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(formerly under the username francesvlogs but I don't have access to that anymore). I don't really do videos anymore simply because I think blog posts are more informative.
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Two posts in one day =D Haha reason why I'm so productive today is actually because I caught a cold -_- Just trying to stay out of the cold and away from people lol. Oh good news guys =) I passed both of my licensing exams!! =DD right now just waiting for the Board to issue me my license. Decided to put aside job applications for a while because it's almost impossible to apply for a position without my license. I was hoping some places might be willing to train me while I wait, but nope! lol. Anyway, since I'm just staying home and sneezing and coughing and trying to keep my head from exploding... figured might as well catch up on some blogging. I know it's only mid-November but I figured I already accumulated enough crap to talk about XD
1. Bumble and bumble thickening shampoo and conditioner samples
In general I would never go for high end conditioners, cuz I really feel like they don't make that much of a difference (since I only apply conditioner from the mid to ends of my hair it doesn't touch my scalp at all). This conditioner is no exception... didn't do much. I liked the shampoo though! My hair does feel more fluffy/voluminous when I use this. I got the travel size to play with, but I don't think I'd ever go for the full-size... too expensive for how much you get.
2. Perfect Whip cleanser
Don't think you can go wrong with Shiseido products lol. I think I went through 2 or 3 of these??? It's cheap and cheerful and does the job. Probably won't repurchase in a long time cuz right now my favorite drugstore facial cleanser is the Innisfree volcanic one, and I haven't got sick of that one yet so I'm gonna stick with that =D
I did good didn't I? haha. Sorry it looks kind of nasty.
2. Fasio mascara and Integrate mascara primer
Talked about these two here. Thoughts did not change so you can just refer to that if you're interested =)
Here's what the wands look like since I didn't show them in that post:
Very very fat wand lol.
Will I repurchase?
Well I don't have access to either, so nope! Haha. If you can try them at a reasonable price I would say you could give them a try. I haven't tried any mascara primer that tops the Majolica one. If I have access to the mascara I wouldn't mind picking the black one up. I like how the formula is very thickening, somewhat lengthening, yet it does not contain any fibers. That gets a thumbs up from me!
3. Yes To Grapefruit Body Wash
I like =) currently using up a LUSH soap that I got a while ago, as well as my Jo Malone body/hand soap that I got in a Nordstrom anniversary sale set, but once I finished those I will probably get something from Yes To.... unless something else really catches my eye.
4. Clinique Repairwear Lase Focus
I've never used an eye cream that made me feel a significant difference. So... I'll leave it at that. I was actually gonna purchase the full size of this but I got a Shiseido one instead cuz I wanted free shipping LOL. But I might revisit this product.
Kind of forgot about my sheet masks but pulled them out for extra hydration/whitening since the sun in Cali was pretty brutal in the summer. I enjoyed them all but none of them stood out to me. I used to really like the MBD arbutin one but I think they changed the sheet material and formula so now I'm more ambivalent.
6. Aveda Lip Saver
The last of my backup. Used to be my favorite lip balm but I'm happy with Lucas' Papaw Ointment and that one is MUCH cheaper lol.
It's nice if you want to pamper yourself... but I can do without it =D
10. Aveda Scalp Benefit Balancing Shampoo
Of all the Aveda shampoos I've tried, this one definitely feels the most drying to the scalp (think super deep clease). I wouldn't say it's stripping, but it's not a shampoo I would use daily. I did use it daily for a week and my scalp felt fine, but I prefer using it once a week as a deep cleanse. I actually purchased a 1L bottle of this and kind of regretted it... should've just got a small bottle for weekly use.
11. St. Ives Blemish Control apricot scrub
Sorry it looks nasty. I prefer the green tea scrub. The beads in this one are a lot bigger/rougher than the green tea one. I also used this on my body because there was just no way I could get through this if I used this exclusively on my face lol. Won't repurchase. Although I thought it was quite good as a body scrub XD
12. Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
Got this free sample size from Sephora. It's pretty good-- I think a lot of ppl would like the consistency and the formula of this. Even though I really liked it, I personally don't feel any different when I used this vs. using Cetaphil moisturizing lotion lol. Not interested in purchasing the full size.
13. Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Edge Meister
Reviewed here. Pretty sure I talked about this in one of my empties. Anyway, I have a lot of these but they aren't my favorite. When it dries out as you use it, it gets very clumpy because it has SO MUCH fibers in it. And I always have to make sure to use a tweezer to pull out any of the fibers sticking out so they won't poke my eyes. Also because of the high fiber content, it does dry out faster than other mascaras.
You know what it is... so I'm just gonna get right into it (so sleepy... LOL. Just waiting for my yogurt mask to sink in). Here's my empties over the last few months =)
----------------That intro was clearly written on a different day LOL-------------------
1. Caudalie Polyphenol Anti-Wrinkle Defensive Serum
Another sample... honestly I used it up so long ago I can't really remember much about it. I think I've reviewed this in another empties before. Nice but nothing exciting?
2. Dove Nourishing Oil Care Shampoo & Conditioner
I think drugstore wise this is my favorite line of shampoo. Smells really nice too. But since I've gone back to using Aveda... I won't be repurchasing these lol. For drugstore though I definitely recommend it =)
3. Fresh Sugar lip balm
This thing is SO OLD. It's been like this for a really long time at the bottom of my drawer lol. I just decided it's time to toss it out. I remember really liking it back then =) The color is really nice. In terms of moisturizing/nourishing properties... it's very buttery and nice but I didn't find it amazing/mind-blowingly good. This was a free birthday gift from Sephora I believe. While I enjoyed it, I will never pay the full price for this product.
4. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle "Strong" conditioner
I usually get the "Moisturize" one but I spotted this and got curious. Couldn't resist a new product =P it was good... I think the same formula as the blue/moisturize one. Won't repurchase cuz I prefer the scent of the blue/moisturize one.
5. LUSH "Big" Sea Salt Shampoo
I believe it also comes in a shampoo bar form, which I've also tried before. They're the same thing and I got the same experiences/results. Already did a review on Instagram so here it is
6. LUSH Fresh Face Mask
LOL. I was clearly obsessed with them hahaha. You can see that BB seaweed is my favorite :) The only one I don't have here is the Cosmic Warrior. I did purchase that one, but after using it two times, I just gave up. It smelled DISGUSTING. I kept feeling like I have bad/rotten garlic on my face. ME NO LIKE. I had to take it back and exchange it... I felt so bad /__\ I consider myself having high threshold for unpleasant scents but I just could not deal with the garlic one. Anyway, the ones I would probably repurchase besides BB seaweed would be Ayesha, Love Lettuce, and the Sacred Truth.
7. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
Finally used up my 330ml bottle. If you want to see my past thoughts on this product... just go to the label section and look under SK-II, you will be able to find all of them lol. I clearly lied when I said in my last empties that I won't repurchase, cuz I did LOL. But to be completely honest, it's more of a psyche thing. It doesn't do much for me. I'm using it for preventative/anti-aging purposes. I feel safer having this... if that makes any sense? XD as a child I always saw my grandma using rice water to wash her face... and she had beautiful skin. So I really believe in the power of rice XD I tried using rice water to cleanse my face but it was so. much. hassle. -_- sense of security sure comes at a hefty price tag... LOL -_-"
8. Shu Uemura Depsea Water Facial Mist (Lavender)
I wonder if it's meant to say "deep sea water"??? LOL. Anyway, this product is OLD as well (haha prob shouldn't have tried to use it up but it smells fine XD). I got it in a value set ages ago. It was my second bottle. I LOVE the scent of this... it's not the kind of gross lavender scent you get from some products, very relaxing. But otherwise it's just water and nothing special. Anyway, while I enjoyed it, I for sure would not spend $25 on this... Just get Evian or Avene or something. They do the same thing and are much cheaper (minus the lavender scent though lol).
9. Chloe Perfumed Body Lotion
Sorry if the bottle looks nasty. This was a free sample size that I got from Sephora. This sample was the reason why now I'm obsessed with the Chloe perfume XD I got a new full size of this lotion in a value set from Nordstrom =D but I haven't used it yet haha. Think I will just stick to the perfume from now on (if I don't get tired of it that is lol) cuz I feel like having the lotion is kind of overkill.... aka too luxurious XD
10. REM Micro Polish Cleanser
Honestly when I saw this in my "empties bag"... I was like... huh??? Did I use this??? LOL. But then I remembered! I ended up using this to scrub my underarms (aka armpits... underarms sound so much nicer HAHAHA) to prevent ingrown hairs after epilating. So in short, good and effective, but too harsh for the face for my liking. If you think St. Ives scrubs are harsh, then for sure you wouldn't like this.
11. Shiseido Pureness Matifying Moisturizer
Used to be my favorite moisturizer for the summer =) super light, watery gel consistency. But after I discovered the SkinMD moisturizer, which in my opinion is very similar to this, just gonna stick with SkinMD instead cuz it's much cheaper =D Don't get me wrong I still think this is a good product especially if you have oily skin and just want something super super light, but it's just not that cost-effective for me.
12. SK-II Skin Signature moisturizer and Cellumination Deep Surge EX
These are super old as well... and the reason why I only used them up now is because I forgot about them -__-" I actually bought these sample size jars from Sasa.com a long long time ago. I remember trying out the Skin Signature and it broke me out in red little bumps all over my face (usually happens when a skincare is too rich for me I believe). Tried the Cellumination one and same thing. Was gonna try and sell them but that never happened lol so it they were just sitting in my drawer. Anyway I ended up mixing them with my body moisturizers XD heyyy why not. Might as well get my money's worth (not really... but you know XD) I loved it when I used the cellumination one on my body O_o I can definitely feel my skin much smoother and hydrated when I used that one. Can't tell the difference from the Signature one. Anyway, since these don't work for my face, I'm obviously not planning on purchasing the full size items. Maybe I will revisit them in 5-10 years or something lol.
13. Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Edge Meister Mascara and Innisfree Skinny Microcara (Waterproof)
Edge Meister-- Y'all know Majolica Majorca makes my favorite mascaras... but this isn't my favorite from them. Reason being it's packed full of fibers and I found that with fiber-rich mascaras, as they start drying out (as you keep using them... not because the caps don't screw tight lol)... the fibers just kind of stick out and poke my eyes. This mascara is no exception. Will I repurchase? Well... I did. A LOT of them O_o but it was because they were on sale for 15% off!!! And usually MJ mascaras don't ever go on sale!! So I went cray cray even though they're not my favorite haha. Did a review if you guys want to see this mascara in action. I neither recommend or not recommend this mascara... depends on how you feel about fiber mascaras.
Innisfree-- I actually used up two of those, but I have no idea where the other one went O_O must have tossed it out by accident. Anyway, since I did use up 2 of them, obviously I repurchased XD I liked it a lot initially... but I noticed as these dry up, they get quite clumpy. Really not the most flattering look. I guess I don't mind this particular mascara... the lengthening/volume are quite impressive... but I just don't like the formula as I make it half way through the tube. I think it's worth checking out, and I am currently working on using another one up, but I'm not planning on repurchasing. Oh by the way, no curl hold.
14. Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream
It's quite thick and you can see it contains some oils because as you squeeze out the product, you can see a bit of the separation. I enjoyed it but I think I just got tired of it toward the end lol. It was nice though =) Really good for winter. Not planning on repurchasing.
15. GlamGlow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment
Little sample I got from Sephora. Talked about it before if you want to check that post out. It exfoliates well, does nothing to extract blackheads, but makes the bumpiness of my nose (from blackheads) smoother. I liked it, but you all know what I think about GlamGlow... wayy over-priced. $69? You've gotta be kidding me.
16. Albion Skin Conditioner, Eclafutur, Exage Moist Crystal Milk
Albion Skin Conditioner-- You all know how I feel about this toner so not gonna elaborate. LOVE. Not a toner person but still get a high from using this every morning XD
Eclafutur-- This to me, I think is kind of like the Clinique Smart Serum that I raved about. Got these samples when I was in Japan, and I wish wish WISHED that I had tried it then =( cuz I would've gone back to purchase the full size bottle. My skin was visibly smoother, brighter and plumper the next day after using it. And I noticed it helped with healing as well (which is why it reminded me of the Clinique Smart Serum). The only thing though is I don't know if it helps smooth out flakiness, which is the main reason why I am smitten with the Clinique Smart Serum. And price point wise I think it's wayy more expensive than Clinique. This to me is a luxurious product... if I can ever get it at this low Japanese currency... I will pick it up. But I'm not gonna go out of my way to purchase it (I had ample of opportunities to purchase it while I was in Taiwan but the price was so inflated... so... NO).
Exage Moist Crystal Milk-- it's called a "milk", which kind of leads you to think it's a moisturizer, but it's not. I think this is one of the best selling products from Albion. This is supposed to be an enhancer... or something. Kind of like Lancome Genifique-- you apply it after toner, and before everything else. It's supposed to help prep your skin, help all other products penetrate your skin much deeper and thus more effective. Honestly... felt no difference XD But it was only two samples, who knows. It'd be such a splurge if I do purchase it, but I'm not really convinced of the necessity of it.
More Skin Conditioner
And more LOL. Told you the Albion MUA gave me so many samples. =)
17. Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Body Wash.
I like =) I didn't repurchase this particular scent but I got the grapefruit one. I think as far as drugstore goes, this is pretty good. Doesn't dry out my skin, but it also isn't moisturizing to the point that you feel like there's a layer of residue.
18. Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate
I bought this because Pixiwoo always use it LOL. It smells very pharmaceutical. Emm... it really didn't blow me away. I think it's really nice for the winter. I can see why dry skin ppl would love it, but it's just okay for me. This thing is old too... I ended up using it as a body moisturizer as well XD
19. Banila Co. Clean It Zero
Little sample as well. Of all the cleansing balms I've tried (wait actually, have I even tried anything else other than REN?? I think the other stuff I tried were cleansing creams not balms LOL) this is probably the only one I would consider purchasing/recommend. But since I prefer cleansing oils. I won't purchase. Smells nice, effective. And I would think it's quite affordable! =)
20. Majolica Majorca Mascara Primer, Innisfree Skinny Microcara (not waterproof)
Oops, should've grouped this with the other mascara products. Oh well lol.
Majolica-- Fav mascara primer.
Innisfree-- Got this thinking it'd shorten my makeup removal process. WRONG. Since it's none-waterproof... it refuses to come off with cleansing oils. Well it does come off eventually... but that's with extra extra EXTRA massaging. Gawd such a pain in the ass. I ended up just using my cleansing oil to remove everything else, then hop into shower and let the warm water do its job. But then since I have mascara primer underneath... I have to pay extra attention to wash my eye area with my facial cleanser to make sure there is no residue. My regret purchase lol. Should've just stuck with the WP version.
21. Za Ever Brows
Yay!!! Finally used it up =DDDDD Well you can see I have a teeny tiny bit of product left, but it's to the point that the plastic part scrapes against my brows when I try to fill them in, so it's time for it to retire =D first brow product I've ever used up!! So excited XD Prob wouldn't be my first brow product to use up if I hadn't make a conscious effort to though. Liked it. Worth checking out. Not my fav. Review here.
22. Clio Kill Brown Waterproof Brush Liner
So... I didn't use up this product per se... It dried out on me =________________________= I prob got less than 20 uses out of it... what a waste. I think I mentioned on my Instagram that for a liquid/pen eyeliner, I was impressed by its lasting power. I still think it was good for a liquid pen standard, but as I tried it out more, it started smudging out on me more. Don't know how it managed the minimal smearing the first few times I tried it =/ anyway. I know some ppl absolutely love this product. To each and their own. If you've never had smudging problems with liquid pen eyeliners, then you will probably like this (I wouldn't say love cuz it's on the drier side... it wipes off when repeated lined... and the color is not very opaque/intense). I just ended up using it to line my upper lash line. To me, huge waste of money, cuz Clio is on the more expensive side for drugstore. Regret.
Whew! I actually didn't think I had that many products, but I guess I did LOL. I thought I'd be able to just breeze through this mini review/empties post, but man it took a lot longer than I thought. I hope you guys enjoyed it and it was helpful to some of you. Until my next post, take care, stay warm, and be safe everyone ^_~
It's that time of the year =DD (actually it's wayy past that time of the year... but it's still January!! So I consider myself doing good wahaha).
For the year 2014, I actually don't have that many items to share. But I am extremely happy with the list that I came up with! :) it's kind of hard to do this list because I discovered so many awesome products in December, but I didn't want to include those because I haven't been using them for long enough time. Instead I'll just talk about those in a January favorites, so you guys can look out for that :D Without further ado, here come my favorite products of 2014~~~
Favorite Products of 2014
1. Diorsnow White Reveal UVB Protection Sunscreen
My number one, top product of 2014, without a doubt, is this Dior sunscreen. Why? Because this sunscreen transforms any foundation that I have, making them look 10x better!
Here I'm wearing my SK-II foundation with my Dior sunscreen. If you want to see what the SK-II foundation looks like on its own, click here. Actually if you look back at my foundation reviews from August 2014 on, I am wearing the Dior sunscreen underneath for the *most* part (I think I did try to point that out every time if I do have it on).
PS: Notice anything different? I AM WEARING COLOR LENSES OMG lol.
I think it makes my foundation looks pretty freaking HD. Seriously, I was feeling quite ambivalent toward my SK-II foundation after using it for a while, but this Dior sunscreen made me fall in love with it, hehehe.
What this sunscreen does for me:
1. It acts as a primer. It does have a thicker consistency so you have to rub/work it into your face. Since it's slightly thicker, it fills in the lines and pores and makes your foundation go on VERY smooth. Hence the HD effect :D
2. It controls oil. I still get oily at the end of the day, but I notice I don't get oily as fast. It's really interesting because this sunscreen is very thick and dewy (when I first used it I even thought it felt kind of oily), but it does not make me oily at all.
3. It's super dewy and glowy. No highlighters needed because the glow just work its way through the foundations. This is especially awesome when I am wearing powder foundations, because my foundation wouldn't look as matte... in fact, it would still have a soft, luminous glow :D I guess this could potentially be a bad thing because if you have the glow all over your face, it can make your face look wider. But you know, nothing a little bit of bronzer/contouring can't fix.
4. It's slightly sticky. For me it's a good thing because it provides a really good grip to my foundations, especially my powder foundations.
The only downfall for this sunscreen for me, is that because you really have to work it into your skin, it doesn't look too great if you have major flakeness going on. It tends to accentuate that. Other than that, I have absolutely no complaints about this sunscreen. To me, it's a primer and sunscreen in one.
Reasons I think ppl might not like this sunscreen would be of its thick and slightly oily consistency. Also wearing this sunscreen on its own can make you look like a shiny mess (especially in the summer lol). Personally I don't find this sunscreen to be heavy, but I strongly suggest getting a sample and testing it out before purchasing, since it is very pricey and quite an investment.
2. Coconut Oil
My number two recommendation would be coconut oil as a facial treatment/moisturizer :D (it was a close tie with the Dior sunscreen lol).
I am kind of obsessed with coconut oil now. I never talked about it on my blog, but I have mentioned it a couple times on my Instagram. I think it works even better than natural yogurt and oatmeal. It is very anti-inflammatory (calms my skin and helps with breakouts), and of course, nourishing. When I first tried it, I paired it with this massaging routine from Lisa Eldridge:
Nowadays I just do whatever massage/whatever I feel like. I use coconut oil in place of my normal skincare routine on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) when I have the time to indulge in some facial massage. And whatever is left over on my hands, I just rub it all over my hands, and some into the ends of my hair. Seriously, cheapest and most awesome skincare you can find out there.
3. Aveda Shampoo
Doesn't matter which Aveda shampoo. I think any Aveda shampoo is really good. My favorite is the Pure Abundance one, but that one is more expensive. I think Shampure is the cheapest out of all Aveda shampoos. I have used Aveda on and off for the last several years-- off mainly because it's really expensive so I was trying to get back drugstore shampoos/try out other shampoos like the WEN cleansing conditioner. Earlier this year I had a hair crisis (from using the Wholefoods brand shampoo called "365"... the lavender one. Nasty stuff. STAY AWAY). There was SO MUCH residue that I couldn't get it off. I rushed to Aveda to buy a shampoo to save my scalp because I just could NOT take it (hence the one on the left for Scalp Benefits). Man, I never want to stop using Aveda shampoos anymore. What's more, I noticed after I started using Aveda shampoos again, my hair started growing out thicker O_o it was very noticeable for me this time around because my hair is still in the process of growing out since I went through that hair loss process from losing about 20lbs. Really recommend you guys trying them out! I have no intention to switch back to drugstore anymore lol nor am I tempted to try out other high end shampoos. At least not at the moment :P (I do use drugstore conditioner since I only condition the ends of my hair, so it doesn't touch my scalp. Don't really recommend the Aveda conditioners-- they don't do much).
4. Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask.
I
love this mainly because it does an AMAZING job at tightening my
post-blackhead-squeezing pores. On my nose. Lol. For me, it does not
extract blackheads. That pretty much says it all lol. Here's a little
review I did on my Instagram if you'd like to read more:
5. Chloe Perfume
I am rubbish at describing scents. The notes of this perfume listed on Sephora: Pink Peony, Freesia, Lychee, Magnolia Flower, Lily of the Valley, Rose, Cedarwood, Amber, Honey.
Basically: OBSESSED. It started with a free perfumed body lotion sample from Sephora, and now I'm hooked <3 comment-3--="">
6. Clinique Smart Custom Repair Serum
I discovered this pretty late in the year, but I feel the need to include this. As I mentioned my last post, it managed to make it to my holy grail list within a very short period of time ;) I already talked about this on my Instagram (as well as my last post LOL). So I'm not gonna elaborate. Really does repair the skin :) One thing I will add though is make sure you use a generous amount (a full pump). For a while I was using half a pump cuz I noticed it was pumping out air O_O and I was trying to save the product by using less. I noticed when I used less, the effect was pretty much unnoticeable. So don't be stingy on this product!
That was all for my top picks for 2014 =) 6 items, really not that many eh? I really recommend all those products from the bottom of my heart. ^____^
But I have more to share! =P
Best Investments of 2014
1. Superfeet Orthotics
So... I sustained some feet injury throughout last year. Which was stupid cuz I never hurt myself while I was exercising -_- actually hurt myself while I was walking... walking down the stairs... etc. Anyway, it never got better so I finally went to see a sports medicine doctor. He recommended me to buy these shoe inserts/orthotics. Not gonna lie, I was HIGHLY SKEPTICAL. In my mind, I was all like... yeah... like shoe inserts are gonna help. But I was desperate enough to try anything LOL. These babies made ALL THE DIFFERENCE. What happened was, I have very high arch in my feet, so when I walk, the arch of my feet "collapse" because I put weight on my feet funny. With those orthotics, they filled the space between the arch, and basically forced me to redistribute my body weight when I walk/exercise/whatever, so it takes the stress off my arch. These were around $45 a pair. Not cheap, but I am so so grateful for them. I no longer have issues and pain in my feet :) If you are interested in seeing if orthotics are right for you, you can go to a sports store that does orthotics fitting. They will be able to recommend you ones that suit your needs the best! (My doctor just recommend the stores for me and told me to look for orthotics. The sales person at the sports store was the one who picked out these particualr orthotics for me).
2. Epillator
Mine is from Braun, but I have never used other brands so I don't have any point of reference for comparison. But if you're still shaving your armpits/legs, girllll you need one of those!!! One of the best decisions of my life XD My biggest advice will be to MAKE SURE you exfoliate your armpits the day before and after you epillate. I use the St. Ives scrub, which contains salicylic acid (it's the same one I use for my face, heyy why not). This helps prevent ingrown hairs. This is very important because if you don't exfoliate, you WILL get ingrown hairs, just like shaving.
Now... on to honorable mentions of 2014 :)
Honorable Products of 2014
In the blushesdepartment:
I really couldn't pick a favorite blush for 2014... cuz I didn't really have one lol. But I can tell you my top 4 :) It will be Benefit dandelion, which is a rediscovery :D Benefit Rockateur, Canmake Cream Cheek Blush in 01, and Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in 15. I didn't really try out that many new blushes last year I guess O_o well not until the end of last year, so not gonna mention those here.
Swatches
I do have a post dedicated to the Canmake Cream Cheek blush, if you want to check that out, you can click here.
Sorry not that exciting XD
2. LUSH Fresh Face Mask.
I tried everything except the garlic one. That one I COULD NOT stand the smell. It was revolting. It was so bad that I had to exchange it. I have a review for all of the LUSH Fresh Face Masks... somewhere lol. Need to dig that draft out. But anyway! My favorite is the BB seaweed :) makes my skin very soft and plump. Like like like!!!
3. Innisfree Long Wear Cushion
See my review here. The reason why it only made it to the honorable mention, is because I noticed when I tried this when I have breakouts/dryness on my skin... it accentuates them LIKE CRAZY :( it would look very dry and powdery on top of my blemishes. Not pretty at all. So basically, only good when my skin is perfect. But other than that, I did love it very much. Although I'm not gonna lie I'm getting over cushion foundations... for two reasons:
1. My Innisfree cushion smells kind of funny now. I think I have to throw it out :/ Not the most hygienic application.
2. SO BULKY. Not friendly for travel at all.
4. Favorite winter lipsticks go to...
1. MAC lipstick in Media. See swatches here.
2. Maybelline Super Stay 14hr Lipstick in Ravishing Rouge.
Swatches
I never mentioned the Maybelline Ravishing Rouge because I was waiting to mention it when I write about my red lipsticks collection O____O but it never happened. Anyway, this is a repurchase, cuz I have no idea where the old one went (probably in one of my purses when I brought it out but I couldn't find it anywher T__T). Maybelline Ravishing Rouge is my favorite red lip color ^___^ it complements my skin tone the best. Super flattering. Every time I wear it I get compliments :D One time I was wearing this and I was at the MAC store, and someone asked me which lipstick I was wearing XD awkward when it actually wasn't from MAC, ha ha ha...
The formulas of these lipsticks really aren't the most hydrating (in fact, on the drier side), but I love the colors so much that I can overlook that little flaw ;) especially Ravishing Rouge, hehehe.
5. Tanya Burr lip gloss
I have to give this a shout out... cuz I remember being obsessed with them (I have no idea where the "Heart Skipped a Beat" went T___________________T prob lost it when I took it out with me... couldn't find it... sob sob). Anyway, the novelty had worn off and I haven't been reaching for them, but they are worth checking out! See my review here.
6. Za Ever Brows
I had this much left :D I could've used it up a long time ago but I chose to dye my hair... hence... cannot use grey anymore -____-|||
Was trying hard to use it up and it really grew on me lol. Good for areas when you have sparser hairs... in fact, now I appreciate wax formula on my bald spots. They do cling on better than powder. Have to give this a shout out because it's a nice brow product, but just not my favorite. I think I remember mentioning it fading... I notice when I use a slightly heavier hand then it doesn't really happen, haha. But don't worry it won't make your brows look unnatural :P
7. Hot Tools Deep Waver
Was using this a lot cuz I love the result from it... but then noticed my hair got so damaged -_-"
I would recommend using a wetter heat protectant so your hair will come out less frizzy. I found that my Aussie Hair Insurance works really well with this Waver.
Most Used Products of 2014
Left: Lancome Teint Miracle Natural Light Creator Bare Skin Perfection Compact Foundation (Asia edition). This is my second Lancome powder foundation that I hit pan on (I used up the other one). This one I got it in the summer and it's too dark for me now, so I use it for shading, which works fantastically :D
Right: Paul & Joe Compact Foundation. I am really lazy and most days I just reach for powder foundations, so that is pretty much why this is one of my most used product LOL. It's pretty good, I like it, but I think I like Lancome more.
Favorite liquid foundation remains YSL Touche Eclat!! What else?! LOL. Think this was also on my favorites list for 2013. Review here. Also did a comparison review with the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, you can check it here.
Most used powder... Aveda Mineral Loose Powder. It's the only powder I'm using pretty much LOL. I feel like this product deserves more attention. Really good stuff. I think this will last me a life time XD But it really does set my foundation beautifully, and is somewhat oil controlling (I say somewhat because I still get oily at the end of the day).
Most used eye shadow goes to L'oral Infallible eye shadow in Bronzed Taupe! I mainly use it to line my eyes before layering liquid eyeliner over it. It really helps my eyeliner stay on all day (yes, all day). And it softens the eye look as well :) Also, I found avoiding using liquid foundation around the eyes/applying a light dusting of powder foundation over the eyes also help my eyeliner stay on all day long. Please note: a thin layer of eye shadow or powder foundation will do. Applying too much eye shadow/powder foundation thinking that it would keep the eye area drier/keep your eyeliner from smearing even more... it doesn't work like that lol. In fact, that will also make your eyeliner smear more easily because there are too much powder sitting there, so it can crease and clump. Remember, less is more. Of course, the type of eyeliner you use matters as well. I don't think I have to mention them here on my blog again... all my long time readers know I only use MAC Liquidlast in Coco Bar and Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner in 06 Unlimited.
You've already seen those a million times... Majolica Majorca mascara and primer. Can't live without.
Have to give a shout out to the Benefit They're Real mascara. Even though it has no curl hold, and smudges on my lower eyelid (need to dust some powder over my lower eyelid to prevent that from happening). The lengthening is impressive and I do miss it when it's gone. Check my review here.
Most used lip product goes to YSL Glossy Stain in 29. See swatches here. Actually, for a better swatch, go here LOL. The second link is more true to color. I guess I should've crowned it my favorite lip product of 2014 :) want to give a shout out to Etude House Kissful Tint Choux, cuz I did use it quite a lot and I adore the color, but the formula is just not as good as YSL (mainly because when the stain fades it doesn't do so gracefully). Check review here.
Most used beauty tool goes to BeautBlender! Honestly... I think this was all I used in 2014 O_o didn't touch my foundation brushes. But toward the end I started just using my fingers LOL. Now using my own finger is my favorite way to apply foundation. All back to the basics huh? =P
Whew! That concludes my best of 2014 products! I hope it was worth reading O_O I know there are a lot of repeat products... but that's just what I like lol. What are your favorite products from 2014? Hope you guys are staying warm and sheltered and not too affected by the snow storm (there is no storm where I live... even though the news kept predicting it to be catastrophic... lo and behold IT WAS SUNNY TODAY wtf LOL).
That's all guys! Need to go sleep. Will catch you guys in my next post ^_~
