Korea Haul 2012

Here's another long awaited for blog entry from me. I have not been to Korea recently but all thanks to Mr Funshine who is as lovely as ever, he is the one to help haul these buys back to me.

A nice decent haul. I'm sure the "damage" will be much bigger
if I was there personally.

I came across these LOVELY ME:EX Make Me Star Waterproof Gel Eyeliners in Singapore, although they performed quite well when swatched on my hand, I refused to shell out the money to buy them since it may be another story when applied on my oily eyelids. Since the approximate price comparison between Singapore Face Shop to Korea's is 1 : 2 to 4, I decided to grab all 6 colors that Mr Sunshine could land his hands on.


Six out of the full range of 8 LOVELY ME:EX Make
Me Star Waterproof Gel Eyeliners

I avoid looking like a disco-glitter disaster like I how avoid a plague. However these liners have micro bling that is not noticeable without immense staring, something that I can accept. The Face Shop website recommended to let the drawn liner set for 10 seconds for it to be completely smudge-proof. I tried & tested to find to that is not long enough, a 1 minute wait while to fill in my brows always never fail to to let it set properly.

 

Swatches of LOVELY ME:EX Make Me Star Waterproof Gel Eyeliners

From left to right: #01 Black Cat, #03 Indigo Blue, #04 Disco Purple,

#05 Celebrity, #07 Peach Shower & #08 Moon Silver

This pencils have a good creamy consistency that really set within 1 minute, hence blend & smudge quick. Once it sets, I observe only minor migration of minimal glitter specks with vigorous rubbing. It survive my dish washing test but wear for about 6 hours before smudging to nothingness on my oily eyelids (no primer, setting with dark powder or applying any sealing liquid). That is already a feat as nothing last on my lids more than an hour with no primer, powder or sealant.


I read somewhere that the FACE it Oil Cut Pore Balm is a dupe for Benefit's Dr. Feelgood but as I have not tried Benefit's version personally, I am not able to give any comparison. In short, this product is suppose to help minimise pores or fine lines and control shine due to excessive sebum secretion. From this, we can see that this product is made for people with combination or oily skin. The Face Shop also release a version for dry skin, the FACE it Moisture Pore Balm for your information.  

FACE it Oil Cut Pore Balm



A little swatch for you

This balm is applied after your skincare, sunscreen and just before the foundation, concealer step. Personally, I don't use the sponge that came with it but a stippling brush instead as I feel that the application will be not too heavy and more even. Thereafter, I will use my clean fingers to further blend it in. The product's main ingredient is Dimethicone (which is abit of a controversy) hence a bit of the product will provide a smooth canvas for foundation application. Too much of the balm will make your skin feel too "slippery and greasy", so go easy on it. I like to apply it only on my T-zone and visible pore areas. It carries a slight peppermint-y scent which dissipates quickly and it did keep my face shine-free for a longer period of time, but I will still need to blot some time mid-day.

One more pointer, thorough cleansing before applying these silicone-based primers and proper make up removal is very important at the end of the day. I will suggest double-cleansing with a oil-base make-up removal and followed by your usual cleanser to be sure that all is clean. 

The next item is fast becoming my top favorite foundation. It is the FACE it Oil-Cut BB Emulsion, SPF 20 PA++, 40 ml in a tube. It comes in only one tone (I am a NC25 for MAC Studio line) and has medium to full coverage. I may have a grayish tinge when first applied but it will mellow to skin tone after it settles on my skin. Its oil-control effects is comparable to Revlon Colorstay Foundation (I wear 180 Sand Beige). That's fantastic however it won a niche due to the "lightness" when applied. It does not feel like I have a "layer of something" on my skin.

One important step when applying Blemish Balm (same for foundations or actually, any skincare), always remember to warm up the product before blending or patting onto your skin. Trust me, it helps the product to adhere to your skin much better. It dries down to a complete matt finish however I will still need to dust a layer of setting powder over to make my make up last longer through the day.

FACE it Oil-Cut BB Emulsion

FACE it Oil-Cut BB Emulsion description

FACE it Oil-Cut BB Emulsion

FACE it Oil-Cut BB Emulsion has a nozzle dispenser and
a creamy concealer built-in the cap of the tube

The other foundation Mr Funshine bought buy mistake is the FACE it Oil-Cut Pore Foundation SPF 20 PA++, 35 ml in a bottle. He bought 2 bottles of it in 2 separate Face Shops without noticing that they are different shades, NB 21 and NB 23. NB 21 is more suitable for my skin tone as NB 23 appears a tad too dark.

FACE it Oil-Cut Pore Foundation

FACE it Oil-Cut Pore Foundation
SPF 20 PA++ comes in a hygienic
bottle with a nozzle dispenser 

The Foundation is a more liquid compared to the above mentioned BB Emulsion version. Hence the coverage is lesser than what the BB Emulsion can provide. My skin seem to get shiny faster with this compared to the times when I wear the BB Emulsion. I wished I have better skin so that I can love this foundation as much as I fell for the BB Emulsion, well... I will have to reserve it for weekends and casual days or maybe primer can help.

Below are some swatches, from left to right: FACE it Oil-Cut Pore Foundation NB 21, FACE it Oil-Cut Pore Foundation NB 23, FACE it Oil-Cut BB Emulsion & Concealer that came in FACE it Oil-Cut BB Emulsion .



Spreaded but unblended



The Foundation swatches (2 swatches on the left) dried to a satin
finish and the BB Emulsion dried completely matt.

 The final item item I got from The Face Shop is the FACE it Circle Face Brush. I have not tried this yet as it is not washed yet but my initial thoughts is that we are going to have a love hate relationship. It is so soft and dense to the touch, however it's also quite petite that I dread it will take up more time than I already take prepping in the rush-rush mornings. I may have another review for this if I grow to love it, or let me know if any one of you like to know more.

FACE it Circle Face Brush

FACE it Circle Face Brush information

Side view of FACE it Circle Face Brush

Top view of FACE it Circle Face Brush

Description in FACE it Circle Face Brush instruction slip

FACE it Circle Face Brush instruction for
Liquid Make-up application

FACE it Circle Face Brush instruction for
Powder Make-up application

The final item I got is the Etude House Darling Snail Healing Cream which I will review in time as I need to test the product first, so stay tuned. Apart from all the above that I ordered, Mr Sunshine also threw in quite some other nice little gifts he found befitting during his craze shopping spree . The below is my favorite of all the little gifts, a happy-looking fridge magnet for my own nest in time to come. Thank you Mr Funshine!!!

사랑해요! Wishing all happiness

Watsons (Takashimaya) & G2000 Haul

There is one more reason why I can spend almost half a day in Takashimaya: the super big Watsons. I love Watsons, I used to be crazy about it and is proud to announce that I've grown much more disciplined nowadays with my hauling there.

As mentioned in the previous blog that we were lugging bags of stuff, mine were mainly from Kinokuniya, Watsons and G2000. So let me start off with my Watsons purchases.

Liese Designing Jelly 03 Nuance Make and Kracie Naive Rosehip Makeup Removal Oil



Nice pump bottle with a butterfly embossed on the cap



I bought this as a back up as my hair styling jelly may be hitting bottom soon. However I'm not able to review the jelly as I'm currently using Lucido-L Design Jelly in Airy Keep which is working quite well defining my soft curls, non-sticky and does it's job even in our humid weather. I just wish it can have a little more holding/ defining strength, hence I purchased the Liese bottle to try. Hope it will be my dream styling jelly! 

Rose! (and I love the blue of the bottle...)

Naive Rosehip Makeup Remover Oil (Click to enlarge)

I've been using this for about a month and did not like it at the beginning due to my own error, I did not read the instruction and assumed it works like all the other cleansing oils I've used. I massaged the oil on my face to dissolve all my makeup, then I wet my hands and started trying to emulsify the cleanser. The oil did emulsify but if my hands were not wet enough the emulsified film will turn out thick and thus slightly difficult to remove thereafter.

I got fed up and use really wet hands to emulsify the oil and virtually stood under my shower to rinse off the remains. After that shower, I took the bottle and read the instruction. There is no emulsifying step, it is just "Rinse thoroughly". Oh, I see. Ever since, it has been working well removing my "long-wear" makeup for me (but not strong enough to remove all of my waterproof mascara) but I still prefer my UNT's PERFECT DERMAQ10 which I bought from a Singapore blogshop, it rinses off to a "cleaner" feeling.

The rest of my Watsons haul

Canmake Jewel Glitter Nail Polish in Gold

Oh I love this to bits, really. This so versatile since I can wear it on it's own but I always layer it over another colored polish. I love the fact that the glitter bits are of different sizes, giving a textured, gold flake-like effect. I love it so much that I am seriously thinking of buying the silver version and backups of my "golden love in a bottle". Below is a swatch of it layered over Magic Shop's nail polish #63 (neutral brown with purplish-pink iridescence).

I paired this two for a more subtle effect, so that it's not too garish for my work place 

Close-up, please disregard my cuticle...

I bought this to try after watching Xteeener on YouTube

and this as well since I've read so many raves about it versus Sech Vite Top Coat

As for the Sally Hansen Insta-Grip Fast Dry Base Coat & Mega Shine Top Coat, I decided to give them a try as I'm every bothered by the "shrinkage" issue I encounter with my Sech Vite Top Coat (click on link to know all about the Pros & Cons). I have tried the Sally Hansen's duo once and ended up with mixed feelings. I'll use them for a few more manicures beforegiving accurate reviews.

For powder foundation, I'll will always shuttle between these :IPSA Pure Protect Powder Foundation SPF 25 #103, UNT Ideal Glow H20 and ZA True White SPF 20 #22. I like their weightless finish, medium-high coverage and oil control qualities. I will normally buy the refill pack as I don't need to have them cased up at home, neither do I want to add bulk to by makeup pouch that I bring out. It's simply a waste for me to purchase any casing because it'll just end up collecting dust in corner.

Now that ZA came out with an improved version, I had to get one for myself. I confess I will not be able to use it until I hit pan on the current on that I'm using, in fact I still have back ups of the UNT and ZA. Lesson learnt, do not overhaul and regret as better products are launch every single day. I only can peer with temptation at my new ZA True White Plus SPF 20 two-way foundation every time I pass by my vanity counter.

ZA Plumper Lip Gloss in Glossy Cherry #01



Click to enlarge



I don't own any lip gloss of this color, must have one in my collection

This gloss is smooth-textured, not sticky and not syrupy-thick (which sadly means it will not last long as well). It may look quite red in the tube but it can be sheered out using the doe-foot applicator to a light tint of natural-looking color on the lips. Layer on 2 to 3 layers and you'll get the high-gloss, just-eaten-ice-popsicle looking lips. Overall, it's a comfortable gloss to wear.

Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Volume On (BK999)

All written in Japanese... 

My previous Majolica Majorca mascaras had the one-sided comb applicator, I guess this is the first new version one I've got. You can choose which side of the applicator you want to use to achieve the preferred volume build up and it also states that it is newly formulated with thick jet-black fibre, volume up powder, gloss oil for lustre (I love!) and waterproof polymer (very important must-have property of all my mascaras). I can't wait to break the seal for this as well.

Majolica Majorca Creme Pencil Liner
(BK 999)

All in Japanese again...

I grabbed this during this visit to Watsons because I tested it during my previous visit. I was impressed that the line that i drew was still there after I reached home, still there after i bathed and still there after I woke up from a nap. I wonder if it is as water and smudge proof on the eyelid. I shall put it to the test soon, maybe tonight. I don't want to take the risk of getting caught out there with "raccoon eyes".

Majolica Majorca Honey Plump Gloss Neo
in PK246

I give up...

I have a couple of these tube babies, but sad to say, I seldom use them. They are really thick (therefore sticky and stay put for quite a while) and really super glossy. The gloss factor is so patent-like it comparable to some of the high-end lip glosses out there. Sigh, I should curb myself from buying another tube since I've got more than I need. However, I'll always end up purchasing it for "I don't have this color" or "I don;t have one in this finish" or etc...

Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel

I used to exfoliate using the original Marvel gel during my hostel days but moved on to other exfoliators as time went by. As I aged, my skin matured and I wanted a gentle exfoliator for days my skin's more sensitive or when I want to exfoliate areas with delicate skin... this may sound weird but some times, I will very gently massage gel exfoliator on my eyelids. I emphasize, very very gently. I just feel that with all the eye primers, shadows and concealers I slap on, it's only right to "clean up" the area once in a while. Thus I decided that this Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel (it's stated "safe for eye area") should do the job and yes, it did. It feels so soothing to have some kind of lubricant (no dragging of skin around our eyes please) while I give my eye area a good massage, until it starts to become a slightly "grainy", I'll stop and rinse off.

That's all of this round of Watsons haul and I bought 4 cardigans from G2000 to add to my collection (I'm cladded in cardigans most of the time). This trip made me a happy lady. I hope my dear readers are happy for all their own reason. Until my next entry, take great care!

ZA True White Two-way Foundation

My Humble Rating: YYYY

This compact is one of the first I hit pan bottom with. I can still remember the clean fragrance when I opened the packaging. I was first impressed with the coverage the fine powder provided. Somehow, it managed to control shine for me as well, thus was quite lasting. It's stated that this compact Inhibits melanin production while providing the skin with solid protection from UV rays (SPF 20 PA++).

There's nothing I will like to nag regarding this product, so maybe I'll just a simple application tip here. It's is not going to help for one with oily skin, to pile on thick layer of powder foundation to cover imperfections because once the sebum is secreted, the powder will 'coagulate' leading to the blotchy effect. This with bring attention to one's imperfection instead of covering it. Some foundation particles will even oxidise and turn dull. Thus, to prevent the above, less is more for areas that are more prone to sebum secretion. Apply sparingly with a sponge applicator with light pat-pat motion. Hope this helps ya!

Overall, a standard compact that I will opt for daily usage, nice that it come with SPF protection as well.

Maybelline Clear Smooth Aqua Gel Foundation 30ml

My Humble Rating: YYYY

I like this tube of gel foundation because it controls oil well for me. It is stated that this is a 50% water based formula that contains aloe vera, chamomile and Vitamin E to soothe skin. I'm just happy that although it minimises shine, it does not dehydrate my skin. The coverage is just nice, not too thick yet good enough to even out my pore problem.

I don't have much to complain regarding this product but I suggest that one work fast with gel product because if one is too slow, the gel may thicken slightly, making application a chore. Thus working fast with a sponge applicator will do the trick for this product.

Overall, this product is great if you are looking for a weightless & fresh-looking coverage.