MAC Styleseeker - Powder Blush in Hidden Treasure

I wanted to try a Red blush as I don't have any in my collection. I thought Fall would be a good time to try one out so I was looking for a Red blush when came across this at a MAC counter. 

Hidden Treasure is a part of the Styleseeker collection. 

Described as a "rich burnt red". The colour may look a bit intimidating and scary in the pan but can be sheered and blended out with a good blush brush. I use my NARS Yachiyo to apply it, because it makes my life easier when I do.

I would agree that the colour is rich and kind of a red brick colour with a little bit of golden sheen.

Satin/velvet finish. The texture is a bit on the dry side.

The blush does not have shimmer nor sheen when applied but still gives a little dimension on the skin and does not look flat as can be seen from the swatches below.

Left heavily swatched. Right partially blended. The blush can still be sheered out. I opted to apply it heavily to show the colour of the blush.

The blush will work on warmer skin tones. I have tried it on my friend who has darker skin tone and it looked stunning on her. On lighter skin tones, it may look harsh and a bit scary when applied heavily, a light hand and a good brush blush is needed.

The colour payoff is great. However, the dry texture of the blush can make the application a bit tricky.

This blush does not last as long as I would want it to, but it does a decent job.

NARS Kabuki Yachiyo Brush

"Inspired by traditional Japanese beauty rituals Kabuki Theather, the Kabuki Artisan Brushes meld heritage with modernity, in both concept and function. The multi-functional design of the Kabuki Yachiyo Brush, with its tapered dome head, makes it excellent for defining cheekbones, highlighting the complexion, and blending and diffusing color on or around the eye area."

I originally wanted to buy the whole 2011 NARS Holiday brush set. Due to my laziness however, I've never gotten around to doing it. I did not think anyone would buy the last set, really.. I always thought that the set would wait for me... I now realize that I am wrong and I regret not purchasing it when I had a chance to. ( I hope NARS releases a new Kabuki brush set this Holiday. Hohoho! :P I will surely purchase when they do.)

The curious shape was what got me interested in this brush. I find that while it is the lightest of all the brushes I have, it applies blushes and highlighters with utmost precision. And it's feather-like weight actually helps in the application of products as it just glides on the surface. The unique handle also allows the brush to be flexible to an extent which would help the used apply products with ease.

I have tried using small circular and sideway motions with this brush to see what works best when I use it. Both methods work well though. The tapered end allows a more precise application for highlight and contour products. 

One thing that is unique with this brush is the handle, which is made from hand-spun wisteria.

Google told me that wisteria is a vine. I have not seen one, but it seems to be very durable. One concern I had was how it would hold out after washing, because I was afraid of ruining the brush. I have had this for months now and I can say, that fall out is minimal. I did not experience any bleeding too. Of course I try not to get the handle wet if I could get away with it.

Bristles are made from Pen Super Goat hairs.

I have no idea what a super goat is, but upon Googling it I found a site that said that is deemed most effective for powder pick up and deposit on the skin.

The bristles soft but are not the softest that I have encountered, it is soft enough not to irritate my skin nor feel scratchy. The brush as I have previously stated pick up the right amount of product every time I use it. This works well especially with pigmented products that are hard to sheer out. Everyone who has this brush will tell you that it picks up the right of product every time and while I was skeptical about it, I was surprised to find out that it is indeed true!

This brush is also effective in applying highlighters to the face as it sheers it out to an almost natural finish with a healthy sheen, effectively eliminating the dreaded disco ball effect. LOL! x)

I haven't tried to use this to blend out eyeshadows as I find the head a bit too big to work around my tiny eye area. I can say thought that this can also be used to apply finishing powder to the t-zone and specific areas of the face.

The only downside to this brush is the price. Yes, it's an investment but I would say that it is definitely worth it. If I had to, I would re-purchase the brush again. I actually wouldn't mind buying a set with another Yachiyo brush in it. If you are looking for a good cheek and highlighter brush and have the money to spend do try this brush out. I highly recommend it. 

BECCA Beach Tint in Raspberry

The perfect product for summer! :)

BECCA Beach Tint is a beautifully blendable crème stain for cheeks and lips that suits all skin types. Kiss-proof and water-resistant, it dries to a perfect, streak-free, non-greasy and non-drying finish. Each shade is deliciously scented in its synonymous name.

I originally wanted to pick up Watermelon, their best selling shade but Raspberry looked more flattering and natural on my skin so I chose it over Watermelon. I didn't pick up Watermelon because I don't need two Red tints. 

Packaging is sleek. I do not like the cap though because it's made of plastic and seems cheap.

You can see the product's color from the tube. It may seem like a scary color but once it's blended to the skin it gives a really healthy flush.

Directions: Shake well before applying. Open the cap and tilt or invert the tube; the nozzle must be facing  upwards then squeeze a tiny amount on your wrist or the back of your hand.  Apply with fingers or a brush. I usually just use my finger.

Most people complain about how oily the product is; If you apply the product and squeeze it out the conventional way, with the nozzle facing downwards. Be prepared for loads of oil from the tube. 

Thoughts:

- Becca is made from natural ingredients. No scary and harmful chemicals.

- Did not break me out.

- Price may seem a bit steep but you will only need a tiny amount for each time you use it. So the tube will probably last for months.

- I am not crazy about the Raspberry scent. I would have preferred watermelon because it smells yummier!

- As the Beach tint fades throughout the day, it does so evenly; does not make me look weird like other tints out there. 

- Lasts up to 4-6 hours on my lips, while it lasts for the whole day on my cheeks.

- I usually top it off with a lip gloss when I use it on my lips as I find it a bit drying on my lips.

The product is very easy to blend and has a gel-like consistency. 

Overall, I would say that I am very happy with my purchase and would definitely be buying more beach tints!

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Brush Travel Essentials

The Real Techniques is a makeup brush line by Samantha Chapman of Pixiwoo. I am sure that most of you are familiar with her and her sister.  I was excited to try her brush set after seeing Youtubers using it on their tutorials.

Information on the box says: Travel Essentials provide everything you need to create flawless looks at home and away:

• Look pixel perfect even in harsh light.
• ultra plush taklon bristles.

The brush case doubles as a stand. Pretty neat, right?

• The case seems durable. 
• It has a velcro closure.
• Contains several garterized slots and can house other brushes.

The set includes: (1) Multi-task Brush; (2) Domed shadow Brush; (3) Essential Foundation Brush; and (4) A Brush Case. 

•  I have had these brushes for quite a while now. I have washed these again and again, and these do not bleed nor shed like other cheap brushes. The bristles are soft although I have tried other brushes with softer bristles.
• The handles are sturdy. These seem well made, while these are do not have substantial weight like other brushes do.
• No weird smell even when these were new I never had a problem with how they smelled.
• The brushes are cruelty free. YAY! Plus points. =)

Multi Task Brush

for effortless application of powder, blush and bronzer.

What I use the brush for - pigmented blushes, finishing powder and buffing.

Thoughts - I am not too fond of this brush. I do not find myself reaching for it at all. I find that it is not dense enough and does not pick up pigments well. It works well for buffing and I also use it sometimes for my finishing powder.

Essential Foundation Brush

build flawless custom coverage with liquid foundation and concealer.

What I use the brush for - Liquid highlighter, primer and cream products such as blushes and concealer.

Thoughts - I tried to use this for liquid foundation, I find that it can get a bit streaky. It might just be me, but I was not impressed by this brush. I wouldn't use it for my foundation. It does however work with cream products.

Domed shadow Brush

tapered design smoothly shades and defines eyes.

What I use the brush for - Concealer, liquid highlighter, eyeshadow, contouring.

Thoughts - This is my favorite among the 3 brushes in the kit. This makes blending easy be it concealer, eyeshadow or highlighter. I wouldn't use this to apply my eyeshadow though, I just use it for blending.

OVERAL: I have heard/read so many positive reviews on this set by Youtubers and bloggers alike.

Considering the price, this is still a nice set to have; It just did not live up to my expectations. I would recommend this for beginners or those who want a complete brush set who do not want to spend as much. It is still a decent set - it is a good set to take along when traveling for it can still address the needs for basic or on the go makeup, but if you may still want to take other brushes for your other makeup needs such as lining the eyes.  

This was sent to me by Jenny as a gift. Thank you Jennybee!

Pretty sis Apple asked me to review these brushes. Hope you find the review helpful sis!:)

benefit the POREfessional

Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. Translucent, oil-free formula complements all skintones and helps makeup stay put. Contains a Vitamin E derivative, known to protect skin from free radicals. (source)

Product may be used as a primer before foundation or above makeup.

I usually use my fingers to apply the product, but one may use a brush or a sponge depending on one's preference. I would have to say that I need or use about 2 1/2 squeezes of the product to cover my whole face.

LIKES:

• It smells lovely. It has a subtle and clean scent.
• Makes my skin smooth and silky.
• Did not break me out.
• Comes in a tube - hygienic. Tube dispenses the right amount of product with a gentle squeeze.
• Translucent - Does not leave a cast and blends wonderfully.
• Light weight - Does not feel heavy on the skin.
• Blurs out skin imperfections.
• Can be used as a primer and can be applied over or on top of makeup.

DISLIKES:

• Not crazy about the balmy-feel of the product although it no longer bothers me once I have it on.
• Does nothing for my skin's oiliness.
• Not cheap.
• Not long lasting - lasts up to 4 hours on my super oily skin. Keeps my oiliness at bay for around a couple or hours or so.

1. swatch
Goes on translucent and blends perfectly on the skin.

2. blending

You may notice the texture is rather balm-like from the picture above. The product is very easy to blend and apply on skin. Once applied it feels like other silicone based primers i.e. Smashbox's photo finish.

3. blended

I'm not sure if you noticed the difference but it made my skin smoother and the lines became less visible, as if the marks, pores and spots were blurred like a camera on soft focus.

Lioele Glittering Jewel Liners (Initial Thoughts + Swatches)

Lioele Glittering Jewel Liner in 01 Deep Black and 03 Champagne Jewel

Product information from the box:

Super creamy texture let's you draw eyelines softly and neatly. Long lasting waterproof eyeliner keeps your eye without smudging in sweat or sebum. (I did not alter the translation.)

HOW TO USE:

01 Deep Black: 

Starting from inside corner, fill in between lashes. To use as a eye shadow, draw thick line, then blend the line naturally as soon as it gets. (?)

03 Champagne Jewel:

With a touch underneath eyes, your makeup creates teary romantic moods on your eyes. To use as eye shadow, blend it after drawing eyes. 

Caution:

• Powerful waterproof formular is very strong at water, but possibly removed by sebum. Please make sure to puff once with powder before drawing eyeline.
• Close pencil cap after using.

Black long wooden-plastic like pencils that come with a pink cap. Be sure to keep the cap closed as exposure to air will dry out the product. I like that these are sealed when new. :)

My favorite pencil eyeliner is Urban Decay's 24/7. I thought I'd give these a try because Asians cosmetic companies do make good eyeliners.

Swatched on NC30 skin.

Top: 01 Deep Black

Bottom: 03 Champagne Jewel

These aren't as pigmented as Urban Decay's 24/7. The lines on the side were swiped just once and the ones in the middle were swiped twice and a half. :P Though not as pigmented as Urban Decay, the colors can be built with a few layers. Both are very creamy and soft and easy to work with.

I haven't tried these yet but I wanted to show everyone the swatches. True enough, these don't budge once they set and dry. I think the translation above meant you should set it with powder. Both pencils can be used as an eyeliner and as an eyeshadow or eyeshadow base.

I have previously said, Champagne eyeliners will make your eyes pop without making it appear as obvious or as strong as a white eyeliner. You can apply it in your inner eye corner and in the waterline or bottom rim.

I think these can be only removed with an oil based makeup remover = sebum, such as cleansing oils. I am under the impression that these wouldn't fade nor go anywhere once they set.

I wouldn't recommend either of the colors to anyone who doesn't like shimmery and sparkly makeup as these eyeliners are loaded with glitters. The glitters are very fine and tiny though, not like some glitter eyeliners out there but these are more visible as they really sparkle!

Both eyeliners are very affordable. Both cost less than 1 Urban Decay 24/7 pencil so if you're on a lookout for a good eyelining pencil and aren't bothered by glitters, these eyeliners would be a great choice. :)

Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser - Skincare diary

What it is:
A soap-free liquid cleanser that transforms into an airy foam for a pleasurable, gentle cleansing experience.

What it is formulated to do:
A naturally effective blend of grape extracts, sage, and chamomile provide vitamins, purifying benefits, and soothing effects, removing makeup and impurities while improving overall complexion wellbeing. From the first use, the complexion is immaculate, toned, and radiant. This delightful wash works for all skin types, and is especially tuned to the needs of combination and sensitive skin.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan (source)

Not tested on animals and environmentally friendly! 

The magic pump which turns everything to foam! 

Press the pump gently as it might dispense a lot of product if pressed too hard. 

Soooooooooo Foamy!!! It looks like cream and is very soft and nice to touch. 

Super airy and light. :)

Does it work?

Below is a demonstration of how the product removes a bunch of waterproof eyeliners.

Left to Right:
1. Swatches of different eyeliners.
2. Applied the foam on damp skin.
3. After gently rubbing the foam in circular motions.

As you can see, it did not leave a trace of eyeliner. BUT WAIT!!!! Note, this may not remove all sorts of eye makeup especially those that are waterproof. The result may vary when it is tested out on a flat surface and the actual eye.

PROS:
-It smells great!
- I love how foamy and airy the product is! It goes on smoothly on the skin.
- Feels light on the skin.
- Very gentle on the skin.
- Removes makeup quite well as you can see from the picture above, but it will not remove waterproof makeup.
- Does not strip my skin of it's natural oils nor make it dry.
- Did not break me out.

CONS:
- Expensive.
- Not locally available.
- The product works as a cleanser it did not improve my skin nor does it make my skin brighter when I use it.

OVERALL:
This is a good product but it does nothing for my skin. I suppose it can do wonders for other people, sadly, I am not one of them. I will continue to use this but will not repurchase.

Note: I use this interchangeably with Paul & Joe's creamy face wash, Nivea Visage Sparkling White - Whitening Cleansing Foam and Philosophy's Purity.

This product reminds me of Etude House - Cloud Bubble Oil which is a lot cheaper. The only difference between that and this one is that this one doesn't strip my skin off its natural oils.

Caudalie Paris Lip Conditioner - Skincare diary

This 99.5 percent-natural treatment provides a powerful blend of antioxidants and nutrients that protect, hydrate, repair, and soothe dry lips while lending antiaging benefits. It makes an excellent lipstick base. (source)

formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

This is one of those products that I had high hopes for especially since I read many good reviews on it. 

The product is clear and can be used under lipstick or lipgloss. It is smooth and goes on easily on the lips. It also smells pleasant and the taste does not bother me at all. 

PROS:
- Non sticky.
- Does not feel heavy on the lips.
- Gives a soothing sensation when applied.
- Smells wonderful.
- Does not contain chemicals and is made with products that are environmentally friendly.

CONS:
- Tad expensive for a lip balm/conditioner.
- Not locally available.
- Does not last on my lips.
- Does nothing for my dry lips.

REPURCHASE? No. The only reason I buy lip balms and conditioners is because I don't want my lips to be dry and this clearly does nothing for me.

Korres Lip Butter in Guava

I've always been curious about Korres as I have read nothing but raves on their products. I have been particularly interested in their Lip Butters because I have uber dry and chapped lips. Thankfully, my very pretty friend also sent me a this. YAYYYY!!!! xD

I did ask for guava because I wanted something that I was familiar too. I also prefer untinted or clear lip butters and balms so I can wear a gloss or a lipstick over it. Lip balms have been a part of my skincare since my lips are very dry. I apply it before I go to bed and after I wash my face when I wake up. 

No harmful chemicals. 

It smells very tropical. Very much like guavas, I believe but not the sour tasting ones. The scent is rather mild and wouldn't really bother you. It also dissipates after a while and does not linger. I was expecting it to taste like guava, but it does not have any weird taste. 

The texture is very creamy, almost like softened butter but not to the point that it's messy. A little amount goes a long way with this product. It goes on with a sheen but does not feel greasy nor heavy at all. After a few minutes it will settle in, making the lips appear fuller and healthier.

I like this plastic pot! It does not feel cheap at all. I have a feeling that it will last me for months. It's quickly making its way on the list of my "must have" and favorite products.

I either use a cotton bud/q-tip, or my fingers when I am being extra lazy. I would have to warn everyone that you should make sure your fingers are clean when you do so, as you wouldn't want to contaminate the whole pot with germs. (Notice: This is one of the few instances where I won't complain that a product that comes in a pot/jar. :P)

The only downside once again is the price which others may find a bit expensive. Thankfully, I didn't have to pay for this, not that I would either because this is a great product! It might also be hard to acquire such in my case because I live in a country that doesn't have a Sephora branch.

With all of that said, I would still say that the moisturizing effect is still not lasting. True, it keeps my lips moisturized when I apply it but when I skip application. My lips revert to their original dry state. I suppose lip butters/ lip balms should always be a part of my beauty regimen. I do hope that this will help my dry lips in the long run.

Do you prefer clear or colored lip balms?