Kanebo Media Moisture Foundation, and a FOTD using all Japanese products

Hello everyone! :) Having a good midweek thus far? Mine has been nothing but hectic. You know those long work days.. *sigh* But you know what? I discovered one of the best foundations ever, something I'd def repurchase over and over just because it's that amazing. I was distraught with my MUFE Mat Velvet because it just didn't work for me for whatever reason. But I am sad no more!

If you are not familiar with Kanebo, they are like a mother brand to many other luxe brands like Coffret D'or and Kate. Media is like their drugstore brand, definitely more affordable than Coffret D'or.This foundation is rich and hydrating and gives off a healthy supple glow. I love that it's in a jar, although not the most sanitary but certainly very pretty to look at. The feel of this foundation is so decadent, rich and creamy with a supple, luxurious feel. It's hard to describe this without it sounding like it's too good to be true, because it seems just that :) With so many pros, it's bound to have a downside. Being that's a full on moisturizing foundation, people with normal to dry skin will really appreciate this foundation while those who are are trying to stay away from products that cause them more oil will probably pass on this. 

I got this in shade OC-D1 described as "Healthy Natural Color". There are only 4 shades to choose from and since I consider myself darker than many Asians (maybe?), I chose the 3rd darkest shade o_o It goes on a little darker than my natural skin color... but it's not so noticeable. This is my first "Asian" foundation. I might go and purchase OC-C1 which is described as "Natural Color". 

Here's my FOTD using the foundation:

I used it on my face and neck, but I can see the color difference now o_o 

Here's the breakdown:

Pros

1. Highly moisturizing, non irritating for me (also scent free!)

2. Full coverage, accentuating nice supple skin

3. Affordable - $12 on Adam Beauty (HK website where I bought it from)

AdamBeauty is a HK based retailer that sells a ton of Japanese makeup for really affordable prices. The cool thing is that postage and shipping is included! You just have to pay $2.00 to register your package (like a DC#) and that's it. The wait time is kind of long, 2 weeks or so, but you can upgrade that I'm sure :) I haven't had any bad experiences with them, and I hope to never have to.

Cons

1. Shade selection - only 4 to choose from o_o

2. Needed to blot more often

3. Nestled in a jar. They should have the option of a sanitary pump for travelers

Above: After a whole day at work, around 5pm-ish. The sun is setting, and I blotted 2-3 times during the day. 

Here are the makeup products I used! 

Shiseido Luminizing Face Color in RD401 (Orchid) - It's a pretty rosy coral pink color that brightens the cheeks. I'm so in love with this blush! 

Lavshuca PK-3 Lipgloss - Another brand from Kanebo ;) It's a jelly-like baby pink color :) 

So that sums up my day look =p I'm smitten by the Kanebo Media foundation and will likely purchase it again, hopefully in the correct shade this time.

What are your favorite Japanese cosmetics? :)

Review: MUFE Mat Velvet+

Hey everyone! Did you all have a good weekend? Mine is continuously fleeting, as usual. I was at the Gay Pride festival this weekend in SF. It was tons of fun! Love being around others like myself. I felt happy and sated :)

I wanted to review MUFE's Mat Velvet+ for awhile now since I've acquired it for over a year =p It is supposed to be a long wearing foundation (oil free, water resistant) that evens out skin tone and keeps your skin matte and non oily.

I threw away the box awhile ago already and the foundation doesn't say which shade it is anywhere...! It's a smidge too tan for my skin now. I used to wear tanner on my face a yr ago... (lol, i know) and i outgrew that habit now because it's too much work to maintain. No more facial tanner, no more any tanner. I just try to be content with my skin tone now =p

My thoughts about this foundation? Unfortunately, not a huge fan. I know a lot of people swear by this foundation, but it just doesn't work for me. There is some ingredient in there that irritates my skin and causes me to be an oily mess in 2 hours. And it's supposed to be matte? Even my dewiest foundations don't do that.

Sorry for the horrendous picture o_o I get these weird bumps on my cheeks everytime I use the foundation. It drives me crazy! It's probably the Cylopentasiloxine (type of silicone) in it, being that it's the first ingredient before water O_O 

I really wanted to like it more but this foundation was just mediocre at best.

Pros

1. Gel-like formula, comfortable to use

2. Wide range of shades 

3. Medium to heavy coverage, dries very quickly

Cons

1. Not nearly moisturizing enough

2. Accentuates lines and some imperfections on face

3. Makes my skin more oily than my other foundations & bb creams

It's $34/1oz on Sephora.

Have you gals tried MUFE Mat Velvet+? What are your thoughts on this foundation?

NYX Luscious Lips: The Perfect Everyday Colors

I'm so excited to share with you guys a super versatile lip palette. I am normally not a fan of lip palettes because they always seem to be dry-ish and not all the colors are wearable (usually way too dark), but the NYX one is a winner - moisturizing and pretty colors. More than pretty, they are suitable for whatever, whenever. Plus, it's sleek with only 5 colors and small enough to tote around. Who knew?

I've had this palette for awhile now, maybe 6 months ago when I ordered from Cherry Culture, but never got around to using it because of my other lip stuff in rotation. I had it in my office for awhile before I dug it up recently. It def comes in handy during after lunch touch ups.

They are mostly nudes with one pinky color. 

Sorry for my bad swatches. Can you see how smooth and silky they are? LOVE IT! 

This is the very right color on the palette. I think it is a little too nude for me and makes my lips look muddy. I also wish they'd name their colors so I don't have to be like "at the very right" or left.. I could number them but whatever ;) I didn't have any other clear pics with the other colors. I will soon enough :)

I also want to share with you all my very first Jill Stuart item!! 

Jill Stuart Lip Balm Tint Color in the Strawberry flavor. I opted to get a blush but I really wanted something like this because I am a totally lip balm junkie and I am smitten by the pretty packaging. And because the blushes were over $60+... ='( 

Here is the lip balm in all its glory. It smells fantastic, faintly of perfumed strawberries. The packaging looks nice but it doesn't feel like something that should cost over $30 with shipping o_o The madness! I didn't do a swatch because it is not a tinted lip balm like they say. It's a sheer balm with pretty smelling strawberries. It was most definitely a splurge but a pretty splurge at that. 

Any JS fans here? :)

Goodnight all! Be back soon!

My First Lush Product! Lush Ultrabalm is as balmy as it sounds - A Review

Lush is everywhere these days, but especially on blogs! I can't help but see people reviewing bath bombs, body butters and face creams all from Lush. Being the easy to convince person I am, I sought out to try something beginners level before divulging in the world of their bath and body stuff. That and their handmade things have expiration dates so I can't go too crazy without finishing my surplus of things at home first. So I decided that the Ultrabalm would be best. I mean, no one has enough of balms right?

Ultrabalm is a body balm that is intended as an all purpose moisturizer to protect, heal and relieve problems in your skin. It's suitable for dehydrated skin (elbows, anyone?) dry lips, cuticles,anything. I even use it to tame those pesky flyaways in my hair and to seal in my eye cream at night. Since it's made without petroleum or mineral oil, there is no greasy residue left behind. The balm completely absorbs and the only feeling you get is the softness on your skin :) Yay for that!

It looks like a pot of lard huh? It's actually a solid texture but it just melts at the touch of your fingers. This is probably because the first ingredient is jojoba oil (organic). The scent is a little strange... I get the hint of birthday cake vanilla with an herbal bouquet. Not the most pleasant but doesn't linger at all.

 It costs $12.95/1.5oz (45g)  at their official website. Not a bad value for the amount of balm you get because a little goes a long way, but you have around 14 months to use it before it expires. A good idea would be to separate them into smaller pots to have it be more travel friendly so you can really stretch it out but still have it with you everywhere.

My overall thoughts is that this is a good quality balm to have around. You have to be vigilant to use it in a short amount of time, but  since it's very multipurpose, it's something to have in case you do need it. Better for me to have it than without i guess ;) I alternate this between my beewax salve one from Burt's Bees. It's probably not suited for people who are afraid of germ harboring tin containers =p

Enjoy your weekend everyone!! :) Talk to you all soon.
What are your thoughts this balm or Lush in general? What is the next thing from Lush I should try? :)

Review: SANA Hadamony Collagen Mist

What it is: A toner with 1000 grams of collagen in a convenient spray bottle. It also contains hydraulic acid and is free of mineral oil. It is a toner, but the Japanese refer to it as a facial lotion and should be used before moisturizers and creams.
Texture: When sprayed onto the face, it is not exactly all water. It's like the consistency of jello before it cools down or like watered down emulsion. The collagen makes it a little sticky, which I personally like because it feels so rich and luxe for your face :)
Scent: Rosy, fresh citrus smell
Strengths: Works very effectively after cleansing and is very hydrating. The texture of the mist is weighty and lotion-like. Not necessary to have but a definite treat for the skin. One bottle lasts for a long time... I've had this spray since late January!
Weaknesses: None at the moment. 
Packaging: The mist is housed in a very cute pink bottle. Very pretty to look at, very Japanese. The spray nozzle is convenient and is a no brainer to use. 
Price: Approxiately $12.99 for 8.45oz (250ml) at various online shops and Japanese markets. 
Overall: Although it's not an important step in my skincare routine, I think this works especially well when you leave it in the fridge and use it after cleansing your face. I just leave this mist in there and use it 2x daily, def fresh feeling and stimulating for your face in the mornings. Because it is affordable, it's a definite repurchase for me!