Reviews and Other Stuff

FASHION & BEAUTY

Loving Right Now

Diorskin Forever Undercover Concealer

 

Hey There! Happy Summer Everybody. Let me just update you on the latest products I’m loving right now. It’s been a while since I posted some of my recent favorite beauty and skincare finds, and I have a bunch of really interesting stuff that a lot of you may find great as well. Some of the products that I’ll be talking about are very holy grail-worthy and might put you in that vacation-ready vibe, after all, Summer is already here, right? So without further ado, check out these roundup of my latest product faves.

 

Herbivore Rose Quartz Illuminating Body Oil review

Herbivore Rose Quartz Illuminating Body Oil

 

Up first is the Herbivore Rose Quartz Illuminating Body Oil (4 oz: ($48). This millennial pink-looking body oil will not only induce you for that long overdue summer vacay, it will really put you in the mood for it. The beauty of this and the overall packaging of this oil is very Instagram-worthy, complete with its silvery smooth shimmer that is so at this moment. Its heavy glass packaging and robust sprayer are perfect for any weekend or week-long getaways. On my skin, the pinkish tinge of the oil disappears and it leaves a nice subtle shimmer that leaves my skin glistening when it gets exposed to the sun. Its glow can be blinding if you put too much but it’s a beautiful blinding and commanding glow. It may kinda feel sticky though since it’s practically a shimmery oil, but that doesn’t bother me much. There’s just one thing though, it’s the smell. It’s has a weird rosy smell, but not like a rose flower type of scent, but more like a rose branch cutting which is way too strong and might be too much for some.

 

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

 

For this summer, I am fan-loving the Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask (3.4 oz: $39) which truly smells invigorating and soothing. I love the look of this mask a lot, it looks yummy and it feels really calming and hydrating on the face. It has this rich consistency along with some cranberry seeds which leaves the skin feeling supple and smooth after rinsing. The cranberry seeds might be quite a challenge to wash off but it never really bothered me since this mask is full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects due to the turmeric extract present in it.

 

Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask review

 

I scored this Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (3.8 oz: $29.50) from the last Sephora VIB Event as a restock because this makeup remover has always been my go-to for removing any kinds of makeup, and it doesn’t have any discerning scent. It’s an original favorite of mine and it always works. I just need to put a little bit of the balm on my face and my makeup melts off easily including some stubborn eye makeup. This is great for sensitive skin and it saves you a ton of cotton pads. Also, it comes in a big tub packaging which lasts a long time.

 

Nest Citrine Eau de Parfum Rollerball

 

Two of my favorite scents this Summer are made by Nest and Chloe. I’ve been eyeing the Nest Citrine Eau de Parfum Rollerball (0.27 oz: $27) for some time, but I was also drawn to the Nest Wisteria Blue, which is still on my wishlist. Eventually, I decided to get the Citrine scent because it has this Summer-fresh sweet citrus fragrance, and I’m a sucker for anything citrusy or orangey. This scent is very irresistible, very beach-ready, and very long lasting. I just love Nest fragrances! On the other hand, the Chloe Nomade Eau de Parfum Travel Spray (0.33 oz: $28) is my signature travel scent of the moment. It is definitely one of the most unique Chloe scents I’ve tried so far and it’s just mind-blowing. It’s a blend of something woodsy, fresh, and warm floral. There is a mix of oakmoss and freesia which makes this scent nostalgia-inducing and quite complicated as well. Sometimes, it reminds me a bit of a fresh version of the YSL Black Opium – a scent invoking a dreamy escape.

 

Diorskin Forever Undercover Concealer in 031 Sand

 

There are two Dior products I’m loving lately, and the first one is the Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin Perfect Skin Cushion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 in 020 Light/Neutral (0.5 oz: $82). It’s a pricey sheer-coverage cushion foundation that’s perfect for oily skin. It’s similar to the Iope Air Cushion which is a K-beauty favorite, but this Dior one seems to last longer on me, especially when compared to some other cushions I’ve tried. This has a really lovely light floral scent and it sets immediately on my skin, leaving a poreless, matte, luminous, and glassy Kpop Idol skin effect. I tend to use this cushion for almost all of my travels as it leaves my skin looking young and fresh all the time. It also seems like there’s a lot of product in its packaging as opposed to most cushion foundations looking like they’d dry up so easily. Another Dior fave lately is the Diorskin Forever Undercover Concealer in 031 Sand: Light to Medium with Warm Yellow Undertone ($34). This concealer works very well to conceal blemishes and other imperfections, but it’s also quite similar to the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in terms of its texture and pigment. So if you already have the Nars concealer, you might as well skip this, unless of course, you’re loyal to Dior, LOL. I like this concealer a lot for everyday use and it doesn’t cake on me. It may not adhere very well on my face compared to the Nars Concealer, but the difference between the two is very subtle. Also, if you compare this Dior Concealer to the Tarte Shape Tape, I think the Tarte one is more pigmented. And, as with most concealers, this Dior Forever Undercover still needs to be set with a setting powder.

 

Gucci Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick in Ardent

 

For this Summer’s glow, I love the Marc Jacobs Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator in Spotlight (0.49 oz: $42). It has the most flattering universal glow that can be buildable, and it’s super easy to use. It looks like a deodorant, LOL, and it feels a bit oily texture-wise yet it’s so easy to blend out for a more natural soft-focus luminosity. Be aware though that its silvery shimmer can also be blinding depending on how much you apply on your skin. Overall, no matter how you want your glow to be, this highlighter will always make you look stunning and radiant-looking.

 

My favorite red lipstick of the moment is the Gucci Audacious Color-Intense Lipstick in Ardent ($39). It has the right kind of red that’s perfect for my skintone this Summer – not too intense and not too bright. It’s usually hard for me to pull off a really bright red lipstick especially during this season, but this kind of red works. It’s the ideal everyday red with medium amounts of shimmer so that it doesn’t look too metallic, and it’s great for that Ombre lip effect as well.

 

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat All-In-One Glow in B30 Cool Almond

 

When it comes to foundations, there are two that I’ve been testing lately, first is the Sunday Riley The Influencer Clean Long Wear Foundation in 170 light-medium with warm beige undertone (1.08 oz: 42). This foundation is meant to have a matte finish and has some skincare benefits. I was torn between the 180 and the 170 shade, but in the end, the 170 seemed to fit me really well because it’s not as golden and not as warm as the 180. I love the texture of this foundation even though it has more of a natural finish on me, instead of being matte. The only thing that I’m kind of disappointed about this is the fact that it seems to emphasize and settle on my pores after a few hours. However, the issue is not that severe though. Another foundation that seems to be better than the Sunday Riley Influencer is the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat All-In-One Glow in B30 Cool Almond (1.01 oz: $48). Though it shares the same type and shape of packaging as the Sunday Riley Influencer, this particular YSL tinted moisturizer is quite the opposite with its subtle dewy finish. It makes for a perfect everyday foundation, and it gives a nice sheer to medium flawless coverage that makes the skin look youthful and soft-looking. I like that it has the added Spf, and though it could melt off during the Summer, it’s the perfect foundation when you’re the type that likes to stay indoors with the AC blasting.

 

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1

 

Last but not the least are the two lip balms that I’ve been loving. The Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 (0.5 oz: $9.50) is probably one of the most popular lip balms ever and it has a lot of fan-based because it simply works. By that, I mean it really repairs dry chapped lips overnight and it keeps lips hydrated for several hours. It is so moisturizing that it feels heavy and really oily on the lips to the point that it may be uncomfortable for some. I suggest using only a little bit of this so that it won’t attract your own hair or any kind of lints. My other favorite lip balm and is one that I just recently discovered and I think it’s slightly better than Kiehl’s – the Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm (0.13 oz: $18). This is probably one of the most lightweight lip balms I’ve ever tried as it feels like nothing on the lips. The packaging is cute with its large tube reminiscent of those Elmer’s Giant Glue Sticks, however, there seems to be not enough product in its packaging considering its price. But the formula of this is superb and it has no annoying scent. You can pretty much wear this all day without looking like you dipped your lips in olive oil. It is very reparative and soothing without the extra weight that most lip balms have.

 

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat All-In-One Glow in B30 Cool Almond swatch

 

Bottom line, there’s a lot of holy grail-potential in these roundup of products. I for one is crazy about the Kiehl’s Turmeric and Cranberry Mask, the Nest Citrine and Chloe Nomade Scents, the YSL Touche Eclat All-One-Glow, as well as the Gucci Audacious Lipstick in Ardent. Of course, the Dior Capture Totale Perfect Cushion is wonderful too, and you gotta try the Drunk Elephant Lippe Balm.

 

 

Chanel Haul

 

chanel poudre universelle libre

 

Why Hello There! I’ve got some Chanel goodies to review today including one of the new shades of the Le Vernis, and of course, a really beautiful bronzer. I actually had to restock some of my favorite Chanel products like their eyeliners, but I couldn’t resist checking out what’s new in their beauty department.

chanel stylo yeux waterproof espresso

chanel stylo yeux waterpoof espresso swatch

 

First off, I repurchased the Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner ($33). I’ve been using the Pomme de Pin shade which is a very dark black blue tone but it seems like that shade has been long out of stock, so I decided to try and swatch some other colors in-store. I settled on the Espresso color which is the darkest matte brown shade available, and I would have also settled on the Ebene shade had I not known that there’s a more intense pure matte black color available, the Noir Intense. The reason behind why I picked the Espresso color is that I wanted something that is more for an everyday wear or daywear eyeliner that doesn’t look too sharp, is quite natural and doesn’t have any shimmery effect. And the Noir Intense color is the perfect classic black eyeliner.

 

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre

 

Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre 30 naturel

 

Next up is the Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre ($52) in 30 Naturel. This is basically Chanel’s Universal Natural Finish Loose Powder that is very versatile for any makeup or skincare situation. I purchased this as a replacement for my previous Chanel Loose Powder in 40 Dorรฉ which I gave to my sister because it had gone too dark for me. The 30 Naturel shade is the perfect shade for me right now and I am in love with this loose powder so much so because it comes in this hefty tub with a huge puff that’s so easy and practical to use. I just tap it on the powder and dab some on my face in order to control shine or set my foundation for the day, and it doesn’t leave a white cast. The powder is very soft and smooth and it’s pretty much time-saving to use.

Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour Chicness review

 

A Chanel haul won’t be complete without checking out what’s new in Chanel Beauty. With the Chanel Cruise Collection 2018 being released, there’s a lot to see, starting with the new shades of the Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour. There was one shade that really drew me, it’s called Chicness ($28) and it’s sort of a nude purple pastel shade. It’s so pretty and it’s really chic. Wear time is great because I have the color on my nails for more than a week now and it’s still looking great, no chipping so far. Also, this shade really complements my skintone.

 

Les Beiges Healthy Glow Luminous Multi-Colour Powder medium

 

Les Beiges Healthy Glow Luminous Multi-Colour Powder swatch

 

This year’s Les Beiges Collection comes with the limited edition multicolor bronzers which are a sight to behold – the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Luminous Multi-Colour Powder ($58). Each glow bronzer has a stripe of six shades and if I’m not mistaken, there are one or two shades that look very similar to each other. Nevertheless, it’s so beautiful and so summer-ready. I purchased the Medium which really suits my skin tone very well and its effect is quite subtle but it gives my face a nice natural warm glow and definition. It pulls off as lightly peachy on me which reminds me of the Guerlain Terracotta Light Bronzers (reviewed and swatched HERE). It’s definitely slightly more pigmented than the La Mer Bronzing Powder (HERE), but it’s not as super pigmented as the Becca Sunlit Gradients (seen HERE). Texture-wise, this Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzer feels very soft smooth and velvety, and it applies nicely to the face. It has a light floral scent and it comes with a round brush applicator.

 

Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof

 

Bottom line, I love this haul! the Stylo Waterproof Eyeliners are the best and are very reliable as they perform in any weather and in any activity, and they also don’t budge. They don’t irritate the eyes and they come in several beautiful colors. The loose powder is fast, practical and easy to use. It’s one of my most favorite loose powders of all time simply because it’s very versatile. And who doesn’t love the Chanel Le Vernis? They last a long time and the Chicness color is just pretty. Plus of course, the limited-edition Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Powder will have your heart skipping a beat.

 

Have you tried these beauties already?

 

 

Tom Ford Ultra-Shine Lip Color & The Girls (Boys & Girls) Lip Color Review + Swatches

tom ford ultra-shine lip color nubile, luscious, exuberant

Hello Tom Ford Fanatics! Obviously, we have another Tom Ford products to review today, and it’s all about the latest Tom Ford Soleil Summer 2018 Ultra-Shine Lip Colors ($54) plus some shades of the Boys & Girls Lipsticks, specifically The Girls (36).

tom ford ultra shine lip color review

The Tom Ford Ultra-Shine Lip Colors are new for this Summer. They’re meant to be a combination of a lipstick, a lip balm, and a lipgloss. Super ambitious eh? Yezz queen. These lipsticks aim to have the pigment and application of a lipstick, the comfort and creaminess of a lip balm, and the shine of a lip gloss. They’re housed in a beautiful white with gold-accent packaging, and they have a very subtle choco-milkshake scent (must be just me). They look very sleek and very luxurious, and the colors seem to be all beautiful and very wearable. Here are three of my favorite shades.

 

Exuberant – A slightly neon-ish pink coral that is great as a pop of color for this Summer.

Nubile – A warm nude brownish taupe. It’s a perfect everyday nude color for light to medium skin tone. Very dupeable though, it kinda reminds me of the MAC Matte lipstick in Taupeย (swatched HERE)

Luscious – A rose mauve or light plum. It’s a beautiful lip color if you have pigmented lips that have a mauve-ish undertone. It suits well for me because it has this “my lips but better” look, which is a shade or two darker than my lips’ natural color. Overall, this is my most favorite shade from this TF lipstick line and a total holy grail-worthy.

 

tom ford boys and girls the girls isla, marisa, katherine, valentina, zoe

 

To sum it up, the Tom Ford Ultra-Shine Lip Colors indeed have a high shine finish, but they’re not super-blinding or vinyl-like. They feel really light on the lips as if you have nothing on, like a very comforting ultra-lightweight lip balm. They have awesome pigments too that give the lip a good coverage after one or two swipes. They’re expensive, true, but they’re totally worth it. For me, they’ve got to be some of the best lipsticks I’ve ever tried formula-wise and color-wise. Wear time for me depends on what I do. There is color transfer on the cup or glass after drinking but it still stays on for 3 to 4 hours. If after eating, most of the color disappears but it leaves a nice stain on the lips. Without eating or drinking, it goes on for hours and hours.

tom ford boys and girls (the girls) lipsticks review

The Girls Lipsticks from the Boys & Girls Lip Colors are clutch-sized and are very similar to the Tom Ford Lips and Boys (reviewed HERE) released a few years ago. When these “Girls” lipsticks were released, I decided to skip on them since I already have “The Boys” shade and I assumed that the formula would still be pretty much the same. So yeah, I’m pretty much late to talk about these lipsticks and I wouldn’t have that is until a friend of mine wore one of Tom Ford’s The Girls lip color while we were on a dinner one time and I noticed her lip color was still on even after eating. I immediately asked her what kind of lipstick she wore, and she said: “Tom Ford” with something about a feminine name. So my interest in this particular lipstick grew and I decided to purchase a few shades that I like. There are two finishes for The Girls Lip Color: Sheer and Ultra-RIch. The ones I purchased have the Ultra-Rich finish.

 

Isla – Bright Peachy Coral.

Katherine – Nude Pinky Beige.

Marisa – Light Barbie-Pink.

Valentina – Shimmery Plum.

Zoe – Muted Peachy Coral-Pink. Similar to the Isla shade but a bit toned-down. Although on my lips, they both look very similar.

 

tom ford boys and girls (the girls) swatches

 

tom ford boys and girls, the girls lipsticks

 

I find The Girls lipsticks to be much better than The Boys in terms of color-longevity. After eating, the color tends to disappear at the center of my lips but I noticed that there are still some shades remaining on the outer part. With minimal eating or drinking, I get about 4-5 hours of wear and my lips never peel nor dried. I love the clutch-size because it’s very easy to toss inside my purse and it fits great for traveling. Overall, these lipsticks are pricey, but worth having a few.

 

 

Have you tried these lipsticks already?

tom ford ultra-shine lip color review

The Tom Ford Ultra-Shine Lip Color and The Girls (Boys & Girls) Lipsticks are currently available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue,ย Harrods, Bloomingdales,ย Net-A-Porter, and Bergdorf Goodman