Makeup Review: Chanel Les Beiges All-in-one Healthy Glow Fluid

This Healthy Glow Fluid is a newer addition to my staple compartment. To me, it's a multi-functional formula which I can use as a standalone perk-me-up, a sheer base underneath powder, and an undereye concealer. It has great hydrating property and light to medium coverage. Texture-wise, it feels more like CC cream than the Chanel CC Cream which I really dislike (see review HERE). After the disappointment I got from Chanel CC Cream, I'm so super glad that they have this Healthy Glow Cream in store...! I love wearing it alone in dry, wintry season to give my skin a natural and supple finish. In our humid, sticky spring and summer over here, I still prefer getting back to my all-time fave, Chanel Le Blanc Compact Foundation (see review HERE) for a lighter yet lasting touch. But don't get me wrong, I actually use this Healthy Glow Cream on a daily basis all-year round these days - How? What I love most is to use it over my Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Corrector (review coming up) to cover up my seasoned dark circles. I have to stress that the formula is very hydrating because it really is! In fact, I think it works on the undereye better than Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum CONCEALER - more buildable and lasting without settling into creases even after like 10 hours. Of course, if I only use it as a concealer, I can't imagine how many years it will take to empty the entire tube! With its multifunctionality and the amount of hydration it brings, it deserves going into your shopping bag.

Makeup Review: Innisfree Jejubija Anti-Trouble BB Cream

You're right! I almost bought the entire line of Innisfree Jejubija Anti-Trouble. The skincare items are great so far (see reviews HERE), but I've mixed comments when it comes to their BB Cream.

Featuring the powerful natural healing ingredient, torreya seed extracts from Jeju Island, it vouches to calm troubled skin, reduce redness and control and prevent blemishes.

Pros

The best thing about this BB Cream is that it gives a matte finish, which can last for quite a while. Not only is the finish matte, it also feels drier than all the other BB creams I've tried. Pretty good medium coverage. I have a hunch that it really helps treat my blemishes...well it smells antiseptic and believe it or not, I'm delighted with the fragrance as it says I'm healing!. My bumpy spots are smoothed out as the day goes by. =)

Cons

The color turns a bit ashy in the afternoon. It still looked dull even though I tried to perk up my look with a bit of blusher. It's also relatively less lasting than Innisfree Air Skin Fit BB Cream (see review HERE). 

Verdict

Frankly, I will only recommend this BB cream for oily, acne-prone or blemished areas. For me, I only use it on my T-zone and pat a bit of it over my pimples. But if it's not for the oil and blemish control, I'd recommend Air Skin Fit for the entire face. 

Indulgence in Korean cosmetics: Innisfree Air Skin Fit BB Cream vs.Face Shop Face it Aura CC Cream

Oh my goodness! I have been in this almost-fatal addiction over Korean beauty products since my trip to Seoul in April. Somehow I just can't stop doing online and physical search of products from the popular names like Innisfree, Banila, The Face Shop and Nature Republic. I even have this deadly tendency to browse through online shops to reward myself for reading or writing a few paragraphs...And yes, I have new items to try out practically every single week...that's not good!...Oh dear...what a s***ty researcher I have become...!!!

One of the beloved items in my haul lately is this Innisfree Air Skin Fit BB Cream (#2 Natural Beige/Light Touch). Erm, I didn't purchase its full size with an empty head. It's really the samplers I got in Seoul that pushed me to buy it (I'm beginning to hate samplers - sinful marketing innovation!). If you have read my previous post, I also bought The Face Shop Aura CC Cream (see review HERE), which I loved. This adventure into Korean cosmetics is simply amazing. I seem to be discovering wonders after wonders as I try out the different products I bought. If I were to compare between the two, I will definitely give more ticks to this Innisfree BB Cream though the Face Shop CC Cream is really pretty good. 

Texture

As with all CC Cream, the Face Shop CC Cream does feel significantly sheerer. In fact, I was amazed by how little of it I need for the entire face if I want the finish to remain natural-looking. But for a BB Cream, Innisfree Air Skin Fit feels just as airy as it's named. It feels...nothing! And it's very buildable - great over blemishes.  What's more, I like its non-sticky, matte finish. I actually love how it looks before setting with powder (I'm using Chanel Mat Lumiere Extreme - see review HERE). If where you live is dry, I would highly recommend you do without any loose powder over it. 

Effects

What I like most about this Innisfree Air Skin Fit is that it gives my skin just the right amount of perk-up and it lasts the entire day! It brightens my complexion by like half a degree, in other words, fairer yet natural-looking. It blends beautifully into my skin, literally becoming my a second skin. I know it sounds a bit crappy, but I still have to say that the Innisfree Air Skin Fit gives a significantly better coverage compared with the Face Shop CC Cream. The best part is, even till the end of my working day (after dinner), my complexion is still appropriately brightened without a tinge of ashy or grayish tone. In fact, if I don't bother to touch up at all, which I usually do once or at most twice a day, it will just melt into my skin with a radiant glow. Perfect for concealing my haggardness...erm...

Packaging

The only thing is the packaging, or I don't know if I'm simply being too lucky to end up with a tube that's a bit leaky. Not that the BB cream really leaks out and stains my stuff, but there's always a bit around the opening when I remove the cap. So that said, I've never carried it out and I may double-wrap this particular tube if I really wanna travel with it. But this is really my one and only complaint about Innisfree Air Skin Fit BB Cream.

Pros

- Sheer texture

- Natural, matte finish

- Long-lasting

- Great for combination skin

- Doesn't turn ashy or grayish

- Brightening

- Highly buildable

- Gives a healthy radiant glow after long hours with the brightening effect intact

Cons

- Insecure packaging (at least for the one I got)

BB Cream Mania: Laneige Snow BB Cream SPF 41++

Oh gosh, I have delayed this post for soooooooooo looooooong! I have actually purchased Laneige Snow BB Cream shortly after its launch. I was attracted by the antioxidant effect, the texture, the price, and the aqua image of the brand.

The BB Cream comes in two shades, but it turned out that even the darker shade is too fair for me! As with many traditional or earlier generations of BB creams, the fairness is rather grayish, which unfortunately doesn't settle and blend into your natural complexion like what MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm does (review pending!). So I will only recommend this Laneige one to those with pink skin undertones and super fair complexion like the Korean girls we often see on TV dramas. 

But even so, I have to confess that I do like its texture. It's soufflé-like, ultra sheer, and less sticky than Lancome UV Expert BB Base (HERE). For your information, I find it quite uncomfortable to wear Lancome UV Expert BB Base living in this 33-degree hot air. There's no way I can get rid of the stickiness with powder lately and I have decided to reserve it for autumn and winter. Back to this Laneige Snow BB Cream, yes, I love the texture. It literally feels like my second skin and my Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge (for reviews, see HERE and HERE) blends in perfectly. But again, it's too fair for my face and reduce wastage, I can only use it on my neck and chest on days that I find my face paler for any reasons. Oh, and one more thing, I also like the scent, which is actually identical to the pleasant floral scent of their Water Sleeping Pack. Will be fabulous if they can add some darker shades to the collection next year...!

BB Cream Mania: Lancome UV Expert GN-Shield High Potency Active Protection BB Base SPF 50+++

Pop...Another BB cream in my basket! I have been struggling between Lancome UV Expert GN-Shield BB Base and Dior Diorsnow BB Cream since their launches. Finally...bling...I received a promotion text from Lancome which moved my feet to the counter...

It was a wise purchase. Although it doesn't give the bubbly sensation of Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse (HERE), the texture is very sheer and spreadable. Before I left the Lancome counter, the sales representative reminded me to start with just a thin layer. She was very right. A thin layer will suffice for a brightened and natural finish since the cream comes in quite a fair shade (which is the only shade)...Fair, but not ashy white (See swatches below). You may find it too fair before it is completely rubbed in and settled. So please be a bit more patient! Before you know, it will melt and blend into your skin like a lightweight moisturizer while correcting your dull complexion. It leaves your face dewy and nude all day long. The UV protection it provides is also enough to shield you from this major source of premature aging for 12 hours straight. 

The only thing that kind of bothers me is its stickiness. Yes, it's sticky no matter how long I let it settle in. BUT, since I usually set the makeup with my Mac Blot Powder, the problem can be easily forgotten. 

Another thing you may like to know before your purchase is that it only provides a light coverage. I don't have much blemishes, so it's not really a concern to me. But anyway, I do think it blurs the spots on my face. 

I like it!

Partially rubbed in

Fully rubbed in

Makeup Review: Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-in-One BB Cream

Although I'm still very happy with my Dr. Jart Water Fuse BB Cream (HERE), I have serious problems refraining myself from buying and testing out other BB creams when a tube actually seems to last forever! This time round, I feel so grateful to the genius who first came up with the revolutionary idea of displaying testers and offering makeup trials...

Honestly, I didn't purchase this Garnier BB cream after testing it out at Mannings. What really turned me off was the consistency which is way thicker than expected. It feels like a foundation, and it's not a lightweight one like NARS Sheer Glow or Chanel Aqualumiere. I'm a sucker for sheer and lightweight texture for anything I put on my face. I can't convince myself to wear a foundation-like BB cream simply by repeating to myself that it contains other skincare benefits that a foundation doesn't. What's more, the rather thick consistency seemed to make it less easy to blend into a natural finish. Looking on the bright side, it provides a pretty good coverage for a BB cream. Like I said, the finish looks more like what a foundation gives you. So it really depends on how makeup you want to look. But if you are like me, who prefer barely-there and lightweight makeup, I guess this Garnier BB cream is not for you.

Makeup Review: Garnier BB Eye Roll-on

Hearing the name of Garnier BB Eye Roll-on was an excitement. How nice the world will be with a roller-ball serum-packed concealer! You can simply swiftly massage your under eyes, dab dab dab, and leave your place with bright, sparkling eyes!!! The story is however too simple to be true...

Basically, I encounter two major problems:

1. Like most roller-ball applicators, there's hardly any way I could control the amount of BB cream I get on my under eyes. Yes, I can roll it onto the back of my hand first, but that will defeat the entire purpose of having the roller-ball, isn't it...?!

2. It's too dry for my rather dehydrated under eyes. I believe it could be good for young, hydrated skin, but definitely not for me (well well...I'm just 30!!!). It settled into creases and made me look sooooooo ooooooold...

If your under eyes are hydrated enough, the good thing I can say about this product is its sheer texture. Your eyes definitely won't be weighed down...Hmm, I guess it's also meant to be handy for retouches, but unfortunately I only see its cumbersome self...

I do look forward to the day when I can do eye massage and makeup in one go. Meanwhile, I still prefer massaging my eyes with Clinique All About Eyes Serum (HERE).

Makeup Must-Haves for Your Summer Haul!

We're into a season of beach and sunshine, of vibrance and radiance! Byebye to the meticulous, sophisticated look. We're back to nature!

Here's the checklist for your Summer Haul!!! 

1. Luminous Gold

NARS Illuminator in Super Orgasm

The gel formula makes it easier to spread, more natural-looking and more lasting than NARS Multiple. The golden shimmer contours while adding a healthy, sexy touch to your skin. 

Bobbi Brown Face Highlighter Pen in Bronze

The new summer launch is packaged in a twist-up pen, making it easy for you to pop it into your makeup bag or anywhere in your bag. What really makes it great for summer is its lightweight liquid formula that provides just the right amount of golden bronzy sheen to highlight your facial contours and decolletage. 

Tip: Remember to fade out all the edges by dabbing with your ring finger. Leaving sharp edges will make you look stiff and artificial, if not horrible...

2. Barely-there

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse BB Cream (SPF 27)

As mentioned in an earlier review (HERE), it's a super lightweight and nourishing alternative to foundation. I actually prefer this to most tinted moisturizers. Although its more luxurious siblings from Dior, Lancome, and Biotherm are indeed tempting, the quality of this Korean branded BB Cream is well-assured considered where BB Cream was 'born' (Korea). Unless you're going for something as formal as the Royal Wedding where you may need a medium to full coverage, why bother to overload your skin with layers of makeup under the sweltering heat?

Tips: Remember it's a many-in-one formula, so you practically don't need any primer underneath. Your makeup will last longer with fewer layers piled on your skin. For blemished areas, just apply in thin layers as needed.

3. Nude Rouge

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy

This hybrid of Chanel Aqualumiere effortlessly glides on to give your pouts a dewy and shiny, yet not too dewy and shine, finish. Coco Shine in Boy is a rosy beige shade that suits practically all lip undertones. It adds life to your dull, matt lips (alright, perhaps not yours, but mine) without breaking the subtlety of nude makeup. 

*Tips: Always prep your lips (say with Chanel Hydramax + Active Lip Care or Mac Prep + Prime Lip HERE) before wearing your rouge to plump your pouts, increase the lipstick's staying power, and prevent feathering. For even longer wear, you may lightly brush on a bit of powder between your lip treatment and lipstick.  

4. Balance

Mac Blot Powder

Although it's not a new product, it's a must-have all year round! Celebrity makeup artists Lisa Eldridge (HERE) and Christophe Danchaud (HERE) both recommend to powder and matify only the T-zone, leaving the natural shine glows from your cheeks and contour. I prefer using Mac Blot Powder to any other loose powder or compact for setting makeup (HERE and HERE). It works like a super blotting paper that not only controls oil, but hold your makeup without caking. It's also perfect for midday retouches!

Tip: It's best to do the first application with a powder brush (e.g. Mac 134 HERE) to evenly and not excessively powder your skin. 

New alternative to foundation: Dr. Jart+ Blemish Base vs. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

I've been a big fan of the tinted moisturizers by Laura Mercier (See HERE and HERE). The buildable coverage and perfect moisture balance never fails to even out my skin tone and give my face a barely-there finish. But since Sephora temptingly recommends this Water Fuse Blemish Base (a.k.a. BB cream) by Dr. Jart+ (Hot Now Vol 3 video HERE - I couldn't upload it as it's only sent to subscribers and is not searchable), I decide to test it out.

Dr. Jart+ is a medical skincare/cosmetics brand founded by a group of Korean dermatologists, which I suppose implies that it's safeR for sensitive skin. The brand is steadily gaining popularity in Asia these few years (no official retail in HK though), and yes, it's now available at Sephora HERE!

BB cream has taken Asia by storm because of its light texture and the myriad of functions it serves, including the basics like hydration, oil-control, UV protection, and skin correction. Many of them also provide vitamin boost, as well as whitening and anti-aging effects...practically everything under the sun! Dior has just launched a BB cream this season, but its sold out shortly after so I haven't managed to get my hands on it. It can be worn alone or under foundation as a primer.

The many things that I like:

This Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Blemish Base contains natural water-binding agents, such as hyaluronic acid and aloe vera juice; and citric acid, a natural collagen building and skin whitening agent which nourishes my skin at the same time. It also comes with SPF 27 (PA++). And unlike wearing a sunscreen, this BB Cream is not greasy or sticky AT ALL! In fact, it's noticeably more lightweight and it offers a better coverage than Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. Literally feels like my skin! Although some people really wear it alone, and I mean ALONE, I do set it with my Mac Blotting Powder. I detest any amount of stickiness and I also believe that the blotting powder can 'preserve' the look for longer hours. And at least for me, it does really last longer than Laura Mercier TM. It manages to stay put for 10 hours (the longest I've tried) without visibly cracking, sliding, melting, and going dull-looking! I MAY need to touch up with my blotting powder once. But it's good enough even without any retouches. AND what makes it phenomenal is that it's sweat-proof! My elevator happened to be under service today and I had to climb 20 stories to finally get home! And guess what?! The BB cream was still in place after gently dabbing dry my sweaty face!!!

In short, the Water Fuse Blemish Base is sheer and super duper comfortable for long wear...and a little goes a long way!

The only thing I kinda dislike:

It only comes in ONE shade...the product description says that it will only give a slightly fairer complexion, which will blend into my skin to give a natural brightened look after a short while. But I seriously doubt if it works for medium or darker skin tones. Laura Mercier TM in Nude is perfect for me, but I guess my skin tone is the 'darkest' that can 'naturally' carry this BB cream.