Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 Review and Swatches

Price:  $32 for 1.7oz

Pros: This provide absolutely no to very, very little coverage. It saving grace is that it is illuminating and adds such a lovely glow. I use this more as a highlighter. I use this under mineral foundation and it acts both as a primer and adds a glowy finish. I also tried mixing this with liquid foundation.

Cons: Like I said before, it provides no coverage and people with oily skin will probably find this greasy.

Shade 1

Blended (you can see it didn't provide any coverage for my scar)

Overall: I feel like this is one of those not as advertise product. As a tinted moisturizer, I would have to give it a low rating. However, since I find other use for it, it is not a total waste. It is actually a nice illuminating base, just be careful if you have oily Tzone. Rating: 3/5.

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

Sephora Collection Color Palette

Allow me to introduce you to Sephora Collection Color Palette, currently retail for $24.  It contains an array of gorgeous color for your eyes, lips, and cheek.

This palette includes:
- 32 must-have eyeshadows
- 16 beautiful lip colors
- 3 blushes
- 1 shimmery bronzer

I didn't get a chance to use these shadows extensively.  I swatch and also wore them for a few days.  I think this palette is a a mixed bag.  Some color are so lovely in both pigmentation and texture, very smooth and creamy.  Some of the lighter shades tend to be chalky and of the shades have chunky glitter.  The ones that are chalky have a bit of fall out and doesn't last as long.

I would recommend this palette for beginner or someone who just want some extra fun bright colors.  For $24, you get so many options and some wonderful color payoff.

(Sorry I don't have swatch for the bottom two rows.  Somehow it got deleted from my camera and I already returned this to my friend, she lends it to me)

Sneak Peak of Upcoming Reviews!

Hi, these are just some of the stuff I got during Sephora sale.

I am really excited about this BB Cream (yes, Sephora is finally carrying BB Cream), used it the last two days and so far, I really like it. I'll probably have a review for you around next week.

That's it!

Easy Beachy Wave: A dupe for Remington Emi Airwave

I can’t believe it take me so long to write this. Months ago, I saw a hair tutorial from Jen over at Head to Toe on how to get sexy beachy wave using the Remington Emi Wave blow-dryer. I look everywhere online and even my local Wal-marts and it was nowhere to be found, it has been discontinued.

After some more persistence search, I found another model that has the exact same attachment as the Emi Wave. It is call Remington 3-in-1 Styler model D-5015, sold at Target for $25. You probably can find it online too.

This is THE perfect tool when you want nice hair but only have 15 minutes or less to spare. It’s so fast and easy. Basically all you do it put 1-2 inch section of hair in the funnel and just turn on the blow dryer as usual. The way the air circulates in the funnel will cause a spinning while drying your hair. For looser curls, just use your fingers to move left and right as you brush down your hair, like a light shaking motion. I hope this help.

Current Top 5 Foundation

I love base makeup, it is such a nice pick me up. Unless you are 12 or have been Photoshop, most of us can use a helping hand. Below are some of my top favorite at the moment.

Shu Uemera Face Architect: My first high end makeup base and I took a gamble ordering it online. It has proven to worth both the money and risk. It is a creamy light liquid that blend effortlessly, semi matte finish, buildable coverage, and great undertone for Asian. (Full Review and Swatches)

Victoria’s Secret Soft Focus SPF 20: I like it for the relatively high SPF and dewy finish which lends a nice healthy glow. This foundation provides light to medium coverage.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20: This one give good coverage for a tinted moisturizer yet still very natural and comfortable to wear, like your skin only better. It also gives a lovely subtle glow, nothing too obvious. When my skin misbehaves and I don’t want to deal with flakiness, etc, I turn to this. (Full Review and Swatches)

Cover Girl Aqua Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15: This is so moisturizing and good coverage, ideal for people with normal to dry skin. People with oily skin should stay away, it might be too much. If you can’t afford the Laura Mercier TM, this would be a great alternative.

Korres Mineral Foundation: I was never a fan of mineral makeup until now. It stay put pretty well throughout the day and isn’t patch or powdery. On bad skin days, I actually turn to this as it won’t accentuate flakes as much as liquid foundation. (Full Review)

This isn’t official on the list because it is discontinued last year but DHC Q10 Cream Foundation is also one of my favorite. It looks quite natural for a high coverage foundation with a soft matte finish. I like applying with my fingers because I can blend and sheer it out. I can also double it as a concealer. You may still be able to find it on ebay?

That is all for now, I will update if anything changes.  What are your favorites?