Maybelline Spring Blossoms 2011 Collection - Pure Mineral Two-Way Cake Foundation

Since its launch last year, I have been contemplating whether I should get this foundation or not. I bought the BB cream version of the Maybelline Pure Mineral range (but wasn't too impressed), and kind of wanted to try the powder version of the foundation.

Spring Blossoms 2011 Collection, SGD19.90

So when I spotted this set at Watsons, I was like "Wow!" for these reasons:

1. This comes with a limited edition casing.

2. It's only $19.90 refill + casing. Usual price: $27.90 (refill - $19.90, casing $8) I am just paying for the refill!

3. I have always wanted to try the foundation.

Then I thought, WHAT AM I WAITING FOR?

Limited Edition Collectible Case & Pure Mineral Two-Way Foundation

OC 1

I am a M.A.C NC-20, and the color OC1 matches my skin tone perfectly. Very natural. Not too fair at all.

The powder is very smooth and very fine. Coverage I consider light to medium light. Being very used to using higher coverage type of foundations like the SK-II Cellumination Cream Foundation, I would only use this as a setting powder/ powder for touch ups. Yes -- it's that light! As you can see from the photo above, the color OC1 blends entirely well with my skin tone -- I can't see the foundation at all!

Positive points of this foundation:

1. Breathable coverage: lightweight micro-minerals gives a smooth finish that doesn't clog pores

2. More hydrated skin: helps refine fine lines!

3. Suitable for sensitive skin: contains no preservatives, fragrance or oils.

4. Mineral foundation at an affordable price!

Not-so-good points of this foundation:

1. Light coverage

2. Average oil control

I might not repurchase this foundation, as I find the oil control ability average. My normal La Mer loose powder seems better. The coverage is also also too light. Since this is a foundation, I expect it to cover.

Belle Madame All in One Blender Sponge

Belle Madame All in One Blender Sponge, HKD36

I must admit that it was the packaging of this that drew me to picking it up from Sasa in Hong Kong last year. I didn't open it up to use till recently.

As the name of the sponge suggests, this is a all-in-one make up sponge, so, technically, I only need this to apply my foundation, concealer, loose powder, highlights, eyeshadow and blusher.

The sharper end is for applying concealer, eyeshadow, foundation (to certain areas of face) and highlights. It is more for applying cream eyeshadow than powder shadow. Thanks to the sharper tip, it is easier to apply foundation to sides of nose and under eye areas. I use the sides of the sponge to pat on loose powder to set my foundation.

The round and fatter part of the sponge is for overall foundation application. I also use this side of the sponge to apply cream blusher.

Instructions for those who can read Traditional Chinese

I use this sponge mainly to apply cream/ liquid foundation. I think I am not very used to using it yet, because it is relatively smaller than the normal drugstore foundation sponges I use. Therefore, it takes me a longer time to finish applying my foundation. I get a little impatient to be honest. I haven't tried applying eyeshadow with it, and doubt that I would, as the sponge would block my view from my eye when I use it, due to its size; so my finger would probably be better... However, I do like applying my Shu Uemura blush tint with it, rather than using my hands/ blush/ normal sponge. I use light patting motions, and I think the color blends much better -- no more patches of red and pink!

The sponge is made of very good, 'Q' and spongey material, which I think can be washed and used many times more than the normal sponges. Saves money! This is a plus point. Another plus point is that the sponge is not as absorbent as normal sponges, which means that it will not absorb as much foundation! Saves foundation!!

I have mixed feelings about this sponge. I don't really think my foundation looks better when I use it, and I think it takes me longer to finish my base make up. However, I really like using it to apply cream blusher... and it's a cute thing to use.

I will continue using it since I already bought it, but I don't think I will repurchase.

Tutorial: Majolica Majorca Sugary Trap Inspired Look

Today's tutorial is an inspired look because I don't think the final result looks exactly the same as the poster below.

As I accidentally 'poked' my eye with the brush while applying eyeshadow, my eye might appear red in some pictures! Hope that won't look too scary! -_-

Palette used - Majolica Majorca Jeweling Eyes PK330 Strawberry Cake

Left to right, top to bottom: Highlight color- shimmery light pink, Light color- pale pink, Medium color- strawberry pink, Liner color- purplish pink

THE STEPS:

1. Apply the shimmery light pink under the brow bow area.

2. Using an eyeshadow brush, apply the pale pink to the inner crease. It is ok to pat on more color.

3. Apply the strawberry pink to the outer crease.

4. Using a small blending brush, apply the purplish pink to the outer corner, using circular motions, as shown (I hope) in the photos above.

5. Apply the same purple pink to the lower lash line, concentrating on the outer corner.

6. Line your upper lash line with a reddish brown eyeliner. If you want a more smoky effect, use a sponge and smudge the liner at the outer corner. I didn't smudge the color here. The line shouldn't be thick, as a thick line will make the eye appear smaller (as you can't see the crease anymore).

7. Line the 3/4 of the lower lash line as well. The line should be thicker at the outer corner, and thinner as you line towards the inner corner. It will be better to line the waterline as well.

8. Apply the shimmery light pink to the inner corner of the lower lash line. Finish off with mascara/ false lashes.

9. To intensify the sweetness of the look, apply lip tint. Apply a sweet pink lip gloss to the middle of lips to create lollipop-like glossy lips.

DONE!

Colors much more intense in real life

Whenever you apply pink eyeshadow, it is important to draw eyeliner and apply mascara as well. If you don't do so, your eyes might appear swollen, or worse, looks like someone just punched you in the eye! =D

Hopefully you like this tutorial!

Anyway, 10 more days to the closing of my Jill Stuart Giveaway!

Products used:

Eyes:

1. Majolica Majorca Jeweling Eyes, PK330 Strawberry Cake

2. Majolica Majorca Cream Pencil Liner, BR611 Mocha Brown

Cheeks:

1. Majolica Majorca

Puff de Cheek, PK303 Strawberry Macaroon

Lips:

1. Shu Uemura Takano blush tint, Miracle Cherry

2. Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF15,12 Kissyfit

Review: SK-II Cellumination Mask-In Lotion, SK-II Cellumination Essence & SK-II Cellumination Deep Surge

SK-II Cellumination Mask-In Lotion, 100ml, SGD114
http://www.skii.com.tw/

A semi-translusent lotion

This is a new product launched, I believe, in February in Singapore, together with the new Facial Treatment Gentle Cleanser. This product is like a leave on mask that brightens the skin, at the same time moisturises it. It helps to lighten dark spots and improves the radiance of the skin. It also helps the skin to absorb any essence or moisturiser that is applied afterwards better.

I started using this lotion 2 weeks ago, day and night, applied before the Cellumination Essence. Already very impressed by the Essence, I think that this Mask-In Lotion has further improved the clarity and radiance of my skin. As SK-II products are very pricy, I actually finished a sample of it before I decided to buy it. I do not regret my purchase.

SK-II Cellumination Essence, SGD199 for 30ml/ SGD299 for 50ml

http://sg.strawberrynet.com/main.aspx?region=SG&CurrId=SGD&langBox=SG

A milky essence

I adore this essence. I just used up a 50ml last month, and now onto my 2nd jar. I have another one waiting by my dressing table, which I asked a friend to purchase for me in Hong Kong. How shall I express what wonderful things this essence does to my skin?? My skin has become fairer and more radiant, even without make up. I get less blemishes and pimple scars seem to lighten. Being a pickle minded person, when it comes to skin care, I think I am so pleased with this essence that I will keep buying it! I do not see anything negative about this product, except for the price tag. It is like SGD100 cheaper if you buy it at the Changi Airport duty free. At the airport, you can get the 50ml at the same price as the 30ml at counters in departmental stores. Last December, I got a really good deal there, as they had this gift set, retailed at SGD269, which contained a 50ml Cellumination Essence and 50ml Deep Surge.

SK-II Cellumination Deep Surge, 50ml, SGD159

http://sg.strawberrynet.com/main.aspx?region=SG&CurrId=SGD&langBox=SG

The Cellumination Deep Surge has a very interesting texture that I find hard to describe. It is definitely not an emulsion or lotion, but also not exactly cream. When you scoop the product up with a spatula, it doesn't slide off from the spatula. It reminds me of sorbet and snow, but thicker.

I use a 10 cent coin amount for face and neck. The product absorbs easily into the skin and does not require too much of massaging in; so people who don't like to spend too much time applying skincare would be glad to hear this. After 2 weeks of using this, my face is more evenly toned and clear, and look much more radiant (notice how many times I used the word 'radiant' in this post?). Skin is smooth to the touch. I prefer this moisturiser to the Skin Signature because my skin seems to absorb it better and my face does not feel as greasy, as compared to the times I apply other moisturisers. Some people recommend using this at night, and use Skin Signature in the morning, but I use Deep Surge both day and night, and I do not have any problems with it. My make up applies just fine, and my face does not become more oily.

I am totally addicted to SK-II, as other brands do not offer me the same results so far. I need to stock up in Hong Kong/ Changi Airport, as I think the products are way over-priced in Singapore, and I cannot imagine spending SGD299 every 2 months for the Cellumination Essence.

If you have to choose 1 out of the 3, I recommend the Cellumination Essence! It might work for you if your skin condition is similar to mine: combination to oily (cheeks and T-zone), slightly sensitive.

I really think I have to stop buying clothes and start saving up because having crystal clear skin is more important then anything else =)

Majolica Majorca Sugary Trap Collection - Spring 2011

Majolica Majorca Sugary Trap Collection

I can NEVER say no to pink make up. So what happens when Majolica Majorca decides to come out with a collection of pink eyeshadow and blusher? I GET ALL OF THEM (the pinks)!

Jeweling Eyes, PK330 Strawberry Cake, SGD27.50

OMG! All the pinks are irresistible!

The texture of the eyeshadow for this palette is the same as the previous Jeweling Eyes. Quite powdery, not exactly silky. I find it hard to layer the colors on if I use a brush -- finger seems to work better. The colors are more intense when I use my fingers. If you still prefer to use a brush to apply, then using eyeshadow primer will be a good idea.

Puff de Cheek, PK301, Peach Macaroon, SGD22.90

A peachy pink, more pink than peach

Puff de Cheek, PK303, Strawberry Macaroon, SGD22.90

A true strawberry pink , flatters very fair skin

Left: Peach Macaroon, Right: Strawberry Macaroon

I find these blushers incredibly sweet. The Peach Macaroon looks coral, but applies quite pink! I recommend these 2 pinks for ladies with fairer skin. They will look really flattering. There is this very Japanese/ Korean feel to them. Those with healthier skin tone should go for OR302 Apricot Macaroon. I feel extremely tempted to get that one as well. The pinks are slightly shimmery, but you can't really tell after you have applied them. The texture makes it easy to layer the colors on, but I am not sure about the lasting power yet -- I will find out tomorrow.

NOTE: My new camera phone has decided to intensify the colors of these 2 blushers. I think they are less pink in real life. But then, I applied quite a bit of product for the swatches above.

Cream Pencil Liner, BR611 Mocha Brown, SGD14.50

Reddish brown matches very well with Jeweling Eyes PK330

I much prefer the texture of this eyeliner to the Jeweling Pencil, which I didn't like at all, as I felt that the lasting power was weak. The texture of this new liner is much creamier, and seems to be smudge proof. Color is intense was I draw a line across the back of my hand. If the lasting power is good, I would consider getting the black, since SGD14.50 is very affordable.

All in all, I am very satisfied with this collection, most probably because of the lovely colors. Texture wise, given the medium price tag, I don't have complains.

Anyway, I got all these at a 20% discount. Watson's is having a promotion at the Tampines Mall exhibition square. I am glad I was at Tampines today! According to the SA, the promotion ends this Sunday. I saw this collection selling at other Watson's as well, but without the discount.

I have already taken photos for a tutorial using the Strawberry Cake eyeshadow palette. YES TUTORIAL FINALLY!! It will be up by this week! Till then, cya!