TRAVEL SERIES PART 2: MY TRAVEL MAKEUP BAG

Hi everyone! I'm back with part 2 of my travel series. Today I'm gonna talk about what makeup products I bring with me in my upcoming holiday.

This super kawaii bag is a GWP that I got from It's Skin. It's just freakin' adorable >.<

• Base makeup: Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super+ Beblesh Balm and Skin79 Sun Protect Beblesh Pact SPF30 PA++. Both products have been reviewed on my blog. Just click on their names and you'll be redirected to the posts.   
• Concealer: Skinfood Salmon Darkcircle Concealer Cream. This doesn't completely cover up my dark circles, but again I haven't found any concealer that does this, so it'll have to do.

• Eye makeup: I don't wear eyeshadow but eyebrow powder and mascara are must-have items for me. KATE Designing Eyebrow N and Kiss Me Heroine Make Long&Curl Mascara fit the bill perfectly. 

• Blusher: I love KATE Cheek Color S in PK-1 (click on the name to see full review). It's a very natural and pretty pink shade. 
• Lipstick: Since I plan on purchasing several lipsticks overseas, I only bring one with me and it's Tonymoly Prestige Crystal Lipstick SPF13 in Muse Coral which I raved about when I first started my blog. The color makes my face look brighter, livelier and the lipstick itself has SPF13! 
• Makeup tools: I love bringing The Body Shop Retractable Blusher Brush when travelling because it's small, compact, light and has a lid! I hate using powder puff because it makes my face look cakey. For eyes, I always curl my lashes before applying mascara. I've used Shiseido Eyelash Curler for about 4 years and it's still going strong ^^ I also have Etude House Eyebrow Razor to trim my eyebrows. I never pluck my brows as I'm afraid it'll make my eyes become droopy.

Well, that's everything I plan to put in my makeup bag. Wish you all a happy holiday :)

REVIEW: TONYMOLY CATS WINK CLEAR PACT #02 CLEAR BEIGE

Due to my work, I have to get up very early in the morning, so I want my makeup to be as fast as possible. The one I reach for on a daily basis has to be Tonymoly Cats Wink Clear Pact in number 02 Clear Beige. (This product actually appeared in my 2013 Best Beauty Products List as well!)

Description: Endorsed by T-ara, The Tony Moly Cats Wink Clear Pact is a long-lasting powder compact formulated for cleaner, brighter and softer skin. Just one application helps minimize the appearance of pores and controls oil. Free of parabens, minerals, ethanol, tar and benzophenone.

Size: 11g

My opinion: I have to admit that the cute packaging is the main reason I bought this :P It comes in 2 shades: 01 Clear Skin and 02 Clear Beige. I choose 02 - the darker one and I think it matches my fair skin well. This is how it looks like on my face:

This powder has very sheer coverage, so it can't cover acnes/acne scars/dark circles. In the morning, since I'm often in a rush, I apply sunscreen, some concealer for my dark circles and this powder pact, and that's my skincare/base makeup for the day. This compact powder is ideal for my dehydrated skin in autumn/winter since it's quite moisturizing. It neither looks cakey nor powdery on my face. However, it doesn't work well in warm/hot weather as the oil-control property is really weak. Another thing I dislike about the product is the impractical packaging. Sure, it looks cute but I don't like the fact that there's no plastic lid to separate the puff and the powder. If I reapply throughout the day, the dirt and oil on my face can stick to the puff and then transfer to the powder, thus contaminating it. Having said that, I still like this because it saves me lots of time in the morning and doesn't irritate my skin in any ways. 

Pros:

- Free of paraben, minerals, tar, ethanol and benzophenone

- Affordable

- Moisturizing

- Natural-looking

- Cute packaging

- Non-irritating

Cons:

- Weak oil-control property

- Impractical packaging

Score: 8/10

Repurchase?: Yes :)

  

REVIEW: KATE BB GEL CREAM + KATE MINERAL LOOSE FOUNDATION IN OC-C SET

I purchased this set way back in 2012 because it was so much cheaper than buying each product separately. The set cost 430,000VND (about US$20), while the BB Gel Cream alone cost 405,000VND (approximately US$19) and the Mineral Loose Foundation was 459,000VND (about US$21.5).

(Source: ebay.com)

Description (source: http://www.kate-global.net/en/all_products/face.html)

(Click on images to see description)

Ingredients (source: ratzillacosme.com):

- BB Gel Cream: 

- Mineral Loose Foundation:

(Click on images to see ingredients)

My Opinion: After purchasing the set, I checked the expiration dates on checkcosmetic.net and found out that these products were produced in 2010, which meant I had less than one year to finish them up! No wonder they were significantly cheaper!

- BB Gel Cream: When my skin was super oily, I didn't need to apply any moisturizers prior to this BB cream. However, I had to apply a moisturizer beforehand if my skin was a little bit dry, otherwise it'd accentuate my dry patches. The shade OC-C was a little bit too bright and yellow for me (I find that Korean BB creams often have pink/beige undertones while Japanese ones are more yellow-based.) It also felt sticky on my face, but this could be solved by applying the Mineral Loose Foundation on top. My T-zone started getting oily after 1.5 hours without powder and 2 hours with powder. It had light coverage, and I had to use a separate concealer for my dark circles. It didn't clog my pores or break me out despite its moisturizing effect. I didn't use any sunscreens underneath but it did a good job protecting my skin from the sun. It's also free of alcohol, mineral oil, fragrance and paraben.

- Mineral Loose Foundation: Despite its name, this powder was way too sheer to act like a foundation (except for people with perfect/good skin). In terms of application, I prefer a powder brush to the included puff as the latter could make my face look cakey. The shade OC-C was too yellow for me. When used on top of the BB Gel Cream, it only kept my face matte for 2 hours in winter. It also ran out too quickly: it lasted for 3 months. Having said that, this powder did have some good points. It didn't clog my pores, break me out or dry out my skin. Together with the BB Gel Cream, it protected my skin against the sun. It didn't contain any paraben, mineral oil, alcohol and fragrance.

This is how the BB Gel Cream and the Mineral Loose Foundation look on my face:

Pros:

- BB Gel Cream:

• Moisturizing
• Non-irritating
• Protect skin against the sun
• Free of paraben, alcohol, fragrance and mineral oil

- Mineral Loose Powder:

• Non-drying
• Non-irritating
• Protect skin against the sun
• Free of paraben, alcohol, fragrance and mineral oil

Cons:

- BB Gel Cream:

• Not moisturizing enough for dry skin
• Unsuitable shade
• Sticky
• Weak oil control ability
• Light coverage

- Mineral Loose Powder:

• Sheer coverage
• Unsuitable shade
• Weak oil control property
• Run out quickly

Repurchase?: No. I prefer something with better oil-control property like Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super+ Beblesh Balm and Skin79 Sun Protect Beblesh Pact SPF30 PA++.

REVIEW: SKIN79 SUN PROTECT BEBLESH PACT SPF30 PA++

My holy-grail BB cream has to be Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super+ Beblesh Balm, and the powder pact that goes best with it, in my opinion, is Skin79 Sun Protect Beblesh Pact SPF30 PA+. Both products appear in my 2013 Best Beauty Products List, so you can get an idea of how much I love them.

(Click on images to see description, instruction and ingredients)

Price: 515,000 VND (about US$24)

Packaging: I just ADORE the color and the design of this powder! It's pink and as you may know from my previous posts, pink is my favorite color :) The compact also reminds me of Sailor Moon's brooch for some reason. I love the face that there's a plastic lid to separate the puff and the powder because if I reapply throughout the day, the dirt and oil on my face will transfer onto the puff, and the powder may be contaminated when coming into direct contact with the puff. (However, as it turns out, I don't actually use the puff at all!)

Shade: The product comes in only one shade, and luckily, it looks quite natural on me. 

Coverage: It has a medium coverage. It doesn't cover my dark circles or big spots completely, but works well enough with minor flaws like discoloration or faint acne scars.

Oil-control ability: In summer, my skin will oil up after 2 hours with this on. However, in winter, it keeps my face matte for up to 5 hours.

Application: I tried applying this with the puff, but it just looked powdery and cakey. The best way, in my opinion, is to use a brush to lightly apply all over the face (I said "lightly" because if I over-apply it, I end up with a caked-up face).

Sun-protection property: Last summer, I travelled to Malaysia and Singapore for one week, and I didn't apply sunscreen on my face because I hadn't found any suitable sunscreen for my face. I used Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super+ Beblesh Balm and top it off with this powder, and my face didn't burn or even tan at all (and the weather was super sunny and scorching hot). 

Bonus: This compact powder doesn't clog my pores or break me out.

Drawbacks: It contains mineral oil and paraben. It also accentuates dry patches, so I don't recommend this to those with dry skin.

Repurchase?: I'd love to, but I really want to try Innisfree No-sebum Mineral Powder next.

2013 BEST AND WORST BEAUTY PRODUCTS

As today is the last day of 2013, I wanna tell you what I think are the best and worst beauty products of the past year. Many categories will be absent because 1) I rarely use these kinds of products (e.g. eyeshadow and eyeliner) or 2) I haven't found anything good enough to put on the list (e.g. moisturizing cream and shower gel). Since my skin has been both oily and dry in 2013, some categories will contain products for these two skin types. Most of the items have been reviewed on this blog, so if you want to read my detailed reviews, just click on their names. Some haven't been mentioned before, but I'll work on their reviews as soon as possible. Without further ado, let's see what's on my list this year.

BEST OF BEAUTY

SKINCARE

1. Best makeup remover:
- For eyes: Biore Cleansing Oil - In Cotton Wipes (review coming soon)
- For face and lips: Bifesta Cleansing Gel

2. Best cleanser:
- For dry skin: Etude House Baking Powder Bubble Cleansing Moist
- For oily skin: Shiseido Perfect Whip foam 

3. Best lotion/toner:
- For dry skin: Hada Labo SHA Hydrating Lotion
- For oily skin: It's Skin Supersize Peeling Softner (review coming soon)

4. Best eye cream: 
- Skinfood Salmon Brightening Eye Cream

5. Best serum:
- It's Skin Power 10 Formula VE Effector with Vitamin E Derivatives

6. Best acne treatment:
- It's Skin Prestige Creme D'escargot

7. Best lip balm:
- Nivea Essential Care (review coming soon)

8. Best mask:
- For hydrating and brightening: Mandom Beauty Barrier Repair Mask HA
- For deep-cleansing/exfoliating: The Body Shop Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask

9. Best sunscreen/sunblock:
- For face: It's Skin 2PM Sunblock SPF50+ PA+++ (review coming soon)

- For body: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Water Base SPF50+ PA+++ (review coming soon) (This product isn't in the photo because I've used it up and haven't repurchased yet)

MAKEUP

1. Best makeup base:

- It's Skin 2PM Sunblock SPF50+ PA+++ (yup, this sunblock is an AMAZING makeup base!) (review coming soon)

2. Best BB cream:

- For dry skin: It's Skin Prestige Creme D'escargot BB

- For oily skin: Skin79 VIP Gold Collection Super+ Beblesh Balm

3. Best compact powder:

- For dry skin: Tonymoly Cats Wink Clear Pact (review coming soon)

- For oily skin: Skin79 Sun Protect Beblesh Pact SPF30 PA++ 

4. Best blusher:

- KATE Cheek Color S in PK-1

5. Best eyebrow powder:

- KATE Designing Eyebrow N in EX-5 (review coming soon)

6. Best lipstick:

- Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 040 Rendezvous

7. Best mascara:

- Kose Esprique Full Impression Waterproof Mascara (This product isn't in the photo because I've used it up and haven't repurchased yet) (I briefly mentioned this in my Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara  Waterproof review)

BEAUTY ACCESSORIES

1. Best eyelash curler:

- Shiseido Eyelash Curler: This baby curls my lashes like a dream without pinching my eyelids. It also lasts forever. I've been using it for 3 years and it's still going strong :)

2. Best powder brush:

- The Body Shop Retractable Blusher Brush: I use this one to apply my face powder. It's soft and gentle on my skin. It also doesn't shed. I love that it's compact and retractable because I can toss it into my bag and bring it with me easily.

3. Best eyebrow shaver:

- Etude House Eyebrow Razor: I think this one has been discontinued, but it will probably last forever. It feels gentle on my skin and shaves my eyebrows well. The design and color are cute too.

BODY CARE

1. Best body scrub:

- It's Skin Fairy Jasmine Body Scrub (review coming soon)

- The Body Shop Bath Gloves (review coming soon)

2. Best hand gel:

- The Body Shop Absinthe Purifying Hand Gel (review coming soon)

3. Best hand cream:

- It's Skin Mini Bebe Hand Cream (review coming soon)

4. Best deodorant:

- Nivea Anti-perspirant Whitening Deodorant

HAIRCARE

1. Best shampoo:

- Essential Damage-care Rich Premiere Shampoo (review coming soon)

2. Hair serum:

- The Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum 

BEST PACKAGING

- Jill Stuart Fruit Lip Balm N 001

             BEST SCENTED-PRODUCT

- Skin79 Lemon Brightening Mask

WORST OF BEAUTY

SKINCARE

1. Worst cleanser:

- Tonymoly Clean Dew Tea Tree Seed Foam Cleanser

2. Worst cream:

- The Face Shop Arsainte Eco-therapy Crystal Water Super Gel (review coming soon)

3. Worst sunscreen:
- Banana Boat Natural Reflect Lotion Sunscreen SPF50+ (review coming soon)

4. Worst lip balm:
- The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Lipcare Stick (review coming soon)

MAKEUP

1. Worst BB cream:

- Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion SPF50+ PA+++

2. Worst mascara:

- Bourjois Volume Glamour Ultra Care (I mentioned this in my Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara Waterproof review)

BEAUTY ACCESSORIES

1. Worst facial brush:

- Tonymoly Pore Cleansing Brush

2. Worst powder brush:

- It's Skin Powder Brush: This brush sheds CONSTANTLY. The hair feels harsh on my face and falls off when I wash or use it. Whenever I apply powder with this, it leaves strands of hair all over my face.  

HAIRCARE

- Worst shampoo: The Body Shop Rainforest Shine Shampoo (review coming soon)

That's the end of my ranking list. Thank you so much for reading my blog in the past 2 months. I hope to continue receiving your support in the year to come. Happy new year!