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Skincare

Review: REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask

May 20, 2015

Hi, my loves! So sorry I’ve been a littttle MIA. Been swamped with makeup work, motherhood and Brown Bucketeer thingy majigs. But I’m back with another review! I actually wanted to review a few makeup products but decided to review this mask instead because it’s been my lifesaver these past few weeks. Plus, we recently just celebrated 15 years of REN Skincare!

Yes, I’m talking about the cult-favorite REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask, a rinse-off mask designed to “refresh and renew the complexion, reduce fine lines and improve skin tone and radiance.”

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask

Let’s start off with my skin profile: I have dry combination skin, but since it’s very cold here my skin has been much drier than usual. Due to frequent travels, my skin has also been experiencing lots of breakouts, so I have hyperpigmentation issues.

Texture & Scent: The texture of this mask is of a very thick, pasty jelly.

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask

Once spread out, the consistency thins out and you will be able to see and feel slightly grainy textures, but they aren’t abrasive at all. Think of them as tiny balls of jelly!

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask

Speaking of jelly, this smells like orange jelly. If you love citrus scents, you will enjoy having this on your face!

Packaging: The packaging is a plastic bottle with a pump. It’s very hygienic because the opening of the pump has got a tiny cap too!

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask

The issue with pumps is that we usually won’t be able to completely finish up the whole bottle because there would be leftover product that we simply can’t reach in to get, but the good thing about REN Skincare packaging is that the products are stored in a plastic bag inside the bottle. This ensures every single bit of product left will get sucked out!

How fancy schmancy (and effective) is that!

Product: Now, they did have a lot of claims about this product – were they all true?

Personally, I found that this product is an excellent pick-me-up for days when my skin is dull because it has an immediate overall brightening and refreshing effect. (note: brightening is not whitening)

Over a period of three weeks, using this once every three to four days, I was able to see visible fading of some of my worst acne marks/hyperpigmentation spots.

I also had problems with congested skin around my nose and jaw area. They were tiny flesh-colored bumps, but they’re not pimples, they’re simply congested pores. I had a hard time removing these even with regular exfoliation and acne treatments, but this mask really helped accelerate the whole process. My skin texture has been much smoother ever since I’ve used this regularly for three consecutive weeks.

So, all of their claims seem to be true, except for the “fine lines” claim – I personally don’t have lines yet (except laugh lines, which I’m not too worried about) so I can’t testify to that.

Application Tips: This product does sting my skin, especially areas with active acne and open wounds. So if you have cystic acne or open wounds, you might have to avoid those areas. You can apply this on past acne marks because it really helps fade the dark spots left behind, but I don’t recommend applying it when your acne hasn’t healed yet as it will most likely sting and irritate it.

If you have sensitive skin, make sure you do a patch test first!

Final Verdict: So, all in all, I highly recommend this mask if you suffer from dull, bumpy, spotted skin. With regular use (once every three to four days) you would be able to see a difference. My skin was immediately brighter, smoother in texture (less bumps!) and my past acne marks are slowly, but surely, fading away.

I give this 4.5/5 buttons!

Have you ever tried this mask?

Let me know if you loved it too, or if you know of any comparable alternatives!

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Skincare

5 Essential Steps in Winter Foot Care

May 12, 2015

Stephanie Casidy

Winter is right around the proverbial corner so it’s about time we break out our booties and boots! Not a big fan of cold weather, but I do love my boots!

However, having our feet wrapped up in socks and shoes for too long can cause dry, cracked heels from lack of moisture and the warmth of being wrapped up (especially indoors with the heater on) may sometimes cause sweating and the emission of bad odour. Nothing is more revolting than taking your socks off at the end of the day to sweaty, moist, bad-smelling feet. Yuck!

So, don’t neglect your feet’s needs just because you won’t be exposing them when you’re outdoors! Here are 5 essential steps in winter foot care you may need to look into this Southern-Hemisphere-winter to maintain healthy and gorgeous looking feet:

1. Keep ’em moisturized with Vitamin E Cream

This is one product you should have readily available at home. I love slathering this all over my feet after I shower, focusing on the heels.

This Vitamin E cream from Enya is comparable to other moisturizers out there and is only $3.99 for a huge 1 kg bottle at My Chemist or Chemist Warehouse (sometimes even cheaper!), how crazy is that? Best thing is, it’s a multifunctional product which can be used as a moisturizer for the whole body, even as an alternative to shower gel and shaving cream!

Another amazing this about this is that it does not leave a sticky or greasy film on the skin even though it’s really moisturizing. I raved about this here in my “Holy Grail: Beauty Products I Keep Repurchasing” post.

2. Keep ’em fresh with Scholl Fresh Step

I don’t know about you, but I struggle with sweaty feet during the winter because after hours of walking/sitting indoors in a heated room with my socks and boots on, my feet would sometimes be overheated, resulting in sweaty and smelly feet. I know. TMI. Sorry! 😀

Well, this Scholl Fresh Step Anti-Perspirant is the answer to my prayers – it’s spray deodorant for your feet! It neutralizes odors and reduces wetness. I spray this on before putting my socks on, focusing on the sole where sweat is concentrated. This will keep your feet odor-free throughout the day and it’s designed for dry feet so it will also keep your feet moisturized!

It’s also handy to have a peppermit spray (just mix water with a little bit of peppermint oil in a spray bottle) and spray it on your feet at the end of the day to soothe them!

3. Keep ’em smooth with Honey & Brown Sugar

Prevention is better than reparation, and exfoliation is a key step in preventing dry, cracked heels. So, exfoliate regularly! This DIY scrub is so easy, you have no excuse not to exfoliate this winter.

Image courtesy of www.zliving.com

My favorite DIY foot scrub is a simple mixture of honey and brown sugar, and lemon juice can optionally be added too. You can also use this scrub for other body parts!

Honey is a great humectant and will retain moisture. Its antibacterial properties will also help heal cracked and dry skin on feet. Brown sugar is a soft but effective exfoliant (raw or white sugar can be too abrasive).

You can also pour honey (and your favorite essential oils) into a bucket of warm water, stir it up, and soak your feet in it before you start scrubbing.

Check out this post to find out how you can do this at home!

4. Keep ’em soft with Oatmeal & Oil

Another favorite DIY foot care recipe of mine is a simple mixture of oatmeal and vegeteable oil. This is a foot mask, so you keep this on for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

Image courtesy of www.blueosa.com

Oatmeal is known to have skin healing and soothing properties, so massaging and masking your feet with it will help reduce flakiness and cracks.

Simply mix it with vegetabable, jojoba or olive oil until it becomes pasty (you can even add honey!) and massage it all over your feet, focusing on the cracked areas. Then, I personally like wrapping up my feet in disposable pastic showercaps (you know, ones you get from hotel rooms!) and rest my feet up for a 10-15 minutes. Wrapping it up will really help your skin absorb the mask.

5. Keep ’em protected with Scholl Blister Shield Plasters

Another annoying thing about wearing shoes is getting blisters. If you tend to get blisters, or if you already have some, I highly recommend these Scholl Blister Shield Plasters. These don’t just protect the blister like a shield from friction and rubbing, it also keeps the area moisturized and may even assist the healing process.

Each pack comes with 3 large and 2 small rubbery adhesive plasters. These lasted a few days on me, given I only shower lightly and don’t apply any creams or masks around the area.

I also love the pack that it comes with – makes travelling with it so much easier!

Have a warm, cozy winter my loves! Will be returning next week for more reviews for you all!

Much love!

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Favorites, Makeup, Skincare

April 2015 Beauty Favorites

May 6, 2015

Stephanie Casidy

I have a lot of awesome favorites to share with you guys this month! For some reason, I was very spendy last month – I shopped A LOT. Brands I shopped from last month included History of Whoo, Shu Uemura, MAC, Marc Jacobs, Creme Simon and Hourglass. So much new stuff have piled up yet I can’t play with most of them yet because I’ve got tons of other things I’m still in the process of reviewing! Ugh. It’s bittersweet. LOL.

Anyways, on to my favorites!

By Terry Ombre Blackstar “Blond Opal”

I’ve reviewed three of my By Terry Ombre Blackstars here.

I mentioned in my review that Bronze Moon is my all-time favorite, but for this month, the crown goes to “Blond Opal”, a gorgeous metallic golden champagne perfect for highlighting the eyes.

Check out my review for swatches.

I love using this in my inner corners and on the very center of the lids. It gives a very soft, luminous glow.

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Powder

I raved about the Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation here in my January 2015 Favorites post. However, I never mentioned the powder!

That’s because I never really used it much, until last month. I was in a rush doing my makeup and couldn’t find my usual setting powder, and the Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Powder was the only powder I could find in my stash, so I went ahead and used that to set my under eye concealer and spot concealer.

Needless to say, I’m glad I couldn’t find my setting powder that day because this powder is GORGEOUS. After application (I use a Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter brush – my favorite under eye setting brush, and sometimes use the sponge that it comes with) the skin’s texture feels so much smoother! The powder also helps decrease creasing. It is a powder foundation so it does give extra coverage when used as a setting powder, which is awesome.

I highly recommend this powder, and it’s drugstore, so it’s super cheap!

Dior Gentle Toning Lotion

I have been struggling with acne for the past two months because I’ve been travelling a lot, and the climate changes isn’t helping at all, so I’ve been using my Proactiv Repair lotion and although it’s very effective, it can be very drying too.

This toner is so amazing for people with dry to normal skin with sensitivity/redness issues. Ever since I started using this toner before I apply my Proactiv Repair lotion, my skin never had any dryness issue anymore. It also helps alleviate redness around my nose/cheek area.

Plus, it smells so divine!

Giorgio Armani Eye Tint “9 Cold Copper”

I’ve reviewed this eye tint here and it’s just so amazing for days when you’re in a rush and in need of a quick eyeshadow application.

Cold Copper is my current favorite as it’s a very neutral all-over-lid shade. I love wearing this with my Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in “Cocoa Mirage”, which is also a favorite last month!

L – R: Giorgio Armani Eye Tints “9 Cold Copper”, “12 Gold Ashes” and “6 Green Iron”.

Check out my review for swatches!

MAC Lipliner “Dervish” & MAC Lipstick “Cosmo”

These two have been my go-to lip combo for a natural, MLBB color. MAC lip liners are very long lasting and MAC lipsticks in general are very creamy. Gotta love these two!

Marc Jacobs Blush “Promiscuous”

I hauled these three Marc Jacobs products when I was in Sephora Indonesia early last month and immediately fell in love with the blush and bronzer.

I’ve been eyeing the blush for almost a year, so I was glad I finally decided to get it. The shade is a gorgeous warm, medium pink. It’s slightly pinker than NARS Orgasm, and has much less shimmer. The blush has a luminous finish, much like the Clinique Cheek Pop blushes which I’ve reviewed here.

Marc Jacobs O!Mega Bronzer

I’ve also been obsessed with the bronzer, which is as big as my baby’s face. Yes, it is HUGE.

I love contouring with this because it’s not too muddy brown/orange, but it’s not too dull and grey. It really warms up the skin and applies so evenly and smoothly.

I will be reviewing these separately in the near future.

Maybelline Dream Wonder Foundation

Now, I do have a love-hate relationship with this one. I have dry skin, so I love it for use in hotter, more humid climates because it feels like skin and is very lightweight whilst providing adequate coverage.

If you have normal to oily skin, you will love this. 🙂

Check out my review on the foundation, complete with swatches and demonstrations!

Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad “Cocoa Mirage”

Lastly, this probably has been the only quad I’ve used in the month of April. Words can’t describe how perfect this quad is. The pigmentation is spectacular, the texture is so buttery and smooth, the longevity is amazing, and the colors in the quad are so neutral – it’s such a dream to work with and is, hands down, my favorite eyeshadow quad of all time. Yes, of all time.

I will also be writing a separate review on this one. If it’s within your budget, this is definitely worth the investment.

So I hope you had a great month, and I hope May will be an even better month for you! Can you believe we’re almost halfway through 2015? Time flies!

See you next time, dolls!

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Favorites, Makeup, Skincare

February 2014 Beauty Favorites

February 27, 2015

Stephanie Casidy

Hey, dolls!

I can’t believe another month has passed by.

Time for another favorites round-up and I have tons to share with you all!

My favorites this month include new products I’ve just discovered, and products I rediscovered from my collection.

Read on for my mini reviews!

Enjoy!

Makeup

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss “Pretty”

I’ve always wanted to try Chantecaille Brilliant Glosses because Amelia Liana just won’t stop raving about her favorite lipgloss of all time – the Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky. So I went in to Mecca Cosmetica earlier this month and swatched all of them in store.

Before swatching them, I was really keen on getting Lucky based on Amelia’s recommendation, but Pretty was actually the one I couldn’t take my eyes off of.

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss “Pretty”

How pretty is “Pretty”? 🙂

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss “Pretty”

It’s described as a “glistening strawberry pink” and has tiny specks of shimmer, but is very subtle. It adds a nice warmth to the lips and has the ability to brighten up my whole complexion. It is opaque enough to be worn alone, and I love that it doesn’t feel too sticky on the lips.

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss “Pretty”

This has been an in-purse staple of mine ever since I got it.

It retails for US$34 on the Chantecaille website or Nordstrom, and AU$42 at Mecca Cosmetica.

US$34 currently equals to about AU$43 so it’s actually slightly cheaper in Australia (plus, our prices are already tax inclusive!).

Cle de Peau Beaute Rosy Frost Blush

I won’t get into much detail with this one because I’ve already raved about it here.

Cle de Peau Rosy Frost Blush

It’s a beautiful rosy pink cream blush, but the consistency is very thin, unlike other thick, creamy cream blushes in general. Once I start dabbing it on my skin it somehow feels a bit powdery, which makes it feel so smooth.

Cle de Peau Rosy Frost Blush

It has a subtle frosty finish which gives the skin a luminous glow.

It retails for US$55 in high-end department stores but is unfortunately a limited edition.

Keep an eye out for other shades though!

Guerlain Meteorites Perles de Blush “Angelic Radiance”

This is probably the only blush I’ve been wearing over the past few weeks.

It’s just so beautiful and it has that signature Guerlain Meteorites scent.

Guerlain Meteorites Perles de Blush “Angelic Radiance” & Guerlain Meteorites Pearls of Powder “02 Clair”

The pearls are significantly smaller than the Guerlain Meteorites, and a lot of bloggers have complained about this. I personally don’t have a problem with it though.

Here are the blush and meteorites powder side by side:

Guerlain Meteorites Perles de Blush “Angelic Radiance” & Guerlain Meteorites Pearls of Powder “02 Clair”

The pearls come in three different shades: a rosy medium pink for blush, a light baby pink for added luminosity, and a champagne white shade for highlight. When swirled together it creates the most beautiful, skin-brightening flush for the cheeks.

It truly gives an angelic radiance to the skin.

Sorry the swatch isn’t that clear!

Guerlain Meteorites Perles de Blush “Angelic Radiance”
L – R: Mixed swatch, blush shade, pink highlight shade, champagne highlight shade

I will be writing a full review on this blush soon.

It retails for US$53 in Sephora and high end department stores.

ILIA Lipstick “In My Room”

A lovely reader of mine recently got in contact with me. She read my previous Favorites post here and she also happened to love the Josie Maran Argan Infinity in Limitless Pink. She loves the shade so much but had trouble with the longevity of the product on her lips – it only lasted about 30 minutes before it faded. So she asked me whether I knew of a long-lasting lipstick that has the exact same shade as the Limitless Pink.

Josie Maran Argan Infinity “Limitless Pink”
January 2015 Favorites post here.

I honestly couldn’t think of any – I didn’t have any lipstick with the exact same shade and tone in my collection. The YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in 12 Coral Fauve, which I’ve got in my collection, is actually a verrry close dupe – but I’m not a fan of the formula.

Long story short – I came across the ILIA cosmetics range when I was at Mecca Cosmetica getting my Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss, a brand new organic cosmetics brand.

ILIA Lipstick “In My Room”

I was so surprised and ecstatic when I swatched the shade – it’s a full-on dupe, except it’s in lipstick formula. It’s described as a muted pinky brown, and I love that the undertone is warm-neutral (not too warm/orange, and not too cool/blue either).

It’s the perfect MLBB (my lips but better) shade!

Here are ILIA Lipstick “In My Room” and Josie Maran Argan Infinity “Limitless Pink” swatched side by side:

L – R: ILIA Lipstick “In My Room” & Josie Maran Argan Infinity “Limitless Pink”

The texture is quite creamy with amazing color payoff. The finish is definitely not matte, but it’s not overly shiny either. It lasted for over 6 hours without touch up. The packaging is beautiful and lux-looking (texture feels like the Fresh SUGAR balms). And the scent isn’t overbearing. It’s moisturizing too, without that heavy/thick feeling. I’m so happy that this doesn’t chap my oversensitive lips.

The shade seems paler in the following swatch. Just imagine it to be slightly pinker.

ILIA Lipstick “In My Room”

I found my new “favorite lipstick of all time” and I can’t be happier.

In the US, it retails for US$26 before tax on the ILIA website, and AU$34 at Mecca Cosmetica in Australia. Again, I’m impressed that it’s actually cheaper in Australia.

Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer “Bisque”

This has been the only base product that I’ve been wearing over the past few weeks, and it’s been a favorite of mine for years.

I’ve been testing out so many different foundations over the past few months, but I somehow miss this so much. I decided to start wearing it again earlier this month and fell right back in love with it.

Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer

I reviewed this in my “Holy Grail Products I Keep Repurchasing” post here.

It retails for US$44 in Sephora and AU$59 (approx. US$45) in David Jones and Myer.

Paul & Joe Eyeshadow Duo “Gingerbread”

Back in December 2013, I purchased the Paul & Joe Eye & Cheek Color Set in the shade 002 Gingerbread at Harrods in London. It’s part of Paul & Joe’s Christmas Collection.

It came with a makeup bag, an eyeshadow duo, a cat-head shaped lipstick/blush stick, and an eyeshadow “top coat”.

I’ve just been loving the eyeshadow duo so much lately. I haven’t been able to have too much free time lately, so my makeup routine has been very simple. I don’t have time to blend eyeshadows!

So I’ve just been wearing the pink shade on the lids and the darker reddish brown shade on the outer corners using only my fingers for my everyday eye look.

Paul & Joe Eyeshadow Duo 002 Gingerbread

The shadows are very creamy and blendable! The slightly frosty finish highlights the eyelids beautifully. And it never creased on my lids. (I never wear this without primer so I won’t know how it’ll hold up without it).

This set is currently sold out but other Paul & Joe eyeshadows are just as amazing!

Body & Skin Care

Crabtree & Evelyn “Summer Hill” Collection

Summer Hill has always been my favorite scent from Crabtree & Evelyn, but I haven’t actually tried anything from the line except the powder and Eau de Toilette. The scent has very strong white flower tones like lillies, orange blossom, freesia and wildflowers. It has slight peach, grass and woodsy tones too.

The name “Summer Hill” fits this scent so well, doesn’t it!

Crabtree & Evelyn “Summer Hill” Collection

I recently received a $15 voucher from them for my birthday, so I decided to splurge on the line!

I love this scent so much I even got their drawer liners!! My clothes now smell like green pastures in the summer 🙂

I also got the body lotion and bar soap, and I’ve been loving them so much.

The body lotion has a lightweight, silky-smooth finish that isn’t tacky or sticky at all. I love wearing this at night because when my legs touch, they don’t feel tacky at all, which often happens when I use other body lotions.

The soap is also lovely because the scent lingers for a few hours after I finish showering. It makes the skin feel squeaky clean and soft!

Formula 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure Mud Mask

This has been the only mask I’ve been using ever since I ran out of my Glam Glow Supermud (my all-time favorite!) and I’ve just been loving this just as much. It’s just not as easy to remove as the Glam Glow, but the effect on the skin is just as good.

Formula 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure Mud Mask

My skin’s been acting up a bit lately ever since I returned from Indonesia. Climate changes, I guess? So I’ve been getting a bit of congestions/clogged pores here and there – and this mask has helped in getting rid of the bumps.

This is so affordable and I highly recommend this!

A 100 ml bottle retails for US$5.99 at Ulta and AU$8.99 (currently on sale for AU$6.99!) at Priceline.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex

I will be reserving my full thoughts on this for a separate post on this moisturizer!

All you need to know is that this moisturizer aims to prevent signs of aging, provide significant moisture, and boost radiance.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex

I got this moisturizer in the States and fell right in love with it. It has a lovely, fresh cucumber scent and has a lightweight lotion texture that goes on so smoothly on the skin.

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex

It’s the perfect moisturizer for drier climates (like Australia and the States!) and I love how it keeps my skin moisturized without that sticky, heavy feel on the skin. I notice that my skin’s much brighter too, although it could be the effect of other skincare products I’ve been using.

I love this so much that I got a back up of it already.

A 50 ml tub retails for US$42 in Sephora. Unfortunately, I don’t think Fresh Beauty products are readily available in Australia.

Guerlain Insolence Eau de Parfum

I walked into a Guerlain counter asking whether they had a perfume with the scent of the Guerlain Meteorites earlier this month. I don’t know why I waited so long to finally ask that question! I’ve always loved the scent of Guerlain Meteorites powders.

Well, the SA introduced me to the Guerlain Insolence fragrances (there’s an Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum) and it basically smells like the Guerlain Meteorites – it just smells less powdery.

Guerlain Insolence Eau de Parfum

It starts off smelling a bit too sweet and strong, like berries and candies. However, after about 10 minutes, the nauseating sweetness slowly fades and it starts smelling more like the Guerlain Meteorites – the smell of powdery violets.

Guerlain Insolence Eau de Parfum

With the Eau de Parfum, I find that the longer you wear it, the better the scent gets! This lasted the whole day on me. I’m so in love.

I’ve found my new signature scent.

I smell like a huge tub of Guerlain Meteorites.

I’m so in love.

A 50 ml bottle retails for AU$122 in David Jones and Myer.

Sorry for the painfully long post. I just had too many favorites to share!

Hope you enjoyed the post, and hope you had a lovely February!

See you in my next post.

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Favorites, Makeup, Skincare

January 2014 Beauty Favorites

February 8, 2015

Stephanie Casidy

Hey everyone!

January has been a wonderful month – I’ve been able to try so many new products and am glad to share with you some of my favorites!

I actually had so much more, but had to cut it down to these 13 items.

Here’s my full face of makeup using all these things (except the Covergirl foundation because I obviously can’t wear two foundations at a time!).

Read on for mini reviews and swatches galore!

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Pomeade

I don’t know why I waited so long to get my hands on these. I just thought they were hyped up for no reason, but boy was I wrong. So glad I got this while I was in the States. This has totally changed my brow game – my brows have never been more on-point!

Still natural looking because I brush the excess off and disperse them with a spoole, but it’s much sharper and precise than usual. Long lasting too! I’ve been using this nonstop ever since I got this.

2. Cargo One Base Concealer + Foundation

The fact that this is a concealer and foundation in one really interested me because as a new mom, I rarely have time to do my makeup. Heck, I sometimes don’t even have time to brush my teeth! LOL.

Cargo One Base Concealer + Foundation OB-03

So this really does the trick for me. It’s super lightweight but the coverage is buildable! Check out the swatch below – it really isn’t as thick as foundation, but evens out the skin really well, and has enough coverage to conceal dark circles.

Cargo One Base Concealer + Foundation OB-03

Perfect for new mommies and if you’re often in a rush! Perfect for travel too!

My current travel essentials!
The Cargo One Base Concealer + Foundation is a staple because it’s two products in one!

I highly recommend this!

3. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow

I remember being very skeptical about the bronze shade when I did a first impressions review of my Charlotte Tilbury haul here. Again, I was so wrong – I shouldn’t have doubted the Sculpt shade.

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow

I was skeptical because it seemed too light, I didn’t think it showed up on my skin well. But that’s actually the catch! It’s not supposed to be too visibly orange or red or brown. It’s supposed to be a “natural shadow” color.

The Sculpt shade is perfect for contouring because it’s a greyish brown. It’s perfectly toned – not orange at all, and not too reddish or muddy. If you see my photo up there, you can notice my jawline is slightly contoured, but it’s the perfect “shadow” shade.

It literally looks like shadow! And I love the fact that it lasts all day!

4. Cle de Peau Silky Cream Foundation

I got this during the Shiseido Sale, check out my haul here. I have been using this foundation nonstop ever since I got this. This is my second tube and I don’t think I will ever stop repurchasing this.

Cle de Peau Silky Cream Foundation B30

B30 is the perfect shade for me when blended out well. My skin undertone is neutral, and even though this foundation leans more toward the pink side, it actually suits me really well. It brightens up my complexion without giving a white cast, and it really feels and looks like skin.

But the main reason why I love this so much is the consistency and finish. It’s literally “silky” smooth, and doesn’t feel thick although it’s named “Creamy”. It seems to have light coverage, but is actually very buildable.

Cle de Peau Silky Cream Foundation B30

I have so many other open foundations in my stash now and I know I should circulate my foundations – but I just can’t!

Another thing I love about this is that it doesn’t break me out or clog my pores even though I use it every day.

5. Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer 202

Again, I got this during the Shiseido Sale! Check out my first impressions/mini review here.

This is my current purse lippie staple. I never go out of the house without this.

Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer 202

It’s a very wearable rosy pink shade – easy to slap on without risks of it bleeding out or looking messy. Its slippery, balmy texture also makes it very moisturizing.

My lips are very sensitive and easily chap whenever I wear lipstick, but this doesn’t make my lips chap/flake at all!

6. Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Color Balm

OMG – this is probably one of my many blushes that I own that cannot live without.

I’ve been trying out a lot of blushes lately, and I don’t know why, most of them just seem too cool-toned for me that it sort of darkens my whole complexion. When I don’t have time to fix them, this Clinique Chubby Stick is my lifesaver. I just wipe off a bit of the blush I was wearing with a dry cotton pad, and swipe this Clinique Chubby Stick on!

This 02 Robust Rhubarb shade is a peachy pink shade and has a warm undertone. It automatically warms and brightens up my whole complexion!

Swatches: Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip & Cheek Cream Limitless Pink and
Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Color Balm 02 Rhobust Rhubarb

It lasts more than 8 hours on my skin, and has a very velvety (kinda powdery) smooth finish, which I love. It isn’t patchy either, which is a major plus for cream blushes!

7. Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Fresh Complexion Oil Free Foundation

I purchased this foundation in Vegas during the New Year, and immediately fell in love with it! It’s oil free so it’s perfect for hot, summer weather, but it’s also suitable to be worn during winter because it doesn’t dry out the skin. I guess it’s suitable for all skin types!

This does not oxidize, which is great because once you blend it out on the skin it will remain the exact same color throughout the day.

It also:

Has great oil control
Lasts up to 12 hours (set with powder)
Feels lightweight on the skin
Matte finish but doesn’t dry out the skin
Has a cream texture, but not thick at all
Has light to medium coverage

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Fresh Complexion Oil Free Foundation 210

This shade is tad too yellow on me, which is why I’ve been using the Cle de Peau Silky Cream Foundation nonstop ever since I got it towards the end of the month. But I love both so much, this definitely has got to be my favorite drugstore foundation EVER!

So if you’re looking for a great affordable foundation, you definitely have to give this a try!

8. Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Cream – Limitless Pink

This is also another current purse lippe staple of mine! I can’t handle how beautiful the color and finish is!

I got this from the Josie Maran Winter Dreams Argan Color Collection from Sephora.

Josie Maran Winter Dreams Argan Color Collection

The texture seems to be a combination of oil and cream when you first squeeze it out – you can see the oil separating from the color below.

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip & Cheek Cream Limitless Pink

Once blended out it gives the cheeks a very dewy, natural flush. See the swatch above (with Clinique Chubby Stick).

However, I don’t actually use this for the cheeks – I mainly use this for my lips!

Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip & Cheek Cream – Limitless Pink

I love the naturally glossy finish look it gives, and the pink MLBB shade is just perfect for everyday use. I was using this on top of the Cle de Peau Enriched Lip Luminizer 202 in my photo at the very beginning of this blogpost.

9. Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow – Rio de Rose Gold

I also got this in the Josie Maran Winter Dreams Argan Color Collection and I seriously don’t think I can live without this product!

I’m a big believer in using cream shadows as a base before using powder shadows to ensure longevity, and this “watercolor” is just the most amazing thing ever.

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow – Rio de Rose Gold

It comes in a transparent glass bottle and the pigments don’t mix in with the water until you shake it up. Once the bottle is shaken well and the pigments are mixed with the water, twist the cap open and it comes with a doe foot applicator.

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow – Rio de Rose Gold

Simply apply this lightly on the eyelids and blend it out with a clean finger (or a brush – both hair and synthetic works!). See below for the swatches – left one is first application without blending, the one on the right is after it’s blended out with a finger.

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow – Rio de Rose Gold

I was wearing this as a base in my photos in this post. It acts as a perfect base for all my looks because this particular shade is very neutral. The sheen and 3D-like effect it gives is beautiful beyond description! It lasts the whole day even without primer during hot, summer days!

I will definitely be getting more shades from this range!

10. Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting

Because I have dry skin, I always aim to dew-up my skin every single day because dewy skin seems more youthful looking. So I’m always on the hunt for awesome highlighting/luminizing products.

I’m so glad I ended up buying this. I’ve already got the powder version of this, and I really liked it, so I was wondering if the liquid version would make the highlight look a bit more natural because I can mix it in with foundation…

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting

Just look at that glow!

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting

I love that I can mix this up with my foundation, and even when worn alone, it isn’t patchy at all, unlike most liquid highlighters when worn on its own.

I’ve also tried the Josie Maran liquid highlighter from the set, and it seems a bit patchy and obviously artificial on the skin. So the fact that this has a very smooth, skin-like finish really makes me appreciate it despite the price! 😛

11. Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Shadow – 206 The Lolita

UGH! I don’t need to say much, just look at those shadows!

Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Shadow – 206 The Lolita

I love love love the pigmentation, shade and finish variety, texture and blendability, creaminess, pigmentation and color-payoff, and of course PACKAGING!

Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Shadow – 206 The Lolita

In my eye look above, I wore the Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow in Rio de Rose Gold as a base, and topped if off with the Marc Jacobs The Lolita palette shadows – furthest right color as an all-over wash of color on the lids, second from the right color in the middle of the lids, inner lower lashline and inner corners as highlight, darkest brown shade as contour on the outer corners, and the second from left color as a skin-color blending shade.

I added a bit of blue in the outer corners, and that’s using the Smashbox Double Exposure Palette, which I am in the process of reviewing.

12. Tarte CC Undereye Corrector

I’ve struggled with dark undereyes all my life! Genetics, hyperpigmentation, and lack of sleep are not to blame because the culprit behind my dark undereyes is my eye shape – the darkness is mostly caused by shadow! The skin underneath my eyes are also very thin so my dark circles are a bit bluish. So I’m born with dark undereyes and sadly there’s nothing I can do about it.

However, this color corrector has been a lifesaver. I use the Medium shade and it has a very peachy, orange undetone and it corrects my undereyes really well.

This is not concealer so I don’t use it on its own because it acts just to cancel out the bluish hue, so I usually top it off with my favorite concealer, the Cle de Peau concealer. The Cle de Peau concealer has a drier finish, and this color corrector has a rather tacky finish, so the Cle de Peau concealer sticks really well on it. It can last the whole day if I set it with powder!

13. Vera Mona Color Switch Duo

People are becoming more and more inventive these days and I am just beyond grateful for the existence of this perfect lil’ helper of mine.

Vera Mona Color Switch Duo

So the outer (black) sponge is basically a sponge that can completely remove eyeshadow color when you stroke/swirl your brush on it. This makes eye makeup application a breeze because I don’t need to constantly wash my brush when I need to use it for a different color! I usually have to have tons of eye brushes out when doing a colorful, complicated eye look – but with this around, I really only need a couple of brushes out! No need to worry about not having a clean brush!

The tiny white sponge in the middle is a sponge that you can soak in water, and use it for wet makeup application. Simply dip your brush in the wet, white sponge to pick up any eyeshadow you want with a wet brush!

PHEW! That was a lot!

Hope you guys enjoyed that, and hope you had a lovely January!

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