Collection2000 is in HK: Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer

While wandering around Wan Chai I spotted something in a Watsons there that made me grab the bf and squeal like my foot had been run over by a truck.

After his heart restarted and he forgave me for scaring him half to death, I zoomed into the store and pounced on the brand new counter for UK cult cheapie brand Collection2000!

The products really are affordable, eyeshadows were around HKD30 blushers around HKD60 and from what I've heard the products are not too bad! Even Lisa Eldridge has been known to use one or two of their products on occasion.

I tried to find their Lasting Perfection concealer but it was already sold out, so picked up this undereye Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer Pen because, let's face it, who doesn't need help with dark under-eyes and with the workload I've just cleared, I needed it!

Silicone free wonder: theBalm's Time balm concealer

Is it possible to feel guiltily obligated to your makeup? Deeply and sincerely guilty that you haven't shouted how much you love them to the four winds?

Well this one's been weighing on my mind. 

I love and cannot live without this concealer, yet I've never reviewed it. Why?

Perhaps it's because I keep cheating on it, hoping I'll find a better one. But I never have. 

Maybe it's because I've only just recently, after two years of using it, found my perfect shade (Light-Medium). I've been using Light all along and it's never been just right. 

But make no mistake I love this. I use it on my blemishes, under my eyes,  over liquid foundation and alone under powder for light days. 

It saved my sanity when I left my makeup bag (with my foundation in it) behind on a trip to Shanghai. As a solid concealer it is all shades of awesome for travel. 

I have a two shades of this in my dresser and one tub in my makeup bag so I'm never EVER without it. 

Loving Bourjois Bio detox organic silicone-free foundation & concealer!

Is it the perfect foundation? Hell no.

No silicone-free foundy can compete with the perfect airbrushed smooth goodness of the evil silicone (dimethicone, cyclomethicone, methicone...etc). But at GBP10 its' way WAY cheaper than Laura Mercier's Oil Free Foundation, it works well enough with a little effort and it does not break me out. Huzzah!


Now on to the review, I warn you this will be a long one:

Repurposing old buys:The brush for heavy cream undereye concealers

It all started with a post on Not Martha referencing The Muse's review of Sephora's Professionnel Platinum Concealer Airbrush. I looked closer at the brush and thought "Hey that looks like my barely used Everyday Minerals Kabuki Eye Brush!". Which in turn made me think "Why not?"

I gave it a try with Bobbi Brown's concealer and it was... magic.

Review: Stage Picture Perfect Camouflage

One of the things I picked up during the last Stage Cosmetics sale was their Picture Perfect Camouflage. Usually priced at RM 55, it was selling at half-price for RM 27.50. What a steal.

The shade which I bought is "Ingénue Genie". What that means is anybody's guess -- I was far too busy jumping over the moon for joy. It seems that I have finally found a perfect concealer match!

Review: MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer

The last time I was at the Sydney airport, I dropped by the MAC counter to see if I could pick up something to cover my pimples. Travelling tends to wreck havoc on my skin.

After much wrangling with the MA that I did not need an undereye concealer and explaining to him that MAC undereye concealers leave me looking 80 years old, I finally walked away with a Studio Sculpt Concealer in NC 30.

Review: Anna Sui Spot Concealer

Despite its name, this isn't specifically for blemishes. Most spot concealers contain salicylic acid or some form of acne-fighting ingredient making them inappropriate for use around the eye. However, in Anna Sui's case, they mean spots as in dark spots and it's been great for concealing my undereye circles!

When I first got this for review, I have to admit I was apprehensive. Like all Anna Sui cosmetics, it's quite strongly scented (but not overwhelmingly so) of rose. It also contains the dreaded (for me) ingredient, dimethicone. But as that only affects me in certain areas and in high concentrations, I figured I could get away with it under my eyes.

Video: Friday is for faking 8 hours of sleep

I love picking up "oh, I never thought of that!" tips from reading other blogs and watching beauty vids. My takeaways on this vid is to duck my head down when looking in the mirror to conceal undereye circles (how have I never known this before?) and that I should consider getting a pinker undereye concealer.

Review: Bourjois Anticernes Pinceau Brush Concealer

My pet peeve about my much raved about industrial strength Bobbi Brown concealer is that it takes a while to pat on and blend in the morning. And, if my eye area is not properly moisturised, I end up with parched-earth type cracks under my eyes before lunch time.

So whenever I am rushing for time in morning, that's when I reach out for this little baby by Bourjois.

A cheaper version of YSL's Touche Eclat, I stumbled upon this little treasure a few months ago in Priceline. Usually sold for AUD 25, it was on offer that day for AUD 20. I snapped it up in Beige Dore 83 (the darkest shade amongst the three) when I realised that it was a perfect match for me.

Application is pretty fool-proof as all you have to twist (I usually twist-click it twice), swipe and pat with a finger. Great when you are pressed for time in the morning and handy to tote around for touch ups during the day (though I have never found myself having to do touch ups).

This product isn't great if you are looking for something more heavy duty. Coverage is about sheer to medium, just about enough to make me look a less panda-ish than usual when I use it on its own. When I layer this over NYX concealer in Medium, I actually look pretty decent. And the best thing is that there is hardly any caking at the end of the day.

For those worried about sanitation issues with brush-type products, fret not. All you have to do is spritz the brush with rubbing alcohol and wipe dry. Ironically enough, I got this tip from a YSL sales assistant while checking out the Touche.

Fast, easy and travel-friendly, this is definitely a keeper in my makeup bag. I suggest checking it out if you are looking for something to brighten up your under eye area.

Sadly though, I was looking for backups of this the other day and I suspect that Australia has stopped carrying the Beige Dore shade! *grumbles* I'll keep you girls updated when I go on another manhunt this weekend.

Review: Illuminare Ultimate All-day Foundation/ Concealer

Okay ladies, I know ya'll have seen this post before. Or at least, a very similar one written by Kahani a while ago. But the difference is that I'm reviewing this ONLY as a concealer. As promised. 

Honestly, I don't really like slapping too much products on my face all at one go. I hate the many layers of stuff. So on days when my face decides it wants to be good, I just dust a little of my ZA 2-way foundation on my forehead, nose and chin, and a little MAC Blot powder on my cheeks. And I'm done.

On days when it does NOT want to be good, I have no choice but to add some concealer on those dratted red spots, scars, and blasted little pimples which threaten to grow into Krakatoas.

And this is where the Illuminare Ultimate All-day Concealer works wonders.

It is THICK. Make no mistake about it. Just a teeeny-weeeny bit is more than enough for my entire chin, the odd pimple on my cheek and forehead. Application is made all the simpler with the Fast Application Pad, and blending the concealer is a breeze.

(You can see how little I actually need on my Fast Application Pad.)

On the rare occasion, I do use my fingers to apply. Not a good idea. This stuff is so thick I end up staining my fingers with it. And believe it or not, this concealer does. not. budge. I can scrub my fingers after with soap and water, but it still refuses to go away. Really.

So take my advice and use either the pad or a brush to apply the concealer. And you'll need a makeup remover to get it off your face after.

For my MAC NC25 skin, I'm using Florentine Fair, which is the third darkest shade available and it blends well enough to look natural. It usually manages to look alright for a few hours, but a blot and touch-up is usually in order around lunchtime.

It's oil-free and  has SPF21, but since the application is only on the odd spot, I wouldn't count on it to keep my face safe from the sun.

A 15ml tube costs US$27, but as you only need so little, it should take a while before you go through an entire tube.

There's really not much more for me to say, so I'll let the photos do the rest of the talking.

(Bare faced. Yes, behold the angry red chin. Eek.)

(Only concealer has been applied. See how much better it looks already? Don't mind the hair frizz, it was not entirely dry yet.)

(With concealer, ZA 2-way foundation and MAC Blot Powder applied as mentioned earlier.)

(And I'm done! With a bit o' blusher - Cargo The Big Easy, me thinks - and Testimo lipstick in a shimmery pink shade. I was only heading out to the mall for a while, so makeup was kept minimal. And oh, Frederic Fekkai's Olive Glossing Cream took care of the frizz.)

So what do you think of concealers? Necessity? Extras? Holler back, girls!

Note: The product reviewed is a courtesy of Illuminare Cosmetics.

Review: Benefit Primpcess

Yes my Benefit haul from the US has arrived. And the first thing I did was crack this baby open, it contained so many goodies I've been lemming. Their eyeshadows, Bo-ing concealer, Eye Bright, Creaseless Cream Shadow (how was I to know a warehouse sale would crop up?) and Bad Gal Lash mascara. And so far, I really love this adorable box! Read on for reviews.

Entire Kit
I have to admit I really love the kooky packaging, and how sturdy it is despite being made of cardboard. The mirror is nice and big too, and everything is securely packed. Nothing rattles around.

All the products go really well together, and the "beauty lesson" is fun and gives you ideas - even if you ultimately realise that the eyeshadow application technique really doesn't work on Asian eyes. *sighs*

The only thing missing from this kit, is an eyeliner. Technically you can use the brown shadow as a liner - but let's face it. I'm not blonde with big blue eyes. Brown liner does nothing for me.

Overall, this kit is totally worth the US$34 (RM123) plus shipping (and a free Miss Popularity I might add) I paid. I'm not so sure if it's worth the RM169 they're attempting to selll it for in the stores here though. -_-

Creaseless Cream Shadow in R.S.V.P
First up, this wee jar of cream shadow is SO CUTE. It's a miniature version of a full-sized cream shadow glass pot. Sure it's a bit of a hassle getting it out of the case, but I forgive it everything once the adorable itty bitty thing is in my palm. And for all that it's tiny I think it does have a nice amount of product in it - especially considering how little you need to use.

The shade is a lovely shimmery pale pink that makes a great base/highlighter shade. It's also supposed to function as an eye primer, which I believe it does - although perhaps not as die-hard hang-in-there as Mac's Paint Pot. It does however apply much more smoothly (and feather-light!) and sets faster than the Paint Pot.

Bo-ing Concealer in Shade 02
This concealer has totally blown me away. The teeniest bit covers like no tomorrow, blends in totally and looks like skin. I'm completely in love and will probably get a full-sized one! It also lasts, doesn't fade or budge all day. Plus 02 is my shade perfectly.

I use it on blemishes, undereyes, over dark spots and it works amazingly well. I rather thought it was all hype but I'm so glad this kit gave me a chance to try it out. LOVE!

Eye Bright
I like the idea of this pink cream. You're supposed to blend it in on the inner corner of your eyes, and from the outer corner to the end of your eyebrow - but I'm not convinced it actually does anything. It's supposed to make you more wide-awake. Perhaps if I test it post hangover I may be more impressed. Or maybe pink is just not quite the shade needed to perk up my eyeballs.

Eyeshadows
Although these shadows are very soft, and have excellent colour payoff I'll admit to being a bit disappointed with the colours they chose. The matte cream shade is well... bleh, the pink shimmery "contour" shade is lovely, but the brown is so cool it can look grey if you're not careful. And yet isn't quite dark enough to make my eyes really pop.

I think these three colours work best if you're fairer, and very cool toned. As it is I find myself reaching for a warmer cream highlighter to dust over and warm the look up abit. Or using the brown with great caution, and only with a cool-toned blush and lipstick.

Having said that I'd be very happy taking this set along for a trip as the shadows do create a very polished and subtle day-look.

Brushes
The brushes are surprisingly good! The concealer brush really is too tiny to do more than swipe the concealer on for you to pat out with your fingers, but it is the perfect size for applying eyebright. The fluff shadow brush is a great size, not too small at all, and the mini "talent" brush, although small, applies RSVP easily enough. It's so refreshing to find a kit with brushes you want to KEEP.

Conclusion
The only thing I haven't tried in the set is the Bad Gal Mascara because I have other mascaras and don't want to crack this open until I'm ready to use it up in 3 months. I may also save it for a trip.

Overall, if you're looking for a nice pressie, or just want to treat yourself this Christmas you can't go far wrong with this kit. It really does have the best of Benefit's eye products and will let you try out 5 products before you decide if you want to invest full-size. But please, buy it from the US if you can. The markup here is unacceptable!

Hooray for Za!: Za Concealer Perfection & Face Powder Review

Words cannot express how happy I am to be reunited with this line. I may have had to give up Boots, and yes that IS a blow, but at least I'm back to the land of Za. To be honest, I haven't really tried any of their colour products or been sold on their skincare. But following the success of the Za Two-Way Foundation that Syen and I both adore, I've given their face powder and concealer a try. And oh my I'm so glad I did!

Concealer Perfection
The failure of Mac's Select Cover Up concealer, I was left bereft, spottier than when I started and more in need of a concealer than ever. But of course I was unwilling to really splurge on a new one. So I turned to that life-saving resource, Makeupalley and turned up this little gem.

At RM30, it's half the price of Select Cover Up, and it performs twice as well! Shade 20 absolutely melts into my skin when I pat it in with the foundation brush. Coverage isn't 100% opaque but it layers well, and when I set with SN's Sleep In a Jar powder concealer in light peach (it really helps camouflage dark spots) my skin looks almost perfect.

Well, there are some blemishes I have now that NO concealer will ever cover. *sighs*

Undereye, it conceals well - but I don't have very bad shadows. And although I find it cakes and creases a bit during the day, I just pat it over with my finger and some powder that seems to settle it. On blemishes it conceals redness, but dark spots do show through. However, it lasts, looks natural, stays in place and most importantly DOES NOT BREAK ME OUT.

Overall, I am pleased with the concealer. I only wished it could be mixed with moisturiser to form a tinted moisturiser or foundation. But it appears to be more cream than water base and doesn't perform so well here.

EDIT: I've taken to using this Clinique concealer again. It covers the serious dark shadows I've developed due to working late (till past 12) over the last few days. I've found it works brilliantly when blended in with a foundation brush, and NOT my finger. When the circles lighten up I'll probably go back to the lighter coverage of this Za concealer.

Face Powder
I love this powder. Really I do. At around RM30, it too will not break the bank, and it provides light coverage, and oil control better than any other compact powder of its price range. It's better than L'Oreal True Match (RM55!), Skin Food Lemon Fresh, and Maybelline Clear Smooth (RM18). Yes I've tried them all.

And best of all, it has that same diffused, non-powdery finish that makes Syen and I love the Two-Way foundation so much. The only caveat I have is that I may be between shades as it does have light coverage, and shade 10 looks too light, while shade 20 (which I am using) may be a tad too dark. Oh dear... I may compromise by using a shade of foundation slightly lighter and patting Shade 20 over.

For girls who can find their right shade though, this powder and the above concealer would be perfect for those who don't like foundation. Just pat on the concealer, set with the powder and you're good to go!

Za Two-Way Foundation
I've also revived my usage of this product. I do try and stick to minerals because I feel it's better for my skin, but I find it hard to resist the ease and gorgeous finish of this foundation. When I'm in a tearing hurry I just don't feel up to building up coverage for my mineral foundation in light even layers. But slapping it on is a death knell. So I reach for this baby instead. As it doesn't break me out, I may wind up using this full time once I've run through my minerals.

Syen: For a more detailed review of the two-way foundation, check here. I love it too! =D

Note: The one product in this range that has never worked for me is the Tinted Moisturiser. Some girls swear by it, but I find it breaks me out. I love its high coverage coupled with light-formulation and SPF 15, but it really does break me out. Still I am once again tempted to try it. Someone STOP me!

Guest Review: Bobbi Brown Concealer & Corrector

Just in time to save us, is the amazing Eli and her wonderful reviews! Just to give you a bit of an update, Syen and I have been so swamped by work it's not funny. We're both taking medical leave soon (and not voluntarily) if something doesn't let up. Fortunately, we have a guest reviewer discussing a topic of intense interest to both of us with our shadowed eyes.

My best friend and I tend to go cosmetics shopping together because (a) its fun to go shopping in pairs, and (b) we get an extra body part to try stuff on. So when I was on a hunt for a good undereye concealer during my last visit home, I dragged her out to accompany me.

Our first stop was MAC but the concealer was so drying, it left a crack akin to dried riverbeds under my bestie’s eyes. We headed over to Bobbi Brown instead.

(If you are ever at the Bobbi Brown counter in Jusco, Midvalley, look out for Winnie. She’s one of the nicest MAs I have met – very sweet, nice, not pushy and generous with samples. She gave me samples of undereye cream, face moisturiser with SPF 15 and a wee bottle of oil-free foundation. There’s another MA there who is a bit of a grouch. Don’t go to her. Hop over to the stand-alone shop outside instead)

According to Winnie, my best friend didn’t need to get the corrector as her eye circles weren’t too dark. Mine on the other hand – she paused for a moment.

“I look like a panda,” I sighed.

For very dark eye circles, the peach-based corrector is applied first to “correct” the eye circles, which helps give extra coverage before the yellowish concealer is layered on top. The corrector is also supposed to help the concealer look a lot more natural. I have tried using the concealer on its own and it doesn’t work so well without the corrector underneath. If you think that you don’t need the corrector, test out the concealer on its own. A different MA once tried talking my best into getting the corrector as well.

The corrector and concealer both have the same thick creamy consistency so a little goes a long way. A dab into the tiny pot is enough for both eyes. As the formula is rather thick, I usually alternate between spreading it with a brush and then patting it with my finger. The warmth helps melt the concealer and lets me blend it in better with the brush. Set it with some loose powder and I am good for up to 10 hours.

There are only three things I dislike with this product. The first is that I have to use a good concealer brush with this. Since I use both the concealer and corrector, I need two concealer brushes. The second is that I have to use a good undereye cream; gels don’t work with this. If I don’t moisturise my eye area well before application, the concealer settles into my fine lines after a few hours. The last would be that it takes time for me to layer everything on properly. But then again, maybe I am a bit slow.

Bobbi Brown’s creamy concealer and corrector retails for RM 80 each in Malaysia. The price might have gone up to RM 85 though. There is also a cream concealer kit for RM 140 which comes with a container of loose powder underneath. But as the oh-so-nice MA whispered to me, “You don’t really need it. Save your RM 60 and buy something else instead.”

Before I forget, someone once told me that the stand-alone Bobbi Brown shop in Midvalley only sells the concealor kit and doesn’t stock the cream concealor by itself. I don’t know if that is still the case but if you don’t want the powder, just go over to their counters in Jusco or Isetan.

Mac Conversion II: Select Cover Up Concealer in NC35

When my HG Concealer, Cargo One-Base, started running out I flat out panicked and started frantically researching for a replacement concealer - knowing full well that Cargo was inaccessible to me. *wails at fate*

Thanks to One-Base I had renewed faith in the killer combination of liquid concealers and my trusty foundation brush (from The Body Shop) to create the perfect seamless coverage. Makeupalley reviews led me to this concealer, and while I regret that it is Mac, at RM65 it really isn't too bad a buy!Besides a promise of high coverage, and a long-lasting but natural finish, what really sold me on this concealer was the suggestion that it could easily be mixed with a moisturiser to form a foundation / tinted moisturiser (depending on your lotion : concealer ratio).

As a concealer
Under the eyes, it does provide a fairly natural coverage greatly minimising undereye circles without creasing overmuch during the day - although I must admit to some creasing at the end of the day. To fully cover dark circles, I dab an illuminating concealer (such as Boots No7 Instant Radiance Concealer) over and blend out with a brush. This two-step combo works wonders!

It also works well to conceal blemishes, although when I use a mineral foundation I must be careful to set it fully with powder before brushing on my foundation or it displaces the concealer utterly. I also have to use a really light hand when applying my foundation wet, and have taken to applying it dry and spritzing it with a misting spray to set otherwise the concealer gets rubbed off.

As a concealer I don't believe it clogs me up too badly as I only use it in spots. But I'm still not happy that I have to worry about it at ALL.

As a foundation / tinted moisturiser
This is where this concealer comes into its full value! I find that when combined with Vichy's Normaderm Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care Moisturiser (review coming up when it hits a month!) it forms the perfect mattifying foundation! And I'm also amazed at how little of both is needed to cover my entire face. Just a few drops on the back of my hand, rubbed in with my fingers or swiftly applied with the brush creates a lovely natural looking finish that (of course) perfectly matches the concealer. Also the lovely light texture of the moisturiser isn't compromised so you'll barely feel it on your skin.

The only reason I don't use this full time is that I believe it clogs me up and causes me to break out than when I'm only using mineral foundations. Also I find that it has a tendency to oxidise leaving me slightly more bronzed than when I set out - I may buy it in a lighter shade the next time round IF I repurchase.

However, this method of application - terms of finish and lasting power - exceeds that of Mac's Select SPF 15 foundation (which I received a sample of on request. Yes, I got a NICE MA!). I also believe that the foundation caused me to breakout something fierce (worse than the concealer) which makes it an instant bad boy in my books.

I also received a sample of Prep & Prime Skin - for me, the jury is still out on this one. I'm not convinced one way or another, and as the sample is tiny I may never actually decide. But I will say that it does perform better when applied with a brush and without moisturiser. I'm going to try using it under my concealer + moisturiser combo and see how it goes.

Conclusion
So overall I think this concealer needs to be improved in terms of lasting power (it does last, but not forever), making it non-comodogenic, and colour integrity (I do NOT like going ORANGE!) before I repurchase. So I'll use this up for now, as it isn't appalling but if anyone can point me in the direction of a better liquid concealer I'll be forever greatful! Suggestions?

Review: Cargo One Base Concealer / Foundation

For girls who don't need foundation all over (I hate you already), this product is ideal. It conceals very well and blends into your skin perfectly. Dust over with powder and you're good to go. This is especially good during summer when beauty experts keep telling us to "let our skin shine through".

BOLLOCKS to that. My skin is pizza! Greasy pizza at that. Summer or no I'm not leaving the house without slapping on my OC8, OneBase (which makes a nice concealer), and dusting mineral foundation AND a setting powder over everything.

Ahem. *ends rant* My full review can be found here.

Product Review: Ocean Mist Mineral Foundation, Blush and Eyeshadow

As you can guess between the free sample kits and my internship with Kiss and Makeup I've been absolutely swamped with mineral foundations to test and try. And since fairness demands (unless the foundation is truly unbearable) almost a week's usage before a review, it's taken me awhile to get around to this particular sample kit.

Ocean Mist minerals is yet another budget online mineral makeup company. Although selecting the sample set is pretty easy, the website on the whole is a pain to navigate. While I appreciate their wide range of foundations shades, having to scroll through pages and pages of them - uncategorized or organized - is really annoying.

The Ocean Mist free sample kit is actually a very decent deal as all jars are absolutely packed to the brim. I got three foundation colours in Shell (Olive Light), Buff (Olive Medum), and Dandelion (Golden Light); Blush in Vanora (dusty mauve shimmer), and Lightly Tinted Finishing Powder, and Light Concealer. Read on for reviews!

Foundation
I'll say straight up that I wasn't impressed or horrified by this foundation. It wasn't great, it wasn't bad. It was just okay. Shell proved to be the best match for my skintone, and it provided medium to full coverage that was unfortunately rather flat (rather like Silk Naturals, only flatter). It didn't control oil very well, and by the end of the day it appeared rather patchy. After using it for three days I just didn't find myself reaching for it anymore.

The line does have its plus points though, if you're looking for other things in a foundation than I am. As mentioned before, it has a huge range of shades, and their foundations for women of colour are specially formualated to not appear ashy on darker skintones with a truly impressive colour range. So if you've never found a shade dark enough or rich enough to suit your skintone, try Ocean Mist.

Also if you have normal skin and only want matte medium coverage this line might suit you to the ground. Its formulation is very basic, as it's bismuth-free and all-natural so it won't cause breakouts or react with sensitive skin. At $12 for a full-sized jar it is also very affordable.

Powder & Concealer
Both these shades were simply too peachy and pink for me to use at all. The Powder wasn't translucent enough for me to use without it altering my colour. It also doesn't control oil worth a damn. It does provide a lovely finish though, so if the colour suits you go for it. I couldn't use the concealer at all as pinky peach patches is no way to hide a blemish.

The finishing powders come in several sizes ranging from absolutely massive 30g jars to samples. Full-sized concealers are in 20g jars. I can't list prices because they're tricky to figure out and I'm afraid of misquoting. But full-sizes should cost around $11.

Vanora Blush
Now THIS is the product that absolutely blew me away. The unassuming dusky mauve shade appeared uninspiring in the jar and I left off trying it for quite awhile. What a mistake! This shade was beautiful on! It made me appear fresh, and glowy without looking too dolly-pink. Its slight shimmer is just enough to perk up the blush without making me look like a lost disco ball.

The blush also lasted much longer than my beloved Silk Naturals blushes. I went all day without a touch up and there it was in the evening, fainter but still there. It is also pigmented without being too hard to handle - so if I'm in a rush I won't look like a clown. It's also a beautifully neutral shade so I find myself reaching for it over and over unless my lipgloss is very peachy. Love love love!

I promise to load a swatch or FOTD pic of the blush with it soon! (It's been a very busy week). At just $8.50 for a 20g sifter I will definitely be repurchasing this very pretty blush when (if) I run out!

Product Review: Everyday Minerals

Sometime back I ordered the Free Everyday Mineral Sample Kit. It arrived in five adorable jars containing:

• Matte Foundation in Olive Fair & Light Olive
• Intensive Foundation in Light Olive
• Concealer in Intensive Light
• Sparkle Bronzer

After using the products for the last week or so, here's my take on them.

Foundations
I was very impressed with the shades available. The numerous colours even come in 6 different undertones - including the rare and coveted Olive. Initially I was dubious. The last thing I wanted to do was buy a foundation that made me look like this:However, the clear and detailed descriptions provided convinced me. Until now I had always assumed that I was either "warm" or "golden" but truthfully, the former has always been a wee bit beige and the latter a wee bit yellow on me. The Everyday Mineral description opened my eyes:

"If you look at the underside of your arm, your veins are probably greenish. You tan very easily and never burn. You can not wear pastel colors, bold colors work much better on you!! You have probably found that many foundation colors end up looking ashy or pink on your skin"

All the above, with the exception of the bit on pastel colours (I look good in pastel AND bold. HAH. I just have to change my blush and/or lippie), is absolutely true. And sure enough Light Olive in the Matte formulation proved to be just right for me. Olive Fair was a bit too light, and Light Olive in Intensive is too dark!

Matte Foundation
This formulation is the one I prefer by far. Its coverage appeared smoother and heavier to me, and of course, on my terribly oily skin it wore better. However, its coverage was not as complete as J.Lynne's foundation, nor did it hold off the oilies as well even when combined with J.Lynne's matte primer.

It applied well, leaving me with that air-brushed look that only mineral foundations provide. However I was blotting in 2 hours of appliaction, and had to continually touch up during the day. Under this assault the coverage got a little cakey and patchy.

At $12 for a large foundation it is more affordable than J.Lynne and if my skin ever calms down a little I will probably go for it as it is a lovely foundation.

Intensive Foundation
Everyday Minerals intensive foundation is definitely not for me, although others may perfer it. I found that the colour was distinctly darker in the pot than the matte formulation and applied darker too. Its coverage is light - medium and is comparable with Silk Naturals. It has a more shimmery finish though, which is nice, but completely useless against the oilies. I oiled up in an hour and it just melted away by the end of the day.

If you prefer a lighter, more light-reflecting coverage though, this is the foundation for you. Only remember that the shades do seem to run rather dark.

Concealer
This would have been a lovely product if it wasn't too light for me. It covers completely and feels light and airy. It doesn't appear cakey (or at least I'm sure it wouldn't if it matched me better) and lasts quite well throughout the blotting and touching up. This light shade proved to be really quite good at hiding undereye circles without creasing, providing I used a light hand to avoid undereye racoon circles. I may give this concealer another try in a shade that matches me better and provide a fuller review. At $8 for a full size it's pretty good value for money, but a sample pot will last you ages.

Sparkle Bronzer
Described as a "deeper bronzer with a fine hint of sparkle, ideal for light to tan complexion" this product turned out to be a rather alarmingly dark brown in the pot with lots of multicoloured shimmer!

Applied it actually looks quite good, but it's highly pigmented and needs a light and cautious hand. The first time I was in a rush and just slapped it on I looked like I'd been in a dirt-wrestling match!

Colour-wise it's ok. The shimmer isn't too crazy when used, although it's not really subtle enough either. The colour also has a slight reddish undertone which I'm not crazy about as it doesn't look as flattering as golden-toned bronzers, and it really looks awful as an eyeshadow. I look like my eyes are irritated, which is a shame because it is so pigmented it would make a great eyeshadow.

Conclusion
Everyday Minerals is a good solid line of cosmetics that won't disappint, but I wasn't blown away by any of their products. Do give their free sample kit a try as its amazing value and the products could be just what you're looking for. I may give it another go myself as my ambivalence could be simply due to poor colour choice.

Superhero: Anti-Redness Eye Drops

While anti-redness eyedrops can be used to hide the sins of the night before by clearing up those bloodshot eyes, they actually have a few alternative uses that make them a must-have in anyones beauty arsenal. Plus, it's cheap!
(Whassat you say? The pic is misleading? Sorry.. couldn't resist it. =P)

The brand name most commonly heard for anti-redness eyedrops is Visine (US), Eyedew (UK) or Eye-Mo (for Malaysians), but really any eye drop that contains tetrahydrozoline hydrachloride will work. The chemical functions as a vasoconstrictor - reducing the size of the veins in your eyes - thus minimizing redness. So, now you have your eyedrops, here's how it can be used (apart from lubricating your eyes that is).

Hide the blemish
The same chemical that reduces redness in your eyes, can also reduce redness in an irritated blemish. Simply pat the drop onto your skin and wait awhile for it to work. It won't completely eradicate the redness (your skin is a good deal less porous than your eyeball), but it will help reduce the redness and allow you to conceal the blemish more easily.

More intense eyeshadow
You could just use tap-water, but isn't this so much more convenient and hygenic? Simply squeeze a drop onto your brush, and dip it in your eyeshadow (on the side, so you don't spoil all of it), and apply for incredibly intense eye-colour. Applying shadows wet also really brings out any shimmer, metallic effect, or sparklies your eyeshadow may have. This also works fantastically with loose mineral eyeshadows. Plus, the glycerine present in most eyedrops helps to seal the eyshadows in place making them last longer.

Liquid eyeliner
Moisten an eyeliner brush, and dip into loose pigments to create an instant liquid eyeliner. Set the line with translucent powder, or with more of the dry pigment for budge-proof eyeliner that will last and stay in place until you choose to take it off. This has worked brilliantly on my oily skin, but I won't gurantee its staying power if you sweat or get caught in the rain as I haven't tested it yet.

Warnings
Because I'm recommending the use of this product, I feel a certain degree of responsibility for its use. I'm sure all of you read warning lables, but just in case - do not use this product in your eyes if you use contact lenses. Not even if you put it in before using your lenses. The eye-drops constrict blood vessels, thereby reducing the flow of oxygen to your eye. Contact lenses further reduce the amount of oxygen your eye receives. Using both at the same time could seriously damage your eyesight.

One more thing, just because it isn't red doesn't mean it isn't still infected. Be careful when using eye drops, hydrocortisone cream or any anti-histamine cream to reduce swelling and redness. The blemish may look better, but it's actually still there. You need to keep treating even though the symptoms are gone.

Duped: Benefit Ooh La Lift

I'll confess that I'm hugging myself with glee over spotting this dupe. Whooda guessed that Boots Time Delay Instant Eye Brightener was a pretty darned good dupe for cult-product Benefit's Ooh La Lift? And even better, with the £5 discount vouchers for this line Boots is handing out from now till May 20 - you'll only pay 50p, yes 50p, for the Eye Brightener!

Now, let me brag a little about how I netted this dupe while I go on to tell you about the products.

When strolling around Covent Garden yesterday I came across a Benefit standalone shop filled with bored shop attendants. So of course I went in to play. Besides the incredibly cute packaging and even cuter names, Benefit's selling point is its problem-solving approach. Ooh La Lift is the brand's solution to tired, puffy, shadowed eyes.

The product comes in a little tube, with a doe-foot applicator. You dot on a shimmery pink liquid that feels cool and tightens as you pat it in. The shimmer and colour serve to brighten up the eye area and to counteract (but not conceal!) dark undereye shadows. The cooling and tightening sensation is refreshing, and is supposed to de-puff, but not having undereye bags, I can't tell you if it works. It's still a fun product, and is meant to be used under and over makeup.

Well this morning, I was back at my regular haunt - Boots (yes I haunt the place), and was checking out the Time Delay line as I have three, yes THREE more £5 off vouchers for it, when I picked up this little pink pot. It too promises to depuff and brighten the eye area, AND moisturise it too. - for only 50p (now I've mentioned it enough). Of course it came home with me.

Instant Eye Brightener comes in a sturdy, surprisingly posh looking, glass jar. It's a pink shimmery cream that feels very light going on. It too has a cooling sensation (although not as dramatic as Ooh La Lift), and when used over makeup, works very well to brighten and wake up my eye area. Since the pot IS mine, I took off my eye makeup (yes, just for you dear reader), to see if it made a difference on its own. And it does! It doesn't conceal undereye shadows, but it definitely lightens them, resulting in a need for less concealer. Plus it feels soothing and refreshing on bare skin. A definite keeper.

(Ps. I am not deliberately plugging the Time Delay line. I'm just more aware of it thanks to aforesaid vouchers)

*Disclaimer: The "Duped" column refers only to cheaper alternatives for more expensive products. It in no way implies that the cheaper product deliberately duplicated the pricier version. In some cases, the cheaper product may pre-date the more expensive product.

Product Review: Clinique All About Eyes Concealer

I've been holding off reviewing this concealer because I have such mixed feelings about it. Sometimes it works great, and sometimes it makes me look so odd I have to wash my face and start over. I've been experimenting with this product, and I think I've finally figured it out.

What it is
Clinique All About Eyes is a thick, waxy concealer that comes in four yellow or peach based shades. The yellow or peach undertones are designed to counteract the blueish or purplish colours present in dark undereye circles. At £15 on the Clinique website, this is not a cheapie product and I would never have purchased it at full price. However, I got it at 50% off at the airport (check out duty-free when you fly girls, good stuff to be found). The concealer claims to conceal while counteracting puffiness. It promises to be moisturising, long-lasting, oil-free. It also says it won't crease or settle into fine lines. Does it live up to its promises?

The good
Although pricey for a tiny 10ml tube, the merest spot of concealer goes a long long way. It is very opaque but can be blended in by patting gently until it has seamlessly melded with your skin. It is indeed moisturising without being oily, and is certainly long-lasting. I don't have puffiness so I can't testify to its efficacy in that department. It doesn't cause breakouts and it pretty good at concealing dark marks left by blemishes and counteracting redness around the nose and on active pimples.

The Problems
While the premise of using yellow or peach to counteract dark circles is tried and true, the idea usually works better with sheer, light-reflecting concealers. Clinique's concealer is opaque and dense, and this can lead to reverse racoon eyes. Also, finding a powder to set this concealer is a problem as its waxy consistency makes it very grabby and mineral foundation clings to it so well that it becomes a visible dense caked patch (forcing me to wash it off). In shade 01 Light Neutral, it appears too light yellow to be natural, so using it over foundation isn't possible. I have tried not setting it with powder, but this only makes it crease and fade.

How to make this concealer work for you
As the main problem with this concealer appears to be its overly thick consistency, I tried mixing it with an eye gel ( I used Boots essentials cucumber eye gel -£1.99) to make it lighter and sheerer. This worked, allowing me to dab it OVER set mineral foundation to create a sheer wash of masking colour that looks natural and wakes up my eye area by counteracting the blue-green undertones under my eyes. This also appears to help it set better, allowing me to pat translucent powder over it to set. Some creasing may occur throughout the day, but it is easily patted away. This method also works wonderfully well to conceal dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation - something that Asian skins are prone to around healed blemish sites. I can also imagine that this would make it effective for age-spots.

EDIT (Oct 24): I've taken to using this concealer daily again as I found its thickness to be great for not settling into lines, and for concealing dark circles. The trick is to blend using a foundation brush and not your fingers - that just causes it to rub off.

Conclusion
Although not the Holy Grail of concealers, All About Eyes does the job with a little extra fiddling. Its thick consistency gives you more bang for your buck, and it doesn't dry out the delicate undereye area.