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!  

UV Fighters V: Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Compact Foundation

Although I was told to stick to one foundation once it fits, I tend to wonder if there're better alternatives after using it for a while. Does that mean I'm a born researcher? Anyway, I've been testing out a few compact foundations as summer is around the corner (or it's already here!). After all, we all need a promising foundation that won't leave us in embarrassment under the sweltering heat! 

My latest fav is Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Compact Foundation (SPF 34/PA+++). I used to think a fashion brand won't excel in the beauty industry, but I was very wrong. This compact foundation should pass off as an HD foundation although it didn't claim to be one. The silky powder is so super fine. I was very impressed by the refining, yet absolutely natural-looking, effect when the GA makeup artist first swept it across my jawline as part of the mid-day touchup. It subtly matified my skin and 'erased' the pores without caking up, and the finish was so sheer that I literally couldn't feel it! 

I also love it for another reason - the design! As with all other GA beauty products, the packaging of this compact foundation is simply an art! The elegant black lacquered case, the magnetic closure...everything little detail of the case makes it more than JUST a humble compact foundation. Oh, even the sponge that comes alone is stylish!!! Armani has truly carried over their wisdom in fashion to their beauty collections. Mine is now sitting on my desk like a well-groomed supermodel! 

Foundation Review: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

As with almost all other NARS products, NARS Sheer Glow Foundation is of high quality. They're being very honest in naming this foundation as it's really one of the most sheer foundations I've ever used! The ultra lightweight oil-free formula makes it super duper spreadable and buildable. It melts into my skin like a serum, which I can hardly feel afterwards! It provides a light-to-medium coverage.

The word 'glow' is however a bit misleading as it doesn't make my face glow and the sales representative told me it isn't meant to! 'Glow' only refers to 'brighten'. It does brighten my skin tone with a very natural finish. And unlike what its name's prompted, it's actually quite matt and I can comfortably wear it without any setting powder in dry seasons...well, it's comfortable to wear all year round!

NARS claims that it will improve my skin texture with prolonged use. I haven't verified the statement though. But even if it doesn't, it's already good enough, or rather perfect if you're going for the barely-there kind of nude makeup!