Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer Swatches

Maybelline Mineral Power Concealers in Sand and Beige

I decided to go back and try Maybelline's Mineral Power Concealer which worked well for me before because Rimmel's Match Perfection wasn't covering my dark circles enough. I bought them off of ebay.

Left to Right: Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer in Fair/Light, Maybelline Sand, & Beige

Maybelline's concealers offer slightly more coverage compared to Rimmel's, but it's still not enough for my dark circles. It also creases more than the Rimmel one. I find that I'm just rubbing off the product trying to get rid of the creases. Time to go back to Collection 2000!

New Sunscreens!

CVS/Pharmacy Ultimate Sheer Liquid SPF70 & La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ulta Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF60

I picked up two sunscreens a month ago because it was getting warmer and sunnier and I didn't want to use my Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense sunscreen (mainly because of the alcohol content).

CVS/Pharmacy Ultimate Sheer Liquid SPF70 $12.79

I came in only planning to get the La Roche-Posay sunscreen, but bought this one because I had an $8 off $40 purchase coupon. This is supposed to be a generic to Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Liquid, but I bought this instead because it was cheaper. The ingredients aren't exactly the same as on the website so here they are:

Active:

Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7.5%, Oxybenzone 5%

Inactive:

Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Asorbic Acid, BHT, Bisabolol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Camelia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Chlorphenesin, Cholecalciferol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Fragrance, Isomalt, Lecithin, Mannan, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Polyester-8, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Retinyl Palmiate, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Steareth-10, Steareth-2, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Cell Extract, Water, Xanthan Gum

Some of the claims it makes are:

-Perfect for daily use under makeup

-Light, clean & oil free

-Won't clog pores

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ulta Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF60 $29.99

Active:

Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 5%, Oxybenzone 6%

Inactive:

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Alcohol Denatured, Silica, Dicaprylyl Ether, Styrene Acrylates Copolymer, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Nylon-12, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Lauryl PEG/PPG 18/18 Methicone, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl Glycol, Methylparaben, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium EDTA, Cassia Alata (Candle Tree) Leaf Extract, Maltodextrin, Dodecene, Poloxamer 407

Claims:

-Fast absorbing, matte finish

Here they are compared to the other sunscreens I was using:

Out of the two sunscreens, I prefer the CVS brand one simply because it's cheaper and doesn't have alcohol (I plan on returing the La-Roche Posay one). I thought the La-Roche Posay one was drying out my skin due to the alcohol content, but my skin was simply dry and wearing foundation was making it worse. Still, I dislike the alcohol content in this sunscreen. It's third from the top of the ingredients list. When I apply it, the smell of alcohol is strong just like Kiehl's Super Fluid sunscreen.

Both of these sunscreens are shake types that have a milky consistency. The CVS one is more thick and has a fragrance, but I prefer smelling that over alcohol. Both of them don't really give a matte finish, but I put it over my serums anyway (compared to putting it over a completely bare face). 

I would repurchase the CVS one, but I'm starting to get tired of these milk type sunscreens. I saw a review on Missha's All Around Safe Block and got excited because it has a gel type consistency, but I was looking at the ingredients and the active ones only protect against UVB rays : (. So sad. 

Mineral Fusion Brush Cleaner

Mineral Fusion Brush Cleaner

I was planning on making my own daily brush cleaner until I saw this at Sprouts (a grocery store with natural/organic foods, kind of like Whole Foods). I felt too lazy to make my own and this was all ready, plus it had oils and extracts so I thought why not! It contains 3.45 fl oz/ 60ml and was $8.99.

This brush cleaner does the job but the alcohol scent is really strong. I also notice more shedding, but maybe it's because those are my cheap brushes. Still, I'm glad I have something to clean my brushes with after every use! I also like the grapefruit scent it leaves on the brushes. 

Black Radiance Complexion Perfection Shine Control Primer

My T-zone has been super oily lately even though it's winter so I got this after reading the reviews on Makeupalley. I purchased this set on ebay for $5.50 and it included free shipping.

Left: Black Radiance Complexion Perfection Undereye Concealer in Light

Right: Black Radiance Complexion Perfection Shine Control Primer

Although I got this set to try out the primer I use the concealer for contouring. The concealer has a stick and liquid end. I use the stick end and draw a line where the contour should be and blend it out.

The primer comes in a small (0.84 fl oz/25 ml) tube. The consistency is like lotion. It applies easily and clearly. For the past few days I've been putting 3 (yes 3. one layer didn't help at all) layers on my forehead and nose. I found that it doesn't help with controlling oil as I hoped it would. I still get oily after only 3-4 hours. Even when I get to work an hour after I apply it my forehead is already shiny. I do notice that my forehead doesn't get as oily as before. Before it was an oil slick, but now it just looks dewy. I also notice that it doesn't blur my pores/imperfections like other primers do. So overall it wasn't a complete fail but I'm still on the lookout for something to control my oil!

Ben Nye Banana Powder

Ben Nye Banana Powder

I got this recently to see if it would help out with the foundations/BB creams that weren't working for me. I bought this at a local theatrical store (Fun House Theatrical in Mountain View if any of you are from the Bay Area!) for $8.99. It contains 1.5 oz/42 g. The packaging isn't the greatest so I dumped the powder in the Etude House Princess Etoinette Crystal Powder container into a plastic bag and put the Ben Nye powder!

The main reason I purchased this was to help with the foundations/BB creams that weren't working for me because of the color (either they are too pink and/or beige). I haven't noticed a difference using this except with Skinfood's Peach Sake BB Cream. I think it worked with that because Skinfood's BB cream is more on the tan side and this powder brightened/lightened it up.

I've been using it to set my under eye concealer and I don't know if it's the powder or concealer, but after a few hours it looks dry and powdery. Overall, this powder just lightens my skin. It doesn't help with color correcting foundations/BB creams. 

L'oreal Shine Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Infinite Fuchsia

L'oreal Shine Caresse Wet Shine Stain 187 Infinite Fuschia

Ran out and purchased this after seeing the color Karmen of PeachyPink0614 was wearing in her swatch video of the L'oreal Shine Caresse Wet Shine Stains. 

I wasn't interested in them when they first came out, but after seeing that color I had to try it out! I usually don't wear lip glosses (or lipsticks for that matter) so this is different for me. It does oxidize to a darker color which I like. My biggest problem with this is that it's hard to apply it evenly. I tried applying one coat, even it out, and then applying more coats but it still came out uneven. 

I kinda went swatch crazy because I wanted to compare it to the other colors I have so here they are:

1. Clinique Chubby Stick in 01 Richer Raisin

2. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 045 Romantic

3. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 005 Crush

4. NYX Goddess of the Night Lip Gloss in 139 Garnet

5. L'oreal Shine Caresse Wet Shine Stain in 187 Infinite Fuschia

6. Wet n Wild Lipstick in 918D Cherry Bomb

7. MUA Lip Boom in LMK (Let Me Know)

8. Milani Lipstick in 11 Black Cherry

This is after I rubbed it with a makeup remover wipe! It does leave a stain, but because it applies unevenly, the stain is uneven. 

Adambeauty Haul #2!

Kate Frame Impact Marker & Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner

Made another order at adambeauty.com because I wanted to try the Kate Frame Impact Marker. I was tired of having raccoon eyes from lining my upper waterline with the Milani Liquif'eye Metallic eyeliner pencil. Each item was $11.50 which includes shipping. I paid $2 for registered shipping and received it a week after it shipped.

Kate Frame Impact Marker

This is meant to be used in the lash line, but I'm sure you can use it to line as well. I apply it by dotting it into my lash line. You do have to wait for it to dry. It smudged onto my lower eyelid when I used my makeup setting spray. It also smudged after a few hours : (.

Kiss Me Heroine Make Smooth Liquid Eyeliner

I was getting frustrated with the liquid eyeliner I was using (pa Liquid Eye Liner from the Japanese supermarket) so I decided to try this out. It's much better than the one I was using! It was difficult to make a nice line with the pa one because it dragged my skin. This one just glides over making it easier and faster. You do have to go over a few times to get it opaque. I'm glad I bought this and would purchase it again especially at this price! 

A Few Things From the Japanese Market!

Every time my family and I visit our relatives in Southern California, we always go to Mitsuwa and Marukai in Torrance. I picked up two things that I first saw at Mitsuwa, but bought at Marukai.

Juju Cosmetics Whitening Mist Peach Flavor

I saw this at Mitsuwa while looking around in the cosmetic/skincare section. They had a tester so I sprayed some on my hand. Later on I touched my hand and it was SO soft!!! We went to Marukai after where I bought it for $13.98. Mitsuwa sold it for $13.99. I don't really use facial mists, but I bought this one to use all over my body and for when I feel like I need extra moisture. The mist is very strong, but fine. I put it as far as my arm can go so I don't get showered in it. 

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Methylparaben, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Fragrance, Xanthan Gum, Placental Protein, Sodium Hyaluronate, Prunus Persica (Peach) Leaf Extract

Ugh, I just saw it had Placenta. I hope it's not from a pig!!!

Kracie Purenavi Facial Cleansing Serum Unfoaming

I also saw this at Mitsuwa first. I was looking for a new cleansing oil to try. I wanted to try this one because it is fragrance, paraben, and colorant free. It also does not have mineral oil which I think my skin reacts badly to. I totally forgot if I was looking at the cleansing oil or cleansing serum at Mitsuwa, but when I went to Marukai they only had the cleansing serum. I got it at Marukai for $12.98.

Ingredients: Water, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-20 Glyceryl Isostearate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Alcohol, Glycerin, PEG-45 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Grape (Vitis Vinifera) Seed Oil, Sodium Citrate, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Trisodium Hedta, Lemon (Citrus Medica Limonum) Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract

When I first tried this, it REEKED of alcohol. It didn't help that the first time I tried it was after a night of drinking vodka -__-. The second time I tried it, the alcohol scent wasn't as bad, but it was still there. After, I checked the ingredients and yup alcohol is the fifth ingredient from the top. Other than the alcohol scent, I think it's a good cleansing serum. I use 3 pumps for my face and another for my eyes. I've never tried or used cleansing serums before so I don't know the exact steps, but I apply this with dry hands and a dry face and just rinse off with water. I don't use a cleansing foam after because I feel like this does a good job itself and it doesn't leave any residue behind. After I wash my face with this, it feels clean and bright! I wouldn't purchase this again and I'm afraid to try the cleansing oil in fear of it smelling like alcohol too, but I'll finish this up! 

Mini Face Shop Haul!

Left to right: Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam sample, Lovely ME:EX Angel Skin Makeup Base, & Oil Specialist Brightening Cleansing oil sample

I was looking for a green makeup base to cover the redness on my face. At first I wanted to try the ones Skinfood offers, but the stores in the U.S. don't carry them. I decided to go to The Face Shop since it's nearby. I tried the Radiance Makeup Base on my hand and it was really thick. The sales associate showed me the Lovely ME:EX Angel Skin Makeup Base and it was much more liquid. I got if for $14 and the sales associate gave me two samples. The cleansing foam is the same size as the makeup base!

Lovely ME:EX Angel Skin Makeup Base swatch

Unfortunately the makeup base doesn't cover the redness on my face completely. The redness still shows through even after applying a few layers. I do like how it brightens my cheek area under my eyes (that's where my skin is red). This makeup base turns white, but it's not thick so you can blend it in. I wouldn't purchase this again, but I'll continue to use it.

Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam sample

I've been using this with the cleansing oil sample recently. It's not as thick as the cleansing foam I've been using (Etude House's Happy Tea Time) so it lathers up quickly. It does its job, but I don't like the bar soap smell it has.

Oil Specialist Brightening Cleansing Oil sample

I haven't really used cleansing oils before this except for the Laneige sample I got, but I only tried it once. I tried this out recently when I was traveling. When I first used it, it made my skin feel so soft! I like the floral scent it has. I love how it takes everything off, even my mascara and liquid eyeliner. Even though it's a whole other step, I prefer it to using a cotton pad and makeup remover to remove my eye makeup.

Sadly, I think my skin is reacting badly to it because I got pimples on my forehead and small bumps on my nose within the days of using it. I don't know if it's the mineral oil my skin is reacting to. It makes me sad because I really like this cleansing oil and most other cleansing oils have mineral oil them. I think I'll try this out another time to see if this really breaks me out. 

Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion SPF50+ PA+++ No.31 Brown Beige

Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion SPF50+ PA+++ No.31 Brown Beige

Finally reviewing this BB cushion I got in November! I purchased it on Gmarket for $27.63 (29,900 won). There are other BB cushions out there, but I bought this one because they had a third shade (the other brands only have 2). 

Description:

"New Concept Cushion-type BB: A new-concept cushion-type BB with five active ingredients for Whitening + Sunscreen + Sweat-proof + Soothing + Makeup contained in the cushion to maximize the refreshing and soothing sensation. Every time you touch it, the air pump in the cushion contains air bubbles for thin and skin-friendly makeup. Also, it is provided in two separate containers to preserve the active ingredients and their functionality. The formulas can be used fresh and safely from start to finish."

"Cushiony Soothing Cushion Puff: The special puff designed to feel the refreshing soothing sensation absorbs moisture less than ordinary puff to deliver the refreshing sensation of moisture to the face and stay clean and sanitary. The formulas apply smoothly without irratation and even a small amount can spread to cover a large area."

This product is gimmicky in my opinion, but I wanted to try it out because I loved the dewy look it gave. Even though it's gimmicky with all of it's claims it's easy to use. I find that I apply this faster than a regular BB cream. One gripe is the cushion. It gets dirty easy and it takes a long time to clean. After a week of using it, I felt like I needed to clean the cushion already. I use Daiso's detergent for my makeup brushes and even though it is pretty strong, I had to wash the cushion 2-3 times for it to be completely clean. This can be a problem for germaphobes. Also, the inside of the compact can get pretty dirty/messy. 

I would say that the shade is close to an NC30, maybe even lighter. The shade is very close to Missha's Perfect Cover BB Cream in No.27. It has beige undertones.

Left: without product Right: with product

Sadly this shade doesn't work for me because my face and neck are different shades. When I was first using it I thought it worked out well because it was sheer, but after finding out that it matches Missha No.27 I stopped using it because Missha No.27 is too light for me right now. 

(Gimmicky) Claims:

-Whitening: "contains White Plus Renew ComplexTM...for bright and clear skin"

-Sunscreen

-Sweat-proof: "High molecules strong against sweat and sebum form a network to form an elastic barrier on the surface of makeup to hold makeup and UV screen for a long time. Also, highly elastic cushion powder holds up the makeup barrier that can easily be collapsed by sweat and sebum for long-lasting makeup even with one layer."

-Soothing

-Makeup Effects: "The spherical powder with similar refraction rate as the skin controls oil absorption and light diffusion to prevent excess shine and creates a natural and clean skin tone with medium coverage."

This product does give me that dewy look which is great everywhere else except for my T-zone! After I apply it, my T-zone looks really oily/greasy so I have to apply powder. Unfortunately it doesn't last long. After 4 hours my face gets greasy/oily. I find that my face gets oily faster using this compared to other products. It does feel nice applying it, like a cool sensation. I also appreciate the high SPF. I can skip that step when using this. I also like how it's sheer. I think that it can be built up to medium coverage.

Overall, I wouldn't buy any more refills for this (this already came with an extra one). I feel like this would be great for the summer because it is light, easy, travel friendly, and has high SPF, but I can't use it over the summer because that's when my skin gets darker! The only time I can use it is over the winter when my skin lightens up, but by then I prefer a thicker BB cream/foundation for more moisture.