Products I've Been Using on a Daily Basis: NARS, Benefit, Anastasia, Clio, Aritaum

Hi Everyone :) I'm back with a new blog post! I wanted to share some products that I've been using on a daily basis. I really hope you guys enjoy my reviews on them! <3 

1. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (my shade: Alaska- light with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones)

I bought this product probably around the winter time when I visited Korea last year and have been using it ever since. At first, I was a bit skeptical to buy this product because $43 was a lot for a tinted moisturizer... not even a BB cream. However, I tried a sample of it and bought it the following day. I first came across this product because I heard it does a really good job of hiding dry patches--something I struggle with a lot and it really does its job. Because I have dry skin, I still apply a moisturizer before this product and use it as a light BB cream/ sunscreen. It does a very good job of evening out skin tones. It doesn't conceal scars but does cover redness very well. It has SPF 30 so I don't use a sunscreen but instead apply two thin layers. This moisturizer comes in a pretty broad range of shades--one shade comes in two different tones (pink and yellow). As a sample, I tried Finland, which is the lightest shade that has more of a pink undertone but settled on Alaska, which is also the lightest shade but has more of a yellow tone. I would definitely purchase this product again without any hesitation. 

2. NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder &

I've been using the Pressed Powder for sometime now and I don't hate it or love it. It does a good job of holding in the oil but there isn't anything special about it. It does make your face makeup look less cakey because the powder is translucent but I feel there are cheaper products in the market that will do the same or even better. My mom received this as a gift and gave it to me because she likes powders with coverage. I would not purchase this product because I've used powders that have worked better than this one. For anyone looking for a good setting powder, I highly recommend the Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Loose Finishing Powder. This powder comes in a couple of shades, so it provides a little more coverage and it makes your face look flawless and feel like silk. I'm using the NARS Pressed Powder because my UD Powder expired :/. 

3. NARS Blush (Orgasm)

Left: NARS Translucent Setting Powder; Right: NARS Orgasm

I don't think I have much to explain about this blush because it's already so popular. I hopped on the bandwagon and bought this product. I've been using it almost every since the day I bought it and absolutely love it. My take on the color is a light coral/ pink shade with gold shimmers. I feel that this shade would look really good on several skin tones and the staying power of this blush is amazing as well. It lasts a full day without fading. 

4. Benefit Fake Up Concealer (my shade: light)

I always passed by this product at the mall and finally got my hands on it. I was looking for an under-eye concealer because although I still love my Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer for my under-eye, I noticed that it always seeped into my creases throughout the day even after putting on eye cream. I felt this product would work well because the outer layer consists of a moisturizing balm with the concealer in the center. I didn't expect much from this product, but I really like it-- though I don't quite love it. Because of the moisturizing balm, it doesn't give the best coverage to the under-eye. This may sound a big confusing... I like the product but it doesn't provide the best coverage? So what I do is use my Maybelline Fit Me Concealer as a base for concealing my under-eye and apply this product after. It keeps my under-eyes very moisturized throughout the day and keeps the creases away for a longer period of time. I recommend this product to people who are looking for an under-eye concealer and do not have crazy dark circles. In my opinion, it doesn't work too well in concealing other parts of the face either--at least not alone. 

5. Benefit Sugarlicious Blush 

                                            

I got this Benefit Sugarlicious Beauty Kit for a birthday gift from a friend (thanks Janice Ha <3) and I really recommend the Sugarbomb Blush. I really love Benefit blushes because it has awesome staying power and it smells SOOOOO good. At first, I thought this color wouldn't look good on my pale skin, but I fell in love with the color as soon as I tried it. With a strong orange tone, I feel it's perfect for the spring and summer time. I tried this on my twin sister, who is darker than me, and it had a slight bronzer effect for her. I will definitely be buying the full size once I finish this one! 

6. MEMEBOX Soothing Sista Eye Shadow Palette 

I was in a search for a new eye shadow palette after realizing that my NAKED palette expired far too long ago. I didn't want to buy another NAKED palette because I literally used like 3-4 colors and I had particular shades that I wanted-- pink/rosy/ brown/ shimmery tones. Although they may not seem quite particular, I had specific shades in mind but couldn't find a palette that had all of them. I wasn't willing to buy these colors separately because it would have been too expensive. I follow "Soothing Sista" on Youtube and saw that she created a eyeshadow with Memebox and fell in love with the colors. They were exactly what I wanted--the shades look good just by themselves and work really well together. With shipping, the product was around $18-19, which is very well-priced for 4 eyeshadows. The eyeshadows are very pigmented and are buttery, so the color goes on super smoothly. The only eyeshadow that I'm a bit disappointed in is 'Bae Area' because the shimmers kind of clump together (more so because that was my favorite color in the picture, prior to buying the palette). Other than that, I'm super happy with my purchase! 

7. Aritaum Mono Eyes Eyeshadow (shade: No. 93 Social Light- 소셜라이트) 

Pinks and oranges shimmers are my favorite eyeshadow shades because I feel it complements pale skin very well. It also looks super pretty when you put it below your bottom lash line. When I was in Korea last winter, I went to 3-4 Aritaum's to buy this particular shade because it was sold out everywhere. This eyeshadow is a coral/ orange shade and has a generous amount of gold shimmer. The color is very build-able and is very pigmented. It was about 5,000 or 6,000 WON in Korea so about $5 when converted to US dollars. The only downfall is that the packaging breaks apart so easily so the side of the black plastic cracked. I handle it with care every time I use it because the color is so pretty. Because I don't know how to work well with matte colors and because I feel shimmery colors look better on pale skin, I always tend to be attracted to eyeshadows with a lot of shimmer. I feel that a lot of road shop cosmetic stores in Korea (i.e., Etude House, Aritaum, Innisfree) come out with a lot more obvious shimmer shades rather than matte. So, if you're ever in Korea and you like shimmer, I highly recommend that you visit the road shops. 

8. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

Before buying this product, I bought the new Benefit Rollerlash Mascara that doesn't require you to curl your lashes prior to applying mascara. It definitely work -- you don't need a eyelash curler. However, because it wasn't a waterproof formula, it smudged on my under eye within a few hours after application. Unfortunately, it wasn't working for me so I returned it and decided to try a drugstore mascara. One product I don't like to spend money on is mascara because it hardens up quickly and I feel that drugstore ones work as well as the expensive ones. It was hard choosing one mascara among the crazy number of mascaras at Target but I was recommended this product by a Target employee who worked at the cosmetic area. She said this mascara gives very good volume without clumping the lashes together and it really does! I'm super satisfied with this mascara and recommend the waterproof formula. 

9. Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil (shade: Caramel) 

This brow pencil is already so popular so I will review it very briefly. It applies super naturally and the pencil is thin enough for you to draw single eyebrow hairs on areas that are sparse. There is a very good color selection. I've used the eyebrow powder version prior to this pencil and it works just as well. I also have the brow gel in Caramel but I don't recommend it because it has slight shimmers in the formula that doesn't make the brows look too natural. 

10. Clio Gelpresso Waterproof Pencil Gel Eyeliner (Shade: No. 4 Dark Choco)

My last product! So I bought Clio Eyeliner at Olive &Young in Korea because a sales lady said it worked super well. It seemed quite so because there were only a few left. I've always used gel eyeliner but wanted a pencil version of an eyeliner because it was annoying always needing a brush. This product was the perfect solution. It's a dark brown liner with shimmer. I never believe it when a pencil liner says it is waterproof because all of them smudges. This eyeliner does smudge but a lot less than other pencil liners I've tried. As I set my face makeup with a setting powder, I set the liner with a dark brown eyeshadow and I feel it really does a good job of keeping the liner from smudging. I really recommend this to people looking for an eyeliner to tight line or one that gives a someone natural look. 

Thanks so much for the read! Hope my reviews were interesting and helpful! <3 

                                               

 

  

Korean Facial Mask Recommendations!

I'm an fanatic of facial packs so I bought some while I was in Korea. Some Korean facial packs that I really recommend are : 

1. Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask:

   I used this last time with my aunt while I was in Korea studying abroad but found out I bought just the Volcanic Pore Clay Mask and not the SUPER Volcanic Pore Clay Mask. I find there to be a really big difference between the two. This one work super well. I don't really have big pores but my face feels so smooth and the small bumps/ sebum balls seem to shrink in size after using this. I apply a generous amount all over my face and as I wash it off, there are minuscule "beads" that exfoliates your skin. 

2. Innisfree Green Barley Gommage Peeling: 

    This was again another product I used while I was studying abroad in Korea. I got it as a sample and it was so gentle on my skin. I wasn't able to buy it previously because I literally had no room in my suitcase. However, went I went to Korea this past winter, I was able to buy myself two of these. I knew this worked well, so why not buy two? You leave the product to dry after application and then once it's dried, you wet your fingers and softly peel away your dead skin. I really recommend this to anyone with sensitive skin. It's seriously super gentle! 

3. Innisfree Green Tea Sleeping Pack 

    

   While I was in Korea this winter (2014), I couldn't leave without buying a sleeping pack. I didn't want to buy the Laneige Water Sleeping Pack because I felt it didn't do much for my face after using two containers of it. I knew how popular the green tea line was at Innisfree so I ended up buying this sleeping pack! The lady who worked there recommended that I put it in the refrigerator for soothing effects and I have been doing so. I like the product and apply it once/twice a week when my face looks dry. There are small white little beads in the product that dissolve once you massage it in--I don't really know what it does but I feel there's too much of it. 

4. Lastly, I asked my mom to buy me the Skin Foods Black Sugar Mask because she stayed two week longer than I did. I was contemplating on buying it because I thought the Innisfree Green Barley Gommage Peeling would be enough, but I wanted something a little "rough" for days when I want heavy exfoliation around my nose (for blackheads). I do like it and it works well to get rid of blackheads, but it doesn't do anything drastic. 

Hope you enjoyed!

♥My Favorite Masks/ Packs ♥

This post will be all about my favorite and weekly used facial masks and packs. Before leaving to Korea I did not care too much for my skin and occasionally used facial sheet mask (which probably explains my crazy acne breakouts), but I discovered a whole new world of skin care during my time there.

My first product is the Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (with scoria and green complex)

I use this clay mask once a week to tighten up the pores that got bigger because of all the makeup. There is not much to explain about the formula as it is a clay-base so you put it on and wait till it dries up. I apply it with a mask brush because I feel I save more product that way, but using your fingers work perfectly well. This product is very popular in Korea, and I had to go to several stores to find it because it was all sold out. After cleaning my face, I apply my toner first (in case of any excess makeup) and apply a thin layer of this product with my brush. It usually takes15-20 minutes to completely dry. When washing off the product I gently massage the mask because it consists of minuscule beads that makes my pores squeaky clean. It definitely cleans and tightens up my pores mostly on my cheeks and forhead, but it does not get rid of a lot of the blackheads on my nose.

Overall, after using this product my face looks a lot brighter and my makeup looks a lot better the following day. 

My second product is the Face Shop White Jewel Peeling Mask. 

The name of the product basically sums of the product. It has a liquid-gel type formula that you massage all over your face to peel off all the dead skin cells as well as any dirt or leftover makeup. It works really quickly and it even gets the dead skin cells off my fingers as I apply the product. The directions say to massage it for 1~2 minutes but I only do it for 30 seconds and it still gets the work done. My face definitely looks a lot brighter and it becomes significantly softer. However, one important thing to note about peeling masks is the after care. Yes, peeling masks help to remove all the bad things on your face but it also removes a lot of the good things-- so moisturizing is KEY after using any peeling mask. I use this product once a week. 

This is the current peeling mask I am using, but my favorite one is the Innisfree Green Barley Gommage Peeling. I use the Faceshop Peeling Mask for 30 seconds because it makes my face sting if I use it any longer. It doesn't cause me any break out; however, it is not as gentle as the Innisfree Green Barley Peeling Mask-- I really recommend this one. Unfortunately, I couldn't buy the Innisfree one due to luggage weight, but it's AMAZING (just using the samples they gave me made a big difference). 

My third product is the Faceshop Volcano Clay Black Head Clay Nose Pack--my holy grail mask for my nasty blackheads. 

When it comes to masks, I prefer clay one because it just works the best for my skin. You basically spread a thin layer on your nose, wait for it to completely dry, and peel it off. As nasty as it may sound, your white heads and blackheads come off as you peel it. Something I recommend doing is using a dampened warm/hot towel and placing it over the nose for about thirty seconds (when I'm lazy I just cup hot water into my hands and place it on my nose :)). This will work to open up the pores/blackheads/ whiteheads on your nose. After drying the water, quickly apply a thin layer until it dries. After peeling the product off, I soak my nose in ice cold water to tighten/close up my clean nose.:)

Another product from the same line is the FaceShop Black Head Heating Gel Mask. 

I definitely find myself reaching for the Clay Mask rather than the Heating Gel Mask, but the Gel Mask is a lot more gentle. The product literally heats up your nose as you apply it and the directions say to massage it for about 10-15 minutes. As you massage the product, the clear gel turns into a grayish color. It contain minuscule beads to gently clean out the blackheads and the pores in your nose. 

My final products are the facial sheet masks. 

I feel like one dollar sheet masks work as well as expensive ones. Two tips I have are (1) keep them refrigerated and (2) don't keep them on for more than 20 minutes. 

Keeping the masks refrigerated will give your tired skin a cooling effect when applied on your face, which will work better to soak in the nutrients. ;)  Cheap masks work really well, but it is not recommended to keep them on for a long time. I know some people wait till the mask completely dries but your face probably soaked up the nutrients on the mask within the 20 minutes and keeping it on any longer will not allow your skin to breathe.

Another easy mask to try is the the egg white mask. I don't do this often, but I notice significant differences when I do. First, separate the white and yolk from an egg; second, beat the white until it becomes like bubbly foam; third, apply it all over your face- either with a brush or your fingers; fourth, wait for it to dry; and lastly, wash it off.

The egg white mask is already quite known, but from experience it really works. Your makeup the next day looks noticeably better and your skin gets brighter. BUT don't forget to use fresh eggs! :)


Hope this post was interesting and you got something out of it!
Thanks for dropping by!♥♥♥

My Favorite Lip Products ☆☆

Hello! My second official post will be about my favorite lip products! For a while, I only used lip tints because they were a quick and easy way to bring color to the lips. However, I recently discovered some awesome L'Oreal lip glosses I will be discussing below! As of now, my collection only consists of tints and glosses. I've been out on a hunt for the perfect lipstick color, but I just feel like lipsticks don't work with my lips-- no matter what color or brand, I look like a little girl putting on a mom's lipstick. If I do find the one for my lip color, I will be sure to update! ♥ ♥ Hope you enjoy!

Blistex Lip Medex

This is my ultimate favorite lip balm. It's an inexpensive product you can pick up at any drug store. It works the best after Vaselines. What I like about this product is that it gives a cooling relief when applied. Also, many lip balms I have tried always make my lips peel (even Burt's Bees), but this one doesn't. The size of the balm makes it very easy to carry around and the balm also has a minty scent to it, so it gives your mouth a freshened feel. I always apply this balm before I sleep to make my lip products apply easily the next day. 

L'Oreal Paris Colour Caresse Wet Shine Lip Stain 

This product stood out to me because I heard it was a dupe for the YSL's Rouge Pur Couture. Firstly, I really like the gold packaging and how we are able to see the colors-- this made it so much easier to choose. I picked up # 184 Rose On and On, which is a light pink/ rosy color. The gloss has a floral scent that isn't too harsh and comes with a doe-foot applicator. It applies very smoothly and a small amount goes a long way. The consistency of product is like a lip-gloss, but the color stains your lips after being applied. So, the glossiness goes away after a few hours, but the stain last for a longer time (from 9:30 AM - 5 PM I only applied the stain twice). One con about this product is that it peels my lips towards the end of the day, but other than that I'm really satisfied! 

L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color

My second favorite is the L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color in #500 Molto Mauve. This is a darker pink lip gloss. Though the gold packaging is very pretty, the color printed is not true to color. It also comes with a doe-foot applicator. The smell of this lip gloss is very sweet, but not in a bad way. This product is pretty much a lip gloss-- it doesn't stain the lips at all. The consistency of the product is pretty thick and it applies very smoothly. Because the color does not stain, it requires quite a bit of re-application through-out the day--usually after eating. On days when I want to tone down the color of my lip, I reach for this product! However, like my previous L'Oreal product it makes my lips peel :/ 

Innisfree Glossy Lip Locker

The Innisfree Glossy Lip Locker in #6 Maple Burgundy is my least favorite lip product. I know the topic of my post is "my favorite lip product" but I decided to include this because I love everything about it except the color. It has a thick consistency that tints my lips but the color that come off of my lips is not the color of the gloss in the package. The color comes off as a lighter red rather than burgundy (darker/richer red). It comes with a flocked doe-foot applicator and it doesn't have any scent. 

Benefit Cha Cha Tint  

My favorite coral tint is the Benefit Cha Cha Tint. The tint is long-lasting and it's also natural looking. On days when I'm running late, I'm always reaching for this product. It also works as a blush so thumbs-up for its multi-purpose use. One thing I don't like about this product is the brush applicator. I find that it applies somewhat unevenly. I enjoy using tints in a gradation effect of putting the color emphasis on the inner lips and gradually pulling the color out and this tint works the best for that! 

Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint

This product is a recently discovered JEWEL! During my time in Korea, I learned that tints were a huge thing so I followed the trend and bought a whole bunch before coming back. Just a few days ago, I opened the package and I fell in love with the scent. It's not anything unique but it has a very sweet cherry-scent-- it really makes you want to eat it. The color is RD 301 앵두알 맑은 틴트 and it comes with a flocked doe-foot applicator. I was surprised to see that the color was a brighter pink tone- almost a hot pink. I was pretty excited because it looked similar to the one Jun Ji Hyun, a famous Korea actress, wore in the drama My Love From the Star. It applied a litter darker/ redder than I expected, but was surprised me was how long-lasting it was. I put it on at around 9:30 AM and my lips were still stained by 5:00 PM-- without any reapplication. 

Innisfree Echo Fruit Tint & A'pieu Pure Tint

To continue my purchases of tints in Korea, I've also been using the Innisfree Echo Fruit Tint in #01 Cherry and the A'Pieu Pure Tint in Cherry. I find myself buying a lot of cherry tints because it works well for the gradation effect. These two tints are just basics I carry around in my backpack or bag with me all the time. On days when I don't put on makeup but still want some color, I reach for these tints. They are a pure liquid tint and they both come with a flocked doe-foot applicator. They both smell like cherry cough medication. 

☆☆☆ I have swatched all of the products reviewed above. 

         1. L'Oreal Paris Colour Caresse Wet Shine Lip Stain 

         2. L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color 

         3. Innisfree Glossy Lip Locker 

         4. Benefit Cha Cha Tint 

         5. Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint 

         6. Innisfree Echo Fruit Tint & A'Pieu Pure Tint 

☆☆☆Theses are swatches of the products after I wiped it with a cotton pad. As I stated before, the L'Oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire Lip Color wiped away completely but it still left the glossy feel. 

☆☆☆ These are swatches of the products after wiping them with makeup wipes. The two most visible and long-lasting ones were the Benefit Cha Cha Tint and the Etude House Fresh Cherry Tint. 

Thanks so much to everyone who dropped by! ♥♥ I hope you got something out of it! :) 

With Love, 

Ahra