October 30, 2015

Neutrogena Fine Fairness Lotion SPF 30 PA++ Review

YesStyle £14.90

I have a lot of hyper-pigmentation as a result of acne, so finding a good whitening/ fairness cream is essential to prevent future hyper-pigmentation and even out my skin tone. This lotion caught my eye in particular as it contains SPF30 PA++ (UV-A) & (UV-B) and has a double action formula~

There's 40 ml of product; it comes in a sturdy tube bottle with a pump and cap that covers the opening. The pump makes it hygienic and easy to dispense the amount of product you need. I usually use 2 to 3 pumps for my face; you can apply it to your neck and other areas too. It's recommended to use during daytime (before sun exposure), to prevent melanin production.

Product Description:

"A daily moisturizing whitening lotion that helps protect skin against melanin and uneven pigmentation for a healthy, fair and translucent glow.

Helps whiten skin from within : Neutrogena Healthy White Complex helps boost the whitening process and helps reduce the appearance of melanin and uneven pigmentation.
Helps protect skin from photo damage : UVA/UVB formula with SPF 30 helps to shield the skin from darkening and photo damage.

The lotion is lightweight and has a slightly runny consistency. It's not thick like majority of other sunscreens/lotions i've tried, my makeup applies smoothly on top too. Absorbs in rapidly, not sticky and does not leave any residue. Great for summer!~ It has a lovely subtle floral scent. Provides a decent amount of moisture, I still like to apply this on top of my moisturiser though because my skin is thirsty af. It does have a white case when you apply it but it disappears after a few seconds and makes your skin luminous with a healthy glow.

After using this for 3-4 weeks, I can definitely see that my acne scars have lightened a little, my skin tone is more even and fair. This is such a good product! It's basically a 2 in 1 (sunscreen and moisturiser); shields your skin nicely from harsh sun rays whilst providing skin benefits - moisture, fairness, brighter/more radiance with regular use. Due to it's lightweight nature, the lotion would be amazing during summer~ Highly recommend this~ ^.^

Rating: 8.5/10

If you want to try this out yourself, you can purchase it from YesStyle for £14.90~

Out of curiosity, have you try any whitening products? ^__^
Have a good day~

October 27, 2015

Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Powder Review

Innissfree HK $75 (£6.30)

Most people were interested in the No-Sebum Blur Powder from my Innisfree Haul so here it is! I am yet to try out the original No-Sebum Mineral Powder before I can compare them for you guys. ^^

Inspired by photoshop, Innisfree created a blur variation of their No Sebum Mineral setting powder to blur imperfections for smooth photoshopped-like skin. The Blur cost slightly more than the original Mineral version and is tinted.

It comes with 5g of product and a puff for application. The size makes it travel friendly; this is now a makeup essential I carry around everywhere!

The powder has lovely minty calming scent~ Fine and soft powder, very gentle on the skin. It's tinted with a natural skin tone colour, it only comes in one shade but should accommodate a range of skin tones as the shade is light and translucent. The tint makes my skin appear slightly brighter too.

Starting off with already applied BB cream~ I didn't use a base/primer so that you could see the effects.

I prefer to use a brush instead of the puff given. I simply shake the powder into the cap, pat my MAC powder brush on the dispensed product and then swipe to apply and set my makeup.

Results~

I have really large pores, as you can see from the photo above my pores have noticeably "blurred" and appear smaller. My skin texture looks smoother too. Although my skin isn't completely flawless, photoshopped effects in real life omg YASSSS. ( I want the Etude House Face Blur now! *^*)

Performance wise, it keeps my super oily face matte and controls oils for hours - LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! The best setting powder i've tried so far! My face usually gets oily again after 3-4 hours but this powder is seriously the bomb. I 100% recommend it to my oily skin friends, it's super affordable too, so no harm in giving it a try~ :')

Rating: 10/10

Which setting powder are you currently using? ^__^
Let me know in the comment below~

October 24, 2015

Tony Moly Panda's Dream Eye Patch Mask Review

I AM SLEEP DEPRIVED 24/7. I've always been one to pull constant all-nighters due to my busy schedule. Now that i'm at uni, (I fricking love it here and i'm going to casually persuade you kiddies to apply for Lancaster Uni because it's amazing and ranked top 10! ^.<) i'm even more sleep deprived. 50% is due to constant partying/nights out (hue~), while the rest is due to programming, solving mathematics questions, daily life maintenance and all the in betweens. Rather than dark circles, I have 50 shades of exhaustion under my ever so lovely eye bags. My friend Jess gifted me these as she wanted me to review these cute eye masks from Tony Moly~ Are these eye patches the solution to dark circles? Time to find out~

It comes in a simple packaging with an adorable panda print, great for traveling. The eye patches have a whitening formulation that brightens skin around the eye area after usage and improve dark circles. It contains cucumber, potato and bamboo extracts - all well known ingredients that help to smooth eyes.

It doesn't have a specific scent, it just smells "fresh". The patches come on a plastic sheet, you simply take off the patch and apply it to your eyes. The material is quite thick so it adheres to the skin nicely, however the patches do slip sometimes as there is a lot serum. The huge size of the patch doesn't really help either.

There's a lovely refreshing and cooling sensation when you apply it. Very gentle and does not cause any irritation. The patches are moist and drenched in a watery gel-like serum . There are flaps that you can open up, so that you can see. I left them closed so that it can moisturise my eye lids too because why not?

I left this on for 15 minutes, there was some residue when I took the patches off. The residue took a while before it fully absorbed into my skin (thats why I forgot to take an after use/results photo, sorry!) I don't recommend you to use this during the morning, if you're in a rush.

As for the results, i've used 5 sheets now and there is not any noticeable difference. It did moisturise the skin area but thats just about it. My eye area did not brighten nor were my dark circles improved. I would describe the patches as "meh" - not a terrible product but not partially good either.

Rating: 4/10

If you want to try out these patches yourself, its available on Amazon and eBay for around £9.26 ($14.18) for 10 sheets.

Have you tried any products from Tony Moly's Panda Dream line? ^__^ If so, what did you think of them?

October 21, 2015

Products I've Used Up - October Empties #4

Quick flatlay of some of the products I have finished using this month!

Colour Couture Bronzer
SK II Compact Foundation

The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Mask: Review link
Mizon Trouble Clinic Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot: Review link
Avon Solutions Youth Minerals Youth Enhancing Facial Treatment
SOSKIN Stop Imperfection Serum: Review link
Innisfree Jejubija Anti-Trouble Spot Essence R: Review link

Essential Ultra Honey & Shea Butter Hair Mask Review Link
So...? Lovely Dry Shampoo Review Link

October 19, 2015

TAIWAN HAUL~

Inb4: I didn't go Taiwan personally, as there was a typhoon during the week I landed in HK. My friend Ophelia got me these lovely goodies whilst she was there, massive massive thank you! ^__^ <3

Starting off with cosmetics:

Cosmos DJ Brand Handmade Eyelashes - DJ-13
Sofina Primavista Ange Long Keep Base UV
Chanel Illusion D'ombre - 83 Illusoire

Skincare:

LoveMore Herba Saussurea Involucrata Revival Mask Sheet
LoveMore Loofah & Aloe Vera Hydrating Mask
FaceQ Milk Moisturizing Hand Mask
Biore Perfect Mild Cleansing Liquid

So so excited to try these out! Feel like it's been a while since i've last posted; my blog posts are starting to slow down due to my work load, sorries! >//< I will try to start blogging outfits again asap once i've decorated my uni room properly~ ^^

Which products would you like me to review? or got a haul to share, link it in the comments below ^.^

Have a good day~

October 15, 2015

Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturizer Limited Edition Super Size Review

I've always wanted to try Origins products but never really got round to it. The GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturiser is one of Origins' best selling products. For summer 2015, Origins released a limited edition design and super size version. I thought this was the perfect timing to finally try out Origins~ The limited edition design is simplistic, not anything special nor much difference from the original. It just a print on the lid.

On the other hand, the super size 75ml is an absolute bargain! £1 more for 25ml of extra product thats worth £34.50 value - take my money! As for the moisturiser itself; it has a gel consistency thats very lightweight, absorbs quickly and is refreshing~ Not greasy and does not leave any residue. It has an uplifting orangey citrus scent thats wonderful for using in the morning as it wakes you up and brightens your mood overall. Great for summer as it's fresh and lightweight. However, for winter (especially with the dry UK weather) I think the hydration it provides won't be enough.

I like to use this as a daily daytime moisturiser after cleansing and toning; it preps the skin nicely for makeup application too. It makes my skin appear slightly less dull and plumped throughout the day. I think the moisturiser is suitable for all skin types. It doesn't contain any harmful chemical so it would be good choice for my sensitive skin friends. Lightweight and oil-free for my oily skin friends and all the in between for other skin types. Overall a good product, however I do wish that it contained SPF too. I do recommend this if you're looking for a moisturiser that brightens, hydrates and don't mind spending a little extra on skincare. ^^

Rating: 7.5/10

If you want to try this out, the limited edition super size is only available while stocks last. You can get it from Origins counters (I got mine from House of Fraser), the Origins' official site, Boots, Sephora etc. ^__^

Have you try any Origin products?

October 12, 2015

Elizabeth Arden New York In Bloom Pure Finish Radiant Bronzing Powder - Soft Review

Feel Unique £22.10 | *Gift Thank you Jess ^^

This has been my everyday bronzer for a while now; reviewing this before I use it all up! The packaging is absolutely splendour! But wait until you see the actual bronzer inside. ^.< The bronzer comes in a sturdy gold packaging with a simple and pretty floral design that features the classic Elizabeth Arden red door logo. Elizabeth Arden sure knows how to spoil someone with their luxury packing.

The Pure Finish Radiant Bronzing Powder comes in 2 shades - soft and warm. Soft is for light skin tones and warm is for medium.

I have it in the shade Soft, which has a mixture of 2 neutral golden bronze shades, a pale pink and cream. Perfect for natural subtle conturing and does not appear orange. It also has fine gold shimmer. I've hit pan, so unfortunately I can't personally show you how gorgeous the print is. >.< So I shall insert a official picture of product so that you can see it's beauty~ ^^

The pigment is build-able, if you want a deeper contour then simply apply more more.

Bronzer Swatches:

In Natural Lighting

With Flashlight

Swatch/demo on face:

When I'm in a rush or too lazy to switch brushes I simply hold the bristles together so that I can apply it to my nose with more precision.

Finished result~ I love how it blends into my skin tone so naturally even though I built up the bronzer to make it more noticeable on camera. The gold shimmer isn't noticeable, instead it gives you a healthy radiant appearance. It lasts for a good few hours before it starts to fade. Generous amount of product that will last you for a while, gorgeous packaging and print. On the pricey side but still cheaper than Nars' Laguna, so why not? Liking this bronzer, such a lovely treat. I would recommend this for those that are looking for something natural with a healthy radiant glow.

Rating: 8/10

What bronzer are you currently using? ^__^

October 08, 2015

KPop Diet #15: T ARA's Hyomin So Crazy Comeback Diet

You can't deny how amazing T-ARA's body figure looks in their most recent So Crazy MV. Hyomin shared on her Instagram (@hyominnn) the diet she was on whilst preparing for the comeback.

Instagram: @hyominnn

The diet includes cucumber, sweet potatoes, eggs and watermelon.

Instagram: @hyominnn

In the second photo, she has chilli sauce instead of watermelon. She also practised choreography along side the diet. I think she probably ate this for breakfast and lunch. As a dinner it has way too less calories (but then again Kpop idols do go on super extreme diets ;__;).

Would you ever try this diet? Lemme know in the comments below~
I'm quite tempted to try it out but knowing me, I will not last longer than a few hours. xD

October 04, 2015

Etude House Precious Mineral Any BB Cushion - #W13 Natural Beige Review

As requested from my ETUDE HOUSE Haul, i'm finally reviewing the Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cushion~ ^^ Yes I am ridiculously late into the BB cushion game. I wasn't keen on BB cushions (regardless of the hype), as many have said it only offers low to medium coverage. Cursed with horrible skin, I often run away from products that don't offer medium to high coverage. >//<

During Hong Kong, I tested out many BB Cushions from Laneige to Innisfree and I still wasn't fond of them. How did I end up with the Etude House one? I got persuaded by HK sale assistances aiyaaa~ ;___; Not too fussed about it, since I quite liked this one and found that it offered more coverage than the previous ones I tested. (Plus I was considering it when the sales lady was working her Asian persuasion powers on me, which I guess made her skills super effective? xD)

I purchased their limited edition Dreaming Swan Any Cushion Case in #03 Twinkling Tutu for HK$90 (£7.52) and a Precious Mineral Any Cushion Refill in #W13 Natural Beige for $98 (£8.19). Both were sold separately. The original pearlescent white case with cushion included was $188 (£15.71), same price so ofc i'm going to get the prettier case. :') Btw, Etude House currently are selling a Mickey Mouse case!

The case is quite bulky since it contains the puff and cushion, still a handy size for traveling and great for touch ups on the go. The puff is non-absorbent so there is minimum product wastage.

The product comes in a porous sponge, so you don't have to worry about the liquid leaking out. One thing I don't like, is that it gets quite messy as you see from the photo above.

I love that case is reusable and how easy it is to change the cushion, just a simple push from the back and wa-la~ Ejected.

The cushion has a multi-function formula that brightens complexion, reduces fine lines, control sebum and protects against environmental stress for a flawless finish. It also has SPF50 and PA+++. There are currently 4 shades available.

Finally plucked up the courage to show my naked face in public. Loads of redness and acne scars. x___x

Starting off with a clean face after cleansing and my skincare routine.

Yes, apparently it's completely normal to stare at your products with such fascination... :')

Natural beige is neutral light beige shade. The puff makes application simple and quick, no extra tools required. The puff distributes the product evenly. Just pat away for a flawless airbrushed finish~

It has a watery consistency, very sheer and light, blends into the skin effortlessly. I am looking pretty ghostly, not just because of the lighting but because it has a white cast. The white cast is probably due to the sunscreen; it does fade and oxidise so you won't be looking like the grudge. xD

It dries off into a luminous satin semi-matte finish. Love how it makes my skin look so healthy and dewy! The coverage is build-able, does not cake and looks natural. Not bad; it managed to cover up my redness and evened out my skin tone. My acne scars still peak through, some concealer will cover it up and do the trick. If you have large pore likes me, I do recommend you use a primer first as your pores (although slightly reduced) will still be visible.

Everyday makeup, without powdering~ It starting to oxidise here.

inb4: No I didn't dye my hair again ;__; I had this colour during Hong Kong. Went through my old selfies so that you can see how it looks when it has fully oxidised. ^^ I do believe I powered my face here so it's not as luminous. Once fully oxidised it has a natural finish, it's almost like a second layer of skin. Can we just talk about how beautifully brightened my complexion looks omg. Hashtag narcissist af. xD

Overall I am lovinggg the Precious Mineral Any Cushion! Such a natural finish (once oxidised), makes appear healthy and moist when in reality it's poop and troubled. So lightweight, it feels like second skin. I was surprised when I wore it in Hong Kong, it didn't melt off my face despite my super oily skin and the hot humid weather. It does transfer a little when a blot my face. Convenient, time saving and great for traveling on the go~ What is there not to love about the cushion? This has changed my opinion on BB cushions and will most likely try more in the future. The Precious Mineral Any Cushion would be great if it's your first time trying out BB cushions, it's more affordable than other cushions on the market and offers lovely results.

Rating: 9/10

If you want to try it for yourself, you can purchase it from the Etude House site for $21.60 (or from YesStyle for £19.90.

Have you tried any BB cushions yet or are you a late bloomer like me?