[Favourites] May 2013

I apologize for the late May 2013 Favourites :'( I moved back to Korea (permanently for now), so I could not upload this favourites until now. More will be uploaded soon, so please stay tuned!

Face

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser for Dark Circles in 20 Light Pale

This is a small thin concealer that has a sponge tip that pumps the product out as it gets twisted up. This was a concealer that has been abandoned for a long time, but it has become my absolute favourite. It can not only hides dark circles, but it is also capable of hiding pores completely. I mean completely. I was never in "absolute love" with a concealer before, but this product was worth mentioning first. I absolutely love this concealer.

Lips 

Lancome Color Design Stylista (Matte)

Stylista looks extremely similar to Lancome Rouge in Love 230M Rose Rendezvous which is slightly muted rose-pink. On the tubes, they look exactly the same. However, the difference shows up on the swatches: Rose Rendezvous has a glossy to satin finish whereas Stylista has a matte finish; yet, it manages to work well even on unprepared (not moisturized) lips.

After applying Stylista on the lips, take a Q-tip to fade out the edge of the lips. This additional and bothersome step gives a blurred-out and unfocused effect.

Maybelline Baby Lips #15 Cherry Me

This product can be used to prepare your lips but it can also be used on its own. It gives a rosy tinted glow that gives a slight glossy finish. Despite my chapped lips, this product succeeded in smoothing my lips within seconds. It requires a reapplication every three or four hours, depending on the amount of hours you talk and the food you may consume.

Nail Polish

Essie 752 Turquoise & Caicos (C$9.99--Sale) 

This product is a turquoise-emerald green nail polish with glossy finish. My only complaint (that goes with all the Essie nail polishes) would be that it is very sheer. Especially for this product, the first coat looked like I had a stain on my nail polish. Three to four coats were enough to achieve that full opaque colour--however, the good thing is that it was, despite the number of coats applied, very thinly coated. It lasted for 8-9 days without a single chipped nail. This is my most favourite drugstore nail polish of Summer 2013.

xoxo
cynthia.

[Haul] May 2013

Face

Lancome Teint Miracle BUFF 2W (C$45.00)

Lancome Teint Miracle is a lightweight foundation that gives a healthy and luminous glow. This is my second purchase of this product. It gives a medium coverage but it is buildable to full coverage--and the process of building up does not make this foundation look neither cakey nor heavy: it maintains its lightweight dewy look. This foundation is able to cover up redness, but requires extra concealing when it comes to dark spots and acne scars.

After three to four hours, the T-zone (oily skin) began to get oily. However, the entire face (combination skin) begins to look slightly oily after six hours.

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H 100 BUFF (N)Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H 230 BUFF (W) (C$50.00)

This was my first time trying out the 24h version of Teint Idole (I tried to 14h version). Despite the fact that this judgement depends solely on my first impression, it is a full-coverage and matte finish foundation that feels much heavier than Teint Idole Ultra (feels like I was wearing a lot while it was only my foundation). It was capable of covering reddness and dark spots. It also succeeded in covering up acne scars. It was moisturizing, but not as much as Teint Miracle.

This product will be reviewed this week, so please stay tuned!

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation 910 Classic Ivory

This is a matte long-wear foundation that claims to have "lasting power of primer, coverage of a concealer, and blendability of a foundation in one." It is true that it has the lasting power of primer; it didn't get shiny for 6-8 hours on my T-zone, depending on the weather condition. It also contains the coverage of a concealer. However, it does not have the blendability. It had to be blended quickly; otherwise, it settled right onto the face.

Eyes

Clé de Peau Beauté Boîtier (C$28.00) & Ombre Couleurs Quadri #209 (C$58.00)

This product will not be mentioned thoroughly here, so there will be an in-depth review about this product within a few days.

Covergirl Clump Crusher by Lashblast Water Resistant in Black

There is only one thing (and if not, two things) I look for a mascara: the ability to curl and to be fully waterproofed. This product failed in giving me the ability to curl, which I care about the most, so it was a definite no-no for me. It also flattened my lashes too. However, it really did not clump and was capable of separating each lash.

Cheeks

MAC Mineralize Blush Warm Soul

This is a warm reddish coral blush with shimmer. It looks great on light to medium skin tones. It will look nice on darker skin tones, but it may appear too light. Despite its shimmer, this product would be a great choice for those who hate shimmery products: the shimmer looks pretty fine that it appears to have a hint of luminous glow. The blush is also very finely milled, feeling soft and appearing natural.

Overall, I haven't expected much from this product, but it was a great blush.

Lips

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter 015 Tutti Frutti (C$7.99--Sale)

Revlon's Lip Butter collection has been must-haves for the beauty community last year. I was in love with 001 Pink Truffle in Spring & Summer 2012 (review can be viewed here). Although it is very muted shade for Spring & Summer season, it set a great impression that convinced me to gravitate towards other shades.

This product glides on and is applied as evenly 001 Pink Truffle. It is definitely moisturizing, but it is not as creamy as Pink Truffle.

The best description of this lip butter is that this product feels as if it is melting onto the lips: it is very hydrating and well-pigmented. It lasts three to four hours and requires a reapplication, but it also leaves a slight hint of tint.

Nails

Essie 988 We're In It Together (C$9.99--Sale)

This is a warm-toned baby pink nail polish with almost invisible purple micro-shimmer. There is a review on this product here, so please don't forget to check it out before you decide to purchase this product!

Essie 752 Turquoise & Caicos (C$9.99--Sale)

This product is a turquoise-emerald green nail polish with glossy finish. It lasted slightly over 8-9 days before minor chipping started. This is my most favourite drugstore nail polish of Summer 2013. There will be a slightly more in depth review on my favourites for May 2013, so please stay tuned for it!

Essie Luxeffects 958 Set in Stones (C$9.99--Sale)

This product is a simple silver glitter nail polish. One coat did not give enough glitters, but two coats were enough. However, this was not so remarkable from the regular glitter nail polishes. It lasted more than three weeks and chipping was very unnoticeable.

Quo by Orly 59337 The Blue Box

Quo is a Canadian brand that is slightly more expansive than the most drugstore brands. The products are actually high in quality too. 59337 The Blue Box is an emerald green shade. It is extremely similar to Revlon 580 Eclectic, Sally Hensen's 540 Jaded, Ceramic Glaze 110 Blueberry Bubblegum. Although it appeared to be muted mint green, it came out slightly bluer. It applied very thin without being streaky. I totally enjoyed using Quo by Orly product.

This product was not streaky at all, but I was not in fond of this shade. Although it looked like a light mint green shade (it looks exactly like the photo), it turned out to be a dark turquoise green with a glossy finish. It is also quite pricy. Nonetheless, it lasted for over a week before minor chipping began.

Revlon 040 Enamor 

This is a deeper pink nail polish. I haven't tried this product yet.

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear 4860-33 Pacific Blue

This is a deep Azure blue nail polish. This shade seemed more pastel, but it was applied much darker than the shade the bottle showed. It chipped after three days and all nails were chipped after five days. I didn't like this nail polish overall.

Body

Vaseline Hydrant Spray & Go Moisturizer Dry Skin & Aloe Fresh (C$9.99)

This moisturizer is really different from the rest of the moisturizers that can be found in the market. For example, it has a mechanic pump that extracts the product out of the tin-canned bottle. The product feels quite fantastic; it absorbs quickly, feeling soft and gentle on the skin. It leaves the sense of hydration for 3-4 hours before you do not feel it anymore. Although I do not use them on my skin, they did not break me out once it accidentally attacked my face.


So that is it for my May 2013 haul. I hope you enjoyed and please do not forget to subscribe to my blog. Thank you!

xoxo
cynthia.

[FOTM] May 2013

I decided to do "Face of the Month" every Month, showing you what I prefer to wear. Although I do not wear the same products everyday, my list will be comprised of the products that I mostly wore. I also took photos when I wore the products that I listed here. I hope you enjoy!

________________________

Foundation: The Face Shop Face It Aura Color Control CC Cream 02 Natural Beige

Eyeshadows: Lorac Unzipped Palette (highlight: Undercover & shadow: Unattainable & Lower Lashline: Unbridled) -- I did not wear any mascara and eyeliner, but these are due to my personal preference.

Eyebrows: The Face Shop Lovely Me:ex Style My Eyebrow 01 Grey Brown
& Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara

Image Credit: http://international.thefaceshop.com/english/product/productView.jsp?ctgr=ctgr&search=ca&prdidx=7299&prdtype=0&pageno=1

Lips: Maybelline Baby Lips in 15 Cherry Me & Lancome Stylista

Share your FOTM!

xoxo
cynthia.

[Haul] April 2013

Face Products

Lancome Visionnaire

This product really enhanced the condition of my skin: it minimized the acne scars, the number of acnes, and the tone of my skin. Once applied, it really hydrates my skin. This is the second (or third) repurchase and I am satisfied. 

The Face Shop Face It Aura Color Control CC Cream 02 Natural Beige

Unlike any other CC Cream, this is a CC Cream with medium coverage CC Cream that is buildable to slightly heavier coverage with dewy glow. It feels more like a BB Cream than a CC Cream.

Osèque High-End Touch SPF34 PA++ 21 Light Beige 

Osèque High-End Touch foundation gives sheer coverage with dewy finish. It feels heavy.

(From top to bottom) Sigma Tapered Kabuki - F86, Large Angled Contour - F40, 

Tapered Blending - E40, Short Shader - E20, Eyeliner - E05 

Tapered Kabuki - F86 is my most favourite brush above all. It is very densely-created brush, perfect for applying under-eye concealer and highlighting. Large Angled Contour - F40 is good for countering, but I also use it to apply blushes too. Tapered Blending - E40 was my least favourite brush above all. Although it feels and blends better than MAC 224 brush, it sheds a lot. Short Shader - E20 is perfect to apply and to blend on highlighters on the inner tear duct and on the lower lash line. Eyeliner - E05 works great to apply (but not to blend on) inner tear duct and lower lash line.

Lip Products

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain 045 Romantic

I purchased this product after purchasing the same product in different shade (001 Honey). This product runs smoothly with a glossy finish. It gives the purest blood red shade with very evident red stain.

Covergirl Lipperfection Jumbo Gloss Balm 215 Watermelon Twist & 245 Ruby Twist

(Top) 245 Ruby Twist (Below) 215 Watermelon Twist

Both give sheer to medium coverage. While it is very wet and quite similar to Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, this product is not a lip stain; therefore, it does not transfer onto the lips. It also does not transfer. Please keep in mind that Watermelon Twist is quite vibrant and may make your teeth appear yellow.

L'Oreal Colour Caress Wet Shine Stain in 188 Coral Tattoo & 193 Eternally Nude

I fairly enjoyed using 193 Eternally Nude and thus bought 188 Coral Tattoo too. Both are fairly pigmented and wet. With an interesting-shaped applicator, the product glides on smoothly with it. 

MAC Mineralize Rich Lipstick Elegant Accent

It is a vibrant cool-toned pinkish coral shade with a glossy finish.

Nails

Deborah Lippman Rehydrating Base Coat

It is pretty hard to determine whether this product is really capable of hydrating my nails. However, I still favour this base coat anyways since it does not transfer nail polish colours onto my nails. It also makes my nail polishes to become less brittle. 

Butter London Fiver

This is the light pastel mint-green shade. Because it does not have neon shade within it, it really looks great even in yellow-toned skin: it does not make your skin appear to look yellower. It lasts around 6-8 days without chipping and peeling off. After that, almost all fingers chipped.

That is it for my haul! Don't forget to follow me on my blog and on Twitter :)

xoxo
C. 

[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] January/February 2012

I frankly feel as if I only had a week of February but I was surprised to know that it is already March :D For the lack of posts, my excuse has to be the fact that I'm a fourth-year undergraduate so this time of year really matters to me; but without any further due, I'll get right into my January & February hits & misses.


Hits 
LANCOME Genifique
Lancome promotes this product as "Youth Activating" serum and such term is definitely unexaggerated. As it touches the surface of your skin, it instantly absorbs and gives the smoothness that you experience when you exfoliate your skin. After a week of using this product, I've experienced a visible sign of both improved skin tone and even texture. Personally, I didn't get any blemish problem with this product although my cheeks are dry and my T-zone is oily.

As for the negative aspects of this product, it comes in a thick liquid form which has its significant scent which I do not find quite pleasant. It also falls into quite expansive side as for the skincare product but, despite these facts, this product instantly became the most important part of my skin care regimen.

DEBORAH LIPPMANN Wicked Game Nail Polish
If you can tell from my past few videos, you would know that I'm not a fan nail polishes but love definitely began to grow on me and I purchased a few. While China Glaze nail polishes dominate most of my collection, I think I'll make more purchases from Deborah Lippman after this purchase. It applies in a very thin coat but comes opaque after two coats (maybe depending on the application). Moreover, it didn't chip off until the fourth day of application and most lasted for six to seven days (until I had to remove the nail polishes to try new ones). I love this nail polish so much that I think $22.00 + tax from nailpolishcanada.com was definitely worth it. I am willing to give up three China Glaze nail polishes to purchase one Deborah Lippman.

LANCOME Tonique Comfort Re-hydrating Comforting Toner (Dry Skin)
In comparison to other toners available in the market, the texture of Tonique Comfort is quite thick to call it a "toner". However, it definitely meets its purpose of both hydrating and comforting the skin. I have a full review on this product so I will not discuss this product in detail but please check out the link below for more information.
http://benefitter.blogspot.com/2011/07/lancome-tonique-comfort-review.html

BIOTHERM Aquasource 24h Deep Hydration Replenishing Gel
I know how much I talked about this product pretty much for every Hits and Misses but I really love this so much and I'll have to run to grab my third one real soon. If you want more information about this product, you can also follow these links.
http://benefitter.blogspot.com/2011/07/miscellaneous-junes-hits-and-misses.html
http://benefitter.blogspot.com/2011/12/collective-haul-yesstyle-ebay-ardene.html

REVLON Colourstay Foundation
This product give a medium coverage so if you have blemishes or under-eye circles, then you would need an additional touch-up with your concealer. It gives a nice sheen to your skin but as the time passes by, it turns to matte texture with powdery finish. It slightly creases but still an amazing product for drugstore foundation (probably one of the best foundation I've used from drugstore). As for the downside to this product, one of them would be the fact that the price of this product was $21.99 + tax in Canada which falls into the pricier side as for the drugstore product. Also, it has no pump which can get a little unsanitary if you are constantly getting the product out with your finger. However, this is still an amazing product and I highly recommend this foundation.

LANEIGE Water Bank Long-lasting Hydration Essence
Before I mention anything about this product, I would like to inform you that "Essence" refers to serum. Thus, this product is a serum and I tend to apply this product after Lancome Bienfait Aqua Vital Continuous Infusing Moisturizer. I don't know why I abstained from using Water Bank Essence since my first year of university but I began to use this product again this year. After using this product, I grew a habit of touching my face a lot to feel how smooth it is (it's not a good habit!). It instantly smooths the surface of your skin and keeps it smooth and long-lastingly moisturized.

NEUTROGENA All-in-One Make-Up Removing Cleansing Wipes
I tend to fall for foam or lotion-textured cleansers because they cleanse the face without irritating the skin. I used make-up removing wipes from several companies but I haven't found a great cleansing wipe and Neutrogena's cleansing wipe would be one of the best cleansing wipes I've ever tried. It contains 25 of 190mmx185mm wipes which is "gentle on eyes". To mention its positive aspect, it does its job of removing make-up including eye make-up without irritating the eyes. However, I still think the surface of this tissue is not soft enough. Yet, I'll have to say this is the best cleansing wipe I've tried so far. So this one would be both a hit and a miss.


Misses
URBAN DECAY NAKED Palette (original)
There was the time when Youtube fans wildly confessed their love for the original Naked palette and I completely understand why such palette became so viral: this palette has twelve full-sized, highly-pigmented eyeshadows that is perfect to carry around. I've been using the palette everyday since I purchased this product (therefore I tried to incorporate every look with this palette for more than three months, hoping to understand why Youtube went wild with this product) but I still indicated this palette as one of the "Misses" because it has some fall-out especially for the glittery shades. After I use Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Base, it seems to work better but I still get fall-out. If I pay for $50+ eyeshadow palette, I would obviously expect less of such problem so that's why this would be a miss.

BIOTHERM Aquasource Nuit High Density Hydrating Jelly
As you can tell from the number of Biotherm posts that I've made, you may be able to tell that I really love Biotherm. Despite my disappointment with Aquasource Skin Perfection 24h Moisturizer, I still used their skincare products nonetheless. Therefore, my recent purchase of Biotherm Aquasource Nuit High Density Hydrating Jelly also happened without hesitation. The first few days of my experience were full of wonders and praises. It made my skin feel heavenly: as smooth as a baby's buttocks :D.... however, I feel as if my skin is getting used to this product and my skin does not feel as smooth as the first experience with this product. I wasn't sure whether this product should be listed as a miss but I don't think it was worth paying $48 for 50ml product.

L'Oreal Magic Smooth Souffle
I remember the time when I posted a haul including this product, talking about how much I will enjoy it etc etc. However, I don't think I do. The shade 516 Nude Beige matches my skin (the foundation itself looks really yellow when first applied but it seems to match perfectly as it sits on my skin). However, it, for some reason, feels grainy to me and I started to abstain from this product. Besides, this is one of the more expansive drugstore product and this did not meet my expectation.

MAC Black Line Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner
This is a black-brown shade with gold shimmer that does not smudge nor budge on me and, while I was satisfied with this purchase, it burned my eyes after application and had to remove it immediately. I gave it a try about three to four times but I cannot mention much about it since I couldn't have it applied for a long period of time. What's good about an eyeliner if you cannot apply it?

That's all I have to say for January and February. I made many purchases but I'm still trying one after another so please stay tuned for more reviews and tutorials!

xoxo
cynthia.

[Lancome] Genefique Youth Activating Concentrate Review & Photos

Size: 1.7 FL. OZ. (or 50mL)

Price: $125.00 + tax 

Type: For all skin type

Availability
This product can be purchased at department store make-up counters and all over the Internet.


Ingredients (as provided by Amazon.com)
Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Adenosine, Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Limonene, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Edta, Octyldodecanol, Citric Acid, Citronellol, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate.

Container/Packaging

Genifique comes in a light silver box explaining that it "create[s] a more youthful looking skin by promoting the production of proteins that are characteristic of young skin". As for the foremost results, Lancome commonly mentions the "re-plump[ing]" of skin with "refined and re-illuminated" complexion. 

The actual product comes in a black-to-white gradient glass with a silvery metal lid accompanying a glass pipette. The container feels larger and heavier in comparison to the amount of product inside. 


Product
It comes in an white opaque liquid form which is slightly thicker than Tonique Comfort (click here for the review) but not so thick for a serum. With half a pea-sized drop of Genifique, it can cover 4/5 of one's palm. Therefore, it only requires about two full drops from the pipette for the entire face. 


As rolled onto the skin, it instantly gives a smooth and even texture and soaks into the surface within 2-30 seconds or so, depending on one's skin type. Regardless of the type, the result is jaw-dropping: even, plumped and smooth surface. 


There seems to be no improvement of the pore sizes, spots, and wrinkles. 

Scent
It smells like a cheap-scented glue with a hint of almost unrecognizable peach scent but there is definitely a stronger scent that overpowers the pleasant scent. Overall, it's not an enjoyable scent.

Would I Recommend This Product? 
Despite harsh criticisms it receives, I'm thoroughly enjoying this product. Although I didn't purchase Visionnare, I accompany Genifique with Tonique Comfort and Bienfait Aqua Vital Continuous Infusing Moisturizer. As for the result, I'm so satisfied with the combination that Biotherm Aquasource is not a part of my skincare anymore (although I praised so much about it). After my second container, I don't have any plan to make the next purchase because I love the feel of the instant absorption of moisture.
Overall, this was a great investment for me. 

Pictures

I hope this review was helpful and if you have any question, please leave it in the comment section below. Thank you so much and have a great day!

xoxo

cynthia.