Review: Dolce and Gabbana Perfect Matte Foundation

I have gotten a sample of Dolce and Gabbana Perfect Matte Foundation and it provides a medium coverage matte finish. It is quite thick in texture but it does spread out evenly to provide a natural looking finish. It is has a buildable finish it can cover up imperfections quite well. It claims to be long lasting, suited for all skin types and especially good for those with oily, combination and those who are shine prone. It does live up to what it claims and have stayed on matte on my skin for 6 hours without blotting! I personally find that this foundation blends better when applied with fingers rather than using a brush.

Even though the thick texture of this foundation gives it good coverage and matifying results, I have found that it feels like a mask on the skin, meaning that its hard to breath. Also, the matifying abilities of this foundation does make the skin feel dry, and dry patches are emphasized a bit. I am not too sure if the wintery weather has played an effect in this sensation, but I will save this foundation for when it gets warmer.

Overall, this foundation does quite good in terms of lasting power, coverage and matifying. It looks pretty natural but it may not be the best foundation for everyone depending on who well your skin can breath with this on.

Pros:
-natural looking with good coverae
-really does matify oily areas
-long lasting

Cons:
-thick texture, maybe be hard for skin to breath
-may not be the best foundation for dry climates
-may dry skin out

Overall:
3.5/5

Review: Vichy ProEVEN Daily Dark Spot Corrector

Vichy's ProEVEN Daily Dark Spot Corrector comes in a metal squeeze tube that is quite hygienic.  It comes out in a milky lotion that spreads easily onto the skin and is absorbed quickly. It can be used for all skin types but is directed to those concerned with skin tone evenness. The advisor who sold to this to me said this can help with evening my skin tone, and helping me get rid of dark spots from acne scars and the sun.  I have been using this for a month now as my day and night moisturizer and honestly I'm not very impressed. 

Having high hopes of this helping me in getting rid of my acne scars, I have not seen much improvement in my skin tone after using about 1/3 of the tube in a month. The scars did get a bit lighter, but they are still very obvious. I'm not too sure if I haven't used this long enough, but the results are minimal. The smaller scars did go away but the big ones are still apparent. It does do a decent job of moisturizing and a does give a bit of a glow to my skin. 

Pros:
-decent moisturizer

Cons:
-didnt do what it claimed to do 

Overall:
3/5

Review: Skinfood Honey Pot Lip Balm

I have got Skinfood's Honey Pot Lipbalm in the color #03, which is a honey color, but applies clear. It is contained in a clear jar, which resembles a cute honey pot. Included is a wooden applicator, but I usually perfer to use a Q-tip for hygienic reasons. 

The lipbalm comes in a jelly texture which is easily spreadable and leaves a clear shine to the lips, making them look very moisturized and plump. (Which this lip balm does do.) I have been using this whenever my lips feel dry and it gives immediate moisture during these cold and dry winter months.  The scent is also very pleasant, it reminds me of a sweet, floral honey. 

Pros:

-moisturizing and gives shine

-lovely packaging 

-nice scent

Cons:

-none that i can think of...I've been loving this!

Overall:

5/5

My Winter Skin Survival Kit

Winter weather is cold and dry, taking the moisture from skin, making it dehydrated, dry and sometimes flaky. In this post I will share some of the skincare products that I use to keep my skin hydrated, soft and healthy in these harsh weather conditions.

Using Shu Uemura's Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O as my first step of cleansing, this oil takes off all makeup while it does not strip the skin of its moisture. It is highly moisturizing and skin feels soft after using this and does not have a tight feeling. This oil is also highly effective in removing waterproof and heavy duty makeup with just a few gentle massaging motions on the face.

Shiseido's Future Solution LX foaming cleanser is a very gentle foaming cleanser that I use after the cleansing oil and it creates a thick foamy lather. It has various ingredients that nourishes the skin as it cleanses and does not leave the skin feeling dry. I feel that it gets rid of any residues left over by the cleansing oil and hydrates at the same time. After using this cleanser, I have been noticing a glow on my skin.

Shiseido's Eudermine is one of the brand's oldest products that works as a excellent toner. For those with flaky skin (myself included) this toner would be able to help get rid of it gently while being highly moisturizing at the same time. I apply it with a cotton pad and massaging motions to make this toner even more effective and soften my skin at the same time.

As a serum I use Cle de Peau's Essential Correcting Refiner. This serum has to be shaken before applying and needs to be massaged into the skin with a cotton pad. The serum helps to balance the skin and make the skin smoother while evening the skintone. After using it for a week, I have seen positive results with clearer skin, a less oily T-zone and smaller pores.

The final step in my winter skincare regime is the Guerlain Abelie Royale cream. I use both the night and day version of this and it gives deep hydration. With ingredients such as royal jelly, this cream keeps the skin smooth and helps it stay moist in cold weather. Even walking in the cold, I have seen fewer dry flakes and patches when I apply this before I go out. 

Well, here are the products that I am currently using for this winter season. I have combination skin with dry cheeks and a oiler T-zone and these products have been keeping my skin healthy. Hope it helps and comments are welcome! 

Review: Guerlain les Voilettes Mineral Powder

Guerlain les voilettes mineral powder is a lose powder that can be used as a light and seer foundation itself or to set other foundation beneath it. It is a very fine powder that is extremely fine in texture and can also be used for touchups. The powder does not cake after applied and it just blends in with the foundation underneath making it very natural.  I use a large powder brush to sweep it across my face to make a even more even application.

It mattifies foundation and it also gives the skin a glow.  Upon using this as a setting powder, I do find that my foundation lasts longer and fewer touch ups are needed throughout the day. It has been one of the most natural and fine powders that I have used.

Pros:
-sets makeup evenly

-long wearing

-natural

Cons:

-pricy

-hard to carry around

Overall
5/5

Review: Guerlain Tenue de Perfection Foundation

The Guerlain tenue de perfection is “timeproof “foundation that is long lasting and provides medium to full coverage.  It claims to have 16-hour coverage and has different oils to help adhere to the skin.  Despite it being heavy duty, the foundation does allow for the skin to breath and does not darken through out the day.  I have personally not worn this foundation for more than 12 hours, so I cannot comment on its 16 hour claim, but throughout my wear, I have only required 1~2 blottings and touch up on my oily areas.  I would say this foundation is truly long lasting and has great oil control too.

Upon pumping, the foundation comes out rather thick, hence its great coverage. Only a small amount of product is required for the full face and it easily blends into a natural, glowing semi-matte finish.  The coverage is definitely buildable and I find little need to use of concealer. It evens out the whole complexion while covering up imperfections yet looking natural at the same time.

To make this foundation even more long lasting, I usually apply sheer layer of the Guerlain les voilettes mineral powder (review here) on top of the t-zone areas to set the foundation. Overall, this is a very great product and would be recommended for those who would want to wear long lasting makeup and especially those with little time for touchups!

Pros:
-great coverage

-long lasting

-natural, easy to blend

Cons:

-pricy

Overall:

5/5

Review: Pola Whitissimo

          I have recently got a gift with purchase set of the Pola Whitissimo skincare line. Pola is a brand from Japan that may be hard to find but the quality of the products are great. As from the name, the Whitissimo line focuses on whitening and brightening. After using these products for almost a month, I do notice that my skin tone is more even and lighter (which i love). My acne scaring has not changed much however. 

         
          The first product to use in this set is the Makeup Cleansing Cream. It is part of a 2 step cleansing process and this cream cleanser should be used first to take off makeup and impurities on the skin. I wet my face first and squeeze a pea sized amount on to my hand while i rub it into my foundation covered face. While this manages to do a good job at taking off my base makeup and powder, I find that do need to use a oil based makeup remover for my waterproof eye makeup. The cleanser does not leave the skin feeling dry at all. 

         After taking off my makeup with the cream cleanser, the Cleansing Foam is the final step in cleansing. This cleanser really foams up and leaves the skin feeling clean and soft. I do notice that my face becomes brighter after the use of this cleanser. It does not leave my face feeling dry at all and I think this would even be suitable in the approaching winter months. 

   
        The Whitissimo Lotion is actually a toner, and I put a few drops onto a cotton pad then wipe it on my face. It does hydrate the skin and helps the moisturizer absorb better. It is rather light in texture and consistency. 

       The set has also came with the Milk Night, which is a light more fluid-like night moisturizer. Despite its texture, this milk does a great job of hydrating. I usually just apply this without any other moisturizer on top and is enough to make my skin feel soft and supple. 

        The final product of this set is the Whitissimo Cream. It is light in consistency but is intensive in moisture. I only use this on days in which my skin feels extremely dry.

Overall, the whole set is very moisturizing and it would be very suitable for those with  dry skin and also like whitening.

Pros:
-moisturizing
-whitening
-unscented
-effective

Cons:
-may be hard to find

Overall:
5/5 

Review: Vidi Vici Moisture Cream Foundation

Vidi Vici's Creamy Moisture Foundation comes in a whipped, thicker texture but is very easy to blend and offers good coverage while looking natural. This foundation also claims to be waterproof and sweat proof, which is pretty true as the foundation has been quite long lasting on my face. I have also applied some onto the back of my hand while I was testing this and even after washing my hands, this did not come off until i used makeup remover! *thumbs up* 

Upon opening the package, you will see a cute jar containing the foundation. I really like the packaging of this which includes a spatula for you to scoop out the foundation. I place a dot of foundation on my cheeks, chin, nose and forehead and then I begin to blend outward. It is very easy to blend and gives a dewy natural finish. I do find that I have to set this foundation with a lose powder to prevent it from moving on my face.

Pros:
-long lasting
-natural yet amazing coverage
-easy to blend
-moisturizing

Cons:
-may move on face if not set with powder

Overall:
4.7/ 5 *highly recommend!* 

Review: Shu Uemura Brightening Mousse SPF 30

The Shu Uemura Brightening Mousse SPF 30 is a purple mouse primer/ makeup base. When squeezed out from the bottle, it looks feels light and airy, as how you would expect from a mousse. It is extremely easy to blend and a sponge is recommend for this.  The purple pigment in this is supposed to cancel out yellow undertones in the skin so that it has a brighter and illuminated look. It evens out the skin tone with a sheer cover and does make it smoother for makeup application.

This primer does help the makeup adhere better onto the skin and does make it last longer. I would not say that the oil control is amazing, but it does do a decent job of balancing my oily T-zone and dry cheeks. I have also discovered that this works better with cream or liquid foundations rather than powder. 

Pros:
-even outs and brightens complection
-makes foundation and base makeup appear smoother and last longer
-light weight

Cons:
-may not be suitable for powder foundation

Overall
4/5 

Review: Holika Holika Jewel-light Waterproof Eyeliner

The Holika Holika Jewel-light Waterproof Eyeliner is one of the best eyeliner pencils that  I have used up to date. It is a gel formula and the pencil is to be sharpened instead of being twisted like automatic liners.  Being intensely pigmented and long lasting, this eyeliner retails for a very affordable price!! 

The tip of the eyeliner is rather blunt, but when the eyeliner is tilted on a 45 degree angle, it is easily possible to draw a thin line. It sets after a few seconds of applying and stays on for the whole day. I have be able to wear this for 8+ hours without it flaking or smudging! It truly is waterproof after setting and has only minimal smudging even after swimming with it on! 

This is very pigmented and glides on easily with no tugging on the eyelids at all! Tight lining and water lining is very easy with this! Removing this with waterproof makeup remover is very easy despite its staying power.

Pros:
-very pigmented, glides on easily
-long lasting
-affordable
- sets quickly 

Cons:
-may not be suitable for beginners coz it is so pigmented 
-maybe be hard to do precise lining at times

Overall
5/ 5 

Review: Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Hydra Gel Oil-free

The Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Hydra Gel Oil-free moisturizer can be used day and night and comes with a woody, musky scent that reminds me of a masculine perfume. Despite it claiming to be a gel, i do find the texture of the product to be quite thick and more on the creamier side. However, it still manages to blend into the skin and absorbs quickly so it feels light. This does do a good job of moisturizing, but I do not see other effects from it. I would have expected more from this product with its expensive price tag.

Pros:
-absorbs quickly
-oil free so its good for summer

Cons:
-the price

Overall:
3/5 

Review: Anna Sui Face Color Accent

This post would be a sponsored product review from Shopper’s Drug Mart at Bayview and Major Mackenzie in Richmond Hill, Ontario.  (Their facebook page here.) The cosmetics manager there was very nice and generous to give me testers to review when I told her I was a beauty blogger. Having said this, what I write here is still my own honest opinion and my own experience with the products from my own experience. Thanks so much!! 

Anna Sui Face Color Accent is a powder blush that comes in the generic Anna Sui package. I got it in the color 400 which is a very pretty and bright coral shade which flatters a variety of skin tones. I apply this to the apples of the cheeks and this gives the skin a healthy yet delicate glow.

It opens up to reveal the powder blush. I have also used this as an eye shadow and it has gave me nice effects . The blush itself is quite sheer and the amount of color is build able  It is quite long lasting too. 

swatched on my hand

Pros:
-buildable
-good color
-nice rose scent

Cons:
- finish may be a little bit too powdery 

Overall:
4.5/5