Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts

Sunday, October 14, 2012

[Review] Juju Aquamoist Vitamin C Toner & Moisturiser


Hello everyone, I know it's been a while since my last review ^_^" I've just been super busy, but I do assure you guys that I have not forgotten this blog. As per requested, in my last "Sasa Haul" I had promised to review the products purchased after testing them out. After using the Juju Aquamoist Vitamin C Toner & Moisturiser in my skin care routine for the past 4-5 months, I can safely say that I have a pretty good gist of how it's affected my skin, and whether or not it lives up to all the "hype". 

I originally purchased it after finishing up my Aloe Vera Toner & Moisturiser, which was also from Juju Aquamoist. I absolutely love Juju Aquamoist's skin care products, and their Aloe Vera line had been a definite HG. My curiosity was piqued after hearing the rave reviews on the Vitamin C Skin Care line. So of course, I just had to try it out for myself. 

First Impression: When I first opened these babies up, the first thing that I noticed was the sleek packaging. It just was of so much higher quality than the Aloe Vera line (since the toner bottle was made of flimsy plastic and felt quite cheap). I think they really stepped up the packaging for this one not only because of the higher price range, but for products that claim to have "Vitamin C" - its 'enrichening' properties can fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight. 

I did not like the cap for the toner bottle however. I really couldn't control the amount of product I was putting onto my cotton pad, unlike the Juju Aquamoist Aloe Vera Toner. After placing it onto my skin, I felt that the consistency was definitely a lot heavier on the skin than the Aloe Vera Toner. The next day, I noticed my skin feeling so much smoother than the night before. By the second month of using it, my skin was visibly more even and brighter. 

I do have to warn you guys that because it is a Vitamin C product, it does contain citric acid. This means it has whitening properties. For people who have more sensitive skin, or if you just don't like the whole whitening idea in general - then steer clear of these two products. As far as its claims of "whitening" goes, then I did notice a subtle difference in my skin.

It definitely became a shade lighter after consistent use (which I not at all disliked, since I suit pale/fair skin). Overall, then I give the Juju Aquamoist Vitamin C Toner a thumbs up :) 

On the other hand, then I was not so impressed with the Juju Aquamoist Vitamin C Moisturiser from the very moment I opened it. For a gel formula moisturiser, it was incredibly liquidy - almost like water, and not at all in a pleasant way. I ended up spilling half of the contents the moment I opened it, since I hadn't expected it to be so watery. 

Moisturise-wise, then I've definitely used better for my normal-dry skin type. Whilst it does hydrate my skin fairly well, it pales in comparison to the Juju Aquamoist Aloe Vera Moisturiser.



What I Like:

+ The toner helped even out my skin, and after using it for 2 months + my skin is visibly smoother and brighter. 

+ The toner definitely allowed my moisturiser to absorb so much better. 

+ The sleek packaging is a great plus. 

+ True to its word, the products really do whiten your skin after using them over a period of time. For me, then this is a great plus (since I like having pale/fair skin). But for those who do not like whitening - then these two products really won't be the ones for you. 

What I Dislike:

+ The consistency of the toner felt a little too thick for my liking, whilst the moisturiser was just far too watery. 

+ Moisturise-wise, then the moisturiser didn't do too bad. Not bad, but not great either. This would be great for oily/combination skin, but not so much for dry skin. 

Overall Opinion: I'm honestly quite "in-between" or "eh" with my thoughts on this skin care line. They're not bad products per say, but they definitely didn't live up to the original hype that I had been hearing about all this time. If I had to choose between the Juju Aquamoist Aloe Vera line and this one, I would without a doubt choose the Aloe Vera. 

I guess in the end it all came down to the Aloe Vera suiting my skin type more so than the Vitamin C line, for I have normal/dry skin. Not only that, but another additional bonus is that the Aloe Vera line is almost half the price of the Juju Aquamoist Vitamin C line. 

Nonetheless, if you have oily/combination skin and you're looking for something to whiten your skin - I would definitely recommend giving the toner a shot. Whilst the moisturiser did disappoint me, the toner did everything it claimed to do. It really is a great toner, and the only downside was the rather heavy/sticky feeling it left my skin with afterwards. 

Would I Repurchase? No, after finishing these two up I'll most likely repurchase my Juju Aquamoist Aloe Vera Toner & Moisturiser :) 

Rating★★

Saturday, July 14, 2012

[Review] Lioele Waterdrop BB Cream



If you guys know me, then you'll know that I absolutely love BB Creams! In all honesty, I'm a little addicted to collecting them and comparing the range. I do have to say that I like the Asian BB Creams much more than the western ones, since they're just so much better (in my opinion) and are more suitable to my skin (I'm Asian haha). Now you're probably wondering why I like them so much, am I right?

For me, a BB Cream is everything I really need for my face make up. I wouldn't say that I have perfect skin, but for as long as I've remembered, my skin has always been pretty good to me. I'm hardly prone to break outs, and have had no acne scars whatsoever. If I do, it's usually one or two small pimples here and there. I don't like to use foundation on a daily basis because it's just unnecessary coverage that I don't need.

Also, I don't like the feel of it on my face for 6+ hours a day. It just feels heavy, and suffocating for my skin. A BB Cream on the other hand, is basically a tinted moisturiser with loads of different other skin benefits depending on what brand, or type of BB Cream you choose. The only downside of BB Creams is the lack of shades (most come only in two, or one colour) and more often than not, they're too ashy, grey or light for most skin types.

Most BB Creams also tend to oxidise so the colour you first apply is not the colour it will be throughout the day. Usually after 10 minutes or so, it will adjust to your skin colour - but sometimes, it can be a little off. I was intrigued by the Lioele Waterdrop BB Cream as I had never tried anything from the Lioele brand before, and when I look for BB Creams, moisture is a huge key factor for me (I have normal/dry skin). I do have to say I'm very impressed, and I have been loving it so far.


Claims to be "moisturising, illuminating, and cool". It supposedly also adheres (adjusts) to your skin colour and leaves water drops on application.

First Impression: The first thing that stood out to me about this BB Cream was that it was super moisturising. I have dry skin, and I always have to apply moisturiser before any face make up. It did not leave my face feeling dry or patchy throughout the day whatsoever, which was a huge surprise for me. Although it only comes in one shade, the colour pay off wasn't too bad at all. When it oxidises, it's not quite as grey or as dull as other BB Creams.

I know for sure that for the Skin79 Super Beblesh Balms (The Hot Pink & The Gold Caviar) they tend to be quite grey. Not for this Liole one though, since it oxidises to quite a nice skin like colour. It left my skin looking so dewy and radiant, which I really liked. The coverage is very light, which is perfect for me since it's great for a "go-to everyday product". When wearing this, my skin can actually breathe and I often tend to forget I'm wearing anything on my face at all.


I do have to say that because the coverage is very sheer/light, for those who need heavier coverage for blemishes or dark spots - it will not cover them whatsoever. This product is more so for those who just want to even out their skin-tone, and give it that little "extra boost".


I have to say that I didn't really notice the "water drop" effect it had on my skin, although I'm assuming that's because I have pretty dry skin.



How to use it, and the texture it leaves on the skin. 

What I Like:


+ Very light coverage, great for everyday use. My skin can really breathe when using this product, and it's great for those who just want to even out their skin tone and give it a little boost. It's basically like a tinted moisturiser, but so much more amazing.


+ Leaves the skin looking very dewy, healthy and luminous. It gives me that "radiant glow" which I really like.


+ Very moisturising, perfect for normal/dry skin.


+ It contains SPF 27 ++ so you don't have to worry as much about applying sunscreen in the summer. It's great for both the summer and winter months, as in summer it gives you very light coverage and is super hydrating for the winter time.


+ It blends like a dream. It gives the illusion that you aren't even wearing make up at all.

+ When it oxidises, it doesn't give that kind of greyish tinge that most BB Creams do. It oxidises to a more skin like colour, and complements my skin tone quite well.


What I Dislike:

+ There is only one shade available, so its a hit or miss whether or not it'll work with your skin colour.

+ Light coverage can be a good or bad thing, depending on what you're looking for. This gives little to no coverage at all, so if you're looking for something which can cover any old acne scars, blemishes or dark spots - this product really won't work out for you.

+ For oily or combination skin, you may have to set this with powder or blot throughout the day. I have dry skin, so it gives me that "dewy effect" which I like. Over shiny-ness though, can make the skin look oily instead of glowy. If you're looking for a matte finish, then this product really won't be the one for you ^_^"


Overall Opinion: I am in love with this product, and it does everything it says it's suppose to do. It gives me everything I look for in a BB Cream, with of course added bonuses. I absolutely recommend this for everyone who has normal/dry skin, or if you're just looking for a product that will give a little boost to your skin. It is definitely a great product for everyday use, since it feels as though I'm wearing little to nothing at all on my skin.

I'm now a lot more interested in other Lioele products, and will mostly likely purchase some more in the future. I do have to say that this BB Cream is definitely not something for everyone. Those looking for higher coverage BB Creams, or have oily/combination skin, then this product is either a hit or miss. It's all up to you to try it out.

For me, then this is a great product, and a definite HG. It's a staple for me everyday, and it's one of those products I always tend to reach for. Love, love, love!

Would I Repurchase? That goes without question. Yes!

Rating

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

[Review] L'Oréal Paris Hydrafresh Anti-Shine Icy Gel

I don't usually purchase products by L'Oréal, since they are more so aimed at older women and more mature skin. This moisturiser intrigued me though, since it claims to not only be hydrating on the skin, but completely matifies it as well. This really stood out to me, since I do like to apply moisturiser to my face before putting on BB Cream/Foundation. It sounded especially useful for in the summer time, since I do have a tendency to have a shiny/oily t-zone during the hotter seasons. 

On a daily basis, then I like to use the Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion since it is super moisturising on my normal-dry skin. The only con is that it leaves my skin feeling oily/a little shiny if I don't apply anything over it. Overall, then the L'Oréal Hydrafresh was a so-so product. 

First Impression: When I first opened the packaging, I thought it was pretty standard for a moisturiser (the typical glass jar). It's not very hygienic since you have to constantly dip your fingers inside, but it didn't bother me too much since I don't usually break out (or hardly ever). The moisturiser was a surprising blue/green colour, and reminded me of a swimming pool. The gel formula felt quite light weight, and non-sticky. 

It did have a strong scent which I didn't find particularly pleasant. After applying it to my skin, in literally 10 seconds the product had completely absorbed into my skin. I was pretty amazed, since it felt as  though I had put nothing at all on my skin whatsoever. I did notice that the moisturiser leaves a somewhat burning sensation on the face once you've applied it. 

Moisturise wise, then it was "so-so". It wasn't the greatest, but I suppose that's only because I have normal/dry skin. What I didn't like was if I were to rub my face throughout the day, the moisturiser would come off in flaky clumps. I've never experienced this in a moisturiser before, since I usually use cream based formulas. I'm not entirely sure if this is universal for all gel based moisturisers, so please let me know in the comment section below. 

I thought that the flaking was not a pretty sight, since it gave the illusion that it was my skin flaking, when it was just the moisturiser. I did like how it did matify my face and reduce oily shine as it said it would. 

What I Like:

+ It absorbs almost instantly into your skin, giving you that "barely anything" on your face feeling. 
+ True to its word, it completely matified my face and reduced oily shine. 
+ It doesn't feel sticky or heavy on your skin at all. 

What I Dislike:

+ It was not very moisturising, especially for normal-dry skin. 
+ The packaging is not very hygienic (you have to constantly dip your fingers in).
+ If you were to rub your face throughout the day, the moisturiser would come off in flakes/clumps. 
+ On application, it does leave a somewhat burning sensation on the skin.
+ The scent is a very strong minty/chlorine like smell which I found unpleasant. 

Overall Opinion: Eh, it was an okay product for me. It did everything it was suppose to do, but I guess it just wasn't the right product for my skin type. I especially did not like the flaking issue, since it gave the illusion of my skin being drier than it really is. Moisture wise, then it didn't do so well either. The scent was too strong, and it left an unpleasant burning sensation on the skin upon application. I would recommend this for people with oily or combination skin, since it does completely matify the face. 

I don't recommend using this underneath your foundation or BB Cream, because it does have a tendency to flake. It is more so a day cream for those days when you don't want to wear much face make up. 

Would I Repurchase? No. I think it is a decent product, but it's just not the right one for me, or my skin type. 

Rating★★

[Review] Lancôme Bi-Facil Eye Make Up Remover

I haven't posted up a review in a while, and since I've mostly been writing reviews for "lower end products", I decided to choose something high end today. 

To be honest, then I am not a big fan of Lancôme. I feel that Lancôme has such a high price range, when really - I can find other products that work better and are only a fraction of the price. I'm not saying that their products are terrible; it's just that I can't find a good enough reason to truly justify the price. Also, Lancôme does aim its products at older women and more mature skin, so it's not entirely "suitable" for my age. 

My mum on the other hand, is quite the fan of Lancôme. She often buys those special "gift pack promotions" they do during certain seasons, but she doesn't end up using most of the products given (which I find is a huge waste ^_^"). She doesn't use eye make up, as she feels her eyes are too sensitive for them.

So, she ended up giving me most of the eye products in the gift pack (which were mostly sample sized). I honestly wasn't expecting much from the Bi-Facil, since it was only about 30mL worth of product. Overall, then I can say that I was pleasantly surprised. 

First Impression: When I first saw this, I thought that the packaging was very sleek and in the typical "Lancôme Style". It's very travel friendly, and handy for on the go situations. You can easily put it in your purse for touch ups throughout the day, or if you're at a special event. It didn't have a very strong scent, and I found the formula was quite interesting. What I didn't realise was that you had to shake the product before use, since the formula does separate over time. 

I was intrigued by it, since it claimed to be "non-oily" and for "sensitive eyes". What I look for in an eye make up remover is for 1. It can do it's job and remove even water proof make up, and 2. If it stings my eyes or not. Your eyes are super important since you only have one set for your whole life, and you don't want an eye make up remover that will harm your eyes, or cause discomfort (especially for contact wearers). 

I tipped a little of the product onto a cotton pad, and sweeped it over my eyes. To my surprise, it removed most of my eye make up so effortlessly. All my eye-shadow was removed in one go, and most of my eye-liner. I had to use a cotton tip to get into the little crevices, but it really didn't bother me so much. It even removed my waterproof mascara! And the great thing was that I only used the smallest amount of product. 

I was very impressed, since it did not sting or cause discomfort to my eyes whatsoever. It left my eye area feeling clean, but it did leave a slightly oily residue. I do have to say that I don't like the opening of the packaging, since when you tip the bottle over - you can't control how much product you want on the cotton pad.

Several times I poured a little too much, which is a waste considering you don't need that much at all. Taking into account the steep price range, you really want to use as much of your product as possible. 

What I Like:
+ Effortlessly removes my eye make up (including waterproof products)
+ Does not sting my eyes whatsoever (great for sensitive eyes)
+ Sleek, great for travel packaging. 
+ A little goes a long way. Using a small amount on a cotton pad will do the job just fine. 

What I Dislike:
+ The steep price range. If you use this on a daily basis, this will eventually take a toll on your pocket.
+ Does leave a slightly oily residue behind. This excess however, can easily be wiped off. 

Overall Opinion: This is a great product guys. It does everything it says its suppose to do, and there's really nothing more I can ask for in an eye make up remover. It removes waterproof make up, its great for sensitive eyes and a little truly does go a long way. The only thing I can really fault it about is the steep price. If you're the kind of person who uses waterproof eye make up on a daily basis, this can become quite pricey to constantly buy over time. 

Other than that, I definitely do recommend this products guys ^_^

Would I Repurchase? I would probably scout around for other more affordable eye make up removers. If I'm unable to find one, then I would definitely go back and repurchase this one. 

Rating

Thursday, June 14, 2012

[Review] Biore Triple Action Toner

I remember purchasing this toner out of sheer curiosity, and I actually wasn't planning on the random splurge at all. It caught my interest, as it claimed to "cleanse, tighten & clear" your pores AND reduce surface shine. At the time, I was suffering from large pores around my nose and cheek area, because of a foundation I had used (Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation). I will also be posting a review of this up in future.  

It was my first time testing a product from Biore, and at the time - I didn't think of researching the product beforehand for reviews. I thought that it was quite a cheap price for 250mL worth of product, and wow do I absolutely regret it now. No price justification whatsoever can convince me to change my mind about this toner. Whilst a lot of people have had good experiences with this, I was not one of them. 

First Impression: I remember when I first used this toner, I was quite shocked - since it left a rather strong, minty scent. Not only this, but my skin felt as though it was prickling and burning. It was my first time using a product with salicylic acid and I merely dismissed it as my skin not being used to the new toner. I remember quite liking the "fresh" feeling it left my skin with, and I noticed that when I placed moisturiser afterwards - my skin absorbed it so much faster! 

Although I wasn't too impressed with the stingy and uncomfortable feeling, I did like how much more effective my moisturiser was - so that was a definite plus for me. I continued using it for another 2 weeks without problems, and my skin had gotten used to the strange sensation.

However, at the beginning of the second week - that was when I saw it had taken a negative toll on my skin. Whilst I wouldn't say I have "flawless" skin, but I do admit that I hardly ever have any break outs. Maybe I'd get a small pimple once every few months, but that's about it. I take care of my skin everyday, and use the same products without problems. 

But with this, at the second week I noticed that my cheek area had become rather dry and patchy looking. Even my mom commented that it was rather strange, since it was the first time my skin did not look smooth and moisturised. The cheek area itself was somewhat flaky, and translucent looking. 

Once again, I didn't think too much of it (big mistake on my part!) since I thought perhaps it's because of the Winter weather, and I simply wasn't moisturising enough. Several days later, my eyelids became extremely sensitive and scratchy. I realised that the skin of my eye area had cracked and was extremely scraggy. 

I was horrified, since it stung terribly so whenever I made even the slightest movement. Luckily for me, I quickly made the connection and stopped using the toner. After an excruciating week with my swollen, puffy and cracked eyelids - it eventually subsided. 

I knew it was because of this toner since it was the only new product I had added to my daily skin care routine. 

What I Like:
+ Helped absorb my moisturiser so much faster.
+ Left a pleasant, fresh and "clean" feeling on my skin. 
+ For the amount of product, the price is super cheap and affordable. It'll definitely last you a long time. 

What I Dislike:
+ The strong minty scent and burning feeling it left my skin with after applying. 
+ It left my skin cracked, dry and peeling especially on my eyelid area. It was a painful experience, and not something I would want to go through again. 

Overall Opinion: This was a definite "no go" product for me, and it left me with a rather bad experience. I suppose I was also partially at fault for not doing better research beforehand, and simply buying it on pure whim. Other reviews (you can find some on makeupalley.com) stated that they also experienced the same reaction on their skin as I did, so I wasn't the only one. 

At the same time, what may have not worked for me, does not mean it won't work for you. I have normal/dry skin, which is probably a good reason why my skin didn't react too well to the product. It contains salicylic acid and whilst it is a good ingredient for lightening dark spots, and exfoliation - it is quite harsh on the skin.

If you have more sensitive or drier skin, it may or may not have the same effect as it did on mine.

Would I Repurchase? No. Like I said before, nothing about the product (even it's low price) can justify such a bad experience. 

Rating

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

[Review] Bubbi Brushes

If you guys know me, then I really do love Bubzbeauty. She's my favourite make up guru on youtube, because whilst I admit her looks/tutorials are quite similar, they're everyday looks which are easily wearable. Not only that, but aside from beauty she also posts many inspirational videos which I enjoy watching. But I suppose my absolute favourites are her DIY Facial Masks. They are just so handy, and work amazingly for my skin. I can honestly say that her DIY Yoghurt Mask has helped my skin look and feel so much more healthy/radiant. 

So when I heard she was releasing make up brushes, I wanted to try them out. Not only because they looked so chic and stylish - but more so because I wanted to show some form of support ^_^ They intrigued me also, since in the "demo" they looked like they had some potential. 

I had to bite my tongue when I forked over money for these, since they were just so EXPENSIVE! :S I've been using all these brushes for around half a year now, so how did they fare exactly?

First ImpressionWhen I first received them in my mail, I actually wasn't too pleased since I had purchased it during the Christmas period in 2011. Without any notice, the bill had been raised to "express" shipping, despite me not choosing to do so. A later notice from Bubzbeauty's facebook stated that it was done in order to send out the packages before the Christmas season. Whilst I understand the logic, I really think it should have STATED on the website clearly that any orders at this point will be automatically changed to "express".

I simply let it go, and paid the extra 10 or so dollars. When I first saw the brush set, I thought they looked very chic and stylish (I absolutely love the red/white colour combo). It really does stand out, and looks pretty good. I gave the brushes a test over, and true to their word - they are super soft. 

Whilst I thought the little tote bag was cute with the little "Bubz Card", I did feel that for the price ($100+ AUD) it really should have had a brush case, or some kind of holder. For a full set, it really should have included that. A case/holder just gives the set a more "professional" feel, and for me as a customer, it just justifies the price so much more. 


Kabuki Brush & Pouch


My first impression of this brush was that it was just so soft. I really liked the design, and the pouch was quite a cute touch. For the price, then it was definitely not my favourite. It didn't pick up powder or blush very well, and required multiple swatches to be able to pick up any pigment. 

The pouch although was of a nice material, it was just so small. I noticed that after using the kabuki, and putting it back in - some of the brush strands actually snagged onto the zipper. Thankfully, it was just a few strands. I feel like whilst the pouch was indeed handy/practical, I really don't think being compact is worth ruining a perfectly usable brush. 


Powder Brush


The bristles are super soft, and does not scratch my skin whatsoever.I love how it feels on my cheeks when applying blush, and it's a lot better in comparison to the kabuki for powder. The brush is very dense, and is able to pick up a lot more pigment. The handle itself is very sturdy to hold/grip. But in overall performance, then I suppose there's really nothing out of the ordinary.

Buffer Brush


Now this was one of my absolute favourites from the set. The bristles are super dense, and soft on my skin (as I've noticed the "trend"). But what I like most is that it blends my cream blushes like a dream. It blends so seamlessly, and gives my face that radiant, natural glowing look (just what I like to aim for). The handle also feels quite sturdy, and well made. There's really nothing that I dislike about this brush, and I give it a definite "thumbs up". 

Multi-Retractable Brush

I felt like out of all the brushes, this was the most well designed. The bristles were very soft, and I prefer using this for my powder blushes. It's just so compact and easy to carry around for everyday use. You can also adjust the handle for contouring your face, so I quite liked the multi-functionality of it. What I didn't really like was that the lid felt quite plastic and cheap to me.

When I first opened it, the lid felt quite hollow and the inside really didn't look crisp whatsoever. The silver colouring looked quite dull and scratched. Not only that, but it actually scraped off some of the red paint on the handle! I was not pleased whatsoever. I felt like the material used to create it could definitely be improved. 

Dual Cover Brush


This was actually the brush that I was most looking forward to in the set. I love finding/testing new foundation brushes, since a good brush can truly put miles onto your make up. I was actually quite disappointed to be honest. I was initially rather impressed, since it was very soft and it did NOT streak my foundation/BB Cream whatsoever. It really did do a good job in blending out my make up.

But what I realised is that this brush picks up SO much of your product! For me, I only really need a light coverage (so I didn't really mind it) but you could literally see all your foundation covering the brush. For those who like heavy coverage and savouring every last drop of your foundation - then this really isn't the brush for you. 

It's one of those brushes where it is absolutely necessary to clean/wash everyday. Overall, then I'm not a fan of the "dual end" brush design either. For me, I like having two separate brushes because when storing them away - I don't have to worry about ruining the shape of my brush. 

Whilst I do understand the whole "practicality" of it, I just find that it's not worth the risk of ruining one side of your good brush. The concealer end also, wasn't anything special to me. 


HD Flawless Brush




I was quite intrigued with this brush originally, since I'm used to using your typical "foundation brush" to apply my foundation/BB Cream. True to it's word, it really did add miles onto my face make up. My skin looked so flawless, and it blended so seamlessly into my skin. Unlike the Dual Cover, this does not pick up as much product - but rather, uses almost all of your foundation for maximum coverage. 

I quite liked the slanted design also, since it allowed me to easily blend into hard to reach areas such as around my nose. What I didn't like was that since it was so dense, the bristles did actually prickle my skin! It wasn't as soft as the other brushes, and not as gentle on my skin. Because of this, I don't like using it as often, and save it only for special occasions. I feel like if the bristles were softer, then it would definitely be a favourite brush of mine and more practical for everyday use. 

Dual Eyes Brush


Again, whilst I wasn't too impressed with the whole "dual brush" design, I did really like the overall performance of this brush. The softer end is for applying/patting on your eyeshadow, whilst the smaller tapered end is for blending the colours out, or adding depth to the eyes. I felt like they worked super well as a combination together, and is definitely a brush I often reach for when applying eyeshadow. 

Once again, I love the white/red colour combo, since I can easily see how dirty my brushes are, and when they need a good clean. This is especially useful for eyeshadow brushes, so I give this one a "thumbs up". 

Fluff Brush


I actually quite liked this brush for highlighting my brow bone, or doing little touch ups on my blending. But as an overall brush, then I felt like it was more of an "extra add on" than anything else. Whilst it is a nice brush, there really wasn't any spectacular or amazing about it. It was soft - but it's performance really wasn't any better than a lot of brushes out there. 


What I Like

+ The design & colour was just gorgeous! I feel like the design of these brushes was what made them stand out from the rest, since they just look so chic and trendy. The red and white colour combo is both bold and super pretty. 

+ All the brushes (excluding the HD Flawless) were super soft and gentle on my skin. For me, I absolutely love soft brushes, so that is a definite plus.

+ I've had these for half a year now, and I have experienced no shedding whatsoever. 

+ Great for a starter's make up kit, since it has all your necessities for make up application. Nothing more, nothing less.



What I Dislike:

+ The price was what really threw me off. In total, it was around $100-110 AUD (including shipping) for 9 brushes. For a full set, it doesn't sound too bad, but there are a lot of other sets out there such as the Sigma one, which I feel is more worthy of the steep price range. The Sigma one in comparison, comes in a set of 12 brushes.

+ Whilst overall the brushes were quite nice, each of them still had quite obvious flaws to me. For a final product, I feel like these should have already been addressed before release. 

+ Whilst I haven't had this issue, some people have complained about the label rubbing off when washed. To me, the labels should have been engraved instead of printed - and even if they were printed, it leads me to question where/how these were made if they were worn down so easily. 

+ It doesn't say where it was made or manufactured. Every product should always have this, regardless for the customer's benefit.



Overall Opinion: Don't get me wrong, these are nice brushes and I quite like them. It's just there's no good reason for me to give that can really justify the price. I don't regret purchasing them, since they're still decent brushes - but they're not "amazing" or "great". Although a few in this collection I would actually recommend to other people, as a whole - some of the brushes really aren't better than a lot of drugstore brushes that I can think of (such as Ecotools). 

For a beginner's kit, then they are quite nice - but at the same time, for $110 AUD you can purchase a full sized Sigma brush kit, 2 Sedona Lace sets or invest in some good mac brushes. 

The one's that I would recommend purchasing are the Buffer Brush (love this one!), Dual Eyes Brush, and Powder Brush. The rest just wasn't "wow" to me. 

Would I Repurchase? Probably not, since I'm pretty sure one set for experience is good enough for me ^_^ 

Rating★★★

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

[Review] Laneige Multi Cleanser


Hi everyone, today I'm back with another beauty review. Along with the haul, I decided to do a review on the Laneige Multi Cleanser. I was running out of my Missha: Deep Cleansing Balm (my HG make up remover) and I wanted to try out something new. I've been using the Missha one for over a year, and it has also become a discontinued product ): 

I heard pretty positive reviews about the Multi Cleanser, and seeing as how I'm a big fan of Laneige (after purchasing their Water Sleeping Pack) I was quite intrigued to try out this product. 

It claims to be a '4 in 1 Cleanser' that removes make up/foundation, sunscreen, exfoliates and cleanses all at once. Not only this, but it uses mild plant extracts such as citrus, camelia, papaya, hyacinth and green tea. So, does it really live up to what it says it's suppose to do?

Continue reading to find out :)

First Impression: As always, Laneige has the most crisp and pretty packaging. I thought the box was well designed (with the shimmery snowflakes hehe) and the tube was easy enough to use. I actually wasn't expecting so much product for the price, and it will definitely last me a while - so that was a great thumbs up already. What I realised when using this is that a little goes a long way.

All you need is a pea/dime sized amount for your whole entire face - since after massaging it into your skin, it becomes SUPER foamy! Whilst it comes out as a cream based formula, it reminds me more so of a foaming cleanser (which I actually quite like). I did feel the very small grain-like micro beads when I was massaging, and I suppose that is the "exfoliating" aspect of the cleanser. 

After washing off, my face felt very soft and squeaky clean. True to its word, it really did remove ALL my make up. My skin felt very fresh, and cleansed. One thing that I did notice though, was that my skin did feel a little stripped of moisture :/

I suppose that's because I have normal to dry skin, and it is Winter time over here. 

Isn't the blue inside of the packaging gorgeous? As you can see, the tube is pretty basic and fool-proof to use.
Although it claims to be for "all skin types" it may be a little too drying for people with dry skin. I do definitely recommend this more sofor oily/combination skin. 

What I Like:

+ It leaves the skin feeling very clean, and completely removes ALL of your make up.

+ Since you only need a pea sized amount for your whole face, one tube will last you a very long time.

+ It uses plant extracts, so it's not quite as harsh on your skin.
+ Very easy to use, and the foamy texture is quite gentle on your skin. No tugging, or harsh rubbing required!

What I Dislike:

+ For people with drier skin like me, or during the Winter months it may just dry out your skin a little. 

+ This can be both a good/bad thing. It does have little grains/beads for the exfoliation aspect. In no way does it feel rough on the skin, but some people prefer not having this in their cleansers. As for me, then I don't really mind either way ^_^

+ It does leave the skin feeling squeaky clean. I actually quite like the feeling, but some people do not. It's all up to your preference, really. 

Overall Opinion: I actually quite liked this cleanser. It left my skin feeling super clean, and that was something I was really looking for. My previous cleanser (The Missha Deep Cleansing Balm) whilst it did leave my skin feeling soft and hydrated, it didn't give me that squeaky clean feeling. 

At the same time, I can see why this product had both positive/negative reviews. Whilst the multi-functionality of it is quite nice, it can be pretty difficult to cater to everyone's preferences. Not everyone wants a '4 in 1 cleanser' that removes make up, exfoliates and cleanses.

The multi-functionality of it also, can be quite drying on people with dry or sensitive skin. Price wise, then I'm really quite impressed. Such a large tube will last you a very long time, and it's definitely a worthy investment!

Would I Repurchase? Perhaps, since by the time I'm done using it - I will most likely want to try other products. It's a great cleanser, but it's not quite "HG" for me yet ^_^

Rating★★★★

Sunday, May 13, 2012

[Review] Laneige Water Sleeping Pack


I absolutely love facial masks, and I can honestly say I'm quite the addict. I really do prefer them over sheet masks, because they're just so inexpensive. Whilst sheet masks over time can drill a rather large hole in my pocket, I feel that facial masks just last so much longer. The only downside to using them so often is that sometimes, I just don't have the time to sit back and relax.

On most days I actually don't have the luxury of pampering myself, and before I even know it - it'll be time for bed. All I have time for is my usual skin care routine, before heading off to sleep ^_^" And so, I was really interested after hearing about the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack, since it just sounded so incredibly convenient!

I mean, it's a hydrating mask that you put on before you sleep - then BAM! You "supposedly" have plump, moisturised and ready-to-go skin the next morning. I was pretty much sold. There were just so many reviews raving on and on about this product, so I definitely had to try it out for myself.

It was the first product that I had purchased from Laneige, and I'm really quite impressed.

First Impression: I originally purchased mine from sasa, and I do have to warn you guys that this product is often out of stock since it's so popular! When I first saw the packaging, I was absolutely in love with it. The box was just so adorable and pretty, and I absolutely love the shade of blue. The container itself felt very sturdy, and of rather good quality. It came with a small scoop (with the Laneige logo) and instructions on how to apply it.

It had a really liquidy consistency when I tried it on the back of my hand, and to my surprise - it didn't feel sticky at all. In fact, it only took a couple of seconds before it was completely absorbed into my hand! I was quite amazed already, so after doing my usual skin care routine - I put on a very small amount, and went to bed.

The next morning, I was super impressed with the results.


What I Like:

As I stated before, I absolutely loved the packaging! I'm a total sucker for companies that put that little extra mile into their product's presentation. Most of the time, it'll definitely give me an extra reason to purchase it.

+ The consistency was very smooth, light and barely there. All you needed was to apply the smallest amount, since a little really does go a long way. It felt so soothing on the skin as I applied it on my face, and I could already feel my skin being moisturised.

+ It doesn't leave a sticky feeling whatsoever. In fact, it feels like you have nothing at all once your skin absorbs all the product.

+ When I woke up the next morning, my skin just looked so much healthier. It looked brighter, softer and definitely very plump and moisturised. 

What I Dislike:

+ Although they did take into consideration the "hygiene" factor by including a scoop, I just find it rather impractical if it becomes a product that you use daily. After a while using the scoop does feel very tedious, and it's super time consuming. But at the same time, continually dipping my fingers into the product = not very good hygiene :/

Overall Opinion: To be honest, I really can understand why this product got such fabulous reviews in the first place. It does everything it says it's suppose to do, and although I had really high hopes for this product - I surprisingly wasn't disappointed at all. For such a great quality product, the price really isn't so bad at all. It is definitely one of my holy grail products and something that is just one of my favourite "on the go" items that I always reach for. I really recommend using it for travelling, since it's just so compact and hydrating (since travelling severely dehydrates your skin).

Even after a long day, all you need to do is wash off your make up, do your usual skin care routine and add some of this little baby - and you'll be all set for beautiful, glowing skin the next day :)

Would I Repurchase? For sure!

Rating: ★★★★★