Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream SPF 15 UVA/UVB in Medium Deep Review

Hi lovies! Sorry to keep you waiting for my next blog post.. I had a very busy year last year and been through many ups and downs.

First, it was my first year last year to go back into studying, so yes, I had a lot of term papers and things going on for the last school year. 

Next off, I got married around the month of April, which brings my life even busier. 

Plus of course, with stuffs going on with my daughters, etc. etc.

Anyway! Let's go on to the review.

This month, after choosing Tinted Moisturizer than BB Cream, I decided to splurge myself into the BB craze going on. BB here, BB there. What's BB Cream anyway? My first impression when I heard about BB Cream was that BB stands for "Baby." LOL. Lame, right? Haha. It's just that here, in Hong Kong, they call babies as BB, so... Now you know why. LOL. Anyway, BB stands for Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm or Beblesh Balm. It was originally formulated and made by a German Dermatologist which was meant for people who just had some laser treatments who wanted to use make-ups already to cover their treatments. It was later on developed more in South Korea where the trend started when some Korean actresses proclaimed that they are using BB Creams on everyday usage. And now, it is everything in Asia, and getting even more popular in the Western Market.

The BB Cream that I am going to review today is the Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream with SPF 15 UVA/UVB Sunscreen in Medium/Deep 

Phew!!! That was some name!! It was so long that I can't even remember it without looking at the product's tube! LOL. I have no idea how much does this cost, probably HKD 100+? Because it was actually given to me by my Mom's friend when she went on a vacation here. Yes. Even though Garnier is available here in Hong Kong, my tube of Garnier's BB Cream is fresh from the USA. LOL. It has a messy tube, as you can see, my tip is already messed up, even though I cleaned it a few days ago. So, I tried opening the screw top instead to be more hygienic. It has 75 ml, which is quite generous for the amount that you paid for. 

What it Claims?

All-in-one skin care that gives 5 benefits: Hydrates, corrects wrinkles and imperfections, protects, evens and brightens skin tone.

It has Mineral Pigments which are light and melt instantaneously into skin, which allows to obtain a light and comfortable textured cream that spreads flawlessly over skin and absorbs quickly.

Also, it has Vitamin C which is well known for it's anti-oxidant properties and its anti-free radical effect that brightens and evens skin tone.

 As you can see here, The tube lid is making the opening messy. 

My own Experience?

Consistency:
Being in Asia, I've tried tons of Asian BB Creams already and this one is nothing like them! This does feel more of a Tinted Moisturizer, only thicker, with a scent.

Coverage: 
This doesn't really cover at all! Even though as you can see from the swatch, it has some pigment in it, as soon as you rub it into your face, the pigment is gone for some reasons that I don't know of. I am not sure whether it is a good thing or not, but one thing is for sure, it doesn't give me any coverage at all and it just gives me that oily look on my face. Especially, when I am using a moisturizer before applying this on my skin.

Look and Feel on the Skin:
It looks dewy? I guess? Or more to say, oily... It is very very oily to my skin type. Please take note that I have an oily/combination skin type which maybe different to yours. Every skin type as different reactions and opinions that we have to say about each products. I felt very oily indeed, and after wearing it from 7:30-2:30, it gave me small white pimples and I know that it was because of these. Even with my Laneige White Plus Renew Sliding Pact, I still feel oily with this. 

Conclusion:
I would not recommend this for people like me who have oily or combination skin. I'm just using this up, because I don't want to waste a product away and would maybe try different sorts of ways to make this work for me? Maybe as a primer before my foundation? Or maybe with a primer prior to application? But one thing is for sure. I am not going to repurchase this product. 

PS
Please stay tune for my collection update! I am going to post all of my collection (The cosmetics that I hauled and collected all over the years... LOL!)

Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus Review

I've been using this mascara primer for a month now and so I decided to make a review of it. 

What this primer mascara claims (from the Estee Lauder website) :

*Doubles lash volume.

*Curles and sets lashes.

* Boosts the special effects of mascara and extends its wear.

*Acts like a magnet to attract and hold mascara, so less is needed.

*Stays in place, providing the perfect beginning for magnificent lashes. Conditions to help prevent breakage.

Formula:

As a primer mascara, this product did not really get my heart. I was quite disappointed because even though it doesn't or minor clumps are experienced while on the process of putting on your mascara of the day, it's a bit hard to put on and customize its shape. It's very hard to make your lashes follow to any direction you like. 

On the other side, I've been using this mascara every night and yes! It conditions my lashes. In fact, it made my lashes longer than before and I am loving every bit of my lashes' look right now!

Brush:

The brush is a medium size brush, nothing really big to love nor to hate. The only thing that bothers me with this brush is that whenever it touches my skin or my eye area, it hurts a lot. Its brushes are not soft, but rather spiky. 

Packaging and Price:

Packaging is nothing special, just the normal patent that Estee Lauder has with the mascaras. Dark Blue packaging with gold rings. 

Despite all of these, it's still worth trying for just spending HKD 150.

Will I Buy This Again?

No. My heart belongs to my Giorgio Armani Soft Lash Primer and the Lancome XL Cils Booster Primer. 

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Waterproof in Black Review

What this mascara claims from the Estee Lauder website:

"At last a waterproof mascara that gives you gorgeous lashes just the way you love them. Full, curled, sexy. And virtually indestructible. Now lashes look beautiful in all wet conditions, from steamy humidity to a splash in the pool.

Why save it for a rainy day?"

MAXIMUM WATERPROOFING

Get maximum waterproofing against all wet conditions:

• Water
• Chlorinated water
• Saltwater
• Tears
• Perspiration
• Humidity
• Rain
• Snow

THE FORMULA

• Bold Volume™ Waterproof formula provides all the benefits of original Sumptuous-weightless volume, lift and curl-plus advanced total waterproofing.
• Ultra light, lash-thickening fibers plump even the most sparse lashes.
• Lashes are soft and flexible, never brittle or spiky.

THE BRUSH

• Exclusive BrushComber™ thickens like a brush. Defines and separates like a comb.

MY EXPERIENCE:

Formula: The formula for the waterproof is very different from the original one. The original is quite wet, but this is dry. It flakes once it dried and set, and it scattered around my eyes for my one whole day of usage. Too bad for me.

Brush: The brush is a medium size (just enough) brush unlike the Sumptuous Extreme which is extremely huge. LOL. I find this brush actually quite easy to use, I can reach through it at the very tip and ends of my lashes.

Packaging: The packaging is very normal, quite disappointing with a High-End brand like Estee Lauder. It is a shiny blue (gold for the non-waterproof), plain, no design at all.

My opinion:

Okay, I must say, this is your average volumizing mascara. But not great though. I am currently using Estee Lauder's Sumptuous Waterproof and I must say, I love the original (non-waterproof) version more than the waterproof. Why? Well, one thing that makes me say, "Oh! I don't like this!" is that it flakes like hell. Oh yes, even from the very moment you put it, let it dry and set, it flakes! Your liquidy like mascara turns into dry black flakes that scatters around your eye area and for my case, it went inside my eye and I had troubles taking it out. Good thing I was not in the hurry. I am obviously not in love with this mascara and will NEVER re-purchase this again.

Estee Lauder Projection High Definition Volume Mascara Review

Formula: The formula is a so-so for me. It claimed that it gives you volume where as in fact, yes, it gives volume but I find this formula gives me more length than volume. The worst thing about this mascara for me is that the formula is too wet for me and it takes time for me to let it dry making my already messy application an even messier application. Also, I love the jet-black color since it gives my eye an even sharper edge.

Brush: The brush is a medium sized brush in a cone shape with densely packed bristles. For my opinion, the brush itself is quite hard to get a hold of, making my application of this mascara the messiest of all the mascaras I've ever encountered in the past.

Packaging and Price: The price is quite fine for my opinion as Estee Lauder is one of the high end brand. It's quite reasonable. About the packaging, I love that unique packaging. Just take a look at the pictures for more details!

Will I buy this again? Straight answer, no. I can find a better mascara in a cheaper price than sticking up for this.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme in Black Review

This was supposed to be a PERFECT mascara for me if it wasn't for two things.

First off, I love how big difference you can see with this mascara in just one coat! By the way, I always, always, ALWAYS use mascara primer ever since so you better take note of that. I love the packaging, the gold blingy packaging is awesome, the brush might be a little bit big but I love the way it goes from a very big brush end going to a thin tip. In that way, it goes all the way to the very tip of my lashes and I can cover with mascara those hard to reach areas of my eye lashes.

What puts me off? The way it scares the hell out of me whenever I put the second coating. I have long lashes and whenever I put more than one coating of this, it has a slight tendency of clumping, looking heavy and a slight tendency of sticking together.

Here is how Estee Lauder's Sumptuous Extreme Mascara Brush looks like...

Here's how long it gets into my eyes with my Chanel Beaute Des Cils Nourishing Mascara Base

Secondly, I believe Sumptuous Extreme is only available in USA or western countries. Not definitely in Hong Kong which is a real boo hoo for me. I tend to pass on a product even though how good the product is since I don't want to get a whole lot of trouble of getting it just because it is good. I believe in getting other alternative brands which are available locally. So I guess, Sumptuous Extreme is a PASS for me since it's not available locally, unfortunately. :(

I am BACK!

I can't believe I am blogging again ... I am BACK ... I guess it's better to have something to do during my free time rather than watching every move that he makes from time to time ...

It's glad to be back! :)

XoXo,

Rica

My Everyday Skin Care Routine Part 2

As a continuation to my skin care routine, here are some other items that I use for my skin care.

After a long day with make-up, I use L’oreal Gentle Eye and Lip Make-Up Remover to clean my face. This is not a favorite, and will just finish this bottle and move on to the next product. I will write a separate review for this item as well (if I have time).

Twice a week, I apply these two skin care products at night.

The first one is the Lush Cupcake Mask which is good if you have a lot of break-outs and acne prone skin.

Next is the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack Ex which keeps my skin hydrated overnight. Yes, this is a leave on mask which you can use overnight. It is quite popular here in Hong Kong, and I am one its avid fan.

Lastly, I do exfoliate and still under the search of my holy grail exfoliator as well. Currently, I am using the Clinique 7-Day Scrub Cream but I don't really like it that much. It seems that it has less beads than I expected to take off the dirt on my face.

Anyway, that's it for my skin care routine! I will surely update this from time to time if I find a better product than the ones listed.

Thanks for reading! :)

Rica

My Everyday Skin Care Routine Part 1

My everyday skin care routine!

3 years before, skin care routine wasn't a part of my everyday life. I don't really care whether it is necessary or not to put moisturizer on my face. Not until it came to the point that my face became very dry, as if cracking up my face into two.

Anyway! Here's my everyday skin care routine.

First off, I wash my face with a papaya soap. I have a oily / combination skin and papaya soap helps me to lessen the oil on my face a lot. Likas Papaya was supposed to be my first choice ever since college days but then, it became popular and very pricey. One day, my mom bought a pack of these Silka Papaya Soaps and fortunately, it works! It's much more cheaper than the Likas Papaya and I love the smell! Whenever I get a chance to go to the Philippines, I would buy tons to stock up these soaps at home because it is very expensive here in Hong Kong.

After washing my face, I use a toner to make sure that my face is extra-clean. I use the square make-up cotton pads from Muji. Why? Because I tried using a lot of cheaper ones and I really don't like them. They don't really absorb much liquid, nor take off the dirt from my face. I find this cotton pad from Muji as the most effective one for my preference.

I tone my face with an Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Fresh Balancing Lotion. I don't really like the water-based toners and I am in love the after effect of this balancing lotion. It has a minty-like after effect after massaging your face with this toner. Also, it doesn't give me any break-outs and prevents my face from being oily.

Next off, I put on a moisturizer. At the moment, I use the Clinique Moisture Surge but I haven't really find my holy grail moisturizer. It is either too oily or too dry for my skin. I am still in the search and I will update my skin care routine as soon as I find my holy grail moisturizer!

Since the tags won’t allow me to put more, please don’t forget to look at the Part 2 of my Skin Care Routine. Thank you for reading!

Lancome Virtuose Black Carat

I don't know why this mascara from Lancome gets very low reviews from the consumers. I love this mascara! The only thing that is a "con" for me with this is that the formula is too dry. Too dry that I am afraid of getting it dried up before I get to finish the whole tube itself.

First off, the wand. I love the wand. The fact that it is curved in a U-shape makes life easier for me to apply the mascara. It helps me to curl up my lashes even on my bottom lash.

The formula not only gives me length but as well as volume, but not as dramatic as the Hypnose Drama though, because of its dry formula.

This is my first tube by the way. If my fear doesn't turn into reality, then, I might consider repurchasing this and restocking, because it is not available at Lancome counters in Hong Kong. I have to find ways of purchasing it online.

I use my Lancome Virtuose Black Carat Mascara together with my Chanel Beaute Des Cils Mascara Primer / Base and it works well together.

By the way, what difference does this make from the original Virtuose mascara?

P.S.

Mascara has a very short shelf life. Once opened, it is best to toss it out after three months for hygienic sake. If it's unopened, it has a shelf life that can be upto two years.

NO MAKE-UP MONTH.

Okay. I need to be really honest with you guys... I've been haulin' a lot for these past few months. I PROMISE! I'm not going to buy ANYTHING (Not unless it's from MAC's Limited Edition Collection...) for this incoming month of January and February 2011. Just to save up and to cope up with my savings. That's it for now!

Happy Holidays everyone! :)

xoxo.

Rica

Amber Davis - Back Into You

Just a non beauty related blog for a while... Lyrics from Amber Davis', Back Into You...

Picking up the pieces

Of our broken memories

There's one I can't let go of

That keeps me on my knees

See I know it's half my fault

That we couldn't stay together

But we said no matter what

We'd still be friends forever

How could you turn and just go

And leave me standing so cold

Now you wanna work it out

Tell me what's that all about

How could you up and move on

Like what you had for me is gone

Now you wanna work it out

But baby I'm

*Chorus*

Tryin to find my way back into you

When I think of how you left me (left me)

Baby it's not easy

But I'm tryin to find my way back into you

When I think about you've moved on

Baby it's just so hard

I never quit my love for you

Baby that's the truth

Too hard for me to move on

When I feel this way for you (for you)

See I know sometimes we need our space

Baby that's ok

But if you really loved me

Why'd you leave that way

Tell me how

How could you turn and just go

And leave me standing so cold

Now you wanna work it out

Tell me what's that all about

How could you up and move on

Like what you had for me is gone

Now you wanna work it out

But baby I'm

*Chorus*

Tryin to find my way back into you

When I think of how you left me (left me)

Baby it's not easy

But I'm tryin to find my way back into you

When I think about you've moved on

Baby it's just so hard

Tryin to find my way back into you

When I think of how you left me (left me)

Baby it's not easy

But I'm tryin to find my way back into you

When I think about you've moved on

Baby it's just so hard

Heaven knows every second

I'm away from you

I find it so hard (yes)

Find it so hard (yes)

I'd give anything to find the strength

To be with you

I want it like you do (yes)

Want it like you do (yes)

I just need some time

To find peace of mind

But before you go

I want you to know that I'm

*Chorus*

Tryin to find my way back into you

When I think of how you left me (left me)

Baby it's not easy

But I'm tryin to find my way back into you

When I think about you've moved on

Baby it's just so hard

MAC Venomous Villains on October 7!

MAC did a collaboration with Disney this Fall called the Venomous Villains which features the famous Villains from some of the Disney Cartoon Movies such as 101 Dalmatian (Cruella De Vil), Maleficent (Snow White), The Evil Queen (Sleeping Beauty... Please correct me if I am wrong.. I'm a bit confused with Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. LOL!) and Dr. Facilier from The Princess and The Frog the Movie.

Here in Hong Kong, Venomous Villains will be out to the MAC Counters this coming October 7, I just checked the MAC Counters last Thursday. But oh! I have some preview for you guys! Thanks to my source, I got my hands on these two lipsticks a month ago! :D

I got Innocence, Beware! which is a Light Yellow Pink with a Cremesheen finish, and Sinister, which is a soft brown plum with a lustre finish.

Sinister, Innocence, Beware!

Innocence Beware for me looks very nude, families of Creme D'Nude, Hue, etc. While Sinister is purplish and very sheer on me. I think I need to swipe around 3-4 times for the Sinister before I can get the buildable coverage that I wanted for my lips. I haven't tried Innocence, Beware yet, but for Sinister, it can take around 2-3 hours max before it melts to your lips.

Sinister

Innocence, Beware!

Sinister, Innocence Beware!

I still have 3 more items on my wishlist for this collection which includes:

Toxic Tale Lipstick - Bright Coral, Satin

Darkly My Dear Powder Blush - Dirty Brown Plum, Matte

Bite of an Apple Powder Blush - Soft Coral Pink, Matte

I can't wait 'till I get my hands on them on the 7th! Hopefully, after work, they're not yet sold out here!!!