Clinique Lash Power Mascara Review

Clinique Lash Power Mascara is a long lasting smudge proof mascara.

Price: $15.50 each.  Available at Clinique counters or Sephora.

Pros: They were not kidding when they said it is smudge proof. I frequently have issue with mascara smudging but even after I felt asleep, had teary eyes, I found no smudges. I am also a fan of their small spool brush; it allows you to get the corner lashes. It also separate exceptionally well.

Cons: Now it’s a little bit easier to clean as the formula thicken a little maybe? When I first started using this, it was a pain the ass to clean. It came off in tiny flakes that are all over your eyes and doesn’t rinse off easily. I had to wipe my eyes multiple times which I hate because all the tugging can cause sensitivity and possible wrinkle. Another negative is that it can flakes sometime.

Overall: It gives decent length, separate well, and best of all, worry free smudge proof. There is not much volume so you may need a primer or layer it over another mascara. I do hate the removing part of this though. Rating: 4/5

Bare / With Mascara

Bare

With Mascara (1 coat)

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

Aveda Enbrightenment Collection

I have never use Aveda skincare before but I am curious about their new enbrightenment collection.  The line is made with 100% natural derived brightening blend with key ingredients such as mulberry root and grape extract to help diminish the appearance of discoloration and dark spots.  The line depend on Vitamin C and salicylic acids to provide you brighter, clear skin.

Have you try it?  Are you interested?

Real Techniques Brushes by Samantha Chapman

Who are my favorite makeup guru on youtube?  DEFINITELY, definitely Sam and Nic from Pixiwoo.  They are adorable and their techniques are superb.  I never get tire of watching their tutorials.

I am really excited that Sam is coming out with her own line of brushes.  They are synthetic Teflon brushes.
Available at Ulta starting March 29th.  I hope I am hearing this right because she is from the UK and it would be awesome if we can get it at Ulta, here.

You can also order them online beginning March 25th at www.realtechniques.com

It is really neat that they are color coded, bronze for base, purple for eyes, and pink for finishing powder, blush, etc.

Benefit b. right Radiant Skincare GWP

You have probably already heard from other blogger by now that Benefit recently launch their own skincare line.  The packaging is awesome cute, aren't they?  Anyhow, for a limited time, they are giving away a free trio pack (below) with any purchase of $50 or more.  Enter code TRIOFREE at checkout, offer ends tomorrow, 3/24/2011.

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipsticks Review and Swatches

Name:  MAC Sheen Supreme

Shade:  Full Speed - a warm pinkish coral shade

Shade:  Ultra Darling - A rosy mauve with a nice light sheen

Price:  $14.50 each

These have the slip and texture of a lip balm but pigmentation of a medium coverage lipstick.  I like them a lot as they are moisturizing and semi-opaque. For me, for some reason, Full Speed can be uneven and also drier and has less sheen when compare to Ultra Darling.  Ultra Darling is perfect, I love it and it will be a staple.  Overall, I would recommend these.

Full Speed

Full Speed with Bare Escentual Wild Honey Lipgloss

Ultra Darling

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

MAC Pink Cult Blush Review and Swatches

Price: $19.50

Limited Edition? Yes, part of the Jeanius collection.

Pros: I like that even though it is matte, with a light hand, it goes on sheer and natural, not powdery and dull. It is also a good option for people who doesn’t like shimmer in their blush. It being a neutral undertone also makes it versatile and flattering for both warm and cool skin tone.

Cons: It being on the light side, I am not sure how well it will show up on dark skin tone.

Overall: I ran to get this the first day it came out in store because I felt in love with the swatches posted by Temptalia. I am not sure if it’s the lighting or the flash but it looks a lot more muted and less pink in person. Don’t get me wrong, I understand that it’s so hard to capture color correctly in photograph; I have the same trouble myself sometime. I bought it anyway out of curiosity. While it is a versatile, easy to wear color, flattering for most people color, it just does not stand out for me. Nice but not special, if you know what I mean? Plus, I already owed NYX Angel which is a close match to it. I actually think Angel is a more flattering shade on me. Rating: 3.5 or 4/5

Update: adding comparison picture.

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

Kiehl’s Washing Milk Review

Today I am reviewing Kiehl's Washing Milk Cleanser that is target toward people with dry and sensitive skin.  It is what I have been using for the past few months during winter.

Price: $17.50/8.4oz

Pros: For starter, the price is reasonable for a department store product. I think you will really appreciate this if you have dry, sensitive skin. What I notice is that my skin never feels tight or dry after using Kiehl’s Washing Milk. This is rare especially smack in the middle of winter.

Cons: Not a big deal but the bottle design is very boring. It would also be a plus if it comes with a pump.

Overall: As the name imply, it comes in a thick milky consistency. Do note that if you wear normal to heavy makeup, you will need to use a separate cleansing oil or makeup remover beforehand. I don’t think that it make this a bad cleanser because it is pretty expected with most cleanser especially cream type. Rating: 4/5.

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

HELP JAPAN!

It is such a tragedy with all that is going in Japan right now. Japan is a beautiful nation and I have high respect for their culture. It’s sad to see something beautiful get destroy. However, I have no doubt that all will be rebuild, in due time.

UNICEF is currently raising money to help children who are impacted by the recent earthquakes and tsunami. “The people of Japan have been unfailingly generous to UNICEF… today is their time of need and it is a privilege to be able to show them the same generosity and empathy they have consistently provided to others in need,” said Caryl Stern, President & CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

I couldn’t have said it any better. I just want to spread the words and hope that my readers will lend a helping hand.

How to help: For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution please contact the U.S. Fund for UNICEF:

Website: www.unicefusa.org/japan

Text: Text JAPAN to 864233 to donate $10

Toll free: 1-800-FOR-KIDS (1-800-367-5437)

Mail: 125 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038


Thank you everyone!

Are You Supposed to Cleanse Twice a Day?

Last week I got questions from a reader and I thought I should share it with you, as some might find it helpful. Roxanne asked:
I was wondering are you supposed to cleanse twice a day? or just at night? and what would you use in the morning?

To answer her question "are you supposed to cleanse twice a day?", I think it really depend on your skin type. For me, since I have sensitive and dry skin, I don't use a cleanser in the morning. I just splash it with room temperature water and wipe it with a toner to prep my skin. If you have dry skin, using a cleanser twice a day can dry it out further. However, if you have combo or oily skin, you can use a “gentle” cleanser in the morning.  I am currently liking Kiehl's Washing Milk which, I will be reviewing next.

DHC Q10 Hand Cream Review

Being a germ phobic, I wash my hands a lot.  I constantly wash my hand and reapplying lotion, especially so in the winter.  I favor creamy texture that is rich yet absorb well and it is what I hope DHC Q10 Hand Cream would be. 

Price:  $7.50/1.7oz tube

Pros:  I like that include Q10 for the anti-aging factor.  It’s creamy yet lightweight and non-sticky.

Cons:  It’s a bit greasy.  Also, it’s simply just not hydrating enough, maybe because it is lightweight.

Overall:  This probably will work better in the summer or humid climate.  During the cold weather, it is not moisturizing enough for my hands.  Rating: 2/5.

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

Boscia Face Polish Review

Price:  $25/2.8oz.  Available at Sephora, Ulta, or Boscia.com

Pros:  I have very sensitive skin that is redness prone so I am looking for something that would do a good job at exfoliation but is also as gentle as possible.  The Boscia Face Polish totally deliver.  It’s so gentle, it’s safe enough to use 2-3 times a week.  My skin always feels smooth and soft afterward.  What I also like is that it doesn’t dry my skin out either.

Cons:  Nothing bad really other than maybe the price, it’s pricey for a scrub.

Overall:  As you can see, I am loving it.  This is the best scrub I have tried, for my sensitive skin type so I’ll repurchase even though the price is a little high.  Rating 5/5.

(After lathering)

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

New Too Faced Peach Leopard Bronzer

I believe it was last year when Too Faced came out with a really pretty Pink Leopard Bronzer.  Now, they added a new addition, a Peach version.  It contains a mix of warming shades of shimmering peach, matte chocolate and tawny bronze.  It is warm and not too dark so I think it would be especially flattering for those with lighter warm undertone.  Currently retail for $28 at Toofaced.com.

Avon Magix Illuminator Review and Swatches

This little guy claims to “instantly brightens skin and banishes dark shadows”. Avon Magix Illuminator comes in 3 shades: Light, Medium, and Deep.

Price: $10/.05oz net wt.

Pros: Since it is an illuminator, I was not expecting any coverage at all but it does provide a light coverage. Granted, if you have real dark circles, you will still need your regular concealer underneath. It is shimmery (not chunky glitter) and you can see the light reflecting action. The texture is like a light cream that dries to a powdery finish and I was surprise that it didn’t crease under my eyes.

Cons: When I first got this, for a second I thought I got a defective pen. Literally I have to spin the dial part for like 5 minutes before any product would come out.

Overall: I got to be honest; I don’t find it makes a dramatic improvement for my dark circles. However, it is still a nice, affordable, travel friendly, non-creasing highlighter if you are seeking for one. Also, I got shade Medium and it was a bit too dark and it comes in a neutral/yellow undertone. If you’re MAC NC15-20, stick with Light. Rating: 4/5.

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

Want It: Stila Garden Bliss All Over Shimmer Powder

Do I need a face shimmer powder? Not really but I want it as this is a very adorable compact from Stila Garden Bliss collection that is now available on HSN. I imagine the neutral shade should be flattering for most skin tone.

Price: $28

What It Does

* Helps brighten eyes, cheeks and decollete with a touch of shimmer
* Helps hide skin imperfections


Features

* Micro-fine pigment and pearl
* Contains a blend of several micronized pigments
* Long lasting

MAC Pink Cult Blush and Sheen Supreme Lipsticks Swatches

I got off work early today and what did I do? I went makeup shopping :) I am actually sick as a puppy but since I have to go to the mall to pick up my alteration and MAC store is only a few shops away, I couldn't resist. Just quick swatches for now, I'll review them once I get a chance to wear them more. Enjoy!

Avon ULTRA COLOR RICH Moisture Seduction Lipstick SPF 15 Review and Swatches

Name: Avon ULTRA COLOR RICH Moisture Seduction Lipstick SPF 15

Shade: Tangerine

Price: $8. Currently on sale for $4.99 at Avon.com

“Tangerine” is a pinkish coral shade where the pink is more predominate. The formula is moisturizing, it has a nice slip that just glide easily across my lips. Even though it is not the most pigmented lipstick, it is rather long lasting. After lunch, of course the lipstick wears off but there is still a stain left behind. It’s a plus for me because I don’t like to have to re-applying my lip products frequently. Rating: 4/5

 

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