SHINY NEW ADDITIONS //

What's new 'round 'ere?

Newbies

Those of you who have been following along may recall that I've been on a self-imposed makeup ban, in a bid to force myself to use what I have, rather than pointlessly hoarding a monstrous collection (something that I'm rather talented at doing...) On my birthday I made the first makeup purchase in a few months, Becca Mineral Tint SPF 30+ Sunscreen, and since then I've added a few other bits and pieces to my stash.

A big, hearty welcome to...
Becca Mineral Tint SPF 30+ Sunscreen in Medium - I first mentioned this early last month, and yes, ended up caving when I saw it discounted on Adore Beauty. My only concern was the shade match - I ended up purchasing 'Medium', which ended up being a good fit for my NC30-ish skin-tone. I've tested it out on a few occasions and I'm quite pleased with it - it's matte, but not too matte, which is ideal for my normal-to-dry skin, which tends to be on the slightly greasier side in warmer weather. At first I was disappointed with its lack of coverage, but then reminded myself that it's primarily a sunscreen with a hint of colour. It does what it claims - provides a bronzy tint, with no ghostly white cast. Plus it smells delicious, like caramel fudge!

EcoTools Retractable Kabuki - This brush was recommended to me by a friend, who said she found it handy for bringing with her to uni for touchups. I've been using it to apply translucent pressed powder, and I have no qualms about it. It's quite soft and perhaps on the denser side for a powder brush, but it works well for translucent powder, and is of a portable size, which I'm sure will come in useful for travel.

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm in 03 Roly Poly Rosy - This was a gift from my lovely Godmother who spoils me excessively! I was after a cream (or non-powder) cheek product for warmer months and this sparked my interest. It has a most intriguing texture that seems almost...spongy. It's difficult to describe... But it looks beautiful on, and blends well to provide a natural-looking flush (I prefer to use my Real Techniques Stippling Brush for this purpose, rather than fingers). I also enjoy the stick packaging, which is more compact and hygienic, and means I don't have to keep dipping my fingers in.

Chi Chi Glamorous Sultry Eyeshadow Palette - Something my mother purchased on a whim... Though it wasn't my purchase, I've been getting a lot of use out of it (I'm grateful my mum doesn't mind sharing!). Admittedly, these shades aren't really what I naturally gravitate towards - I'd actually been eyeing the Chi Chi Glamorous Nudes Eyeshadow Palette for ages, which is supposedly a dupe of the Urban Decay Naked Palette, but for a fraction of the price. I was impressed that all of the shades are smooth and buttery, and most are also heavy pigmented (bar one or two matte shades), and they're generally all quite wearable colours, too. I've been using the matte indigo shade as eyeliner, and it works a treat.

Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose - So my willpower has finally crumbled, it seems! I'd been eyeing these lip butters for literarily yonks, ever since I first spotted them sleepandwater, and decided I had to make them mine. When I found myself at a Mecca Maxima recently, I resolved to bite the bullet, and ended up taking home Wild Rose, though I was tossing up between that and Pomegranate for a little while. Had I not so many lip products in my stash already (as my Liptember series reminded me) I could easily have bought both, methinks. Overall, I'm quite thrilled with my purchase - it's a lovely, pigmented lip butter, and the berry-red shade is stunning. It could be applied lightly for a sheerer effect, or worked up to a bolder colour. I definitely prefer tinted lip balms or lip butters for everyday, and I can see this one fast becoming an integral member of the rotation.


What new beauty bits have you added (or are planning to add) to your collection this month? x

FACE FAVES // CULT PRODUCT - MAC FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION

MAC Face and Body Foundation 120ml

Feels like water, looks like skin.

I've been meaning to write a proper review on MAC's Face and Body Foundation for a while now, though it's taken some time to give it the attention it deserves. It's one of those products that I wasn't to sure how to approach at first. I'd read that it was a very watery formula, was waterproof when 'set', gave a skin-like finish, and was a favourite amongst makeup artists, especially for studio shoots, as coverage could be built up in layers without feeling heavy or cakey. You could say I was intrigued. When I headed to my local MAC counter to test it out, the MUA squirted some onto a metal dish before applying it on to my face with a stippling brush. Now that I've used for a few months (I first mentioned it here), I think I'm well positioned to deliver my comprehensive two-cents.

Ingredients listing

Nozzle dispenser

Scent and application:
It has a slight, barely-detectable scent that I don't find unpleasant, and takes a while to actually set. It comes out watery and immediately starts to thicken as it comes into contact with the air. My usual practice is to squirt some on the back of my hand (about the size of my pinkie nail - see below), give it a moment to thicken and then transfer to my face, working in sections - beginning with my cheeks, then nose and chin, and then forehead. The more you rub/massage/work it into skin, the faster it sets. I find it safer to squeeze out less than I think I'll need, because it is far easier to get more out than it is to try and push excess back through the tiny nozzle... I've found that fingers work best for application - if I have time then I'll use fingers to massage it into my skin, before going back in with a brush (either the Real Techniques Buffing Brush or Expert Face Brush) and blending, to ensure that there are no harsh lines or edges. If I'm in a rush I prefer to slap it on and then buff it in, rather than take the time to work it into my skin with fingers, though the warmth from my hands helps the foundation to melt in and set quicker. One of my pet peeves with foundations is when the base sits on top of the skin rather than melting in, making it easy to transfer on to other things (such as my phone...gross). Thankfully the F&B isn't too bad a culprit, though sometimes I forget that it does take a bit of time to set, and end up getting it on the collar of my white work shirt - real classy...

A little goes a long way...

L-R: Before application / After application (cool lighting) / After application (warm lighting)

Coverage and lasting power:
It provides light to medium coverage. I find that one layer offers a fairly light coverage - sufficient to tone down redness (see photo above), but not mask it completely. It can be built up for a fuller coverage, and the best part is that it does so without feeling heavy or cakey - and doesn't crease, either. It has a luminous, dewy finish - not sparkly or glittery in the slightest - that is probably better suited to those with normal to dry skin. I find that it doesn't cling to dry patches, but they do become more pronounced as the day wears on (probably exacerbated by my air-conditioned work environment). Personally, I get the best finish if I apply it shortly after applying moisturiser or day cream, when it has just absorbed and my face is still a little moist. In warmer weather I'll also powder my T-zone, which tends to become oilier as the day transpires. Generally, lasting power is excellent once set - for me, it lasts well throughout a work day (9+ hours), without flaking or budging.

Size and shade-range:
It comes in two sizes: 50ml (mainly for regular usage), and 120ml professional size. Here, the 50ml retails for $49, while the 120ml retails for $60. I read that it has a tendency to separate over time, but I thought I'd take a chance on the larger size anyway, as it was better value for money.  Call me a typical Asian, but it was a a real no-brainer! (Mine was actually $35USD, brought back from the US for me by a dear friend).
In terms of colour range, I love that MAC has such a large range to choose from. I wear the shade C3 (roughly equivalent to NC30), which has strong yellow undertones and is perfect for me in Summer, though a tad dark for me now that we're heading in to Winter. Thankfully it's sheer enough that it's not too obvious. For all you alabaster beauties, they also have the shade White (available only in the professional 120ml size), which is meant for mixing with the other shades, but perfect for those who find C1 or N1 too dark.

Face and Body buddies:
For everyday wear, I like layering it over Nivea's Daily Face Veil, and powdering with Rimmel's Stay Matte Translucent Pressed Powder (not pictured).

L-R: Nivea sunscreen, Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and Buffing Brush

You can see it in action here, and here.

Overall, I find the F&B a great everyday foundation, as it provides a nice finish and sufficient coverage for me; it's housed in sturdy no-nonsense packaging, is buildable, and photographs really well due to no SPF. No doubt a top pick for brides!


Have you tried MAC's Face and Body Foundation?
If so, did you find it difficult to work with?

I GOT IT FROM MY MAMA //

...Literally. Like, I just pinched them off her dresser. No, I'm not talking about my body (sly nod to B.E.P), but the beauty booty (ha, see what I did there?) my mother introduced me to. Though it seems that I'm the one bombarding her with makeup recommendations these days, as a belated Mother's Day post, I thought I'd take a quick look at three products that I wouldn't know and love if it weren't for Mother Dearest.

L-R: La Roche-Posay BB Cream, La Roche-Posay Sunscreen, Chi Chi Mosaic Blush

  
The 'love at first sight': La Roche-Posay Uvidea XL Melt-In BB Cream SPF 50
I did mention this a while back, in a first impressions post based on a sample of this BB Cream. Turns out Mother loved it too, and consequently purchased a full-sized one for herself. I ended up pinching this rather frequently while overseas - it was perfect for the sunny and humid weather. I suppose this prod ought to be revisited (watch this space).

The 'it's-complicated-turned-in-a-relationship': La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Sunscreen
I also mentioned this one - like, a fleeting two-liner - in the same post. And at first, I didn't love it. The sample I tested was thick, difficult to spread, and overall not so appealing to me. Thanks to Mother, though, that changed. She went and bought a full-sized one shortly after purchasing the BB Cream, and I decided to give it another go. To my amazement it was nothing like the sample: thin in texture, easy to blend and left a nice sheen - think more along the lines of 'glowy' than 'greasy' - though it did also give me a bit of a white cast. It was love. I think this one also deserves a revisit and proper conclusion...

The whirlwind romance: Chi Chi Mosaic Blush in Pink Peach.
This is a newbie (as in, two day old newbie) and Mother's purchase yet again (there seems to be a trend here...). I spotted her wearing it and was instantly intrigued. It was the most perfect blend of peach, rose and russet - and rather flattering on olive skin tones/skin with yellow undertones. It has shimmer throughout, which is quite subtle when applied, yet catches the light for a lovely brightening effect. It also features five shades that can be swirled together or applied separately. I like swiping a bit of the pale peachy shade along the tops of my cheekbones as a highlighter, and I'm thinking the bronzy chocolatey shade might make a pretty eyeshadow. You could say that I've fallen head over heels for this one!

What are your fave products that you can thank your Mama for?

WEEK IN REVIEW // 5

A week of largely crappy weather, last-minute things-to-do, and a revisiting of old (old-ish) favourites.

Clarks boots - These have long been a favourite of mine since I bought them last year. With the rainfall this week I had the excuse to pull them out again.

Glassons knit sweater - I love the colour of this jumper (which goes perfectly with Revlon's ColorBurst Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie, btw), and had the chance to wear it with the cooler weather.

Packing for HK - I'm leaving for an overseas trip to the motherland in 5 days' time! I should probably start actually packing...

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universel - With the dreary weather I've been reminiscing of Summer, which has made me pull this bronzing beauty out, in the desperate hope to retain (or at least fake my way to) my Summer tan.

Nivea Light Feel Daily Face Veil SPF 30 sunscreen - The last few days were surprisingly sunny, so I've loved layering this under MAC Face and Body, or wearing it on its own with concealer and a touch of cream blush for a no-fuss weekend face.

Maybelline Baby Lips Glow tinted lip balm - I've been using the untainted version for the past couple of weeks, but recently fished this one out of the depths of my makeup bag - perfect for days when I want a slight hint of colour and something that doesn't require precision in application.

Elizabeth Arden Pretty EDP - I've loved this perfume for years now, and have only recently gone back to using it, after switching over to her Pretty Hot sister.

A FABULOUS FIND // REVIEW: LA ROCHE-POSAY BB CREAM

I came across this little gem while strolling past my mother's dresser. A little sample of La Roche-Posay's Uvidea XL Melt-In BB Cream, perched beside a little sample of their Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Sunscreen. Curiosity swiftly got the better of me - naturally, I had to try them out.

La Roche-Posay Melt-In BB Cream in 02 Natural/Medium

Before (wearing a thin layer of Neways Barrier Cream) and after (with La Roche-Posay BB Cream)

I used my fingers to apply this over clean, moisturised skin. Shade-wise, I found this to be just a tad light - it would probably be perfect for me in Spring, before I get more tanned.  However, I really appreciated that this BB cream has yellow undertones, which made it a better match for my skin (around NC25-NC30, for reference), unlike some other BB creams that I've tried in the past (Garnier, anyone?). It comes in two shades, 01 Light and 02 Medium (the shade I'm using is equivalent to Medium). You can check out swatches of both shades by Yishan of Beauty Swatch here.

According to La Roche-Posay's website, product claims for this BB cream are as follows: "unifies complexion by covering blemishes, fine lines, brown spots and hydrates skin. Helps prevent pigmentation and ageing induced by UV. Moisture replenishing. For sensitive skin. Melts into the natural skin tone for unified complexion and healthy-looking skin." 

What first struck me was it's comparatively thick consistency. I haven't used a "proper" BB cream before, so while it was not unexpected, I found it markedly different from Mecca Cosmetica's In a Good Light and Garnier's BB Cream for Sensitive Skin, which are both thinner in texture.
I would say that it has medium to full coverage - enough to cover redness and imperfections, and even out skin tone, without looking mask-like. It also has an illuminating and brightening effect, though it may not be so obvious in the photo. I found it to have a semi-matte finish once 'set', with a slight sheen, though not quite as dewy as MAC's Face and Body, for instance. Be warned that it also sets relatively quickly, so work fast!

In terms of lasting power, I found that once it 'set', it was difficult to move. For the most part this wore comfortably on my sensitive skin, though I found that my air-conditioned work environment was to blame for exacerbating dry patches. I also liked that it had SPF 50+ and a non-greasy feel. It's moisturising enough for those with dry skin, but its semi-matte finish makes it suitable for oilier-skinned gals, too.
*No concealer was used, to see how well it covered blemishes and lasted throughout the day.

8 hours later...

And this is how it looked after work, eight hours later - I must admit that I'm impressed!

According to the website, the BB cream can be purchased from Priceline and Terry White Chemists, though it was not in stock at my local Priceline (apparently because it was only a newly released product). Looks like I'll have to get myself to a Terry White Chemist, pronto!

I thought I'd also do a quick mention of the Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Sunscreen. My mum raved about it, praising its light feel and skin-perfecting qualities ("It's comfortable, light, and looks very natural..."), but I, on the other hand, found it to be quite thick and heavy in comparison to the watery consistency of Nivea's Light Feel Daily Face Veil SPF 30, which I've been using lately. I found that the Anthelios XL SPF 50+ left a white cast on my face, which I wasn't overly thrilled with.

Have you come across these products whilst browsing your local Priceline or Terry White?
What were your first impressions?