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Friday, April 5, 2013

Swatches: Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Crease-Control Concealer + Coupon Code 2013


I recently placed a Sephora order and received a free sample of the Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Crease-Control Concealer in all 3 shades. For reference, I'm a MAC NC30/35 all over my face, but prefer to use a concealer that's a shade lighter than my skintone because it brightens up my under eye area. I currently mix my MAC Pro Longwear concealer in shades NW20 and NW25 to get a perfect shade for underneath my eyes. I find that the Benefit Fakeup concealer in Medium works perfectly with my skintone. It's not too dark or too light and still brightens up my under eye area. The consistency is thick, but not as thick as the MAC one and it does not feel heavy at all. When I use my Royal & Langnickel BX-45 brush in a tapping motion, it applies the product smoothly and blends effortlessly. Also, the Benefit concealer is so much more moisturizing and doesn't leave a cakey finish. I have very dark circles and I'm glad to report that it covered them up very well. I just bought the NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder (review coming up soon) and used it to set the Benefit concealer. It faded within 4 hours, but I'm not sure if it's due to the formula of the concealer or the setting powder that I used. Whenever I use my MAC concealer, I set it with my MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder and it lasts all day.





By the way, Benefit is offering free shipping + a FULL-SIZE Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in your choice of color when you spend $60. Enter coupon code NOCREASE at checkout. Offer expires April 30, 2013 at 11:59pm Pacific. 

Have you tried the Benefit Fakeup Concealer, yet?




*This post contains affiliate links. Like I mentioned above, the Benefit concealer was a free sample that Sephora provided when I placed an online order with them, using my own funds.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Swatches: DHC Kakonjuka Collection + DHC Olive Body Butter


The DHC Kakonjuka Collection is formulated with 6 Asian botanicals (Maitake Mushroom, Platycara Strobilacea, Licorice Leaf, Great Burnet, Purslane, Reishi Mushroom), that are suppose to hydrate and promote collagen for plumper, more youthful looking skin. All 3 products are free of added colorants and fragrance. Also, they have a natural brownish tint to them due to the botanicals, but they all blend out to a clear finish and do not change the color of your skin.


DHC Kakonjuka Lotion
  • available in one size, 3.3oz ($32)
  • prepares your skin for your moisturizer
A product that prepares the skin for a moisturizer is generally known as a lotion in Asia. In the US, it is generally known as a toner. The consistency of the Kakonjuka Lotion is thicker than most toners, but thinner than most serums. It was difficult to apply with a cotton pad because the cotton pad absorbed most of the product and would not transfer the product onto my skin. (I used Swisspers Cotton Squares.) The opening of the bottle looks big, but it actually only pours out 1 drop of product at a time. (Refer to the swatch picture below.) I have to shake the bottle a few times to get enough product into my palm and then I rub it onto my face. It turns very watery as I'm blending it, but it leaves a very hydrating and smooth feeling on my skin. When I applied it on the back of my hand and placed my nose very close to the product, it smelled earthy. However, I can't detect any scent when I'm applying it on my face, which is a major plus.

I wish the product came in a spray bottle because it'll be quicker to apply and it'll save more product. I ended up pouring the entire bottle into an empty spray bottle that I bought from Target. I love using it to spritz my face after I cleanse and after I apply my makeup in the morning because it makes my skin feel so refreshed and it removes any powderiness or cakiness from my face without disrupting my foundation.

Ingredients: water/aqua/eau, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, propanediol, pentylene glycol, butylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, glycosyl trehalose, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, arginine, grifola frondosa fruiting body extract, maltodextrin, xanthan gum, aureobasidium pullulans ferment, hydrolyzed platycarya strobilacea fruit extract, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, polyquaternium-51, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) leaf extract, sodium hyaluronate, ziyu glycoside, portulaca oleracea extract, olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, ganoderma lucidum (mushroom) stem extract, ethylhexyl glycerin

DHC Kakonjuka Essence
  • available in one size, 1oz ($32)
  • concentrated, wrinkle-fighting treatment
The consistency of the Kakonjuka Essence is thicker than most serums, but thinner than a cream moisturizer. I use it in the morning after I apply the Lotion and that combination is moisturizing enough to prepare for my foundation application. It thins out easily as I'm blending it and it feels very lightweight. Although it makes my skin feel very hydrated, it never leaves a greasy finish. Also, I love that it comes with a pump! It dispenses the right amount of product and it's very sanitary.

Ingredients: water/aqua/eau, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, propanediol, ethylhexyl palmitate, pentylene glycol, dimethicone, glycosyl trehalose, glyceryl stearate, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, butylene glycol, bisabolol, behenyl alcohol, polysorbate 80, PEG-75 stearate, phenoxyethanol, carbomer, arginine, grifola frondosa fruiting body extract, maltodextrin, hydrolyzed platycarya strobilacea fruit extract, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, tocopherol, polyquaternium-51, citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract, glyccyrrhiza glabra (licorice) leaf extract, ziyu glycoside, portulaca olearacea extract, olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, ganoderma lucidum (mushroom) stem extract

(Photo taken from a previous post. I'm lazy trying to save space in my online photo album. ^_^)

DHC Kakonjuka Cream
  • available in one size, 1.4oz ($32)
  • intensive moisturizer that fights fine lines & wrinkles
I've already mentioned about the Kakonjuka Cream in a previous post and my opinion still hasn't changed. The only thing that did change is the amount of product that is left in the jar. I am more than half way done!

I sometimes get dry patches and flaky skin after I cleanse my face at night. So, I mainly use the Cream as my night time moisturizer after I apply the Essence. I just love how easily it spreads onto my skin. Also, it leaves my skin feeling very soft and hydrated and my dry patches & flaky spots are no where to be seen the next morning. (If you are only looking for a hydrating effect, then the Cream will suffice. I also want an "anti-aging" effect, so I use the Cream with the Essence, which is a more potent and concentrated, wrinkle-fighting treatment.)

Ingredients: water/aqua/eau, dimethicone, ethylhexyl palmitate, propanediol, behenyl alcohol, beeswax, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, glycerin, cylcopentasiloxane, glyceryl stearate, pentylene glycol, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, octyldodecyl myristate, PEG-75 stearate, polysorbate 60, butylene glycol, bisabolol, glycosyl trehalose, phenoxyethanol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, grifola frondosa fruiting body extract, maltodextrin, hydrolyzed platycarya strobilacea fruit extract, hydroxypropyl cyclodextrin, tocopherol, polyquaternium-51, arginine, sodium hyaluronate, citrus grandis (grapefruit) seed extract, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) leaf extract, ziyu glycoside, portulaca oleracea extract, olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, ganoderma lucidum (mushroom) stem extract




DHC Olive Body Butter
  • available in one size, 3.5oz ($19) on July 1, 2013
  • super-hydrating moisturizer for the body 
  • contains emollient cocoa butter, shea butter, conditioning olive oil and avocado oil
The consistency of the Olive Body Butter is thick, but it melts into the skin like actual butter and feels very lightweight. I've tried other body butters like the Korres one and it is very moisturizing, but it takes a little bit of effort to blend well into the skin. The DHC one spreads onto the skin effortlessly and immediately sinks into the skin, leaving a hydrating, grease-less and non-sticky finish. A little bit goes a long way!

It has a nice scent to it, but I can't pin-point exactly what it is. It's not flowery or citrus-y, but it reminds me of Asian fruits, the ones that smell fragrant and sweet, but not citrus-y.

As for the packaging, I find that it has a vintage look to it. I wish the color was more fun and brighter or more classy looking. The Kakonjuka Collection has a much cuter and elegant look to it. I just love how the pink and brown pair so well with each other.




Note: The DHC Kakonjuka Collection can be purchased individually or you can save $17 and purchase it in a set for $79.00. The DHC Olive Body Butter will be available on their online store on July 1, 2013.

Have you tried the Kakonjuka Collection, yet?


*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by DHC for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion.

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Tarte Cosmetics Coupon Code 2013: $10 OFF $50 Order + Free Shipping



Tarte Cosmetics is offering $10 OFF $50 Order + free shipping. 
This coupon code can be used on their new Aqualillies Summer 2013 Collection.
Enter coupon code BUNNY at checkout. 
Offer expires March 31, 2013.


Friday, March 29, 2013

Swatches + Review: Sonia Kashuk Instructional Eye Palette in Eye On Dazzling Color 03



Pros:
  • more affordable compared to palettes from other brands, such as Mac or Urban Decay
  • these eyeshadows have not been tested on animals
  • non-sparkly eyeshadows feel silky and buttery
  • non-sparkly eyeshadows have great color payoff (when used with a primer)
  • non-sparkly eyeshadows applies smoothly
  • blends easily
  • lasts at least 8 hours without fading (when worn with a primer)
  • doesn't crease when used with a primer
  • sparkly eyeshadows are sheer, but they compliment the non-sparkly eyeshadows very well

Cons:
  • fallouts during application
  • palette gets really dusty and messy 
  • palette is bulky because there are step-by-step instructions that slide out on the side


The Sonia Kashuk Instructional Eye Palette in 03 Eye On Dazzling Color comes with step-by-step instructions on how to create 3 different looks, which can be useful for those who are makeup beginners, but it also makes the palette bulky. (Sonia Kashuk recently revamped the packaging of her other eyeshadow palettes and removed the instructions.) 

It comes with 7 pigmented shimmery shades, 1 pigmented shimmery shade with sparkles (the last eyeshadow in the 4th row) and 4 sheer sparkly shades (the entire 2nd column). The eyeshadows are numbered 1 to 12 and they don't have individual names, which I don't mind because the quality of these eyeshadows are amazing for the price. The non-sparkly eyeshadows have great color payoff when used with a primer, and they all apply smoothly & blend easily. 

The sparkly shades don't feel as silky smooth as the other shades, but the texture is not gritty or chunky at all. They contain tiny microglitters that leave a sparkly and wet finish. They're very sheer, but I find that they compliment the shimmery shades very well. I love applying the sparkly shades on top of the shimmery shades to create a shiny metallic finish. It looks absolutely gorgeous! I love the way that they make my eyes sparkle and glisten, especially under direct lighting. The swatches are not doing them any justice! >_<

I recommend applying these eyeshadows before your foundation because there will be fallouts during application. Because of this reason, the palette also gets dusty easily. To minimize the amount of fallouts, tap off any excess from your brush before applying. I really don't mind the fallouts because I can easily wipe off the mess with makeup remover. 

As for the longevity, they last at least 8 hours without fading or creasing when worn with a primer underneath. (I always wear a primer underneath my eyeshadows because I have oily lids.)

(Click to enlarge to read the ingredients list.)





Bottom Line: I'm usually not a fan of glitter, but the sparkly shades blew me away because I love how they make my eyes sparkle and the shiny metallic finish looks amazing. This is a must-have for those who love to create dramatic and smokey eye looks. 

Note: The Sonia Kashuk Instructional Eye Palette (0.34oz/9.6g) retails $19.99 and is only available at Target. It is currently on clearance for $16.98 and will be discontinued.

Do you prefer colorful or matte palettes?


*This post contains affiliate links. The product mentioned was purchased by me, using my own funds.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Review - Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove


(This is the instruction on the back of the package.)


Pros:
  • makes the brush cleaning process more "fun"
  • protects skin from getting wet and wrinkled
  • microfiber glove insert is removeable, washable and makes the silicone glove more comfortable to wear
Cons:
  • slightly too big
  • need to wrap a rubber band on the bottom of the glove to secure it to my arm
  • doesn't shape and squeeze the excess water out of the brushes as easy as my bare hands
  • leaves a liquid/cream product residue on surface of the glove and on the ferrules of flat shader/paddle brushes
Neutral:
  • $39 (Price is a very personal issue and I will defend my stance below in further details.)
  • It cleans my brushes well, but it doesn't clean them faster or better than the bare hands method. Therefore, this is neither a pro nor con.


   
   (The bottom of the glove indicates whether it's the side for washing eye brushes or face brushes.)

I have over 200 brushes and counting because I dread washing my brushes. (I just placed a Hakuhodo order and have a few Sigma brush sets that I haven't even reviewed yet.) I usually leave my dirty brushes off to the side and wait for them to pile up before deep cleaning them all at once. I do this once every 2-3 weeks. I rather not wash them right after they get dirty because I'm lazy I don't have time. The Sigma glove makes brush cleaning less of a chore and more "fun" because of the nubbles. The side with the smaller nubbles is meant for cleaning eye brushes, while the side with the bigger nubbles is meant for cleaning face brushes. Both sides on the bottom of the glove clearly indicates whether it's for cleaning eye or face brushes. Also, I wash over 30 brushes at a time, so I like that the glove prevents my fingers from getting wet and wrinkled like a prune. It also comes with a microfiber insert that's removable, washable and makes the silicone glove more comfortable to wear.

(Darn it, I spelled "removable" incorrectly. -_- It's been a long day.)
Psychologically, it seems like the silicone glove does a better job with cleaning my brushes because I can see all the gunk coming out of the bristles and clearly on the glove. However, it doesn't actually clean my brushes any faster or better than the bare hands method. When I use the bare hands method to wash foundation brushes, I always need to wash it once with olive oil to get all the product out and then wash it again with baby shampoo. I have to do the same thing when I use the silicone glove. It can actually take a little bit longer because it's not as easy to shape and squeeze the excess water out of the brushes compared to my bare hands because the silicone glove is a little bit too big and thick. Also, I have to wrap a rubber band on the bottom of the glove to secure it to my arm or else it'll keep sliding out. (This may be due to the fact that I have small hands.)

Warning: Be gentle when you swirl your brush onto the glove. I was a little bit too harsh with my sigma F82 and it shedded 2 hairs because I pressed it too hard against the nubbles when I was swirling the bristles all over the glove. I didn't experienced any shedding with any of my brushes when I was gentle and it still cleaned my brushes well.

(The glove is too big and thick. So, it doesn't shape and squeeze the excess water out of the brushes as easy as my bare hands.)


I have to wrap a rubber band on the bottom of the glove or else the glove will keep sliding out.
Another important thing to mention is that there was a residue on the glove after I used it to wash my foundation brushes. This can actually make the cleaning process longer for my next dirty brush. Also, when I wash my flat shader brushes or flat paddle foundation brushes, residue gets on the ferrule because I have to wash those types of brushes in a painting motion. When I wash my other brushes in a swirling motion, it's difficult for the residue to get onto the ferrules. (I remove the residue just  like I remove the liquid/cream product from my brushes, using an oil-based cleanser to break down the product.)

(Notice the foundation residue.)
(Notice the cream product residue on the ferrule of the brushes.)

Price: Personally, Sigma was a brand that represented good quality at an affordable price. Although their quality never matched up to luxury brands, it was fine because their price was reasonable for the quality that they were offering. I paid $39 for the silicone glove + $6 for shipping. Even with the 10% off coupon, my total came up to $41.10. At first, it did seem "overpriced" for one item that's basically an "oven mit." However, I don't measure the value of a product based solely on quantity. I also measure it in terms of quality, how it would fit into my lifestyle and how it would improve the quality of my life.

Bottom Line: The Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove would be less valuable to those who have only a few brushes in their collection. However, if you are a brush hoarder, then this product will make the brush cleaning process less of a chore. 

Note: The Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove is available on their online store for $39. It measures 11 inches in length and 7.5 inches at the widest point.

How do you wash your brushes?


* This post contains affiliate links. 
The Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove was purchased by me using my own funds,
 
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