Makeup favourites of 2018

January 2, 2019January 3, 2019 KimLeave a comment

2018 involved a swift expansion of my makeup collection because I went a bit bonkers with experimentation. I grew to love playing with and wearing eyeshadow and discovered a bunch of awesome products from different asian and western brands.

It was hard to pick one product from each category but I decided to pick them on the basis of what I used the most in 2018 and what I would use if I was in a rush that didn’t require much time and thought.

Foundation

I had to break this down into two sub categories since I enjoy using both cushion and normal liquid foundations and have tested many last year.

Cushion Foundation: COSRX Clear Fit Blemish Cushion

COSRX Clear Fit Blemish Cushion - SPF47 PA++ — COSRX Clear Fit Blemish Cushion – SPF47 PA++, Mochi like cushion.

This cushion provides amazing coverage (med-high) and I love the mochi cushion. It allows the puff to pick up an even amount of the foundation, resulting in using less. It doesn’t cake and shade #27 is pretty perfect for me. It contains centella asiatica, tea tree oil, adenosine and madecassoside so it’s a better option for times when I am battling breakouts.

Reviewed here

Purchased from yesstyle.com*

Liquid Foundation: MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof

Pictured right – MAC Pro Longwear Nourishing Waterproof Foundation

I haven’t reviewed this on my blog yet but it was the foundation my MUA used on my wedding day. That was almost two years ago and I have loved in since. It provides buildable full coverage that you can sheer out if you prefer. I apply it with a kabuki brush for fuller coverage and I sometimes go over it with a clean damp beauty blender, just to mesh it all in. It’s matte but not a flat matte. It is definitely waterproof, I sweat heaps in summer and it has lasted. I’m in the shade #NC35.

Purchased from MAC.

Concealer

The Saem – Cover Perfection Tip Concealer SPF28 PA++

This was an easy choice, it provides the best full coverage, is cheap and it has SPF. It also comes in a few shades which is great for a korean brand.

Reviewed here

Purchased from yesstyle.com*.

Setting Powder

It Cosmetics – Bye Bye Pores Poreless Finish Airbrush Powder

This loose powder, although it’s messy to use, really does make me look poreless. It doesn’t feel heavy and doesn’t cake on top of foundation. I apply the smallest amount anyway because it’s all I need. I do press it into my pores with my Wayne Goss Air Brush and have also used a makeup puff and both methods work well. It mattifies without drying out my skin and is translucent. Great for the sweaty humid weather here in Sydney.

Purchased from Beautylish.com

Bronzer

I have liked cream bronzers too but since they require a bit more time to apply I didn’t include any for this category. I also didn’t love any cream bronzers enough to include it.

Becca – Sunlit Bronzer

This bronzer is smooth and easy to apply. The payoff is sheer and buildable and the shade, Capri Coast, really compliments my skin tone. Because it isn’t matte, it adds a healthy dimension to the face. It looks shimmery in the pan but it doesn’t translate once applied on the face. Really lovely option for those who are after a healthy and warm complexion.

Purchased from Beautylish.com

Blush

Hourglass – Ambient Lighting Blush

This was my first taste of the amazing quality which are Hourglass blushes. The shade Diffused Heat was rated highly by Temptalia and I very much agree. It is so easy to blend and the color payoff is amazing. The marbling is so beautiful, making it a joy to look at and use. This shade is a peachy pink on me and gives me a healthy looking flush and really compliments my complexion.

Purchased from Mecca.

Honourable cream blush mention goes to the RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Shade #Illusive. I carry this in my gym bag and gives such a healthy flush to the cheeks. Reviewed here.

Highlighter

This was the year of discovery for highlighters for me. Two years ago I didn’t even wear any bronzer or highlighter, just blush, how things have changed 🙂

NARS – Highlighting Powder

My absolute favourite has to to be the NARS Highlighting powder in shade Fort De France, a newish release from NARS last year. It is so finely milled, so it never looks powdery or cakey and doesn’t emphasise any texture. There is no shimmer whatsoever, just imparts a wonderful sheen. The colour is also perfect for my skin tone. If you are after a natural looking glow without looking like a tin man or disco ball, this one would be for you.

Purchased from Mecca.

A couple of honorable mentions for cream highlighters. The Son and Park Cube Highlighter and the RMS Beauty Living Luminizer were two highlighters I enjoyed using throughout the year but I didn’t favour them enough over the NARS highlighter.

Eyeshadow

Last year was also the year of eyeshadows for me. I’m still not the most creative and experimental mainly because I’m lazy. It was really hard to pick just one eyeshadow palette…

Urban Decay – Born to Run Eyeshadow Palette

This palette is the most versatile, easy to use and colour payoff is just amazing. It has so many shades across such a good variety of spectrums that you’ll be hard pressed to not find a colour that you were after. The formula is also beginner friendly, both matte and shimmer shades blend and layer very easily. This palette can also take you from day to night, simple looks to smoky looks can be achieved which makes it the best all rounder palette in my opinion. Their Naked palettes have kind of bored me, never interested me enough to pick up but this got my attention right away. Has not disappointed me yet, love!

Purchased at Mecca.

Eyeliner

Also had to break this into two sub categories, as there were two standouts last year.

Clio Waterproof Pen Liner Kill Black

After using a couple of tubes of the Macqueen liquid liner (reviewed here), I thought it was time to branch out. The Clio Pen liner is so popular among the masses so I had to try it. I got it in Kill Black and it’s pretty darn good. It’s definitely waterproof, smudge proof and the pen applicator is brush-like and easy to use and control. I hate the stiff actual pen applicators since they catch on my lids and wreak havoc. It’s very similar to my beloved Macqueen liner but I feel like the product keeps longer, as in doesn’t dry out as quickly.

Purchased from yesstyle.com*

Shu Uemura Lasting Soft Gel Pencil Eyeliner

It’s been a hard task, trying to find a pencil eyeliner that doesn’t smudge on my hooded eyes. I have oily eyelids so I need something to stay put and not give me panda eyes by midday. Have tried many korean and western eye pencils and none have really passed this test. I bought this Shu Uemura eye pencil on a whim (#Dark brown) and it’s been a reliable friend ever since. It has a very precise tip and while it isn’t overly creamy, it’s creamy enough to glide over the lid without catching on anything. I don’t tightline (it’s very uncomfortable) and don’t apply it to my waterline either so I can’t speak for when it is applied in those areas but I can say that when I apply it over my lid, it never smudges. I don’t use it to create a wing or anything, I use it when I need a little definition, usually when I wear eyeshadow. Otherwise eyeliner is a step I’m happy to skip if I’m going to work or am in a massive rush.

If you have any recommendations for a reliable smudge proof eye pencil, please let me know because I’m always on the lookout for more affordable options.

Purchased from yesstyle.com*

Lipstick

I only have one pair of lips but I have accumulated so many this year. I have my favourite lipsticks in different formulas, mainly from NARS and MAC but the one I have chosen is the most versatile and no brainer option.

Dior Backstage: Dior Addict Lip Glow

This hybrid formula which Dior describes as a cross between makeup and skincare blew my mind. I thought it was just another overpriced, overhyped product but boy was I mistaken. There are three formulas, matte, original glow and holographic glow and I can only speak for the original formula.

Dior Addict Lip Glow – LTR- Coral, Berry, Pink

It contains mango butter so it’s quite hydrating and moisturising, best of all this feeling lasts, even through a meal. It gives a nice hint of color, contributed by a reaction to your body’s chemistry, as it uses Color Reviver technology to do this. This means that each colour will look different on everyone, pretty cool aye? It also leaves a sheen, making the lips look healthy, imparting them with a glow (true to its name). I can easily reapply without a mirror during the day which is the main reason I love it. It makes me look more alive without all the fuss of a normal lipstick. I have three shades, #berry, #pink #coral and I love coral the most.

Mascara

There were some great finds for mascara last year, some of them I’ve reviewed here.

Hourglass – Caution Extreme Lash Mascara

I don’t normally repurchase mascara because I enjoy testing out different ones and because of it’s short life span, you can easily do this.

This Caution mascara is definitely one that I will repurchase. It’s absolutely bullet proof thus making it very reliable. I have played basketball with this, have had my face squished in a massage and it’s lasted all day each time. I always curl my lashes beforehand but this gives the most fluttery and lengthening effect. It does give a little volume as well and also does a good job with lifting and separation of the lashes. So it pretty much does it all, without smudging and flaking.

Skincare favourites of 2018 to follow shortly!

Please note: links in this post marked with an * are affiliate links. They provide me with a small commission, if you should choose to use them for a purchase, without any extra cost to you 🙂

[Review] COSRX – Clear Fit Blemish Cushion and Clear Fit Spot Concealer

October 1, 2018October 1, 2018 Kim3 Comments

It’s been awhile since I’ve reviewed a cushion foundation. I use them interchangeably between my liquid foundations and bb creams, just depends on what I feel like using on the day. Cushions are really convenient but they aren’t always the best value quantity wise.

COSRX released their Clear Fit range last year and since I really like their skincare, I have been keen to try some of their makeup. Like their skincare, their makeup is also affordable. So when they recently released a darker shade in their cushion, I was extra motivated to get it. I purchased the Blemish Cushion in #27 and the Spot Concealer in #23. I know that this isn’t the first makeup products that they have released but I was most interested in these products for reasons which I will get into later. The aesthetics and packaging is also appealing, modern, sleek and practical. The cushion has a black matte soft touch plastic cover and the concealer is housed in a plastic squeezy tube.

If you’re interested in these products and my opinion on them, please keep on reading.

COSRX Clear Fit Blemish Cushion – SPF47 PA++

Claims: Source: yesstyle.com

Using proven blemish-fighting ingredients like tea tree oil and Centella asiatica, the COSRX Blemish Cover Cushion helps treat acne-prone skin while providing buildable light to medium coverage to help even complexion and hide spots.

Ingredients: Source: yesstyle.com

Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Leaf Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Yellow Iron Oxide (CI 77492), Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Red Iron Oxide (CI 77491), Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Black Iron Oxide (CI 77499), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Adenosine, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Leaf Extract, Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, Madecassoside

Centella Asiatica the second ingredient which is great to see and tea tree oil is towards the bottom of the list.

Shade: #27 Deep Beige (matches me well, I’m an NC30-35. It is just a hair too dark for me in winter but should be perfect in summer).
Color range: #21, #23 and #27
Lasting power: 9-10hrs
My thoughts: I like using cushion foundations because they are usually infused with great skin care ingredients. I still use skincare beforehand but I feel like having additional good for you ingredients is a nice bonus. This cushion has soothing ingredients like centella asiatica, tea tree oil, adenosine and madecassoside so it didn’t feel like I was making any breakouts worst by applying this on top.

My favourite thing about this cushion is the coverage. I wasn’t expecting much because cushions usually offer light to medium coverage at the most but this one blew my mind. I would actually describe this as being medium to high and I only use on layer to achieve good coverage. I feel like I don’t even need concealer for my acne scars when I use this if I add another light layer on troubled areas. The application is also easy. The mochi like cushion distributes the right amount easily onto the puff. The puff that it comes with is also above average, it’s a bit thicker and softer and feels bouncier when applying. I’ve also used other air puffs with this cushion and it works just fine. This foundation is comfortable on the skin and lasts from morning until night for me. The finish is satin matte and I don’t personally feel like I get oilier than usual when I wear it even though there aren’t any claims on it being sebum controlling. All in all, it’s so good, I love it!

Cost: $35 AUD from eBay. Doesn’t include a refill.

COSRX Clear Fit Spot Concealer SPF30 PA++

Claims: Source: yesstyle.com

This concealer provides medium coverage to camouflage blemishes, spots and uneven skin tone while also providing relief to troubled skin via its Centella asiatica, niacinamide, adenosine and tea tree oil ingredients. Creamy yet buildable texture lasts for hours without caking while SPF 30 provides ample sun protection.

Ingredients: Source: ohlolly.com

Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Mica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), 1,2-Hexanediol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Methicone, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Adenosine, Squalane, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, Madecassoside

This concealer contains the same soothing ingredients as the cushion, Centella Asiatica, Tea tree oil, Adenosine and Madecassoside.

Shade: #23 Natural Beige
Color range: #21 and #23
Lasting power: Around 3 hours
My thoughts: I tried this concealer a few times and each time I didn’t like it. Maybe it was because it was too light for me that it didn’t conceal properly. It really did not cover much but it’s described as offering medium coverage. Tried using it under my eyes to hide some darkness and it made me look like an old lady, which is something nobody wants! It made my undereyes and eyelids (tried to use it as an eye primer too) and it made them look crusty and wrinkly, and I can assure you that this isn’t normal for me. Each time I did this (because I couldn’t give up on it), I had to save my makeup by frantically pressing it in with a damp beauty sponge. Maybe this would work better for lighter skin tones, who actually use #23 as their cushion shade but it really did not work for me. It’s a shame because having those lovely soothing ingredients in a concealer was what drew my attention in the first place. It also didn’t last long, I felt like it slid away from the blemish or scar pretty quickly. Will not be repurchasing this.

Cost: $8.20 USD from ibuybeauti.com.

Swatches

Concealer is swatched (a bit too heavily) on the left. Cushion foundation is on the right. You can see that there is a fair colour difference between the two.

Final thoughts

If you have been curious to try any of these products, I would highly recommend the cushion over the concealer. I hope they expand their shade range because it’s soo good!

Have you tried any makeup from COSRX? Let me know your recommendations 🙂

[Review] The Saem – Cover Perfection Tip Concealer SPF28 PA++

August 19, 2018August 19, 2018 Kim2 Comments

I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect concealer for a long time. I’ve tried so many different types, from different finishes, different colours and tones to different coverages. I use concealer for two purposes, to cover under eye darkness and to conceal blemishes, especially PIH (Post inflammatory hyper pigmentation) left behind by acne, as well as sun spots.

I’m happy to use two different types to maximum effectiveness for each purpose. I fell hard for Bare Minerals Serum Concealer early on, for under eye brightening, would highly recommend. I also really needed a high coverage concealer to cover my dark acne scars. Many concealers have failed this requirement for me. Till now.

The Saem’s cover perfection tip concealer has over 1500 positive reviews on yesstyle.com and is generally always on sale. It is available in 5 shades, which is pretty good, especially for a Korean brand. It also has SPF28 PA++ which is also rare to see in concealers.

If you haven’t already guessed, I really like this concealer! Please keep on reading if you would like to know exactly what makes it the ONE for me 🙂

Product claims

from yesstyle.com

Cover spots and blemishes on skin with this Cover Perfection Tip Concealer. The lightweight formula adheres lightly but perfectly for a flawless look. Infused with oxygen complex and glacier water to keep skin moisturized, and reflective powder to give skin that natural, healthy glow. SPF 28 PA++ sun protection.

Cost

$6 for 6.5g (usually on sale so you can get it for less) from yesstyle.com *.

Ingredients

from yesstyle.com

Water, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Talc, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, PVP, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Black Oxide of Iron, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Red Oxide of Iron, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Dimethicone, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Glycogen, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Mannitol, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Yeast Extract, Fragrance, Aloe Vera Barbadensis Extract, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Methylparaben, Hydrated Ferric Oxide, Citric Acid, Yellow Oxide of Iron, Ethanol, Glycerol, Sodium Benzoate, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Glycerin, Butylparaben, Yellow Iron oxide, Ferric Oxide, Butyl Paraben, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Ultramarines, Faex, Ectoin

This list of ingredients represents all options or variants of this product. Actual ingredients in a given product option may vary from this list. Ingredients subject to change at manufacturer’s discretion. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, please refer to product packaging.

Packaging

The concealer has a doe foot applicator which common with many liquid concealers in a tube. The doe foot makes it easy to apply but the wand gets messy very quickly. A lot of product comes out which oozes out after you close the cap so I need to wipe around it each time. I keep my concealers in a tray and it seems like a lot of the ones with this type of packaging has this leakage problem.

The Saem - Cover Perfection Tip Concealer - Doe foot applicator, you can see the wand gets a bit messy. — Doe foot applicator, you can see that the wand gets pretty messy.

Consistency

It isn’t runny and it isn’t thick, I would best describe it as creamy. Whether you apply it directly onto your face or on your hand, you won’t need to worry about making a mess.

The Saem - Cover Perfection Tip Concealer - I have two shades. Left is the Contour shade (matches my complexion) and on the right is #02 Rich Beige. — I have two shades. Left is the Contour shade (matches my complexion) and on the right is #02 Rich Beige.

Scent

It smells a bit florally if you really sniff it but it’s not strong or bad at all.

How to use

I use the shade named #Contour Beige for spot concealment and #02 Rich Beige for brightening my under eyes. #Contour Beige, when blended in, matches my skintone (NC30-NC35) very well.

I used to dot the tip directly onto my blemishes. Then I either used my fingertip or a small flat brush to blend it in. I found this technique to look too heavy because I’ll end up using more product than I needed. So I kind of put this concealer aside and forgot about it.

Now, I have a technique which works way better. I apply a small amount onto to the back of my hand. Then using a small flat concealer brush, I take a bit of the concealer the tip of the brush and pat it onto the spot I need concealing. I gradually do this until I am satisfied with the coverage, then, still using the tip of the brush, I soften the edges around the blemish so it looks seamless.

This is the flat concealer brush that I use to spot conceal. Don’t know what brand it is but there’s a tonne of brushes which look like this out there.

For highlighting, I use #02 Rich Beige. I dot it using the wand underneath my eyes, a dot in the centre of my forehead just above my brows and on my cupids bow. I then use a damp blender sponge, I use the small ones from Real Techniques, and gently pat it in.

To ensure maximum wear I always set both methods with powder.

Coverage

I would classify this as a full coverage concealer. This concealer can be used with a light hand to highlight or a heavier hand to conceal. I have tried western brand concealers which claim to be full coverage and they barely cover any of my dark scars. I’ve even attempted colour correct then concealing with these and they all fell short. This, however, is hydrating and provides excellent coverage without any cakiness. This concealer is also long wearing and doesn’t seperate on the skin.

Final thoughts

Rating: 5/5 (love it, holy grail status!)

There are so many pros to this concealer. It’s affordable, has SPF, hydrating, light, long wearing and best of all, it conceals extremely well. The only cons are how messy it gets with the wands and the fact that they need to have more shades so everyone can enjoy this incredible product!

Since this concealer serves both of my requirements very well, I won’t be repurchasing the Bare Minerals Serum Concealer. It costs $30AUD and while I like it, this Saem concealer can do the same job at a fraction of the cost. A little bit goes a long way so even though it may seem like you don’t get much, it does last if you use it sparingly (which is the most effective method for me anyway).

I can’t recommend this concealer enough. I can definitely see why this is such a popular product and would highly, highly recommend it!

Keen to try more products from this popular Korean brand. They source their natural ingredients from around the world. They have a tonne of makeup and skincare in their lines. If you have any recommendations, please let me know 🙂

Please note: links in this post marked with an * are affiliate links. They provide me with a small commission, if you should choose to use them for a purchase, without any extra cost to you 🙂