My Make Up Stash!!!

Hi lovies! I promised that I will give you an update on my growing collection. I'm just going to get through everything but not going to review all of them. 

So with no further delays... *drum roll please!*

My Loose Powder / Finishing Powder Collection:

MAC Mineralize Powder Foundation / Loose, Nichido Final Powder, Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil, Elf Mineral Booster, Laneige Skin Luminant Powder

My Pressed Powders:

 Elf Studio Pressed Powder, Nichido Pressed Powder in Tan, Elf Clarifying Pressed Powder, Clean & Clear Oil Control Powder, Johnson's Face Powder, Shiseido Translucent Pressed Powder, MAC Studio Careblend / Pressed, MAC MSF Natural

My Brow Stuffs:

Dior, MAC, Elf Eyebrow Kit and MAC Brow Fix

My Concealers:

 MAC Highlighting Pen, Elf Undereye Concealer and Highlighter, Garnier BB Eye Roll-On, Elf Tone Correcting Concealer, Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen, Elf Cover Everything Concealer, Elf All Over Cover Stick, Elf Complete Coverage Concealer, Canmake Eyeshadow Base, Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer, Benefit Boi-ing, MAC Mineralize Concealer, MAC Moisturecover, Laneige Undereye Concealer (did I forget something? hehe!)

My Lip Primers:

 CanMake Lip Essence, Aube Couture Moist Lip Base, Benefit Lip Plump, Elf Lip Primer and Plumper, MAC Prep + Prime Lip, Canmake Volume Lip Base

My Eyeliners:

 Guerlaine Terra Cotta Khol Liner, Lancome Le Crayon Khol, Elizabeth Arden Eye Pencil, Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof, Estee Lauder Pure Color Intense Kajal Eyeliner, Lavshuca Eye Liner Pencil, Elf Eye Widener, Elf Brightening Eyeliner, MAC Kohl Power Eye Pencil, Elf Waterproof Eyeliner Pen, Canmake Strong Eyes Liner, CanMake Perfect Black Eyeliner, Nichido Liquid Eyeliner

My Eyeshadows (and a cream liner I forgot!)

 Clinique Cream Liner, Tony Moly Luxury Eye Shadow, Lancome Color Design Eyeshadow, Esprique Precious Eyeshadow, Wet N Wild Eyeshadow, Max Factor  Earth Spirits Eye Shadows, Cover Girl Eye Enhancers, Egypt Queen Eyeshadow Palette

My Powder Foundations:

 Dior, Chanel, Estee Lauder, Elf Two-Way Powder Cake Foundation, Benefit Hello Flawless, MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

My Liquid Foundations:

 Laneige Snow Crystal Dual Foundation SPF22 PA+, Laneige Snow Crystal Dual Foundation White Plus REnew SPF41 PA++, Elf Flawless Finish Foundation SPF15 Oil Free, Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow SPF25 PA+++, Anna Sui Brightening Fluid Foundation, Cle De Peau Beaute Creme Foundation

My Primers:

 Laneige Makeup Primer Sebum Control, MAC Prep + Prime Fortified Skin Enhancers, Elf Studio Mineralize Primer, Smashbox Photo Finish Oil-Free Foundation Primer, MAC Prep + Prime Skin Visage, Juju Aquamoist Moisture Base, Laneige Shimmering Multi Cream

My BB Creams and Tinted Moisturizers:

 BRTC Whitening & Repair BB Cream, Lioele Tripe The Solution, Laneige Snow BB Cream, Shiseido The Skin Care Tinted Moisture, ELF Studio Tinted Moisturizer, Dr. Jart Rejuvenating Blemish Base in Silver, Skin Food Aloe Sun BB Cream, Nanoce BB Moist Cream, Skin79 Super Plus BB Triple Functions in Hot Pink, Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream, Elf Essentials Tinted Moisturizer

My Lip Pencils:

 MACs, Elizabeth Arden and NARS

ELF Lip Stain, Clinique Chubby Stick

My Make Up Brushes:

My Powder Blushes:

(MAC, NARS, Illamasqua, NYX, Make Up For Ever, Bobbi Brown, Smashbox, Estee Lauder, Christian Dior)

My Lipstick Stash #1

My Lipstick Stash #2

My Lipstick Stash #3

My Mascara Stash:

(Armani, Bare Escentuals, Boots No7, Chanel, Christian Dior or Diorshow, Estee Lauder, Lancome, Max Factor, Tarte, YSL, Clinique, Laura Mercier)

My One and Only Make Up Fix Spray:

And my cheap-o Lip Glosses. (Etude, some random Japanese Brand, 

Hope you enjoyed going through my stash! :)

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