(Caution: word-heavy post!)
Hello there! Have you enjoyed Christmas? It has been a while since my last post, because I was so caught up in school work :( Anyway I am back now! Yayy!
So today is the last day of 2013 already! It might be high time to do a recap of the year right? Therefore I am going to do some mini reviews on my favourite skincare and makeup items in the year 2013!
(Please be reminded that I have combination-oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin, and my reviews will be based on these skin conditions!)
(From left to right, upper row to lower row)
Hello there! Have you enjoyed Christmas? It has been a while since my last post, because I was so caught up in school work :( Anyway I am back now! Yayy!
So today is the last day of 2013 already! It might be high time to do a recap of the year right? Therefore I am going to do some mini reviews on my favourite skincare and makeup items in the year 2013!
(Please be reminded that I have combination-oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin, and my reviews will be based on these skin conditions!)
(From left to right, upper row to lower row)
1. Innisfree Bija Anti-Trouble Lotion
I believe it was called " Innisfree Jejubija Anti-Trouble Lotion" before? But i think recently the company deleted "Jeju"... Anyway it is a lightweight moisturizer that absorbs quickly and leaves no sticky feeling. A godsend when the weather was humid. Now it is winter i will put on my Mizon Snail Recovery Gel on top of this lotion for extra moisture. I also like its light herbal scent.
2. It's Skin Power 10 Effector (VC, VB)
VC (brightening): Love its citrusy scent that resembles orange juice! It is effective in brightening up and evening out my uneven skin tone, that I can see visible results within one week of usage (more effective than the LI effector). One downside is that it feels very sticky whenever I use more than 2 drops of the serum so I restrict my usage to 1-2 drops each time, then it does not stick and absorbs well.
VB (oil control): More watery and absorbs faster than VC. With no makeup, it extended my shine-free condition since morning face wash from 2 hours to 4 hours!! Have not tried using it under makeup but definitely will do. However I prefer VC's scent as VB has a more artificial, floral scent. I use 2-3 drops each time for this serum.
3. Cezanne Ultra Cover UV Foundation II (#2 Light Ochre)
My first powder foundation! It comes with a big mirror and a sponge, gives me additional coverage and moisturizing enough not to highlight my dry patches. It is a two-way pact so I can go for a less matte look. It holds up pretty well through out the day. Slight accumulation of powder around the nose area might occur after 6 hours of wearing but nothing too disastrous. Great base product for the hot and humid summer here.
4. Maybelline Baby Lips Glow (Pink Blast)
A colored chapstick that claims to change the color from clear to pink according to the pH of the lips, though I personally think it's more likely to react according to temperature rather than pH. Anyway it gives my lips a nice subtle hint of pinkness. While it's packaging is a chapstick, it actually has some lip-tint property and the color stays even the glossiness wears off. It's very convenient to use and I always have this in my makeup bag.
5. Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar (#6)
Star product of the brand, loads of reviews online. It's name says gloss but I think it's more like a colored lip balm. I love its cute packaging, orangey flavor and the non-sticky consistency. It's pigmentation and subtle sparkle is just right for my daily school makeup, if you need more color you can build it up but do not expect pigmentation of a traditional lip stick. Duration-wise, it can last for a good 4-5 hours on me but after meals reapplication is very often needed.
6. Etude House Styling Eyeliner (White)
Now this product is notoriously known to be non-waterproof and smudge-proof, why does this appear in my favorite list? It's because I am not using it as a traditional eyeliner, but as a stick eyeshadow for the under-eye area to create a somehow natural looking agyeo-sal. I love its subtle shimmer and fine tip which make it easier to use than stick eyeshadows. If you leave it alone it can lasts for the entire day but once you rub your eyes you'll have to reapply immediately, lol.
7. Ettusais Mineral BB Cream (#20 Natural)
Ettusais is a Japanese brand which founded by one of the cosmetic giant in the country, Shiseido. I got this before venturing into Korean BB creams, and it is still my go-to BB cream! It claims to be non-comedogenic and suitable for acne-prone skin, and I have been using it for the past 6 months with no irritation or breakouts from it. It gives a semi-matte finish and glides very well on my bumpy face. It has medium coverage, buildable but hardly reach full coverage like Missha Pefect Cover does. So I still need my concealer when wearing this BB cream.
8. Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Pact
You can see I'm always getting oil-control products, lol! It's a powder pact that helps to control my oil production and set my makeup. The pact comes with a mirror too. I like that the powder is translucent and does not leave a white cast. I put 2 layers of this on my oily t-zones and 1 layer elsewhere. It keeps my oily forehead (covered by bang) shine-free for around 4 hours (which is much better already...). There is a plastic separator separating the sponge and the powder that can be taken out, but I prefer those that is directly attached to the container than you can just flip over and get the powder underneath.
My first powder foundation! It comes with a big mirror and a sponge, gives me additional coverage and moisturizing enough not to highlight my dry patches. It is a two-way pact so I can go for a less matte look. It holds up pretty well through out the day. Slight accumulation of powder around the nose area might occur after 6 hours of wearing but nothing too disastrous. Great base product for the hot and humid summer here.
4. Maybelline Baby Lips Glow (Pink Blast)
A colored chapstick that claims to change the color from clear to pink according to the pH of the lips, though I personally think it's more likely to react according to temperature rather than pH. Anyway it gives my lips a nice subtle hint of pinkness. While it's packaging is a chapstick, it actually has some lip-tint property and the color stays even the glossiness wears off. It's very convenient to use and I always have this in my makeup bag.
5. Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar (#6)
Star product of the brand, loads of reviews online. It's name says gloss but I think it's more like a colored lip balm. I love its cute packaging, orangey flavor and the non-sticky consistency. It's pigmentation and subtle sparkle is just right for my daily school makeup, if you need more color you can build it up but do not expect pigmentation of a traditional lip stick. Duration-wise, it can last for a good 4-5 hours on me but after meals reapplication is very often needed.
6. Etude House Styling Eyeliner (White)
Now this product is notoriously known to be non-waterproof and smudge-proof, why does this appear in my favorite list? It's because I am not using it as a traditional eyeliner, but as a stick eyeshadow for the under-eye area to create a somehow natural looking agyeo-sal. I love its subtle shimmer and fine tip which make it easier to use than stick eyeshadows. If you leave it alone it can lasts for the entire day but once you rub your eyes you'll have to reapply immediately, lol.
7. Ettusais Mineral BB Cream (#20 Natural)
Ettusais is a Japanese brand which founded by one of the cosmetic giant in the country, Shiseido. I got this before venturing into Korean BB creams, and it is still my go-to BB cream! It claims to be non-comedogenic and suitable for acne-prone skin, and I have been using it for the past 6 months with no irritation or breakouts from it. It gives a semi-matte finish and glides very well on my bumpy face. It has medium coverage, buildable but hardly reach full coverage like Missha Pefect Cover does. So I still need my concealer when wearing this BB cream.
8. Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Pact
You can see I'm always getting oil-control products, lol! It's a powder pact that helps to control my oil production and set my makeup. The pact comes with a mirror too. I like that the powder is translucent and does not leave a white cast. I put 2 layers of this on my oily t-zones and 1 layer elsewhere. It keeps my oily forehead (covered by bang) shine-free for around 4 hours (which is much better already...). There is a plastic separator separating the sponge and the powder that can be taken out, but I prefer those that is directly attached to the container than you can just flip over and get the powder underneath.
9. 3M Nexcare Acne Dressing
The brand is not an asian brand but still it is readily available in my country! Very effective in absorbing the secretions in big and inflamed acne! With these on I'm less likely to touch the acnes with my dirty hands too. It's convenient to use, but cannot use when wearing makeup as it's so very visible actually.
10. Etude House Baking Powder B.B. Deep Cleansing Foam
A popular foam type makeup remover from the brand, removes makeup well and also contains particles for scrubbing. I am using it after the using cleansing water to remove makeup (I prefer double cleansing). Its citrusy smell is pleasant (by now you'll probably notice I really like anything citrusy, orangey, lemony...) , and the 150ml tube lasts for a few months even with daily usage.
The brand is not an asian brand but still it is readily available in my country! Very effective in absorbing the secretions in big and inflamed acne! With these on I'm less likely to touch the acnes with my dirty hands too. It's convenient to use, but cannot use when wearing makeup as it's so very visible actually.
10. Etude House Baking Powder B.B. Deep Cleansing Foam
A popular foam type makeup remover from the brand, removes makeup well and also contains particles for scrubbing. I am using it after the using cleansing water to remove makeup (I prefer double cleansing). Its citrusy smell is pleasant (by now you'll probably notice I really like anything citrusy, orangey, lemony...) , and the 150ml tube lasts for a few months even with daily usage.
11. Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (Soft)
One of the star products of Innisfree. It leaves my skin smoother and pores less visible, possibly because absorbing all the junk in my clogged pores? It also feels cool when applying on face. I am using this for 2-3 times a week after exfoliating.
12. Coringco Eye Flower Eye Lash Serum
My first eyelash serum. I see my eyelashes becoming longer after around 1 month of usage (Should have taken photos for record!) It also made my lashes stronger. Now i am hoping it will make the lashes thicker as well. But again it has a somewhat artificial floral smell which I am not a fan of... :(
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So these are my favorites in 2013! Have you used any of them and do you like it/them? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments! If you want me to do a full review on any of the products do let me know too :)
