Saturday, July 17, 2010

Etude House Mini-Haul + REVIEW and SWATCHES

I got a few items from Etude House about three weeks ago. I was supposed to go to the Forever21 opening but the line was too long so I decided to go to Etude House so my trip to Megamall won't be useless. I purchased to bottles of LUCIDarling Fantastic Nails nail polish. I think this line of nail polish is new since this is my first time seeing them. I also purchased two Petite Darling Lipsticks in PK006 and BR302. I don't really like wearing lipsticks since I find most lipsticks drying. But I have read reviews that this lipstick by Etude House won't dry your lips so I decided to give them a try.

Etude House LUCIDarling Fantastic Nails:
Price: 129php each


I have not tried using the pink one but I was able to try the yellow one:


My manicurist had to use three coats just to get its "bottle" color to come out. It dries pretty fast and staying power is really good. The color stayed on my nails for a little over two weeks (I was too lazy to remove it hehe). I was surprised that it did not stain my nails at all (this is a plus). The only thing that I don't like about it is that it is quite hard to remove. The polish actually has subtle shimmers. These shimmers are hard to remove.

Rating: 4/5

Etude House Petite Darling Lipsticks:
Price: 278php each


BR302


PK006

PK006 (Left) BR302 (Right)

Well, the reviews were right. These lipsticks don't dry my lips at all. They have a semi-glossy finish. I wanted to get more of this in different shades, but unfortunately I did not like the other shades available. Most of the shades have a shimmery finish which I am not very fond of. Staying power is okay. You may have to retouch after eating. Pigmentation is not bad too. You can achieve its full color in two-three layers.

The BR302 is a nude peachy shade which I love. It gives my lips a natural nude look with the right hint of color and shine. I layer this twice to get the nude peachy shade I am looking for :)

The PK006 is a "Barbie" pink shade. I would not recommend putting too much layers of this (if you have morena skin like I do). Putting too much of this will actually result to purple lips which I don't find flattering for morenas like me. Two layers will do the job and give your lips a nice shade of "Barbie" pink :)

Rating: 4/5

REVIEW: Skinfood Omija Whitening Line

Early this year, Skinfood released a new whitening line, The Omija Whitening Line. The line is composed of a toner, serum, emulsion, cream, pact, complexion cream, and the recently added spot cream. Here are the descriptions:

Omija Whitening Cream - 50g



An cream that brightens skin using a patent-awarded Omija herb complex and ingredients producing skin-lightening effects.

To use: After emulsion application, apply an ample amount onto the face with gentle strokes and leave until it is completely absorbed.

Omija Whitening Teabag Toner - 155ml



A toner with a cold-brew dry Omija tea bag and active contents that brightens skin using a patent-awarded Omija herb complex

How to Cold-Brew Omija Tea Bag
1. Open the toner lid, turn the packing and then dip the tea bag into the toner.
2. Leave for 1 minute, shake the toner gently and then remove the tea bag.
3. Shake the toner gently and then open the small cap on the packing to use.
4. After washing face, dispense an ample amount onto a cotton pad and wipe face in outward motions, or use palms and pat skin gently.

*For optimum results, use the toner within 3~4 months. Keep it refrigerated or store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.

Omija Whitening Emulsion - 155ml



An emulsion that brightens skin using a patent-awarded Omija herb complex and ingredients producing skin-lightening effects.

To use: After toner or serum application, apply an ample amount onto the face with gentle strokes and leave until it is completely absorbed.

Omija Whitening Serum - 50ml


An serum that brightens skin using a patent-awarded Omija herb complex and ingredients producing skin-lightening effects.

To use: After toner application, apply an ample amount onto the face with gentle strokes and leave until it is completely absorbed.

I've been wanting to try this line as it looks very promising (SF whitening products, as I have read, are very effective). Unfortunately, I am unable to find reviews for this product. Luckily, I was able to find a sample set of the line at Ebay. I purchased the set for around 290php.

The sample set includes the toner, emulsion, cream and serum. My initial thoughts about this product is that it smells really good. It smells very floral (I don't really know how Omija smells like so maybe it smells like Omija?). Unlike most SF skincare products, the scent of the Omija line lasts quite long on the skin, which I don't mind since I really like its scent. Anyway, here goes my review:

Omija Whitening Toner:
Very lightweight and can easily be absorbed by the skin.
Rating: 5/5

Omija Whitening Serum:
Has a very light consistency which is easily absorbed by the skin. Oh, it comes in a pump bottle which I like.
Rating: 5/5

Omija Whitening Emulsion:
Consistency is quite runny compared to other emulsions I have tried. In addition, it has quite an oily feel on the skin upon application. Unlike the other products from the line, this emulsion takes some time before it is fully absorbed by the skin. I have oily skin so I don't like using products that make my skin feel oily.
Rating: 4/5

Omija Whitening Cream:
I love this cream. It instantly refreshes my skin upon application. Its consistency is very smooth and creamy. A little goes a long way. In addition, it is easily absorbed by the skin.
Rating: 5/5

This set lasted me for about 3 weeks? (I only use this at night since I don't like layering a lot of skincare products on my face during daytime.) After 3 weeks(?) of usage, I noticed how my skin brightened. My (visible) pores became less visible. Another plus is that even if I only get like 3 hours of sleep, my skin looks hydrated and bright in the morning whenever I use this product at night. I loved how it worked for my skin that I actually decided to purchase the whole line (skincare only). Each product (toner, serum, cream and emulsion) costs about 2800php-2900php at the local SF stores. Luckily, I was able to pre-order the items at about 1200php each. I will update this post as soon as my orders arrive next week :)

Overall Rating: 5/5

I would highly recommend this line to those who have dull and dehydrated skin. :)





Tuesday, July 6, 2010

My First Review: Skinfood Buckwheat Loose Powder

Hi ladies! :) This is my first ever review!

Honestly, I am not that into Korean beauty products. I would purchase some from time to time, but mostly just nail polishes. I am quite scared that my skin might get irritated by Korean products. Hehe. Anyway, my first Korean beauty product purchase is Skinfood's Buckwheat Loose Powder in Shade #23:



(Taken w/o flash)

(I apologize for the crappy picture, I could not find my digicam, Hehe)

Price: Around Php300++ (From Ebay)

I was really glad that I was able to purchase this item at a cheaper price from Ebay. It costs about Php750++ in Skinfood stores. So yeah, I was able to save over Php350++. Anyway, I really love this powder. I use it to set my foundation. It has a weird old perfume scent. Haha. I would always think of my Lola's perfume whenever I use this. But the smell is not that bad. You would not smell it anymore after application.

This product is really good for oil control. I could normally go with 3-4 hours without having to blot or apply face powder when I use this to set my makeup (I have oily skin so this works really well for me). But I don't really bring this with me when I leave the house. The item is a bit big, quite bulky. But being bit is not such a bad thing. It means that this product will last you a long time (you get great value for your money).

If you would look at the second picture, the shade may look to light (I'm a NC40). But this powder has a translucent finish so it works great for me (without making my face too white). Oh it comes with a powder puff too. :)

Overall, I would rate this product 4/5. (4 because its too bulky for my makeup kit hehe)

Hope you ladies/girls like my first review. I would be reviewing more Skinfood and Etude House products soon (I would probably do this over the weekend) ^^