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! =)

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!

A natural touch for combination skin

I wear foundation whenever I step out of my place. I just can't accept letting anybody see my true haggard self. The most recent foundation I used was Mac Studio Fix Fluid, which I usually set with Mac Select Sheer Pressed Powder. But I look cakey with or without powder, and even hideous under the sun. I will review Mac's foundation in another entry. Anywayz, for better skin in the long run, I'm hunting for a lightweight product which can even out my skintone with light-medium coverage, and more importantly, can last for the whole day without much touch-ups. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 (it's not the oil-free one) is my answer! I have to confess that because of my combo skin, I still have to use foundation fluid on my T-zone for better oil control and lasting coverage. But as the name has prompted, the tinted moisturizer really works like a moisturizer and I just have to apply it on clean bare skin - how easy! I do have a bit of spots around my apples, but this tinted moisturizer almost covers them all with just a thin layer. I don't even think I need to use a prep or corrector under it. It's very buildable, like lots of other foundation. I usually dab a bit more on my cheeks and chin to brighten the dull areas. My skin feels soft and looks perfectly natural and energized. Depending on the humidity, I may selectively apply some Mac Blot Powder or Select Sheer Pressed Powder on my T-zone, jaws and chin (with a powder brush). To add some natural rosiness to my cheeks, I use Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge 11 - Pale Pink. Dab it on your apples with your ring finger and spread the edges. The pink rouge will blend into your skin and become part of it, making you a rosy, innocent baby! =)