My Everyday Makeup Routine | JUNE 2019

Hello June! Yes, posting regularly was the goal I set out in my last post, but again, life got in the way. Apologies! But I’m treating June 1st and my January 1st, so let's get right to the first makeup post of 2019!

I have no idea whether people are still interested in posts like these, but I am! So here goes nothing. These are all the products I've slapped on my face for the past few months without fail. I've really tried to prioritise my spending and limit my beauty buys (#adulting?) and I think you can probably tell - most of these are old school products that probably only I still swear by.

The Ginza Hybrid Day Protector SPF 30 |

I would repurchase this forever and ever if it didn't cost an arm and leg. Lightweight and creates a perfected and smooth base for makeup application. Love!

Maybelline Matte Poreless Fit Me Foundation | 128 Warm Nude

Just a solid choice for foundation - blends seamlessly, offers medium buildable coverage and lasts throughout the day without fading or creasing. Bonus is that it's affordable too!

Maybelline Master Conceal Camouflaging Concealer | 20 Light

I don't hear much buzz about this concealer, but I've been using it religiously for quite a while. It offers good coverage, blends easily (better with a BeautyBlender) and brightens the under eyes. It doesn't completely erase zombie eyes but instead like you got a good night's rest.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder | Diffused Light

TBH, I don't know if this really makes that much of a difference but I have to dust this all over the face after base application for me to feel like I've completed my look. It does seem to blur pores and lines and the tiny flecks of shimmer look quite flattering on the skin.

Jordana Sculpt N' Go Creamy Contour Stick | 01 Light and 02 Medium
Yes, these are very well loved. The lighter shade is my go-to contour shade, even over my Fenty Beauty Match Stix in Taupe (it also helps that it's less than a quarter of the price), and the medium shade is perfect for bronzing. So blendable and easy to use - just use your fingers, blend and voila! Great for travel too.

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder | 720A Sunny
One of the OG bronzers (I don't even think it's sold anymore) and it's easy to see why it's so loved. The orangey undertone warms up the skin and makes you look sun-kissed and healthy.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush | Exposed
A really pretty, neutral nude shade for those of us who aren't super into blush but still want a hint of colour on the cheeks. Perfect shade to complement any makeup look.

Shu Uemura Hard Formula Hard 9 Eyebrow Pencil | 06 Acorn
I made an entire post on this so no need to say more. Holy grail status.

Kevyn Aucoin The Contour Duo | Medium and Candlelight
This is such a useful little duo - I use the contour shade all over the lids as eyeshadow and lightly down the sides of the nose. The perfect contour shade, IMO. The highlighter is also very aptly named - not as intense and blinding as the Becca highlighter in Champagne Pop, but soft and pretty nonetheless and perfect for everyday.

Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Angel Mascara | Waterproof formula

I'm not the pickiest with mascara, but this makes my lashes look long and fluttery and doesn't smudge. So a win in my books!

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat | Pillow Talk
This lip liner deserves all the hype - a gorgeous nude-pink that really does perfect your pout and the creamy formula feels uber-comfortable on the lips.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick | Pillow Talk
This was the only new makeup item I bought this year - was in love with the liner so obviously had to pick up the lipstick as well. I use this everyday without fail - perfect MLBB shade and a matte formula that isn't drying on the lips. Eyeing the nude-taupe shade Very Victoria next!

A little BTS action with Rileymoo. Until next time!

REVIEW | Fenty Beauty By Rihanna

I'm pretty sure that I'm the last person on planet earth to be doing this review, but it's with good reason! It's been well over a month (almost two) since Rihanna slayed the makeup game - and our existence -  by dropping her new makeup line, Fenty Beauty, and it's taken me this long to finally get this post up because: a. work has been absolutely nuts and b. I ended up making a second, follow-up order for a lighter foundation and two previously out-of-stock items to give you guys a better review. So le'go!

Fenty Beauty officially launched on September 8th, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that their products also dropped on the same day on Sephora Hong Kong's website! I'm not usually one to buy into all the hype with celebrity makeup (I have never purchased a single Kylie Cosmetics or KKW product) but this is RiRi, and I just couldn't help myself. Her initial launch (her second launch - the galaxy holiday collection - already dropped two weeks ago and I can barely keep up) was complexion-focused and offered products to create the perfect base, so that's exactly what I got - the foundation, the concealer, contour and highlight match sticks, and in my second order, another foundation in a lighter shade, one of the duo highlighters, and the lip gloss. I think we can all agree that Rihanna's makeup is always on freakin' point, so if using her makeup products means I can look half as good as her, I'm sold. Just take my money.

Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

$280 HKD at Sephora HK | $34 USD at Sephora

40 shades | 32 ml

First things first - Rihanna launched a whopping 40 shades of foundation during her initial launch (say whaaat), catering to a huge, inclusive range of skin tones and undertones. Bravo! But, I must say, picking my shade online was an absolute pain in my behind - the swatches provided on models of different skin tones (shown below) did help a bit, since the names of the shades are all very similar. After watching what felt like hundreds of youtube videos and checking to see what shades other people purchased, I narrowed my choices down to either 230 or 260, both described as 'medium shades with neutral undertones'. Considering the fact that everyone was saying this foundation oxidises a shade darker, I finally made the painstaking decision to get 230. Aaaaand, you guessed it - it was still. way. too. dark. Heartbreaking, I know. I also got a deluxe sample in the shade 210 with my first order which, disappointingly, was also too dark. This is why I made a second order and chose shade 140 - after another stressful deliberation - described as 'light warm', and it turned out to be significantly lighter (a bit too light, actually) than shade 230. So now, I just use a mix of 140 and 230 to get my perfect shade and it works like a charm.

Image from Sephora Hong Kong

The foundation is packaged in a beautiful frosted glass bottle and comes with a pump (thank youuu), and is described to be "a soft matte, long-wear foundation with buildable, medium-to-full coverage, in a boundary-breaking range of shades". I've had this on almost every single day for the past month or so, and I've decided (drumroll please) that I have a love-hate relationship with this thing. It has a nice, liquidy consistency that blends nicely but dries down quickly in comparison to other bases. It does offer a solid medium coverage upon first application and is indeed mattifying, leaving just a slight sheen on the cheeks. Although this foundation is wonderfully catered to a diverse range of skin tones, I don't think it will complement all skin types - if you are dry, normal or even combination, more likely than not you'll find this drying and that it clings to dry patches, so you must prep the skin incredibly well to be able to wear this comfortably throughout the day.

Even after setting my T-zone with powder, my nose and forehead gets very shiny after just three hours to the point where I can't not blot. On my oily-combination skin, I looked dry in certain areas (mostly around the chin) and found it also emphasized some texture around my nose and on my cheeks - if you looked close enough. I will say, my skin looks absolutely flawless from far away and also phenomenal in pictures, but the closer you get, the more flaws you can detect.

However, this foundation is truly long-lasting, and is still pretty much intact at the end of the night before I wash my face. Even on days when I am sweating profusely, beads of sweat will just seep through and sit on top of the skin while the foundation manages to stay put, undisturbed. So as you can see, there are different aspects that I love and hate with this foundation and it'll probably take me a while to decide which side I'm leaning towards.

140 | 210 | 230

The shade 230 comes out yellow-toned straight out of the bottle, but then oxidizes - well, more accurately 'dries down' - after a few minutes to a much darker, peachy shade. Oh, the horror! I was honestly quite upset as soon as I saw the shade discrepancy as I thought I had already picked a light enough shade and accounted for the oxidisation. Shade 210 also dried down darker and shade 140, although at least two shades too light, turned out to be the closet match to me out of the three. FYI, 210 is the exact same shade as my Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Powerless Foundation in 128 Warm Nude straight out of the tube, and dries down to be half a shade darker.

Match Stix Trio

$450HKD at Sephora HK | $54USD at Sephora

4 different sets

So I was probably a little more excited about these match sticks then I was about the foundation solely based on the packaging - 'cos look at them! Pink, magnetic hexagon tubes that stick together and form a honeycomb design - super cute, and super easy to store and travel with. The Match Stix are sold individually as well as in trios with pre-chosen shades to conceal, contour and highlight, and I decided to go with the trio in Light, which came with the shades Linen, Amber and Starstruck. These sticks are of a creamy yet stiffer consistency - it requires a bit more pressure upon application - but nonetheless they still blend seamlessly into the skin (for the most part), and its cream to powder formula seems to work in sync with the foundation.

Linen | Amber | Starstruck

Linen | "fair to light cool pinky undertones"
As a concealer for under my eyes, this is a no-go - the consistency, colour, and coverage all don't work well under the eyes. However, using this to highlight my forehead, down the nose, as well as underneath my contour has been working wonderfully.

Amber | "contour shade with cool undertones"
My favourite shade of the three, hands down. It is the perfect contour shade for my complexion, with the perfect balance of grey and warm tones, creating the perfect shadow in the hollows of my cheek. Obsessed. And I actually prefer the drier consistency with this stick because it doesn't feel like my contour will slip off as the day goes on. A month on and this has been my go-to contouring product.

Starstruck | "iced-out pearl"
This has the driest consistency of the trio and applying it directly from the tube onto my skin actually disturbs my foundation underneath, so the best way to apply this is warming it up on my finger then tapping it on my face, or applying it using a small, tapered highlighting brush. This is an icy pink shade that looks quite soft and pretty on the skin, and while I usually prefer more gold and champagne highlighters, this one works well when I want a subtle, "feminine" glow.

 Linen | Amber | Starstruck

Lastly, I noticed that inside each of the match stick caps is a thin, foamy insert that 'cushions' the product and prevents it from getting all mushed up and destroyed if twisted up too high when capped off. That's just a tiny design aspect that shows incredible attention to detail and I had to point it out! Sometimes, it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference.

Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Duo

$280HKD at Sephora HK | $34USD at Sephora
4 shades

I didn't get to buy this highlighter in my first order, and could not stop thinking about how much I wanted it in my collection. This particular duo in Mean Money/Hu$tla Baby called out to me (although I was also contemplating over the duo in Lightning Dust/Fire Crystal) and the pearly, golden shades are right up my street. The formula is described to be a weightless cream to powder, and application is so easy and effortless with either just fingers or a brush. Mean Money is the lighter, more subtle shade of the two (perhaps too subtle for some, but a great highlighter for work days), whereas Hu$tla Baby really packs a punch and instantly lights up the face (aka the go-to shade for a blinding highlight on girls' night out or weekend adventures).

Hu$tla Baby | Mean Money

My apologies for the poor swatches, but it was a struggle to capture the radiance of the two shades, especially when they are quite similar to my skin tone.  Hu$tla Baby turns out to be a close dupe to Becca's Champagne Pop - a long-time favourite of mine - with Champagne Pop being just a slight bit darker and more pigmented.

Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

$180 HKD at Sephora HK | $24USD at Sephora

1 universal shade

I can count the number of times I've worn lip gloss this past year on one hand, but this just looked way too pretty to resist. Plus, almost every review and video I came across gave this absolutely glowing reviews, and it keeps on selling out online! Fenty Glow is a universal rose nude shade with "explosive shine" that is supposed to look (and feel) amazing on everyone, and has an "addictive peach vanilla scent" that truly smells quite delish. My lips are quite pigmented on their own, so while this doesn't add too much colour, it does provide a beautiful, moisturizing sheen to my lips, making them look fuller, plumper and more kissable (although I do advise against this while having this on) and it doesn't have the dreaded sticky texture that most glosses have. Staying power isn't great, but I don't mind reapplying since both the scent and the look it gives my lips are so yummy.

Well, I think this has to be one of the longest reviews I've ever posted on this blog - huge props if you're still here! So let's try to end this massive review with a short yet sweet conclusion - I'm really pleased with my first venture into Fenty Beauty, and mark my words, this definitely won't be my last. My standouts from this haul would have to be everything except the foundation (in which I will continue to perform intensive testing). It'll be exciting to see whether Rihanna comes out with another foundation formula that is more moisturising and catered to drier skin types, cos I'll be all over that. It's so lovely to see Fenty Beauty make a statement on inclusivity and diversity through their makeup, and I cannot wait to see what other products Rihanna comes out with next. Keep slayin', RiRi!

HAUL | Sephora VIB Sale 2017

So my dad just came back from Beantown after running his third consecutive Boston marathon, and it just so happened that he was scheduled to fly back to Hong Kong the day after Sephora's VIB sale officially started. So - yes, you guessed it - I sent my dad detailed instructions (pictures, maps, floor plans, blueprints, the whole nine yards) and had him venture into Sephora on his own to pick up a few items on my wishlist. What a champ!

The first item on my list was the Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash that I had tried out and reviewed in a previous Sample Sunday, and I knew I needed it in my life after just one try - it's a gentle yet incredibly effective scrub that makes my skin feel new again. I had instructed my dad to get the 8oz bottle, but he went ahead and got the 16oz instead because "it worked out to be a better deal"... Asian parents, I'm telling you. Next up was the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer that I had heard rave reviews about ever since it launched two months ago. I've been a longtime fan of their Radiant Creamy Concealer, but reviews kept referring to this as even smoother, creamier, and long lasting with full coverage. I picked up the shade Cannelle, which is actually a shade darker than its counterpart in the other formula, so using it under the eyes is a no-go (until I get more tan). But so far, this is working wonders on the face (I'll be comparing the two concealers in an upcoming review so stay tuned!). Since it's approaching summertime, I thought it would be a good idea to repurchase an old favorite in a darker shade, the BareMinerals Complexion Rescue in Ginger 06. The last tube I used up was in the shade Buttercream 03, but because this base blends out to be quite sheer, the shade difference isn't too drastic. I love how natural and healthy this looks on the skin, while also providing SPF protection - a definite win for effortless, summery makeup! I also repurchased my trusty Origins Super Spot Remover Acne Treatment Gel that I swear by for helping treat and clear up any breakouts, and another tub of the BeautyBlender Solid Cleanser that is the only product that I feel thoroughly cleans out my sponges and brushes.

The only other item I wanted was the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Poreless Finish Airbrush Press Powder - phew, that's a long one - but unfortunately it was out of stock in stores. I've heard somewhat mixed reviews on both this and the loose powder version, but I was intrigued about the poreless and airbrushed perfection claims, so I definitely will keep an eye out for it to test it out for myself!

Lastly, my dad went off script and brought back this Lancôme Say It With Your Eyes Essential Eye Kit that, and I'm trying hard to hold back tears as I write this, he had accidentally used my Beauty Insider points to redeem - 500 of them! And keep in mind, I have never redeemed anything with my points ever, 'cos I just wanted to accumulate and save up for something epic. Sigh. I am not a big Lancôme fan - only because I haven't tried much from the brand - and could've definitely lived without this set, but, I'm just going to take a deep breath and be thankful that my dad went to Sephora for me in the first place - and grateful he didn't use up all my hard-earned points. This set comes with the Hypnôse Drama Instant Full Body Volume Mascara, Cils Booster XL Super-Enhancing Mascara Base, Génifique Yeux Youth Activating Eye Cream and the Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover. I sincerely hope these are good products and that they can make up for all my quiet sobbing and silent tears. Keep an eye out for these in upcoming Sample Sundays!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Bobbi Brown Skin Nourishing Glow Foundation x Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask

Bobbi Brown Skin Nourishing Glow Foundation |

I'm always psyched to try out new products from Bobbi Brown - especially their base products - and my expectations are always sky high. The words "nourishing" and "glow" may sound a tad intimidating for someone with oily skin, but I am always down to try anything and everything. Bobbi Brown claims that this "richly emollient yet lightweight hybrid cream foundation delivers moisture and luminous coverage for a polished, lit-from-within look", and that it contains the skincare benefits of a rich, luxurious moisturizer that makes skin look instantly plump, smooth and radiant. The shade Sand 2 is yellow-toned and matches me to a tee, despite it oxidizing a smidgen darker after application. The gel cream consistency feels very weightless and comfortable on the skin, although I found it a bit streaky in application with a brush and much better with a BeautyBlender. Although it claims to have high coverage, to me it's more of a light to medium buildable coverage, and there are tiny, barely-there shimmer particles that help achieve that lit-from-within, glowy complexion. This wasn't particularly long-lasting on my oily skin and my T-zone got shiny after just two hours - it does advertise to be catered for normal to dry skin types - but it faded away evenly and didn't emphasize any dry patches. This is just one of those products that is very pleasant to use, but too pricey for what it does - the foundation costs a whopping $75USD here in Hong Kong, and my Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation can essentially achieve the same natural, luminous effect, with both better coverage and lasting power. So reluctantly, I'm going to have to pass.

Wei Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask |
WEI is a skincare brand that I've wanted to try for ages - the products are created based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which really tickled my curiosity, and the Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask is their best seller. This ultrasoft mud mask is formulated with seven herbs that claim to deeply penetrate the skin and help counteract cell damage, minimize pores, diminish breakouts, refine skin texture, and renew lifeless-looking skin. And let me just cut to the chase and say that I am officially obsessed. This has a nice, subtle scent - an earthy, herbal, perfumy mixture - and has a smooth, velvety consistency that feels oh-so-soothing to apply. It's slightly cooling (and tingly) upon application and dries down quickly, but isn't at all tight and stiff like other mud masks - you can talk and laugh and make facial expressions without feeling like you're creating bloody wrinkles! I rinse it off after the recommended 10 minutes, and the water transforms the mask into a rich, oily consistency that makes my skin feel ultra nourished, soft, and firm. I was sold after just one application, and will definitely be dropping the $42USD to get the full size, which consists of 8 individually packaged pods and an application brush.

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!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking Mascara x Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream

YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking Mascara |

I was always skeptical about high-end mascaras until I tested out the Guerlain Cils D'Enfer So Volume Maxi Lash Mascara in the first ever edition of Sample Sunday, and since then I've been on a mission to test out all the high-end mascaras I can get my hands on. This YSL mascara claims to "exaggerate lashes with excess volume from every angle", and reminded me of the Guerlain mascara in almost every aspect - both mascaras gave my lashes volume and lift all day with minimal smudging, has a similar floral fragrance, and are both $32 for the full size. If I had to differentiate between the two, I would say this YSL mascara gives me bigger, more voluminous lashes (at the cost of slightly more clumping), while the Guerlain's short, bristly teethed mascara wand gives longer, more fluttery lashes. Both are great volumizing mascaras (and it really depends on personal preference), but if I had to nitpick, the bigger, bushier YSL wand is trickier to work with in terms of trying not to get mascara on the lids and ruining that bomb smokey eye - that is the worst.

Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream |

After testing out the Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream in the last Sample Sunday, I wanted to stay on the Bobbi Brown train and try out the eye cream sample as well. The Extra Eye Repair Cream claims to repair, revive and strengthen the eye area by targeting fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, puffiness and dryness. That's an impressive list of claims! First of all, this stuff is thick, so a little goes a long way. It feels rich and luxurious but does take a bit of warming up between the fingertips to spread smoothly under the eyes. The ultra-creamy consistency means it takes a while longer (I give it at least 5 minutes) to absorb fully, so for those of you who like to snooze in the morning like myself, this won't work as part of your 5 minute makeup routine. Under makeup, I have yet to notice any creasing or pilling up which is a good sign. As a nighttime eye cream, this feels wonderfully moisturizing and I do think my under eyes look smoother and my fine lines less pronounced after just a few days, while my dark circles are still beyond repair (excuse the pun). Bobbi Brown does also offer the Hydrating Eye Cream which is lighter in consistency and may be a better option for daytime. So far, I'm loving this Extra Eye Repair Cream as part of my nighttime skincare routine and would be willing to fork over the $72USD for the full size.

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!

SAMPLE SUNDAY | Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream x NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint SPF 30

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Cream |
You all know that the only face cream I've used for the past few years is the amazing Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream, but hey, it doesn't hurt to experiment! Especially when it comes to Bobbi Brown products. I remember playing with my mom's Bobbi Brown makeup and skincare products as a kid (without permission, hehe) and now it's time to give it a proper test. Bobbi Brown claims this is a "light moisturizing cream that leaves skin healthy and prepared for a seamless makeup application". Yasss, sounds right up my street! I love the lightweight texture and how it doesn't leave that dreaded greasy film after it absorbs into the skin, leaving it soft and plump - no more dry patches! So yes, it does seem to enhance makeup application as claimed. Unfortunately, I've noticed some texture and clogged pores on my forehead and cheeks after using this for a few days, which has never happened with my Aesop face cream. I can't say for certain this is the culprit, but needless to say I'll be holding off on this for a while until I can give it another fair try just to be sure. For now, I'm sticking to my trusty Aesop cream!

NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint SPF 30 |
After trying my luck with the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation, it was about time I gave their new(ish) foundation a go. Velvet matte sure sounded like a winner for my oily-combination skin, but I was so wrong. This NARS base is an "oil-free skin tint to protect and perfect with medium, buildable coverage and a soft-matte finish", and it has a whipped, mousse-like consistency that, while much thicker than other bases I own, was easy to spread and blend. The shade Alaska looks a shade too dark on my arm, but actually matches my face nicely. This felt comfortable upon application, but I was distracted by how visibly drying and cakey it looked, particularly around my nose, mouth and forehead. I was hoping it would look better as the day went on. Nope! In fact, I'm just going to come right out and say this was pretty terrible. This looks alright far away, but all sorts of bad close up - cakey, thick, dry, messy, settled into my fine lines (especially my smile lines), and worst of all, it faded incredibly patchy and streaky, to the point where I was self-conscious of talking to people up close! I will say that my dry, parched winter skin probably isn't the best canvas to try this formula on, but nevertheless, this just did not work for me. Shame.

REVIEW | Canmake UV Silky Fit Foundation SPF30 PA++

It's been more than three months - three! - since I've been under a self-imposed makeup shopping ban, and I've kept my word - zero shopping! No, there's no need to applaud - fine, I'm amazing. After some rather excessive beauty hauling in Europe and Boston earlier in the year, I decided to take a spending break and focus on products I already owned and loved. To celebrate my incredible self-control and willpower (tsk tsk), I rewarded myself with a new beauty buy - the Canmake UV Silky Fit Foundation SPF30 PA++.

Canmake UV Silky Fit Foundation SPF30 PA++ 

$120 HKD at Sasa (around $15 USD)

2 Shades

It was love at first swatch with this Canmake powder foundation - my boyfriend had insisted we pop inside Sasa to get some hair gel (why, oh why would he tempt me?!) and before I knew what hit me, I was paying for this baby at the checkout counter. While I am certainly not the type of person to buy products on a whim - you best believe I do my research before committing to anything - this swatched so beautifully on the back of my hand, and I was already a big fan of the brand. Canmake is a popular Japanese drugstore brand that carries an extensive range of high-quality products at affordable prices (we like the sound of that!), and their Shading Powder in 01 Danish Brown, a lovely, cool-toned bronzer, is one of my favorites for achieving that natural shadow and contour. Hello, cheekbones! The Canmake website claims this powder foundation is resistant to sweat and sebum, gives a "smooth, baby-soft finish" to the face, and has a skin-friendly formulation with no alcohol, mineral oil or perfume. Since I'm always on the lookout for bases with SPF, this seemed like a good buy at an affordable price point. Cha-ching!

The powder foundation comes in a pearlescent, blue compact case with a mirror and sponge (super travel-friendly!), with small slots at the bottom of the case for ventilation purposes for when the sponge is still wet. How thoughtful is that?! The foundation is fragrance-free, and the shade range is, again, incredibly limited with just two shades, including 01 Light Ochre for "pale skin and those who like a brightening effect", and 02 Ochre for normal complexions. I went with the darker shade, which was still too light for my complexion. Oh well, gotta work with what you got! The instructions say that you can use this foundation with the sponge either dry or wet, and specifically not to throw out the plastic film on top of the foundation. Maybe to keep the foundation from drying out? Who knows. I knew I should've kept going to Japanese classes!

I quickly found out (the hard way) that application is so important with this foundation - how you apply this and the tools you choose will make or break your face. Trying this on with the sponge both dry and wet turned into a cakey, patchy mess - like packing on cement - and even my beloved Sephora Classic Mini Multitasker Brush #45.5 was a no-go. Welcome to Cake Town! I finally took out my fluffy e.l.f Powder Brush and made the point of pushing the foundation into the skin instead of buffing. Success! The foundation is buildable to a medium coverage, but be warned that it can look cakey fast. I used a concealer brush to tap this under my eyes as concealer, which did a surprisingly okay job at hiding my dark circles.

This looks pretty good once you get the application right, but it's also super obvious that you're wearing foundation. My boyfriend, who is usually completely oblivious to my makeup, noticed as well and made sure to let me know. Thanks dude. But fear not - this is one of those foundations that looks better as the day goes on, once you let your natural oils mix with the base. It certainly did hold up in the heat as it claimed, and I wasn't nearly as shiny as I usually get in this humidity. However, the foundation faded rather unevenly throughout the day, leaving patches on my forehead and around my cheeks. Not a good look.

Swatched | Blended out

If I could go back in time - wouldn't that be swell? - I would not buy this again. No, nope, nah, never. This just isn't the most flattering base, the application can be tricky and was a lot more work than I anticipated. If you have very oily skin, and you want something that offers sun protection and helps you stay relatively matte, then sure, you could give this a try. If you have dry, normal, even combination skin, don't even think about it! 'Cos this will be a nightmare. Overall, I would say just save your money and try your luck elsewhere!

Thankfully, this hasn't gone to complete waste - I now use this as a midday foundation topper! I dust this on in the afternoon when I need that extra coverage and to top up my SPF - it's recommended that we reapply our SPF every few hours, but of course we ain't gonna mess up our highlight and contour... so this is the perfect solution!

Hope you enjoyed this review! I'm really proud of myself for sticking it out for three months, and am officially lifting my shopping ban - let the beauty hauling commence!