Foundation Review: Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Smoothing Firming Foundation SPF20+++

Happy New Year!!! I know this greeting comes ridiculously late, but I have been struggling with several deadlines...Anyway, hope all our New Year's resolution(s) can be achieved this year!!! *cough*

To kickstart the new year, I tested out a firming foundation for the first time ever. I have never tried any firming foundation before and neither do I see any practical need to add one to my makeup kit...not yet, not yet...but I still did test out a sample sachet of Giorgio Armani Designer Lift Smoothing Firming Foundation in 04. How is it going to lift my face? Will it 'erase' my fine laugh lines? And the big question is, how different is it from the rest?

The fluid formula has a consistency that is slightly thicker than NARS Sheer Glow (see review HERE) and GA Lasting Silk UV, but definitely thinner than MAC Studio Fix Fluid (which I truly dislike despite its popularity). As a matter of fact, it doesn't play any magic, but it's still a pretty good foundation if you are not looking forward to a face lift. Like GA Lasting Silk UV, this one glided on effortlessly with a sheer natural finish and it survived (at least) 8 hours in wintry weather. It gave this blurring effect that 'smudge' your blemishes and fine lines without layering. The only thing is, I would expect the formula to be more moisturizing than it is since it targets mature skin. Even I have to layer moisturizer underneath. In this regard, I personally think Diorskin Forever (see review HERE) is a better option if you want a 'second-skin' foundation that is more skin-pampering.   

Lingerie for Your Skin: Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation & Concealer SPF20+++

It's the cutest, most elegantly packaged sample palette I've ever received! The packaging of this sample palette is so detailed that it looks almost like a retail product. With the magnetic closure, I can happily pop it into my makeup bag without any worries about making a mess. 

Alright, let's get down to earth. Guerlain Lingerie de Peau is another skincare-foundation that joins the recent hype. The creamy formula contains hyaluronic acid, a water-binding agent that locks moisture in your skin and helps your makeup to stay put. The texture is obviously sheerer than many other cream foundations. Although it comes with a petite sponge applicator, I applied it with my ring finger and was amazed at how it glided on like NARS Sheer Glow, but yes, as a cream formula. The finish is dewy and natural. I only applied it over the dull areas to even out my complexion and it blended in seamlessly (like Guerlain says), leaving my skin soft and radiant. 

The palette comes with a creamy concealer, which unfortunately does little help to my seasoned dark circles. It's too sheer and the color isn't really suitable for hiding my dark circles. I still haven't found anything better than my Diorskin Sculpt concealer (see my comparative review of Diorskin Sculpt and MAC Select Moisturecover HERE). But of course, that's for me. You may find it superb if you don't need a moisturizing eye concealer with high coverage. 

Makeup Review: Diorskin Radiant Base Skin-Refining Pro Lighting Makeup Base SPF 20+

Dior has launched a new collection of Radiant Base alongside the latest Diorskin Forever collection. I personally find the makeup base so much less fascinating than the Forever foundations (see reviews HERE and HERE)...or rather, I'm barely fascinated, especially since I tested out the Radiant Base after my expectation-boosting experiences with the Forever twins.

The sample sachet I received is in Radiant Rose (001), a rosy beige shade which can neutralize my yellow skin undertone. Although it can easily be smoothed into a sheer non-greasy veil, I actually prefer the finish of MAC Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer (see review HERE). The latter can better correct my complexion with a more natural finish. More importantly, my makeup can survive so much longer over MAC Skin Enhancer. Somehow the Radiant Base tends to melt my makeup. Not to mention the higher UV protection you can get from MAC Skin Enhancer, which has hit the minimum SPF recommended by dermatologists.

Who may like Radiant Base?

It's for you if you have normal balanced skin or if you're craving for a bit of luxury. The fragrance added is very typical of Dior...I haven't checked, but it should be close to Forever & Ever EDT and one of those from the Dior Addict EDT (Addict Shine?) series. 

Who may not like Radiant Base?

You may frown if you have combination skin or if you detest scented beauty products. It's also not your kind of makeup primer if you want to get sufficient UV protection from it alone.  

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!  

Great Complexion for A Great Day Off: La Roche Posay UVIDEA XL Melt-In Cream (SPF 50+++)

Can't be bothered to wear a full-on makeup, but still want something to perk up your complexion over weekends? MAC Skin Enhancer has been my fave (see review HERE), but it can't hide my dull complexion well enough under cool white light that beauty counters and some boutiques like to install. I hate it when the white spotlights reveal my blemishes and dullness like X-ray - what a holiday spoiler!!! La Roche Posay Melt-In Cream rescues me from my embarrassment and allows me to enjoy a foundation-free day off.

The Melt-In Cream is more tinted than it feels. So if you do your makeup in a room lit with warm lightings, you can easily get over-enthusiastic about layering it because of its sheer texture. As you can hopefully see from the picture, it really melts into your skin like you have just rubbed in some lightweight day moisturizer. La Roche Posay has actually launched a BB cream, but I personally find this more comfortable to wear. And for such a lightweight tinted cream, the coverage it offers is impressive. When I use it as a primer, I only have to sweep a bit of powder/compact foundation (at the moment, Christian Dior Diorskin Forever Compact - see review ) on the dull areas to make sure my complexion is brightened throughout the day. And yes, I did say a bit. At least for me, my face looked cakey on the few occasions that I didn't trust the Melt-in Cream enough! And in fact, using it alone can already give you an almost-porcelain complexion if your skin is already pretty good.

Partially rubbed in

Comparing to MAC Skin Enhancer, the Melt-In Cream is more hydrating and more spreadable. My makeup stays longer when I used it as a primer. It provides a broader spectrum of UV protection, good enough for a day of hangout. What's more, it's a godsend product for sensitive skin since it's fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. And not to forget the great coverage that I mentioned...You can already tell that I'm ranking this higher than MAC Skin Enhancer. Honestly, it's really this great!

What Makes My Skin Smile: Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Massage Cream

I went for this promotional event by Shiseido last Tuesday which included a complimentary skin analysis and a 60-min facial session at this Conrad ballroom. My apologies for not taking any pictures as I was too busy relaxing...oops!

The session began with a skin analysis. And as expected of my combo skin, my cheeks were slightly dry. According to the results and my purchase record, I was prescribed with a range of White Lucent products plus a mask from their Revital line. 

What impressed me most was the White Lucent Brightening Massage Cream, which left my skin feeling so super soft and well-rested after the massage in the facial session, like it had just undergone a yoga session - relaxed and refreshed! The facial therapist suggested me to try using it for 7 days to speed up the cell renewal of my recently blemished skin.

I have used it for 5 days now and I can almost feel my skin metabolism being activated! Uhem, I may have exaggerated a bit here, but I'm truly happy with this purchase because I could see how it replenished my skin's moisture level after the very first application at home! I was surprised that my pores looked smaller and my face became more luminous...I could visualize my skin cells being hydrated like a stomata! What I also like is that it can be used on the delicate eye area and problem skin too.

Although my face massaging skill was not that professional, my face was warm after the 3- to 5-minute massage. I assumed it had really activated my blood circulation, and anywayz, my face was really brightened with more radiance after it's cooled down. The skincare products that followed could also seep through my skin more easily. The best was, I couldn't remember the last time I woke up with such radiant skin! What's more, this gigantic pimple that had just begun to dry out on the day of the facial session had completely dried and shrunk into a small dot after using the Massage Cream for 3 consecutive nights! That's almost the recovery speed I got when I was a teen (I hardly had any acne problem then)!

The relaxation, radiance and visible replenishment make the product an addictive one. The results are visible too. I haven't worn any foundation for the past 4 days and I can now hang out with great complexion using only my MAC Pre + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer in purple (HERE) and a bit of concealer under eyes (currently using Diorskin Sculpt - HERE) - Hooray!

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...!

Back to the Old-School Way: MAC Lightful Hydro-charged Moisturizer SPF 30++

Years ago when primer was not yet introduced to the beauty industry, the primer-equivalent item was moisturizer. If you think using a primer is a must for a flawless lasting look, the star makeup artist, Lisa Eldridge, tells you...you're wrong! A good moisturizer works just as well as a primer, given that you've found the one that gives you the finish you like. If you are like me who detest stickiness and don't really fancy a dewy finish, MAC Lightful Hydro-charged Moisturizer is for you.

It's one of those moisturizers that can moisturize your face well enough to let your foundation stay put all day long. I tried using it as a day cream when I first purchased it months ago, but it doesn't seem hydrating enough to go into my daily skincare routine. In the hope of not leaving it idle (as it has been for months!), I tried using it as a makeup primer underneath my NARS Sheer Glow or Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk Compact. It turns out to be an amazing discovery! 

Lightful Hydro-charged Moisturizer is very spreadable. Its lightweight texture easily seeps through my skin, leaving it soft, supple and matt enough for applying foundation over it. I also like the gentle soothing scent it carries. In terms of performance, it's in no way inferior to my MAC and NARS primers. I actually think it's formulated for makeup rather than skincare purpose. My makeup didn't move much after 6 hours, without any retouches. It's a brilliant 'makeup primer' for my troublesome combination skin.

Be Kissed by Nature: Lavera Basic Sensitiv Lip Balm

I was grocery-shopping for my mum the other night when I accidentally caught sight of Lavera Basic Sensitiv Lip Balm. I have fallen in love with it since that very evening! Our local drugstores and supermarkets have just recently brought in Lavera. I actually find the quality of this lip balm nothing inferior to those launched by the counter brands, if not better! I am never a fan of organic stuff and I definitely won't rave about this being an organic lipstick. What this lip balm shows is however the power of Mother Nature, which works wonder for my pouts!

It's packed with a cocktail of natural ingredients like shea butter, olive oil, beeswax, jojoba seed oil, sweet almond oil and sunflower seed oil. I am delighted by its gentle taste of honey and the protective sensation it brings. It wraps my lips in a super comfortable, lasting, and non-sticky film of moisture that is just nice for both normal lip care and lip prep before wearing my lip sticks. I like it over my MAC Prep + Prime Lip (HERE) which is less moisturizing, noticeably less lasting, and far more pricey (this one only cost me HKD39 or USD5!!!). To top up the protection, don't forget you'll also get natural UV protection (roughly SPF 6) from the nourishing shea butter. That's not the end of the story! As with all other Lavera products, it's free from parabens, synthetics, preservatives,  petroleum-based products, and cruelty (no animal testing!). Think I'm not only kissed by Nature, but also kissing Nature!

I've already popped it into my everyday makeup bag and daily skincare compartment! =)

The Best Oil-Control Serum from Drugstores

Because of my irritatingly oily T-zone, I've tried quite a handful of oil-control serums over the years. Many didn't work at all. On several occasions, it turned out to be such a waste of time, money, and the product itself too (!!!) since there's no way I could ever carry on using an oil-control serum that actually encouraged oil secretion! My painful serum hunt finally came to an end when I found Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner in a drugstore haul. Good things do come when you're least expecting them! It's the oil-control serum that I keep getting back to.

Unlike some oil-control serum out there in the market, this Bioderma serum doesn't leave any residue. So you won't end up with a mess when you do your makeup 5 minutes before dashing out of your place. It matifies my T-zone and forehead like a super blotting paper. I do need a mid-day retouch with my Mac Blot Powder (HERE) if I'm out the whole day. Just touch-up once and I'm fine the whole day. As with all other Bioderma products, it's hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. Quality-wise, it's definitely in no way inferior to the luxurious brands and it's worth every penny you've paid (if not more)! Hey hey, those with combination and acne-prone skin can party tonight!

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. 

UV Fighters II: Mac Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer SPF 35/PA+++

Mac Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancer SPF 35/PA+++ is a tinted skin primer with soft-focus powders to help even out skin tone and add radiance. It comes in three shades which serves different purposes:

Adjust - brightens dull skin

Illuminate - adds radiance to a sallow complexion

Neutralize - calms a red, blotchy complexion

I use Illuminate (purple) to neutralize (oh, how confusing!) my yellow skin tone. It's lightweight, and the correcting effect is quite subtle. So to speak, it's buildable. But obviously, unlike a tinted moisturizer which usually provides a certain degree of coverage, you can't expect a tinted primer to do all the job, at least my skin is not flawless enough to wear it alone. It holds my foundation pretty well and provides fair protections against both UVA and UVB rays. Of course, if you're looking for a hydrating primer, this's not the one for you. What I like about this primer is its 2-in-1 formula which saves me from the trouble of applying a sunscreen and a primer/skin corrector. I can even wear it on my undereyes to correct my hideous dark circles before applying my eye concealer (currently Diorskin Sculpt Lifting Smoothing Concealer HERE)!

Dior Diorskin Sculpt Lifting Smoothing Concealer vs. Mac Select Moisturecover

I told you about my dehydrated under eye area and my Mac Select Moisturecover in an earlier entry HERE. Although Moisturecover is already pretty sheer and moisturizing, I was still looking out for something better...something as sheer, but more moisturizing (not greasy!) and lasting. I spotted Dior Diorskin Nude Skin Perfecting Hydrating Concealer, but the lady at Dior Beaute told me that Diorskin Sculpt Lifting Smoothing Concealer is their most moisturizing formula. She didn't lie! Don't be fooled by its relatively thicker consistency. It's truly very moisturizing, even better than my Mac Moisturecover! The texture is just as sheer, but I can feel the extra film of moisture while dabbing it over my under eyes. The best part is, I don't even need to use a corrector now! It won't cake up or settle into creases, and it stays put the WHOLE day. Mac Moisturecover can't go that long!

Mac Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye Primer & Highlighter

As mentioned last time, I went for Mac Primed for Perfection makeup consultation. It's fabulous! The Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye Primer is actually a sheer moisturizing eye cream, so sheer that you'll most likely underestimate its hydrating power! The light cream texture disappeared on my eye area in no time, and boom, it kept the layers of concealer looking fresh the whole day! I've been using Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream which really irons out the creases under eye, but this Vibrancy Eye Primer seems to be a lighter and more comfy formula for the humid spring/summer.

Next is the Highlighter. The new line offers three shades: Bright Forecast (mid-tone peachy coral), Light Boost (soft yellow cream), and Radiant Rose (light shell pink). It comes in a slender twist-up pen applicator, supposed to be handy, but it doesn't really excites me since I prefer putting the required amount on the back of my hand before application. Find it more hygienic.

Anywayz, Bright Forecast and Radiant Rose can be worn under concealer to correct the greenish bluish darkness under eye, whereas Light Boost functions more as a highlighter over concealer. The texture is thin and velvety, you know, the summer kinda texture. The only drawback is, it's NOT moisturizing and it's a definite NO to wear it without any moisturizing base for dry skin (around the eyes) like mine! The makeup artist recommended me to stick to using my own eye cream (my Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream since there's still plenty) and Mac Select Moisturecover in NW25 as a corrector, then highlight the outline of my eye bags with Light Boost. YES! I did look more radiant than using Moisturecover NW25 + NC25! What's more, it felt lighter. It was a long day for me and I only reached home at 11pm. The concealing job still stayed put! Will consider getting Vibrancy Eye Primer after finishing my Bobbi Brown. =)

Catches of the Month!

Check out on Lane Crawford's latest beauty offers!

http://www.beautynews-lanecrawford.com/offer.php

My pick is Mac's free Primed for Perfection makeup consultation where you can try out their new Prep + Prime Vibrancy Eye and Prep + Prime Highlighter. The Vibrancy Eye is 'a moisturizing, quick-fix and long-term solution for puffy, tired-looking creases and darkness under eyes'. Isn't that my major beauty killer?! With the recommendation of this Mac makeup artist, I've been using Mac Select Moisturecover in NW25 as a corrector under my eye concealer. It works pretty well, but I believe there has to be a product that can play a better magic! You may think that I should try Bobbi Brown's latest corrector. I already did, but nah, it's too dry for my under eyes (even with a fresh layer of eye cream underneath). Anywayz, I've been looking forward to a moisturizing eye corrector. Hope this Mac one is not gonna let me down! It's also very exciting to finally see Mac launching a highlighter! I'm definitely going to make a booking! You should expect a review of the two new members of the Prep + Prime family soon!!!  

Prepping your lips

My lips have been very dehydrated, well in fact my cheeks are the only pretty-good pieces of skin I have, and they've given lots of people a false impression of my actually-flawed skin! Anyway, to ensure that my lips can look moist and sheer the whole day, overnight prep is the first and most important step. Although lip scrubs (e.g. Fresh Sugar Lip polish) are available in the market, I'm trying to cut down on the unnecessary skincare expense and see if some cheaper alternatives can serve the same purpose.

Before bed...
All you need to prep your lips overnight is a thick lip balm that doesn't disappear in a minute since your lips will need continuous hydration through the night. I use Bioderma Atoderm Lip Balm for dry, chapped damaged lips, generously. As the product description says, it restores the chapped, dry lip mucous membrane, it really does! By now, you should've noticed that I'm a big fan of Bioderma, but my fondness comes with reasons! If you have dry lips like mine, your lips will most likely look horrible the next morning, with a pale white layer of skin surfaced. Now, (SCRUB) RUB IT OFF GENTLY!!! Make sure you've rubbed off all the surfaced dead skin. I always do the rubbing right after washing my face, when my lips are still damp and soft, to prevent cracking my lips. You can now finish off the morning routine with a thin layer of lip balm.

Before hanging out...
I had a hard time hunting for the right lipstick and lipgloss that won't leave me with chapped lips after a few hours. But this hunt should come after the one for a good lip balm that can be worn under lipsticks/gloss.

Mac Prep + Prime Lip is a good buy. It feels like a thin layer of silk. Unlike many normal lip balms, it won't make the color 'swim' on your lips. You will be able to glide your lipstick smoothly, evenly, and happily on your pouts.

A more luxurious choice is Chanel Hydramax + Active Lip Care. The tender layer of moisture wraps your lips comfortably and gives your lipstick a naturally smooth and glowy touch. The effect is very lasting - Love it!