Friday 27 June 2014

Bourjois Happy Light Matte Serum Primer & Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation (#52 Vanilla)





I really wanted to try the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation for ages, the hype around the beauty world be it blogs or U Tube is ridicules and everybody seems to love it so much. Since I love my Marc Jacobs genius gel super-charged foundation (I will link my review below if you are interested in checking it out) why not try another dewy/glowing/radiance boosting foundation and this time I could get the Bourjois Happy Light Matte Serum Primer to go with the Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation.

Here is what Bourjois claims 

Happy Light Matte Serum Primer
- The Happy Light Matte Serum Primer mattifies complexion & maintains skins natural radiance.
- Its airbrush action hides pores & blemishes for a soft velvety result. 
- A lightweight, non-drying serum texture that melts onto the skin for all day comfort.

Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation
- Gives your skin a radiance boost &  made from a vitamin-rich fruit therapy formula for an instant anti-fatigue result. 
- The instant gel texture blends & glides onto the skin for an even, natural finish with no mask effects.
Imperfections are erased, signs of fatigue are smoothed and the skin’s radiance is boosted for up to 16 hours.

And here is what I think and feel,

Bourjois Happy Light Matte Serum Primer (SGD $29.50) comes in a 15 ml/ 0.5 fl oz glass bottle and dispenses through a pump. Has a light peachy tone but don't worry as it will blends onto the skin clear, great that it has no silicones too! The product is very thick but applied very light, adsorbs easy and does not feel happy at all. It will reduce the pores but sadly it does nothing for keeping my face matte. The wear with the foundation is less then 4 hours and my face just looked like an oily mess.







Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation (#52 Vanilla) (SGD $34.50) the texture doesn't feel anything near a gel and the coverage is light to a buildable medium. There is a slight floral scent but it not a big deal for me. It does give a dewy/glowing radiance appearance on my face and looks pretty nice. If you've been with me for a while you should know I've combination oily skin and especially oily  where my T Zone is, so its a must that I set my foundation with my trustee matte setting powder (even setting with a matte powder it still gives a slight glow from within). The bad news is it doesn't last as I've mention above with the primer and I think they just don't go well together at all.

Luckily I did try and test it with other primers and mix another foundation together just to make this work. For my skin type the best is to mix this healthy mix serum gel foundation with my Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation and I got best of both worlds, a dewy healthy glow with the lasting power of coming to 8 hours of wear.

My final thoughts for both products?! Don't waste any money buying the primer completely not worth it, as for the foundation its ok but I'll not repurchase because I've other foundation I love a ton more. The price is a bit pricey for a drugstore product! What the heck! Most of the beauty and cosmetics is way over price in Singapore. 

So what do you think about the products or have you tried them yet? Do you feel that that both products are just way over hype like me? Do feel free and let me know below.

Happy Friday & enjoy your weekend!!!


Link to : Marc Jacobs genius gel super-charged foundation
Link to my other Bourjois product review: Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayon (#04 Peach On The Beach) 

Wednesday 25 June 2014

Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup For Face & Body SPF 15


I've never really intend to use this foundation as a foundation but a concealer, I love it as a concealer in the old formula and use up quite a few tubes years ago. I happily went to a Estee Lauder counter to pick up their Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup For Face & Body SPF 15, then they told me that they are discontinuing this foundation in Singapore and they are left with just limited shades.

I admit I did panic, I was wondering why the hell would they just bring a product not long ago and so fast they're discontinuing it?? No market for the beauty consumers here I guess?! I'm still pretty upset about it because I love this product to death and I still think its the best out there.




Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup For Face & Body SPF 15 (#11 Very Light) (SGD $58) is a very full coverage foundation that can be use for face or body, but I never use it as a foundation but a concealer. It can be a bit drying and does cake up and look cakey if you put on too much, so a little goes a very long way because it has a extremely high coverage and does cover absolutely everything. It does oxidized a shade darker on my skin thats why I got such a light shade but anyway the shades here in Singapore are very much limited too. I must work, blend and pat this onto my under eyes or blemishes very fast because it will dry up fast.

A lot of people thinks it looks very unnatural but I don't think so, as long as you use just the tiniest little bit for concealing or mix a tiny little bit with a dewy foundation or moisturizer you will have the best looking flawless face.

I believe you can tell how much I love this product and I definitely recommend it, there is no words to express my love for it. As long as you use it with the right way/technique it will look right! Thats what I believe and just make it work. 

What do you think? Try it yet? Love or hate it? Do tell me about it!

Friday 20 June 2014

Estee Lauder Pure Color EyeShadow Duo (#02 Cobblestones)


Isn't the packaging pretty?! I'm been a Estee Lauder Fan for more then 10 years now and I've never tried any of their eyeshadows at all, can you believe what I've been missing?! The beautiful sturdy gold compact with a generous sized mirror and  an applicator with an actual brush on it. One sad fact that all duos is going to be discontinued in Singapore they're replacing it with trios.



I've been searching for the 'Raisins' Duo but it is not available in Singapore so I grab 'Cobblestones' instead and have been real happy about it.

Estee Lauder Pure Color EyeShadow Duo (#02 Cobblestones) (SGD$50) comes with a slightly frosty light champagne beige and a medium warm tone shimmery reddish/copper brown. The lighter colour actually looks more of a satin finish. The texture is smooth and easy to blend, the pigmentation is  not great just average and it is a must to use primer underneath the shadows. There's completely no fallouts even though the shadows are really soft which is a very good thing.


Overall I find that it is still an excellent product even the pigmentation is average that is not really a problem because it can be easily build up to intensify the colour and pigmentation. The only thing is that they are not exactly budget friendly.

*For my fellow Singaporeans who still wanna get them do try and ask any of the Estee Lauder Counters but just not those located in the city town area, I believe they are still available in certain counters while they're trying to clear stocks for now. I'm not sure whether they are discontinuing for the other Internationals countries out there but I'm sure you could ask your local counters.

Have a very enjoyable happy weekend & I be back soon for more reviews!!
XOXOXO

Wednesday 18 June 2014

Essence Silky Touch Blush: adorable (#10) & life's a cherry (#60)

 Left: adorable (#10) Right: life's a cherry (#60)

  Left: adorable (#10) Right: life's a cherry (#60)

Sometimes I wonder if I could walk out of a 'drugstore' just window shopping and not buy or get anything, its been a struggle now a days doing that and I ultimately fail when it comes to beauty stuffs. Never the less I got 2 Silky Touch Blush from Essence which is quite budget friendly and very happy and glad with them.

Most 'drugstore' blushes over the years that I've tried aren't that great, usually their texture is hard, powdery and not very pigmented. Maybe there are so many brands out there now competing now that the quality has improve immensely.  And these from Essence are excellent, the texture is as exactly does what they say silky touch, the pigmentation are great and they blend perfectly without fallout.

Essence Silky Touch Blush: adorable (#10) (SGD $5.50) is a matte cool tone pale pink colour and I find that this shade gives me a bit of colour with natural flush and still manage to brighten up the face. The texture is really smooth and silky which makes it very easy to blend yet without any fallout.

Essence Silky Touch Blush: life's a cherry (#60) (SGD $5.50) is very deceiving from the looks out of the pan which may seems like a mauve beige colour, but is actually a very bright matte warm tone pink and gives a pretty sheen that makes your skin glow slightly. A little goes a long way for this particular blush as its quite pigmented, the texture is consistent and same like adorable (#10).


 Left: adorable (#10) blended & swatch  Right: life's a cherry (#60) swatch  & blended

Overall I'm pretty impressed by the blushes and its definitely worth giving it a try if you are on a tight budget. The only thing is they only have 4 shades which is not a lot to choose from.

What do you think? Have you tried any of them yet?

Friday 13 June 2014

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer (#002 Light Pale)



Revlon so far is one of the best 'drugstore' brands that produces a lot of great and fabulous products that works well any where in the world I think. I've bought their Revlon Photo Ready Two-Way Powder Foundation (I'll link my review on their powder below) and their concealer and I'm not sure whether I like this concealer a not... Yes a love hate relationship with this little fellow here. 

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer (#002 Light Pale) (SGD $19.90) is a very creamy stick concealer, a quick swipe, blend and go type of concealer. The formula is quite pigmented and blends out nicely but however it is very lack of shades. I went for the lightest because all the rest of their shades looked a tad too dark on me but at least I still could still test it out.

It blends out well and has a solid pigmented formula. It’ll hide dark circles, fine lines, it’ll pretty much conceal any woe you have in and around your eyes and face without a doubt however it will crease and it will cake under the eye area particularly if you suffer from dry, aging eye.

Who might like it better?

  • Younger eyes that aren’t dry (youthful eyes will find this works and comes with a nice budget prices).
  • Those that use concealer on their face (anyone with redness, spots, etc…will find this conceals quite well due to a pigmented formula).
  • Anyone with oily skin (those with oily skin might find this blends and wears more naturally compared to those with drier skin).




My final thoughts? I love it when my eyes isn't that dry and well moisturize and it would have been better if they have a few more shades, but it does work very well for my oily combination skin and stay on very well for a very humid/hot weather like in Singapore. I'm still very undecided for this particular fellow I guess.

What about you?? Have you tried Revlon PhotoReady Concealer? What do you think?


Wednesday 11 June 2014

Revlon Photo Ready Two-Way Powder Foundation SPF 19




So what is a Two-Way Foundation? Ermmmm... Its a compact makeup powder for light concealing or setting powder as well as doubling up as a full coverage foundation when used wet. I love this concept and have been using this kind of Two-Way Foundation/ 2-way Cake what ever your want to call them for years. Its great for lazy days and lazy me *heehee* !

My current Majolica Majorca Two-Way Foundation has hit pan, so I decided its time to try some new stuff when I saw a great deal they have for Revlon Photo Ready Two-Way Powder Foundation. A value pack that comes with another refill.



Revlon Photo Ready Two-Way Powder Foundation SPF 19 (Natural Ochre) (SGD $30.90) is very finely milled exactly like most of the mineral powder foundation. Easy application with a damp sponge for a fuller coverage or dry sponge or powder brush for lighter coverage. The photochromatic pigments formula bend, reflect, diffuses light to erase flaws and gives a soft matte finish. Its not cakey, no white cast on photos, great oil control and got SPF. There is nothing negative about it except that it can be quite expensive if there is no deals or offers. The packaging is slim and compact with a good size mirror but I find that its a bit cheap looking.

Overall for a 'drugstore' product its one of the best I've used in the Two-Way Powder Foundation category. Got to try it if you are looking or a great Two-Way Powder Foundation.

Till next time XOXO
Diana

Friday 6 June 2014

L'oreal: False Lash Wings Waterproof Black Mascara




I've always got very straight and short lashes that is quite common for us chinese, so mascara is one of the most important thing for me and to find the right one. I usually don't just use 1 mascara alone to get effects I want and the best for me is pairing 2 awesome mascara together to achieve that.

L'oreal: False Lash Wings Waterproof Black Mascara (SGD$27.90) is one of my favourite mascara to pair with another and also an awesome one on its own. It comes equipped with a special wing tip brush which concentrates on the lashes towards the outer corner of your eye. This winged tip pulls those shorter lashes upwards and out for the fluttery effect

Right here in Asia Doll-like is a common trend and fluttery lashes is very flattering. The formula is lighter and doesn't give lashes that stiff and crunchy texture. The formula contains fibers that wrap around lashes for a flutter effect and supposed to extend as well as voluminize them.

For a much dramatic look I love to pair it with my another favourite which is the Too Faced Better Then Sex Mascara. It just give an extra something for my lashes and I didn't need to put on fake lashes to get that fake lash look.


Its a great mascara! I do recommend to check this out. I can find no fault with it except that it is way over price for a drugstore mascara here in Singapore.

Have a happy weekend my lovelies!! XOXO..

Wednesday 4 June 2014

Revlon Color Burst Lacquer Balm: Provocateur (#135) Versus Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayon (#04 Peach On The Beach)


How does both lip pencils/crayons compare? Here is my thought......




I got this Revlon Lacquer Balm chubby lip pencil a while ago, at Watson my local 'drugstore'.
Revlon Color Burst Lacquer Balm: Provocateur (#135) (SGD $18.90) is a bright medium red with slight blue undertones on my skin swatched and on my lips. It is opaque, pigmented and plus the finish is quite glossy. The consistency is light weight, creamy, somewhat balm-like and wears normal on me for almost 3 to 4 hours without consumption of food.






Ever since Bourjois launched their version of lip pencil/crayon I've been dying to get this particular colour since last year 2013 and they are always out of stock every where I went. Finally get my hands on them around mid April 2014 this year.

Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayon (#04 Peach On The Beach) (SGD $18.50) is a light peachy pink with extremely glossy and shiny finish. The texture is extremely creamy that can cause quite a bit of slip on my lips, comfortable and hydrating but does not last long on my lips which I need to reapply every 1.5 to 2 hours. It's great that there is 15 SPF protection but for the waterproof part I really don't think so which also including their claim of a 10 hour wear. Although it is pigmented, glides on very easily, I just cannot stand it being so streaky.

Honestly I am quite disappointed with it, just not how I think or imagine the formula would be after all the hype and anticipation of waiting for so long to finally get my hands on them.



The Pros (Revlon)

  1. Not sticky, Hydrating & Glossy Texture
  2. Normal Staying Power
  3. 8 shades of colours to choose from (in Singapore)
  4. Not Streaky and quite pigmented
The Pros (Bourjois)
  1. Not sticky, Hydrating & Glossy Texture
  2. SPF 15
  3. Pigmented
The Cons (Revlon)
  1. Pigmentation of different shades varies
  2. No SPF Protection
The Cons (Bourjois)
  1. Streaky
  2. only 4 shades to choose from
  3. slippery
  4. does not last long and need to reapply every 1.5 to 2 hours
Overall is just average for both lip pencil/crayons, I don't think I will ever repurchase any of them at all. I still prefer Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms which I had reviewed earlier (I've link my previous review and you can click if you are interested), they are still the best among these lots.

What do you think?