Makeup Stash | Face Powders

Of course, the first thing I learned about makeup are face powders. I used to wear compact powders back in school and university days but ever since I'm into K-Beauty skincare and makeup, I was introduced to translucent powders that goes on all types of skin; they’re universal i.e. fit literally any skin tone if they’re fine enough.

While some are my absolute HG (asterisked) and repurchased more times than I can remember, some are just not powerful enough for my oily T-zone. Still, they’re worth the try.

• LANEIGE Brush Pact in No. 1 Natural Finish.
• LANEIGE Brush Pact in No. 2 Pore Blur.
• Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder.*
• Innisfree No Sebum Blur Powder.*
• Innisfree No Sebum Blur Pact.
• Etude House Zero Sebum Drying Powder.
• Son&Park Flawless Pore Pact.
• EGLIPS Pore Blind Powder.
• Althea Petal Velvet Powder.*

Whether it's compact or loose powders, I always opted for powder brush for application and touch-ups as I don't really like the puffs that come with most powders and none of the powders that I own is a two-way powder (wet application for foundation-like finish) so the puffs are usually there in order to avoid the powder spilling out of the case.

I’ve won my first Althea Petal Velvet Powder from @pinkmidorilove giveaway and bought myself another as it’s almost finish. I’m hooked with it and probably gonna give the recently launched Warm Beige a try.

I guess that's all from me. Until next post, annyeong~

Makeup Stash | Foundations

When it comes to makeup base, I love using cushion foundations instead of traditional way of using foundation as cushion foundations are much easier to apply and I love the finishing as well as the fact that cushion foundations comes with SPF50+. Especially these days when my favourite brand for cushion foundations; LANEIGE have expanded the range shades and I've finally found the exact shade for my skin tone. For reference, I'm currently MAC NC40. 

Back in 2014, I got my first cushion foundation from LANEIGE; Snow BB Soothing Cushion SPF50+ PA+++ in No. 23, the deepest shade at the time and boy, it was way lighter than my skin tone at the time. I had to set it with MAC NC42 (also my shade at the time) face powder to tone down the whiteness but I've come to terms that it's definitely not for me. In 2015, I've discovered cushion foundation in No. 31  from Innisfree but it was too yellow for me (this is the moment when I discovered that I have neutral undertone) and then I've gotten myself LANEIGE BB Cushion (Whitening) in No. 31 Brown Beige. This one is only slightly brighter than my skin tone at the time but it's too dewy to my liking hence I got myself the BB Cushion (Pore Control) in the same shade No. 31 Brown Beige and I loved it to the point that I actually used up both of the refills. Located at second row from bottom. 

In 2017, LANEIGE came out with renewed cushion foundations, adding Anti-Aging version and they even changed the look of the cushion itself. Of course, they've made their base correctors into the form of cushion as well although I didn't get one myself as using primer-foundation-setting powder is already a stretch so I only got the BB Cushion Whitening and Pore Control both in No. 33 Cinnamon. The reason why I went one shade deeper because at this point, LANEIGE has expanded the shade range once again and added more shades hence more choices for me. This shade was exactly my skin tone. Located at third row from the bottom.

In between the release of new cushion foundations, LANEIGE has released a matte cushion; Powder Fit Cushion that doesn't come with refill. This is perfect on those days I'm feeling extra oily on my T-zone so I'll apply this cushion on that area only with other BB Cushion for the rest of the area. The most recent launch is that beautiful, Layering Cover Cushion that supposedly give not only coverage but a rosy look as well. I haven't gotten around of using this yet as I have many cushions are already opened at this point so let's just wait till July or August. Located at top row.

I also got that three cushion foundations from THE FACE SHOP but the brand has discontinued the third shade for cushion and I've only been keeping those for the sake of the cases only. Just look at the KAKAO FRIENDS Ryan and Apeach!! Until they're bringing in more shades to Malaysia, I'm not gonna get any cushion foundations from them.

The ones in Innisfree cases are merely sunscreens in cushion forms and at this point of using it, I do find it's way easier to blend the sunscreen and it's important to be careful while applying using the air puffs as you might pressed the cushion deeply which can resulted in excess product being picked up and can cause your face turning white as ghost. What's even worse, the sunscreen took longer to blends into your skin tone.

Now, I'm going to talk a little bit about the most recent makeup purchase that I've made from SEPHORA, Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation in the shade 290 Neutral Olive.

I've tried this at the store, with the primer sister and setting powder brother and I absolutely loving it. I got the perfect shade for my skin tone after trying 8 shades (yes, I thought I'm waaaayy darker than I look) and I just love the undertone for this foundation. I've only been using this less than 5 times (no occasions to attend at this time of the year really) so I'm going to do full review once I have enough experience of actually using it at least 8 hour-a-day. 

So I guess that's all from me, I'll see you guys on my next post. Annyeong~

Makeup Stash | Primers

It's April already and it's a new category for my posts under Beauty Routine ; makeup items that I currently use in my daily and occasional makeup routine. Posts under this tag are mainly talking about number of products that I use at certain point of my makeup routine so for today's post, I'll be giving out my thoughts on makeup primers.

When it comes to face primers, I've only been focusing on getting my pores' appearances at my nose area being reduced and less oily T-zone. I'm taking care of my dehydrated cheek area with proper hydration so my choice of primers are:

• Benefit POREfessional Face Primer. I have nothing to say as you guys definitely are familiar with this primer especially if you have similar concerns as I am; huge pores and oily T-zone so this primer actually helps in preparing the 'canvas' for makeup application by blurring the pores and smoothing the lines, giving sebum-control at my T-zone. My base makeup stays intact on top of this primer and all I have to do is to set it properly with setting powder.
• LANEIGE Lumi Block Primer. This evens out my skin, gives sebum control, mattifies and overall soft-looking finish which is perfect for my cushion foundations. It's light and gives cool sensation as well and I sometimes used this on top of cushion foundation for touch-ups.
• FENTY BEAUTY Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Primer. I've only tried this at the store when I bought this and fell in love with its texture instantly. I'll let you guys know more details when I actually tried this under a foundation soon.

The three above are actually unopened primers and below are my the ones I'm currently using in my actual routine. Guess it's no surprise to see the first two are repurchases for me and the other primer that I recently tested is that Innisfree No Sebum Blur Primer that works similarly as Benefit's but I'm going to say that this is at 75% capacity of that of Benefit's to me i.e. works similarly but less. I won't be repurchasing this.

If you're new to makeup, I just have to say that when it comes to investing in makeup collection, base makeup products are those you should be splurging on because there are so many formulations, shades, undertones, etc out there and I did spent money on looking for a good foundations but at some point, I also realised that I need a good primer as well to ensure your look for the day stays on nice and smooth.

I guess that's all for today's post! I'll see you guys on the next one. Until then, annyeong~

Review | THE FACE SHOP Oil Control Water Cushion SPF50+ PA+++ V205 Dark Beige

This takes me back to 2013 when I first reviewed my first cushion makeup item, a CC Cream from the same brand. Long gone the days when I don't like coverage for my skin. 

When it comes to cushion foundation or base makeup, I always opted for items with sebum control for oily T-zone, medium to full coverage and long wear. Of course, the shade should be natural and doesn't make me look like a ghost. I don't know if 2 tone lighter than your natural skin tone is  trend for you but not moi. 

So today I'll be reviewing a cushion foundation from THE FACE SHOP which is the Oil Control Water Cushion that offers long-lastingness, moisture and coverage at that.

Review | Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder

I honestly didn't know that there are many types of makeup powders not until 2 years ago when I started doing makeup by myself. I talked about the sebum controlling beauty items that I'm using currently in my previous post and I featured this No Sebum Mineral Powder from Innisfree as one of them. 

I'm pretty sure if you're an avid Korean makeup user, you definitely know about this sebum-controlling HD powder or if you prefer, translucent powder. 

Review | Kate Tokyo Liquid Touch Powder Foundation For Cover in OC-D

I first get to know about powder foundation probably around last year when I first got a mini sample from Bare Minerals but I wasn't really interested as I was really into cushion foundation at that time (still is, actually) so I didn't try other similar products. 

As I was getting the sister product so I thought why not getting this as I've been loving powder foundation these days. It's simple and easy to apply, and I'm taking a break from that glowing, dewy looks that cushion foundations often give me. 

Review | Kate Tokyo Powderless Liquid for Cover in OC-D

To this day, I've only tried drugstore, Western and Korean foundation so this is the first time I'm trying Japanese foundation after hearing this product being recommended by a YouTuber that I'm following. 

I got this around 2 months ago and I was actually kinda reluctant to try this at first as I was assuming there are limited number of shades but Kate Tokyo even released for cool tone skin. I happened to match the second darkest shade which is OC-D. 

Review | Etude House Zero Sebum Drying Powder

I've been obsessing with pore or sebum-focusing makeup items for the past few months and this product from Etude House is just one of many that I now have in my makeup collection.

I've done a review on its sister product, Zero Sebum All Day Matte Gel so do check it out! It's basically a simple gel-based primer that you apply at the first step of base makeup and it does help with controlling the shine from beaming through my foundation. 

However, for today's review I'm going to just apply the powder with just my sunscreen on so you can see how fine and transparent it is but first let's talk about the basic things about it. 

Review | TheFaceShop Phytogenic Infinite EX Powder Foundation

When I got my first foundation from Korean beauty company which is TheFaceShop, I thought I was gonna need a setting powder that goes with the foundation hence I got this together (plus a concealer that I thought might help concealing my imperfections) but turned out I was wrong. 

Phytogenic EX Powder Foundation SPF20 is actually kind of similar to its sister product that I've mentioned earlier only in powdered form. 

Review | TheFaceShop Phytogenic Infinite EX Foundation

I started doing makeup I think around last year, as evidenced in this blog; for base makeup, I started with cushion foundation instead of foundation. The reason is definitely because cushion foundation is much easier to apply than foundation which requires a brush or two or maybe a beauty blender. Well, I never apply anything but skincare using my fingers so I always assume to apply makeup using tools. 

So today I'll be doing a review on this product from TheFaceShop which is Photogenic Infinite EX Foundation with SPF20 / PA++ that I got two months ago from a local TheFaceShop store here in Malaysia. This is the first foundation I ever bought from Korean beauty brand. 

Review | Etude House Zero Sebum All Day Matte Gel

One of the first things I wanted to dip my hands into when I tried to get into a little bit more into makeup is learning more about primers. There are few different features when it comes to primers and bases but the way I see it, primers are more into perfecting the condition of the skin; talk about sebum-controlling or hydrating primers whereas the bases are more into the appearances of the skin or canvas for your makeup; the tone, imperfections and etc. 

One of the products that I've tried in that primer category is this product from Etude House, the Zero Sebum All Day Matte Gel. 

I was looking for a primer with basic function like sebum-controlling or at least balancing the water-oil level in my skin so as I was going through Korean beauty shops here in Kota Kinabalu, I've found this for a start.

Review | Etude House Face Conditioning Cream SPF25/PA++

As I learn about makeup, it's quite interesting to know that behind all those flawless foundation coverage, there are some products known to help with that other than your brush technique, or mostly just high-end foundation. 

The product in this category are known as base which works as your "foundation" to your foundation. It's sometimes the same as primers but most of the time it's a multi-tasking product that's taking care of your skin issues such as uneven skin tone, redness, dullness, etc. 

As I feel like my skin is a bit dull and uneven recently, I went on a research of what kind of base available in the Korean market and then I realized that I actually have not one but three base products in my beauty stash and all of them are from Etude House. 

Review | Innisfree Long Wear Cushion in No. 23 and No. 31

I have to admit, if you saw my Instagram photo today, you'll know that I'm officially a cushion foundation addict. I've been practicing my skills on applying liquid foundations but there are days I'm on a hurry and can only afford to apply one thing before going out. Well, I can literally applying some lipstick while putting on my shoes so that doesn't count. haha

My first cushion foundation is from Etude House and the next ones are either from the Laneige, TheFaceShop, and of course, Innisfree. My main focus when it comes to my base makeup are usually sebum-control, matte finish and doesn't oxidise so much that my face either turned ashy or look orange. 

Review | Etude House Precious Mineral Any Cushion SPF50+ PA+++ in Honey Beige and XOXO, Minnie Any Cushion Case

Annyeong, lovelies! How's your weekend? Mine was all about recovering from exam so yeah, I'd spent some time with my girls as it's been a long time since we last hang out. Well, outside campus!

Anyway, today I'm going to do a review on this product that I bet most of you knew about as it isn't a new release from the brand. I boarded the Cushion trend quite late compared to others, but still. Better late than never, I guess. 

Is it me or this is the 5th review on Etude House product this month!! XD

Review | Etude House Dear Girls Oil Control Pact

Hello, people! How's your day been? It's been really hot these days.. ah~ even a Malaysian like me who actually used to this hotness all year around complains so I can't really imagine for those of you in multi-season countries who're experiencing this for about few months in a year. 

Anyway, there's a request for me to review this product that I've been using for awhile. Some of you may use or heard about this product before, it's this Dear Girls Oil Control Pact from none other than Etude House. 

Wah~ I honestly think that this the cutest powder pact I ever seen in my life! :D

Review | Maybelline White Superfresh Long Lasting UV Cake Powder SPF34 PA+++

Hello, beautiful people! How's your weekend so far? I've been busy with so many stuffs recently so updating is a bit slow but still, today I'm so excited to share with you guys about this product that has become... wait!

Spoiler Alert!! Let me do the product review first then I tell you what I think of it! 

Maybelline White Superfresh Long Lasting UV Cake Powder SPF34 PA+++

Let's go with the basic first. :)

Review | TheFaceShop Face It Oil Cut Pore Powder Pact SPF25 PA++

Annyeonghaseyo! How's your week so far? Nothing much for me today, as things have been pretty much about design studio these days. 

Anyway, as I reviewed the Face It Oil Cut Pore Balm yesterday, today I'm going to review the sister product, which is the Pore Powder Pact with SPF25 PA++. 

Similar with the Pore Balm, it comes with the same packaging, green hue and blue for the fonts. The design is simple and elegant. 

Review | TheFaceShop Face It Oil Cut Pore Balm

Annyeong! :D How are you guys today? It's really hot here in KL, Malaysia so do make sure to wear mask (especially in this crazy haze!) and drink lots of water! I drank almost 2 bottles of 1.5l today. Phew! Anyway, I want to apologize due to slow updates and whatnot. It's been really crazy for the past few weeks with assignments. Typical uni life.

So today, finally got some time to do some review, I decided to share with you guys about this product that I've been using the for about 2 months now, it's a balm especially for my oily T-zone area, the Face It Oil Cut Pore Balm from TheFaceShop.

I got this in my November Haul last year together with a powder pact. I'll review the powder pact in a bit. 

Review | Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Bright Fit W15

Hello, lovely people! How's your weekend so far? I'm working on my second minor project right now and finally done with most of the part. :D

With this little time to spare, I decided to finally do a review on this product, that I've been using almost everyday for the last 3 months which is this Precious Mineral BB Cream Bright Fit SPF30 PA++ in W15 (Sand Beige) from Etude House.

I bet this product has been reviewed for many times now but I've read few reviews on this shade so I guess why not share my experience as well, right?

Review | TheFaceShop Face It Smart Capsule CC Cream

Hello, beautiful people! It's Saturday! Since I don't have anything much to do today, I decided to update this blog. I know I've been updating rather slowly these days.

Anyway, today I'm going to review on of CC creams that I'm using right now which is this Face It Smart Capsule Color Control Cream with SPF40 and PA++ from none other than TheFaceShop. Apparently there are 2 choices of shade or tone for this product and I picked up the Perfect Skin Tone #2.

As you may already know, I also have the other product from the same line, which is Face It Aura Color Control Cream in Medium Beige. Do check it out by clicking here.

First, let's talk about this line of products first.

A revolutionary color-changing CC cream that helps find and create the best complexion shade of your own. 

It controls the color of face complexion from the inside and outside of the skin, promoting brighter skin tone.

This line offers both skincare and Makeup effects. As for skincare effects, this product offers you brightening, anti-wrinkle, sunscreen, moisturizing, and hydrating. At the same time, this product will give you the makeup effects which are Brighter Skin Tone, Increase in Skin Luminosity, darkening proof, and of course long-wearing.