August Faves

Lately I've been using products I own rather than going out and buying new items. Above is my favorites for the month of August.

NYX Nail Polish in True Navy: NYX is a popular brand on YouTube, but I haven't used many of their products aside from their brow powder cakes. I've had this nail color, along with other NYX polishes in the same line, and I really like it since the pigmentation is magnificent considering the low price! I paid about $2!
I've used this color so often lately it's about half way done!

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation B20: Drugstore products can be nice, but with foundation I like to spent a bit more (not to say I don't own lower-mid end foundations) This foundation offers medium coverage and it dries to a semi-powder finish. The color is a nice match for my color. The downside is the price, but aside from that I'm really liking it!

Sana Soy Milk Whitening Cream: I bought two tubs in Japan, this is my 2nd one! It brightens slightly, but not dramatically. Personally I find very few whitening products work quickly. I like this Sana cream for its moisturizing properties. It does feel a little sticky after application, but it makes my face feel very plump.

Walkers Shortbread: Who else loves butter biscuits? Walkers are especially since it contains pure ingredients, ingredients that I can pronounce! It's important to know what goes into the foods I'm eating, so I appreciate Walkers. These shortbread cookies are addicting, but since it contains a good amount of butter, it's better to portion them so you don't finish the box in one sitting. :)

Nature Republic UV Lock Flower SPF 50+

I go through sunscreens very quickly, so I don't mind owning an extra bottle or two. Nature Republic was having a sale, so I decided to try this sunscreen out since it was only $5.

What makes this different than over sunblocks? it has a slight pink base! The pink tone subtlety act as a primer and makes the face appear a bit brighter. I like the high SPF factor and the squeeze bottle.

It dries a little matte; not exactly glossy or sticky. The box claims it has whitening properties, but I don't really believe in that. I think sunscreens blocks the sun, which may prevent you from getting darker, but doesn't exactly lighten the overall skin tone.

If I go back to Nature Republic and see it's still on sale, I will not hesitate to pick up another one!  

Nature Republic Berry Girl's Lip Tint

Back again with another lip tint review. This time, it's Nature Republic's Berry Girl's Lip Tint.
This tint has an interesting texture, compared to others! It's very jelly-like and cooling on the lips. Like most tints, it has a fruit scent.

The jelly is actually quite pigmented and moisturizing. Often the water-type tints can have a drying effect on my lips, but I like this Berry Girl's Tint for the hot summer months! The color in the bottle is lighter when you apply it on your lips. I like the doe foot applicator since I can pin point exactly where I want the color.

Innisfree Nail Polish in number 103

Kao Steam Eye Masks Review

Masks for eyes? Yes! I wasn't sure of these at first, but after one use I am hooked! These steam, but they don't burn your eyes; it heats up to a warm, but comfortable temperature that feels really relaxing and it soothes tired eyes. If you're like me and spent a lot of time in front of the computer, reading, or doing anything that may strain the eyes then these are a nice treat.
Very inexpensive on sasa.com~ Yuzu is my favorite, as you can see, I only have one left! Lavender is also nice and quite aromatic.

Etude House Look At My Eyes PP502

Somehow Etude House brand eyeshadows do no get as much love compared to the brands BB creams, skin care and lip products.

Originally I had wanted to buy Look At My Eyes in the color sweet potato latte (a dupe for Bobbi Brown Heather) a color used in the drama "The Innocent Man," but I accidentally picked the wrong color. A happy mistake, in my case, since this PP502 color is uber pretty!

It's a deep purple with no glitter or sparkles. I like to use this color to line my eyes rather than the typical black or brown. The purple looks great with brown eyes and it adds a hint of unexpected color.

Pigmentation is wonderful. One swipe gets a generous color payoff. It doesn't have any fall off. As with all eyeshadows, I always prime with Urban Decay's Primer Potion before use.

Peripera Peri's Lip Tint #2

Those into Asian cosmetics are well aware of what lip tints are and why they are such a hit. For those who don't know, it's basically a pigmented water-like tint that is great for creating the ever-so-popular gradation tint.

I'm sure the tint trend isn't fading anytime, in fact it's only getting stronger and stronger! Established are constantly improving and creating new tints. The popular Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint has been reformulated and repackaged three times already!

Out of all my tints, Peripera Peri's is one of my favorite. It's the one I reach for the most and one of the first tints I bought when I landed in Seoul.

In the photo, the color may look dark. On the lips, it's a "healthy" red color that makes my lips look as if I just ate a popsicle. Even after meals and water, the color still remains. The scent is delightfully fruity and the texture is just like water.

The bottle can be bulkier than other brands, so I don't carry it around with me. I like the doe foe applicator and I usually swipe off any excess before application. There are five other colors in this line, but #2 is the one I prefer most. Other than this Peri's, Peripera also has other tints that comes in different form - twist up balm, tin, etc.

June Favorites!

June favorites! It's that time again to share what I've been using the most this month :)

1. Mamode Natural Sun Cream SPF 35
This is my second bottle; the first one, I finished really quickly and enjoyed using very much.
This sun cream is very light. It's not paste-like nor does it leave a white cast. It has a lotion-like texture that settles and dries down quickly.

2. Real Technique Brushes
For the prices, I'm so surprised by the quality. These brushes are extremely soft, durable and rivals many expensive brands. I will continue to support this brand as I find it to work very well and you can't beat the price point.

3. Crabtree & Evelyn Summer Hill Hand Therapy
I'm trying to take better care of my hands these days. Prior, I used to own a lot of hand creams that would often go unused. To combat this problem, I find if I apply it at night, before I go to bed, I'm more likely to use it.

The summer hill scent is divine. It smells like exactly like floral garden! Crabtree & Evelyn is known for their hand creams, this is my first one and I adore it. It actually moisturizers my hands, unlike other brands. While the scent is strong upon application, it does go away as it sinks into your skin.

What products have you been loving this month?

The Face Shop Lovely Me:Ex Cushion Blusher

Korean blushes can be a hit or miss. Often they are chalky with poor color payoff and other times they are extremely pigmented. This cushion blusher is the latter; super pigmented, almost too pigmented, those with heavy hands know what I mean.

The particular blush in the picture has since been repackaged, but the formula remains the same. It's a vibrant hot pink with no glitters or chunky bits. Like I said, it can be hard to work with given its pigmentation. I find just one light tap is all I need for one cheek, another tap for my other cheek.

This line has about 7 other colors. Not all of them are this pigmented. From what I can recall, there are a couple milky pinks and oranges. I don't own any hot pinks, which attracted me to this color. It comes with an adorable puff, which I tossed, since I find it to be useless. Other than that, these Me:Ex blushers reminds me of Nars, but without the high costs!

LuLuLun Sheet Masks

LuLuLun is a relatively new brand of Japanese sheet mask that's from Japan. Before my trip, I saw these makes were being sold everywhere online for some reason. 

As I was shopping in Osaka, I saw LuLuLun everywhere as well too! Since it was so affordable, around $3 for a pack, I picked it up. 

Honestly, I don't think it's worth the hype. The masks itself is very thin, which is suitable for everyday use- but still it's easy to rip them apart whilst applying. I also did not really care for the zip-like packaging.
LuLuLun focuses on fragrance-free, color-free and mineral free masks, which is great if you have sensitive skin or you're concerned about what ingredients you use. Overall for me, it was really disappointing and I ended up giving it to my mom.

Skinfood Choco Eyebrow Powder Cake

Eyebrows should be sisters, not twins! Still with that said, it can be tricky to find the right color match.
SkinFood Choco Eyebrow Powder Cake #1 is a product I bought on a whim, since the prices was only $2.50 (2,500 won)

The cute little case contains two eyebrow shades and a brush. It might have a spooly as well, but I lost it somewhere!

I have black hair, so I find grey-ish powders to look the most natural for me. If I used a black powder, it looks weird and off, whereas grey looks more natural and it blends better.

Both shades are pigmented and easy to use. I use the color on the left for the inner part of my eyebrows and the darker shade at the end of my brows. Personally I find powders better than pencils, as it looks more natural and it's easier to work with. I used this product every day!

MODI Nail Polishes

MODI is Korea's best kept secret. Owned my Amore Pacific (who owns Laneige, Etude House, Innisfree, etc) this brand of nail colors is actually better than OPI. On top of its innovative shades and glitters, the pigmentation is no joke! Along with that, it wear really well; I can get away with 7 days, chip free without a top coat. It's also glossy and inexpensive (about $2.50 in Korea)

I imagine it hasn't caught on with international beauty junkies since it's difficult to ship nail polishes. Although if you're ever in Korea, visit Aritaum and check out MODI nail colors!

Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint in Cherry Red (RD301) Swatch

Nature Republic Blemish Lab Bye Pore Concealer

 Anyone suffers from strawberry skin? hahaha AKA areas of your face with large pores?
This pore concealer, which comes in a glass jar, promises to make your pores disappear. The texture of the pinkish concealer is light and it actually does make the pores appear a bit smaller. While it's no miracle worker, it does get the job done.

May Favorites!

My first monthly favorites post! Usually I tend to use my products for a month before I swap them around, so I thought it would be nice to share the products I enjoyed using most.

1. Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer
A hyped product on YouTube, where I first discovered and heard of this product. Usually, I tend to stick with high-end concealers, since I find it to have better pigmentations. But I found this Age Rewind Concealer to be especially great for highlighting rather than concealer.
Downside? packaging. After one use, it practically exploded somehow. So sad since a lot of product was wasted.

2. Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain
I used to own a similar marker tint from Revlon. I enjoyed using it, but somehow I lost it. I feel the same about this Josie Maran marker. The tint looks natural, but I didn't find it to be long lasting. Also the price ($19) was a bit much since I could buy a similar product at the drugstore for half the cost. Pass.

3. Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint
Love, love, love! This is more of a gel-type tint, rather than the watery ones. Gels tend to sit more comfortably on my lips. If you have pigmented lips and haven't found a tint that shows its true color, this this one is a MUST! I find it much more pigmented than any other tints I've tried thus far. Cute packaging and highly affordable. I own all the colors, but this red one is my fave.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion

I'm a complete blusher junkie. I don't need to buy anymore, considering the amount you get and it's nearly impossible for me to hit pan on my products, but I couldn't pass up this new Hourglass product.

After looking up swatches online, Dim Infusion was the one I liked the most. It's a milky orange color which looks natural and it's different from the other oranges I own.

The casing is very luxurious looking; it's rose gold with a large mirror. Each blusher has a different marbling. Mine is a good mix of the dim powder + blush color.

The texture is very soft and it is easy to blend. It's not hard to overdo this blush. I find it doesn't emphasize large pores and it has about 5 hours of lasting power before it starts to fade.

Jill Stuart Jelly Eye Colour # 19 Passion Fruit Swatches

TonyMoly Latte Art Milk-Tea Morning Pack Review

Who else is a fan of milk tea? I certainly am. Intrigued with the concept and its ingredients, I bought this morning pack with much hope.

It claims to be a make-up starter. Apply it before make-up to prep your skin. Since it contains caffeine, it will de puff your skin and leave it looking healthy.

It's a clear type gel with no strong scent. I found it very easy to apply and it does settle and dry quickly. Since I am not one to use primers daily, I found this pack to be nice since it's basically a two-in-one (skincare + make up base!)

A generous 100g for under $10. Since you only need a pea size, I imagine this lasting awhile :)

Astalift Dupe!

Astalift is a high end Japanese skincare company that is currently very popular. Their best selling product is their jelly moisturizer, which sells for $147!
Instead of shelling out that big amount, I decided to try SANA's dupe called Nameraka Soflavone Lift Up Red Gel. Similar to Astalift, it's a reddish jelly type product that it's fun to use. It comes with a mini spatula, which make it more hygienic to scoop.

I haven't used Astalift, but this moisturizer from Sana is so, so nice! Since the texture is gel-like, it sinks into the skin really quickly. There is a bit of stickiness, which is to be expected since it is like jell-o, but aside from that it really does hydrate the skin!

Since I've just started using this, I can't speak about the anti-aging benefits, but as a moisturizer it does leave my skin feeling supple the next day.
Like most Sana products, it contains no mineral oils or added fragrance.

Jill Stuart Jelly Eye Color

Prior to my Japan trip, there was one brand I really wanted to try out and it was Jilly Stuart. While it's accessible online, I wanted to swatch the products and see the colors myself.
In the end, I bought this jelly eye shadow in passion fruit. The texture, like the name, is very bouncy and plush. It's easy to use and blends effortlessly. The color is a lovely pink with a hint of sparkle.
I think I paid about $20 for this tub, but it will will last me awhile since you only need a tiny amount for each use.

Illamasqua Stagnant Nail Polish

I tend to gravitate towards taupe nails colors, for some reason. Not exactly sure why, but I think it looks great and it's less harsh than black.
This is my first time using a color from Illamasqua ($15, Sephora) The bottle is different from the others in my collection and I like the brush applicator.
The color, like I mentioned, is a mushroom taupe. It leans purple, more than brown. One coat is enough for an opaque application. If you love taupes, then you'll enjoy this color!

ORLY Nail Defense

Truthfully speaking, when I paint my nails I often do not use a top coat, but my polish will remain non-chipped for 10 days! How? ORLY nail defense!
I used to think that all base coats worked the same, but after discovering this one from ORLY I knew how mistaken I was.
Like I said, I don't use a top coat and I often do a lot of work with my hands. This clear base coat works wonders and it really does live up to its claims!
What base coat are you currently using?

Etude House Peel Off Base Coat

Glitter polishes are beautiful, especially as an accent nail color, but removal is a pain.
This cool bottle of peel of polish is handy, when you want to remove polish quickly!

The color is a milky white that dried clear! After one generous coat, it really does work!

I've seen some people make a similar type of base coat with Elmers glue, so give it a try!

Sala Hair Mist

Hair mists are particularly popular in Asia, not so much in the states. I was constantly seeing this in Japanese drugstore, so I decided to try it out for myself.
Sala, a brand under Kanebo, sells a wide range of beautifully scented hair mists. This pink one is sweet with a hint of floral. Not too overwhelming, but just enough to make your hair smell intoxicating.
Lasting power is about 4 hours. Which isn't too bad, in my opinion.

Nars Lip Pencil

I've extremely picky when it comes to lip products. I hate the glossy look, product scent is important, I hate touching up and products that are long lasting is a major plus.
Nars lip pencils hit all those! They come in a variety of colors, so there's bound to be one that will suit your taste.
The downside is the pencil part. You need to buy a large pencil sharpener and I find it difficult to sharpen without wasting a bit or product. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons. Do give it a swatch if you're ever at Sephora or Nordstrom. 

Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint RD301

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella

The Korean gradient lip trend is one of the top trends currently. When I use lip tints, the color can someone look blotchy after eating and drinking. So a new trend is to use red lipstick to create a long lasting tinted effect!

Nars Cruella is the perfect one to use since it's 1. matte 2. long lasting 3. non drying

Just dab some on the inner part of your lips and blend with your finger. It looks natural and it's suitable for all occasions!

Etude House Ice Cream Nail Polish

How cute is this polish from Etude House? I probably should've taken the picture the other way, so you could see the cone shape hehe. Most Korean polishes are affordable and opaque, this one being no exception. I cannot recall the name of this color, but it's a rich chocolate brown that looks great on my skin tone. It's also a color which I, surprisingly, do not own!

There are a couple other colors in this ice cream collection. I'm not sure if it is limited edition or not, but I've seen them on sale on many Korean beauty web shops, so if interested pick them up quickly before it's too late!

Jill Stuart Jelly Eye Color #19 Passion Fruit

MEISHOKU Organic Rose Skin Conditioning Gel

Previously I review the skin conditioner in the same line, but today I will review the gel! With moisturizers, I can't stand formulas that are sticky. Most of the time, I tend to go for gel type moisturizers. That way, it sinks into my skin quickly and my skin doesn't feel gross and tacky.

This large tub, made with organic roses, is really amazing. First off, I like that it's made with organic roses. The scent is sweet, but not overpowering. It great or day or night, since it sinks into the skin very quickly. Between the skin conditioner and this gel, I like the gel more since it's much more moisturizing.

Rohto Lycee Eye Drops Review

Ordinary eyedrops are nothing compared to Lycee Eye Drops! This eyed drop, made in Japan from Rohto, is highly refreshing and extremely moisturizing.

With other eye drop, it takes about 5 drips in each eye, but with Lycee I only need one is each eye! The packing is also very cute haha. Currently I own three of these; It's a product my eyes simply can't live without!

Revlon Age Defying Concealer Review

 Revlon is one of my favorite American drugstore brand. I've always had a good experience with Revlon, I can't say the same about Covergirl haha.

I don't suffer from bad dark circles, but I like the brightened under eye look.

The applicator is a doe foot, which makes it easy to pinpoint exactly where I want the product. It looks natural and it doesn't cake up or settle into find line. Sadly, since I purchased this on clearance from Walgreen, I'm afraid it may be discontinued. Sad!

Kose Sekkisei White BB Cream Review

Kose Sekkisei is almost always packaged in its famous blue packing. Sekkisei is famous because of its usage of Chinese plants extracts. Most of their products focuses on whitening or brightening.

I'm still loving BB creams, so I couldn't resist this new BB cream from Kose. It doesn't come in a very large bottle, but like most BB creams you only need a little bit for one usage.

This BB cream comes in two colors, but there isn't much of a color difference between one and two, so I went with number 2.

It has a slight scent, but it isn't distracting. The coverage is medium to full (if you apply a second layer) Mostly I find it great for days when you want a natural look. I can't comment on the whitening effects, but a lot of people find it actually does whiten. For now, I enjoy it because it doesn't leave my skin gray, like most BB creams.

MEISHOKU Organic Rose Skin Conditioner Review

If you've know me, you'll know I love rose scented products. So when it's in a skin care product, of course I must try it out!

This Meishoku Organic Rose Skin Conditioner is in a very cute pink 200ml bottle.
It's main use is similar to a toner, so you can use it before or after make-up, after washing your face, or you can put it in a spray bottle to refresh your skin on the go.

It's made with organic roses. I find the scent to be light and soothing. It doesn't smell artificial at all. I like at the bottle opening is quite small, so I can control the product easily.

So far, I'm really enjoying this skin conditioner. I also own the gel in the same line, which I will review at a later time :)

YuskinA Yu-Be Review

Yuskin, or Yu-Be in the states, is a concentrated glycerin moisturizing cream. Its won heaps of award in Japan for being highly moisturizing. What I like most is the fact that it contains no sulfates or artificial coloring or scents.

Some time, my skin can be sensitive. Since I've been traveling lately, my skin has been reacting to the airplane recycled air. Luckily after one night of Yu-Be, my skin is in much better condition!

The best part of Yu-Be is that it's multipurpose! You can use it on your face, lips, hands, feet or anywhere imaginable!

Yu-Be skin is now sold at Sephora.com.

Kose SOFTYMO Mineral Wash Review

I was intrigued by this product, since it claimed to contain 12 different kinds of minerals that are good for the skin (pearl powder, royal jelly, deep sea water, etc)  On top of that, the price was under $5!

Like most Japanese face wash, it doesn't dry out my skin or make my skin feel uncomfortable. I like using this with my Clarisonic, since it lathers up nicely.

Sana Soy Milk Whitening Cream Review

Sana is a popular Japanese brand that focuses on both cosmetics & skin care products. I believe they are most famous for their Soy Milk line, which contains a high amount of soya beans!

This Soy Milk Whitening Cream is a new product for me, but because of rave reviews I decided to buy two.

It's very light in texture and it absorbs into the skin quickly. There no distinct scent, which is great for those who are sensitive.

As of now, I can't see a whitening effect, but I think maybe by the time I'm done with bottles I may see a difference hehe.

Shiseido Perfect Whip Review

Face wash- it's one of those things that I'm constantly buying since it's a product I used day and night. Shiseido Perfect Whip is a cult favorite. At first, I didn't know why- how much more special could it actually be?
While in Japan, a bottle of Shiseido Perfect Whip was only $3, so I decided to give it a go. You know it's popular when Japanese drugstore only allows customers to buy no more than 5 bottles at a go.

First off, it's incredibly creamy! You only need half a pea size amount to obtain a fluffy ball of foam! If you have trouble foaming up facial foams, I recommend a facial foam net ;)

This cleaners removes everything! On top of that, it leaves my skin feeling smooth, fresh and squeaky. Cheapest place to buy this online, would have to be Sasa.com

Essie Pretty in Pink

My never ending hunt for the perfect nude nail color continues... This time, it's Essie Pretty in Pink. While the name has the word pink, it's more of a milky white pink (does that make sense? haha)
It may look nice on others, but for my skin tone I find it a bit white looking. On top of that, the formula is streaky, so it's not easy to apply.

Omi Sun Bears Super SPF 50+ Pa +++ Review

Very rarely do I leave the house without some sort of sun protection. Whether it's rainy or cloudy, SPF is a must!
Not only does SPF protect your skin from sun damage, but it also prevents your skin from aging prematurely.

Omi Sun Bears is originally meant for children, I think. Or maybe adults who can't resist cute packaging haha.

It's a milky-type sunscreen. Meaning, you have to shake it up before using and it goes on the skin very easily since the texture is like water.

Anessa, from Shiseido, makes sunscreen similar to Omi but Omi is literally 1/3 of the cost of Anessa!
If you're looking for sunscreen that's affordable yet works well then please try Omi! You won't regret it :)