A Great Primer for Combo Skin: Shiseido Maquillage Sherbet Base

I should have reviewed this loooooong ago because I'd finished three bottles of it before I began falling for tinted primers and BB creams. It's a fun, refreshing, and pretty effective primer with a yummy name. If you are looking for a makeup primer that can control facial oil and keep your face feeling fresh the whole day, this one is for you.

I love the fluffy sherbet-like (or soufflé if you'd prefer) texture that melts into my skin instantly, leaving a smooth and mattified canvas for makeup. The minty scent and cooling sensation really perk me up too. The sale representative at Shiseido said it helps maintain the temperature of my skin under 25˚C, so the pores will be smaller and the skin less oily. Apparently, I didn't technically measure the temperature of my face, but all I know is that the gentle cooling sensation does last for quite a while. It did a pretty good job in oil-control and my makeup stayed pretty long. Although it was launched as part of Maquillage Summer Collection last year, I actually think the Sherbet Base is a brilliant makeup primer for combination skin all year round. I still use it from time to time when my skin (especially the T-zone) feels sticky and yucky.

Now that I'm obsessed with La Roche Posay Melt-In Cream (see review HERE) which gives me both SPF protection and light coverage, I sometimes wear the Sherbet Base underneath and finish with only MAC Blot Powder (see review HERE). The three items are pretty much enough to leave my face matt and even-toned for a no-makeup makeup look. With a bit of blush or bronzer, plus two swipes of Dior Addict in Nude (333) (see review HERE), I'm good to go!

As with all Shiseido products, I haven't experienced any allergic reactions or tingly sensations using it, not even over pimples. The only drawbacks are that it doesn't provide any SPF protection and it can't correct skin tone. But if these are not your concerns, you should really consider grabbing a bottle today!  

A Plumy Fall: Chanel Rouge Coco in Plumetis (79)

Plums are everywhere this fall! Many beauty brands have included a plummy shade in their latest F/W collection. Of course, Chanel is in the picture too. The newly launched collection features a Rouge Coco in Plumetis (79), a plum-rose shade, along with the compatible Levres Scintillantes in Pampille (156). But even being a BIG fan of Chanel makeup, the lipgloss is not appealing at all, especially if you already own other shades of Levres Scintillantes. All Pampille does is to intensify the color of Plumetis, which is itself already quite eye-catching.

Rouge Coco in Plumetis (79) does worth some special attention. I gasped when the sales representative removed the cap and revealed the brownish stick...How can it be plummy?!...But DON'T be fooled! As you can see from the swatches below, the plummy rosy shade looks like a sister of Rouge Coco in Cashmere (04), but more rosy and livelier. A swipe on the pouts gives a touch of sophistication. Honestly, now that the weather is still hot and sticky, I find Plumetis too intense to go with most summer clothes. For now, Dior Addict in Nude (333) (HERE), Rouge Coco Shine, and my favorite Rouge Allure in Desinvolte (86) will give a more refreshing and summery finish. But I'm sure it will be a perfect shade as wintry weather sets in.

From top left: Rouge Coco in Cashmere (04), Plumetis (79), Rouge Allure in Desinvolte (86), and Instinctive (78)

From left: Rouge Coco in Plumetis (79) and Dior Addict in Nude (333)

Makeup Review: Dior Addict Lipstick in Nude vs. Chanel Rouge Coco Shine

I know it's a bit late of me to review Dior Addict lipstick in Nude (333) that's launched in the S/S 2011 collection, but well, it's never really too late since it's a permanent color in the collection.

It's become one of my everyday lipsticks lately because of its sheer watery finish and the healthy kinda nude look it creates, which definitely won't make me look ill! The texture actually feels like Coco Shine (HERE and HERE), but creamier, slightly less watery, and slightly more intense. It gives a comfortable sheeny touch, and like I just said (I ought to repeat!), it's in the right kind of nude! I always find the range of hues that can go under the "nude" category terribly broad. Some made me look too cold, stern, or ill. But this one sits just at the point of equilibrium that should fit most people. Honestly, because my natural lip color is more to the darker rosy side, the lighter shades in the Coco Shine range are all too sheer to cover my lip color. For this reason, I can only go for the brighter shades of Coco Shine, say Liberte (46), Aventure (57), and Boy (54). Although the trend for bold lips is back and Coco Shine is still more sheer, hydrating and foolproof, I will opt for Dior Addict on days that I prefer to have a more tender natural look. A perfect match with my summer whites!