Maybelline V-Face Blush Contour By Facestudio - Orange - Review

This review is about the Maybelline V-Face Blush Contour By Facestudio I found in Watsons the other day. Everybody wants a slimmer looking V-face, I guess this is what this blush is going to offer (light touch).

Facts and claims:

Maybelline New York V Face Blush Contour helps you to structure and enhance your way to a perfectly V-shaped face in a New York minute.(?) Highlight above your cheekbones and apply blush by using the wide edge of the brush. Apply and blend bronzer under cheekbones and along jawline, forming an ideal V-shape with the narrow end of the brush.

4 shades available: Pink, Peach, Red and Orange.

4g/ HKD$59/ Made in Thailand

Ingredients:

It's nice that they put the instructions for beginners.

Maybelline's official website.

First Impression and packaging:

It is a little small as a blush because most of the blush brushes are bigger than this. Unless you use the brush that comes with it.

I swatched it on the back of my hand, quite smooth and the pigmentation was just okay. Maybe because I am a little tan right now the colours does not show up that well.

The colours are easy to use and they are pretty. I chose orange because I don't own any orange blushers. There are little glitters in the highlight colour and they show up on the cheeks. The contour shade is, in my opinion, a little orange. I feel like this would show up more on paler skin tone. (I am NC25-30)

Freshly applied:
Looks pretty but the pigmentation was not very intense so I had to apply like 3 layers to get the intensity I wanted.

The contour colour is nice with my skin tone but can be a little deeper. Highlight is a little peachy but looks quite nice blended in. The blusher showed up as a peach more than orange (?)

After 6 hours:
It definitely faded but luckily not patchy.

The highlight is gone but the blush stayed quite well. Contour and the blush faded a little but not patchy. 

Pros:

• not too opaque, easy to use as in I can apply heavy-handedly!
• fades nicely, not patchy
• lovely colours especially the contour
• convenient 3 in 1 palette
• affordable

Cons:

• the pan is too small
• low lasting power
• show up better on paler skin tones
• there are some small glitters in the highlight

Would I recommend it? Yes and no. Yes, only if you are new to the whole contour highlight thing or you like a more subtle look. This won't mess up easily. And no, the pigmentation is not extremely good and doesn't last very long.

I would skip this one if you have a little more budget for separate cheek products from affordable brands like NYX, ELF and Canmake.


Be happy always!

LightzOn

Airbrush with an actual brush - the EcoTools Airbrush Concealer brush

It takes so much to say that a brush is a miracle but I have to tell you, this one is - EcoTools Airbrush Concealer brush. Since there are quite a lot of good reviews about this brush I though I would give it a go.

Claims:

• Earth-Friendly Beauty
• Beautifully Soft with Bamboo & Recycled Materials
• Eco Pouch
• Look beautiful and live beautifully every day.
• Airbrush Concealer brush is made from soft, cruelty-free bristles, has a recycled aluminium ferrule and sleek bamboo handle.
• Our reusable eco pouch is made with natural materials & EVA. EVA is free of phthalates and PVC.

USD$3.99/ HKD$32

**I got mine from iHerb, you may use my code CFJ126 for a USD$5 off your first purchase.**

EcoTools' website.

First impression:

It looks bigger in real life than I thought it would in the picture. I have used some other EcoTools brushes for a few years and I already know the nice quality of the bristles and this didn't disappoint me either. 

It has a nice dome shape with the perfect amount of density, doesn't feel rough on the skin. I was a little worried about it being too big for covering blemishes.

Good grip from the slightly thicker bamboo handle. Nice little label. 

 I would keep the pouch for when I'm travelling.

First time using it:

I was literally blown away! I wanted to test it out thoroughly so I used it for both cream concealer and liquid concealer. 

Liquid concealer under my eyes:

Dapped for 5 times and well blended. Product was distributed evenly and smoothly. (using Bobbi Brown Eye Brightener)

(5/5)

Creamy concealer stick on blemishes:

I dapped around the actual blemish, blending was as easy as the liquid concealer and dapped only 3 times until everything was well blended. (using Bobbi Brown Touch Up Stick)

(5/5)

Cream concealer on blemishes:

Dapped for longer as the product is thicker and opaque. Dapped around 6 times until the 'ring' disappeared, a little bit streaky. (using Kate Cover Concealer)

(3.5/5)

Pros:

• nice size
• density is just right
• good dome shape for blending and distributing products
• does not leave streaks 
• soft and gentle
• easy to clean
• artificial bristles
• good price point

Cons:

• handle a little thick which takes up more space than normal brushes
• bamboo handle may darken with time
• not as good when using thicker products

All in all, the brush performs very well for both liquid and cream concealers which makes my skin looking airbrushed. With it being cruelty-free and very affordable, I totally recommend it. 

As I have mentioned above, I have some other EcoTools brushes and there will be reviews on them soon! Stay tuned!!

Be happy always.

LightzOn

Do we all judge by the appearance? Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-nourishing Argan Oil Powder Review

This was totally a love-at-first-sight story. I didn't think too much before buying it and I didn't actually regret it... I'm talking about the Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-nourishing Argan Oil Powder Translucent.

My skin type: Combination oily/ acne prone/ sensitive

Weather: Summer, hot and humid like always in Hong Kong

Facts about the powder:
Claims: Hypoallergenic. Gluten Free. Cruelty Free. Paraben Free. Non-comedogenic. Dermatologist Approved.  

Ingredients: Talc, Mica, Silica, Dimethicone, Fragrance, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Aluminum Hydroxide, Ascorbyl Palmitate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Lecithin, Polybutene, Tin Oxide, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
May Contain: Iron Oxides, Red 7 Lake, Titanium Dioxide
(Obviously mineral based)


Net Wt. 0.32 Oz. / 9 g // Translucent and Beige // USD$14.95

See more at their website.

**I bought mine from iHerb, you may use my code CFJ126 for a USD$5 off your first purchase. 

First impression:

It looks just like an indian princess makeup, it's too pretty not to buy. Imagine when you take it out and touch up your makeup! The packaging is definitely a winner. Look at that design and glittery overspray.

It comes with a little brush which is quite rough. The mirror is nice and big.

It has a very very strong woody scent, it is the type of scent that would make your whole handbag smell like it. I personally love the woody scent so it's a good point.

I swatched it on the back of my hand and it was silky smooth, creamy, covered all the lines.

The first time using it:

It makes my skin super smooth, covers all my pores. It was literally the best drugstore powder I have ever tried. It provides a bit of coverage, not really translucent.

It lasts quite long on my face (at least 5 hours). A little oil started to come out only around my nose and the oil actually blended with the powder and didn't separate the foundation. This might be because it contains argan oil. I blotted only once and put a little more powder during the day.

The finish is very very pretty, a little glowy, skin-like and smooth.

But the scent stayed on, my boyfriend asked what was that old Indian temple smell but he said my skin looks smoother than usual. Until I took my makeup off, the scent stayed.

At the end of the day I found that there were tiny bumps around my jaw. They were not red but more like small white bumps. It could be my period or this powder... (I really don't want to think that it was the reason)

I also don't know if it was because of the humid hot weather that the powder was a little too heavy on the fragrance that irritated my sensitive skin.

Pros:

• very creamy and fine powder
• controls my oil
• covers pores well, smooth skin out
• doesn't oxidize
• give some coverage
• awesome packaging

Cons:

• scent is too strong
• not recommended for sensitive skin

Overall, if you have less sensitive skin and you are not mind the woody scent that lingers, give this a try! Now I want to get more PF products to test them out!

Ask me questions about this product if you want to :D

Be happy always!

LightzOn

Reality vs expecctation? Fool-proof online shopping tips - Part 2

In the last article, I have mentioned some of the most important things you should know before shopping clothes online. Now let's do a quick recap:

#1 Quality.
#2 Know yourself VERY well.
#3 The Safety Net.

If you're confused of what the 3 points are actually about, read it here.

Moving on to Clothing Store recommendations.
Alright! I sound like I know so much about online clothes shopping but I am just an older newbie (but I won't tell you how much I have spent shopping online :P). Here are some of the online shops where I have had very positive shopping experience with.

ZALORA
This is just perfect. There are cheap and more expensive brands you can choose from. The best thing is they offer free shipping over HKD$150  (so easy to reach) and cash on delivery to make your shopping experience safe and easy.

I would recommend it to people who like semi formal clothing. My favourite brand is Dorothy Perkins. Their own brand Zalora Basic is also worth searching.

I mean they don't have the world's greatest selection of clothes but there is free exchange! I bought shoes from them before and some of them didn't fit me well even though they were in the size I usually wear. All you need to do is to fill out the form, wrap them with a plastic bag and give it to SF Express. No fees at all!!!!

SheIn
OH MY GOD! This is by far my favourite clothing store.

Why I like it so much? First of all, they have over 2 MILLION items for you, from casual to boho to formal to prom dresses. I mean, this is like the online version of a shopping mall... This is just perfect.

Price wise, TOO affordable. A basic top only costs $50 something, WTH? That's the price for me to get one cheap looking tee shirt in Mong Kok. A decent PU bag like this costs only less than HKD$200 (around USD$21). Who can resist not to buy from them? Make sure you don't think too long because it might be sold the next second.

They have a very helpful model size reference and size reference, like I said in my last article, always look for try-on reviews. Compare it to your own body and size, it's very difficult that you get the wrong size.

Shipping cost is not a thing to be worried about because they always have some kind of $30+ free shipping, 40% off code you can find around the site.

Check them out here.

Nissen
If you are in Hong Kong, you might have received one of their product catalog before. This shop opt for comfort and practicality in clothing but it doesn't mean that their clothes are only for grannies.

The clothes will be delivered to your home from Japan. I would describe their style as simple, clean and comfortable, quite similar to MUJI and Uniqlo. If you like those kind of fashion styles, I highly recommend you to check them out.

The price is very reasonable and they always have discount when you buy 2 or more. Make sure you shop with a friend so you get the most out of it.

They also have underwear, socks and even baby clothing. I'm sure everyone can find something there.

If you're new to Nissen, click here.

Alright.

Comment down below to share with me your favourite online shopping stores!!

Be happy always.

LightzOn

Reality vs expectation? Fool-proof online shopping tips.

A lot of times when we go shopping online, we never get what we exactly want or have in mind. The struggle is real...

Actually there are a few factors contributing to the above sadness which can be solved easily!

#1 Quality 
What I mean by quality is the product quality of the shop. If the clothes are of bad qualities, no matter if you have a body just like a Victoria Secret angel, the clothes, however, will never look good.

First thing to do when I personally go shopping online is to look for reviews about the sites or their products in general. And I ALWAYS look for Youtube videos and those reviews with photos of the customers wearing the items they bought. Some of them will tell you if the shoes are true to size or if the top is see-through or not. You will then have an idea of how the clothes fit on a real human body and the textures, the colour differences (if any) to avoid disappointment.

#2 Know Yourself VERY well.
'OK. Quality checked but I am still disappointed!' Well, you've missed a very important aspect - yourself. Knowing your own body shape, size and what kinds of styles or cuttings suit your body is a MUST in online shopping. If you have thick thighs and still wants to buy very tight fitted jeans with little elasticity, that's probably not gonna work.

Measure your body and write all the data on your phone, better in cm measurements. I would suggest to make good use of the size cart and compare it to your own body measurement. Count the possible measuring errors in and you will shop like a pro.

Why 'real life' shopping first? It's because in 'real life' shopping, you can touch the materials, you can try them on, you can dance around in the clothes and admiring your true beauty in the mirror (especially very important for pants and jeans), so you will have a very very clear idea if you like the items or not. Compare to online shopping which you can only do those things in your head with imagination, is totally another level.

If you're new to the fashion world or have just started to be more 'fashion conscious',  I suggest you to experiment with the 'real life' shopping first. After you've mastered what tends to look good and what might look bad on your own body, you can then proceed to online shopping.

#3 The Safety Net.
Even after you have mastered the art of online shopping, there will still be times when you clicked the wrong button and picked the wrong sizes or bought the same things twice. That's why a great customer service is what I call a safety net (which can safe yourself from getting too bankrupted lol ). Of course to avoid that, first of all you have the responsibility to check the shopping cart once more before you check out. Check carefully the refund policies and fees that might apply before you settle the payment. Once again, you never know.

Use Paypal or cash on delivery if possible. This is to ensure that your credit card detail won't be exposed to a third party. As no one can predict the technical problems (touch wood).

Alright.

After all of the nagging and mumbling, you should be ready to shop  online like a pro. Go to my next article for the online clothing stores I always go to and start shopping!!!!

Be happy always.

LightzOn

Part 2 of my Seoul Haul!

This is part 2 of my Seoul Haul!

Check out Part one if you missed it. 

Products::
Clio Kill Brow Tinted Tattoo in 01 Earth Brown

Innisfree It's real sheet masks in Strawberry

Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Primer


Blue Mountain Shoes

Primera Miracle Seed Essence

Thanks for passing by <3 Products review will be coming soon! Stay tuned.

Be happy always.

LightzOn

Seoul Haul Part 1

The trip went well with mom :) And I did some shopping. These are some of the things I bought when I was in Seoul, South Korea. 

Watch part 1 here:

Part 2 linked down below.

Things bought:
Yankee Candles


VDL Triple Shot tint bar in 502 Triple burgundy

The instructions! So handy.

Etude House Angry Bird Brow Set
- Brow Tint Gel in 01 Brown
- Drawing Eyebrow Pencil in 03 and 01

Etude House All Finish Lip Tint Eraser

Etude House Dear My Blooming Lips-talk lipstick in 108



Here's part two! :D

Travel Tips 101 from my experience

Next week I'm going to Seoul with my mom for the first time. We haven't been on a trip together before, so this must be a very memorable and interesting experience for both of us. I'm planning to film some vlogs while we're in Seoul so stay tuned! :)

Here are some of my travel tips I want to share with you::

#1 Pack lightly.
You don't want to have pain in your shoulders or arms by carrying too much stuff to another place. Pack a little as possible. (who knows you might accidentally shop too much :P)

#2 Bring some 2-way products.
I always bring lipstick and full coverage foundation because these are multifunctional. lipstick = lipstick + blush; full coverage foundation = concealer + foundation

#3 Versatile wardrobe = well-prepared.
Bring something light weight and useful like an ultra light down jacket which you can fold it into a small bag when you don't use it. A good example can be found at Uniqlo!

Another nice jacket that I found is this Light Pocketable Parka. It is light, water repellent and can be turned into the bag below.

A scarf also comes in handy. Check out this awesome video "

How To Make a DIY Travel Infinity Scarf and Wear it 25 Ways

" to get some more tips about how you can wear an infinity scarf in many ways.

#4 For contact lens wearers: One-day contact lenses.
Using one-day lenses will save you from a lot of troubles. You don't need to bring the cleaning solution (which can be too big for travelling and might leak!) or be worried about being in germ-packed environment and cleaning your lenses with your fingers.

I personally use Fresh Kon Alluring Eyes in Winsome Brown. So far so good! But be sure to check with your opticians for the ones that suit your eyes best.

#5 Plan for the worst.
It's very important to plan ahead when it come to travelling. Search all the emergency phone numbers and your passport/ ID number in case of accidents. Make sure to purchase travel insurance before the trip and know the contact info and claiming procedure before departing.

As far as weather goes, you probably need to check the weather forecast one week before departure. However, the weather can be very unpredictable that means you will need a plan B for outdoor activities planned. Also, it's good to bring something like an umbrella,  a hat or a thicker jacket to protect yourself from different weather conditions.

#6 Enjoy the cultural differences and try out new things.
Going to somewhere new is very exciting but could be nerve-racking. There may be things and practices that you can't process in a new place. Try to understand and respect the differences and try to do that as well. Challenge yourself to do something 'unusual'. I always get awesome experiences this way.

Touch wood if you do not like the culture, keep telling yourself the trip will end soon and respect is a must to get you through the day.

Hopefully the above tips can save you from some travelling troubles. Wish you luck for the next trip! <3

XX

LightzOn

p.s. Have you watched my latest video? Check it out down below :)

Current favourite primer for combination/ oily/ sensitive skin - Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer Review

I have combination/ oily, acne prone and sensitive skin, finding a primer that is oil control as well as moisturising is kind of a struggle. I thought primer would act as a barrier between my face and the makeup, therefore, I looked for the high performance one. I don't opt for the drug store primer as they are usually silicon based, which clogs my pores for my acne prone sensitive skin.

After a long time I finally found this favourite primer of mine - Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer. (cry) <3



Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer, 50ml, $29.99 Get it here

Packaging:
Regular plastic tube, easy to control the amount of product you want to squeeze out. (shake well before using)

Price:
Around $1.7/ ml, bought it at their beauty counter with a higher price :/.  The price is not very cheap but the high quality makes it all worth it.

Texture:
The primer doesn't contain silicon which is good. This one applies like a regular face lotion, absorbs quickly (within a minute or two) without a sticky feeling and leaves my skin feeling hydrated immediately. Makeup applies smoothly on top of it.

Performance:

It makes my makeup last longer, even at the end of the day when my makeup starts to fade, it is not patchy. Oil does sip through after maybe 6 hours but compare to when I skip primer, there's definitely a difference.

Will I recommend it?

Of course! Otherwise I would not write this post! lol

Conclusion

I can't say that there aren't good drug store primers out there that suit your skin type, but if you're frustrated like me get this one a try! 

XX

LightzOn

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