LA LA LA LA LA

Lol you know when you see a title like this, it's gonna be another one of those random + long ass post XD

The weather was gorgeous today so I actually got some photos done ^_^ I'm just gonna skip ahead with all my rambling intro and just share with you guys some of the new things I got, and some things I've been liking :)

Since my new year's resolution (where I had sworn off Forever 21) I haven't bought a single piece of clothing LMAO. Gosh this is so pathetic (branching out epic FAIL...) Seriously though I really don't know where I can buy nice and affordable clothes =/ or maybe I should just save it so I can splurge the next time I go back to Taiwan. But anyway spot these scarves from Aldo and was in love ^_^


First is this scarf with those little birds ^_^

Was just looking back at my other more recent posts and realized the last time I posted a selfie I had short and straight bangs -_- dang.


You can find it here.


Little birdies~~~ take a wing~~~ *sings* (what? LOL) I really like this kind of muted, almost dirty pink? ^_^


I feel like this is almost more of a hipster style of scarf... and hipster isn't really something I've ever ventured into (can't pull it off LOL)





The other scarf I got was this seemingly ordinary brown-ish... almost muddy-colored scarf...






But when you lay it out... it actually has vultures and skull prints!!!

Isn't it so cool?!?!?! I love it!!! Especially love when the weather is gloomy =P




These scarves are so fluffy >_< the thickness I think is perfect for transitioning into Spring.



Also took advantage of spring break and went to an outlet...

Got a man's shirt from Tommy Hilfiger XDXDXD




Friends: Are you serious about this??? It's a guy's shirt!
Me: Who cares >_< I don't care if it's men's or women's wear as long as it looks good!
Friends: It's SO big!
Me: It's my style >_<
Friend: Oh yeah it totally is... hmmm it actually kind of looks like pajamas
Me: Are you saying pajamas is my style  (￣ε(#￣) o==(￣▽￣)>

Lol seriously though... ppl do associate me with pajamas ;; _ ;;  cuz I'm always in over-sized anything... hahaha.


It's a men's medium. It's HUGE lol. Don't mind my hair sticking out... it's been very static-y  hahaha



This "pajama" actually costs $32  =___= so expensive for outlet (it's 50% off). My friends kept trying to talk me out of it... but I don't know there's something about it I just really like >_< plus it's so soft and comfyyyy AND thick AND WARM.

Completely love how it has a number on the back ^_^  Hopefully ppl wouldn't look at me weird at school XD


Also went to The Cosmetic Company and got a Bobbi Brown soothing cleansing oil. Actually quite proud of myself for stepping out of that place with only one item... I wanted to get Bobbi Brown loose powder and some discontinued Bobbi Brown blushes and MAC eye shadows but in the end decided I shouldn't >_< (actually my friends stopped me LOL they're keepers ahahahaha)



LOL did anyone else find it funny that it has Korean on it? The sales ppl told me it's probably been shipped to Korea but just didn't end up selling that's why it ended up in the outlet.

While I was at the Cosmetic Company outlet I saw a TON of limited edition MAC products... they have the go-to-the-beach (????) collection, the sailor's collection, and even the Disney collection!!! I thought those were history.

On a complete random and beauty-irrelevant note... while I was at the outlet I got me some ceramic frying pans XD Which I'm completely overly excited about LOLOL. My good old frying pan needs to retire... since the non-stick coating has been coming off T_T may it rest in peace.

Never tried ceramic pans before, hopefully they're good!

Also got a Mandoline slicer ^_^ been wanting one ever since I saw Julia from MissChievous rocking her mandoline slicer. Cutting veggies can be such a pain sometimes. Really excited for this ^_^

PS: Every time I see "Sharper Image"  I automatically think about Sex and the City... Samantha and her "vibrator" XDDD


Have been trying out new mascaras too.

Za Impact Lash Mascara (volume) and mascara base 

Mascara + pimer

Not bad :) and it doesn't smudge XD I wouldn't mind repurchasing, but I think I still prefer Majolica Majorca since Za sometimes can get a little clumpy (also I like MJ for the comb applicator).

Remember a while ago I mentioned how I didn't care for the Revlon balm stains? I have changed my mind XD I'm beginning to appreciate the beauty of lip stains XD now I'm used to lip stains, I realized they last so much longer (duh) AND most importantly, they don't get on your teeth XD

Now I have collected 5 of the Revlon's balm stains ^_^

From left to right: Romantic, Crush, Rendezvous, Lovesick, Honey. 

Anyway now I totally love these lip stains XD And I've been loving "Lovesick" for my recent everyday go-to look ^_^

I like to just apply it to the center of my lips and fade it out. Completely digging the gradient lip ^_^
I only like Lovesick on the center of my lips... don't like it all over my lips XD

Just simple, level, overly dragged out, dramatic eyeliner XD with a pop of color on my lips. 

I realize I haven't done a cat-eye in forever @_@ I prefer a straight eyeliner now :P 

Now onto other things I've been enjoying... Curel body lotion =D

Finally a body lotion that actually works =D I recommend! And it's cheap too XD All I'm looking for in a body lotion is that I wouldn't have to feel like I need to reapply within like 5 minutes... that's not too much to ask for right? But somehow none of the body lotions I used in the past (expensive or cheap) even fulfill that one expectation. Very happy that I tried this. 

Another drugstore item I've been really liking-- "Clear" shampoo

Most of you guys might have heard about this brand from Hollyannaeree (I really can't remember where she mentioned it??? I think it's from her Instagram). I am SO glad that she recommended it, cuz I've been really liking it! If you read my last post you'll know that ever since I started using Aveda I hadn't been able to use drugstore shampoos due to residue. Of course I haven't used this long enough to be able to tell, but 3 days into using this shampoo I noticed the ends of my hair have become less dry, more soft, and my hair in general just feel so much softer. Pretty amazing!!! And I'm only using the shampoo too ^_^ Unfortunately still trying to use up my other Aveda shampoo (been alternating between Clear and Aveda) and this other Asian brand conditioner, but I cannot wait to try using both the shampoo and the conditioner ^___^


Some other new items I got: 

Revlon lustrous lipsticks in Kiss Me Coral and Pink In The Afternoon.

Picked them up after seeing Bubbi mention it in her favorites video ^_^




Here are some swatches and comparisons. Hahahahaah it honestly just looks like I'm buying the same colors over and over again XD

Another comparison swatches:



The other day while I was passing Macy's on my way out... I spot in the display the Marc Jacobs' Daisy makeup bag O_____________O I thought the makeup bag is SO FREAKING CUTE!!!!

The promotion is that you buy the large size perfume, you get a makeup bag and a roller perfume for free (but the sales associate sneaked a mini Daisy perfume in for me ^_^)  

Honestly I still kind of can't believe that I bought a large size perfume because of the makeup bag O_O 

I don't even think I will be able to bring myself to use it.. I don't want it to get dirty >_<

No pockets or anything on the inside, just a very simple basic bag. 

So now I have two Marc Jacobs perfume O_O two perfumes in less than 6 months... now perfumes are officially on my ban list as well.

Truth be told I prefer Dot :P I think Dot is more me. Daisy smells amazing too but I think Daisy smells better in the bottle than on me XD sad hahaha. I'm determined to use Daisy for the entire spring and summer!!! This is the largest bottle of perfume I've ever owned O_O (and the most I've ever spent on a perfume X_X) Apparently there's a new Daisy Sunshine too?! Really curious what that one smells like. 

Daisy is described as:

Notes:

Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Jasmine Petals, Musk, Vanilla, White Woods.

Style:

Bright. Alluring. Eternal.

I personally would describe it as refreshing, sweet... and for some reason reminds me a bit of lychee?!?!!??

Hmmmm... smells so good from the bottle! 

Look at the mini!!! when my friends and I unboxed it we all screamed >_< it's just too too toooo adorable!!!!


And congratulations you've reached the end of the post XD last thing to share... I opened up a bunch of new blushes LMAO. I've had these for a while (they were for my online shop, but since I never did sell them =P hehehehehhe)

Blushes from Canmake, CandyDoll, and Melliesh.


Really liking the Canmake blush/highlighter! This is by far the only peachy cheek color I can safely use. I said that because most peachy cheek colors tend to make me look flushed... and not in a good way. Kind of like I've been sun-burned kind of flushed XD I actually realize I don't own that many pink blushes prior to these three... I only had two-- one from Etude House and one from Benefit. Quite shocking right? lol. Been really into pink blushes too =P

Okay that's all folks! Yes you can safely assume you probably won't be seeing any update from me again anytime soon LMAO. I wish everyone a very lovely weekend, and as always, thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my blog ^_^

<3 Frances

Empties/Mini Reviews of March 2013

What's up people!! =D

Hello hello!! Welcome back to my blog XD I'm actually on spring break now... you would think I would take advantage of it and crank out a few posts XD But actually been too busy watching Scandal and Revenge XD Boy they've been taking up way too much time =_= Especially Revenge. I'm only almost done with season one... I've been really trying to finish it because once school starts again I know I wouldn't have time. Sometimes I get headaches from watching too many episodes in a day XD Plus... I don't know I feel like I'm just slowly phasing out of my makeup craze... O_O and I found I've not been as excited about blogging as I used to be. I used to watch beauty channels religiously too but now I just watch a few... mostly out of boredom, not excitement X_X  I guess a lot of it is because a lot of Youtube videos have gone so commercial these days I just don't enjoy them anymore. Oh wells. Wait how did I get into all this ranting? lolol. Anyway today I bring you an empties/review post =D Honestly a lot of things products I finished A LONG TIME AGO but I just never got around to writing about them. Most definitely did not use up all these products just in this month.


1. Aveda Rosemary Mint Shampoo and Conditioner


So, I only came to know about Aveda because my cousins are nuts about them. I kind of have a love-hate relationship with Aveda shampoos and kind of regretted that I ever decided to try it -_- because ever since I started using Aveda, I COULD NOT go back to using drugstore shampoos (until very recently... which I will talk about in the next post). Aveda shampoos are so freaking expensive, but they clean my hair so well and do not leave residue at all. After I used up my first Aveda shampoo (Pure Abundance Volumizing Clay shampoo), I tried switching back to drugstore, but then I started to feel the build-up in my scalp to the point I just had to switch back. So freaking expensive. And before Aveda, drugstore shampoos worked just fine for me =_= so anyway there's my little story.

For the rosemary shampoo, I really like it for minty and cooling sensation. For the conditioner, I absolutely do NOT recommend it cuz it does NOTHING. It was such a waste of money. I had to use SO much just to detangle my hair and even that it still leaves my hair feeling dry. In fact I would say if you ever want to try Aveda hair products, just try the shampoo and skip the conditioners.

Ingredients for the shampoo:


Ingredients for the conditioner:


2. Aveda Rosemary Mint Body Lotion


This is another meh product. Honestly I've tried a number of expensive body lotions and they're all the same to me-- they all don't do very much. But I've recently discovered a good one which I will talk about in the next post as well :D

My conclusion for this-- if you're a natural product freak, you might like it. As much as I enjoy natural, environmental-conscientious products... I don't care for this.


3. Essential Honey & Shea Butter... er.. conditioner? hair mask?

Another product I don't really care for LOL. I mean it was nice while it lasted, but I didn't feel like this conditioner/hair mask is particularly conditioning... I can use this all over my head and it wouldn't make my hair greasy/weigh it down. In fact I didn't feel like this is any more nourishing than my regular conditioners O_O

3. Clarins High Definition Body Lift


This is what it claims to do:
"A body cream for the hips, thighs, and buttocks that prevents and corrects stubborn cellulite while smoothing, firming, and redefining."

My experience? Don't bother. It does not do what it claims. I have cellulite on my hips/thighs and butt and I didn't see it improve anything.


Actually bought this when I was desperately trying to lose weight... somehow I heard about how this helps with slimming. Complete waste of money (just shows you how desperate I was LOL). Interestingly enough I did recognize one pharmacological active ingredient on the ingredients list, which is mannitol. Mannitol is actually an osmotic diuretic... and what is does is that it pulls water into your vasculature so excess water can be eliminated through urination. So I suppose this is why ppl say it has slimming effects? that it gets rid of water retention??? But honestly... I understand water retention in my face... but I don't think I will be able to notice the difference of water retention in my body/limbs =_=... I mean seriously... unless you have peripheral edema or something (which cannot be corrected by using mannitol anyway)... who would say "oh look! my body is so bloated today from water retention!" -_-???

Aside from that, caffeine is pretty high on the list, which I assume is used to help promote circulation?





Conclusion, it is not slimming, nor does it correct cellulite.

4. Pond's Cleansing Oil

It's a nice, cheap drugstore cleansing oil. But it's not strong enough for remove my MAC liquidlast eyeliner without some additional rubbing XD I like Shu Uemura much better. I do have another one and I don't mind using the other one up, but I don't think I will be repurchasing.



5. Carmex Healing Lotion

LOL had to cut it in 3 halves so I could get all the product XD anyway nothing spectacular-- I bought it because Carmex lip balms are amazing so I was hoping this would be amazing, and it's not XD just an average body lotion.



6. Genifique Youth Activating Eye Concentrate

This was a free sample from my Lancome purchase. Honestly while I was using it I didn't feel/see a difference. It wasn't until I've used it up and switched to my L'Occitane eye cream did I realize this Lancome eye cream did really keep my under-eye hydrated.... after I stopped using it, I started noticing my fine lines underneath my eyes more TOT it's like it didn't correct my fine lines, but I guess it kept them at bay... and now I'm not using this eye cream I feel like my fine lines are getting worse T_T So I might consider purchasing the full-size. But honestly if I have that money I want to try the Bobbi Brown eye cream first... heard that one is really good.

7. Biotherm White D-Tox Neo-Clarifying Velvety-milky lotion

A sample that I received from a purchase as well. I enjoyed it while it lasted, but I don't think I will be purchasing the full-size. It was light (like a lot of Japanese moisturizer with a milky texture) and surprisingly very hydrating.



8. Origin's Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Treatment Lotion

Not sure why it's called lotion when it's a toner... oh well. If you guys been following my blog for a while you'll know I cannot live without the Mega Mushroom facial cleanser. Since I'm not much of a toner user... I liked it and I don't mind using it but I won't be purchasing the full size. I don't think it's as amazing as the cleanser :P



9. Fancl Washing Powder, Lotion and Milky Lotion

So I wanted to try Fancl products for the longest time because I liked the idea of no added preservatives. The proportion was pretty good I did manage to use up everything around 30 days except for the washing powder (I only wash my face with face wash at night... so assuming if you wash your face twice a day you should be able to get through it in time).

Honestly... using preservative-free products didn't make me feel any different lol. Of course I have no idea if it'd make any difference in the long run, but I decided it's over-rated. At first I really liked the washing powder-- it's SO gentle, but at the same time cleanses well that I loved it (my face never feels dried out after using it). But after a while using the foaming ball just became such a pain in the ass =____= and you do have to use the foaming ball to lather up the washing powder-- I tried lathering the powder up in my hands, and it did not work at all XD As for the toner and the lotion, they feel exactly like the Hada Labo toner and moisturizers... only slightly thinner texture and maybe a bit more moisturizing. But honestly, the difference isn't all that big. I enjoyed them and I'm glad I tried them, but I won't be repurchasing any either.

10. Shiseido Pureness Mattifying Moisturizer

I've mentioned it a few times already so I'm gonna be brief-- this IS my favorite moisturizer for the summer-- very light and refreshing. Doesn't control oil (when it says mattifying, it doesn't give that sheen after you apply skincare, but it doesn't control oil or anything). I will be repurchasing this for the summer if nothing else catches my eye ^_^

11. Korres Lip Butter in Guava

Have mentioned this before too so I'll be brief-- it's good but it leaves a white cast on the lips. It is NOT transparent. So I don't recommend and will not repurchase.

12. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum

Errr couldn't feel any difference while I used it. But then again with Lancome Genifique concentrate I didn't notice a difference until my skin became problematic... so who knows *shrugs* but if I have to choose between Estee Lauder and Lancome I'd go for Lancome.


13. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

I know Clinique is pretty much hit or miss. I personally love Clinique (have very fond high school memories/experiences). This is a very light and nice moisturizer. Not enough for winter but I loved it for the days I just wanted something light.

Okay that's all folks! Hope you found something interesting in this post... Will be working on another post soon... hopefully tomorrow. Now I must catch up with some school work >_<

Stay well everyone!

My Beauty Information

I AM MAC NC20. PLEASE UTILIZE "CTRL+F" TO QUICKLY FIND THE FOUNDATION MATCH! If you can't find a foundation you're looking for that means I haven't tried it. 

Hi guys, 

So I decided to put my beauty information in a blog post linked in the menu bar below the blog heading, instead in the sidebar. Thought this would make things easier since the list got so long :) I will try to keep this post as updated as possible! Also I might try and go back and rematch myself with some of these foundations. If you have any rematch request from this list (or if it's outside this list, let me know and I'll see what I can do!)  I also noticed that I haven't done a review on some of these foundations that I actually have in possession =_= don't know what happened there. I will get to them... slowly but surely. Making a list now XP  


My Skin type:

- Sensitive

- Combination: normal to oily (oily nose; normal forehead, cheeks, and chin)

My Foundation Preference:

- Light to medium coverage. My goal is to just even out my redness and cover up blackheads. I do not aim to cover my freckles or anything. My philosophy on foundation is that it should look like your skin. 

- On days when I actually have breakouts or healing from breakouts, I will usually opt for my SKIN79 BB cream for its whitening effects to prevent scarring (yes it actually works).

- I try to always get samples first before purchasing (you can always ask for samples at Sephora, MAC, Nordstrom, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, etc). I buy my foundations based on how natural it looks, and how well it wears over the day (not necessarily if it looks the same throughout the day because that's impossible without a primer, but if it melds in with my oils, or does it separate, fades, or become patchy).  

- Whenever my color doesn't have an exact match and if I'm an in-between color (and the jump between the shades isn't too great), I always go for the lighter one, because you can use bronzers to fix it. If you go for darker then your face will look too dark compared to the rest of your body. 

- Even though my face is naturally more pink, I always go for yellow-toned or neutral shades because my body is more yellow than pink, so yellow/neutral-toned foundations match my body better. 

- I usually prefer soft, glowy finish. Not overly dewy. I also enjoy satin finish.

My foundation shades (which change from time to time):

Most recent matches (NC20): 

- Pony Effect Coverstay Cushion Foundation in Nude Beige 
 - GIORGIO ARMANI BEAUTY Power Fabric Longwear High Cover Foundation SPF 25 in No.2 or No.3. No.2 is fair skin with golden undertone, No. 3 is fair skin with rosy undertone. I found No. 3 isn't too pink and I could pull it off; it gives more of a brightening effect. If you want to stay true to yellow tones stick  with No.2!
 
- Givenchy Teint Couture Blurring Foundation Balm Broad Spectrum 15  in No.1 Nude Porcelain (don't be taken aback how pale it looks! It oxidizes as you blend but after it settles it doesn't oxidize further).

- Chantecaille Future Skin gel foundation in alabaster

- CLINIQUE Even Better™ Glow Light Reflecting Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in CN10 alabaster (VF)

- Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ in 102 Light (Pink)-- Just ignore the "pink" part, it's actually not that pink. 204 Light/Medium (yellow) is way too dark. 

- Smashbox Studio Skin Foundation: No good match. I would say I'm probably between 1.2 and 2.1. 2.1 is just too dark. If you must choose one go for 1.2-- you can fix the edges with bronzer. 

- Too Faced Peach Perfect Comfort Matte Foundation in Snow (slightly pale and a hint of pink tone but not too much-- Would suggest using a bronzer/contour to blend in around the neckline)

- Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation in 190 (note: heavily yellow based. Be sure to thin it out with beautyblender otherwise the yellow tone in this shade is pretty noticeable). I heard this foundation oxidizes very significantly??? I did not test this foundation out throughout the day so please refer to other sources too before you decide on the shade!!

- Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Cushion Compact SPF 35 in Light 

- COVER FX Pressed Mineral Foundation in G20 (fair to light skin with golden undertones)

- bareMinerals Original Foundation in Light (light skin with yellow undertones)

- IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder with SPF50 in Light

- IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF50+ in fair or light (NOT a perfect match! If you're into that Korean look-- face slightly brighter than body look, fair is good for that). See more thoughts and some pictures here. Edit: if I mix fair and light it would probably be perfect... lol. Overall I found fair to be a better color match, but light to have a better formula

- Tom Ford Traceless Foundation in Pale Dune. See review and swatches here.

- Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24h Foundation in 310 Bisque C. Not a perfect match-- leans orange-pink. See review and swatches here. 

- Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Warm Nude. See review and swatches here.
 
- Honest Beauty Everything Tinted Moisturizer in Honestly Cream (swatches a bit darker/orange on the back of hand, but matches perfectly on the face!)

- Marc Jacobs Marc Jacobs Beauty Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate in #26 Bisque Medium. See review and swatches here (The shade worn in this review is #22 which leans pink! Go for #26 if you're NC20, #22 if you're NW20). 

- Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation in Y225. See review and swatches here.

- SK-II Auractivator CC Cream (One shade only. It IS paler than NC20. I'd say probably suitable for NC15. Probably will even work for NW15 since it's very sheer and there isn't a very strong undertone). See my short review here.

- Sulwhasoo Evenfair Perfecting Cushion in No. 23. 

- Sulwhasoo Snowise Whitening Essence BB SPF 50+ / PA+++ in #1 Blooming Beige (leans ever so slightly pink)

- Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup in #2 or #3 (#2 is a bit pale but I think can be pulled off by NC20 ppl. #3 matches me better in terms of shade, but the tone leans ever so slightly orange). See review and swatches for shade #3 here. 

- Trish McEvoy 'Instant Solutions®' Beauty Balm SPF 35 in Shade 1

- Becca Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation in Nude (I feel like Buttercup would work too) 

- Hera UV Mist  Cushion Long Stay in 21 (Hera's 21 is not as pale as Innisfree 23. And it's semi-matte finish rather than glowy finish like Laneige so it doesn't look too bright to the point it makes you look pale. However it does lean slightly pink. I think 21 is a good match for NC20 but since the undertone is more pink it will still look slighter lighter). See my short review here. 

- SK-II Facial Treatment Cream Foundation in 420 

- SUQQU Frame Fix Cream Foundation N in 102

- Innisfree Smart Foundation/Super Moisture in 23. See review and swatches here.  

- Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder in 05

- Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in 2.5 Warm Sand

- Too Faced Cocoa Powder Foundation in Golden Light. See review and swatches here.

- Trish McEvoy Even Skin Foundation: 2.5

- Clinique Even Better Liquid Foundation 24 Linen (VF-N) (Probably more suitable for NC20 than NC25. I tried the next shade up/down and they're all either too pink or too orange).

- Diorskin Star Foundation in 21 (20 works just fine too). See review and swatches here.

- Paul & Joe Powder Compact Foundation in 103. Has very strong yellow undertones. See what the foundation looks like here here and here. Wearing Diorsnow White Reveal sunscreen underneath them all which makes it look glowy while it's matte, if that even makes any sense lol.

- Laneige BB Cushion in Light (I think is equivalent to 23). See review and swatches here. I think it's safe for NC20 ppl to go for 23 instead of 21 because it's so brightening, it really doesn't look that much darker than 21.

- YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation SPF19 in Beige 40 Actually, I think B30 would be a better match. I have been noticing B40 really leans on the red side. I haven't been able to re-match myself but I will come back and update this as soon as I do! (Updated 9/19/2014) See review & swatches here.

- Innisfree Long Wear Cushion in 23 (closer match for NC20 than NC25). See review and swatches here.

- IOPE Air Cushion XP in 21 when I'm NC20. Go for 23 if you're NC25. See review and swatches here.

- Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in #4 (#4 is on the paler side. I can pull off #4 but I think #4.5 would probably be a better match?) See review and swatches here. 

- Smashbox Liquid Halo HD Foundation-- no match. I tried shades 1 through 4. They are all either too pink or too orange. Those do oxidize a lot and even shades 2 through 4 are too dark for me. 

- Mamonde Real Skin Founder in #2 (not an exact match-- Mamonde leans pink). See review and swatches here.

- Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation in Fair ("Fair" is pretty close match to NC20. "Light" is a shade darker but contains A LOT of pink).

- Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation in Sand

- NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard

- Marc Jacobs Genius Gel Super-Charged Foundation in 22 Bisque Light (Bisque Medium is slightly darker and leans more red, where as Bisque Light is more neutral). See review and swatches here. 

- Lancome Teint Visionnaire Skin Correcting Makeup Duo in 210 Buff N

- YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation in B30 (I am B40 in Touche Eclat Foundation, although I think B30 should work too). 

- Kett Fixx Creme foundation in N3. See review and swatches here.

- Dr. Hauschka Traslucent Make-up in 00 

- Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick in Warm Sand 2.5 (it leans yellow)

- Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 in Bisque 75 (Bisque 75 is definitely closer to NC20 than NC25. If you are NC30, go for Beige 78) 

- Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Luminous Liquid Foundation in Bisque 75 (Bisque 75 is definitely closer to NC20 than NC25. If you are NC30, go for Beige 78) 

- Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup SPF15 in B10 Beige (if you're MAC NC20, go for 10 Beige. If you are NC25, go for 20 Beige. 20 Beige also leans more orange than yellow). See review & swatches here. B10 is the lightest shade but still too dark for my skin.

- Dior Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation in #201 Linen

- Givenchy Fluid Foundation Airy-Light Mat Radiance SPF20 PA++ in #3 Mat Sand (for light complexions with neutral undertones). See swatches here. 

- NARS Sheer Glow in Ceylan

- La Prairie Anti-Aging Foundation in 300 

(looks quite dark and orange but when blended out it's actually okay. Maybe just a tad darker than my skin tone. 200 is lighter but too pink for my liking).

- Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Liquid Makeup in 2NI Desert Beige

- La Mer 'The Treatment' Foundation in Linen (this is definitely closer to NC25. A little dark on me now because I'm closer to NC20. Linen also a lot more orange than neutral. I'm thinking "Sand" might have matched better but I never tried). See review & swatches here. 

- Giorgio Armani Maestro Fusion Foundation in #4.5 (ever so slightly orange). See review & swatches here. 

- DiorSkin Nude Skin-Glowing Makeup SPF15 in No.021 (Linen). See review & swatches here. 

- Dior Flawless Perfection Fusion Wear Makeup SPF 25 PA+++ in No. 021 (Linen)

- Makeup Forever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation in No.30 Porcelain (matches well if applied after thinning out with water. Will look paler if applied more heavily or without being diluted). See review and swatches here.

- Makeup Forever High Definition HD foundation in #120 (Discontinued).

- MAC Studio Sculpt in NC20. See review & swatches here.

- MAC Face and Body in C1. See review and swatches here.

- SK-II Cellumination Essence-in Foundation in #420. See review & swatches here.

- Burberry Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation in TRENCH NO.04 (if you're MAC NC 20 you will definitely be able to pull off No. 4. If you're NC25 then you're probably between No.4 and No.5, so it's up to you if you want to go lighter or darker. I found No.5 to be too dark for NC25 and also is more orange-dark rather than neutral). See review & swatches here. 

- Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation in No.52 Vanilla (I think 53 can work too but I found 53 contain some red tint??? it looks a bit off on me). See review & swatches here. 

- Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation in Medium 52- medium/light complexion with warm beige undertone (this is closer to NC20 than NC25, and it also contains a lot of yellow)

My BB cream shades:

- Missha Perfect Cover BB cream in #21

(I have tried #23... definitely too dark especially after it oxidizes).

- SkinFood Mushroom BB cream in #1

- SKIN79: one shade only and makes my face a bit paler compared to the rest of the body (might appear grey for some ppl). See review and swatches here.

-Etude House Precious Mineral BBdation in W13
See review & swatches here.

- Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly BB cream in #2 (#2 leans more NC25, and I feel like it contains more red than yellow). See review and swatches here. 










==============older matches===================

(when I was between NC20-25)

- Giorgio Armani Face Fabric in #2

- Givenchy in Perfect Praline (slighty orange. But I think they just added new shades)

- Chantecaille Future Skin gel foundation in Camomile

- Shu Uemura Face Architect Smoothing Fluid foundation in #764 or #974

- Dior Capture Totale Foundation in #20 Light Beige (leans pink. I found for Dior usually #21 is a better match)

- Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Cream Ivory (leans pink)
See review & swatches here. (I really need to update on this one... the review was done under yellow lighting). 

-Laura Mercier Mineral Powder Foundation in Natural Beige

See review & swatches here. 

- Laneige Snow Crystal Dual Foundation in #21 Natural Beige
See review & swatches here. 

- Jill Stuart Smooth Silk Liquid Foundation in #103
See review & swatches here.

- Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup Oil Free SPF15 in No.1.5 (Nude)

- Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation in Fair/Light
See review & swatches here. 

- Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer in Butter

- Lancome Maqui Blanc Miracle Natural Brightening Creator Foundation Compact in BO-01 (paler/brighter shade). See review and swatches here. Leans yellow. 

- Lancôme Teint Miracle Natural Light Creator Bare Skin Perfection Foundation Compact in O-03

(darker/summer shade. The shade numbers are the same between the Blanc Miracle and Teint Miracle). See review and swatches here. Update: I no longer use O-03 as summer shade. Still too dark for me. I use it as subtle contour now. I suggest trying BO-01 or 02 if you're NC20.  

- Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in 2.5 (Bobbi Brown's foundation shades are pretty much the same across the brand)

Etude House Precious Mineral BB Dation + Real Hand Touch Set Review

Hello guys!

ROFL omg look who's back blogging XD I feel like I'm running out of ways to greet... cuz it's always along the lines of "long time no blog!" "the last time I blogged was x amount of time ago whaaaat?!" blah blah blah... what can I say my life really isn't that exciting ahaha that's why I seldomly update about what I've been up to anymore. But since I'm in the mood today... thought I'd share a few things I'm learning in school now =P

1. Just finished learning about diabetes mellitus-- a disease that I really hope I would never have (considering I have close relatives who have/had it)... MUST BABY MY PANCREAS. Seriously, now I'm kind of scared of simple carbohydrates or any food with high glycemic index. Ever wonder how a person with diabetes can possibly not notice he or she has a foot ulcer... or notice that there's anything wrong until his or her toes fall off? Well... during the disease progression the nervous system becomes so compromised that they have this condition called "sensorimotor neuropathy"... essentially they can't feel anything in their feet. During our lectures a professor shared a story where her patient's big toe fell off while she was changing bed sheets O____o ummmm sorry if I'm being really graphic here/scaring/disgusting you guys... my point is: stay healthy. If you have the luxury of sitting here and reading my blog (as like me having the luxury to sit here and blog), chances are you probably are well-off enough to lead a healthy lifestyle. A common misconception of diabetes is that only obese people get it-- which is simply NOT true. Yes obese people have higher risk of getting it, but skinny ppl can get it too-- if you keep eating the wrong things.

2. We're moving on to learning about contraception and menopause... not gonna lie the menopause topic is having me all depressed ... yes I'm already thinking about my life 25 years from now XD menopause and osteoporosis lolol... why do you guys think I've been so keen on working out? =P (Yes losing weight was one of the objectives but to be honest I can just do that via dieting... and probably an easier reason to motivate girls my age since it's really hard to wrap our heads around the fact that we are capable of breaking our wrists by flicking them when we get old and osteoporotic). Trying to max out my bone density here. I think most ppl are unaware that you can only max out your bone density until you're around 30 years old... after that you can only try to slow down the bone mass loss process... and you can't just max out your bone density by taking calcium supplements (which by the way guys... daily recommended dose for calcium is about 1000-1200mg... I don't want any overdose out there XD and you have to take them separately... so like 600mg in the morning and 600mg at night because your body can only absorb about 600mg at a time. Make sure you take it with vitamin D of course otherwise your body can't absorb calcium either. But since most calcium supplements have vitD added so that should be a non issue). You have to do resistance/weight training to BUILD your bones too, so that your body can deposit the calcium into your bones-- that's how you increase bone density. And contraception is so complicated that it hurts my brain. Blehhh! I think I need a doctor to counsel me before I can counsel anyone -_-" LOL. Okay I need to shut up now.

Sorry I got all chatty. But seriously what's the point of learning all this information if I don't share it? A big part of our job is counselling= sharing the knowledge =D

Ahem... okay, now really onto the product review as promised. LMAO. Bear with me guys. I've been meaning to do this review forever but it's just been too gloomy here and I couldn't get sunlight-- I want the most natural lighting possible for you guys ^_^

First off, here's the video that triggered my initial interest in this product:

You might remember me talking about it here.

I don't have a demonstration video-- sorry guys. Please just refer to the video above... fast forward to 1:30 for application. I just kind of don't see the point doing it. I'll just explain it in the review.

I purchased mine from prettyandcute.com during Black Friday sale.


My color is W13.
(From what I've been told by prettyandcute's associate, N02 is closer to MAC NC15, and W24 is closer to MAC NC30).





For you Korean readers out there:






Ingredients:





So here goes the product break down:

The Real Hand device:

It's an battery-operated device and requires 2 AAA batteries (the set does come with 2 batteries for you to start with).

Honestly I really didn't think this is gonna be a gimmick product because Arial Chen made the foundation application look SO effortless in her video. And I tried, really really tried-- different applications like BB cream on my face then blend, or BB cream on the sponge then blend, or dampen the sponge then blend-- it just doesn't work for me. For me, it just wipes away (or should I say, "vibrates off") the foundation that I just applied as soon as I moved the Real Hand gadget to other areas-- does that make any sense? This is especially problematic on and around the nose area because it's not a flat surface obviously-- I had no problem with the foundation application on my cheeks and chin and forehead (pretty much just everywhere else). I tried using super light pressure-- it's better. But to be honest, this is way too much effort, not at all quick and easy as I expected, and the result isn't even better than using a brush (my Sigma synthetic kabuki brushes).  I think if the sponge were much much thicker and bigger it might have worked better. Also one of the reasons I hesitated to purchase the gadget is the sponge replacement. I'm sure it will be a hassle to repurchase the sponge (should've listened to the logical side of my brain... T.T) So in conclusion-- it doesn't make my foundation application process any faster, or any more flawless. I really think this is either hit or miss-- you'll either love it like Arial Chen, or hate it like I did (maybe I just don't know how to use it... but if it's that hard to figure out... I don't care for it).



The Precious Mineral BBdation:

Let me just say I purchased the set solely for the Real Hand gadget. I love my SKIN79 BB cream and wasn't looking to buy a new BB cream. But I was very pleasantly surprised by the finish of this BB cream.
(By the way... BBdation... BB cream... whatever they're both the same to me).

The texture:

As you can see it has a gel-like consistency. Again my color is W13 (I'm MAC NC20-25). This definitely leans very NC20.

By the way this BB cream is quite heavily fragranted but the smell does dissipate pretty quickly.


The color looks very off on the back of my hand, but when I apply it to my face it matches perfectly.



Naked face:


Half face application:

I used my Sigma flat top synthetic kabuki brush for the application here.

Full face application:



Overall effect:

(Excuse my horrendous morning hair XD)

After setting with translucent powder (Aveda Mineral Loose Powder)



My initial reaction to the finish of this BB cream was love! Actually my thoughts immediately jumped to the YSL Touche Eclat foundation... BUT they really have nothing in common except the brightening/glowy finish. However, this BB cream is definitely A LOT more glowy than YSL TE (and I mean like having light bounce off your face lol especially if you're directly underneath a light source), whereas YSL is more like a natural, soft, dewy glow. YSL also has a more buttery finish if that makes any sense :P

Here's the main problem I have with this BB cream: it really doesn't sit very well with my combination skin. As the day wears on, I do notice it starting to break down and become a little bit patchy (even after setting with powder). I also found this BB cream creases rather easily. It doesn't make me look shinier or gross as I get oilier, it just starts to break down and wear off. So I would say, you will probably appreciate this BB cream if you have dry skin (I know Arial Chen has dry skin! That's probably why she raved about this lol). For combination skin and oily skin, this BB cream probably wouldn't be your best friend. Pity it didn't work out because I really adore the finish, but it's okay since I'm still loving my YSL TE hehe ^_~

If you read everything (including my ramble at the beginning of the post XD) Thank you so much for taking the time ^_^ I hope you found it worthwhile. Now I'm gonna go entertain myself by reading this epic blog I just discovered today, muahaha!

Oh and I know I won't be blogging tomorrow so I want to wish you guys Happy Valentine's Day ^__^ Hope you guys have a great day doing whatever you do :D

<3 Frances