REVIEW | Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation SPF17

New year, new me! Just kidding - same me, just with a whole lot more reviews!

My recent trip to Tokyo in October not only resulted in a five pound weight gain, but also a beauty gain in my makeup collection. Here are my thoughts on the Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation SPF 17. With a name like that, do you really expect me to leave the store empty-handed?

Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation SPF 17
4000‎¥‎ at Shiseido Japan | $35 USD at Shiseido, Sephora
30ml | 18 shades

Let me first put out a disclaimer that there seems to be two versions of this foundation floating around  - Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation SPF 17 and Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation SPF 18.  My version with SPF 17 seems to only be sold in Japan and comes with a total of 6 shades, whereas the other version with SPF 18 is being sold pretty much everywhere else in the world, and features a total of 18 different shades. Not sure why this discrepancy exists, but what's important is the actual product inside and how it performs, which I'm confident is completely identical. Now that that's out of the way, on to the review!

Shiseido claims that this foundation "cancels out the appearance of redness, blemishes and visible pores without concealing the skin's natural beauty", and that your skin will look fresh and glow with sheer perfection. The word sheer might scare some people off, but it's right up my street. The packaging is pretty straight forward - not at all glamorous but gets the job done - and its compact size makes it great for travel. 

I hypothesized, the very second I squeezed this foundation out onto the back of my hand, that this would be similar to the MAC Waterweight Foundation SPF 30 - and I was spot on. In terms of consistency, finish and wear, these two foundations are pretty much identical dupes. So in the interest of saving time, if you've already checked out my MAC foundation review and liked what you read, then you can stop here and go about your day, because I can already tell you that you'll be a fan of this Shiseido foundation. If you haven't read that review - uh, where have you been? - go take a gander then come back for some comparisons!

Just like the MAC foundation, the consistency of this Shiseido foundation is very thin and fluid, and spreads out over the skin equally as effortlessly. I would say the MAC foundation is a tad runnier while offering a hint more pigmentation and coverage - Shiseido stays true to its name in terms of being sheer. I've tried out both foundations together on multiple occasions - each base on one side of my face - and I can honestly say they look exactly the same on the skin, as if I'm wearing just one foundation all over. If you really wanted to nitpick, my MAC Waterweight Foundation in shade NC20 is a touch more yellow-toned whereas my Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation in shade O20 Natural Light Ochre, while initially more brightening on the face, dries down to be a smidgen darker.

MAC Waterweight NC20 | Shiseido Sheer and Perfect O20

Both foundations are perfect for those no makeup-makeup days when all you want is to even out your skin-tone and look like you're having a good skin day - which is pretty much all I want everyday! They both give the same natural, skin-like coverage that can be built up to an almost-medium, and are equally lightweight and comfortable to wear. I didn't find either to be particularly great at diffusing the appearance of pores, and because both bases dry down to a dewy, satin finish, my oily-combination skin starts looking shiny after just two hours. The Shiseido foundation does seem to have better staying power - just an hour or two more - as I find the MAC foundation to be more easily transferable, and as I mention in that previous review, have experienced firsthand it streaking down my face during the summer months. Fingers crossed this Shiseido foundation doesn't do the same!

So in a nutshell - if you love natural, skin-like bases that don't feel heavy on the skin and are a breeze to apply, you will really enjoy this Shiseido Sheer and Perfect foundation SPF 17. If you already own and love the MAC Waterweight Foundation SPF 30, then there's absolutely no need to splurge on both. If you don't own either foundations and want just one to try out, I would say go for Shiseido purely for the better lasting power and spill-proof, travel-friendly packaging.

Thanks for reading - hope everyone is having a wonderful, positive start to the new year!

REVIEW | MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation

It's taken me years to finally take the plunge and buy my first ever MAC foundation - the whole NC/NW shade system confused the heck outta me, was it just me? - but it's better late than never! When the Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation first launched last fall, I was instantly drawn to the name - like a moth to a burning flame - on account of my unhealthy obsession with lightweight, natural bases with SPF.

MAC Studio Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation

$34 USD at MAC, Nordstrom

30ml, 1oz | 23 Shades

MAC's shade system is one of the most counterintuitive concepts I've ever come across. All their foundations are categorized into either NC (Neutral Cool) and NW (Neutral Warm). Now, if you were to believe you'd match a NC foundation if you had cooler undertones and NW if you were warmer, you'd be dead wrong. Instead, NC foundations all have warm, yellow undertones while NW foundations have cool, pink undertones. Yes, you probably all know this already, but still, what the heck?! And not to mention all the times I've tried getting color-matched at a MAC counter only to be matched to a different shade and undertone. Sigh. But alas, this foundation launched last year and generated so much buzz that I just couldn't help myself.

MAC claims this foundation "delivers color in an ultra-fluid, elastic gel-serum formula with a virtually weightless feel" that not only controls oil, but also provides all-day hydration. The foundation comes in a frosted glass bottle with a dropper applicator, which seems handy but actually gets pretty messy around the opening. The consistency of the foundation is like a serum - very fluid and runny - and blends and melts effortlessly into the skin. It feels weightless, as MAC claims, and has very natural, skin-like coverage that can be built up from sheer to an almost-but-not-quite medium, leaving a dewy, natural finish. This is one of the few foundations that doesn't cake up even when I add on layers, and I find that a flat-top brush give the most coverage and the most seamless finish. While this doesn't have the best lasting power on me - I notice fading after just five hours - it doesn't separate or get patchy, and wears away quite naturally. From the get-go, this looks dewy on my oily-combination skin and I get progressively shinier in the T-zone throughout the day. So powdering and blotting is a must!

I ordered this foundation online and had to base my shade decision off online swatches, and ended up picking NC20 that works fine as my winter shade, but NC25 or NC30 would've definitely been a better match. Since hauling this earlier in the year, I've worn this a handful of times during the hotter months and was not all impressed - this streaked down my face once while I was out walking Riley, dripping down and staining my crisp, white T-shirt. The horror! The humidity also made me look like a greasy, sweaty mess, so if you're also oily and prone to heavy sweating, avoid wearing this in the summer. In the winter, however, this foundation has proven to work wonders. As the weather's now turned chillier here in Hong Kong (thank the heavens, it's about time), I've been reaching for this almost everyday as a natural, everyday base for work. I see this working best for those of you with dry to normal, and even combination skin types that prefer lightweight, natural coverage. Oily girls, don't be afraid to give this a try as long as you accept that this foundation will make you look shiny (and lasting power will be slightly lacking). 

Swatched | Blended out

Side note - I hear this is an exact, and I mean 100% identical dupe of the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water SPF 30. Same ingredients, same formula, same exact foundation. How, you ask? Well, turns out both MAC and Smashbox are owned by Estee Lauder, so I guess they thought it was a smart marketing strategy to release this new formula under both companies. Smashbox is more expensive than MAC at $42USD for the same amount of product, and offers only 8 shades compared to 23 shades. So unless you're a ride-or-die Smashbox fan, there's a pretty clear winner here. 

Now that I've tried my first MAC foundation (and somewhat figured out the infuriating shade system), I'll definitely be swatching some of the other foundations next time I pass by a MAC counter. Holler in the comments if you have any favorite MAC bases!

MONTHLY FAVORITES | June 2016

Today officially marks the start of the second half of the year. Give me a minute while I properly freak out. How are we already halfway done with 2016?!

All the craziness aside, June was a particularly exciting month for me because... I got a new job! Hip hip hooray! Which also explains the lack of posts... my apologies. But June was not exciting in the least in terms of my makeup favorites - I stuck to the same products and slapped them on my face every morning. My goal was to look fresh and awake, and not at all like I stayed up playing with Riley the night before.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation in 52 Vanilla |
As you should already know by now if you've read my rave review, this is one of my favorite foundations of all time. It evens out my complexion, gives me a natural glow, applies like a dream, smells ah-mazing and lasts all day. What more can I ask for?! (Well, maybe SPF... but that's a whole other issue.)

Benefit Erase Paste Brightening Concealer in 2 Medium |
When I feel like I need extra help in the dark circle department - which is always 'cos I'm a night owl - this is what I reach for. This concealer in Medium is a pink, salmon shade that I use as a corrector under my eyes, and although the consistency is very thick - and a little does goes a long way -  it's super easy to blend out and really helps neutralize my dark circles before I go in with concealer. Works like a charm. 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer in Light Warm |
The Urban Decay and NARS concealers are pretty much interchangeable in my routine - I seriously love them both - but this one in Light Warm is a much lighter shade than my NARS Creamy Concealer in Custard, which makes it more aptly suited for brightening up the under eyes and highlighting the face. It helps trick people into thinking I look super energized and ready to take on the day, when in fact I'm hitting the snooze button on repeat inside.

Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder in Naturally Neutral |
I got this little gem way back when I was still in college and never opened it until last month. And boy, was I missing out big time. This has become my go-to setting and baking powder for my face and under eyes - I've been using this over my Laura Mercier powders which is saying a lot - and it gives the most beautiful, soft finish to the face. I recall this being around $5 USD and it seriously works like a high-end powder, if not better. The only con is that it has quite an overwhelmingly powdery perfume scent, which some people claim to love, so to each their own. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed |
This is the first shade I picked up from the Tarte blush range, and it's my best blush buy to date. It's a gorgeous, rosy nude shade that gives your cheeks a natural flush and I swear it looks perfect with every skin tone and any makeup look. I can also attest to the 12-Hour claim - it's true!

MAC Eyeshadow in Wedge |
This matte, "soft muted beige taupe" shade from MAC is the first eyeshadow I ever purchased from the brand, and is probably my most worn eyeshadow ever. I wear this on my eyes almost every day in some way or another. This month, I've been blending it all over my lids with the fluffy Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush, and I'm good to go. It is gorgeous worn alone or as a transition shade, and is definitely a must-have in my books.

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment in Rosé |
This adorable, sample-sized lippie from Fresh is perfect to just throw in my makeup bag and apply on the go - it's moisturizing, has SPF, and adds a subtle rose tint to my lips. So much love for such a tiny product. Stay tuned for an upcoming review (hint - rave) on my Fresh lip products! 

So those were my favorites for the month of June, hope you enjoyed!

HAUL | Sephora.com and NYC

Warning. This post is long and may induce splurging. I will be showing you all my new beauty products that somehow made their way from store displays in the U.S into my makeup drawer back home in Hong Kong. 
           

This is a haul I’ve accumulated over the past few months – products that I bought while on holiday, and products I ordered online (that my best friend very kindly carried home for me). At Sephora, I am a Very Important Beauty Insider (VIB). Translation – I love makeup and I buy a lot of it. If I lived in the states, I’d be VIB Rouge for sure. Because I don’t, I only get to do Sephora hauls once, maybe twice a year. So when I get that opportunity, trust that I take advantage. Let's get started!
          

NARS Sheer Glow in Fiji | MAC Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation in NC 20 | bareMinerals Complexion Rescue in Buttercream 03 | Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizing Primer in Smoothing | Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
          

For the face, I caved and splurged on three foundations that have been on my wish list for quite some time. NARS Sheer Glow was the one product that I’ve wanted for years (probably since 2012) but just never got around to buying. I finally gave in when I found out recently that it was the foundation of choice by most brides on their wedding day. Flawless wedding-day skin? Yes please! MAC Waterweight SPF 30 Foundation was launched in the fall of last year, and I knew I wanted it the second I heard the name – I’m a sucker for natural, lightweight foundations and the SPF is a plus! I also picked up the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue, which seems to be the go-to foundation among beauty gurus for that radiant, everyday natural skin. I’ve heard glowing reviews on the Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizing Primers and picked up the Smoothing primer for large pores and fine lines, because who wouldn’t want to hide those? The Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray was a spur-of-the-moment purchase while standing in line to pay at Sephora – also known as the Aisle of Doom. Oh, how I’ve fallen victim to it on so many occasions. But honestly, who could resist? The aisle offers a plethora of mini and travel sized products that are in the “that’s not too bad, I’ll give it a shot” price range that you can’t help but pick up more than a few. For setting powders, I picked up both the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder and Secret Brightening Powder after hearing that these are the best powders in the game, and also to cater to my newfound love for "baking".
       

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder | Secret Brightening Powder

Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette | Sephora Collection Pro Flawless Airbush #56 | Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush | BeautyBlender | NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

          

I've craved for the Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette for so many months, and as you can read here in my recent review, I’m madly in lurve. The Sephora Collection Pro Flawless Airbrush #56 was the hardest to get my hands on – it was sold out in three Sephora stores in NYC and when I finally found it on my last day in the Big Apple, it was the last one left. Meant to be? I think so. The Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush is a “returned it, regretted it, repurchased it” product. I bought it a few years ago when Tarte first launched these blushes, and was disappointed in the color payoff. It wasn’t until recently that I’ve started to appreciate its subtlety and buildable quality. No Sephora haul is ever complete without getting a backup of my trusty BeautyBlender - I've been using it for years and it’s an absolute must-have in my books. The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer was another of my highly coveted products, but I couldn't seem to justify the price when so many drugstore concealers were doing the job. But cue the Aisle of Doom, and I’m checking out with a mini sized version.
          

Tarte Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette | Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion | Benefit Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara | Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in 13 Marvelous Mauve

          
For the eyes, I had to pick up the Tarte Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette because matte eye shadows are my absolute jam, and the colors in the palette are right up my street. Neutral browns and taupes and purples. Yasss. I repurchased the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion after realizing my previous one was from more than a year (that’s a lie – two years) ago. Sorry, don’t judge. The mini size of the Benefit Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara was another aisle-of-doom purchase and I don't regret it one bit. The Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain in Marvelous Mauve was love at first sight and I knew it had to be mine.
          

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser | GlamGlow Powermud Dualcleanse Treatment | Fresh Seaberry Restorative Body Cream

          

For skincare, I had to repurchase my favorite Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - it smells like cucumbers and removes all my makeup while keeping my skin feeling super soft. The GlamGlow Powermud Dualcleanse Treatment is another exciting addition to my growing GlamGlow collection. I had dragged my boyfriend to Sephora (for the second time that day) and he bought this for me while checking out the Aisle of Doom on his own. No one is safe, I'm telling you. The Fresh Seaberry Restorative Body Cream was an impulse purchase - I had never seen it in Hong Kong stores before - and I loved it so much that I went back the next day and bought an extra bottle (which I ended giving away to my dad, because I’m just that sweet of a daughter, you guys.)

Phew, we’re done!

I hope you enjoyed this haul and that I inspired a few (or more) beauty purchases! I will be doing in-depth reviews of these products in the near future, so stay tuned!