Beauty

Lancome Genifique Youth Activator VS L’Oreal Youth Code PreEssence Review

May 11, 2013

As with most cult beauty products, there are always two comparable products between high-end and a more accessible drug store brand from the same company. Lancome’s Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate has reached the cult status across the world ever since it was released , and it has now become the world’s best selling serum and most sought after serum in the beauty market. In the wave of its popularity, L’Oreal has released a drug store version of it named Youth Code PreEssence.

Let’s talk about the original Lancome Genifique first. The product shown in the picture is a travel exclusive of 100ml edition of it, and I always restock them whenever I get a chance. Judging by its jumbo size, it clearly shows how much I love this product! It has been a staple base serum in my skincare routine for years. Apart from its anti aging and rejuvenating benefits, the main function of this serum is that it boosts the benefits of other products that are applied after. So I always combine this with another more powerful serum that targets at specific areas, as it helps the second product penetrate into deeper layers of skin for better absorption, then finish with a moisturizer. These three-steps never fail on me, and the result is almost immediate. I wake up with a noticeably more supple, energized and radiant complexion the next day. Most importantly I have noticed the texture of my complexion appears more refined, even and translucent day by day. I wouldn’t say it helps to shrink the pores (actually nothing does), but as it makes the skin more moisturized and plumped it definitely helps to reduce the appearance of pores.

At the moment, I am combining Genifique with the following serums in rotation depending on my skin condition.

1. Ultraceuticals Ultra Brightening Serum for brightening purpose.

2. Lancome Visionnaire for an overall anti-aging, poreless complexion. Possibly my all-time favorite combination.

3. Ultraceuticals Ultra B Hydrating Serum if my skin feels desert dry, and it helps my makeup to glide on like a dream.

4. Ipsa ME Serum for tightening and lifting purpose. If my face appears puffy, this is an instant overnight fix!

With the L’Oreal Youth Code, in terms of texture it is very similar to the Lancome Genifique. Both of them have a very fluid and lightweight texture with a mild floral scent, and they absorb into the skin immediately. It also feels the same when just applied, and the skin appears softer and hydrated immediately after use. The instant absorption allows you to prep the skin with more potent products straight after. I have finished the entire bottle of Youth Code, and combined with exactly the same products I would use with Genifique. The result is relatively great for an affordable drugstore serum as it keeps my skin moisturized and supple, however I have not noticed a great improvement in my skin’s texture and clarity compared to the result of using Genifique.

Genifique Ingredient List:

Bottom Line: Both are great as a base serum. L’Oreal Youth Code is more suitable for younger women with a lesser anti-aging concern. Lancome’s Genifique is a great all-purpose serum on its own for all skin types, and you can achieve an even better result if it’s combined with other products. I personally cannot live without Genifique so I highly recommend this product to any women over the age of 25.

Lancome Genifique in 5ml, 30ml and 50ml are available here with international shipping.

{ 13 comments }

Labels: L'oreal • LANCOME • SKINCARE

Dior Summer 2013 Collection – Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo 002 Coral Glow Review, Swatch and FOTD

May 10, 2013

The summer 2013 makeup collection has started rolling out across major department stores in Australia. I really wanted to check out the products in person so I made an effort to go to the store and waddled along each counter. After a major debating of “Do I really need this blue/green color”, I only got one product in the end which is the beautiful and wearable Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo 002 Coral Glow from its Summer 2013 collection. I probably will pass on the rest of the Dior and Chanel collections as the color theme of this year is not so appealing to me though they are beautiful to look at.

The Dior Paradise Duo Coral Glow is a stunner as well as it makes a very practical bronzer/blush duo for everyday use. There are 2 colors to choose from and I picked the coral color (instead of pink) as I always love the healthy look of a hint of bronzer with coral cheeks for a sun-kissed look. It comes with an uber cute mini kabuki brush which is very soft and fluffy for its size. The texture is absolutely superb – buttery soft and richly pigmented. Compared to the blush duo from Dior’s Spring Cherie Bow Collection, I much prefer this one as the texture is softer and smoother. I liked the Cherie Bow blush initially (when it was brand new), but I found there was a change in the texture after it was opened for some time, and now it has become chalky and dry which was disappointing! Anyhow, the quality of this is fantastic and I believe it will stay good for a very long time.

The color of the bronzing powder is very wearable for my NC15-20 skin tone. It doesn’t look completely matte in the pan, but when it is applied it blends into my skin naturally without making me look too tanned or orange. It can be used either as a contour product if applied sheer, or as a bronzer for a touch of sun-kissed look. The color of the blush is pink coral with a hint of watermelon undertone. I absolutely adore this color, as it instantly adds a pop of fresh and summery color with a youthful glow to the face. I have been reaching for it everyday and it lasts on me the whole day.

Left and right mixed

ON ME: Applied the bronzing powder underneath the cheekbones, as well as along the jaw lines. And applied the blush slightly above the apple of the cheeks.

Bottom Line: One of the must have blush/bronzer product to have amongst all the summer 2013 collections! I bought the Dior Paradise Duo for $82 in Australia. It is available on here or here in the US, or on Harrods with international shipping available with 20% off VAT deductions at the checkout.

{ 26 comments }

Labels: BLUSH • DIOR • FOTD

L’Oreal Steampod Review

May 5, 2013

In the word of my HD “L’Oreal Steampod will change my life”. I trusted her, and bought this tool as soon as it was available in Australia. I might be a beauty junkie when it comes to skincare and makeup, but I have always been very loyal with my hair products. For the past 10 years, I did not look beyond any hair straightening tools other than my trusted GHD – I have gone through 5 of them and have them in every color/size…So I felt very guilty that I have to replace my GHD with the L’Oreal Steampod ..since I paid AUD$300 for it!

What is Steampod:
Similar to the traditional hair straightening tool, Steampod is a hair styling tool mainly used for hair straightening (as well as curling) whilst delivering purified steam to hydrate and nourish dry and damaged hair, and further strengthening the benefit of any leave-in hair treatment.

My Experience:
I cannot believe I am saying this “I love Steampod more than the GHD!”, as I find that it is a better straightening tool for my medium to thick naturally frizzy hair. Here is a whole list of reasons why:
– It only takes half of the time compared to a traditional straightener.
– It tames unruly and frizzy hair more effectively.
– It makes the hair sleek straight, frizz free, shiny without making it look flat! Which is a big bonus for me as I find GHD can make my hair too flat sometimes.
– I always use a hair leave-in treatment before using any heated hair styling tool, and the steam from the Steampod helps to penetrate the product deep into the hair shaft which makes my hair more nourished! This is absolutely a savior for my very dry and damaged hair.

Note: L’Oreal recommends the use of the L’Oreal Steampod Preparation Cream which contains keratin in conjunction with the tool. I have checked with my HD and she suggests that it would work with any type of hair treatment products, so it doesn’t have to be this particular one.

There are always a few things to nit pick on:
– It is slightly heavier than the GHD (though it doesn’t bother me as I get to work out my arm muscle!)
– There are 5 different temperature settings, and it defaults back to the lowest temperate (170) each time you switch it on. I normally use 200 or 210 so I would prefer it has an automatic saving option.
– I have to be clear that I am not good at curling my hair with any straightening tool (not even with GHD). And with the Steampod, I find that it is actually easier to work with for curling purposes because of the curved plate at the top. It gives nice loose bouncy waves, but it can make my hair look a little frizzy. However when my HD curled my hair with the tool, my hair looked totally fine and smooth so I think this problem is to do with my limited skill.

Other factors:
You can only use filtered water with this machine.
I use it everyday and it takes about a week to replace the water tank.
The machine heats up within 3-4 seconds, but it takes about 10 seconds for the steam to come out.

Bottom Line:

I highly recommend this tool for anyone with unruly, dry or damaged hair. It truly makes a difference compared to the ordinary as the steam helps to further nourish your hair in conjunction with any hair treatment and causes less damage from the heat. For people with healthy and naturally sleek hair, if you are happy with what you are using now, it might not be necessary.

If you are in Australia, you can purchase the L’Oreal Steampod here for Australian voltage as well as better shipping and warranty service. It is also available here for international customers.

{ 32 comments }

Labels: Beauty Tools • HAIRCARE • L'oreal

Suqqu Lipsticks Reviews and Swatches – Creamy Glow and Creamy Glow Moist

May 1, 2013

Long time readers would know that Suqqu Creamy Glow are my holy grail lipsticks. Knowing that they will be discontinued soon and replaced by a new range, I went into panic mode and ordered some more shades to complete my collection. I currently own shades 01, 10, 18, and my newest additions include 03 TSUYAZAKURA, 05 SUZUMECHA, and 11 SHAREGAKI. Picking a lip color from Suqqu is a no-brainer, as it’s such a classic beauty brand with mainly a neutral color palette designed for everyday wear. In addition to the Creamy Glow, I have also bought a lipstick from the Creamy Glow Moist range which is their newer release. Unfortunately I don’t find the texture and finish as amazing as the original creamy glow, so I am very glad with my purchase of these backups just in case the coming range doesn’t live up to my expectations!

To recap, the Suqqu Creamy Glow lipsticks have the most amazing texture. They are very rich in pigment, yet retain some translucency when applied so it makes your lips appear so moist and youthful. The texture is buttery soft and glides on like weightless silk, and it has enough slip so the product won’t get caught between the dry lines or skin. It also doesn’t bleed with a superb lasting power. There is not a single flaw I can pick! Click here and here for the full reviews and swatches of 01, 10 and 18.

However, the Suqqu Creamy Glow Moist is not as fantastic. The texture is noticeably thicker and more balmy so it feels quite heavy on the lips (like some balmy lip balms). It is slightly more sheer (which doesn’t bother me) but I don’t find the formula is as moisturizing.

Reviews and Swatches of Creamy glow 03 TSUYAZAKURA, 05 SUZUMECHA, 11 SHAREGAKI and Creamy Glow Moist 01 HARUOTO

Suqqu Creamy Glow 03 TSUYAZAKURA – a beautiful neutral pink. Compared to 01 SAEBANA, it is slightly rosier, and has a warmer pink tone so it is more suitable for a wider range of skintone.

Suqqu Creamy Glow 05 SUZUMECHA – a beigey peachy pink which makes a perfect fool-proof “your lips but better” shade.

Suqqu Creamy Glow 11 SHAREGAKI – similar to 05 SUZUMECHA but peachier, and is also similar to 10 URUMISHU but more subtle and less tangerine.

Suqqu Creamy Glow Moist 01 HARUOTO – similar to 05 SUZUMECHA but more nude and beige. As you can see in the swatch, the finish of this has a lesser sheen to it.

Group swatches of all my Suqqu!

I have also compiled all the swatches (except 18 KARAKURENAI) into one picture so it is easier for you to compare the differences in the undertone.

Bottom Line: You gotta get your hands on the Suqqu Creamy Glow lipsticks before they are gone!

Suqqu can be found here with international shipping and VAT deductions available at checkout.

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Labels: LIPSTICK • SUQQU

YSL Spring 2013 – Creme de Blush 09 Review and Swatches

April 22, 2013

The YSL Creme de Blush 9 from its 2013 Spring Collection is a stunner for anyone who is on the quest for a perfect shade of baby pink blush. I spotted this blush by accident when I was actually shopping for the Rouge Volupte Shine lipsticks, and as soon as I swatched this blush on my skin I knew I had to have this one! It is a match made in heaven for anyone with a neutral to cool skin tone. YSL excels in coming up with nude and pale pink shades with blue undertone that helps to counteract the redness. These shades might not be for everyone, but once you find a good match for your skin tone, you will probably stick to it forever.

I adore the packaging of Creme de Blush which looks like a little gem-box. The texture is much better than what I expected for a cream blush. It is a silicone based creamy blush and although I don’t normally like makeup products overloaded with silicone, this blush is just right. It feels moderately creamy without the grease, and it has enough slip in it so it glides on to the skin smoothly and evenly. The blush is very finely milled and the silicone indeed helps with concealing the pores and dry patches. It sets into a powdery and semi-matte finish.

Swatch

I pulled out some of my cool pink (varies from baby pink to bubblegum pink) cream blushes. Although YSL 09 leans cool, its still has some warmth compared to the other shades which makes it very versatile and wearable on most skin tones.

From Left to Right: YSL Cream Blush 09, Etude House Lip & Cheek 02; Canmake Cream Cheek 03; RMK Light Pink ; Addiction Cheek Stick Amazing (review coming soon!)

Bottom Line: Gotta have it! I bought mine at David Jones for AUD$65. It is available here in the US , or here with international shipping with VAT deduction upon checkout.

{ 16 comments }

Labels: BLUSH • YSL

Nars Purifying Foam Cleanser Review

April 19, 2013

I love the NARS Purifying Foam Cleanser! I started using this one since summer, and it worked brilliantly for my normal to dry skin. What surprised me the most is that my skin is still loving it in this cold weather which is a good indication that it is an all year rounder for even dry and sensitive skin. So I think I need to write up a more detailed review to share my love.

As the name suggests, it’s a foaming cleanser that helps to clean and purify the skin. The cleanser contains micro beads that feel very gentle on the skin. A tiny dab of it forms a lot of bubble so I have barely used a dent after several months! And this gigantic tube will last me a long time I think. It is part of the Nars’ latest brightening skincare range so it contains “light reflecting technology” which helps to brighten up your complexion. I would say it is a good product to be incorporated into your skincare routine if your main concern is pigmentation or dullness but I won’t solely rely on this product for brightening purposes.

When it comes to foaming cleansers, my preference has always been with Japanese brands as that is what they are known for. The Japanese cleansers pioneer in terms of producing ultra-dense and creamy foam (that has a marshmallow-like texture) and has excellent cleansing power . The downside is that they tend to over clean my dry skin so I always feel my skin a little taut after washing with most brands. Compared to that, what wins me over with Nars is that it does a good cleaning job and makes your skin feel refreshed without stripping any natural oil off. My skin feels clean, balanced and soft (not dry and tight) after washing, It completely removes any makeup residue and makes the skin appear ‘very clean’, and for morning use I like how refreshing it feels and how it instantly wakes my skin up.

Bottom Line: A very good foaming cleanser for any skin type (even sensitive). Highly recommend! I love it so much so I have bought almost the entire range (typical me!), and so far I am very impressed with the luminous mask and the moisturizing gel-cream which are worth checking out. The cleanser can be purchased here.

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Labels: NARS • SKINCARE

Suqqu Blend Color Eye Shadow Palette EX11 SUMIREDAMA Review and Tutorial

April 16, 2013

A very belated post on the review and tutorial of Suqqu Blend Color Eye Shadow Palette EX11 SUMIREDAMA 董珠 from the Spring 2013 collection. If you have seen this post, you would know I bought two palettes from the Spring 2013 collection. EX11 SUMIREDAMA leans slightly cooler with a main undertone of taupe which is right up most neutral lover’s alley. I cannot rave enough about this collection, particularly the eyeshadow palettes which are still very “Suqqu” – impeccably designed, neutral and classic with an interesting twist of duochrome colors.

A picture of the case deserves the spot light in this post today. Suqqu has gone back to their original white packaging, but better. The sturdy frosted white case looks so elegnant at every angle, like the eyeshadow itself.

As you can see in the pic, the mushroomy taupe color (top right) and the silvery green/navy/purple color (bottom left) have a duochrome effect. All four shades are highly pigmented and appear very shimmery from the pan, and when applied they have a beautiful pearlescent finish (not metallic and glittery) and blend beautifully into each other. The silky, buttery and moist textures of them are absolutley divine. Unlike other eye shadows, I never get fallout with Suqqu.

Swatches:

Tutorial

Apply A all over the eye socket area, then apply B on the outer v.

Apply D along the upper lash line, the thickness should be slightly over the crease so you can still see 0.5 cm of it when the eye is open. Apply C on the inner corner to highlight.

Along the lower lash line, apply C on the inner 2/3 and D on the outer 1/3.

Add a pair of very natural falsies to create some depth to the eyes. I am using DUP which is about the same length as my naturla eye lashes.

Fill out the white gaps between the lashes using a liquid eye liner. Then apply mascara to the lower lashes to make the eyes more open.

Finished Eye Look

Overall Look:

Other Products Used:

Suqqu Cream Foundation (reviewed here)

YSL Touche Eclat

Stila Convertible Color Petunia

Suqqu Creamy Glow Moist 04

{ 29 comments }

Labels: EYESHADOW • FOTD • SUQQU • TUTORIAL

Suqqu Foundation Review

April 8, 2013

My skin’s been looking good lately, not only have my girlfriends noticed, even my DH has commented on several occasions which hardly happens! Apart from my diligent skincare routine everyday, I attributed my ‘good skin’ to this wonderful Suqqu Foundation. It is everything I wanted from a foundation except for the hefty price tag.

It retails for £62.00 for 30 grams of product, and is exclusive to UK. I am a shade 10 which is the lightest shade from the pink based range.

It comes with a sponge which is encased in a leather-like pouch, and a spatula (not in picture).

If you are a Suqqu fan, you probably would have heard a lot of raving reviews for this foundation. It has won many beauty awards over the years and widely worshiped by the beauty editors across East Asia. Suqqu has also released a newer cream foundation called Frame Fix Cream Foundation in recent years, and the majority of people still prefer the old one from the reviews I have read. I tested both at a Suqqu counter and applied one on each side of my face, and in the end both the SA and I agreed that the original one looked better on my skin. Having said that I believe the Frame Fix is more suitable for oily to combo skin type as it gives a more matte finish.

The Suqqu Foundation has an airy light creamy texture which I absolutey adore. It spreads like melted and whipped butter, and sinks into the skin straight away. Although it is a cream based foundation, it feels very lightweight and non-greasy. It is the seasonal transition time where my skin is a little drier and more sensitive than usual. If I don’t have layers and layers of moisturizer and primers on, most foundations apply blotchy and can look flakey on my skin. The Suqqu Foundation applies like an exquisite moisturizer – I only need my fingers to spread the product over and it applies completely streak free and gives a ‘poreless-your-skin-but-much-better’ finish with a subtle dewy glow. Since the texture is so forgiving for dryer skin, I can layer this foundation on multiple times on certain areas (ie under eyes or around the edge of the nose) to build more coverage without caking up or enhancing any lines. A pea-sized dab is enough for the whole face for a sheer to medium coverage so a jar like this will last me forever, and of course you can use more product to get more coverage and it will still look natural. It looks still fresh on me after 8 hours of wear in air conditioned environment.

Suqqu Foundation Shade 10 Swatch

Bottom Line: I don’t want to sound biased, but it really is an exquisite foundation with a to-die-for luxurious texture which would be perfect for anyone with normal to dry skin or mature skin. It will blow you away! The Suqqu Foundation is available here with more product information.

{ 7 comments }

Labels: FOUNDATION • SUQQU

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