Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector Review

Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector is a serum treatment that promises to lighten hyper pigmentation and give even skin tone. I have some sun spots mainly on my cheeks from summer and two weeks in the South Pacific that I wanted to remove.

Price: $49/1oz.  Available at Clinique counters or Sephora.

Pros: I really like the feel of this, my skin feel very soft and smooth after I applied this. It also provides light hydration. I also like that it contain antioxidant such as turmeric. Turmeric is a very good antioxidant but it is not widely found in many products.

Cons: I don’t like that Clinique does not list the ingredients on their website. What more important is probably whether it works or not. I applied this once a day, sometime twice a day, consistently for 4 weeks and saw no result. I decided to stick it out for another two weeks so I used this for a total of 6 weeks but unfortunately, I still did not see any visible improvement in lightening or diminishing of my freckles and sun spots.

Overall: I think this is an either love or hate product. My mom has a lot of discoloration on her cheeks and this treatment provided beautiful result. One of her large patch has reduced by 50% and all the smaller spots are faded or significantly lighter and her skin looks more even tone. Unfortunately for me, other than the nice silky feeling I received from this serum, there was no improvement in lightening my sun spots. It didn’t work for one of my girlfriend either. Since it seems to work for some and not other, I would give it an average rating. Rating 3/5.

Disclosure: The product being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Calvin Klein Euphoria for Men Review

 

You are probably wondering, how is she going to rate a men product?  Well I am not.  My very supportive husband review this for me and this is what he has to say:

Calvin Klein's Euphoria is a new scent for men described as having an "aromatic oriental blend with crisp and spicy accents and a sexy, rich signature".  I can definitely attest to the crisp spicy scents when you first spray it on, with subtle hints of ginger and lemongrass.  It gets better and better as the day/night goes on.  The scent, once mixed with your body chemistry, turns into nice sweet notes of patchouli, sage, and brown sugar.


I love this as my winter fragrance. I feel like in the cold weather it smells even more crisp and fits better.  I would be comfortable wearing this for either daytime or evening.

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences. 

Comparison: MAC Studio Sculpt vs. Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer

Lately I have been more and more dependent on concealer. I started a new routine where I don’t wear foundation or tinted moisturizer during weekdays. I just wear concealer and a light dusting of powder. I want to cut back and give my skin more room to breathe. For reference, in this review, I’ll refer to MAC Studio Sculpt as SS and Studio Finish as SF.

Price: Both are $16.50 a pot.

Texture: Both have creamy texture but SF is much denser. SF was also very gritty when I first used it. I needed to get through the rough top layer and underneath is much creamier.

Finish: SF has an opaque and matte finish whereas SS was more of a satin or semi-matte finish. SS is more suited for drier skin, I haven’t try using it under my eyes but I imagine it would works if you moisturize well. SF would be too drying to use as an eye concealer and probably not suitable for drier skin type.

This swatch is for MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35 in NC20.  I hope you can see from the swatch that it is quite pigmented with a matte finish.

Overall: Both are great concealer, it just depends what your needs are. I actually first bought SS and ended up exchanging it for SF. Why? I was looking for something kind of heavy duty that would conceal the red broken veins on my cheeks. SS was very creamy, blend able, natural looking but it didn’t have the coverage and staying power I wanted. SS have medium buildable coverage that it begins to fade midday. SF is more opaque with a medium to full buildable coverage and even though it still fade a bit but not too badly so I can go whole day without touch up.

Disclosure: Both products being review were purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Maybelline Fit Me Collection

Maybelline new collection Fit Me is about natural makeup that allow your skin to look fresh, breathable, and natural.  The foundation come in a wide selection of 18 shades, in a numbering system similar to that of MAC.  

The matching concealer comes in 6 shades. At the drugstore, there are swatch card that tell if what foundation shade would match with which concealer shade. The Fit Me is design to make finding your shade simple!

There are 18 shades for the powder that matches the liquid foundation.

There are 3 shades of bronzer for light, medium, and deep.

There are 12 blushes total.

I am loving the packaging and the easy numbering system. Is this something you would like to try?

Kevin Beautymaker Mineral BB Cream Concealer Review and Swatches

Price: $14.50, available at Imomoko.com

Pros: I have written a lot of good reviews lately, that is because I naturally enjoy talking about stuff about I love rather than so so products. Kevin Beautymaker Mineral BB Cream Concealer is no exception, it is another LOVE. At first I was disappointed to see that it is such a small tube but quickly realize that you really don’t need much so I hope it will last for awhile.

Like I said, you do not need much to cover; it is very concentrated with full coverage. It has a very soft creamy texture like a lotion but it is not heavy or greasy. It goes on easily, blends well, last all day and does not cake. The ultimate test was when I tried it under my eyes and it was as beautiful as it was on my cheeks.

Cons: There is no online swatch. I ordered shade #2 and it should match NC 20-25.

Overall: It is versatile; I can use it on both my face or under eye even though I still reserve it just for my face. The texture is unique in that it is not a liquid or thick cream like most concealer. It is so easy to blend, it is amazing. Best concealer I tried so far.  Rating 5/5.

You can also read about another concealer I love from Kevin Beautymaker, the Aqua Eye Concealer.

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Calvin Klein Beauty Fragrance Review

Description from Calvin Klein’s website: Sophisticated. Confident. Radiant. Calvin Klein Beauty radiates a rich luminosity. A modern lily is the essence of the fragrance blooming with a feminine strength. Absolute ambrette seeds enhance the spicy warmth. Timeless jasmine elevates the floral signature. A trail of cedarwood brings a vibrant and magnetic aura.


Price: 1oz/$50 or 3.4oz/$85


The perfume is house inside a simple, plain, but beautiful bottle. It resembles Calvin Klein Euphoria, which I reviewed earlier, in that they both have metal wrap around glass type bottle. Beauty is a non-complex warm, clean, floral scent that is without any fruity or sweetness. Its simplicity can be a like or dislike, depending on your personal preference. It is neither too soft nor strong and it is long lasting. If you are wondering what is the different between this and Euphoria, Beauty is not as floral or sweet, yet it is warmer. I see Beauty as one more for everyday wear and Euphoria for a special night out.

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences.

I WANT: Stila Waterproof Eye Shadow Primer

Stila's new prime pot is part of the Spring 2011 collection.  It is a waterproof eye shadow primer that promise flawless, creaseless eye shadow wear.  Prime Pot also creates flawlessly smooth lids and keeps excess oil at bay. The two lightweight eye shadow primers are matte and universally flattering for all skin tones.

Taffy - soft beige pink

Caramel - warm tawny beige

I think I may be able to wear Taffy on it owns to even out my eyelids on bare minimum days. I want to try this, are you interested?

NYX Powder Blush Review and Swatches

After having tried, loved and totally raved about NYX cream blushes in my previous review, their powder blush has big shoe to fill. So, does it live up to my expectation?

Price: $6 each


Pros: When I first received them, I used my finger to swatch. My first reaction was, “wow, it is so creamy and smooth”. It’s so finely mill, smooth and silky. It blends beautifully; I don’t have to worry about it looking blotchy like some cheap blush can.  It is also pigmented and long lasting.

Angel

Muave

Cons: The packaging of this and the cream blush are rather plain and boring. Oh well, I guess you can’t be too picky at this price point. There is also no good swatch online. Mauve is also a misleading name. It is not a mauve color; it is more of a rose color. Muave pairs well with Rose Tea (NYX cream blushes swatch).

Overall: I am really happy with the quality of these blushes, no complain about them. Since I cannot find them at my local drugstores, I wish they have better swatches online. So, I hope you guys will find my swatches helpful. I do plan on purchasing other shades.  Rating: 4.5/5.


Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Review First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream is describe as a super emollient cream for anyone with severely dry, scaly skin due to harsh winter weather, aggressive cosmetic treatments, or skin condition such as dermatitis, eczema, and keratosis pilaris. With the help of colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, soothing eucalyptus oil, and ceramides, Ultra Repair Cream provides immediate relief and visible improvement for distressed skin.

Price: 6 oz. tube for $28. Also comes in 2oz and 12oz size.

Pros: It is formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrances, and synthetic dyes. It is moisturizing and thick yet absorb to a matte and non greasy finish. I don’t use this everyday but where it really shines is when my skin acts up. At the end of last summer, right before my wedding, maybe because I was under enormous stress but somehow my skin was terribly dry and flaky. No matter what moisturizer, primer, foundation, hydrating spray I used, my skin was just a flaky mess. I was freaking out as my wedding date is just right around the corner. Thank goodness for this cream. It’s the only thing that is able to keep my skin hydrated throughout the day and doesn’t turn my foundation into a cakey mess. My skin was not in its normal shape but much more manageable.

Also last week my skin was irritated and scaly from windburn. I use this and it was immediately better the next day. I find that when my skin is irritated, I just use this for a few nights and its back to normal. I also use it on my arms where I get chicken bumps. It helps keep it moisturize and soft. Too bad the price is not cheap enough to slather all over the body but it is very reasonable for such a wonderful product.

Cons: Nothing really except that it comes in a jar. I scoop some out into a smaller jar so I can keep it fresh and clean longer. I also wish it contains other antioxidant, if it does, I would definitely use it daily.

Overall: Even though it is not my daily moisturizer as it lacks antioxidants. It is a staple in my cabinet, my go to cream when my skin is dry or acting crazy. I love how it is matte and non greasy, I imagine even combination skin can find it helpful. Rating: 5/5.

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Shu Uemura Morphorium Spring Mode

Shu Uemera release morphorium collection for Spring 2011 that is bursting with beautiful color inspire by the color of butterfly.  I really love the model's eye makeup.  There are two palette in this collection, each contains three pressed eye shadows, one cream eye shadow/eye liner and a powder cheek blush as well as two applicator brushes, retail for $69.

Morphorium Blue Palette

Sunset Gold Palette

So, what do you guys think?

NYX Cream Blush Review and Swatches

I have wanted to try NYX cream blushes for a long time. Unfortunately, my local Ulta carries NYX but does not carries any of their blushes. So I finally caved and ordered mine online at Cherry Culture. I am sure glad I did.

Price: $6.50 each

Rose Petal

Natural

Boho Chic

Glow

Glow looks really bright in the pot but if you blend and sheer it out, it is bright but wearable.

Pros: I am really appreciating these blushes as it has been bitter cold and my skin is dry and rough lately. They are very creamy and pigmented. I absolutely love how long lasting they are. I sometime set my cream blush with a matching blush to make it last longer but I don’t need to with these baby. They blend evenly, easily, I don't need a brush, just my finger is good enough. They also do not oxidize, the color stay true all day.

Cons: I am not crazy about the glitter in Boho Chic. The good thing is that it does not look garish once I blend it out.

Overall: The texture of these are a lot softer than your typical cream blush (think Stila Covertible) so do not dip your brush in the pot, you would pick up way too much product. I just gently swipe with my ring finger, dab on my cheek, blend out with a brush and its perfect every time. I love how the color stay true and long lasting they are. Also, the pot is big, you do get a lot for what you pay for, the price couldn’t be any better. Totally recommend. Rating 5/5.

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Calvin Klein Euphoria for Women Review

Description: Mysterious, provocative, exciting, the fantasy and surprise of the black orchid creates a captivating oriental fragrance that contrasts exotic fruits, seductive florals and a rich, creamy signature.

My first impression is that it comes in this unique, beautiful, very slick and sexy bottle. Unfortunately, it is hard to hold. It is too big to fit into my palm, not something I can just grab and spray. I am still not sure what is the best way to holds it.

As for the scent, it has a strong aura and last all day. The scent composes of a mixture of woods, spices, fruits and flowers. I guess it has a bit of everything, in a good way though. I personally would not recommend this for teenager and young ladies. It has a sexy and strong note that is more suitable for an adult, on a romantic date or nighttime party.

Price: 1 oz for $45 or 1.7oz for $60

NARS Yachiyo Brush

This unique looking brush is from NARS. I saw it first on Allure magazine and it so far has very good reviews online. If my memory serve me right, this is inspire by another Japanese type brush.

NARS website describes it as a brush with “gently tapered spiral dome head, this brush is perfect for application of powder and color. Its multi-functional design is excellent for defining cheekbones, highlighting the complexion, as well as blending and diffusing color on or around the eye area. The handle of the Yachiyo brush is hand-spun with black wisteria to preserve its unique traditional character”. Retail for $50.

Have you tried it?

7 Beauty New Year Resolutions You Should Adopt

Happy New Year!  We do it every year, we like to start the year with some sort of new year resolution whether it be to exercise, save money, or travel more.  Well how about also adopting some good skin care and beauty habits this year?

1.  Wash your hands before you cleanse your face. The last thing you want is to slather the germ, oil, dirt from your hands onto your face. You should do the same before you apply skincare and makeup.

2.  You should practice the double cleansing method especially if you wear full face makeup or waterproof sunscreen. We all know how bad it is to have left over residue on your skin.

3.  If you have dry skin or want better absorption from your skincare, use a toner beforehand. I know some people deem it as unnecessary but it is definitely incorporated in most Asian Skincare Routine/Line and I do see a different since I started using it 3 or 4 years ago.

4.  Don’t pop your pimples. It is tempting but you risk leaving behind scars and dark spots.

5.  Limit hot shower and bath time. It is winter so the air is already dry and low in humidity, which sucks the moisture out of your skin. Long hot shower and bath only make matter worse. Don’t forget to moisturize your skin right after your shower to trap in the moisture.

6.  Clean your makeup applications and brushes frequently. The bacteria build up can cause acne and skin irritation.

7.  Complement your skintone. If you have a distinct warm or cool undertone, makeup looks better when it complement your skin tone. I have yellow undertone and while I can wear both cool and warm tone, I notice look more natural and flattering when I wear warm tones.

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