Review: Shu Uemura Tint in Gelato

Shu Uemura's tint in gelato is a lip makeup product that is launched as apart of the spring 2014 collection and was inspired by gelato. It comes in 12 shades and I have got the color PK03, which is a soft, powdery pink. Its a very gentle color to reflect spring and compliments my fair skintone. 

It comes in very typical Shu Uemura lip product packaging, metallic and simple. It has a angled applicator too to create the perfect lip shape. This product claims to be very long lasting as a tint. 

One thing I like about this product is that it can have both a matte and dewy finish. When initially applied, its full coverage with the shine of a gloss. However, with a bit of blending the product out, it turns matte and silky. Its a very unique product and this has made me immediately purchase after trying it! 

Pros:
-can be used matte or dewy
-not stick at all but very silky
-easy application
-long lasting

Cons:
so far none

Overall:
5/5

Review: Laneige Multi Cleanser

As the warmer season is comming up and skin starts to get oiler, I have been searching for a cleanser that deep cleanses and leaves the "squeaky clean" feeling. While stopping by the Laneige counter, I have discovered the Laneige Multi Cleanser. It claims to be a papain enzyme based cleanser which can remove makeup, sunscreen, exfoliate and cleanse all in one step. After reading its claims, I have decided to give it a try and see if it is really that convenient! 

The product comes out of a squeeze tube and I usually squeeze a coin sized amount out for use at night. It has a nice refreshing floral fragrance to it and it also foams up easily while massaging it on my face. It has a light and gentle exfoliating sensation, similar to that of a scrub. After rinsing with lukewarm water, my face did feel squeaky clean and the complexion seemed a lot brighter too! It has also done what it claimed and removed makeup. (I had first used a eye and lip makeup remover before using this, but it managed to get all my face makeup off. )

It comes out in a thick creamy texture which foams up. 

After using it for a week, I have noticed that my skin has been a lot better and brighter, with also less acne and smaller pores. I think it really does to deep clean and push out all the clogged gunk in skin with a mild exfoliation process. Personally, it has helped a lot with making my acne scars lighter too. 

Pros:
-deep cleans
-really removed impurities from skin
-makes skin brighter after use
-may help with acne control

Cons:
-maybe too drying for those with dry skin

Overall:
5/5!

Review: Guerlain Eyebrow Kit

Being a fan of Guerlain, I was overjoyed when I found out that they came out with an eyebrow kit. It is universal color, and comes with 3 shades and one brow hi-lighter. As with all Guerlain packaging, it gives a luxurious feel to the product and is also comes with a velvet case for you to store the kit in. 

The velvet case really does make the product seem extremly classy! 

The kit itself is housed in a rectangular case which flips open to reveal 4 powders and a mirror. It also comes with a dual end applicator, one side is a brow brush and the other is something similar to a mascara wand used to blend out the product/comb the eyebrows and make it more natural once you have applied it to your skin. 

I have been using this for a week now and I have to say I'm very impressed with quality and application. The powders are very pigmented and they could be blended together to create a shade that really matches you. (I usually blend the middle and lighter color for my brows. ) As it is a powder, it does seem to wear off quicker than a eyebrow pencil and I would say i get around 6 hours of wear with this product. However, I have tried using an eye primer on my brow area before applying this product and it did seem to last a bit longer. The brush that is included is also very high quality and makes applying this product and defining brow shape a breeze. 

Pros:

-great brush, easy to use and control

-universal color

-pigmented

-looks natural

Cons:

-may not be extremely long lasting and need touch ups

Overall:

4.5/5

Review: Pola Aglaira

I have recently got the Aglaira Tokutoku Set skincare from the brand Pola. It includes a lotion (toner), emulsion and travel size cleansing foam. It is target to those who have anti-aging and dehydration concerns. Using it for a month and a half, I do feel a difference my in hydration level of my skin as it feels much smoother and softer with fewer dry patches in the current winter weather. Even though I do not have much anti-aging concerns, I do feel that with continued use of the combined use of these products, my skin does feel smoother and firmer. This set of skincare can also be used DAY AND NIGHT, which makes it very convenient.

The first product that in my regime would be the foaming face wash.  I cannot really comment on how well this removes makeup, as I usually clean my make off with a cleansing oil before using a foam, but what I can say is that this foam does make my skin feel clean without that dry/tight feeling. I have used it both for my morning and night routine and noticed a brighter looking skin after cleansing. With the use of this foam, I do find that my acne has been getting a lot better.

The next product that I use is the hydro lift toner. This comes out in a gel texture and is quite hydrating while being easy to absorb. With the use of this toner, I find that my skin does become more hydrated and smoother instantly. It spreads really easily and doesnt feel sticky despite its gel texture. I have find that putting a layer of this on the face right before applying any primer or makeup base makes foundation go on smoother.

The final product that I use from this skincare set is the hydro lift milk, AKA moisturizer. It comes in a light, milky texture but very moisturizing at the same time. Its spreads and be absorbed easily, and my skin feels instantly hydrated. As it is so effective, one small pump of the moisturizer is enough for my entire face and has been fighting the signs of dry skin too!

Pros:
-very hydrating!
-makes skin soft and smooth
-cleansing foam solved some of my acne problems
-can be used day and night
-unscented

Cons:
-expensive
-this brand may be hard to find

Overall:
5/5! highly recommended :)

Review: Sisley Phyto-Blanc Ultra Lightening Mask

Having suffer from deep acne scars and uneven skintone, i have been seraching for a mask that would help to lighten my scars. Stumbling along the Sisley counter, the beauty advisor has recommended me to use their Photo Blanc Ultra Lightening Mask. She had claimed that it would hydrate, cleanse and lightening my scars at the same time. Tried it on my hand an wiped it off a few minutes later to reveal much softer skin so i went ahead and bought this with its havy price tag of $125 for 60 ML of product.

I was excited to try this on my face when I got home and I had used it after exfoliating. Leaving it on for 15 minutes, I washed it off to reveal brighter, softer skin but was quite disappointed when I did not see much difference in the acne scars. My skin did FEEL great, hydrated and soft, and pores did seem less visible too and my skin did seem brighter. However, after using it for 2 weeks, I still have not seen much improvement in my acne scars.

It comes with nice packaging, a luxurious bottle design that is good for controlling the amount of product you squeeze out. Usually I just use a dime sized amount and it is enough to cover my face in a light layer of product. It has a pleasant herbal scent to it which I don't mind, and disappears

 within a while. 

Pros:
-hydrates and makes skin softer
-pore seems smaller and skin is more glowing

Cons:
-doesn't really have amazing effects on acne scars

Overall:
3.5/5 (points were detected on  how it works doesn't justify its heavy price tag)

Review: Naruko Rose Cubic Lotion

Having dry winter skin, I have been searching for a toner that is deeply hydrating and rich. I came across Naruko Rose Cubic Lotion and my search has been finished. This product is a jelly toner that has hydrated my skin deeply and using it has made me seen an improvement in my skin. 

The above photo shows its claims. I feel with the use of this toner, my skin absorbs the serum and moisturizer better, and it is so hydrating that sometimes I feel in a hotter climate, this would be enough as a day moisturizer. With the use of this, I have seen a lot less dry patches on my skin.

The packaging of this is simple and clean. I like how the pump dispenses just enough product for one application on my face. 

The toner comes out as a clear gel like liquid with a strong rose scent. (I personally love rose scented products.)  It spreads easily and is instantly absorbed without feeling sticky. Sometimes I even apply a layer of this over my night cream and the next morning I wake up with very hydrated and smooth skin. I have also substituted my makeup primer with this and have found my foundation to go on very smoothly without getting dry patches.

Pros:

-very hydrating

-absorbs easily

-less dry patches if used under foundation

Cons:

-has a rose scent which not everyone may like. 

Overall:
5/5 

Review: Sulwhasoo Gentle Foaming Cleanser

 I have recently been introduced to Sulwhasoo, a korean skincare line which features oriental herbs as their ingredients. The first product that I have tried from them is the Gentle Cleansing Foam. From what the sales associate told me, its main ingredient is ginseng and  could be used for all skin types but would be especially for my dry winter skin. 

The texture of this cleanser comes out as a gel which foams up a LOT. I pump it into a bowl and then beat it up with a cleansing brush. The foam is dense, get feels gentle on my skin. This cleanser does remove some face makeup but I usually prefer getting off all my makeup with a cleansing oil or makeup wipe first.  What I like about this cleanser is that it does not make my skin dry and I dont get the tight feeling  after rinsing as I do from other cleansers. It has also helped to make my face brighter and I feel like this made my skin absorb other skincare products better.  

Pros:
-doesnt dry out skin and cleans very well
-foams up a lot
-makes skintone brighter

Cons:
-may not remove a lot of makeup

Overall:
5/5

Review: Guerlain Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow Primer

Knowing that this primer had came from the luxurious house of guerlain, I had high hopes for this primer but it had left me disappointed.  It claims to make your eyeshadow last longer, crease proof, and go on smoother. The sales associate had also told me that this would make my eyeshadow color go on more brighter and vibrant, but sadly enough, I have not experienced these claims. 

The primer comes in a jewel like box that is protected by a velvet case. It looks fancy and also comes with a brush for application. I expected that this primer would be very creamy and easy to apply but in fact, I found its texture was rather firm and hard to blend evenly on the eyelid. The brush does have a soft texture, but I find that applying this primer with fingers gives a easier application. 

Now onto the performance, it does somehow make my eyeshadow adhere better to my skin, but they tend to disappear and fade about 4 hours of wear. (I have never experienced this before.) Also, the eyeshadow does tend to crease and through the day and my waterproof gel eyeliner does tend to smudge onto the bottom while it did not with other primers that I have used. 

Overall, this primer was rather disappointing and I feel that my eyeshadow should have lasted longer. It does make shadow adhere better to the eyelids when first applied, but it doesnt really help when one is expecting something long wearing.

Pros:
-it does have a little color correcting

Cons:
-doesnt make eyeshadow stay longer or crease proof
-some eyeliners may smudge even with the use of this primer
-hard to blend/apply

Rating:
3/5 

Review: Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale La Creme

Everything in this Guerlain's Orchidee Imperiale La Cream speaks luxury. Retailing at a whopping $470CND for a jar, it claims to have exceptional complete care for anti-aging and have been using the technology of orchids in this cream.  I have only been using a deluxe sample that I have received as a gift with purchase and I would say that the results justify the price tag; it is truly one of the best moisturizers that I have ever used. 

Even as a sample, the moisturizer is housed in a incredibly beautiful, luxurious jar. In this winter weather, I use this cream 2~3 times a week, usually at night time after i exfoliate to replenish and nourish my skin. Its rich texture is a bit too much for me to use every night on my 20 year old skin but using it as a treatment has given me amazing results. It is super moisturizing and within 2 hours of using this cream, I find that my skin is immediately brightened, softened and my skin tone appears very even with less redness. For my own personal use, i have found that this cream has even helped to tighten my pores and make my skin very smooth. Foundation also applies smoother and adheres to my skin better the morning after I use this cream.  

Dry patches on my skin also tend to disappear due to its extremely moisturizing ability and after using this for a few weeks, my skin has actually managed to stay healthy during the cold harsh winter! However, I am not able to comment on the anti-aging benefits of this cream, as I have not seen wrinkles develop on my skin yet (fingers cross). 

The texture of this cream is very rich, but is absorbed and spread easily. People with dry and dehydrated skin would benefit a lot from this cream but I would advise oily skin to stay away as this may bee to rich. Only a tiny amount is required for the whole face and i usually warm it up on my finger tips and pat it on. Skin looks its best the morning after this cream is applied! 

Pros:
-very moisturizing
-smooths skin
-brightness 
-makes skin look amazing

Cons:
-so far none

Overall:
5/5 (highly recommend!) 

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