MAC | Dubonnet

Red lipstick is just a staple piece in every make up bag. They come in many a shades and fit women differently. Its like owning those jeans that make your butt look amazing. Yeah, those. I myself own two red lipsticks: MAC Rubywoo & Kat Von D Adora. Both are gorgeous and very classic reds. So, I wanted to spice up my red lipsticks and go for a more brick red, a bit darker than the traditional. 

I chose a MAC lipstick because I feel safe with MAC. I haven't had too many casualties with MAC lipsticks. If you want a good quality lipstick, MAC is almost always the way to go. This time was no exception since I found myself with a new red lipstick called Dubonnet. Never heard of it and didn't research it before hand. This is an Amplified range lipstick, meaning the color will be more vibrant. The finish is between a satin and matte lipstick, which is fine by me. I don't find myself overly checking my teeth in the mirror to see if I have some lippie there, because I feel that once the lipstick sets its unshakeable for a nice amount of hours. That being said, I find that the way it wears is a bit unflattering. I can definitely say I've had other lipstick that wear off in a nice way. This isn't one. Regardless, its a lovely different shade to have for a special occasion or just because. I give this a B+.

Mary Kay | Timewise Matte-Wear Foundation

On today's blog post I'm going to be talking about a matte foundation good for keeping that damn T zone in check for most of the day or night. I hate knowing that my skin is oily around my T zone, it makes me touch my face throughout the day in an insecure way. Now, we all know touching the face is a big no-no and causes more unnecessary break outs. So, I was definitely on the look out for a foundation that left me matte for those special occasions where I just don't have the patience. Anyway, one of the girls from a beauty group I'm in invited me to try some products at a Mary Kay headquarters and it's where I found this foundation.

Mind you, when I found this foundation I was still a bit iffy on putting anything liquid on my whole face. I put this foundation at the MK HQ at about 7:30 or so and by 10:30 I was still very much matte. I was really impressed and tried it again but with two of my closest friends who are also oily at the T zone. Behold, they were equally as impressed by how we stayed matte for a good amount of time. Now, I wouldn't say this foundation is medium coverage, more like a light to medium coverage. Build-able? Maybe, I haven't had a reason to build it up though. So if doing mega concealing is your aim than you'd better try this out before buying. Next, I'd say this is a more night time or special occasion foundation. You know, when you really need to stay matte the whole time and not look like a disco ball. Why night time? Well, I don't think this would fair well with too much heat and humidity and I'm not gonna risk myself and try that. Nuh-uh. But, I don't know... something about this foundation screams 'For-special-occasions-only' to me and that's how I'm using it.

MAC | Tenderling

This was an unexpected buy, the only way to justify it is that I had just recuperated from a horrible face infection I got from my wisdom teeth taken out and I needed to treat myself to something. I had seen this blush before, especially on my quest for a more neutral blush, but it never stood out to me. For some reason on my trip to MAC I was drawn to it and decided to buy it without even trying it on. Best decision I made because I have not stopped using this blush since I got it. 

Where to begin... This just gives me a lovely muted peachy burst of color. It looks very natural and effortless. It blends out smoothly and it's just a little tease of color. This is an everyday blush that gives me a boost of color. Mixing this on top of my BB cream creates the perfect combination of a flawless complexion. I feel really pretty when I have this and my BB cream on. It is long lasting, you will always see that flush of color during the day. I don't have to retouch my blush and I don't end up looking dull throughout the day. I'm so damn happy I got this blush and it's definitely something I reach for daily.

NARS | Laguna

I'm back! After a horrible week and some of getting my wisdom teeth taken out and having some complications, I'm finally back to my old blogging self. And what better way to come back than to tell you I finally committed? Yes, I finally took the plunge and got NARS Laguna bronzer after staring at it for roughly (2) years. Let me tell you, I almost didn't get it. I don't know whats wrong with me but I could never make myself buy it. Anyway, I got it after forcing myself and I'm so glad that it didn't disappoint.

I first was introduced to this bronzer while I was working my first internship. I needed a bronzer, since we were getting ready for an event that evening, and one of my then co-workers lent me this bronzer. I fell in love at how effortless this bronzer is. What really struck me was how the me back then didn't know how to apply bronzer all that well but this bronzer made me look like a million bucks. Why it took me so long to get, I'll never understand. I'm just super glad that it is as amazing as I remembered it. Keep in mind that this is a pricey bronzer ($34) which is partly why I could never commit. My advice is you go try it out in the store before you buy it so you don't regret it.

The Laguna bronzer is a more fair to olive skin tone bronzer. It has a subtle gold shimmer to help give that glow tanning effect without having to actually sit under the sun and burn. I don't find you can do much contouring with this, but to each it's own. It has a very smooth application and it's easy to blend out. A little goes a long way, but I don't feel you need a light hand either. I don't fear I look like a clown when I go a bit "over board". This just gives that effortless glow look, like JLo is famous for. It has a very good color pay off and it does last a nice amount of time on. You may have to retouch it during the day but I don't mind it since by the time I'd have to retouch it I'm already home. This is hands down my favorite bronzer so far.

Swatch + Swatch blended with a brush.

Top Shop Lipstick | Desert

'Sup, guys? Hope you're all well. Today I bring you a small review of a Top Shop lipstick I got from a blog sale. First of all, I love me some blog sales. It's the perfect opportunity to get things for a much more affordable price. Anyway, this is my first Top Shop lipstick ever. I know they're not expensive in the store but I want to actually check them out in person rather than buy them online (this being a special case, being a blog sale and all). First thing i noticed was the fruity smell it has. I'm not fond of it but it's something I can handle. Plus, the smell doesn't stay when you apply it. This is a very soft lipstick. Not quite creamy, just soft and a bit velvety. It does go on a bit streaky but there is just something about this lipstick that I love. Maybe I'm being biased, I don't know. I love the subtle nude color and I like how it makes my lips soft. This is something i carry in my make up bag for mellow days. Definitely happy I was able to get this on a sale.

Origins | A Perfect World

I wish that just like this products name this review could be perfect. Hearing great things about Origins I was excited to try one product out. Although their line is expensive, they have a few products which are $22 and under and makes it a bit more affordable. A Perfect World is an antioxidant cleanser with White Tea that has a very herbal smell and has a pearl color. You get 150mL of product for $21, which is very nice considering you only need a pea size amount to cover the whole face. All of this sounds so lovely and it's no wonder I couldn't wait to try it. 

I used this products lathering it up with my hands and occasionally with a face scrub brush. It lathers up well and it's easy to wash off. I did have an awful habit of tasting it involuntary and yeah, the taste is not good. Anyway, overall the product is very good. It maintained my skin and I didn't break out more that the few blemishes I had. But that's the problem, it didn't do much more. Maintained but didn't improve. I was hoping it could calm down a few of the blemishes I was getting in the hollows of my cheeks and chin but alas it did not. I'm truly grateful that it didn't break me out or dry me out but I just wish it would have done more. This has not deterred me from getting more (affordable) Origins products and this cleanser isn't a bad product, I just expected more.

Do you guys have any recommendations on any more Origins products?

Korean Face Masks

As my blog continues to grow on a more cosmetics view, I've been delving deeper into what is make up and skin care. This, and my love for the Korean culture, led me to wanting to try out face masks. Now I see cheap ones in the super market or some stores but, in my way of thinking, I go directly to the source that shows amazing progress. The Asian culture. It's no secret that Asian women have skin care down to a T. I've seen asian women who are nearly 30 and look 21. To be more specific, Sandara Park from 2NE1 who is a perfect example of a perfect complexion. So, why not try out Korean based products? I mean, their BB creams, and other skin care products, are very well known to work. So I decided to hunt down a Korean seller on ebay and chose Buykpop. This seller was very good and delivered the items perfectly and I will repurchase in the future.

I decided to get (3) Rice masks for $9 and try them out. They have a very nice selection of masks that you can combine and buy. You get this really moist face mask which is heavily folded. You must unfold it and place it correctly to the face and basically stick it on. This is a product I had so much fun using and cannot wait to use again. The first thing you notice as you put it on is how cold it makes your face feel. The sensation it gives is amazing and truly addicting. It helped moisturize and make my skin firm. My skin felt amazing each time I used one, and looked even better. I cannot express how much I loved this product and recommend you try it out if you want to maintain good skin throughout the years. They have very good descriptions on what each of the masks do. Truly, check them out and try some if you're interested. Here are the types of masks they have:

• Aloe
• Cucumber
• Lemon
• Olive
• Pomegranate 
• Pumkin
• Kelp
• Mung Bean
• Red Ginseng
• Rice
• Pearl
• Hyaluronic Acid
• CO-Q10
• Collagen

MAC | Bare Study

Sup, guys? Here today to talk about MAC's cream shadow Bare Study. This is a very neutral pearl/champagne cream shadow that is perfect for an everyday wear. I got this because I'm going through a "no make up, make up look" and i thought this would be perfect to just slap on add some mascara and go. I've been using this for about 3 to 4 weeks now and I do love it but I get annoyed with it sometimes. This is a very gorgeous base and highlighter color that just gives an added radiance. What I dislike is that I feel it goes on streaky when applied with a finger so I tend to use a brush, which minimizes the streakyness but not by much. You have to be patient whilst blending it but once you're done it looks lovely. It's a very subtle color which is exactly what I was looking for. I first was leaning towards getting Stila's Kitten cream shadow but that one leans more towards a pinkish finish. Once this shadow is on (without primer) it has a very good lasting power, about 8 hours or so and it fades beautifully so you can imagine how long it'd last with primer.

Overall, I'm satisfied with the product. I have no regrets on buying it and I would highly consider getting it again once i ran out. But seeing that it is a nice amount of product, I think I can make this last quite a while before I run out. Also, MAC cream shadows tend to dry out so just pop this baby up-side down and let the moisture run to the top, that's how I always leave mine. I think the color is very suitable for any skin tone, from fair to darker tones. Of course, bare in mind that if you're fair skinned this will look like some added shimmer and not much color. Opposed to darker skins which would give a lovely flush of champagne color to the lid. Really, I think this product is a universal product that is lovely on anyone as long as it's used right.

MAC | Face & Body Foundation

'Sup, guys! I bring you a foundation review, this time MAC's F&B Foundation. Now, this took the blogging scene by storm almost two years ago. People were raving how amazing it is and how they loved the finish of it. When it originally came out I was in no way wearing foundation. I didn't know how and hated the feel of it. However, lately I only wear foundation or BB creams on a day to day and I go without powder. With this I got intrigued with the thought of trying this foundation since it's said to be light and water based, so I decided to give it a go. 

The foundation itself is $33 for 120mL, which is very good for a high end brand foundation. If you're looking for a full coverage foundation than steer clear from this one because this foundation gives a very, very light coverage. It has a very watery consistency which blends well to the skin. One pet peeve I have is that it's not matte but I knew this when I bought it. If you have oily skin then you shouldn't even look at this foundation. It gives a very dewy wet look that us normal to oily skin types can barely tolerate let's not even mention oily skins. It's a very hydrating foundation which is to be expected, and it feels very light on the skin. As for lasting, it lasts about 6 to 8 hours on my skin with primer. The foundation itself is not something out of this world and it's not that amazing to me but I do like it. It's a product I don't regret buying but wont buy again when I finish mine. I'll just stick to more matte foundations from now on.

Clarins | Natural Lip Perfector

Hello, lovelies! I bring you a quick an honest review of a product that took the blogging world by storm and everyone was dying to get their hands on it. Clarins' Natural Lip Perfector in Apricot Shimmer. Now, I've read and heard so much about this, how much people loved it and how they had to have it in all (3) colors. Naturally, I was intrigued I mean I love lip products and trying new stuff out. After looking into it I decided to actually check it out and get it. 

First off, this lip gloss goes for about $21, which is okay as far as high end products go. After using this for a couple of weeks I must say I like it but there are more cons than pros. You have one color you have them all and although you see a color pay-off when swatched on your hand they all go the same on the lips. So, is getting all (3) colors worth it? Not in my opinion. Moving on, these babies are said to reduce the lines that form in between the lips and although it does soothe them it does not reduce them for me. My lips are very stubborn and rebellious and only behave when I wear this or my NUXE balm. However, this lip gloss smells to die for! It smells ridiculously good and vanilla-y. Would I buy it again? No. Do I regret getting it? No, I don't. Should you get it? I say try it out first and then proceed to get it if you liked it!

Korres | Antiageing Primer

"Powerful treatment and skin-perfecting face primer in one that instantly fills up wrinkles and provides a very smooth and perfected skin surface, ensuring long lasting make up application."

I got this Korres primer on a 500 point bag I got from Sephora and was eager to try it since I don't tend to buy face primer when I finish the ones I have. It's a tester that has 10mL of product and you truly don't need much to cover the whole face. The packaging, like most Korres products, is lovely and makes my inner graphic designer squeal. In all honesty, I'm not an all knowing Korres person, I have their tinted lip balm and that's it, so trying out the primer was pretty exciting. Now, on to the review.

The product application is simple and easy. It applies evenly and feels velvety soft. There's no distinct smell to the product which I greatly appreciate. For a primer, it does it's job. My make up stays in place for as long as I have it on (usually 4-6 hours) and I don't feel overly oily around my T zone. It's light weight on my skin which is also a plus. However, it didn't have anything that stood out to me making me want to purchase the full product which is $33. I find it expensive and it doesn't do anything that makes me justify that price. I mean, if it were an Hourglass primer I'd be the first to buy it since those primers are to die for, but this one just doesn't make me want to get up and get a full one. It's good but nothing special. I'm definitely grateful I have it, since I ran out of primer, but I'm not purchasing the full one. But, it's definitely a primer you can try out if you want something light weight and low maintenance. 

NUXE | Reve de Miel

 As some of you may know I have lips that are constantly cracking and let me tell you, it hurts. I've tried many lip care products and either they don't work from the start or they work for a week and then do nothing. I've been getting a bit desperate since my lips hurt when I smile sometimes, so when I heard about NUXE I decided to invest in it and try it. Boy am I happy I did. Even though at first you think "damn, $20 for so little?" it is sooooo worth it. First off, you don't need a lot of product to cover the entire lip so I do see this lasting me a good amount of time. Second, I only use this in the morning and at night before I go to sleep. My lips have improved and hurt less. They are softer and less flaky, which my lipsticks love. This is a product to definitely try if you have chapped lips like I do and are at your breaking point. Yes, it's a bit expensive but it'll be worth it when they help your lips. I'm not a fan of the smell but for the wonders it does I shall tolerate it. Conclusion, this is something I will definitely repurchase and will use F-O-R-E-V-E-R! Too much? Nah!

NYX | Soft Matte Lip Cream in London

 Hey, guys! Super quick review of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams in London. I've seen these in generally youtube videos and was intrigued by them but I could never get my hands on them. Whilst in Walmart I saw a couple and the beau got me this nude one in London. The finish is obviously matte and reminds me a lot of how MAC matte lipsticks feel. Drying but nothing I can't handle but I generally apply a balm around 15min before applying any type of lip product. The color pay off is really nice and it's something I reach for on a day I want to have a more natural and fresh looking face. It lasts a long time, but considering it's matte it's to be expected. I'm dying to get my hands on more colors and for $3 you can't go wrong. I definitely recommend these guys and I'm very happy with mine.

Caudalíe | Beauty Elixir

  The infamous Caudalíe Beauty Elixir. I've heard mixed reviews about this guy, which only sparked my interest even more. When I learned they had it at Sephora I just had to go check it out. My main concern was the scent, I'd heard on and on about how strong it was and how it wasn't that good. I was surprised to actually enjoy the scent, although it is strong, it reminded me of oils used for massages. The elixir is said to sooth your skin, make it glow and close up pores. This product goes for $20 30mL and $48 for 100mL, so it's not a cheap product at all. Now, this elixir has essential oils that help the skin out on a daily basis. I spray it on before I apply my moisturizer and wait a couple of minutes for it to sink in. It's a very refreshing and soothing product that helps me relax. It has a strong scent that is not for everyone so I suggest you check it out before purchasing. There is no instant burst of radiance but it's more of a gradual radiance, meaning as you apply it on a daily basis your skin does look healthier but not so much that you'll notice instantly. This is definitely an essential on my bag and in my skin routine. It's not for everyone and you may not get results, but I feel my skin looks better without make up then how it looked before I started using this so it's something I'll definitely repurchase.