Mary's Wonderland

YSL 5-color Couture Palette Heartbeats Edition in Saharienne

2016-01-03T00:08:00.003+04:00

Let me show you YSL's Heartbeats Limited Edition eyeshadow palette of the Chinese New Year in 2015.

This is actually the No.4 Saharienne palette from the permanent line.

I picked up mine in a duty free. Sites like Ebay still carry it, so no worries if you've fallen in love with the cute packaging.

This is a color combination that I like: neutral enough for both warm and cool skintones and can be used day and night.

It has everything that I might need: taupe, peachy all over color, highlight and darks. Each with good color payoff. As usual, click for the bigger size.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain Plump Up in 200 Plump Up

2015-07-06T16:04:00.002+04:00

Are you a fan of YSL? A fan of the Glossy Stains? Want something clear for a no-makeup makeup?

If you gave 3 'yes' then you should try the latest member of YSL's Glossy Stain family: Plump Up (200)

Description: "Introducing the first Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stain Plump-Up for long-lasting volume impact! Give your lips an instant push up effect from the first application. Enjoy the invigorating and hydrating effect thanks to the hyaluronic acid enriched formula. Instantly Lips look fuller and voluptuous with shine that lasts up to 6 hours. Available in one universal shade, layer under any YSL lip product for a couture lip or alone for a naturally full look."

Hyaluronic Acid? I'm SOLD!

I shouldn't be so shallow, but I want anything containing it.....how did humankind ~~or my humble person ahem~~ existed before HA punched us in the face and sneaked into our drawers/shelves?!?!?!

So, this gloss promises to plump up your lips. How should I put this.....

If you expect to see Kylie Jenner lips in the mirror....hello vacuum pumps LOL....you'll be disappointed.

6 hours? Don't make me laugh....not even if you cease to eat, drink and speak. [did not put up to the test tho...]

Beside the basic hydration and optical illusion this has no special feature. :(

Anyway, it is *sparkle**sparkle*YSL, so I love it. Not so much the 36 USD price tag, but oh well...anything for my beloved! :D I don't want them to go bankrupt ROFL

Do you need this? I don't think so.

Got 36 bucks to spend? On just about anything? Then buy it!

Rouge Bunny Rouge Prelude in the Clouds Aqua Primer

2015-05-17T00:22:00.004+04:00

Many might think "why give a foundation (ie primer) to a foundation"? Those definitely haven't tried them. It's a game changer and once hooked you cannot imagine life without it.

It maximizes the staying power of your foundation and it just goes on smoother. It's hard to describe, but you can feel a positive difference when applying foundation.

On one hand of the scale there are silicone-based primers and water-based ones on the other. Most of the silicone ones I don't like as they feel like everything on them slides around.

Not so the Rouge Bunny Rouge Prelude in the Clouds Aqua Primer, which, as the name suggest is water-based.

Description: "This water-based texture is so light and refreshing on your skin that you will feel like floating through the clouds, but it contains plethora of active ingredients. Sea-Buckthorn Berry Extract serves as a superb-antioxidant and anti-ageing ingredient that promotes cell tissue regeneration. Iris Florentina Root Extract smoothes out fine lines and wrinkles to create a perfect canvas for other products to be applied to the skin. Saccharide Isomerate provides intensive hydration, firming and smoothing; Bisabolol is used for its anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Vitamin E Acetate and Retinol Palmitate improve skin texture. Now you know why we are so excited to bring you this miracle in a bottle."

Whether anti-aging or not, it does smoothes your skin helping the foundation to spread more evenly.

I have the older style of packaging which is gorgeous enough to keep me from throwing out the sturdy paper case and velvety glass, even though it's been empty for moths now. T_T

In case you're interested in the ingredients: AQUA / WATER, GLYCERIN, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DIMETHICONE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES FRUIT EXTRACT, IRIS FLORENTINA ROOT EXTRACT, PEG-100 STEARATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, SACCHARIDE ISOMERATE, NYLON-12, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CETYL ALCOHOL, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, CARBOMER, BISABOLOL, METHYLPARABEN, DISODIUM EDTA, PEG-20 STEARATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, RETINYL PALMITATE, GLYCOPROTEINS, SODIUM HYALURONATE, BUTYLPARABEN, PENTADECALACTONE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ETHYLPARABEN, PEG-8, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, ISOBUTYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, TOCOPHEROL, CITRIC ACID, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, BHT, ASCORBIC ACID

Totally recommended!

A 30ml/1oz bottle costs 53 EUR

Shu Uemura Silk Cushion Cheek Blusher

2015-05-06T18:00:00.000+04:00

A heavenly product I think should be permanent is the Silk Cushion Cheek Blusher of Shu Uemura. I don't dare to claim it a HG, but it's high on my favourites list!

The texture is like nothing I've ever experienced: silky yet soft like a marshmallow at the same time. I'd expect it to be crumbling under my fingers but it jiggles as you can push it around.....which makes you giggle! :D

Rose Quartz

Rose quartz is a beautiful pink that looks natural and effortless.

Orange Quartz

Orange quartz must be flattering on warm skintones.

NOTE: make sure to use the right type of brush suitable for cream products, like my favourite dual-fiber HD blush brush of Japonesque!

MAC LE eyeshadow palette The Monster's Bride

2015-05-05T22:38:00.001+04:00

A short swatching of the LE MAC eyeshadow palette: The Monster's Bride in case you're interested in the individual colors.

MAC The Mnster's Bride

All colors (except for the toxic green) can be used daily.

Colors on the left, from top to bottom:

- Mylar - almost white beige, perfect for highlighting on fair skin

- Bitter - intense neon green, a little more green than the highlighter pen

- Brun - neutral dark brown

Colors on the right, from top to bottom:

- Omega- I'd say cappucino, nice all over color

- Club - green satin sheen added to brown that is lighter than Brun

- Carbon - well-know matt black

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in 19 Beige Aquarelle

2015-01-26T17:24:00.000+04:00

I bet you have met the following lipstain one way or another: YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in 19 Beige Aquarelle.

I must admit: I am a sucker for everything YSL. Okay, not for their mascaras, but hey, I have a till-death commitment with another brand. >.<

Whenever I come across a duty free in any airport with even the least time for shopping, I must stop at the YSL counter to see what they have in stock.^^ Even tho I try to behave myself and ask myself if I really need that gazillionth pink/mauve/rosy/nude lippie, sometimes the dark side wins. That's how this sweety ended in my purse =D

Description: "Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stain combines the texture and shine of a gloss with the long-wear of a stain for a truly innovative lip product. A lightweight texture that immediately melts onto lips. Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stain delivers intense glossy colour for an extremely long lasting new kind of shine. The applicator’s unique slanted tip and short soft bristles allow for flawless application with perfect precision"

The applicator is indeed precise, I need to dip it back to get enough to cover the upper and lower lips.

Texture is sticky which doesn't bother me until I happen to lick my lips....no bad taste, just....do NOT press your lips together! Gross! #_#

Beige Aquarelle is a nice pinkish beige. Not a strong one and I like that. Sadly it won't stay on all day long but at least you can pull out this chic piece and reapply! ^.^

Price is 35USD and you can find the ingredients on the website (I'm way too lazy to copy-paste it here LOL)

Shu Uemura Tint In Gelato Lip and Cheek Color in PK02

2015-01-23T15:43:00.000+04:00

Shu Uemura's Tint in Gelato is a 2-in-1 product. Can be used as liptint or as blush.

Its texture reminds me of souffle. Fluffy and lightweight. Gelato is such a good name for it.

The sponge applicator packs just the righ amount of product on your lips (haven't tested on cheeks...sorry!) to get an opaq finish. You can go light but you can go layer it for ohlalaaa strong lips.

Since this is a liptint, it fades evenly, leaving a nice "tint" behind. Personally, I consider liptints the perfect lipsticks.

The color is PK02 which stands for Milky Framboise. Mmmm sounds tasty!

5,4g costs 28 USD

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited (Brave Beauty - Rose)

2015-01-22T15:28:00.000+04:00

Another short post for, this time for a Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Brave Beauty. Color is Rose from the Vision of Beauty collection.

I'm a big fan of Shu Uemura lippies, especially of the Unlimited range. They might not be longwearing *cough*disappears in 30mins max*cough* but they are not heavy, smooth out chapped lips and they don't settle into lines (mattes are different tho).

Color description: "prettiest floral that adds some romance to your rock look"

On the spot IMHO :D

At 30 USD it is not the cheapest lippie out there, but one of the prettiest ones!

MAC Cream Color Base in Breaking Ground

2015-01-21T14:58:00.000+04:00

Just a short swatching of MAC Cream Color Base in Breaking Ground. Color is described as "light iridescent mauve" and as a mauve-lover, I bought it.

These Cream Color Bases are multi-use items, meaning they can be used as lipcolor, blush, highlighter, under or over foundation, some can be worn even on eyelids. It depends on the color and what the box says. Not all colors can be used everywhere.

Actually, it's a shame but due to my crease-freak eyelids I never wear these as eyeshadows =(

Priced at 21 USD it is cheaper than other MAC blushes (powder or cream) plus it's versatile.

Not to mention that its pro version (sans the case, horray to mix&match palettes) costs only 14USD!!! Much better, huh?!

MAC Powder Blush in Next to Skin

2015-01-20T13:18:00.000+04:00

For fair skinned gals who wish to achieve uber natural, barely there makeup I recommend: Powder Blush of MAC in Next to Skin.

It's quite light for a no-makeup look.

Do I need to say more?

Rouge Bunny Rouge Raw Garden Eyeshadow Palette in Chronos

2015-01-19T12:15:00.002+04:00

For a long time of eyeing the brand I finally surrendered and started ordering (strictly during sales :P) and I must say I'm glad that I did.

First, let me show you the beautiful Chronos Raw Garden eyeshadow palette from Rouge Bunny Rouge:

Even its box is pretty! :)

And the actual case! <3 p="">

Aww, such beautiful colors! *____* They are:

Champagne Pewter Highlighter: a peachy metallic champagne

Metallic Rosy Brown: a peacock pink and gold shade

Aged Bronze: an interchanging, cool olive metallic

Aubergine Gunmetal: a dark, gold-tinged eggplant-grey metallic

Midnight Blue Gunmetal: a deep, smoky blue-grey metallic

They have decent color payoff and blend well. No worry about fallout.

Just reading the description makes you long for the stuff:

"Suitably presented in a luxuriantly lacquered magnetic étui, the colour theme of the Limited Eye Shadow Palette RAW GARDEN in ‘Chronos’ is inspired by the lustre and varying shades seen in the darkness and dancing shadows of the Black Pearls.

Echoing the delicate design on the lid of the Limited Eye Shadow Palette case, each Long-lasting Eye Shadow is embossed with a hummingbird on the wing motive."

In case you decide to indulge, the price of this Limited Edition palette is 55 EUR.

MAC That Trillion Dollar Look Quad (The Simpsons Edition)

2014-11-17T12:36:00.000+04:00

Being a lover of the legendary series: The Simpsons I just HAD to buy something from the collaboration with MAC. Doesn't matter that most of the colors in the collection won't fit me or I don't fancy....who cares? HAHA

Meet Marge's That Trillion Dollar Look eyeshadow quad. She checks if you've done a good job on your Sunday mass look!^^

For those interested in the ingredients.

And ta-daa~ Such intense colors!

However they are not so badass without flash. Still, they produce a good enough cover.
Colors are (L to R):
Lisa's Spikes: lime green w/ frost finish
Apple Squishee: midtone kelly green w/ frost finish
Two Dozen and One Greyhounds: dirty olive green w/ veluxe pearlfusion finish
Chalkboard Dreams: deep blackened teal w/ velvet finish

I reach for Two Dozen and One Greyhounds and Chalkboard Dreams most. This olive green is just wow!

If you happen to come across this palette, don't miss it!^.^

Kanebo Sensai Silky Highlighting Powder

2014-11-11T12:57:00.002+04:00

One of my Sensai treasures is the Silky Highlighting Powder.

Treasure because 1) expensive 2) high quality 3) feels luxorious and 4) I managed to cough up the money to buy it.

Description: "Light, pearly powder complements and enhances foundations with a subtle, youthful glow. Instantly adds natural-looking highlights."

This highlighter comes in one color which reminds me of vanilla. But don't worry about having golden cheekbones coz you won't. It indeed feels like silk, there are no gritty parts and more importantly, no glitters, shimmers, whatsoever that could disturb your eyes/conscious.

The brush it comes with is soft and well-made. Does the job it was made to. Still, I prefer my own highlighter brush :)

The elegant and well-closing case holds 5g of powder.

As for the price...ahem...I lost the receipt of my Sensai haul and the prices online are anything but friendly....from 43 € and up. That's about 53 USD or more!

Despite the price, if you happen to come across a Kanebo Sensai counter in a duty free shop or you are lucky to have a store carrying the line near you, I recommend to check this out, or any other product and invest in something. You won't regret! ^.^

Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule

2014-09-17T12:59:00.005+04:00

Lately I've accumulated quite a lot of Missha goods and now I'm gonna introduce you to one of my favourites: Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Ampoule.

Pheww...such a long name :)

I believe that skincare products benefict more during night when sleeping renews our body. Thus it's best to use your best skincare items before going to bed to add to the result.

Especially if the serum *ahem* ampoule is for nightly use.

One thing I dislike about Missha packaging is the box. They are so shiny that it's impossible to make good quality photos! Duh with ordinary photo equipment it's a pain in the a$$! Look at the photo above...not funny at all to read the ingredients like this...

Those who own DSLRs with all kind of lenses could care less. Not to mention the average consumers, ergo 99% of costumers. :D

What I do love about this packaging is the pipette! Not only the most hygenic way to use this liquid, but you can control the amount and it also makes you feel like using a luxurious, high quality product.

The liquid itself is deep yellow like amber. Does not irritate, dries or makes oily my dry and sensitive skin, and it absorbs fast. I follow it with night cream and/or sheet mask and that's it.

The promises: "The complete science behind beautiful skin. Use the essential Activator Ampoule on a daily basis to get smooth and firm, beautiful skin. It provides your skin with extra nutrients and moisture that you are not getting from basic skincare.

The Ampoule energizes, repairs, and restores elasticity. It also provides wrinkle repairing and whitening benefits.

Contains Fermented Bifida, Lactobacillus, and Lactococcus for improved, healthier skin. Bifida Ferment strengthens skin's barrier to prevent damage from harmful environmental factors. Lactobacillus Ferment contains Peptide and Vitamin B12 for improved, healthy skin condition. Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate has protective and antioxidant properties to moisturize and improve skin barrier."

It smooths and brightens my skin and i firmly believe that it helped removing the frown lines on my forehead.

I'm close to finish my second bottle and plan to purchase a lot more.

50ml costs 49USD, but it's best to wait for a sale on the MisshaUS site which happens several times a year.

Kenzoki Ice-Cold Eye Cream

2014-09-03T17:21:00.000+04:00

As I've mentioned in a previous post, I'd hauled several Kenzoki products to finally try them out. One of these produts is the Ice-cold Eye Cream.

Ice-cold refers to the fact that it's recommended to be kept it in the fridge to maximize its effect. It sounds cool - literally too- but for me it was a hassle...getting to the kitchen, in the morning, in a zombi-like state is no fun (plus extra time LOL). What's with all those walls and steps and occasional stuff I left on the floor last time I was awake?!? They hurt!

Description: "Illuminates, Smoothes, Rests

Watch out eyes! Eskimo cream to show bags and dark circles the door and wake up the sleepiest eyes every morning. It can be kept in the fridge to optimize its enlivening and regenerating properties."

It sounds good, but in fact it does nothing except for moisturizing enough not to make my eye area into a desert. I saw no improvement regarding dark circles and I strongly believe its "enlivening and regenerating properties" are thanks to be kept in the fridge.

The chilled cream is indeed pleasant, and it did not irritate my eyes (much).

If I used it in room temperature (not putting it into the fridge) it was bland. A simple moisturizer, nothing special.

The pump head could be more precise, as mine used to unload either too much or too little with one pump.

Packaging is simple, I found no fault in it.

However, I find the price (45 EUR for 15ml) a bit too high for an eye-cream which does nothing beside moisturizing and the cooling effect comes from the refrigerator. You could use a simple moisturizer and some icecubes sans the coctail and it's cheaper.

Basicly you pay for the brand name. Even though this is not in league with the hyper-super-mega-über expensive eye-cares, but not many of us can afford those, right?

Kenzoki Barefeet Fantasy Massage Balm

2014-08-06T14:41:00.002+04:00

Part of my first Kenzoki haul done at the Warsaw duty free is the Barefeet Fantasy Massage Balm.

I wanted to try the brand yet not spend all my monthly wage at the airport so I went for a travel-size set, an eye cream and this foot care. Picking the cheapest ones and having the most products possible to try....LOL

I've never used a foot massage balm before except the ~~Avon/Oriflame YUCK~~ heating/cooling gels/moisturizers which I found worse than unsatisfactory.

I know....we should care much more about our feet. They carry us all our lives and do the hard work yet we care next to nothing about them. No, nailpolish is not treating well your feet.

The SA told me this was a dream to use and highly recommended, but I was still sceptical. Any average SA would sing worshipping songs about a basket of crap just so you would buy it. In the end I thought it's not that expensive and I've never had an actual foot massage balm, why not try it. If I were to find it bad I would have still owned a Kenzoki balm, and that would have meant I had a great product! Duh! Stupid snobbish voice in my head....

Let's see its description: "Play footsy, voluptuously, alone or not, as the case may be. For beautiful feet or simply to feel good. A massage balm that nourishes, relaxes and repairs feet from ankle to toes. Cupuacu butter to intensely moisturize* tired feet. Shea butter to soothe busy dancing feet. And rice plant water , naturally rich in trace elements, essential oils and mineral salts. Massage in yourself or let it be done. Forget everything. Surrender to the soft scent of rice steam. Close your eyes and renew the experience with the other foot. *moisturizes the upper layers of the epidermis."

Now, let me point out that the * part is brilliant! Only with this small side note they earned my appreciation. Not many brands would put such a warning on their products. It's like having a wrinkle-filler claiming to fill up deep wrinkles yet missing the transferring ingredient getting it into the lower levels of your skin. The problematic zone is deeper than the upper levels of skin where the cream can soak in. In the end you keep on using it but hardly see any improvement. If any.

At the same time this note - however not saying out loud - implies that were you to use a lot of cream you would skate on slippery feet if walking right after massaging. Thus either use less - a little amount is quite enough - or stay in bed, put on socks, etc.

Ingredients

The scent is indeed something unfamiliar to me so I believe when they say it's rice steam :D It's pleasant so it adds to the experience.

Massaging your feet with this balm is dreamlike: easy, pleasant, refreshing.

While indulging you know that you thoroughly loved your feet and they will thank you later.

Not to mention they are soft and smooth! ^.^

My only problem is the cap. It's your average twist cap with an actual twist. The top and bottom are connecting not in a vertical but slanted line and it gives me a headache every time to get the right point to start screwing. Maybe it's an individual fault or bad design, I don't know.

All in all, I'd make it mandatory to have this in each household but all I can do is say : GO AND BUY IT!

Ok, it's not easy to find but you'll be grateful *ahem*to me*ahem*

This 80g of fantasy sells for £18 or €24. Sorry, I don't know the price in dollar >.< Getting a hold of the Kenzoki line is not an easy task.

BH Cosmetics Gel Liner in Paradise

2014-08-04T12:58:00.004+04:00

Making a post on the altar of cheap makeup I'm gonna show you a decent gel liner: Gel Liner of BH Cosmetics in the color Paradise.

Eyeliners are crucial as they can ruin any otherwise flawless and/or fabulous makeup if they lack in quality.

Description: "This creamy Gel Eyeliner collection is a dynamite product for your beauty arsenal. Colors range from dark and smoky, to bold and bright. Amazingly versatile, these gel eyeliners also double as smooth eye shadows. Use a precise, slender brush for liner, and a sponge or finger for smudgy shadow effects. Net wt: 3g/0.11oz"

Paradise is a nice warm pink, almost peachy, that you can pull off as a summery day eyeliner. Even for work.

Until someone catches you on their camera with flash on....then it turns into a hello-i'm-hot-here-pink (see below).

With a good brush it is easy to work with. Packs pigment evenly.

Use a good primer underneath as it won't stay on all day long, but no need to worry about it turning into a smudgenado. BTW, have you watched Sharknado2? OMFG It's sooo horrible! XDDDD

All in all, for 7,95USD or rather 4USD (with all the sales going on) it is a very good catch. I think having some fun colors like Fresh or Garden is a good idea!^.^

La Roche-Posay Physiological Ultra-Fine Scrub

2014-07-29T12:40:00.000+04:00

Do you know the new IT words?

Micellar.

Physiological.

Physiological, like the solution in the IVs. Who would have thought that glorious liquid would do gloriously on your skin too? Not just by refreshing, nurturing it, but by cleansing too! And cleansing like not many does. Not leaving (oily) residues or stripping your skin of hydration, yet removing makeup and dirt and oily built up during the day.

This is the La Roche-Posay Physiological Ultra-Fine Scrub.

This scrub not only removes all the above mentioned yucks but also dead skin cells. Its beads are fine enough to do the work and be gentle at the same time.

As it does not promise to whiten, remove wrinkles or other miracles, I can't say much only that I plan to try many other scrubs while not forgetting this one....and if I can't find any that does a better in this basic task, I'm gonna name this my HG scrub.

Description: "Smoothes and gently exfoliates skin, while respecting its physiological balance.

Ultra fine scrubbing particles for gentle exfoliation
Fresh, water-gel texture
For more active cleansing Gentle and physical exfoliation"

Highly recommended. Do try!

Holika Holika Jewel Light Waterproof Eyeliner

2014-07-28T11:50:00.004+04:00

Just a fast showcasing: Holika Holika Jewel Light Waterproof Eyeliner in 08 Pink Topaz.

I bought this as a highlighter for my waterline and/or inner corner.

These pencils come in 16 colors total and there's a pure white and golden one too to use for this purpose, however, white is often too unnatural near the white of your eyes. You see, you don't go to photoshoots on an everyday basis, thus you have to opt for something more natural.

And that's why I chose this pinkish pencil. Gold tones look bad on me, but this gives an innocent vibe. Not too glittery, not harsh, glides well and does what it is supposed to.

Do not expect it to stay put forever, keep it with you for touch-ups, but I dare say it beats many shimmery/glittery/sparkling creamy eyeliners.

Not to mention its price: 5-6 USD on Ebay with free shipping? Yes, please!

Manhattan - Beige Ballerina eyeshadow palette

2014-04-23T16:30:00.000+04:00

However weird it might sound, Manhattan being a drugstore brand, I only have three products fom the brand and all of them are relatively new stuffs.

Now I'm showing you an LE eyeshadow palette: Beige ballerina. Dunno the name of the collection, sorry!

Yes, beige! As in nude! I think one cannot have enough nude eyeshadows, and this little palette is cool toned/neutral enough for me.

Its packaging is cardboard or something sturdy.....paper. I'm not a fan of paper packaging, but I can live with it since it's super thin and closes well...maybe it has some weak magnets built in? Who knows. Anyway, the little sponge applicator is good for nothing. Really, throw-away worthy. If you happen to bring along this palette and need a quick touch up for eyelining with the dark shade or something life-saver then the applicator is usuful, but it's nothing to talk about.

The colors look good in the "pan", but I wish they had better color payoff. Below are a without and with flash hand swatch photos and I found only the second darkest shade interesting.

The two light colors are so light and barely there that someone going for a "no makeup" look will definitely like them.

BTW, why does Blogger screw up my photos and rotate them all the time without any sense???????????

If you need an inexpensive small nude palette and haven't tried Manhattan, then give it a go, especially if you can find it in a drug store.

Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

2014-04-23T16:12:00.000+04:00

I don't think that I should introduce the below product to anyone into Asian skincare. Missha's Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence is advertised as a miracle/star product.

Don't expect it to turn you into Angelina Jolie if you're an Ursula yet the results are there and noticeable.

Description: Back to the Basics, a Stepping Stone to a Healthier and New Skin.

Contains 80% Fermented Yeast Concentrate, “FISSIONE", which absorbs into skin instantly to energize your skin. Also contains Niacinamide, a Vitamin B3 component, to improve skin elasticity, enhance skin barrier function, and revive skin tone and texture. DN-Aid, made from Cassia-Alata Extract, provides vitality to aging skin, protects DNA from aging caused by UV rays, and promotes restoration of damaged DNA.

THE FIRST TREATMENT ESSENCE improves fine lines and skin tone. Miracle water “FISSIONE” hydrates, restores, rejuvenates, and gives you a glowing complexion.

Do you know what YEAST is?

YEAST is a naturally fortified Vitamin B Group. Vitamin B supports and increases the rate of metabolism and maintains healthy skin.

Recently, more and more researches prove fermented yeast extract to be a good source for skin care products.

Ingredients:

Does it work?

Yes! If nothing else, the fact that the first day I used it my colleague asked what I did because my skin was glowing is proof enough. Yes, she did say glowing. I was dumbfounded and thought to myself that this must be some serious shit to have such an effect on the first day....

I said good-bye to Lancome's Visionnarie I had used before and ever since then I've been best friends with this essence.

By essence one would think of thick, gooey texture yet this is like any light toner. Like putting water on.

Non-sticky, fast absorbing and makes skin smooth, not leaving behind any residue.

I use it day and night after cleansing, before anything else, like a preparation. I'm on my second (large) bottle and have the third one waiting on the shelf to be opened.

Does not irritate my skin and did not cause breakout.

Helps to even out my skintone and brighten my complexion so I look more healthy than dead.

The bottle itself is heavy, matte glass and the cap closes well, the dispenser is the right size, not too small, not too big.

A 150ml bottle costs 49USD on the official US site. I advise to wait until a promotion/sale so you can get it cheaper.

Definitely recommended!

Missha Facial Choco Cacao Scrub

2014-03-12T12:16:00.002+04:00

Let me introduce you a favourite face scrub of mine: Missha Facial Choco Cacao Scrub

To find a perfect and/or good quality scrub is not as easy as one might think.

Some say that scrubbing (eg. physical erosion) is bad for the skin, doing more damage than good and swear for chemical peeling.

Well, I'm not a fan of peeling. For once, I had a horrible experience with a not so cheap product which looked fabulous in the store when testen on hand, yet at home....

Other peelings did almost nothing. Maybe I just haven't found a really good one that actually works, I don't know. Anyway, I don't feel like looking for a working one.

I'm the good old believer, a physical-type-fan.

In my opinion a good scrub should have such tiny brittles that are not harsh on the skin nor impossible feel. You should feel them working yet it shouldn't hurt.

Too hard particles like sandpaper are simply not good. Those are indeed damaging. If you find using your scrub unpleasant then you should look for another one!

Too soft particles are unable to reach the desired results: to remove old cells, fat and impurities. It's like rubbing cream or jello on your face and wishing for a snakeskin to fall off you....not gonna happen.

So the ideal material should be small, round (at least not sharp-edged/ and (not too) easily dissolving.

This way the upper layers of skin can be removed while the young, lower layers remain unharmed. Moreover, depending on the other ingredients they are either got to renew themselves faster, refreshed, hydrated, or whitened, etc, etc.

Now that I blabbed so long about my personal opinion, back to the product. Here is the description:

Contains edible cacao that removes aged skin cells and helps create firm, silky skin.

1. Contains cacao powder from Amazon River of Brazil

2. Cacao contains abundant Polyphenol known to prevent skin aging

3. Contains 15% of edible cacao that provides mild, gentle exfoliating effect.

Can also be used as a mask. Simply apply a thin layer onto dry face and wash off with warm water after 5 minutes. Avoid eye area.

First of all, the cacao they used as an ingredient might be edible, but the product itself is NOT!

It does smell heavenly and tempting to eat but it does not taste good. Not horrible either, just, not good. And who knows....chugging down all might not be healthy either.....8D

See those yellowy dots? They do the hard work. :)

Usage of it is pleasant, does not hurt, yet the rubbing particles remain intact long enough to work on your face and then your neck and décolleté if needed.

I'm not saying you will have baby-smooth skin afterwards, but it definitely does what it promises: removes aged skin cells.

As for functioning as a mask: I have not tried it yet this way, but judging from the fact that it does not dry my skin (YAY\*.*/) and leaves my skin feeling pleasant, I'd say it's not a waste of product ;D

I recommend Missha's Choco Cacao Scrub to those who:

- need a good face scrub

- are chocolate skincare fans

- don't want to spend a fortune on a scrub

Those who need a heavy duty scrub should look elsewhere or use this frequently.

Being it a jar in stead of a squueze tube might not be hygenic or practical (especially in the shower) but you can see how much is left and scoop out every bit at the end....aaaand....you can use the jar for whatever creative stuff during your DIY phase! 8D

Price-wise: on the US site 70g sells for 13 USD which is a good price IMHO and they have all kinds of sales & promotions all the time so it's not hard to get it cheaper ;)

Clarins Bright Plus HP Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel

2013-07-30T14:00:00.000+04:00

After all the makeup posts let's see a little skin care: Clarins Bright Plus HP Gentle Renewing Brightening Peel

Phew quite a long name^^

Click for ingredients

What it does: "Refreshing exfoliating lotion casts off dull, discoloured surface cells — speeding cellular turnover for a brighter, more even skin tone. Gently fades-away freckles and dark spots for a brighter, younger-looking complexion. For maximum results, use twice a week followed by Bright Plus HP Intensive Brightening Mask. Patent pending."

Here is the description on the leaflet:

So, in two or rather three little statements:

I have not seen any fading of freckles nor had my pores became nonexistent. Besides that all the other claims are true.

I like to use it, it does not burn or irritate my sensitive skin, I feel like my skin is fresher and younger looking. But it might just be my imagination.

Mark my word, I do not own the recommended mask or other products to use as a follow-up treatment, but this doesn't justify the ineffectiveness of the lotion against freckles and dark spots. At least a tiny little bit of difference could be expected, right?

Maybe if you use all the products from the Bright Plus HP line you will see great results, but I'm notoriously against owning full skincare lines since one (or more!) product will not work for me and my skin will hate it and me for it!

A 125ml or 4.2oz bottle sells for 38USD but Clarinsusa.com often has promotions so keep an eye on them. If nothing else, wait until a Friends and Family sale.

Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick in Secret Desire

2013-07-29T14:00:00.000+04:00

First Edward Bess review here: Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick in the color Secret Desire.

Who could resist to purchase at least one of the lovely, hot, angelic, envied by tons of ladies Edward Bess' makeup?

I could not.I bought several ones. And this is the first I'm showing you....and maybe the best?

Click me!

For sure, lipstick-wise Ultra Slick Lipstick is a MUST-HAVE! Seriously!

Creamy, soft, smells heavenly, colors are complementing, the packaging is simple yet elegant.

Even though it doesn't stay on long but you don't mine reapplying, it just feels so good to do so!^^

This Edward guy ~~or his marketing pro~~ does know how to describe a lipstick so that anyone with a knack for sweet-talking runs to the nearest counter....look:

"Seduce the curves of your lips with irresistible, radiant color. This lipstick’s creamy, ultra-moisturizing formula drenches your pout with intense hydration for visibly softer, smoother lips. Build your lip wardrobe with all of Edward’s signature shades"

Feel the pulling? The longing? I told you so...

For some reason the official website doesn't sell Secret Desire, but Sephora does and other online shops too so go ahead and pull out your card because it's worth it! :)

Illamasqua 4-Colour Powder Eyeshadow Palette in Pink Smoke

2013-07-26T14:00:00.000+04:00

Don't hate me but I have another Illamasqua palette for you: Illamasqua 4-Colour Powder Eyeshadow Palette in Pink Smoke.

Pretty, right? Two greys for smokey eyes and pinks (one light and intense) to give your smokey eyes a twist.

Sadly such gunmetal greys look horrible on me, so I can't go all grey but use it moderately.