Reviews and Other Stuff

Month: April 2017

GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment Mask Review

GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment Mask

 

Whaddup Everyone! I have been living on Glamglow Supermud Mask samples for a few weeks and I finally bought the largest size in 1.07 oz for $69. Itโ€™s a pricey mud mask yeah, but it works wonders to my skin. With 4 star reviews in Sephora, this mask is definitely worth a try and to keep in your vanity.

I first got a sample of this mask from my monthly Sephora Play! box subscription and immediately tried it on my face. It has a strong eucalyptus and charcoal scent that may be too much at first, but youโ€™ll get used to it after a few seconds. It doesnโ€™t really smell like mud or most mud masks though, Iโ€™d say, the Glamglow Supermud smells much fresher and much better than that. I actually kinda like the smell, itโ€™s invigorating and relaxing, a bit like those pain-relief gels or creams. But what I like most about this mask is that it helps to suck in excess oil from my skin and it definitely goes deep down into my pores to help control my whiteheads and blackheads. Iโ€™ve never seen a mask like this before.

 

GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment

 

The mask coats into the skin and dries within seconds. Only a thin layer of it will do the job, and as it dries, youโ€™d feel your face tightening like youโ€™re turning into a stone hehehe, like most masks. And yet this particular mask feels tighter on the face than the others. It makes you feel like you have botox all over your face and you canโ€™t move it nor speak. Oh I love the feeling, itโ€™s like youโ€™re trying to talk but your entire face feels paralyzed, and then you struggle to pronounce the words, hmm, thereโ€™s just something funny and challenging about that, I donโ€™t know why, but perhaps Iโ€™m just crazy. When the mask dries, you could see that your face transformed into a world map full of small and large pores, it looks scary and slightly gross. For those with Trypophobia, goodluck staring at your face while on Glamglow Supermud, LOL!

 

GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment Mask Review

 

You can let the mask stay on for 5-20 minutes and then rinse it off. Actually, when I first tried this mask, I was kinda disappointed because my skin broke out the next day. So I stopped it for a while and tried it again later on. Since trying it for the second time, my skin never had any issue with it. You might feel a tingling sensation the longer the mask sits on your face. The magic happens right after washing off the mud, and in my personal experience, I noticed that my face looked thoroughly cleaned even down to the smallest of pores. My blackheads and whiteheads disappeared like they were just a nightmare, and my pores looked tighter. In fact, my entire face looks brighter, as if a shadow was casted out and I became one shade lighter or something. The oil and shine were obliterated and it even took out my acne scars and some other blemishes. All of it happened after every use of the Glamglow mask. I love how my skin felt soft and renewed afterwards, even after applying my serum and moisturizer.

 

GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment Mask

 

I think Glamglow Supermud truly works specially if you have oily or combo skin with some problems like blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads, etc. however, the price of $69 for 1.07 oz jar is a bit too much, but it works, and if youโ€™re on a budget, this mask also comes in 0.5 oz for $22. One thing I noticed is that some of the masks tend to dry up with time even while in the jar, so might as well seal the cap tightly after every use. With AHA and BHA acid plus Activated-X Charcoal, there is a lot to love in this pricey but very effective mask.ย 

P.S. Can’t wait to try other Glamglow masks soon. I have my eyes set on the Flashmud and Powermud.

 

Whatโ€™s your favorite mask of all time?

 

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Samples of The Week: Clinique, OleHenriksen, AmorePacific, Smashbox & Tarte

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water,Amorepacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel Oil-Free,OleHenriksen Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator,Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Marine Boosting Mist

 

Hiya Everybody! Letโ€™s talk about some samples today. I know we all love samples and you must have some in your stash right now. Donโ€™t cha just love them? Itโ€™s so nice to try something in a miniature size before finally pulling the trigger to purchase the real deal. Most makeups or beauty products nowadays can cost quite a lot, and itโ€™s really better to try them first to see if theyโ€™re worth the dollah. Speaking of samples, today, I have a few samples to share with you since I really like them a lot and had been testing them recently. These are the samples I usually obtain from Sephora Rewards Bazaar, or from other stores that gave free samples as part of your purchase.

 

Letโ€™s take a look:

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight,Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water,Amorepacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel Oil-Free,OleHenriksen Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator,Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Marine Boosting Mist

 

  1. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water โ€“ A makeup primer spray and a makeup setting spray at the same time. What an interesting blend this hybrid spray does. Itโ€™s devoid of any scent and doesnโ€™t seem to cause any allergies or break out. At least my skin did not. I tried this as a primer, but it didnโ€™t seem to work very well. In fact, I didnโ€™t notice anything at all. It was as if I didnโ€™t use any primer on my face. I found myself still using the original Smashbox Primer to prep my face prior to my foundation. As a setting spray, I thought this was just ok. Didnโ€™t see much difference. However, as an everyday spray to hydrate and refresh the face, I find that this particular product works really well. Itโ€™s also great for oily skin because itโ€™s non-sticky, lightweight and makes your face look slightly dewy. Comes in two sizes: 1 oz for $16 and 3.9 oz for $32.

 

  1. Amorepacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel Oil-Free โ€“ A lightweight gel moisturizer that smells like a light floral perfume. I love how it gets absorbed by my skin so easily and my face felt supple after using it. It seems to keep my skin moisturize even after several hours and had calmed down some redness around my cheeks. I even love how cute and practical the container is, because it has a tiny mirror on top, ideal for quick touchups. The only downside is the price. The regular 1.7 oz size costs $100.

Amorepacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel Oil-Free Review

 

  1. Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight โ€“ Got this from Sephora rewards bazaar. I was surprised by the size of this sample. I thought it looked more like a full size product because the tube is thick and quite large, but much to my surprise, thereโ€™s really not much product in it. Anyway, Iโ€™m impressed with this highlighter. First, itโ€™s so easy to use. Just swipe and blend, then youโ€™re set. Second, I love the soft pearl shade because it doesnโ€™t look over the top. Third, the creamy formulation is so easy to work around the face. So far, thereโ€™s only one shade and one size of this particular highlighter. I would love to see more colors in the future because I really like this product. Itโ€™s $23 for 0.21 oz.

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight Swatch

 

  1. OleHenriksen Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator โ€“ A heaven-sent menthol-scented moisturizer thatโ€™s perfect for anybody with an oily skin or prone to it, like yours truly. Itโ€™s also good for any skin type and it really works very well to control the oil. In fact, it keeps my skin mattified for 6-8 hours. I love this already, I swear. Itโ€™s also very lightweight and feels very refreshing. Love the eucalyptus coolness on my face whenever I put this on. Also, this doesnโ€™t dry my skin, but just well-balanced and prevents my makeup from melting. Comes in 1.7 oz for $34.

 

  1. Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Marine Boosting Mist โ€“ I may have discovered another great face mist. Yep, itโ€™s this one. It was love at first spray, though the spray seems to deliver large mists, but I am so in love with the scent of this product. Itโ€™s so irresistible, like a fresh tangerine or citrus. It smells just like Tarte Drink of H20 Hydrating Boost Moisturizer which I also like a lot. This mist is very hydrating and very refreshing. I can see myself using this for the winter and also this coming summer. 2-3 sprays give a long lasting effect and my face looks refreshed and glowy. It can also be used as a primer and a setting spray. I just love how versatile this mist is, plus itโ€™s vegan. Available in 2 sizes; 1.01 oz for $12 and 2.5 oz for $25.

 

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water,Amorepacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel Oil-Free,Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight,OleHenriksen Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator,Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Marine Boosting Mist

 

Verdict: I love all these samples that Iโ€™ve tried, though I might skip on the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water. I will definitely purchase the Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight, OleHenriksen Counter Balance Oil Control Hydrator, and Tarte Rainforest of The Sea Marine Boosting Mist in full sizes.

 

Have you tried any of these samples yet?

 

T.G.I.F

 

Follow on Instagram: @reviewsandotherstuff

 

 

NARS Audacious Lipstick Review

Hola Everyone! If youโ€™re looking for a new lipstick to try, hereโ€™s a few from Nars Cosmetics that I discovered lately. Well, actually, it all started with Emma Stoneโ€™s lip color at the Oscars. I love the La La Land film and Iโ€™ve been a fan of Emma ever since Easy A and Zombieland. So of course, when I saw her makeup at the Academy, I thought she looked really good on it, not to mention her beautiful vintage-inspired dress. But what struck me the most was the shade of her lipstick. I donโ€™t know why, but whenever I meet people, I always tend to look at their makeup, and Iโ€™m always fascinated by the color of their lipsticks. The same thing is true when I saw Emma Stoneโ€™s lipstick on TV. And obviously, I searched online and discovered that she was wearing the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Mona shade.

 

NARS Audacious Lipstick review

 

Iโ€™ve had a couple of Nars Lipsticks in the past and I really love them. I think I may have had the satin finishes like; Niagara, Roman Holiday and Dolce Vita. They were relatively easy to wear, non-drying and quite long lasting. Iโ€™ve also tried the Nars Velvet Lip Glide (reviewed HERE), the Nars Lip Gloss, and the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, but Iโ€™ve never tried the Nars Audacious Lipsticks before. So, off I went to Sephora and decided on 4 shades that I really love, and one of them is Mona of course.

 

NARS Audacious Lipstick

 

NARS Audacious Lipstick

 

  • Jane โ€“ Terracotta Rose. A true blend of orange and brown, just like the terracotta stoneware. Itโ€™s a very versatile shade that adapts to the lighting and skin tone and can be worn day or night. Though the color tends to be on the muted and warm side, this shade is very unique and versatile enough for everyone.
  • Anita โ€“ Antique Rose. A muted light mauve-pink that is just simply pretty. Itโ€™s so great as an ideal everyday lipstick and it works really well for light to medium skin tone. Could even be the best pink-nude shade if your skin tone is on the warm side. This shade gives the right amount of flush on my lipโ€™s natural color.
  • Barbara โ€“ Tan Rose. I really love this shade when I swatched it in Sephora, but when I started wearing it, it just seems a bit too nude for me, like a little washed-out or a little โ€œwalking deadโ€, LOL, jokes. I think this would look really great for lighter skin tones, but if your skin tone is on the warm side, might as well try another shade. This shade is the kind of shade I would reach for when I want to rock a heavy drama eye makeup, or for a casual yet edgy chic look.
  • Mona โ€“ Mahogany. Absolutely the best shade among the Nars Audacious Lipsticks in my opinion. No wonder itโ€™s still sold out in Sephora. Itโ€™s vampy but different. The blend of red, brown and berry makes this shade very interesting and very versatile. It works on all skin tones, just like the way it looks really good on Emma Stone. It also looks good on my medium skin tone and my friend who has a darker tone than mine looks really good on it as well. I love dark shades of lipsticks, and most that I have are either red-browns or red-berries, but itโ€™s rare to find one that seems to have it all, like Mona. So smile like Mona, from now on. Ohs?

 

NARS Audacious Lipstick lip swatches

 

The Nars Audacious Lipsticks are all satin finishes and they are audaciously pigmented. The colors last about 6 hours on me, give or take, and there are no discerning scents. Just a standard lipstick scent that smells slightly waxy and nothing else. Itโ€™s buttery smooth upon application and is non-drying throughout. This Allure Best of Beauty winner lipstick also feels weightless and comes in bold array of colors. Each costing $34 for 0.14 oz tube.

 

Happy Thursday Everybody!

 

X.O.X.O

 

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