Shiseido Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Fluid Foundation Review

Heyyyy everyone! So I'm back with a new review for you all! I loved the Shiseido Synchro Skin Foundation (original), so was super excited to give the new GLOW fluid foundation a try!

According to their packaging - these foundations are:

A smart, hydrating foundation that works with your skin’s condition throughout the day for a dewy glow without any shine. Advanced Sensing Technology synchronizes with skin’s tone and moisture levels throughout the day for a perfected complexion. Skin looks fresh and beautiful as visible fine lines and the appearance of pores are reduced. Delivers a luminous finish with buildable coverage while the lightweight, serum-like texture feels as if you’re wearing nothing at all.

Doesn't that sound like perfection? lol :) It also has Argan Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, and Yuzu Seed extract to help maintain moisture which I really liked. It also claims 8 hour hydration and has SPF 20.

This is my shade in Golden 3

This is what it looks like blended out! 

First Impressions: when I put it on, I definitely noticed how effortless it was to do so. It applied so easily (I used a beauty blender) just like the original foundation. It definitely gave a nice, natural dewy look. I did notice some slight shimmer/sparkles that I never really love... however, it didn't irritate my skin or make my skin look glittery. It kind of added a slight sheen or.. "glow" ;)

Moisture: It definitely did go on and feel very moisturizing. It was a serum-like texture that made my combination skin feel very comfortable.

Texture: It was nice because it felt weightless on the face since it was serum-like. It was definitely like I put on a tinted moisturizer. I noticed that it didn't cling to dry patches and didn't make me oily on my t-zone.

Lasting ability: When I set it with a powder, it did last throughout the day. I went about 6 hours before I started to see some wear and tear around the usual spots (around the nose, under eyes)

Colors: It comes in 13 different shades that range from cool to warm. From the photos that I see of the different colors available, it doesn't seem to have too many deeper shades.

Coverage: I would definitely say this is more light to medium coverage... possibly buildable, but I didn't want to lose that weightless feeling so I didn't try!

Packaging: It comes in an nice sleek, glass container. It is very sanitary with a pump, however, any residual product on the pump will transfer onto the side of the cap - so make sure to clean your pump after each use.

Overall, I think this is a great product if you just want to even and brighten your complexion without too much makeup. This was definitely a great product for me since that's usually all I'm looking for!

The product is $45 and you can purchase at shiseido counters or online.

*This product was sent to me by PR to test.

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Aritaum Event: All about Compact Cushions!

Recently, I was invited to the Aritaum event where I learned about some of the world famous Amorepacific products to dive into the 'innovative world of kbeauty' Aritaum is kind of like the 'korean sephora' - and Amore Pacific is coming into the US by now arriving in many Aritaum stores. This includes brands like Iope, Laneige, Mamonde, Sulwhasoo and more.

This event was all about the history of Cushion Compacts. By now, every brand and their mothers now have compact cushions, it's hard to tell what a good compact cushion is..  but at this event, I was able to learn more about what makes the Amore Pacific CC special - especially since it was the very first company to launch the compact cushion back in 2008.

How this all started was that developers wanted to make a foundation product that had the convenience of a compact, but was effective like a liquid all while adding a sun screen factor. As they were developing this, a senior researcher noticed that an ink pad was the exact type of product they want. The ink was a liquid - however it was all contained into the pad and spread evenly to the space provided... and thus began the compact cushion!

Here are some of the products that I received from the event. I received the Iope Bio Intensive Essence Facial Mask, The Iope Bio Hydro Cream, Laneige Water Sleep Mask and of course, to me... the best part were the Iope compact cushions!

If you would believe it, the Amore Pacific cushion took years to develop. They were looking for a product that would hold a liquid product without allowing the liquid to flow out. Although its already great - they are always trying to improve their products and are currently in works of improving this cushion even more to create new "cushion cells" that prevents the foundation from settling to the bottom of the compact - thus allowing you to get more use out of your product. Be on the look out for these changes soon! 

Usually, most products - I throw out the brush or sponge that goes along with the product, but their sponge took much time to develop. They found that using this sponge allowed you to get the most use out of your product while creating the most even coverage. Putting the foundation on this sponge actually 'rejects' the product, so it doesn't soak into the sponge, giving your face as much product as possible! 

Here is one dab! 

Here is what it looks like blended out by using a dabbing motion. 

 They currently don't have many colors in the range - the 23 is my perfect shade (i'm an NC 25-30 in mac), so if you are on the market for a darker shade - they will eventually be rolling some out.

I have yet to try the other products, although the other two products are nice hydrating gel-ish products. Seems like the perfect products for the summer! Let me know if you'd be interested in a thorough review when I get to try more of them! :)

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Shiseido Spring Lacquer Rouge Review

Hey friends! Sorry long time no blog. Work has been really crazy since it's getting to the end of the year! I already can't wait for summer haha! :P

Anyway! I have a review coming to you for shiseido's lacquer rouges :)

I've been quite familiar with this product as it has always been one of my favorite products. Although it feels like a lipstick, it tends to be a bit more long lasting than other lip products while not compromising the moisturization of a good lip product. In fact, I wore it for my wedding. And even though its not a stain, it was able to withhold it's staying power with only a couple of touch ups, while not making my lips flake or become cracked and dry.

Shiseido came out with some new colors for their spring line, and I've been really loving the new colors. lots of lovely shades in the pink family (my favorite!).

Here are two of my favorites!

This has been my favorite go to color for the weekend! this is in VI324 which is superfun bubble gum pink that leans toward violet. It's a gorgeous cooltoned color. If you're obsessed with the radiant orchid color like I am, you NEED this! 

 I love to wear this on a day to day basis for work. It's the perfect everyday color. This is in RD321 and its this reddish pink color that looks so natural on the lips. This is what I wish my lips always looked like haha!

And here's my breakdown: 

Packaging: although sleek and compact, this is the one thing that irks me. All you can see is the #ing at the bottom but from the outside they all look the same. I have over 8 of these, so every time I try and find a color I have to either sit and open half of them or I have to memorize the color from its 5 letter/number code haha!

Texture: I love this texture! although its not for everyone. It goes on almost like a liquid lipstick. Dries slightly on your lips to almost kind of adhere to your lips. It doesn't feel heavy like most lip lacquers do. It has a slight tackiness, but is not weighty, so it doesn't FEEL sticky. It also does not feather out in any way... definitely stays put where it is!

Color: The opacity is beautiful in these! Usually one coat is enough (although it usually takes more than one dip in the pot since each dip doesn't give as much lip product) It gives a gorgeous semi satiny finish.

Moisture: This is my hero! Although you would never know it until you use this daily, this does a great job of helping my dry lips. It's moisturizing without feeling too slick and does help to improve my peely rough patches on my lips!

Hope you give these a try! I absolutely adore this formula. It's actually what i wish the YSL glossy stains felt more like, but I'm glad that I found it in shiseido! :)

You can check out the spring lacquer rouge online at sephora or shiseido.com. I also find the online coloring is not exact to the colors, so either look up swatches or go to a counter for accurate coloring :P 

Happy shopping!

ftc. these were sent to me, but i was not asked to review any of these. this is my personal opinion to you since i actually really love these and have loved these for a long long time! :) just wanted to share the goodness! xox

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Best Beauty Products of 2013!

Before I completely say goodbye to 2013, I want to say one more farewell by letting you know what my favorite beauty products of 2013 were :)

Links are below of where I purchased my products:
Jouer Matte Moisture Tint (I'm in Nude)
Lorac Pro Palette
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, review + swatches here
Eve Pearl Smudge Proof Liquid Liner
Nars Guy Bourdin Cheek Palette (Limited Edition Palette)
Lioele Artist Auto Eyebrow (Grey)
Fairydrops Platinum Mascara
YSL Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick (#18 Prune in Fire), review + swatches here.
Too Faced La Creme Lipstick  (Limited Edition Color in Christmas Set), review here
Jouer Lip Gloss in Divine and Peony
Bubbi Brushes review + overview here
Batiste Dry Shampoo
Zoya Remove Nail Polish Remover 

For my video and little snippets, you can click here to watch the video or you can watch my video below (when it becomes live)! enjoy! look forward to an awesome 2014 with you all xoxo!

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Asian Haul + GIVEAWAY! :)

I LOVE ordering goods from imomoko.com because I find that they have the best deals with some really competitive prices and the amount of stuff is just so fruitful!

I often haul stuff from them, so if you'd like to see my latest haul, you can watch it here:

 Imomoko was sweet enough to send me some goodies for you! So if you'd like to win these two awesome lipcare products and a sheet mask, feel free to enter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

IN ADDITION TO THIS: this is also a collab with my good and amazing friend misojenny, who is also a lover of buying everything in sight. she hauls amazing stuff and is also hosting a giveaway for a miss hana eyeliner and a bunch of awesome masks! Watch the video here:
 

Good luck ladies and gentlemen! This will end September 10!

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