[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.

[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.

[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.

[Haul] February 2013

Face

Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer "Ivory"

Kat Von D Everlasting Face Shaper Blush "Bellisima"

Physicians Formula Youth-Boosting Power "Creamy Natural"

Physicians Formula Airbrushing Bronzing Veil Bronze Booster "Light to Medium"

Lips

L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Wet Shine "193 Eternally Nude"
L'Oreal Colour Riche "800 Fairest Nude"

Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede "080 Fashionista" & "095 Finale"

Eyes

Maybelline the Falsies Volum'Express Flared "Blackest Black"

Maybelline the Rocket Volum'Express 

L'Oreal Color Infalliable "006 All Night Blue"

L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner "Black Mica"

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Makeup "120 Creamy Ivory" & "130 Buff Beige"

Sephora Eyelashes and Eyelash Glue "Astonish"
Quo Full Lashes "804 Flirty"

Nail

Nicole by OPI "Mi Fantasia"

Nicole by OPI "Luke of the Draw"

Sally Hansen Maximum Strength Polish Remover

Etc

Veet Hair Removal Cream and Gentle Finishing Cream with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E

Veet Easy Grip Ready-to-Use Wax Strips with Vitamin E & Almond Oil - Sensitive Formula
Geo Soft Circle Lenses "Angel Brown"

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.

[LOTD] Tough as Taupe & Hustle from Naked Palette Look

I was in rush to my lecture and it took me less than two minutes to complete this look. 

I never wore the same look but after this one, this became my most favourite!

Products Used:

MAYBELLINE Colour Tatto 24h Eyeshadow : Tough as Taupe 

URBAN DECAY Naked Palette - Hustle

MAC Blitz and Glitz

xoxo

cynthia.

[Make-Up Tutorial] Mysteriously You

It's true that I've been posting the product reviews lately but I'm trying to shape my blog in a more organized manner.... so here is my new look: Mysteriously You.


Let's Start :)

- Apply some eyeshadow primer for a significant enhancement in both pigmentation and lasting power.

- Mix two shades (the black one on the top right corner and the taupe-brown which is the one under the black) and apply them on the outer corners of your eyes.

- I also used a soft peachy shade (the third one from the left on the second row) on the inner corner and blended all three together to achieve a gradated effect.

- Actually, it looks much more pigmented and more black but I think it still looks alright.

It doesn't look like so but, at the end, the look appeared to be more dark chocolate-taupe shade with some light gold silver. 

I also added the taupe-brown shade on the corners underneath. 

(and.. if you look really close, you can see some some fallouts) 

- I applied MAC Glitz and Blitz and Maybelline's the Falsies Volum' Express Waterproof mascara to finish off the look. 

And this is it! 

Just to share some personal thoughts, I'm having a rough time in school (since this is my fourth year), so tutorials will come in the slower pace than usual but I still hope you enjoyed the tutorials. 

If you liked this tutorial and want more of these, please subscribe to my blog or follow me on twitter @CDistrict900212. Thank you and I'll talk to you all soon!

xoxo

cynthia.

[Tutorial] Haunted Little Red Riding Hood Make-Up Tutorial

Hey everyone! I hope you all are preparing well for Halloween.

I had a Halloween party last Friday and this was my last minute make-up but I had great compliments from my guy friends so I decided to share this tutorial.

Let's Begin!

Here I am, either barefaced or with very minimal make-up (i.e., base & eye primer).

(yes, I'm assuming this is the one without make-up 

because I'm covering my face with my hair...lol) 

I applied MAC's Woodwinked on the inner corner and Forest Green Pigment on the outer corner. I blended Forest Green with a dry brush without mixing medium and it turned out to be a beautiful daily look (and this is what I wore to work). However, we're not aiming for a daily look, are we?

Now, this is what you're willing to get.

A metallic forest green.

Now, I wet my brush with mixing medium and 

topped the daily look with more of the Forest Green to accentuate the eyes.

Now, this is completely optional but I made that sharp edges on the outer corners and intentionally didn't blend them for sharp and defined look 

(if you are not a follower of mine, I do that all the time xD).

If you want, you can do so.

Next, I wanted to look haunted since it was Halloween party (but not to the point where I look trashed), so I took Reflects Blackened Red glitter and mix it with Missha's Magic Eyechange to apply them on the lower lash line.

(And, again, this is optional but I mixed Woodwinked with Colour Infallible in #015 Flashback Silver on the inner corner of my eyes to brighten the inner corners of my eyes)

I used MAC's Glitz n Blitz and Maybelline NY Volum' Express the Falsies to finish off.

And that's it for the eyes :D

Products Used:

I wanted the overall look to appear very natural since eyes are so accentuated,

so that the focus is on the eyes, not here and there. I still added minimal amount of bronzer on my cheeks and jaw area (very very minimal so that it shapes the face). 

I hope this tutorial was helpful and if you want more make-up tutorials,

please follow my blog and/or my twitter @CDistrict900212 :)

Thank you so much and I hope you have a wonderful Halloween!

(+)

This is my look and sorry for the blurriness but

this is the only picture I could get without others in the photos.

I'll come up with more pictures. Stay tuned!

xoxo

cynthia.