Reviews and Other Stuff

Tatcha

Current Beauty Favorites

favorite makeup products for fall winter season

 

Hello guys! I am back from a holiday break. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and let’s look forward to more holidays and festivities this season. Speaking of gatherings and feasts, I have compiled a few beauty items I’ve been loving lately. These are the ones I’ve been using pretty much a lot since the beginning of Fall and I will probably be reaching out for these even more throughout the Winter season.

 

Apart from loving my all-black ensemble this cold and gloomy weather, I have this thing of liking beauty products that emphasize a luminous flawless skin with a wide-eyed look and a gorgeous pout. In other words, it’s all about the “glow” for me this season. So, without further ado, here are the beauty items I’m loving lately.

 

foundation for glowy skin

 

Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation in Honey (1 oz: $48) – This is my favorite go-to dewy foundation of all time, and I know I can rely on this if I want to pull-off that youthful lit-from-within lewk. I just love how flawless and seamless my skin looks with this and my pores look invisible, smooth and gloriously glowy.

 

 

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil (3.4 oz: $100) – My favorite shimmery body oil with a nice luxurious scent. I’m down to my second bottle of this since last summer and I still enjoy the beautiful shimmers that this gives to my skin. It’s pricey but it’s so worth it, and I’m still dying to try that Rose Gold version. See my other favorite body oils HERE.

 

Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous Foundation in Honey

 

Tatcha The Pearl Tinted Eye Illuminating Treatment in Softlight (0.4 oz: $48) – Still one of my favorite products for my undereyes. It’s like a skincare treatment/moisturizer that brightens and hydrates my thin undereye area and this also works as a creamy concealer and it doesn’t fade. More Tatcha faves reviewed HERE.

 

 

Glossier Haloscope in Quartz (0.19 oz: $22) – This gives a subtle lit-from-within glow and it goes on creamy and you can use your finger to dab and apply this on the high points of the face.

 

Glossier Haloscope in Quartz swatch review

 

Glossier Boy Brow in Brown (0.11 oz: $16) – Perfect when you’re in a hurry and don’t have the time to perfectly shape your brows. I love how this gives me that lived-in full natural brow look and the brush applicator is precise enough even if you don’t have a lot of brows to fill with. You can buy the Glossier Haloscope above and this Boy Brow together at glossier.com and save $8.

 

Glossier Boy Brow in Brown review swatch

 

Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Vivid Smoky Quartz (0.153 oz: $24) – This goes on fluid and easy to blend without needing to apply much and this sets well. I love this for a quick eyeshadow application and you can blend this using your finger. The Vivid Smoky Quartz shade is a perfect base eyeshadow that isn’t too glittery. Also, you can add some shimmers on top of it for a glam look, then you’re good to go.

 

Benefit Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara in Black

 

Benefit Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara in Black (0.30 oz: $25) – This isn’t much volumizing but this mascara lifts and curls so well that it helps to give me that wide-eyed fully awake, alert and oriented X3 look, lol. The brush applicator is curved and it helps to reach out every single eyelash strand that needs lifting and curling. More on my favorite mascaras of all time HERE.

 

Benefit Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara in Black review

 

Marc Jacobs O!Mega Bronzer Coconut Perfect Tan 104 Tan-Tastic (0.08 oz: $49) – This my go-to bronzer of the moment and this goes on matte. I love the amazing coconut scent of this and it’s pretty much easy to blend and easy to layer. Also, this stays on my skin keeping it looking contoured and defined for hours.

 

Marc Jacobs O!Mega Bronzer Coconut Perfect Tan 104 Tan-Tastic

 

 

Benefit Dandelion Box oโ€™ Powder Blush (0.25 oz: $30, mini $16) – I like how subtle this blush is and it sort of complements the kind of flush you tend to get this cold season. This is definitely one of the most natural-looking blushes I’ve ever tried and a great staple for that everyday makeup look.

 

Benefit Dandelion Box oโ€™ Powder Blush

 

 

Giorgio Armani Neo Nude Fusion Powder in #4 (0.12 oz: $58) – I am crazy in love with this glowy finishing powder and this definitely is now part of my holy grail beauties. This has very fine micro shimmers that set the foundation and adds an extra glow, thus making the face appear luminous, healthy, youthful and not flat. It even works perfectly in combination with matte foundations so it won’t look too harsh or too dry.

 

Benefit Dandelion Box oโ€™ Powder Blush swatch

 

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Macro-Color Eyeshadow in #2 (0.06 oz: $32) – This is a waterproof eyeshadow that doesn’t smudge or budge even if you cry a river, lol, and it’s pretty much reliable in any occasion. I picked the shade #2 which is a dark navy color and it has a matte finish that is not only perfect to contour the lids, it’s also great for the waterline.

 

Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum

 

Byredo Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum (1.7 oz: $165, 3.4 oz: $$250) – This has such a unique and complex scent that is as mysterious and intriguing as its name. There’s nothing quite like this fragrance and people often ask me what this is. It’s hard to describe this with its blend of sandalwood, musk, amber, naseberry and something else. It’s a complicated, mysterious, elegant and super long-lasting scent that is totally distinct.

 

Viktor&Rolf Magic Liquid Diamonds Eau de Parfum (travel size 0.30: $30, 2.5 oz: $190) – Still loving this scent and I still couldn’t get enough of this. I just love how femininely elegant and beautiful this scent is and it totally can lift any woman’s mood and spirit. This is the complete definition of feminine, luxury, clean, and elegance combined in one magical beautiful bottle. Reviewed further HERE.

 

 

Have you tried any of these favorites already? What the beauty products you’ve been loving lately?

 

 

 

Favorite Face Wash & Cleansers

best face cleansers

 

One of my favorite part in my skincare regimen is washing my face. There’s just something exciting and relieving of finally cleaning my face and getting rid of the day’s makeup, dirt, and excess oil. A clean face makes the skin breathe and be ready for nourishment. When it comes to cleansing my face, I tend to be very picky about the products I choose. I mostly do double-cleansing to get rid of my makeup, and that means using a cleansing oil or sometimes a cleansing wipe at first, then I would proceed to use either cream or gel facial cleansers, depending on my skin condition at that time or sometimes depending on my mood. LOL. Facial cleansers are so important for me because they’re basically one of the first steps to start the skin care routine and I like my facial cleansers to either jumpstart my day or calm me down at night. With that being said, I like some good well-scented facial washes that can awaken the senses or calm the nerves, the type that won’t make me get so bored after using them several times. I usually gravitate towards the citrusy or orange-scented ones, since they’re invigorating, or the ones with mild lavender or rose scents for the calming effect. I use the facial cleansers reviewed on this blog on a case to case basis. There are days when I reach out for mild cleansers, and there are also those days when I reach out for stronger more therapeutic ones. These are my favorite facial cleansers of all time.

 

murad essential-c cleanser

Murad Essential-C Cleanser (6.5 oz: $39) – One of the first cleansers I fell in love with. This has antioxidants with vitamins A, C, and E. It has a nice fresh citrus-orange scent that will capture the senses and it also has little exfoliating beads. This cleanser is great for all skin types, and also does well with acne-prone skin or stressed skin and it doesn’t leave it dry. This cleanses thoroughly, takes out excess oil, and it leaves the skin soft.

 

SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser

 

Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser (Mini 2.54 oz: $14, Standard 5.07 oz: $26) – This cleanser smells milky and has a creamy and luxurious feel. The scent is divine and it’s kinda relaxing. The texture is soft yet it lathers very well, so no need to use a lot. This is a great facial wash for any skin type and it’s mild enough for those with very sensitive skin. I love how this cleanser truly cleanses my face and it has a nice softening effect. Thumbs up to Korres for creating this.

 

Origins GinZing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser (5 oz: $20.50) – LOVE this so much. This is one of the most invigorating facial washes I’ve ever tried. The true orange scent of this will definitely wake you up and this has nice soft scrubbing beads that are gentle enough for daily exfoliation. This cleanser is perfect for anyone with oily skin since it has a gel-like consistency and it doesn’t dry the skin. This could also work for those with sensitive skin to use a few times a week. This is one of my holy grail face cleansers and this leaves my skin squeaky clean. If you haven’t tried this particular cleanser yet, oh well, I think that you really should.

 

origins ginzing refreshing scrub cleanser

 

SK-II Facial Treatment Cleanser (3.6 oz: $75) – This gotta be the priciest face cleanser I’ve ever tried and I like its soothing rose scent that calms me down at night. Like with most SK-II products, this particular cleanser has Pitera – a signature SK-II ingredient that is rich in amino acids and other minerals. This cleanser feels really mild and it has a very soft creamy texture which foams well and I usually use this on good skin days.

 

Olehenriksen The Clean Truth Foaming Cleanser (1.7 oz: $10, 7 oz: $30) – One of the easiest face washes to use, thanks to its really practical packaging. This cleanser is probably the one I tend to reach out for when I’m in a hurry since this dispenses a nice foam that’s ready to use for the face. I love the refreshing citrusy scent of this, and the ingredients are brightening yet mild, also, this really cleanses the face thoroughly, and it removes excess oil and dirt like a charm. A little foam goes a long way and that means this cleanser can last a long time. Love this a lot.

 

olehenriksen the clean truth foaming cleanser review

 

Dermadoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Medicated AHA/BHA Acne Cleanser (7.1 oz: $30) – This is my fave cleanser for bad skin days. That is, whenever I have any breakouts that need care. This has Glycolic and Salicylic acids which are beneficial for acne-prone skin, and this cleanser can also be added for any acne skin care regimen. With that being said, this cleanser can reduce excess oil, and it helps to control zits. I like that this feels creamy and it’s one of those acne cleansers that my skin can tolerate since this isn’t so drying and this is soap-free, oil-free, and fragrance-free.

 

Face Reality Ultra Gentle Cleanser

 

Face Reality Ultra Gentle Cleanser (6 oz: $21) – This cleanser was recommended by my Aesthetician. This has a nice soothing lavender scent and has a gel formulation that’s meant for oily-prone or oily skin type. This is a great very mild cleanser to use when you’re on an acne treatment regimen, or when going through an extreme breakout that requires a super gentle cleanser that won’t harm or hurt the skin.

 

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed (4.4 oz: $26) – This cleanser is just really good. It smells like clean cotton and it’s really invigorating. The texture is so creamy and it foams so well with only a little bit of product. It cleanses so thoroughly, taking off excess oil while softening and calming the skin. This is a really great cleanser for all skin types and the one I also highly recommend. Another amazing cleanser from Clarins and also a personal fave of mine is the One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract, which has a nice exfoliating capability. Reviewed HERE. I believe Clarins makes some of the best facial cleansers that are worth looking into.

 

Tatcha The Deep Cleanse (5 oz: $38) – Another Tatcha holy grail. I love the scent and overall texture of this cleanser. It has a gentle refreshing scent with a lightweight gel form. It’s mild on the skin yet it cleanses well, which makes it ideal for any skin type, be it for sensitive skin. It’s also lightly exfoliating with loofah fruit fibers, which takes off excess oil and dirt. This cleanser has the clean seal of Sephora, so it’s perfect for daily use without worries. The packaging needs improvement though since it’s kind of hard to control the amount of product that comes out of its squeezable bottle.

 

tatcha the deep cleanse review

 

Bottom line, cleansing the face is a necessary step in every skincare regimen. Regardless of what type of facial cleansers to use, the important thing is to let the skin breathe and be free of excess oil and germs.

 

Stay tuned for more skincare favorites

 

L.O.V.E

L.

 

Glossier Cloud Paint & Balm Dotcom Review And Swatches

glossier balm dotcom and cloud paint review

 

It’s been a while since I reviewed some Glossier products. The last time I talked about them was when I was just getting to know their stuff. You can check out that review HERE. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with Glossier. I always reach out for their products whenever I feel like I wanted something light, easy, and natural to use. Even during this Summer, I always have a glossier product in my purse, and lately, I’ve been loving their Cloud Paints (0.33 oz: $18) for that sheer and breezy pop of color on the cheeks, as well as their Balm Dotcoms (0.5 oz: $12) for that multipurpose lip and skin moisturization.

 

Over time, I’ve collected a few more shades of the Glossier Balm Dotcoms as well as the Cloud Paints. What I love about the Balm Dotcoms are their versatility. I could either use them as a lip balm or as a skin cream and boy, do they smell so good. Each tube is pretty much a sensory experience. You can definitely smell the true scents of cherry, birthday cake, mint, etc. among other things. Try using these balms at night, and you will feel like you’re being transported somewhere dreamy, delicious, and nice. LOL. For me, these Balm Dotcoms are probably one of the best lip balms I’ve ever tried since they not only have that nice flavoring, they’re also very soothing and hydrating on the lips. The formula is perfect for restoring dry chapped lips to a hydrated one overnight. They also aide in softly removing dead skin cells as well as retaining the skin’s moisture. The consistency is very creamy, dense yet feels lightweight, and non-sticky. There are several flavors/shades to choose from, ranging from untinted to a sheer tint. The packaging is also cute and pretty much easy to carry everywhere.

glossier balm dotcom in mint, cherry, birthday and rose

 

Rose – smells like a true rose with a subtle pink tint

Cherry – strong bubblegum cherry with a sheer reddish tint

Birthday – delicious birthday cake with very subtle shimmer and slightly exfoliating (sugar bits). No tint.

Mint – true peppermint scent that feels cooling. No tint.

 

As for the Cloud Paints, they’re pretty much foolproof to use, and you can never apply too much since they’re easy to correct. They’re not the type of liquid blushes that are super staining. Instead, their pigments are sheer but buildable, kinda like being lit from within, or having that natural flush. There are several shades to suit everyone’s skin tone, plus there are two new shades that have been added recently to this Glossier liquid blush lineup – the Dawn and Storm shades, which I haven’t tried yet, but I will pretty soon. The formula is not very liquid, but more of a very lightweight creamy gel. It’s very easy to spread and blend around the cheeks and you can pretty much build its intensity. I didn’t notice any scent and it’s perfect to wear if you have oily skin. The overall effect of these liquid blushes is very natural.

glossier cloud paint review

 

Beam – soft peach

Haze – deep berry

Dusk – brownish nude

 

glossier cloud paint haze, dusk, beam, and balm dotcom mint, rose, cherry, birthday swatches

 

Overall, I am deeply in love with these Glossier Cloud Paints and Balm Dotcoms. As someone with an oily skin type and with a tendency to have dry lips, these products are heaven-sent. I love that they’re affordable, that they come in several colors and the fact that their packaging is SO cute. Also, if you buy Glossier’s products, you’ll get a free pink bubble pouch which is perfect for traveling or for just storing and organizing your favorite makeup and skincare.

 

Are you into the gloss?

 

These Glossier Balm Dotcoms and Cloud Paints are currently available at http://www.glossier.com

glossier cloud paint review