I have been using the Andalou Naturals Acai + White Tea Oil-free Moisturizer for a week now and am looking forward to using it more until I hit my desired results. You see, ever since the skin started acting annoyingly drier on the cheeks and sides, I knew I needed more moisture to bring more youth and radiance to these dried up areas.

The Andalou Naturals Acai + White Tea Oil-free Moisturizer, 62mL, P959 at Healthy Options


One of my best friends, Mitch, swears by the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Oil and I can attest to how her skin improved from it. I wanted the same, beautiful result she got; the Acai + White Tea wasn't really my first choice, in fact, it was my last! So what won me over? Let me tell you:

• I was already very ready to get the serum from Kiehl's when I stumbled upon its Beautypedia review. It was disheartening.
• In relation to #1 which stated that while Kiehl's can work for dry skin (Mitch had matte, acne-free skin), the oil ingredients in it may be more of an irritant to non-dry skin types. It lists down Coriander, Lavender and Rosemary (oils) as the main irritants to oily skin. Kiehl's could work for Mitch, I can't be sure I can say the same for my combination to oily skin.
• The Oil-Free Moisturizer from Andalou Naturals, categorized under Beautypedia's best products, stood out among a good number of effective but locally unavailable moisturizers on the list. It hailed the moisturizer's list of antioxidants & skin-repairing ingredients.

• Price-wise, Andalou was more inexpensive. Way more inexpensive. Healthy Options tagged it reasonably at P959 (62mL). Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, 50mL, sells for 3k+php.

The Acai + White Tea Oil-free Moisturizer  is also available in a test size, 12mL, but is part of a skin clarifying set (priced at 900+ too). I would've bought the set if I were eyeing a whole line for the skin beacuse it is such a good deal.

Photo from iherb.com- Andalou Naturals Get started Clarifying Set: Great for Oily and Combination Skin

The Andalou Naturals Acai + White Tea Oil-free Moisturizer can be a mouthful as is the more popular and well-loved Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. I hope I made the right choice by trying out the more inexpensive one before jumping to the more luxurious brand. Detailed review in the next few months-- wish my skin luck!

I am not new to pimples or pimpy as I've been with it almost half my life! I've had a long list of insecurities and woes just because I had tons of pimpy all over my face. The very reason I started chronicling beauty products & regimens and dermatologic procedures is to make others aware that there are things that help alleviate stubborn pimpy and make them go away.

Belo Essentials now offers an anti-acne skin solutions in the new AcnePro three-step Clear Skin system. The skincare line banks on the efficacy of Purified Bee venom in clinically treating mild to moderate acne by minimizing inflammation. Through AcnePro's Cleansing, Toning and Repairing stages, almost anyone can say hello to a cleaner and clearer skin everyday!

  

Belo Essentials AcnePro Gel Face Wash (50mL, P99.75) "Effectively helps eliminate acne-causing bacteria & remove excess oil leaving skin smoother and pimple-free."

A pea-sized amount of the gel-like facial wash generously foams into a lather that cleans the face well and leaves skin fresh and still well-moisturized. This wash is nice to use in following up a good makeup remover to ensure deep-seated oil and dirt are taken cared of.

Cleansing is almost a forgettable part of a skincare regimen. I was able to love it more when I felt how soft and supple my skin has become after the 2nd week into using this.

Belo Essentials AcnePro Treatment Toner (60ml, P79.75) "Effectively unclogs congested pores, dry up pimples and exfoliate dead skin cells."

The toning experience further refreshes the skin with a cool, soothing liquid. I like how it is lightly scented making me forget that toners usually smell of medication or strong alcohol.

A word of caution to those with oily skin: the toner can take time getting absorbed into the skin so make sure not to over saturate the cotton pad for it. It's fine if it happens in the evening before bed time but can be a pain if you use to much toner in the morning as it can feel a bit tacky against the skin. What's great about the toner is that you don't need too much to make it work.

Belo Essentials AcnePro Pimple Gel (10g, P149.75) "Helps dry up pimples fast, lighten blemishes, calm inflammation and promote healing & ant-bacterial action."

Repair is probably the most exciting stage in the system as this is where "magic" happens. The AcnePro pimple gel tube is packed with a non-fragrant product that effectively retards the ugly process of an exacerbated & inflamed pimpy. The key is to be keen enough to do the Repair Work at the onset of a growing pimple!

I like that all products in the AcnePro skincare system are oil-free and are truly hypoallergenic & non-comedogenic during the whole time I've been testing it out. The three products are also packed well and in durable, fuss-free tubes and bottles and the sizes of each product is perfect either for travel or for a full-month's use.

With the truly affordable price tag on top of it all, Belo Essentials AcnePro 3-Step Clear Skin System is probably the next best skincare line worth checking out. Using the products twice a day makes it easier for anyone to finally take charge of their skin, face the world and do more, and finally say goodbye to pimpy!

Disclaimer: Products were sent to me for review purposes

My week-long love affair with the Ben Nye Banana Luxury setting powder ended when I realized I wasn't really getting what I hoped it would give me. I expected the loose powder to give me a healthy-looking skin but I ended up looking aged and unpretty as it mattified my skin way too much.

    I'd say the Ben Nye Banana Luxury powder works best for oily, light skin

The good stuff in that transparent plastic tub is that it:

• contains finely-milled powder that did not break me out
• provides the skin a good amount of warmth it needs
• made my huge pores invisible
• was priced at P450.00 at the time I bough it (latter part of Feb 2013) which is already sulit for 42g of loose powder especially when all you need is a very small amount per application.

Because the Ben Nye Banana setting powder proved to be a magical pore eraser as soon as I apply it, I gave it more days for testing even though I frowned at the way it made my skin look flatly matte. Now, the horror begins two hours after application: its oil controlling power nosedives from excellent to poor; my poreless cheeks turn very dry; my skin generally turns from matte to dehydrated. The highly reviewed setting powder did not work well for my combination skin. (Check out reviews from Liz, Donna, and Nikki).

The reviews I've read complained about the packaging. I would've too but because I taped up most of the dispensing holes, I din't have powder flying out every time I used it. Everyone hates product wastage.

    You can depot the powder to a sifting jar or tape it the way I did to prevent product wastage

This is an international brand but we have local resellers. I trooped to PureBeauty Serendra (they also have a Trinoma branch) but this is always out of stock. I finally purchased at an online store, Style Quarter (back when multiply was still around).

The Ben Nye Banana Luxury powder is a medium to heavy coverage loose powder that gives liquid foundation a longer wear time by setting it matte. Oil control is fair and while it does not give ample coverage for heavily blemished skin, it is a powder that has a low risk for breakouts. If you can buy the 42g tub at P450-500 and you are on the lookout for powders that give off a highly matte finish, then this product may just make it in your HG list.

I like the Shu Uemura UV Underbase Mousse because of how incredibly impressive it makes makeup stay all day despite the sweltering heat. I have combination skin and I prefer swiping the lightweight mousse primer along my T-zone area only as it tends to dry up my cheeks. Talk about a genuine face mattifier!

How much? 2.29oz of product for: P2,200 (limited ed); P2,000 (regular bottles); $35 on Shu Uemura website 

Where to buy: Shu Uemura counters (Trinoma, MOA, Rustan's Shang and Makati)

Sun Protection: SPF 30 PA+++

This can be a stand alone face base for those with already great skin (not for those with dry skin though). The primer is limited to gluing foundation to the skin, blurring pores to a significant degree, and keeping the face from excessively oiling up. It cannot conceal acne scars and pimples. 

Other cons to consider are:

• limited shade range: pink and beige 
• too mattifying even for those with combination skin
• face can feel a wee bit sticky before the product gets fully pushed into the skin
• mousse pump difficult to control (the bottle dispenses too much when all you need is a small dollop). To get the right amount, make sure to press the pump on its farthest side opposite the nozzle. Pump cautiously (the sneaking-in-the-house-way-past-your-curfew cautious type) in an upward direction.

Some helpful notes:

• The shades do not adapt to the skin color and tone. I remember my face looking beige and afloat my neck after putting this on. Its color does not overpower the foundation shade that sits on top of it though.
• I thought the Shu Uemura UV Underbase mousse primer smelled like beer.
• You get a velvety smooth face after letting the product sink in to the skin.
• Limited edition bottles are purely beauty blings and are in no way extra special inside than the regular bottles. 

Product wastage captured in photo (below). This is what happens when you treat the pump as you normally would a pump--pressing it on the middle. You will only need half as much to cover the entire face. And if you're arguing that you can use the remaining half to build coverage, don't be disappointed when you end up looking a lot more beige than covered.

Recommendation. Those who have oily skin with minor imperfections will enjoy this product. Makeup artists may also find this a reasonably priced primer--cutting down on touch-ups and beauty boo-boo's during events is after all, priceless. I also recommend this to those who feel like they will never find a face primer that will make foundation stick. This product is worth trying before totally giving up on primers. 

Despite the efficiency of the product, it is surprising that I rarely want to use it. The Shu Uemura UV Underbase mousse primer makes me look too made-up (for my liking). I can use it on its own to downplay the look but it lacks decent coverage to give my face the near-flawless illusion it needs. 

The first few months I was with my derma, Dr. Six Foronda, she recommended that I save up for  Fraxel sessions offered by the Belo Medical Group. She explains how cost-effective and efficient the treatment was for the type of acne scarring I have on my cheeks and temples. 

However, I was reluctant to see a different doctor knowing how my skin felt to be under the best care with Dr. Foronda. And so I told her I'd rather wait till she acquires a Fraxel machine.

During the first quarter of this year, she finally gets a fractionalized CO2 laser machine, Multixel. Let me share with you what happened during my first treatment session --- a giant leap for me in getting the best treatment for my acne scars! (I will be using the term "Fraxel" as we go along as it is a more popular term for and a shorter way to type out "fractionalized CO2 laser"). For the record, the procedure I'm getting is laser resurfacing via fractional CO2 laser using Multixel.

BEFORE TREATMENT

• Prior to the big day, Doc Six requested I stop using tretinoin at least 5 days from the treatment date.

• Topical anesthesia, Lidocaine, was applied on areas to be treated (pretty much the whole face). My chin area was breaking out that day and so it was spared.

• Doc Six explains what to expect from the procedure while we wait for the anesthesia to numb my skin.

DURING TREATMENT

• At this point, I am unable to take photos. But let me show you what came in contact with my face:

Dr. Foronda explains the pattern that the laser will create on my skin. Using a paper, the laser beam is applied (red light on left photo). Right photo shows the dots that will appear on my skin

• Doc Six customizes my Fraxel treatment: skin resurfacing on the scars and large pore treatment on the rest of the unscarred skin. Oh the wonders of having a good doctor to work on my skin!

• Despite my low pain threshold, I was able to tolerate the very uncomfortable heat form the machine. It just got painful when the light passed through my forehead, nose and temples. 

• At the end of Fraxel, it was already very painful. I felt like fluids were oozing all throughout my face.

• It is also noteworthy to include how it smelled burnt skin all throughout the procedure.

AFTER THE TREATMENT

• I silently prayed for strength from God to cope with the progressing pain. 

• Doc Six handed me an ice roller to help subdue the pain. Answered prayer! (I pay attention to the littlest things like that)

• I was instructed the following: (1) keep face off water until the evening of the next day, (2) resume tretinoin the next day (evening) to prevent any possible PIH, (3) cold compress & analgesics to soothe pain (4) protect skin form the sun at all times.

• Immediately after Fraxel, I was so red. A day after treatment, the redness decreased a bit but my face looked so swollen.

Immediately after Fraxel as the pain continues to build up

I was less conscious of how my face looked like on the fifth day after treatment; it took six days for my skin to completely heal. A month after the treatment, I noticed that my skin further improved versus Day 7 post-treatment. I wrote a more detailed post about my Fraxel timeline, btw.

(N.B. Day 0- treatment day, Day 1 - day after treatment)
You may click to enlarge

Here's an old photo of my skin before laser skin resurfacing taken from this post

There was very little improvement after this first Fraxel experience. It made me think twice about going back for another painful round of skin cooking but waking up to less scarred cheeks (no matter how minute) has motivated me to be patient with my doctor's treatment plan.  I have had three treatments to date and I will post more about my adventures in fractional CO2 laser treatment in the next few weeks!

The Shiseido Perfect Smoothing Foundation is the first powder foundation I've tried from the brand. If you have seen my Bangkok trip photos, I've been consistently wearing this medium coverage powder in shade O40.

How much? P1800 refill, P1100 compact case, 10g

Availability: Shiseido counters (select SM Dep't stores, Landmark, Greenbelt, Glorietta)

Texture & Color. This foundation is milled to perfection allowing it to look natural and soft against the skin. O40's a great match. However, this oxidizes on me several hours after but I noticed that with a good primer, the degree of darkening is decreased (but oxidation is still obvious).

If your skin is notorious for turning foundations a notch darker, I suggest you get hold of the Shiseido Perfect Smoothing Foundation one shade lighter than your perfect match (in my case, it's O20). Good thing it has 13 shades to suit most skin tones.

The Perfect Smoothing Foundation is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation

Finish and Feel. I apply this using the sponge that came with it and I end up with a glowy, smooth and evened-out skin. I think that the microglitters on the powder are the ones responsible for the amazing pearlescent finish.

On my face, it can feel a little heavy immediately after application, but I start to appreciate how lightweight it can get 30mins after as it melts into my skin.

Coverage & Wear. For those with acne scars and pimples like me, this foundation can get help from a good concealer on  days you use it for big events. During weddings, I personally choose to use the Perfect Smoothing Foundation over a great primer and  concealer. If you plan to use this on top of a liquid foundation, please use something that finishes sheer. 

FACE:  Shiseido Refining Makeup primer
Shiseido Perfect Smoothing foundation
Shiseido Oil-Free Bronzer #2

Photo taken 5 hours after application. You can tell that it has oxidized on my skin but because I wore a primer, it didn't look that muddy. Sans a makeup primer, you can just imagine how dark O40 goes on me when it oxidizes.

On normal days, because this foundation can cover decently, I just use it solo (over primer & moisturizer). It isn't foolproof when used alone, though. I blot several times a day and see the need for retouching with sheer loose powder somewhere in between long hours.

Others. I broke out from this after 5 months of using it. It's weird but if you knew the story about me and Clinique moisturizing gel, you wouldn't be surprised. Also, it wasn't until I broke out from it that I realized it wasn't the best formulation for my skin. The glowy finish can end up looking oily after severaaaal hours.

Good thing I hit pan before the zits showed up

Recommendation. The Shiseido Perfect Smoothing foundation is a jewel to those with normal to dry skin *sighs*. I must add that it photographs well, too, dry skin or not!

I recommend the sponge that goes with it and to not dip brushes on the pan to avoid wasting too much of the product. To avoid cakiness, after dabbing & sweeping product using a sponge, you can take out excess powder using a brush and flick it lightly, outwards.

I still hope to use up whatever's left in my Shiseido Perfect Smoothing foundation pan. I fell in love with it despite the strings of disadvantages (oxidation, poor oil control, not longwearing) because my skin looks a million times better underneath it without looking too made up. However, since we're already talking about zits here, I must restrain myself from even thinking about the almost used-up pan and just consider this among the products I had a hard time letting go of but had to.

Nature Republic's Vanilla Sky Pact SPF 30 PA+++ sure is a looker on the counter with its adorable mint cream case reminiscent of Paul & Joe products (and even the nail polish bottles are!). 

The powder smells as good as its name --- vanilla. I love that it is finely milled and gives a velvety smooth, matte finish. My scarred skin might frown at the fact that it doesn't give any additional coverage for acne scars and marks but I think that with the right shade, this works well in evening out the complexion.

I got the Vanila Sky Pact in #23 (they only have two shades: 21 and 23) and I think this shade is suited to set very yellow-toned liquid and cream bases. It appears ugly grayish-pink on my face when used solo. I will experiment how this sets off good old Estee Lauder Double Wear in Sand and will fill you in about it soon.

'replace cap' daw after use.. hehehe.

• Price: ~ 500php (will verify with Nature Republic)
• Availability: Nature Republic counters (SM North, SM Fairview, Festival Mall), contact numbers HERE
• Expiration: Manufacture date stamped at the back of the compact, not on the box; since it has good preservatives (parabens), I give it 1- 1.5 yrs before I throw it out

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While this holds off oil along the T-zone fairly well, I'm wary that it sits on the face. Like you look all made-up though not cakey. It's useful to use a facial mist/spritz to allow the powder to blend better into the skin. (Check out how Earth loved it on her skin)

Overall, I think that the Nature Republic Vanilla Sky Pact is a little expensive considering that there are other   crazy inexpensive pressed powders that are as good as this, even offering a wider shade range. However, if you're not scrimping on setting powders, you'll definitely fall in love with the matte finish this gives off plus its cutesy compact that comes with the softest & smoothest powder puff!

__________________________________________________________________________________

Disclaimer: Product was sent to me for review purposes. Post content is in accordance with my personal experience while using the Nature Republic Vanilla Sky Pact SPF 30.

I admit, it's an interesting title that leans to sounding gross, but the heading pretty much sums up this review on what the Camaru Naturals Bamboo Charcoal soap did for my face. 

Getting The Pus Out Of A Pimple

I have a set of topical staples in response to pimples choosing my face to be their staple. I get hormonal zits and occasional comedones and I must say that the Camaru Naturals Bamboo Charcoal soap can definitely scare the bejesus out of a blackhead!

Continue reading »

... and the tweaking failed. I really love the finish of the San San Age Defying Two-Way Foundie 03 that I tried using it with a light liquid face base, the Estee Lauder Double Wear in Ivory Cream.

It just didn't work! The powder foundie still oxidized badly on my skin :( There are those that are not really meant to be, I guess.

I got the this from HBC during their Great at 88 Sale last August. I love the fact that it provides medium coverage and is affordable. Unfortunately, the San San Age-Defying 2-Way Powder Foundation isn't something I'd be repurchasing.

San San Age-Defying 2-Way Powder Foundation in 03
twas able to decently cover up my chin acne

Swatching against the back of my hand, I felt like it was an okay shade match.

Here are also swatches of the powder foundation against the sponge.

Uncovering the Cons. It seemed like a good shade match but I noticed that this foundation oxidized big time on my skin. I looked ugly bronze-y by the fourth hour I was wearing it. And so I purchased a refill in 01 to replace 03 (02 had pink undertones). It still made my face look unpleasantly darker after a few hours.

Another letdown is its poor oil-control. Ironically, it seemed to hold up the oilies upon application, even a bit too matte a finish for my taste. However, after 5 short minutes, my T-zone began to oil up. The photos below are a bit blurry but I was oiling up like crazy. You will definitely want to put up blotting papers on your computer screen against my pictures.

Third problem is the powder's texture. Makeup gurus might find it too chalky. 

Also, I find it weird that the texture of the San San Age-Defying powder on the pan gets ruined when a wet sponge is used. The photo below is in shade 01.

It was easy to let go of the product taking the pile of cons it had for my skin type into consideration. However, this foundation had such great finish and coverage for my zits and pits, it breaks my heart a little to not use the compact.

Recommendation. This powder foundation will be more appreciated by acne-free, normal skin types. It's sheer irony that this has good coverage that glides smoothly on the skin, only to be better used by those with already good skin. I'm afraid I won't be getting another San San Age-Defying powder foundation until I see that "improved formulation" stamp on it.

During the Jane Iredale event last month, I was lucky to experience how their magic mitt makeup remover was able to magically turn my face into a clean slate! Shen and Jheng got really impressed that they bought one for themselves!

Ms Judith Barran, owner of True Scents & Minerals, Jheng and Shen

Jheng experiencing the Jane Iredale magic mitt action

Shen being too cute for the photos as she poses for me!

The best thing about this type of makeup remover is that it's ideal for travel, gentle, easy to use, exfoliates while cleaning the face, and is less expensive. Check out this Youtube vid.

This has a high-rating at MUA, rating 4.2/5 from 40 reviewers. Check out what this has to offer:

Label says:

• Magic Mitt quickly and completely removes makeup using NO cleanser

• This cleansing process promotes the health of the skin because it does not affect the skin's natural acid mantle

• When this beneficial barrier is intact, it aids the skin in protecting itself from harmful and invasive bacteria

• Not only will your skin thank you for using Magic Mitt, but you will also save yourself minutes at the beginning and end of each day

Magic Mitt is Made Of:

Magic Mitt is made from a new generation of specially knitted micro-fibers many times thinner than a human hair. When wet they create a hydro-mechanical process that breaks the surface tension of the oils that bond makeup to the skin.

Magic Mitt from Jane Iredale, $15 on website
895 php locally

How To Use:

Use Magic Mitt the way you would a washcloth. Soak it in tepid water and remove makeup. When completed, wash the Mitt in soap to cleanse. Rinse in clear water, then hang up to dry. When dry, it is sterile.

Availability:

You can purchase these mitt makeup removers from Jane Iredale website. Jane Iredale Philippines is located at True Scents and Minerals Showrooms at Makati and Davao.

I'm definitely seeing this type of makeup remover as an ideal skincare staple. I have to finish up my Shu Uemura Pink and Kanebo Freshel cleansing oils before getting this. I find the magic mitt a bit pricey though since Aquazorb costs way lower than this.

Here are the swatches of Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Sand (2W1), Tawny (3W1) and Ivory Cream (1N2). I'm NC25 with MAC Studio Fix Fluid (although I use NC20 since MAC SFF oxidizes on my skin significantly) and these swatches were taken where natural light generously passes through. I forgot if I took these picture with flash though.

Estee Lauder Double Wear on NC25: Tawny, Sand, and Ivory Cream

The three shades against a white canvas to emphasize the undertone category they belong to. Observe the lack of yellow in Ivory Cream, hence a neutral shade, while sand and tawny exhibiting a tinge of yellow as warm shades (tawny is a few shades near looking orange though). Sand is honestly a very pretty shade for those with fair Asian skin.

None of these three gives me a perfect shade match. If only sand wasn't too light (tawny appears too orange on my skin after a few hours), it would've been a good match. I'm eager to try their neutrals too, Desert Beige (2N1) and Ivory Beige (3N1). It's so sad that these Double Wear shades are not, and perhaps will never be, available in Philippine Estee Lauder counters.

Revlon Colorstay Oil-Free Foundation with Softlex is among the high-rating liquid face base that offers an impressive coverage for those who have an oily and blemished skin like mine. What hooked me with it is its being affordable than MAC while giving a coverage at par, and perhaps even better than MAC's Studio Fix liquid foundation.

Revlon Colorstay Oil-Free Foundation, 30mL
~800php at Watson's and Department Stores

What I love about it:

• long-wearing (MAC SF lasts a good 5-6hours on my acidic skin; Revlon, 9-12 hours!)
• buildable coverage (medium to heavy)
• photographs well (minus the non-diffused flash)
• transfer-resistant (MAC SF, for my skin, sadly, isn't)
• affordable and locally available
• among the few drugstore brands that offer the best skintone & undertone shades

Uh-ohs:

• the scent! feels like you're stuffing your face with too many harsh chemicals!
• oxidizes on acidic skin (so I got myself a shade lighter)
• SPF 15 content can be a con because of the whitecast it can create when using cameras without a diffused flash system
• may be difficult to blend with a brush (hello sponge and fingertips!)
• it stains brushes big time!
• difficult to remove (I do 3 rounds of cleansing using Pond's cold cream to completely take the makeup off)
• not lightweight

The biggest con that made me give this Revlon foundation bottle up is that it made my face red, patchy and ugly after taking it off! This is such a huge disappointment because I rarely come across liquid foundations that suck up the oil for long hours while giving a flawless coverage.

Revlon Colorstay Oil-Free foundation is such a keeper if it didn't act up on my skin. This bottle isn't just a hype... it works! I gave it several chances (well, it deserved it) and it just kept giving me ugly skin after taking off a very pretty mask.

The first time I encountered 4U2 products was when I got hold of their Gemtone Quad in Moonstone. I even did an amateur EOTD (my first ever, actually!) using the affordable eyeshadow quad. Now that they have released a new line called 'Envy', I grabbed the chance to purchase a 4U2 Envy Makeup Set (feel free to click on pics for a ginormous view of pigments).

4U2 Envy Makeup Set in 01... it's no deadly sin!

They have really stepped up this time. The 1 1/8" x 1 1/8" palm-size box contains 3 eyeshadows, a blusher, an eyeshadow applicator, a blush brush and a mirror!

4U2 Envy Makeup Set in 01 Net wt 6g
Also comes in 5 other shadow+blusher combos (#02-#06) 

It's not a fantastic packaging though. It's a lightweight plastic (rather flimsy) and the sad thing is that it can be a bit difficult to open the box (or was it just me?).  Nevertheless, the palette seals tightly and it's just totally jaw-dropping that the tiny 4U2 Envy palette has a matchmaking set of shadows and a blusher (plus tools!).

Swatches. I have never tried any blush from this brand but I have to say I'm really impressed with how pretty palette 01's blush is on the skin.

4U2 Envy Makeup Set 01 Blusher's swatch

Why isn't 4U2 naming their pigments? Even with the other quad, I had to play silly and name it S1, S2, S3 and S4 for reference. These lovely colors deserve a name for themselves! I forgot to do so with the pretty blusher but I took the liberty of naming their amazing shadows:

I baptize you 'Clean', 'Sin' (coz you look like UDPP Sin) and 'Tempt'
no primer to boost the shadows' colors, only used The Body Shop's crayon concealer

During that last post on the Gemtone quad, I ranted that I may have bought an expired palette. This time, the 4U2 Envy Makeup Set's manufacturing and expiry dates are blatantly displayed on a sticker on the product's seal (hard to miss)... so that's really good.  Mine will expire on 2013 (manufactured mid 2010).

[Can you help me name the blusher? And did you like the new names of the shadows?]

I will be reviewing the entire set in-depth during the next post lest I bore you once again with my long posts. I know Lysa won't be bored, but I won't keep you. I'll let you drool on the palette for now and give you the juicier stuff that the 4U2 Envy Makeup palette has in store for you later!

I've told you about my boyish sister's transformation several posts ago.  Lara of NARS Shang did her makeup and hairdo and she looked totally stunning.

A couple of months ago, she had an event she needed to go to and we no longer had Lara around.  And so, half-heartedly (i can tell!), she obediently entrusted me to 'transform' her.

Grabbed this pic from her facebook page.  This makeover surprised her friends and they wanted to keep a memento of it.   They even made an effort to create this fancy pic.

This is her on normal days:

With Ate's Makeover (this was 3 hours after the party already and the cheek makeup's no longer visible):

after clinique's toner and moisturizer:
FACE: Clinique's Pore Minimizing Serum as primer on tzone area only
Clinique Superfit in Neutral applied with fingers
EDM Golden Medium in original glo applied with Charm stippling brush
Joppa Full Coverage in Grecian gold (2-3 layers) applied with Charm stippling brush
buffed mineral powders on face using Nichido kabuki brush
Aromaleigh finishing powder in peaches n cream applied with Charm stippling brush
EYES: In2it eyebrow powder using my bleak angled brow brush
Nichido liquid eyeliner (black)
Fanny Serrano curlash
Maybelline Unstoppable Shiny Black mascara
no eyeshadows, i'm still a newbie with it
Freshlook contact lens
CHEEKS and LIPS: Nichido pink blush (forgot the name)
 The Bodyshop Lip and Cheek Tint on lips

It was such a simple makeup that I did considering she was going to a function where practically all the ladies were glammed up.  We had no time to visit the salon and my poor sister was hoping I could help her with her look.

I don't think I failed, did I?

I'm back with reviewing and I'm pretty much back with loving bb creams!  I've reviewed Skin 79 Waterdrop vis-a-vis Dr. Jart Silver Label, and Elianto Multiplex.  Now, it's Skinfood Aloe BB Cream's turn! 

Skinfood Aloe Sun BB Cream, #1

I got Aloe among the other available variants (there's Gingko, Mushroom, Peach Sake and Agave, whew!) since it was: meant to control oil (Gingko is for dry skin), had good packaging that does not spill (Mushroom has a bad tube), comes in a 50g tub (Peach Sake costs as much but has only 30mL of product in the tube) and is relatively affordable (Agave is a bit overpriced and performs the same as Aloe, IMO).



Skinfood's aloe variant comes in two shades: #1 and #2.  Most beauty bloggers categorize shade #1 for those with yellow undertones, the latter for those with pink undertones.  I have no idea how they came up with that.  I've tried both shades and I couldn't really tell if #2 suited pink undertones since it kinda suited me (I have yellow/olive undertones) but it made me look tad darker.

Got it from: ebay's skinfood2you ($13, free shipping worldwide)
Transit time: 2 1/2 weeks
Best applied onto face with: fingertips

Skinfood Aloe BB cream blended well with my NC30ish skintone.  It can be scary white at first, but it blends pretty well with the skintone after ~5minutes (quite long, I must say).

without bb cream



Scary white at first glance




3 minutes post-application, bb cream slowly blending in

	Skinfood Aloe Sun
Consistency	Thick, difficult to blend (you have to blend fast enough)
Coverage	Sheer;  not nice when layered on
Shade range	2 shades
Price (over ebay South Korea)	P600+ ($13 to $18 ), inclusive of shipping
Finish	Dewy, may tend to be oily if applied in a humid condition (for a matte finish, top it off with URFP)
Make-up Base ability	Poor
SPF	15
Oil-control (airconditoned room)	Great

I think Skinfood Aloe might've fared better for oily gals like me when applied inside an airconditioned room.  I noticed that it controlled oil better that way.  Also, if you need coverage, this might not be the bb cream for you.  It has a sheer finish and can look ugly if you layer it on.

	Skinfood Aloe	Dr. Jart Silver	Skin79 Waterdrop
Consistency	Thick, difficult to blend (you have to blend fast enough)	Thick, difficult to blend	Thin, blendable
Coverage	Sheer;  not nice when layered on	Medium to heavy	Poor
Shade range	2 shades	One shade only	One shade only
Price (over ebay South Korea)	P600+ ($13 to $18)	P1200 to P1600 ($28 to $33)	P600 to P1000 ($12.50 to $21)
Finish	Dewy, may tend to be oily if applied in a humid condition (for a matte finish, top it off with URFP)	Dewy, not matte (for a matte finish, top it off with URFP)	Dewy, not matte (for a matte finish, top it off with URFP)
Make-up Base ability	Poor	Can be cakey	Great make up base
SPF	15	35	0
Oil-control (airconditoned room)	Great	Great	Great