[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.

[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"

[Review] Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer in Ivory

Size: 1 oz.

Price: C$64.00

Type: Tinted Moisturizer

Availability
Illusion Tinted Moisturizer is available only at Sephora (in Canada).

Ingredients

-Instalift®: Plant-based active glycopeptide designed to help improve skin firmness as well as collagen and antioxidant activities. Visibly lifts and tightens within first hour of application.
-Hyaluronic Filling Spheres: Made from pure Hyaluronic Acid to increase hydration levels to deliver skin-smoothing and softening results.

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Cylcomethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Water, Silica, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Hyaluronic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Potassium Cetyl Phospate, Glycerin, Alumina, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Methicone, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton), Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Laurate, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. May Contain: Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499).

Product Description

Broad Spectrum SPF 15 - Paraben Free - Oil Free - Fragrance Free - Nanoparticle Free - Sulfate Free - Phthalate Free - Synthetic Dye Free - Gluten Free 

An advanced tinted moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 and clinical levels of anti-aging ingredients. Illusion Tinted Moisturizer combines Instalift and Hyaluronic Spheres at 3% to create a youthful and glowing complexion. A natural glycopeptide, Instalift visibly lifts and tightens the skin within an hour of application, while Hyaluronic Spheres help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and boost skin's hydration level to deliver a healthy, dewy finish. 

Container/Packaging

The product comes in a cylinder-shaped metal container with a pump attached. 

Product
It is a tinted moisturizer which makes it very advantageous and beneficial to the skin. Unlike any other tinted moisturizer, it takes the lead in the tinted moisturizer market as it is able to give a full coverage with beautiful and dewy finish. Therefore, it definitely makes the skin more glowy and healthy (most common compliment). It is also perfect to cover up redness, acne skin, acne scars, hyper-pigmentation, and dark spots too.

However, keep in mind that, while it is perfect in covering imperfections, it does crease and set in fine lines. 

For combination skin, it begins to look slightly greasy within 6 hours of wear (with no primer).

Scent

It smells very close to play doughs.

Would I Recommend This Product? 
Definitely yes.

Pictures

[L'Oreal] Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner 610 Black Mica & 630 Earthen Rock Brown

Size: 0.05 fl oz. or 1.5ml

Price: C$10.99 (+tax)

Type: Liquid Eyeliner

Availability
This product is available any local drugstore that sells L'Oreal's products.

Ingredients

Product Description

For dramatically bold eyes looks L'Oreal presents Lineur Intense's felt tip applicator allows you to create delicately thin or dramatically bold lines.

- All day wear up to 8 hours. - Won't fade away.

- Ophthalmologist tested. - Fragrance-free.

Application Tips: Shake well before each use. Glide tip along outer lash line, pressing lightly for thin line and increasing pressure for thicker line. Replace tip in ink well to remoisten if desired.

For a delicately thin line: Using the tip of the applicator, draw a thin line along lash line from inner corner of eye working outwards.

For a more bold eye look: Using the tip of the applicator, draw a thin line gradually widening the line by angling the tip from the middle of the lash line to outer corner, flicking up at the end of lash line for a "cat eye" look.

Container/Packaging

The product comes in a golden pen-shaped container. The felt-tipped applicator works quite well as the handle is made quite narrowly. The only downside of this pen is that it has no label telling what the name of this product actually is (except for the tiny little label that is not made to be read).

Product
The actual product glides on quite smoothly with the applicator. Although the applicator seems to soak up a lot of product, it is quite comparable to Lancome's Artliner. While it is oil-proof and water-resistant, it is definitely not smudge-resistant. It neither flakes nor fades after 12+ hours of wearing. 

610 Black Mica is highly-pigmented and opaque black.
630 Earthen Rock Brown is also highly-pigmented and opaque muddy brown.

Scent

It smells like ink, but it is totally undetectable once applied.

Would I Recommend This Product? 
I would. I've been a loyal customer of Lancome for their Artliner and Estee Lauder for their Double Wear Zero-Smudge Liquid Eyeliner, but I would have to say that the Artliner and the Lineur Intense are the winners of the game. After I finish my Artliner and Double Wear, I will stick with Lineur Intense.

Pictures

Heavy swatch of Black Mica (Left)  |  Heavy swatch of Earthen Rock Brown (Right)

Black Mica (Left)  |  Earthen Rock Brown (Right)

[Review] Butter London "Dahling"

Size: 11ml - .4 fl oz

Price: C$17.50

Type: N/A 

Availability
In Canada, this nail polish is purchasable at Sephora & Holt Renfrew (and other online beauty retailers).

Ingredients
Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol/trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Isopropyl Alcohol, Propyl Acetate, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Triphenyl Phosphate, Butyl Alcohol, Streara/konium Hectorite, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Benzophenone-1, Citric Acid, Dimethicone, Acrylates Copolymer (and) Bimethiconol (and) Mercaptopropionic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Ascorbic Acid. May contain: Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride, Titanium Dioxide, Red Iron Oxide, Black Iron Oxide, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, FD&C Yellow #5 Aluminum Lake, D&C Red #6 Barium Lake, D&C Red #7 Calcium Lake, D&C Red #30 Lake, D&C Red #34 Calcium Lake, Aluminum Powder, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Guanine (the label was so small that it is not readable).

Product Description
You don't have to be daring all the time. Sometimes a deep, dusky pink is just the ticket and very posh indeed.

Container/Packaging

"Dahling" comes in Butter London's classic design; a black rectangle cap on top that secures the cylinder-shaped applicator with a white bird engraved. The applicator is a round brush.

Product
"Dahling" itself is a appears to be lighter than the actual polish. I thought it was a pastel pink shade but it applied to be deep and muted pink (to see the closest representation of the shade, click here).

Scent

The scent is almost undetectable in comparison to regular nail polishes in the market.

Would I Recommend This Product? 
I would totally recommend this product. Three impressive facts:
1. Super Chipping Resistant: I have a habit of tapping my fingernails on the table (and I really don't take care of my nails that much) but it survived nine to mostly fourteen days without incidental and minor chipping (and the chipping is almost invisible too!).
2. Satisfactorily Amazing Colour Pay-off: This nail polish is almost opaque in one coat, and if not, two coats is more than enough (three coats is too thick).
3. Fast Drying: It dries quick.
With these being said, I was definitely impressed by the nail polish and I look forward to trying more.

Pictures

[Haul] Sephora Mini-Birthday Haul

It was birthday last week which happened to be my picture day. Therefore, I booked an appointment to get my makeup done by a Sephora makeup artist. I ended up purchasing three products that I much favour. I also received a birthday gift from Benefit which really brightened up my day.

Sephora - "Astonish"

This pair of eyelashes really makes you look like you have naturally longer lashes. This is my first pair of false lashes but it really didn't feel heavy or bothersome (and less pricier than the well-known brand lashes). 

Kat Von D - Everlasting Face Shaper Blush "Bellisima"  

The picture turned out to be light muted coral shade but it is, in real life, bright cool-toned coral pink that I would've probably stayed away from if the makeup artist haven't recommended it. It applies to be quite vibrant on my hand (and it makes the skin look darker); however, it applies featherlight, smooth, and blushed-cheek look that really makes you look like you ran for a few minutes. I'm using it everyday and really loving it so far.

Hourglass - Illusion Tinted Moisturizer in "Ivory"

I've heard a lot of positive comments about the Hourglass brand, so it was one of the brands that I really wanted to give it a try. Yet, I had a terrible experience with several light-coverage tinted moisturizers, so this was another product that I wouldn't have tried if I was not recommended.  One thing I highly emphasized during this makeup session was to really hide all imperfections on my face, and therefore, I was highly surprised when she brought a tinted moisturizer. But it felt smooth and photographed really nicely on the "untouched" graduation photos. I would probably have to return this product but it is one shade darker than my complexion, nonetheless, I'm enjoying it quite a lot. Although I see it fading after 8 hours of wear, this tinted moisturizer is probably my most satisfied purchase from Sephora.
 


benefit - "They're Real" Mascara & "Watts Up" Highlighter (Birthday Gift)

I have a strong preference for mascaras that can curl my straight lashes, and therefore, I have not tried "They're Real" mascara yet. However, I'm really enjoying "Watts Up" Highlighter. If you have a lot of imperfections on your skin, do not directly apply the concealer onto the surface of the skin; I would rather put it on my finger and gently pat it wherever I need. 

I'm planning on purchasing some more products (probably from MAC and YSL), so stay tuned :)

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.

I'm in Korea Now :)

Hi everyone,

I apologize for the long absence from the Blogger world. I, as the Executive Director's Assistant, had to concentrate on the film festival in June and had to leave to Korea in order to take summer courses in Korea University.

But here are some of my pictures to declare my comeback!

  

xoxo

cynthia.