Tag Archives: Makeup Haul

Koh Gen Do, Skincare infused makeup product reviews & swatches

Huge thanks to the wonderful team at Koh Gen Do, I was able to test these skincare infused makeup products. They sent over their famous Aqua Foundations, along with their Pressed Powder, Moisture Fit Concealer, and Makeup Color Base.

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The Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation has a total of 10 shades (see below shade swatches from their website). According to their website, The coveted Aqua Foundation, known for giving skin the same youthful glow you experience right after a facial, is redesigned for increased coverage, radiance, hydration and longevity. Formulated with signature Gloss Film Powder, the light-diffusing minerals brighten and minimize pores, while resisting sweat and oiliness. This breathable serum foundation contains weightless skin-conditioning emollients that improve the hydration and health of skin for a flawless and comfortable complexion all day.

koh gen do

They sent me two shades, 013 and 113. The shade 013 appears a little too pink for my yellow/warm skin tone. The shade 113, which is their lightest warm shade, seems to be a good match for my MAC’s NC15 skin tone. Below, you can see my arm swatches comparing to the MAC’s NC25 and NC15. I have mostly normal skin, sometimes dehydrated if I don’t consume enough water.

foundation swatch

For your reference, I have listed all of my other foundation shades here:

https://luvsummeikup.com/2017/05/12/list-of-my-foundation-shades/

The first day, I applied with a Kabuki foundation brush, it gave me a medium coverage with 2 layers of applications. I used the Makeup Color Base primer they sent me; it’s in the shade Lavender Pink. As you can see from below photo that I pulled up from their website, they have 3 other shades, which are Green, Yellow, and Pearl White. It might have been a better shade if they have sent me the yellow instead, because the Lavender Pink appeared to be too pink for me, and it made my skin tone half a shade to a shade paler. However, it did give my skin a smooth canvas; the foundation went on smoothly and gave a nice natural finish. I also set with the Pressed Powder; it’s the only shade available.

primer swatch

The powder is too white for me (below, you can see the swatches of the powder), it made my skin a shade lighter than it is; with the Lavender Pink base, I was almost 2 shades lighter. However, the powder sets the foundation pretty well; it gave me a matte finish, and the bronzer and highlighter went on smoothly. If I have the right Color Base shade, I think I would like this combination, because it lasted a good 7-8 hours. At the 8 hour mark, the makeup still looked fresh; I didn’t see any creasing or separation, not greasy either.

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On the second day, I applied with a round top Kabuki foundation brush again, this time I used the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, and then used the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffuse Light to set. This combination made my skin look quite dewy, and it slightly enhanced my pores around my nose. The foundation itself provided light to (buildable) medium coverage; it covered the redness on my cheeks but not my pimples. The bronzer and highlighter went on smoothly. I actually quite liked the natural look it gave me; it didn’t exaggerate pores, but didn’t diminish either. At the 5 hour mark though, the center of my face became a little greasy, as well as some separations around my nose, and the foundation came off my chin a little bit too. Hence, this wasn’t my favorite combination.

 

On the third day, I used a BeautyBlender to apply. This time I used the SmashBox Photo Finish Primerizer; it only gave a light medium coverage with 2 layers of applications. I set my face with BECCA Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder; the bronzer and highlighter also went on smoothly. It gave my skin an extra smooth complexion, and a natural finish. My pores looked the smoothest with this combination; even my nose looked pore less. My skin still looked very fresh even after 8 hours of wear; no dry patches, no creasing, no greasiness. This is by far the best combination.

 

I also tried to wear this foundation with no primer and no powder. It gave me a light medium coverage with BeautyBlender, and medium coverage with a Kabuki foundation brush (2 layers). They both provided with natural finish; a little bit dewier using the BeautyBlender. I waited about 5 minutes before putting on bronzer and highlight; surprisingly, although it felt tacky, they blended on top of the foundation nicely. After 4 hours of wear, my skin became a little bit oily, especially around my nose area; however, there was no separation and still looked pretty good from a conversational distance.

 

According to their website, the Moisture Fit Concealer has 3 shades, which are 02, 03, and 04 (see photo below). They sent me the shade 03, which is darker than my NC15 skin tone. You can see swatches from below photo for shade comparison with the MAC foundations; so I can’t use it for my under eyes for brightening. I tried using it to cover my pimple scar, but the coverage is too light for that. However, when I used it on top of my cheeks after 1 layer of foundation, it enhanced the coverage by covering my redness on my cheeks.

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Overall, I recommended the Aqua Foundation if you’re a fan of a natural finish, buildable to medium coverage foundation. I have been using this foundation since I received it 2 months ago, with the SmashBox Primerizer and BECCA Hydra-Mist; it lasts the longest with beautiful natural finish. I would use it with their Makeup Color Base too if I have the Yellow shade instead of Lavender Pink, since it does provide a nice smooth canvas.

 

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Koh Gen Do; however, all of my opinions are 100% honest and my own.

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Kerstin Florian Makeup Product Swatches & Review

Kerstin Florian Luminizing CC Cream

To see the list of other foundation shades I usually wear, please visit this link:

LuvSumMeiKup: List of my Foundation Shades

Let me start off with the Luminizing CC Cream; it comes with 3 shades: Porcelain, Natural Beige, and Sand. Each tube comes with 1.7 fl oz of product, and it’s $46.00USD each. On Kerstin Florian’s website, it described as Lightweight, hydrating color corrector imparts a smooth, radiant, even-toned complexion. Plus these benefits to finish what your skincare starts • Enhances Tone & Clarity • Reduces Redness & Pigmentation • Refines Texture. Here are the shade comparison:

CC Cream

The top swatch is the MAC Studio Fix in shade NC15, which is my perfect shade. The Porcelain is a shade and a half too light for me; and the Natural Beige is about half a shade darker than my skin tone. However, since it’s a CC Cream and has sheer to light coverage, it looks fine after I blend it out. I apply two layers with my BeautyBlender for a sheer light coverage, just to cancel out my redness when I run errands during the weekend. I find this CC Cream does not really set; if I do not set it with a powder, it will transfer even after 2 hours of wear. It can add slightly more coverage if I apply it with a brush; however, it tends to slide around and leave brush marks when I apply with a brush. It does not last long, I would say up to 3 hours max if I set it with powder; however, it fades nicely on my skin, so I do not mind wearing it for errands. For everyday work, I would want at least medium coverage; so I use this as a primer to give my skin a healthy luminous base before applying foundation.

Kerstin Florian Skin Renewing Foundation

The Skin Renewing Foundation comes with 3 shades: Warm Beige, Vanilla, and Tawny. Each tube comes with 1.0 fl oz of product, and cost $48.00USD each. On Kerstin Florian’s website, it described as Long-wearing, soft-focus foundation provides smooth, buildable, skin-healthy coverage. PLUS these benefits to finish what your skincare starts • Minimizes Lines & Wrinkles • Attracts & Maintains Moisture • Boosts Firmness & Elasticity. Here are the shade comparison:

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Again, the top swatch is the MAC Studio Fix in shade NC15; the lightest shade Vanilla is a shade too dark for me. However, after using a lighter shade powder, it can make it work. Same as the CC Cream, I like to apply this with my BeautyBlender; it gives a more skin-like natural look. This foundation gives a light to light-medium coverage when applying with my BeautyBlender. It can be a full-medium coverage if I apply with a brush and two layers. However, it tends to separate around my nose and forehead when I apply with a brush, right around the 3-4 hour marks. So what I have been doing is to apply the CC Cream as a primer using the BeautyBlender, then apply the Foundation using the same Blender, and set it with a powder for everyday look. It will cover my redness and even out my skin tone; this method lasts 5-6 hours without separation. But it does start to separate after 6 hours of wear; not too noticeable though, unless I look super close to the mirror. And, for days when I need even more coverage, I would apply their concealer; which I will talk about next.

Kerstin Florian Brightening Concealer

Their Brightening Concealer comes with 3 shades: Ivory, Beige, and Honey. It comes with 0.3 fl oz of product, and it’s $28.00USD each. On Kerstin Florian’s website, it described as Luminous age-defying concealer offers buildable coverage and lasting wear without settling or dehydrating. PLUS these benefits to finish what your skincare starts • Minimizes Fine Lines • Reduces Dark Circles • Combats Puffiness. Here are the shade comparison:

Concealer

Comparing to the MAC Studio Fix in shade NC15 on top, the lightest shade Ivory is about the same (if it’s not darker), so I cannot use it for brightening my under eye areas.  However, I can use it as all over face Concealer to cover redness and mild blemishes. I find it’s the best to apply with BeautyBlender as well; I tried blending it out using my concealer brush, but it gave intense brush marks on my skin. I do like the formula of this concealer though; it’s very creamy and hydrating. Just wish they would come out with lighter shade options, so that I can use it for my under eye areas.

I have been using these 3 products for the last few weeks; so far I’m enjoying it. They did not break me out, and they keep my normal but dehydrated skin hydrated all day.

Play! By @sephora , May 2017

Play! By @sephora , May 2017

So, as I mentioned previously that I canceled my subscription earlier this month, because I haven’t been impressed with their selections. This is my last box, at first I wasn’t sure if I’ve made the right decision, but now I am confident that I did the right thing. This box literally came on May 30th; since I’m busy at work doing month-end, I don’t think I will have the time to use the bonus point card. They actually sent me a shipment notification email 2 weeks ago, but the tracking never been updated. I had to call the shipping carrier and ask, they advised that @sephora never dropped off my package. So I contacted @sephora and they immediately sent out this “replacement” by 2-Day shipping. 


This month’s box came with Grande Lips Lip Plumper in Clear, @trestique Highlight + Perfect Multipurpose Stick in Maldives Luminescent, @tataharperskincare Resurfacing Mask, @christopherobinparis Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt, @milkmakeup Blur Stick, @nestfragrances Black Tulip. I am liking the clear cosmetic pouch though, it’s convenient to use because I can see what I have and it seems like it’s waterproof; I usually use all transparent and waterproof makeup bags when I go travel. As for the rest of the items, I might want to give the Milk’s Blur Stick a try since it was all over the internet. The rest… I’ll give them to someone who would enjoy more than me.

Below are the photos of the products:

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Have a great one lovelies! Thank you for stopping by my blog! 

BECCA First Light Filter Face Primer, Soft Light Blurring Setting Powder, Soft Kabuki Brush

Reviews on BECCA First Light Filter Face Primer, Soft Light Blurring Setting Powder, Soft Kabuki Brush

Thanks to BECCA and Influenster for sending these amazing products for me to test out. Especially the Filter Primer, it was already on my Shopping List before they sent it to me. They also sent me the Soft Light Blurring Powder and its matching Soft Kabuki Brush. 

 

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Let me start with the First Light Filter Face Primer since it was the most exciting item to me. I used this immediately after I received it and I have been using it everyday since then. I currently have normal to dry skin at the moment; this primer gives my skin a very nice sheen and a smooth surface before foundations. It blurs out my pores and hydrates my skin. I tend to use matte finish foundations a lot; after applying the foundations, I have a healthy glow and natural skin look because of this primer. I absolutely love this primer and I can now stay glowy the entire day!

primer

Now onto the Soft Light Blurring Setting Powder and its matching Soft Kabuki Brush. The Soft Light Blurring Setting Powder is not completely translucent, as you can see from the photo below. It does definitely set my makeup nicely and acts as a veil to blur my pores. It also gives my skin a natural and pore-less finish. This setting powder is infused with ceramic microspheres and it creates an even complexion. It has a light tint to it but doesn’t interact with my foundation colors and it’s an universally shade. I realized whenever I used this to set my makeup, my makeup last all day without being greasy. I usually get somewhat oily on my T-zoom towards the end of the day, but it doesn’t give me that when I wear this. It’s amazing!

The Soft Kabuki Brush on the other hand, is an ultra-soft, synthetic fiber kabuki brush that’s designed to provide full, flawless coverage. It’s also suppose to use for setting the face and for contouring, it will ensure seamless makeup application. However, I don’t find it working for contouring because of how soft the bristles are, plus the round top just doesn’t seem to work as a contour brush (to me). I tried using it on pressed powder and it doesn’t pick up the powder easily. I would recommend only using this for loose setting powders.

powder

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Hope you’re enjoying your week and will see you next time. Don’t forget to check out my Instagram Page for daily hauls and reviews.  

Play! By Sephora, February 2017

Play! By Sephora, February 2017 – The Soft Side

Sorry for the delay in posting February’s box, it’s been extremely busy at work the past month. This box’s theme is The Soft Side, stellar products are only the beginning. I like how they include a silky bag this time to go with the Soft theme. I would say this box provides semi-decent products, there are some lip products that I wanted to try out for a while.

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Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake. It’s a lightly tinted gloss that’s made with botanical-infused formula for plumping lips instantly; will also hydrate and soften the lips over time. I always wonder how well these work and boy the tingling sensation is strong! While I don’t mind the tingling part, the gloss did not plump my lips or hydrate and soften my lips. I was a little disappointed, but I guess I saved myself purchasing a full-size.

Too faced

Nars Velvet Lip Glide in Bound. It’s a semi-matte finish liquid lipstick that’s supposed to stay on all day. I like Nars Velvet Lip Glides, I have a few full sized ones at home, it’s nice to try out an additional shade; Bound is a very pretty nude pink. I won’t say it stays on all day though, unless you don’t plan on eating anything all day. I often find myself reapplying after eating light lunch (salad); if I don’t, the color will fade away. It does wear very comfortably on the lips, it will last as long as I drink my coffee/tea out of a straw and not eating.

Nars

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream. It’s depuffing eye cream that’s infused with coffee beans, gingseng, and magnolia extract. I used to use this eye cream during the day a few years ago and I remember myself enjoying it, it did hydrate my under eyes and brighten them up underneath makeup. Not too sure about the depuffing part because fortunately, I don’t get puffy eyes. It’s nice to have this deluxe sized for travel.

Origins

Clinique Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturizer. It’s a oil free moisturizer and primer in one; supposedly to blur imperfections and provide all day hydration. To be honest, I haven’t had nice surprises trying out Clinique’s products. Their acne line worsen my skin condition so badly back in college and I spent a year on prescription skincare before my skin went back to normal; I’m afraid to try out their products since then. So I might give this to my colleague and see if she likes it, I will report back.

Clinque

Sephora Collection Lashcraft Length & Volume Mascara in Jet-Black. It’s a volumizing mascara that also lengthen and lift lashes. I personally prefer water-proof mascaras, so this one will be added to the friends & family gift box.

Sephora

Lastly, the bonus fragrance sample. This month is the Marc Jacobs’ Divine Decadence perfume; description says it’s a effervescent, floral, and bright; top notes are champagne extract, orange blossom, and bergamot. I have a full-sized at home and I love it. This is added to the fragrance sample box that I give away to my friends once a while.

MJ

Alrightly, that’s a wrap! Hope you enjoy your Play! boxes. I am still deciding if I should cancel my subscription, I just don’t find myself liking most of the products they select. I will probably wait till after I get my May box since that’s my birthday month. Happy Tuesday lovely! Don’t forget to check my Instagram for more updated posts!  ^.^

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Play! By Sephora, January 2017

Play! By Sephora, January 2017

This month’s theme is “Sweat is just another way to Glow”. It includes products from skincare, to makeup, to hair care. While it does include variety of products, I am still not impressed with their selections. I even start to question myself if I want to discontinue this subscription services. First of all, this month’s bag is made out of cheap plastic and it just doesn’t seem very “Sephora” to me (hope someone knows what I mean lol); I prefer their silky bags over the plastic. img_9622

Here is the first close-up photo, and it’s the only product that I am interested in testing out. The AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF50+. I am a big fan of their skin care products; while I have tried so many, I never tried their cushion foundations and have been wanting to. Hence, I am pleased to see this in the box; it seems like the shade 104 would be a good match as well. I will report back to let you know how I like it. img_9650

Now on to the Tarte Frxxxtion Stick. This is my second and last favorite product in this month’s box; I already own a full sized and use it regularly. It’s a exfoliating gel cleanser in a stick form; it’s twist-up cleansing gel that gives nice foam to gently cleanse my skin. It’s very convenience for traveling; now I even have a travel-sized = perfect!

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Then, we have the Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. I feel like every subscription box likes to include this product, as well as sample packs that Sephora gives out from time to time. I have a few of them and really don’t need another; plus, they are not as moisturizing as my other sheer lip balm/stick. I will be giving them out to my colleagues instead.

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Then, we have the Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask. It’s a honey-based warming gel mask that turns into a decadent cream to hydrate and brighten the skin. While this might be a nice mask, the portion is not enough to test out, probably only one time use. The samples that we get from the Sephora retail stores are even bigger than this.

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The Quai Treatment Masque. It claims that it will restore damaged hair and leaves strands feeling, smooth and soft. I think it’s a OK mask, I was not impressed with the result; it was not as moisturizing as my new favorite Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Deep Conditioning Mask (please click to see more in-depth review). And it has an overwhelming flowery fragrance scent to it; I usually don’t  mind the scent if it’s light and refreshing, but this one I can’t really bare. If scent doesn’t bother you much, this might be a good mask to use; but you might want to use 3x a week to keep your hair moisturized.

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And lastly, the bonus fragrance sample that I gather and give out. This month is the Tory Burch’s Love Relentlessly. The feature notes are pink pepper, orris and patchouli.

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That’s all everyone; hope you enjoy my thoughts on this month’s box. Please keep in mind that I am not only writing about the products, I am also commenting the box as a whole. What’s your favorite product in the box? c9d00-11259729_496990953786891_1154764702_n

 

Play! By Sephora, December 2016

Play! By Sephora, December 2016

Sorry for the late post as I was away when this package came and I have been extremely busy catching up my work after the holidays. So the December Play! Box theme was The Partygoer. The box includes 5 deluxe sized products, 1 bonus fragrance sample and the 50 extra beauty insider points card.

ig Although these are nice products, I wasn’t impressed with the selection because I feel like I have received some of these in my box before. The followings will be the close-up photos of the products.

DryBar Detox Dry Shampoo – which is my favorite out of the 5; it really keeps my hair cleaned and adds tons of volume. I had a full size and I brought it with me to my Spain trip last month. It does give a white cast when first sprays on; what I do is to spray and wait for a good 2min, then rub it into my roots and brush them out (the white cast will disappear).

dry-bar

My second favorite in this box is the Urband Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray – Again, I have a full size at home and I use it every time I wear face makeup. It’s weightless and keeps my makeup looking fresh and stay in place for the day.

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Then we have my old favorite mascara – Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara. I used to only use this then got sidetrack with all other new products in the market. It does give tons of volume to my lashes with two coats and stay looking nice all day.

lancomeAnd we have the Makeup Forever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Smoothing Primer; I tried this primer before and think it was just ok, didn’t do much to my makeup in my opinon. I decided to buy the Yellow base primer instead since that one cancels out my mild redness on my cheek.

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Then we have the famous Cream Lip Stain in Always Red by Sephora Collection; I just wish this was a full sized being it’s Christmas and it’s their own brand.

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Lastly, we have the fragrance sample that I never really cared for much; I usually save them and give them all to a friend of mine. Here, we have Elizabeth and James’ Nirvana Rose.

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Thank you everyone for stopping by my blog! Hope you all had amazing holiday fun with friends and family! I look forward for more excited things in 2017! Image result for #sandiethecorgi

Play! By Sephora, November 2016

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I know everyone’s been saying this but – where did the time go?! It flew by way too quickly and it’s already Christmas before we know it.

Anyway, so I received my November Play! Box right before we take off for the long weekend, which is perfect! I can see that I will be actually using some of the products in this box and they are good for short road trips.

This month’s box came with:

Cover FX Illuminating Primer, Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet, Laura Mericer Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Rose Gold, Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel in Pin Up Pink, Maison Margiela ‘Replica’ By The Fireplace, and GlamGlow GravityMud Firming Treatment.

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My favorite in this box that I already know I would enjoy is the GlamGlow GravityMud; I already have a full size at home that I use once a week. It’s once of those peel off masks that you peel off after 20-30min; it has definitely toned my skin after just a few uses.

img_8311Another product that I already know I would like is the Laura Mercier Caviar Stick because I used them before and I enjoyed using them a lot; it’s nice to have a deluxe size to keep in my purse and Rose Gold is my favorite shade.lm

One of the product that I haven’t tried but I would want to try out is the Cover FX Illuminating Primer; although, the one that I really want is the green one, but this is a good one to test out the texture of their primers.

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The Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet was also on my list to try out; I have been looking for a moisturizing cream in a tube as part of my skincare routine because I try to avoid any skincare that’s in a jar. Will need to see if this sorbet provides enough hydration as it claims; I will report back on this shortly!

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Now, I don’t care for this Sephora Collection Ultra Shine Lip Gel too much; I have a full size. I used it once and never picked it up again. Perhaps I am not a lip gloss person to begin with; this particular formula seems a bit too greasy for me.  It does give you a ton of shine though; hence, if you are a big fan of shine lips then you might love this.

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Lastly, we have the sample size perfume which I don’t care for. Here is the close-up of the Replica By The Fireplace.

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Alright! That’s this month’s Play! Box. Hope you enjoy this post! Until next time, please take care and have a safe and awesome Thanksgiving weekend with your friends and family! Image result for corgi smile

Play! By Sephora, October 2016

Play! By Sephora, October 2016

Sorry for posting this so late, I’ve been extremely busy with work. Here is the October Play! Box, which you can also see on my Instagram page.

This month’s box came with Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver’s Seat, Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask, Skin Inc Pure Revival Peel, Blinc Mascara Amplified, Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb, and YSL Mon Paris.

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Here is the close-up of the Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Driver’s Seat:

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Christophe Robin Regenerating Mask:

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Skin Inc Pure Revival Peel:

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Blinc Mascara Amplified:

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Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb:

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And lastly, YSL Mon Paris:

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My favorite from this box is the SmashBox liquid lipstick; it’s very long lasting but feel comfortable on the lips. It transfers a little bit but I don’t mind it since it’s so smooth and comfortable. The color Driver’s Seat is perfect for the winter.

Hope everyone’s enjoying this beautiful fall! Image result for corgi pup

 

Marc Jacobs Air Blush in 504

Marc Jacobs Air Blush in 504 Kink & Kisses

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I was sent this product by Influenster for review purposes; it’s very rare that I give 5-star rating but I can’t find anything to complain about this products.

I like how it’s infused with Japanese air powder and created using a process called soufflage; that makes it extremely lightweight and provides my skin a radiant silky finish. The duo gives convenience color mixing feature, you can customize whichever way you want and they blend effortlessly. I usually mix the light shades on the left for daytime look and the darker shades on the right for night time look; it lasted for a good 8hrs.

As per usual, I am a big fan their sleek and slim packaging; this palm-sized compact is modeled after a vintage cigarette case, though I wish it was after something else (I don’t want to “promote” anything related to cigarette).

 

The Air Blush Glow Duo in 504 Kink & Kisses is a beautiful pale petal/ peachy rose shades; I tried to take a better picture to show the differences from the left/right/mixed shades. below is the best I was able to get. A is the shades when I swatch from the left of the blush, B is from the right side, and C is when I mixed everything together; on my hand they didn’t show too much differences but showed differently on the face:

swatches

Overall I really do like this product and will recommend it. I might get more shades during the Sephora VIB sale coming up soon, along with brand new holiday 2016 collections!

Have an awesome weekend ahead lovelies! Thank you for stopping by! Image result for corgi smile