Tonymoly Latte Art Milk Tea Morning Pack

What it is: Tonymoly Latte Art Milk Tea Morning Pack: Caffeine, Tea Mixture, Corn silk extract – cares puffy face from sleeping Tea, fermented pucopia – replenish intense hydration while promoting vital skin cell rejuvenation for softer, younger-looking skin.

This creamy pack type makeup starter is speedy skin boosting primer with instant moisture veil, hydrating touch and silky finish. It prepares the skin for following steps of makeup with smoothing effect on rough surface. Containing black tea extract, this multi-purpose formula delivers plenty of nourishment and activating elements into skin. Leave the skin amazingly radiant and suple. Also, it makes the skin to be ready for makeup fit and touch. It includes corn hair tea extract and caffeine to make the lifted face line.

How to use: Take an adequate amount of the product, gently apply all over the face for about 20 seconds and softly pat to penetrate.

Where to buy: KoreaDepart – $7.79, Amazon – $23.48, C&C Canada – $16.99

Review: I purchased this pack after trying a couple of products from Tonymoly’s Latte Art line. At first I thought this to be similar to the Cacao Pore Pack (which by the way is still one of my favorite clay masks to this day 🙂 ). I just thought that this was one specifically used in the morning. While under the impression this pack worked similarly to the Cacao Pore Pack, I was iffy about how well it would work since I figured I’d rarely ever get to use it. I’m not a morning person and sometimes it’s already a struggle just washing my face in the morning. But it turned out, I was wrong since this works more as a primer than an actual pack. This is actually one of my favorite primers to use. I think it helps my foundation or bb cream stick better to my face. Kind of hard to tell with the picture, but after applying the pack it gives a slightly dewy finish. Since my t-zone is oily nowadays, I actually use a different primer for that area but this works well for everywhere else. The size of the tube is pretty generous considering you’ll only need a pea sized amount (might need more if you’re using for your entire face). The consistency of the pack is similar to a gel. There’s not a strong scent to it, so nothing to worry about if scents aren’t your favorite.

NARS ‘NARSissist’ Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette

Product Description: (from nordstrom.com)

The NARSissist Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette is filled with eight gorgeous shades of mesmerizing Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow. The shades can be applied dry for sheer color or with a dampened brush for a high-impact finish. NARS has also included a mini Wet-Dry Eyeshadow Brush with the palette for application ease.

Shades include:
– Europa (gossamer pink peach)
– Himalia (shimmering topaz)
– Ursa Major (chocolate glaze)
– Subra (black orchid)
– Andromeda (alabaster)
– Lysithea (shark grey)
– Giove (navy)
– Sycorax (black)

Where to buy: Nordstrom, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Nars – $79

Review: I have to admit I was very intimidated about this palette. I saw and swatched it so many times at Nordstrom, but still couldn’t convince myself to buy it. Then, I went in for an appointment with one of their make-up artists. This was the palette she grabbed and I actually told her how many times I’ve looked at it but I was too intimidated by the non-neutral colors to buy it. So she showed me how to use those as “accent” colors so that it didn’t look like it was over done or anything. I fell in love with the colors more after she showed me how I could use all of them together (well not all 8 shades together 🙂 ). That sold me on this palette finally. The colors, despite being intimidating (to me), are fun to play with and the neutral colors stand well on their own as well as create a good canvas for the other shades. The colors are very vibrant and become even stronger if they are applied wet (see below).

The wet application method intensifies the colors. Cost-wise, $79 seems a lot for only 8 shadows (as compared to Urban Decay’s Naked palettes for around $50 with 12 colors), but if you take the cost of a single Nars eyeshadow ($29), you’re saving almost $20 per shadow. It’s a great investment especially if you’re someone that likes the variety in color. With this palette you have your fill of neutrals and accent colors in one.

Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Tint-in-Oil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shade reviewed is #6 – Peach Me Love

What it is: (from yslbeautyus.com) A revolutionary lip color with a lip tint suspended in a deep conditioning oil. Coat your lips with this lip tint for a lightweight texture that instantly melts onto lips. It is infused with a blend of four essential oils for deep hydration: apricot kernel oil, coriander fruit oil, jojoba seed oil, and possiflora edulis seed oil. Its exclusive applicator envelops the lips in full color and allows for a precise and uniform application. Lightweight and non-sticky, this lip tint offers a new and luminous shine while the tint effect enhances the natural beauty of the lips—making it the perfect combination for youthful looking lips.

• The first Tint-in-Oil on the market. YSL innovation: a Color Link Infuser enables the tint particles to dissolve homogenously in the precious oil emulsion.
• A tint with a balmy comfort. A precious blend of 4 essential oils for extreme hydration: Apricot Kernel, Coriander Fruit, Jojoba Seed, and Possiflora Seed oils.
• Natural lip tone enhanced. Lightweight and non-sticky, the texture instantly melts onto lips and the tint enhances the natural color of the lips for a truly customized look.
• Innovative & enveloping 3D “Bouche a Bouche” Applicator. 3D curves for an intuitive application. Fine tip for a great precision. Supple and flexible core for an ultra-sensorial application. Pout heart for a homogenous repartition on the lips.

How to use: Apply a thin coat for a natural glowing lips. Apply two coats for maximum impact and an intense high-shine impact.

1. For finer lips, start by placing the outside 3D curve fine tip of the applicator on the center of the lower lip. For fuller lips, place the inside of the 3D curve applicator on the center of the lower lip.
2. Move the applicator from the center outward to spread Volupte Tint-in-Oil.
3. Apply the outside 3D curve fine tip of the applicator on the outer corner of the upper lip to spread the contour towards the Cupid’s Bow.

Where to buy: Sephora, YSL Beauty, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus – $32

Review: I absolutely love this lip oil! I came across this while I was searching for another brand’s lip oil. I chose this product over the other brand’s because of the way the oil feels on your lips. It feels very light and not sticky at all. It gives the shine like a lip gloss, subtle color like a tint, and protection that I feel is better than a lip balm. If you’ve read my past reviews on lip products, you guys are familiar with my lip woes in the past. My ever so chapped and dry lips (booo!). This definitely relieves that dryness! The moisture is long lasting–more than likely due to the oils absorbing into your lips. The best part of that is you don’t have to re-apply this so often like you would if you were using a lip balm. But since the color is so subtle, you can apply other lip products to get the color you’re looking for. Since I’ve purchased this one, I’ve bought a second one (in #2 – Oh My Gold) to keep in the office.

Clarins Skin Perfecting BB Cream

Product Description: The power of skin care and make-up is combined in this rich, creamy, 3-in-1 skin perfecting formula to promote more beautiful-looking skin and a flawless complexion in one easy step. Imperfections, fine lines and wrinkles are visibly less noticeable while dull, tired-looking skin is instantly revitalized and protected from potential aggressions. Skin looks radiant and feels very comfortable. Natural looking results: a more even skin tone and enhanced radiance without looking like you’re wearing make-up!
Satin finish – light to medium coverage.

Where to buy: Nordstrom – $41, Clarins USA – $41, Macy’s – $41

Review: This is the first BB cream I purchased from a non-Korean brand and though I was skeptical at first, I totally fell in love with this BB cream! I made the switch recently because it seemed like all of the shades of Korean BB Creams I was trying were far too light for my skin (even if I buy the darkest shade available). At first, I didn’t really want to pursue a non-Korean brand because I’ve purchased one before and did not like it. This one was a bit of a struggle when it came time for purchasing because the price tag is a little high for something I wasn’t so sure of. But as soon as I started using it, all of my doubts just went away. The coverage on this product is amazing, and it stands true to the statement that you can have a more even looking skin tone without looking like you have make-up on. You only need a small amount (the same amount shown on the 6th picture. I find myself using a little bit less than that). So the 1.7 ounces will last a while even if you use the product every day. The cream itself has a light, powdery scent that I find typical of Clarins products. The scent is not overpowering at all and is actually really pleasant. It’s almost like your little clue that lets you know that you are wearing makeup. The only thing I didn’t like is the dispenser itself. I’m used to having a pump to dispense the product, so you can control the amount you get better.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Maya Mia Palette

Product Description: Designed in collaboration with Maya Janeska (@maya_mia_y), these refreshing neutral hues combine with two pops of color to create the ideal palette for summertime looks with a hint of mod style. 10 shades that coordinate flawlessly.

Where to buy: Amazon, Anastasia Beverly Hills,  Macy’s – $29

This is another eye shadow palette I totally scored on. I had my doubts about it at first mainly because of the Aqua shade that’s included, but I was sold on the 8 neutral colors in the palette. The colors go on well and they are long-lasting. I haven’t used much of the Aqua and Gold Bar much, but they are good colors to match with an outfit or make your eyes pop for a weekend look. I’m very much of a neutral eye shadow person, so this definitely suits me. The price is great for 10 eyeshadows! The “Get the Look” cards are a great addition if you’re looking for suggested looks or the shadows are great to use on their own.

Tonymoly Eggpore Tightening Pack

 

 

 

 

 

Product Description:

A wash-off mask from TONYMOLY to manage excess oil and minimize the look of pores. Get brighter, cleaner, smoother skin with this formula, created with camellia flower extract, bentonite and kaolin clay components to soothe, smooth and absorb oil.

Where to buy:

Urban Outfitters – $16, Amazon – $4.49, KoreaDepart – $8.37

Review:

I have had this in my drawer for quite some time and am almost to the end of the container, but I never realized that I haven’t done a review on this pack yet. Would have been a shame if I did, because this is one of my favorites! As much as I love Tonymoly’s Cacao Pore Pack, I think this one gets ahead of it. My pores have always looked smaller after using this pack. It spreads on really well, and you only need a thin (but even) layer for the product to work. The scent is a mixture of a citrusy, but creamy scent (a creamsicle? Haha not quite). Actually, the first time around, I found the scent to be a little weird but over time it grew on me. It’s not very strong and it dissipates as the pack dries. You definitely feel the pack is working as it dries and you feel your skin tightening, but not to the point where you feel uncomfortable. All in all, it’s a pretty good pack. It does as described. However, the one downside for me is the size. For such a big container, there isn’t much product in it. But with this pack being a less is more sort of deal, it does go a long ways. In thinking about space for my pack drawers, either a smaller container or adding a bit more product to take advantage of the size of the container would have been great.

Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush

Product Description

Dermatologist developed to clean better where you need it most. Removes impurities for clear, healthy-looking skin and clearer-looking pores. Gentle sonic action cleans more effectively than hand-washing alone. Rechargeable.

1. Swiss-engineered brush is shaped for targeted cleansing.
2. Unique tilted head and sonic technology reaches deep into problem areas: forehead, chin, and nose.
3. Antimicrobial technology helps keep bristles clean.
4. Ergonomic handle. Waterproof–can be used in the shower.

How to use

Recommended cleansing time is up to 1 minute. Do not use the Cleansing Brush around the eye area. Your Skin Type and the cleanser you use will determine how often you use the Cleansing Brush. We recommend you begin by using the Cleansing Brush for 30 seconds, once a day. Follow with moisturizer. When comfortable, build up to 1 minutes, twice daily. Find the routine that works best for your skin.

• Before using the Cleansing Brush, remove makeup around the eye area.
• Apply Skin Type appropriate cleanser to moistened skin or directly onto dampened Brush Head. Cleansing with a dry Brush Head may cause skin irritation.
• To maximize the benefits of two different bristle types: massage in a circular motion on cheek area using white bristles. To clean the T-Zone, tilt Brush Head to use the green bristles and move into contours in an up and down motion. Avoid eye area. Brush works best if you let it gently glide over skin–there’s no need to apply pressure.
• Massage for approximately 5 seconds on forehead, on nose and on chin and 15 seconds combined on cheeks, for 30 seconds total cleansing time. When increasing to 1 minute, double the cleansing time on each area of the face.
• Press the button to stop the Cleansing Brush or Cleansing Brush will automatically turn off after 30 seconds. To restart your Cleansing Brush, simply press the button again.
• Rinse the Brush Head thoroughly after each use. Shake off excess water and allow bristles to air dry. Clean the back of the Brush Head and the handle in the area under the Brush Head at least once a week.

Where to buy

Clinique, Macy’s, Sephora, Lord & Taylor, Nordstrom – $89.50

Review

As an avid fan of skincare and beauty, I soak up all that I can to learn more about tips and products to use. I bought this cleansing brush after seeing a review done on the Clarisonic Mia. I went into the store with the intentions of buying the Clarisonic unit. But a couple of weeks earlier, I had stopped by the Clinique counter at Macy’s just to browse around and ended up getting the brush tested on me. While talking to the sales person that sold the Clinique brush to me, it turns out there’s not much of a difference between the two brushes (except for the price). And the timer on the Clarisonic brush runs for 60 seconds as opposed to Clinique’s 30. If you want a variety of brushes to use, you’d definitely want to go for the Clarisonic. I simply wanted a brush that will help clean my skin well. I used this brush as soon as I got home and right away I noticed the difference. I went for the full 60 second routine since that’s how long I wash my face the old fashioned way before. Just by looking in the mirror, I could tell how clean my skin was. I could also feel the other products I used (toner, serum, the whole lot) seemed to absorb better and faster rather than before where it felt like it just sat on the top of my skin where it may have eventually absorbed after some time. The battery life is pretty good. I’ve used this every day since I’ve purchased it and I haven’t had to break out the charger yet. The manual says that the battery life is 3 hours (or 180 minutes). I’ll check on that and confirm. It’s also great that the unit is waterproof because I’ve been using this in the shower (hence why there’s no pictures of the unit in use). 🙂 There’s not really much more I can say on this brush, I love it and what it does for my skin!

Missha Citron Fermented Cleansing Foam

Description: (from misshaus.com) Gentle, mild cleanser removes impurities and makeup for a refreshingly clean finish. Contains fermented ingredients for healthy, clean skin. Citron provides revitalizing benefit.

How to use: Wet hands and face. Work a small amount into a creamy lather and massage over face. Rinse thoroughly.

Where to buy: MisshaUS – $5

Review: For so long, I didn’t really put much thought into cleansers and how they would affect my face. I figured everything else I do as far as my skincare routine goes will make up for what the cleanser might lack or the bad stuff it would cause my face. And for the longest, all of the cleansers I seemed to pick up ended up stripping too much of the natural oil on my face. Now I’m usually on the oilier side of a combination skin, but my face ending up too dry after cleansing just seemed a bit much. I bought this from Missha when they first came out because I was starting to run out of the current cleanser I was using. Not a bad price for cleanser (it’s even cheaper if you get their VIP pricing). The consistency of the cleanser is creamy and it lathers easily. The bubbles and lather it creates feels really smooth on the the skin. It doesn’t create a whole lot of bubbles, so that may be a reason why it doesn’t dry out my face too much. I love the scent of this cleanser. It’s light, but the citron scent is very distinctive. This is definitely a cleanser to keep in the “purchase again” list!

Benefit Cosmetics Cha Cha Balm

Product Description: (from: benefitcosmetics.com) A juicy pout! Chachabalm conditions & hydrates with mango butter and sodium hyaluronate. This mango-tinted kiss of sheer, buildable color gives you the softest, juiciest lips.
**Beauty tip: This sister act is hot to trot! Wear chachatint with chachabalm for soft, kissable color that looks va-va-vibrant for hours.

How to apply: Glide on bare lips or over your favorite tint.

Where to buy: Benefit Cosmetics, Sephora, Ulta, Macy’s – $18

Review: As of late, I’ve been big into lip stuff (on top of the face mists). Once I discovered lip products that worked well (as well as care for my lips when they chap), I got excited. And on top of that, Benefit is one of my favorite cosmetic brands here in the US. This is another one of their products that does not disappoint. I love its ability to stay on for a good amount of time. I haven’t tracked the time in between my applications of this, but I know I certainly am not reaching for this as often to re-apply. Especially when I am in the office where the air is much drier, this is a definite must (in fact, I’ve left this one in the office so that it’s always there–I need to buy a new one for my purse). The peachy tint is very light, almost hardly noticeable on my lips but I am totally okay with that. With the tint being unnoticeable, I can layer gloss on top. This is meant to pair with its tint counterpart, but since I’m not much of a tint user having this alone is perfect. The only downside I experienced is sometimes the tube is hard to turn. I’m not sure if that was just with mine, but I guess we will find out when I buy my new one. If you’re looking to invest in a good balm, especially now that fall and winter are right around the corner, this is your product!

Lorac Oil-Free Wet/Dry Powder (WD3)

Product Description: (from: loraccosmetics.com) LORAC’s Oil Free Wet/Dry Powder Makeup instantly transforms your complexion with a satiny, smooth, picture perfect finish. This nondrying, oil and fragrance free powder makeup is infused with vitamins a and e and is good for all skin types especially for sensitive, oily and acne prone skin.

Ingredients: TALC, NYLON-12, LAUROYL LYSINE, OCTYLDODECANOL, OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, DIMETHICONE, BENZOPHENONE-3, ZINC STEARATE, DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE, ISOPROPYL LANOLATE, METHYLPARABEN, CALCIUM STEARATE, PROPYLPARABEN, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, RETINYL PALMITATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, BUTYLPARABEN, BHT, SODIUM HYALURONATE MAY CONTAIN/PEUT CONTENIR: BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE(CI77163), TITANIUM DIOXIDE(CI77891), IRON OXIDES(CI77491, CI77492, CI77499)

How to use: Apply it wet for sheer coverage or dry for full coverage. Good for all skin types, this powder makeup is enriched with vitamins A and E to nourish and condition skin. Comes with applicator sponge.

Where to buy: Lorac Cosmetics $12,  Amazon $36,  Beauty Bar $36

Review: This review is loooonnnngggg overdue. How long? I’ve already used up the entire compact! Currently, I’m left with the powder on the sides of the compact where the brush can’t really get to. Now I’ve been using those leftovers to make homemade tinted moisturizer (post on that to come later). All kidding aside, I think face powder is one of the essentials of make-up. On my super lazy days, I usually drop everything but the face powder. At the least, I figure, I can look halfway decent by having a matte face, especially on days (and season) where my skin is more oily as well as help make my skintone look more even. I’ve never tried applying face powder through wet application, so I can only assume that doing it this way would make it seem as if you’re putting cream foundation on. I loved this powder, it had great coverage as well as kept my face matte for most of the day. My nose (which is the oiliest part of my face) would need some blotting halfway through the day, but that was it. I didn’t get why you got a sponge as an applicator as opposed to a puff, but I didn’t use it so that didn’t make much of a difference (I’m used to applying powder at home with a face brush, I use a puff when I’m out and about). Someday, I’ll get around to purchasing this again but in the meantime I have about 10 powder compacts that are waiting in my make-up drawer to be tested. The cost is pretty normal for powder from a higher end brand, but if you can get your hands on your shade while it is on sale at Lorac it is an absolute steal!