Review : Skinfood Salmon Darkcircle Brightening Powder

Product Info from Skinfood:

A dark circle concealing powder containing salmon oil and micro beads brightening powder to brighten tired eye area.

TO USE: Use after Salmon Darkcircle concealer cream using the enclosed puff, apply elaborately onto dark circles around the eyes.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 900+ at Skinfood stores. Bought it in Ebay for Php 470.

WEIGHT: 2.5 grams

SHADES : Available in only 1 shade.

PROS:
* cute packaging
* powder is finely milled
* i love the smell!
* a little amount goes a long way
* does not settle into fine lines
* puff is soft

CONS:

* expensive
* didn't really brighten my undereye area =(

TIPS:
After applying concealer, use provided puff or a fluffy eye brush to apply powder. Use only a little amount to prevent concealer from caking.


ADDICTION FACTOR:
I'm disappointed with this... a waste of money IMO. I prefer using Ben Nye's Banana Visage Poudre to set my concealer & foundation =P

My other favorite product is Ellana's Multi-purpose shadow in Hush (now on my 3rd pot). It is a matte beige shade that can be used as eyeshadow base to even out your lid color before using eyeshadow or as an undereye brightener.

RATING : 2/5

More pics (click to enlarge)

Close up of the powder

Skinfood Darkcircle Concealer cream and Darkcircle Powder

Swatches:

1. Skinfood Darkcircle Concealer Cream

2. Skinfood Darkcircle Concealer Powder

3. Skinfood Concealer cream set with concealer powder

You can also check out Pammy's review HERE... she loves this powder!

For my Skinfood Darkcircle Concealer review, click HERE.

Till next time,

Review : Skinfood Rice Concealer Tip

*stock photo*

Skinfood Rice Concealer Tip in Light Beige & Natural Beige

PRODUCT INFO from SKINFOOD:

Contains rice and vitamins to hide and repair minor blemishes. Has a lightening and soothing effect.

APPLICATION TIPS: Apply onto desired spot, and pat gently with fingers, spreading in a thin layer.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 600+ on Skinfood stores. Got the #21 shade from Ebay for only Php 252.00 + 106 shipping, the seller Bhappywithme got this direct from Korea.

NET WEIGHT : 10 grams

SHADES: Available in only 2 shades.

> #21 Light Beige (NC20-25)

>#23 Natural Beige (NC30-35)





PROS:

* has a medium matte coverage

* consistency is thick for a liquid concealer

* great staying power - does not fade throughout the day

* easy to blend

* wand is perfect for spot concealing





CONS:

* packaging is not hygenic

* a bit drying on the undereyes - made my undereye lines look obvious

* did not totally cover my dark undereye circles =P

* can look cakey if not blended properly



TIPS: Be generous in applying eye cream if you plan to use this as an undereye concealer. Let it absorb first for 3 - 5 minutes prior to applying concealer to prevent it from caking.



I just discovered that this concealer can also be used as an eyeshadow primer coz of the matte finish. Just dab a tiny amount on the lids (don't apply to much or your eyeshadow will crease), blend well and set with loose powder. I have slightly oily lids and it works!





ADDICTION FACTOR:

I still prefer my Skinfood Salmon Concealer # 2 to neutralize my dark circles then I layer it with MAC Studio Finish Concealer NC20 to brighten my undereyes.



RATING :

2.5 / 5

Swatches

(click photo to enlarge)

Till next time,

Review : Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream

Been lemming for this concealer for the longest time, but I'm not sure which shade to get. Thanks to Nikki (my shade twin), her review convinced me to try this concealer! Was really amazed with her Before and After shots. Curious if it worked for me? Read on..

Taken without flash

With flash

Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream in #2 Natural Beige

PRODUCT INFO from Skinfood:

A dark circle concealer containing salmon oil ingredient that helps cover dark circles flawlessly to brighten and moisturize under eye area. Concentrated & creamy, it effectively covers dark eye circles and wrinkles. Can be easily applied without irritation.

TO USE: After applying foundation dispense an adequate amount and then gently tap unto dark circles around the eyes.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 950 (around $21) in Skinfood stores. Bought it cheaper in Ebay for only Php 470 + 106 shipping.

WEIGHT : 10 grams

SHADES : Available in 2 shades.
#1 Light Beige
#2 Natural Beige

PROS:
* cute packaging
* almost unscented
* pot contains a lot of product
* didn't break me out. If I'm not mistaken, i think all Skinfood products are hypo-allergenic.
* lasts all day if set properly. Did not fade, cake or crease.
* does not settle into fine lines
* easy to blend - this is really important to avoid tugging the undereyes since this creates fine lines/wrinkles.
* texture is really creamy, perfect for undereyes!
* corrected my purplish dark undereye circles (if you have super dark circles see tip below)
* can be used alone or under other concealer brands

CONS:
* pot packaging not hygenic
* limited number of shades. I think the darkest one fits NC20-35 skintones.
* expensive if bought in Skinfood stores LOL
* some people find this a bit oily coz of the salmon oil

TIPS:
Use a concealer brush to apply the product on the undereyes, then using fingertips gently blend the concealer with a patting motion. Set with loose powder using a puff or a brush. I'm using Skinfood Buckwheat Loose Powder with a velour puff.

I read in Bobbi Brown's site that if you have purplish dark circles, its best to correct it first using a Peach/Salmon Corrector then apply a yellow toned concealer to brighten it. So what I did I applied Skinfood Salmon Concealer first, followed by MAC Studio finish concealer in NC20. It really worked! I also noticed my Studio Finish concealer did not crease as much as before.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
This is the first time I've tried a salmon hued concealer, and it works like magic! I think this pot will last me more than a year! =)

RATING :
5 / 5

Before and After Pics
click to enlarge photo

Skinfood Salmon Concealer when used alone.

Unretouched photo. See how bad my dark circles are?!
I also applied a little bit of concealer on my lids to even it out.

EDIT 5/31/10:
According to Phoebe, this concealer is the SAVE version of Bobbi Brown's Peach Corrector.
Click here to read her review.

Till next time,

Review : SkinFood Buckwheat loose powder

This powder deserves a product review..
Love it so much that I'm on my 2nd tub right now!

PRODUCT INFO from SKINFOOD's website:

This loose powder with its soft, fine particles offers a bloomingly radiant, flawless finish.
Buckwheat oil creates incredibly transparent, shine-free skin tone, with silky-smooth texture.

TO USE:

After foundation, dap gently in following order: forehead→eyelids→cheeks→lips.

Press remaining residue gently under eyes.

PRICE: Around Php 800.

WEIGHT : 23 grams

SHADES: Available in 3 shades.
#10 - Transparent
# 21 - Skin Beige
#23 - Natural Beige
# 40 - Lavender

WHAT I LIKE:
* nice coverage, feels lightweight
* good oil control (about 4-5 hours when worn alone)
* packaging holds a lot of product ( lasts me for about 8 mos.)
* texture is not chalky
* didn't me break me out
* I use this for setting my concealer and foundation
* has expiration date printed on the label
* sponge included is very soft!

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* its scented! I have Allergic rhinitis and have a very sensitive nose. I'm very particular with scented face products, as much as possible I try to avoid them. But this powder is really good... so I'll keep on using this til I found a good replacement.
* packaging is kinda bulky if you plan to take this around. I prefer touching up using pressed powders ( I use MAC blot or Skin Food's Lemon pact powder).

TIPS:
Be sure to test the powder before buying, my friend bought this product and found out that she's allergic to it!

Always wash/replace the puff. I'm using velour puffs, its very economical since I can wash it many times and still looks good as new. It looks like this..

*image from www.robertjonesbeauty.com*

Bought mine from a local department store, its a Japanese brand. It costs less than php 100 for 2 velour sponges! Not bad noh?! I prefer using a puff to set my concealer and foundation so that I can get more coverage.. and I don't want powders flying around when I use a brush (*sneeze*..*sneeze*)! Just press the puff gently all over your face to set foundation.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
As what I've said, will keep purchasing til I found a good replacement for this.

RATING :
4 out of 5

Skin Food Buckwheat Loose powder #21
without flash

with flash
What loose powder are you using?
Can you recommend an inexpensive loose powder that's unscented?
Let me know! =) muah!

Review : Caviar Blemish Balm (Premium Gold)

*Click to enlarge, pic taken from EyeloveBeauty website*

Thanks to Ms. Lami for giving me a sample size to try.


Product Info from Bare Naturals website:

TRIPLE PREMIUM CAVIAR BB CREAM

Luxurious BB cream that is based on the fruits of the sea: caviar, the unique combination of bio-stimulators, vitamins, micro-elements and amino acids assures luxurious care for your face.

WHY CAVIAR?
Caviar is a combination of proteins, low glycemic carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids. It gives better muscle tone which can lead to less skin sagging, rendering caviar a perfectly natural facelift ingredient..

Benefits:

The skin will glow with youthful look.
It will make the skin firm and gives the skin a satin- look.
Replaces the tired skin of moments ago to new glowing skin.
Re-hydrate dry skin, rejuvenate.
Leaves skin luminous, rested and radiant.

Manufactured in Korea.

WEIGHT : 50 ml (regular) & 5ml (sampler)

PRICE: Php 1,399 for the 50 ml - Intoductory price
Php 208 for the 5ml samples

SHADES: Only 1 shade available (olive-beige) that adjusts to any skintone.
See pic below.

WHAT I LIKE:
* non-sticky, absorbs fast after application
* product is kinda dark at first but adjusts to my skintone
* doesn't cake
* my face doesn't look shiny after application
* lightweight on the face
* evens out my skintone


WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* I prefer BB creams with a medium coverage.
* Doesn't cover blemishes coz this has the coverage of a tinted moisturiser.


TO USE:
I use my fingertips to apply BB Creams.

TIPS:
You can also use a foundation brush. Set with loose powder (optional). Skip this step if you want a dewy finish.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
Still have 2 tubes of Skinfood BB creams to finish..

RATING :
4 out of 5!

WHERE TO BUY:
At barenaturals.multiply.com

Swatches

Skinfood BB Creams (Gingko Green & Mushroom)
vs.
Premium Gold Caviar BB Cream

Another BB Cream review...

I saw a pic from the net regarding the effects of BB Cream, that it will help improve the skin's texture & fade acne scars after prolonged use. It also evens out skintone like foundation but without looking heavy or cakey. Click here for my reviews..

*image from google*

Impressed & intrigued, I decided to try it for myself...

I had my share of breakouts too! January last year, I took pics of myself before using Skinfood BB Cream. I had dark pimple marks, breakouts on my chin & cheek area..

Taken January 15, 2008
Eww, Scary isn't it?!

I bought the Skinfood Gingko BB Cream and immediately used it the following day and saw improvement in a month's time. Click here to read my full review.

Here's my pic taken in February 10, 2008
Notice the date? Its even less than a month =)

Saw the improvement?
My acne scars lightened a bit and my skin texture has improved!


After a month & 7 days from first pic. Taken Feb. 22, 2008
Did you see the difference?


Now I'm still using my Skinfood Gingko Green BB Cream, alternating it with my Skinfood Mushroom BB SPF 20 depending on my activity during the day.

Between the two BB creams I really love the Mushroom coz it has 3 in 1 benefits which is anti-aging, sunblock (spf 20) and whitening (arbutin). The texture is a bit runny compared to the Gingko variant and I super love its smell (think: fresh cut grass)! I love grassy scents!

UPDATE : Here's my pic after year..
Taken February 5, 2009

In the pic I only used Skinfood Mushroom BB Cream & set with Skinfood Buckwheat Loose powder.

Now, my acne scars are barely visible when Im using BB Cream. I can't hardly tell that a year ago, i broke out really bad.. =)

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Sorry girls, been very busy lately because of my baby Jillian Keyshia.
Here's her pic btw..

How fast time flies! She's already 4 mos old..

Latest haul..

What I got during my last minute shopping before New Years Eve but forgot to post it hehe

Got them on sale.. I love reading makeup books!!

click to zoom

**The Beauty book**

** Bobbi Brown's Beauty Evolution**

Skinfood Lemon pact pressed powder refill & Buckwheat Loose powder

I love the Buckwheat Loose powder! I use it to set my Skinfood BB Creams. It really keeps oil at bay. I only retouch during lunchtime using the Lemon pact powder. The smell's also nice too!

Fanny Serrano gel eyeliner & their slanted eyeliner brush

Tested the eyeliner at the back of my hand, when I got home I tried to run water on it to check if it easily smudges.. I'm quite impressed! Its really waterproof!

Their eyeliner brush is also good! The slanted brush makes eyeliner application a breeze. I like this better compared to my Elianto eyeliner brush which has a rounded brush..

MAC Studiofix powder foundation in NC25
Fanny Serrano gel eyeliner (front view)

After hearing so many good reviews on GT and my friends, I decided to try this.. At last a foundation that really matches my skintone! =)

I heart Makeup..

Hey there ladies! Just want to share my favorite makeup as of the moment.. =)

* LANCOME Palette - i love the colors! it has 4 long lasting eyeshadow colors that I can use throughout the year (from summer to fall) and a classic matte red lipcolor!

* MAYBELLINE Powder Foundation in N11 - i use this dry when I'm in a hurry to put on liquid foundation. It evens out my skintone & is very good in controlling oil.

* MAC lustre lipstick in Lightly Ripe - from the Cult of Cherry Collection. My friend Dona gave this during my birthday. The shade is medium pink, and is perfect during daytime especially when layered with MAC lustreglass in Pinkarat.

* MAC lipglass in Pink Lemonade - a light peachy pink gloss that makes my lips look plump!

* MAC lustreglass in Venetian - a sheer cherry red color with shimmers. Perfect for nighttime parties!

* MAJORLICA MAJORCA mascara by Shiseido - my lashes look like falsies when I use this. It has a unique comb- like wand that separates lashes while making it look full & long..

* MAYBELLINE aqua gel foundation in Natural - a sheer foundie that evens out my skintone & covers slight imperfections without the mask like effect. I prefer to use this with a damp makeup sponge so that it really blends well coz this tend to dry quickly.

* SKINFOOD Mushroom Multi-care BB Cream SPF 20 - i use this most of the time alternating it with my Gingko BB Cream. This serves as my makeup base, foundation & sunblock! Really cuts my makeup application in half. Definitely a keeper! Click here to read my review.

* SMITH'S Rosebud salve - instantly relieves chapped lips!
According to Sephora's website : " This cult-favorite, multi-purpose lip balm soothes dry lips, calms and heals irritation, and soothes the sting of minor burns. Try dabbing on dry elbows or knees to condition, and relieve dryness. Also an excellent remedt for the treatment of diaper rash."

* MAC sheertone blush in Springsheen - a light peach shade with golden shimmers! Really warms up my skintone. I like pairing this with my MAC lipglass in Sexy sweet (Belle Azure Collection), a shimmery peachy bronze shade.

* LANCOME eyeshadow brush - made of soft hair that makes blending eyeshadow a breeze! This brush is part of their Makeup Set.

* SHU UEMURA Eyelash Curler - another cult fave. Curls my lashes without pinching my eyes like most curlers do.

* MAC select cover up in NC20 - double purpose! a concealer & an eye primer. I just set this with loose powder. Prevents my eyeshadow from creasing.

* VOV cover foundation in natural beige #2 - i use this as a concealer for my under eye circles & pimple marks. Click here to read my review.

Review : SkinFood Mushroom Multi Care BB Cream SPF 20 PA+

*image courtesy of Makeupforlife.net*

Product Info :
"A Triple function BB Cream ( whitening, anti-aging, sunblock) that contains skin friendly aloe & mushroom extract, adenosine and arbutin that helps to improve the appearance of fine lines & promotes brighter, more radiant complexion w/ UV properties."

Product Size :
50 grams or 1.76 oz.

Price :
Php 1,500 or about $31 dollars

Shades:
#1 for very fair skintones with pink undertones
# 2 for fair-medium skintones with yellow undertones








*image courtesy of Makeupforlife.net*

Coverage :
In terms of coverage, IMO, they're pretty much the same with the Gingko variant except that the Mushroom absorbs easily and its lighter in texture, and its not as oily as the Gingko. For the scent, I love the mushroom variant, its smells more "green" compared to the latter.

I apply my Nivea moisturising fluid SPF 15 in the A.M. , let it absorb for 5-10 minutes, then apply my BB Cream ( depends on my mood either the Gingko or Mushroom variant) .
After letting the cream absorb, I apply concealer on the undereye circles. Dust the whole face with loose powder to set BB Cream & Concealer. I blot my face with Blotting sheets every 4 hours, and sometimes retouch with powder. My skin is not that oily. Only in the T-zone area.

Click here to read my Product review for the Gingko BB Cream.

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Update: Swatches