hits & Misses post a week ago, I sincerely apologize. I'm in Las Vegas and really didn't have enough time even to visit my own blog for three days.

This is all I got to say and... Merry Christmas!

xoxo
cynthia

[Nail] Nail done by my brother!

I was going to get rid of my Dior Blue Denim but then my brother made smiley faces on them! It was soooooo adorable and well-done so I decided to keep them.

[Haul] Ralph Lauren, Dior, Random Jewelry, and LANEIGE

Hey everyone! As I promised, I'm posting my haul for Ralph Lauren, Dior, LANEIGE and random jewelry I purchased today.

As for the reviews, I'll try out Dior & LANEIGE products to provide you with accurate advice and thoughts. Until then, enjoy my today's haul :)

Ralph Lauren 

( The Big Pony Collection )

I exchanged two Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts for my dad and my brother, Philip.

Last week, I bought one in Navy and one in Burgundy but changed Navy to Burgundy because my dad favoured my brother's Burgundy better..... (too bad I couldn't show you the Navy one :( ) I think he loves it !

This was the Burgundy one :) I believe this is one of The Big Pony Collection but wasn't sure because I couldn't find this one on their American website. 

Dior 

If you were keeping in track of my previous posts, I never wore nail polishes. However, Dior moved my heart with their Blue Tie Collection (limited) and Dior moved my heart once again with another nail polish.

This is Dior Vernis 545 Psychedelic Orange. I thought it was coral-coloured nail polish but it turned out to have more cool pink shade to it. I still love it anyway. As you can tell, I wore it on the left and right bottom corner and I think it looks beaaaaaautiful. I just hoped that this was a coral-coloured nail polish though...

This one is Dior Addict Lip Glow Colour Reviver Balm. I was lucky enough to get one of the last two that was left in the Department Store :) It is a lip glow reviver balm but pay attention to the word "colour". I tried it out and it not only moisturizes your lips but it also works as tint. 

I really have to confess : I love Dior perfumes.

The last time I went to Dior, this lady kindly asked me to test Dior Addict to Life on my arm and I sniffed my arm non-stop (I know, I looked like an idiot). Yet, whatever the case is, this perfume was the reason why I visited Dior.  

This perfume is just amazing. According to Fragrantica, 

this was the June 2011's new edition of the original Dior Addict perfume. 

Very floral, the composition begins with pomegranate, raspberry and peach. The heart tones of rose, jasmine, and lily are followed by the base of cedar and white musk (source). 

It is my absolute favourite and I'm wearing it right now although I'm home alone. Tee hee!

And are you excited to see the gifts I received?

OHEMGEE. If you can find any Dior stores that give this amount of samples, PLEASE let me know which one it is, because I haven't seen any. The very bottom thing in plastic bag is a small pouch that came along with the samples.

I didn't find this pouch stunning but I find it usable :( I thought it was very small and narrow but it could keep all the samples I received from Dior. 

These are the samples I received.... Don't you just LOVE the miniature of Miss Dior Cherie? I just fell in love with it.

As I said, I'll try each sample one by one so please keep in touch :)

Jewelry from God-Knows-Where

This was one marvelous ring. The design, although it looks crazily complicated, is very simple. It has diamond-shaped plastic (I think) in the middle metal chained surrounding the plastic. However, it looks very delicate and beautiful. 

I SWEAR I've seen such design before! I HAVE SEEN THIS PAIR OF EARRINGS BEFORE! ....but whatever the case is, this is gorgeous. The tear-shaped stone really sets up the mood while surrounding synthetic diamonds accentuate elegance. I would wear this for formal parties. This was absolutely gorgeous and couldn't pass by. 

I already had an Eiffel Tower necklace from France but I HAD to purchase this one because it had a mini-Eiffel Tower! ...besides, I don't mind another Eiffel Tower necklace. I think I'll never get bored of collecting Eiffel Tower necklaces. 

I thought this was freaky because of the film "The Fourth Kind" but I still bought it anyway because I couldn't pass by THIS BABY.....unless.. it gives me nightmares... 

Random Clothes...

I bought these from random places I don't even remember of....

I complained about how the top part of the dress on the right is see-through and the gentleman there said "you can work it!" in English. I thanked him back in English but I have no idea how.   

LANEIGE

Again, I'll show you the reason why you have to buy cosmetics in Korea. I only bought $25 lotion and I received that many samples. 

The lady there just grabbed a handful amount of samples and just dumped it in the paper bag.......... I think those samples will equal my $25 lotion hehe :D

That's it for my today's haul :) 
I hope you enjoyed it and please leave comments below or follow me on twitter @CDistrict900212! Thanks for reading! 




xoxo
cynthia.