June 2015 Empties/Mini Reviews

Hello hello!

Long time no blog again.... O_o|||  Hope all is well with you all!

So a lot has changed in the last month, with graduation and moving and all that. But maybe I will give that a write another time, cuz I sense this is gonna be a long post lol. Anyway! I'm obviously settled enough to be able to sit down and write a blog post ;)  By the way... I don't have my blogging camera with me... and it's kind of broken anyway -_-  so I'm not sure what to do if I want to do any kind of swatches/reviews, cuz the camera I'm using now automatically corrects tones and makes colors more vivid @_@  and I'm not really in the place to invest in a new camera. So we'll see. I love doing quick reviews on Instagram but I don't think foundation reviews are ever complete without application photos >_<

Now let's talk about the products I finished over the last few months!

1. Aveda Stress-Fix Body Lotion

I had it for a long time, but I rarely used it because I was always trying to save it for when I'm feeling extra stressed or tired LOL. I really like the lavender scent of this body lotion... it's not the fake, icky type of lavender scent that is so common among many lavender scented products. I found the scent to really be relaxing and soothing :) anyway I decided I needed to stop just hoarding my nice/expensive products and saving them for special occasions and just use them while they're still fresh LOL. Will I repurchase? Yes! But only when I'm feeling spendy... this I consider a luxury/pampering product lol. In terms of how well it moisturizes... it's decent. It gets more points in the scent department; the "moisturization" is just so-so.


2. Ryo Hair Mask

Err... forgot the name of this product. Sowee! XD  I think it contains ginseng and is supposed to smell like ginseng... but for some reason, it totally reminds me of this Chinese dessert... the red bean soup thingy


↑ This. LOL!! I swear every time I used it I wanted a bowl of red bean soup hahaha. It was a hair mask but I just used it as a conditioner. It was alright. Nothing special. I didn't purchase this it was a free gift.


3. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam

To be fair, I think it's an okay cleanser but somehow I just got so sick of the scent @_@ For some reason the scent really started to bother me. So about half way through I just started using it as a body wash so I can use it up quickly LOL. Waste not! Won't repurchase. By the way, I threw out the Rice Water Bright Cleansing Cream (please refer here) cuz it was SUCH A PAIN IN THE ASS to use. Takes wayy too long to work makeup off my face (namely... my super waterproof mascaras) I officially write off cleansing balms/creams... just gonna stick with cleansing oils from now on. Oh and I also tossed out the Screen Cell Cushion.


4. Wen Lavender Re Moist Intensive Hair Treatment

It was good. Can't think of anything else to add cuz I feel like I already talked about Wen too much in the past LOL. Won't repurchase.


5. DHC supplement for slimming

Bought this when I was in Japan. I can't really read Japanese but I understand this is for slimming (how though I'm not sure). I got it because I was curious as to if it actually works or not. Ummm I noticed no difference XD Didn't notice any appetite changes or anything. Nor did I notice any diarrheal effects. Hahahaha.


6. Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

This is my replacement for my favorite summer moisturizer-- Shiseido Pure Matifying Moisturizer. It's really light and great for summer! Also an awesome medium for mixing heavier creams/lotions. Will repurchase. Although since my recent move I'm now at a much drier climate... not sure if this will be enough. Currently still using Cetaphil and it works great.


7. Innisfree the Green Tea Seed Serum

I mentioned before this thing broke me out all over my face. Was gonna give it away to friends but none of them were interested lol was gonna try to sell it but it isn't the most practical cuz the shipping fees alone are ridiculous. So I used it on my body LOL. Interestingly when I used it on my body, because it's a gel formulation, I feel like after the initial moisturized feeling, my skin would actually feel dried out O_O didn't notice that when I used it on my face, but then again I didn't use it on my face for that many times and I use a lot more follow-up products on my face. For those who don't know... it's extremely fragranced... I wouldn't describe it as a herbally scent (which is usually typical of Innisfree products)... smells like a cleanser to me. 


8. Aveda Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash

My favorite body wash O_O! This was a sample gift. If you don't like mint you obviously want to stay away from this XD But it has a nice cooling effect and I just love the smell. Also it doesn't leave that residue-feeling some body washes do. Will I purchase? Ehhh too expensive. Hahaha. I'll stick with drugstore body washes and soaps.


9. Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub

To be fair I remember liking it and it is a nice and effective facial scrub. But I just prefer my St. Ives scrubs with salicylic acid treatment. So I ended up using this to scrub my underarms LOL. Ehhh TMI?  It gets kind of messy though... I have to make sure to rinse my bathroom walls/tub cuz the black stuff gets everywhere.

10. Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum

Already talked about this before. Holy grail status. Smooths away flaky skin and helps skin repair faster. Already repurchased. I don't use it every day-- only use it when I need it in case my skin gets too used to it. 


11. Evian Mineral Water Spray

Also an old product. I prefer canisters over spritz bottles cuz I found they dispense the mist more evenly. I haven't really been using mists that much as of late... may or may not repurchase.


12. Dr. Hauschka Eye Contouring Day Balm

Why this is called a day balm still mystifies me to this date. How on earth do you use this during day time??? It really is a balm... I don't know how anyone can apply makeup over this thing without it creasing/slipping off. I used it at night. It didn't do anything for me. Glad to get rid of it. Will not repurchase.


13. A'PIEU Essential Source Snail Vital Cream

Was super excited to try this but it broke me out as well... think I've mentioned that before?? Anyway so I also used it as a body moisturizer. It's a very thick clear gel formulation... kind of reminds me of sleeping masks but even thicker. Didn't smell like anything. Actually, as a body moisturizer, it wasn't bad :P  Will not repurchase obviously.


14. Innisfree Long Wear Cushion

Had a full review, as well as follow-up here. I technically haven't used it all the way up yet... but pretty close. The reason I have to toss it out is because it started to smell funny. I tried applying it on my face cuz I felt like it was such a waste XD It still performed great but it did break me out hahahahaha so it was time to go. I still love the formula and think it's an awesome cushion and I love the way it makes my skin look... but I think cushions just aren't that hygienic. However I wouldn't say I won't repurchase this though... I might :P


15. YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation

You guys are probably sick of me talking about this foundation, but it was my holy grail winter liquid foundation. It is SO GOOD. I think I've had it for a couple of years?? (Hahaha yeah not advisable... should try to finish it within 6months-1 year after opening) and I loved it for the two years that I was using it. However, I haven't missed it as much as I thought I would be O_O maybe because I could only use it for winter only anyway, but I've been using the Innisfree Smart Foundation in Super Moisture and I'm pretty darn happy with that one as well. The formulations for the two are not comparable because they're pretty different, but in terms of the finish, I think it's kind of comparable-- they both give that super nice and glowy dewy finish. Innisfree perhaps more "moist" looking than YSL. 


Sample fest!! Haha


16. Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum-- Ehh didn't do anything for me
17. Sisley Ecological Compound Emulsion-- I remember really enjoying it but I can't remember why hahahaha XD I think I liked it but not enough to splurge
18. Lunasol Moist Conditioner-- It's nice! I liked it! Very moisturizing toner. Thought about purchasing it but I already have some awesome toners that do much more than moisturizing XD
19. Obagi Vitamin C Serum (10%)-- Got the sample when I was in Japan. It's nice... and it smelled so good O_O But I've used better products for brightening lol. 


20. Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque

Really good moisturizing mask if you guys are looking for something like that :) it's my staple when I'm flying long haul flights. I also apply it to the rest of my face when I apply clay masks to my nose lol. Don't think I will ever purchase the full-size product cuz this little sample/travel size lasted me quite a long time.  I would've repurchased it except I wasn't able to find the travel size the last time I looked on Amazon. 


 
21. Innisfree Skinny Microcara (brown)-- This is the none waterproof version. Will not repurchase. I prefer the waterproof version... it's easier to remove with my cleansing oils O_O Also I don't like the color of this brown mascara... it's too light... also on the red brown side. I found it just blends my lashes into my eyeliner. Not a good brown color. I think a deeper brown would've worked so much better. Anyway I have a bunch of Majolica Majorca mascaras now so I won't be repurchasing any of the Innisfree microcaras lol. To be fair, I do like the regular black waterproof skinny microcaras. Although they tend to be on the dry and clumpy side midway through the tube.

22. Integrate mascara primer-- it's decent. It definitely grew on me as I was using it, but at the same time I don't really miss it when it's gone. I prefer Majolica Majorca mascara primer. But it does the job-- holds curls and volumizes.  


23. Caudalie Premier Cru La Creme Riche sample

I enjoyed it! It's on the thicker and heavier side so I usually mix it with Cetaphil or SkinMD. It was a free sample and while I enjoyed it, I don't like it enough to splurge on the actual product. The smell reminds me of calamine lol.


24. DHC L-carnitine supplement



So I bought it because I thought it's supposed to help with more efficient metabolism... I misunderstood the picture and Kanji XD  I think it's actually intended for aging/dieting ppl to replace L-carnitine (amino acid). Haha. Uhhhh. I don't need this at all LOLLLL. I didn't have Internet with me when I bought these -_-


25. Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser sample

I like! It's a really good exfoliator! My face feels super clean and nice and soft after using it. But I still prefer St. Ives hahaha XD What can I say... St. Ives is cheap and cheerful. I don't feel the need to splurge on the full size item =P


26. Aveda Shampure Shampoo

Aveda shampoos are LOVE. Enough said XD If you're new to Aveda and not sure what to try, this is a good one! It's basic and... the cheapest one XD I think this one is awesome for daily use. Have repurchased.


27. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream sample

Already talked about it on my Instagram XD So here it is

New skincare that I was testing out. It was LOVE 👍 tbh, I was never interested in first aid beauty... Simply bcuz their packaging never attracted me 😓😂 this being the "ultra repair cream" and "intense therapy" led me to think that this moisturizer should be super thick and heavy duty. To my surprise, it was so light 😳 but so effective. This is one of these moisturizers that don't do anything special, but I just love the way it applies and how my skin feels after. This sample lasted me a good 2.5 weeks 😳 (I mostly only used it at night though). Sad it was finished. This gets a big 👍 from me and is definitely something I would purchase in the future 👌PS. It contains colloidal oatmeal... No wonder it's so good 😝 I'm so oatmeal-biased hehe 😁#firstaidbeauty #sephora #beautyblogger #bblogger #review #instareview #skincare #moisturizer

A photo posted by Frances (@bbudgie) on Jun 8, 2015 at 12:18am PDT

That's  all I have! Hope you guys enjoyed this "quick" one. Have you guys tried any exciting products as of late? I feel like there have been a lot new launches but nothing has piqued my interest.  Did I just jinx myself by saying that? LOL. Anyhow, I really ought to control my spendings anyway >_< I spent enough on the last Sephora haul as it is.

Hope you guys are enjoying the summer weather! WEAR SPF!!!!!! Lol.


<3 Frances

June 2014 Favorites ^_^

Ello ello guys!

So... this month's "favorite" post probably won't be that exciting to most of you... at least for my long-time readers :") (hello if you're reading!) because lot of them are rediscovery of old favorites XD So you probably have seen most of them at some point. And the newer favorites I believe I've already done reviews on all of them, kkk. 


Let's first start with the new items I have for this month XD  Those are probably more exciting for you guys to read!

1. Canmake Cream Cheek Blush in 01

Guys. This thing. Is amazing!!!!

I used to avoid cream blushes-- I used to have this one from Stila called Convertible Color in Gerbera and I loved that color! But somehow I reasoned with myself that it's more hygienic to dip my brush into the cream blush than using my fingers =_= so that kind of ruined the blush for me (lint, brush hairs getting stuck in the blush... all that good stuff). So I pretty much avoided cream blushes after that. So glad I decided to give these a try!!! I have 3 colors but this is my favorite (review and swatches for the rest will come up soon). Been pretty much reaching for it non-stop over the last couple of months ^_^ Haha my new blush love affair after the Benefit Rockateur lol.



Swatch



It's sooo pretty. It honestly goes with every look, and just makes my complexion look super super healthy and glowy :)


Caution: This blush does contain glitters. However it doesn't look glittery at all when applied to the face in my opinion. But if you really hate glitters then perhaps you might want to keep that in mind before purchasing.

What it looks like on me:

Application


Honestly... blush is the hardest thing to photograph. Didn't want to overdo it but at the same time the color always comes off more washed out. But I hope you guys can kind of see it





2. LUSH BB Seaweed Fresh Face Mask

My attitude toward LUSH is always kind of ambivalent... I think their products are fun, but overpriced (aka luxurious items haha!)

But! This mask is pretty awesome *-*  This is kind of like a last-minute favorite for me... because I've only used this mask 4 times. But I'm loving it!


You can see chunks of seaweed in it




Skin feels super moisturized and baby soft after ^_^b Love it! Now I'm super interested in trying out more LUSH fresh masks. I wonder if they come in bigger tubs... cuz I kind of want one *-*


Ok from here on out all the products are old... I apologize ahead of time if I'm boring you guys XD


3. YSL Glossy Stain in #29 and Etude House Kissful Tint Choux in #4

I think because I'm working now I try to use more neutral colors T^T these two are the ones that I keep in my pocket to reapply :P these and a lip balm of course. I like how these don't require a mirror to put on-- I just dab a bit on the center on my lips and rub my lips together :) or smooth out with my fingers if I can. Super convenient.

Me wearing YSL

I've done a review/swatches on this lip stain before, please refer here if you're interested. But I decided to post these pics because they do look quite different from that post. I was more heavy handed here so I thought I'd put them so you guys can see the different finishes it offers.




As for the Etude House one, I have plenty of pictures here.

4. SkinMD Natural Shielding Lotion

Remember a while back I said I feel like this lotion wasn't moisturizing enough? Well along comes summer and hello the perfect summer moisturizer =DDD

I put it side to side with my summer standby moisturizer-- the Shiseido Pureness Matifying Moisturizer, because the two are quite similar. Shiseido being more watery, and SkinMD being a bit thicker and more slippy in texture. But in any case, the hydration level of both is really similar. I'm glad to have SkinMD because now I can replace my Shiseido moisturizer with it! SkinMD is like half the price of Shiseido ^_^b


Top: Shiseido. Bottom: SkinMD


Granted it still might not be enough for dry skin. For my combination skin, it's perfect for the hot, humid summer weather. Recommend for combination (normal/oily) and oily skin ^_^



5. Canmake Blush in 02 as eye shadow application

I don't think I need to elaborate on this item since I pretty much raped your eyes with selfies where I was wearing this eye shadow. Been obsessed with using this as my eye shadow! Drama influence LOL. Check here if you want to see what this blush looks like as an eye shadow. Well also I'm wearing this as my eye shadow in all my pics for this post hehehe. 



6. IPSA Face Color Palette in #201

This is also an old favorite. This palette happens to contain my all-time favorite highlighter! I personally wouldn't waste money to buy this palette-- I personally can't wear that peachy blush on the upper right corner because it makes me look sun-burned. The setting powder on the lower left corner is completely and utterly rubbish-- it has no oil control whatsoever. The "contour" shade on the lower right corner I do like for a tan-blush look :)  but I don't think it's unique enough for me to want to go out there and purchase it. Also as a contour it's way too orange and unnatural. This highlighter though :") I really don't know what it is about it, but I just love it so much!!! You guys probably wouldn't think it's anything unique XD it looks really similar to the "Virgin" eye shadow from the NAKED 1 palette, but Virgin translates just ever so slightly on the silvery-white side on me... which can look a bit stark for highlight. This color on the other hand... just looks completely natural and subtle ❤ I wonder if IPSA sells the highlighter individually? I'll have to look it up.

I sort of did a review post on this palette, check here if you want to see my thoughts on this product when I first got it :)




It really doesn't look that special as a swatch XD


Okay these swatches photos are not doing this product justice. Need some face action here!



I like to apply some above my eye brows, and between my eye brows, like shown in this picture


Then I bring it half way down my nose bridge. The reason why I only do it half way and leave out the tip of my nose is because my nose gets mega oily -_- so I just skip the tip to avoid the mess.


I don't always do this step but sometimes I highlight the C shape here too. Nowadays forehead and nose bridge is more fun for me to highlight XD


Result *-* Even I think my skin looks pretty freaking amazing here. LOL the tricks of makeup PUAHAHA. 




Me no like this angle of my face, but thought you can the see highlight super well on my nose bridge XD I don't usually use this much, I was very heavy handed just for the purpose of taking pictures, so normally it wouldn't look so obvious LOL.



Comparison photos. Small difference, but difference nevertheless? :)

Left: Without highlight
Right: With highlight


Left: Without highlight
Right: With highlight

Readers probably be like... I didn't even notice any difference until you pointed it out XD




Here's an old pic of me, with no highlight whatsoever.


Here's a pic with highlight on forehead and nose bridge. Sorry I'm recycling old pics... in my defense... 回收也是一種美德啊!!! (遮臉) How do I translate that... recycling is a virtue XD *covers face*


Also with highlight on nose bridge. Nose looks just a wee bit taller??? Yes?? Can't see any difference??? XD I feel like if anything it makes my nose look straighter @_@


Is the difference better manifested in these pics?


Kkk, it looks like I have a nose bridge. Puahah




There's hardly any difference when you look at my nose from the front, but from side view I feel like it does a little sumthin' sumthing XD kind of crazy what a little bit of highlight can do to your face. 



I was surprised at how tall my nose looks (well I think so). It's probably the angle too but I think the highlight probably helped. I mean you guys have been reading my blog for a while now and you all know I have a relatively flat nose. This is kind of fun XD

So yeah I've been into highlighting my face again =P Truth be told, I'm never the person who cares a whole lot about nose... I'm all about eyes XD but it seems like people are getting nose jobs/rhinoplasties left and right these days. I wonder what I would look like with a super tall nose bridge and pointy tip... probably super fake and unnatural hahahaha.



That's all I have for my favorites! Sorry about the sparse posting. I'm actually on an off block now so I have some time. Hopefully I can get more blogging done! Is there anything you guys are interested in seeing?

Enjoy the beautiful summer ^_^ Time for me to hit the gym!


Laters :D

<3 Frances