Update: Lancome Genifique Youth Activator

Earlier I did a first impression post on this product and I have now passed the 7 day difference period and my thoughts on this product has thankfully not changed. It purchased this in a set in Myer for $120 for the 30ml (1 fl.oz) less my staff discount. It came with deluxe sample sizes of the eye cream, day cream and night cream.

This is quite a unique product as it is not a serum but is worn before your serum and after your toner. I use a pump on my face and another pump on areas of concern and the neck area, day and night. I don't know what is in this but I feel like it has given my SK-II Whitening Source Dermdefinition serum a boost and has somehow accelerated its corrective power. My face has a luminous quality about it that I have not seen before.

After using this product for 7 days (a bit more) I have seen a visible improvement in my skin tone and texture. My skin feels softer and firmer to the touch, my pores seem slightly smaller and my expression lines on my forehead have reduced. I was skeptical about this product at first but now I'm glad that I gave in. I can't wait to see more results after long-term use. 

This is my own experience and I do advise you try and obtain samples if possible before purchasing this product as every skin reacts differently and it also on the expensive side. I'm glad my experience was just very positive.

Review: SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil 250ml

I am a firm believer in this product. It is definitely my HG when it comes to makeup removal. It's suitable for the eye area and it takes my makeup off like nothing I've used before, even waterproof mascara. I usually follow it up with my SK-II Gentle Facial Cleansing Foam and it works like MAGIC! No makeup residue (toner test) and it doesn't leave my face feeling stripped of moisture.

I used to use the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm which worked, but in my opinion was such a mess to use and unhygienic as it was in a jar container. This cleansing oil is contained in a pump bottle which makes it so much easier to dispense a sensible amount. You don't need very much of this. I dispense a to my fingertips, and apply it to a dry face starting from the nose outwards using a gentle massaging motion. I then dampen my fingertips and massage more until it emulsifies. I repeat the last step again and then rinse thoroughly with water and then followed by my cleanser. My skin is left soft and clean.

Even though my skin is quite oily and acne-prone I haven't found that this product has in any way reacted adversely to my skin. All-in-all I will continue to use it and repurchase unless I find something that is cheaper and works just as good, as this was quite pricey. I think I got it for about $75AU after discount (RRP $90AU). But then again, it has lasted me so long. I've used it virtually every day since I purchased it back in April and I'm just about half way through. So technically a bottle would last me just over a year. That's not expensive if you ask me, especially if the product works.

This product deserves my 5 star approval.

Chanel Christmas 2011 Collection

In my recent haul post I mentioned that I picked up the Lumiere Sculptee Highlighting Powder. This powder is the star product of the Christmas collection for 2011. I also purchased three other items from the collection that was also mentioned which were the Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Beige Lame, a Rouge Allure Lipstick in Enivree and the 6 Mini Brush Set.

Lumiere Sculptee Highlighting Powder

The intricate details on the powder itself is so pretty! I didn't even want to use it. It comes in the typical Chanel black compact and also features an angled powder/blush brush which is surprisingly usable unlike other included compact applicators I have come across.

The top layer of the powder is quite sparkly and glittery initially but once I managed to sweep it off, what was underneath was a finely milled highlighting powder that was not shimmery at all but rather leaves a more luminous finish.

Ombré Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Beige Lame

This colour is quite comparable to MAC's Rich Flesh from the N Collection several years back which has been my HG contouring shadow which I have been having a hard time finding a replacement for since it was a limited edition. Whilst it is quite glittery in the pan as shown in the picture it doesn't apply sparkly at all, which is perfect for me since I love using medium brown just to add depth to the crease of my eyes for an everyday look.

Rouge Allure Lipstick in Enivree

This lipstick is a rosy pink with a slight peachy undertone which is quite flattering on my skin tone. It has pink reflectives as well which I really like. It applies semi-opaque with a beautiful sheen. It gives my lips that perfect shade of rosy pink without it being too bright or overwhelming.

The final thing I picked up during my visit was the travel brush set. The thing that attracted me to this set was actually the cosmetic case that it came in. On one side is the separate areas for the included brushes and on the other, a zip pocket for the few essential makeup items which I find really handy. It keeps my makeup away from the brushes so any residue on the bristles don't dirty up the packaging on my makeup compacts etc.

I was advised by the makeup artist that these brushes are not machine manufactured and are made the same way as the full sized brushes only with a shorter handle.

As I mentioned, in the brush set you get 6 mini sized brushes:
- Angled powder/blush brush
- Foundation brush
- Eyeshadow brush
- Smudge/pencil brush
- Eyebrow brush
- Lip brush

Overall the quality of these brushes are definitely of higher grade than the MAC equivalent that being the short editions (SE). However, I only find them useful as touch up brushes as the quality is not exactly the best. I'm trying to get my hands on the Sigma brushes but haven't yet justified a reason to buy more brushes! To be honest I purchased the Chanel brush set because I needed a travel powder brush and was looking to purchase the larger version alone but the SA convinced me to purchase the set plus I loved the cosmetic bag it came in. What a sucker I am for all things Chanel!

All in all I am pretty pleased with the items I purchased from this collection. The colour scheme of the more neutral colors are right up my alley. All are very wearable and easily mixed up with other colour I already own but I've been wearing them together every day since the day I got them. Shows how much I love them! I am honestly considering getting backups but my recent hauling episodes have left my pockets empty and Chanel is so expensive here in Australia, I just wished I gave Dan a bigger list to get for me overseas duty free =(

I might post a FOTD using the Chanel products I purchased if I have time. Exams are creeping up on me once again...

Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream Review

Hello, it's been a while.
I previously blogged about this BB cream in my beauty haul post in April.  So, I've been using this BB Cream for 2 months now and I am quite confident that I can give a complete review of it since I've had a good feel of its "benefits" or whatnot.

I have tried their other Signature M BB Cream and THAT I did not like whatsoever, so I was a bit hesistant at first to try another one from their range especially when I haven't seen many reviews on it. I went with my instincts and tried it for myself. Anyways, to the review.

Product:

Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream SPF27+ in no.23

Price:

$36.90AU from Missha

Review:

The product claims to improve skin tone and has whitening/brightening effect. Whilst I did experience an improvement in skin tone and brightness I cannot however isolate these results as a direct benefit of using the BB Cream as I have made changes to my skincare routine which too included whitening/brightening products from SK-II. I believe it did contribute but my skincare was probably the major factor.

One thing I can conclude is, this is the only BB Cream that I have used that has not caused me to break out and provides the best fit (colour and covering) for my skin. I'm an NC30-35 and have blemishes (mainly acne scaring) with redness around my nose area and shade no.23 provided the perfect coverage that looks lighter and more natural than your foundation.

I also found that the oil control was decent but not incredible I did see oil come through approximately 3 hours of wear but I have a very oily T-zone (and I mean it!).

The thing I liked most about it is definitely how easy and quick it is to apply in the morning. It also provides sun protection in the one step.

How I use it?
After my skincare routine and primer if desired, I dispense a small amount (half pump) to my fingertips and applying on using a gentle tapping motion concentrating more on my areas of concern. To set the BB Cream with my Laura Mercier Mineral Powder.

Overall:

Would I purchase it again? Probably yes.

I think it deserves 4 out of 5. It serves its purpose as an alternative to a medium coverage foundation but whether it delivers its promises about improving the tone and brightness of your skin is still questionable.  

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I wrote up this post some time ago but just never got around to uploading and editing it. Plus, it is such a ritual for me to blog during exam time and uni just to de-stress and escape from the pages and pages of notes that sit infront of me.



Silkee ... Smooooth ! Moroccan Oil Review ...

Moroccan Oil is a miracle in a bottle and delivers everything it promises. The product works to "revive hair, strengthen, conditions and reduces drying time". I've been using this product for just over a week now and it does WONDERS. 

I apply it daily to the mid-lengths and ends of my hair whilst it is still damp and styled as usual (which pretty much means leaving it to dry on its own). Once dry my hair felt softer, looked tamed and more alive and with such little effort as well. The best thing about it is that its not greasy or heavy whatsoever and has a nice light scent. In fact, its so light on the hair its hard to notice that it is there. I love it ! I will definitely repurchase it. 5 out of 5.

I think it retails for $49.95AU for the 100ml size. I purchased the trial 25ml for $24.95AU, which I will refill and re-use for travel as you can't store it in plastic. I think it is well worth the price tag.

SK-II Haul

This was the Gift with Purchase offer that was available at Myer when I went on my recent SK-II haul. The gift was too good to pass. With purchases over $250 you received a vanity case and 3 deluxe samples and if you spent over $500 you received an additional trolley bag (the four wheels type - pretty cool!).    

WHAT'S IN THE HAUL-BAG?

(excuse my messy dresing table and the luvo in the background)

(my favourite foundation on the far right - BOBBI BROWN Natural Finish Longlasting Foundation)

Facial Treatment Cleanser ($80AUD)

I haven't tried this product yet, since I still have some of my Laneige cleanser left. But thought I'd purchase it to take advantage of the offer. Will update my thoughts on it ..

Facial Treatment Essence Limited Anniversary Edition 250ml ($245AUD)

A back-up purchase, since I am almost half way through my large bottle. This was the very first product I purchased from SK-II apart from the facial masks. The mask was what convinced me to invest into their skincare range since it is really expensive and I didn't want to spend so much on something that may not work. But a fter a few weeks of using this product, I have noticed my blemishes clearing up and an overall improvement in the clarity of my skin. I've been using it for almost two months now and within the first two weeks I received compliments on my skin improvements. So overall, thumbs up and I definitely think it was worth the price I paid. Highly recommended ! It's my number one skincare product. 

Facial Clear Solution ($140AUD)

I bought this one about a month ago as a day moisturiser and use it after the Facial Treatment Essense. I love the gel formula as it quickly absorbs into my skin without being sticky or greasy at all. I have noticed that my skin is less oily throughout the day and my dry U-zone is also kept moisturised. It kind of smells like cucumber as well which is pleasant.

Skin Refining Treatment ($210AUD)

This is by far my favourite night cream. I received samples of it when I purchased the Facial Clear Solution and loved it. I use it after the Facial Treatment Essence before bed at night. It did everything it said it would. It has really helped with my large pores, especially in my nose and cheek area. My skin appears smoother and more brightened every morning when I wake up. Again its not oily or greasy, but incredibly moisturising. It doesn't come cheap for a 50g jar but because it's a night cream it should go a long way. Again, definitely worth the price. My skin has never felt so soft.

And this is exactly why I am always so BROKE ! My expensive love and need for luxury brand cosmetics.

SK-II Facial Treatment Mask Review

This is by far one of my favourite facial masks! Definitely a high-end product retailing at AU$28.00 per piece but I purchased mine off SASA at US$7.20 each. They also come in bulk packs of 6 and 10. But for some reason on SASA it is cheaper to purchase them individually. Strange. Perhaps the manufacturing date differs.

To use: Position the mask over the eyes first and then to the rest of the face and pat firm. Lay back and relax for 20mins. Remove the mask and gently pat the remaining essence onto your face and neck. I like to keep the remaining essense in the pack and use it as a treat for my skin for the following nights. No product wastage :) Just make sure you keep the pack sealed tight or transfer into a sterile container.  

The mask feels great on and upon removal my skin felt and looked instantly brighter. My skin appeared clearer and felt softer and more toned. The essence from the mask was not heavy at all and absorbed quickly into my skin. The only downside is it does smell a bit strange in the beginning but nothing that can't be easily accustomed to. And it terms of fit, great.

The next day my skin felt softer, smoother and more radiant. Applying makeup was also an easier and a quicker task. It really helped in balancing my combination/oily skin and my blemishes are clearing up a little and are less visible.

I will definitely be stocking up on my next SASA haul. In fact, I've ordered some just now :) I just wished that I ordered more so I am not left waiting for it to arrive again.  

4.5 out of 5

For more information on product please visit the SK-II website and to purchase off SASA please click here.

Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Wink

In case you have been living under a rock or have been hibernating this Winter, Illamasqua, the UK cult makeup brand has opened its counters in selected Myer doors across Australia. Myer Sydney City being one of them. You'll find them next to the fragrance department - come and say hi to me :) Working just steps away, I can't help but me mesmerised by the colour creations of Illamasqua, in particular their nail varnishes.
My first purchase ...

Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Wink $34.00

Apologies for the unneatness I quickly did them at 12am in the morning just to blog about it. See how excited I am !!

With Flash

Without Flash

I absolutely love the colour! I was looking for a lilac shade for some time now and my workmate had tried another colour a week back and raved about how long it had lasted without chipping. So I thought I'll give it a go. I'm going to test it myself to see how long an application would last on me. I'll update on how it goes. "Wink" is such nice shade of lilac. So chic and feminine. Two coats gave me amazing colour intensity and it dries real quick as well.

I forgot to take a picture of the applicator which is really clever. The square cap pulls off so you get a smaller applicator underneath, which helps with ease of application and is more ergonomic. Precision. Its hard to explain, so I'll post a picture later on.

Luvo time ...

Keyhole Lace Gloves from

Forever New $16.99

Watched Origin tonight at Ricky's house. Queensland already had it so Clara and I were busy youtubing away. Laughing and excited over Lee Min Ho and Daniel Henney as if we were high school girls. Came across a makeup tutorial parody which was too hilarious to not share! Caution not for those who are easily offended ..

Late night posts are starting to become a habit ...

Barbie and Ken: "its like we were made for each other"

Went to watch Toy Story 3 in 3D today with some of the mates. It was really good. I really enjoyed it. Great for laughs, never a null moment. I loved it and would recommend others to see it as well.
When my mother asked me where I was heading off tonight and I told her I was going to watch Toy Story 3, she just stared at me in disbelief and asked if I thought that I was too old to watch a 'cartoons-a child movie'. There's nothing wrong with a young adolescent wanting to watch an animation right? I watched it anyways, I don't care what anyone says.

Anyways I've actually had the time to try out a product I recently purchased.
Bio'MAIN Blackhead Off Nose Mask 10g (from SASA USD0.70)
I was really surprised when I tried out this product. It was nothing I had imagined from the moment I opened the packet. I was really attracted to the "Chinese Traditional Medicine" label. However when I opened it up this black, thick and ink-like liquid came oozing out. It was really messy! Although it is a nose mask there was so much product that I also applied a thin layer to my chin, where I also suffer from clogged pores. I managed to get the product on but it really made a mess in my basin and there was still heaps left in the packet. I also had a bit of a hard time peeling it off since the sides took a bit of convincing to come undone.
Removing the mask, I managed to get most of the mask off but had to wash some of the residue. Despite the messiness, it did work! My pores felt instantly clearer and are also tighter. I still have to decide whether the result is worth the trouble.  

2 out of 5

For further descriptions of this product and where to buy click here

 

And a luvo of the moment ...

I May Have Been Converted or Not ..

As this will be my first review since moving my blog, I thought I'd do several reviews on five products that I have been testing out for the past few months. I was quite the brand loyal girl but don't get me wrong I am still a die-hard MAC fan with a few conversions.
In search of a tinted moisturiser and a new mineral powder, I researched online and also through word of mouth I stumbled across Laura Mercier. And of course, it was right across from the fragrance counter in Myer.
After paying a visit to my beloved neighbouring counter I went home with their 'Foundation Primer - Oil Free', 'Oil-free tinted moisturiser', 'finishing powder' and also the 'Mineral powder'. I never seem to have trouble in walking out with more than what I needed. Oh I also got a 6-piece gift and also their 'Face Polish' as a gift which was a bonus. I love freebies!

Face Polish

I absolutely love this product. It gently buffs away dead skin unlike other exfoliators I've tried, such as Clinique's 'Exfoliating Scrub' which can be grainy, rough and drying. Its gentle yet my skin feels instantly smoother and appears visibly brighter and it does feel like my skin is 'polished'. Not drying at all. And the pleasant scent helps as well. It is definitely now one of my staple skin care products and I am certain I will buy it time and time again. I use it every two or three nights after removing my makeup.

4.5 out of 5

Foundation Primer

I've tried several different primers before and this one isn't my favourite, but it is good. I do like the ease in application and I can use either a brush or just my fingertips. It also feels very hydrating, however due my combination skin it does not provide enough oil control to my t-zone unlike the 'MAC Prep + Prime Face' and I do end up looking shiny after 4-6 hrs. The dewy look does benefit as it help blend in my blemishes and large pores. This is a good primer for when I'm on-the-go but for other purposes especially for special occassions that involve happy snap moments the 'MAC Prep+Prime' is definitely my favourite for that perfect camera finish as it has silicone that give light reflecting properties without that white flashback look and its more affordable as well. I wish I could just apply it with my fingertips.
I've also started trying out Smashbox's 'Photofinish Colour Correcting Primer' I will update my thoughts on it later.

3 out of 5

Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

This is the first department store tinted-moisturizer I have bought and tried. To my surprise the coverage was great for what I would expect out of a tinted moisturizer. Its lightweight and provide enough coverage to sheerly correct my skintone and with a little concealer on my harder-to-cover blemishes VOILA! and I'm ready to go. It works great under my mineral powder as well giving me that extra coverage I need without being too heavy or cakey. My skin does feel hydrated throughout the day and I can also use a brush or just my fingertips to apply. The SPF also means that I don't need to apply an extra layer of sunscreen on an average day - time saving !

3.5 out of 5

Mineral Powder SPF 15

By far this is my best mineral foundation match. I've tried Revlon, I.D. Bare Minerals and MAC and Laura Mercier's 'Mineral Powder SPF 15' provides the best natural finish. Revlon's 'Colourstay Mineral Powder' made me break out and dried out my skin. I think its due to the talc which can be pore clogging. I.D. Bare Minerals did not have a shade that blended well into my skin making me look either too yellow or too pink-toned. I also found the mica too glittery. MAC's 'Mineralize SPF 15 Loose Foundation' was either too dark or too light on my skin and the packaging made it hard to use. Laura Mercier gives me a natural glow which I absolutely adore and it doesn't feel like its drying out my skin. The packaging is great as well as there is a rotating cover for the powder which makes it travel friendly. I use over my tinted moisturizer or even sweep it over my liquid foundation for a bit of extra coverage and glow.

4.5 out of 5

Translucent Setting Powder

Not one of the best setting powders I've tried in regards to shine control, MAC's 'Blotting Powder' definitely has my vote for that. But it does work well as it does help my makeup stay fixed all day and has waterproofing benefits (tear and rain proof - as funny as that sounds). It very lightweight, does not add any extra colour and seems to having this blurring effect on application. I do find myself needing to powder my oily t-zone within 4 hrs.

3 out of 5

My daily face base now consists of the Laura Mercier's primer, tinted moisturizer, mineral powder and setting powder (if needed) and MAC's 'Select Cover-up Concealer' - That's less than 5 mins !

All pictures are from Laura Mercier - for more detail on ingredients and product details.