poshmakeupnstuff: high-end make up

NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment: Review + Swatches

"Looking for a carefree matte? Look no further. This innovative pigment concentrate provides bold colour with a zero-gravity feel."

"Prepare for all day, flexible wear in a lust-worthy range of smudge-resistant liquid shades. The custom doe-foot applicator allows for precise application and full coverage in one swipe, drying down instantly to create an ultra-lightweight, effortless matte finish."

- Mecca.com

www.poshmakeupnstuff.blogspot.com: NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment

I've always gravitated towards matte lipsticks because of their long-wearing properties. I just like the idea of slapping on something and then forgetting about it the entire day. When I saw that Nars released these matte lipsticks, I just got to try it. I ordered mine from Mecca.com and bought 2 shades: Starwoman and Light My Fire. Each lipsticks costs AU$ 38.

It comes in a sleek, black plastic tube and has a slim, doe-foot applicator. The applicator helps a lot in precision application.

My degree is in Psychology and not Chemistry so for the Chemists out there, please let me know what these ingredients are for. I know that it has a strong Vanilla scent to it and therefore fragrance would be included in its ingredients. It seems to include some silicone and preservatives as well.

Top: Starwoman ; Bottom: Light My Fire

This lippie is made in Italy. Each tube stays good for 24 mos upon opening and contains 5.5 ml of product.

Starwoman is described as a vivid blue red while Light My Fire is a vivid orange red. This lippie has a very watery consistency. It kinda reminds me of a more opaque version of lip tints, a very opaque one.

Top: Starwoman ; Bottom: Light My Fire

The watery consistency of the product has its pros and cons. The benefit would be it dries quickly. Mine dries completely within a minute. The bad thing though is that it is patchy when applied. The patchiness is quite obvious with the swatches above.

This lippie claims to be smudge-resistant but as you can see from above, it isn't. The swatches above have been dry for like 30 minutes before I smudged it and it did. I kissed the back of my hand and it transferred as well.

However, it does stay true to its ultra lightweight, zero-gravity feel claim. Like I said, this lippie is like a more opaque version of a lip tint (and a more expensive one too).

It looks good for hours, possibly an entire day until mealtime. Since it transfers, after eating I always have to retouch. The problem with retouching is that it doesn't layer on quite well so I have to remove it completely before applying it again.

I think this is a really good lippie and will definitely try out more shades. However, I wish they can tweak the formulation a little more and make it smudge-proof. That's my only gripe with this lippie otherwise it can easily be my HG matte lippie.

Have you tried this lippie? What are your HG matte liquid lipsticks?

Hope you like this post. Don't forget to show it some love by clicking on tweet, share, like or G+ button.

Have a great day, gorgeous!

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Disappointing High-End Make Up Products

The saying "You get what you pay for", is something I consider (most of the time) when it comes to buying beauty and skin care products. Granted, I still buy drugstore products but only if internet people rave about it. However, with some disappointing purchases, I realise that what works for someone will not necessarily work for me (different skin tone, skin texture, pH balance, lifestyle, etc). So here are my recent purchases that sadly, I regret buying because we just don't mesh well together (points if you know where I got that from😉).

1. Make Up Forever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick (Mat 5) - this is one of the first matte lipsticks I tried. I honestly prefer it than MAC Retromatte lipstick which just dried up my lips like a raisin or a prune, whichever is drier. I gave my MAC one to my sister and am wishing I can give this also to her since I barely use it. When I discovered the magic of liquid lipsticks I just stopped using this because they just don't dry up my lips like this one does. This one tends to emphasise the flaky patches on my skin which I'm sure nobody wants to see. It also feels heavier on the lips than my liquid lipsticks.

2. Bobbi Brown Corrector (Peach) - (AU$44) I had high hopes for this one since it was hyped up the internet. I used to have really dark under-eyes and this one was raved about even by celebrity make up artists so I just got to have it. I wanted to love it, it's very creamy and blendable but it just doesn't work for me. Upon application, it makes my under-eyes disappear but once I try to blend it to avoid having an orange patch under my eyes, it also disappears. I tried it underneath and on top of my foundation but it just doesn't stay on for long. I still use it though cause I paid a lot for it but I only use it when I know I'm not gonna be out for long. Most of the time, I reach for my Napoleon Perdis "The One" which is cheaper, peachier and stays on longer.

3. Bobbi Brown Pen Eyeliner (Blackest Black) - Like the corrector, I expected a lot from this product since it's from Bobbi Brown. Their gel liner has been a cult favorite for years but since I'm no pro when it comes to winged lines I find it easier to use pens instead. This liner is pretty average for me. It does what it says it does however, for its price, I was hoping it would be better than drugstore liners. The felt tip is a little too big for my Asian eyes and the sides dispenses more product than the tip of the pen. This makes it difficult to make precise and pointy ends for me. Personally, I prefer brush tips than felt tips and I find my Asian brand liners perform much better than this.

4. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer (2C)- For such a long name and price, you'd thought this one would deliver a miracle for my under-eyes. I purchased this on Sephora for AUD38 hoping this would be my go-to. I had high expectations with this one since the Double Wear Foundation is my HG. Sadly, I chose the wrong shade for me. Granted it's my fault but I still tried to make it work. However, I just don't like its formulation. It has a very strong chemical scent to it and it just doesn't conceal anything.

5. Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Volume+Lift Mascara - Again another long name with lots of promises that don't really deliver for me. I haven't had any luck with high-end mascaras to be honest. I used to have a MUFE waterproof mascara which would look gorgeous initially but after a few hours, makes me look like a panda. So I purchased this one because of its claims. Yes, it is smudgeproof but it doesn't deliver with its volume+lift claims. It just makes my lashes look sad and droopy. It doesn't hold any curls at all. I just use this on my lower lashes because the wand size is perfect for it.

6. Lancome Grandiose Smudgeproof Mascara - (AU$54) I love my Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion so I wanted to try more from this brand. Bought this because of its packaging and again because of internet people. Its effects are the same with the Estee Lauder: sad and droopy lashes with no curl whatsoever. At least it stays true with being smudge-proof.

I guess when it comes to make up, it's all about trial and error. It involves a lot of risks (esp on my wallet). Finding your HG product also means finding ones that just won't work for you.

Have you tried any of these products? What are the disappointing high-end products you've tried? What are your HG make up products? Tell me your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Hope you like this post. Don't forget to show it some love by clicking on tweet, share, like or G+ button. Have a great day, gorgeous!

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, by poshmakeupnstuff

In brush set, high-end make up

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Must-Haves Brush Set!

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"Treat your skin to an incredible, airbrush finish with Heavenly Luxe Must-Haves! This exclusive assortment includes 5 full-size, ultra-plush brushes for face and eyes, plus a bonus travel case. Featuring a uniquely high hair count and custom-cut shapes for your makeup but better, each skin-loving brush gives you a flawless application---and lets you experience the power of your most beautiful skin!" -- it cosmetics

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Looking for a cruelty-free brush set? Then this is IT (wink wink)! I recently bought this brush set from Beautylish because I'm weak and internet...lol. I convinced myself that I need this brush set because 1) They're travel-friendly and 2.) I need myself some new good brushes. As much as I love my Real Techniques face brushes (who doesn't own them?), they're just not the most travel-friendly. They may not be the most gorgeous looking brushes (I'm looking at you mermaid and unicorn-themed brushes), but no one can deny the simple and classy look of these brushes.

For AUD75, this brush set contains 5 face brushes that includes the following:

1. Flawless Foundation Brush: A dense, dome-shaped brush for buffing and blending liquid, cream, or powder foundation to smooth perfection.

2. Flawless Powder Brush: A fluffy, tapered brush that makes it easy to achieve a natural, airbrushed finish with any pressed or loose powder product.

3. Flawless Blush Brush: An angled brush that hugs cheeks to deposit the right amount of liquid, cream, or powder blush for a natural flush. Try it with your favorite contour product for a sculpted look that’s never harsh.

4. Flawless Concealer Brush: A firm, tapered brush for applying precise amounts of liquid or cream concealer exactly where you want it. Perfect for cream contour, too!

5. Flawless All-Over Shadow & Liner Brush: A dual-ended brush that’s the key to your five-second eye look! Apply a base shadow to the lid, blend the crease, line eyes, and define brows with one tool.

6. Luxe Travel Case: A sleek, faux-leather case designed to carry your brushes in style—perfect for travel.

---Beautylish

However, I noticed that 2 brushes in this set reminds me of a couple of my Real Techniques brushes. It's Flawless Foundation Brush and their Flawless Powder Brush reminds me of my Real Techniques Buffing Brush and Blush Brush. But are they really similar?

RT Buffing Brush vs It's Flawless Foundation Brush

Aside from the similarity in the shape of the brush, the two brushes look very different. The colour and length of the handles are different. I prefer the look of the it cosmetics one because for me it just looks classier. I'm not sure if I like the silicone rubber handle though because it's easy to get it dirty (just refer to my old, battered RT brush) and hard to clean.

RT Buffing Brush vs It's Flawless Foundation Brush

I guess, since they're both essentially a buffing brush, they would look alike.

it cosmetics Flawless Powder Brush vs Real Techniques Blush Brush

Notice how both the Flawless Powder Brush and Blush Brush are tapered and fluffy. However, the Flawless Powder Brush is slightly fluffier than the Blush Brush. Both are made of cruelty-free hair.

it cosmetics Flawless Powder Brush vs Real Techniques Blush Brush

However, when it comes to softness, it cosmetics wins hands-down. The brushes in this set are so soft, it's heavenly (wink wink).

If you don't want to get the entire set and want my advice on which to purchase individually, I'll suggest you to get the Flawless All-Over Shadow & Liner and the Flawless Powder Brush. The Flawless All-Over Shadow & Liner Brush is such a game changer for me when it comes to my eyeshadow application. It just helps me apply and blend eyeshadows easily! When it comes to the Liner end, honestly, I've only used it on my brows since winged liners are my weakness. However, the liner end is definitely very thin and precise that I think it would also be good as a liner brush.

The Flawless Powder Brush is probably my second fave in this set and I suggest you to get this if you don't want to pay for the entire set. It is so soft and fluffy, it just gets the right amount of powder that is perfect for setting while at the same time avoiding the dreaded cake face.

The other brushes although they're equally soft and fluffy, just doesn't stand out for me as much as the other 2 I've mentioned. Personally, I'm more of a sponge type of gal than a brush when it comes to applying foundation, so the Flawless Foundation Brush although it's so soft and all, I just end up going over it with a damp sponge. Brushes just tend to leave streaks on my face whenever I use them to apply my foundation and sadly, this one is not an exception. I tried the stippling motion and then buffing but it just ended up looking streaky and uneven on my face. However, if foundation brushes are your jam and you know how to work them then get this one as well.

Moreover, both the Flawless Blush Brush and Concealer Brush are also okay for me. They apply and blend product well but for me they're pretty average. The Blush Brush is also really soft and picks up a good amount of powder but I have other brushes that works just as well as it does, albeit not as soft.

I have also washed them once and I didn't notice any shedding. However, since they are quite dense, it took some time for them to completely dry.

Overall, I am quite satisfied with my purchase. I think they're perfect for travelling because of the size and the convenience of the travel case. These brushes will ensure your make up is on point as you take selfies abroad.

Have you tried any itcosmetics brushes? Any face brushes suggestions? Let me know on the comment section below.

Hope you like this post. Don't forget to show it some love by clicking on tweet, share, like or G+ button. Have a great day, gorgeous!

Have you read my previous post?
How To Make Your Foundation Less Cakey

3Comments

, by poshmakeupnstuff

In beauty, cushion foundation

Korean High-End Cushion ft. H E R A UV Mist Cushion

Hey there, lovelies!

I feel like it's been eons since I did a beauty product review. If you've been following me for a long time you know that I'm a sucker for cushion foundations. The last cushion product I've reviewed was the Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion and if you want to know my thoughts about that cushion you can click on the link.

This new Korean cushion I'm currently obsessing about is a cushion from a high-end brand by AmorePacific. It is the H E R A UV Mist Cushion. Hera is a high-end Korean brand that is said to be comparable to high-end Western brands such as YSL, Dior, Chanel and Hourglass.

Here are my thoughts about this cushion:

PACKAGING

As I've mentioned on my previous cushion review, cushion foundations are patented in Korea by a company called, AmorePacific, the same company who released the very first cushion foundation in Korea. That's the reason why cushion foundations are packaged similarly. Brands just basically differ in the formulation of the product and the designs in their packaging.

This particular cushion is made from sturdy plastic, with its brand and name on its pearlized cover. I like that it is made of shiny plastic material because I can easily clean it up when it gets dirty. The simplistic cover also gives the cushion a more elegant look. Personally, I prefer Hera's cushion design better than Lancome's.

Since this cushion is not the 2016 version (my review for the 2016 version will be up soon), the cushion sponge does not dispense the product evenly on the puff. This does not bother me anyway because what matters is blending the product evenly on your face. The box includes the case with the cushion inside and a 15g refill (Yay! 😍👏) therefore, you get 30ml of product with its price.

DESCRIPTION AND PRODUCT CLAIMS:

c/o althea.kr N for Natural Tone while C for Cover Tone

Hera offers 3 options for this line: Natural Tone,Cool Tone and Long lasting (not in photo). The Natural Tone has 4 shades while the other two only has 2 shades.

This cushion claims to be a multi-functional product: mist + foundation +sunblock+whitening+cooling effects. It instantly moisturizes and cools the skin because of its clay-mineral water ingredient which helps maintain the skin's moisture, reduce skin waste, dead skin and sebum. It blocks UV rays as well as prevents damage from oxidation and heat because of its Smart Layer UV Complex derived from its 4 kinds of sunflower seed oil, beta-carotene and tocopherol. This means it does not only protect the skin from the sun, but it also prevents the so-called, "photoaging".

It claims to be a whitening / anti-UV cosmetic while providing powerful long-lasting moisturizing effect for the skin because it contains hyaluronic acid and camellia oil.The Yarrow extract in it also helps get rid of dead skin cells to reveal smoother skin.

This cushion is dermatologist-tested and remains in excellent condition for 12mos after opening.

TEXTURE

I love that this cushion has a yellow undertone and not the usual pink undertone that most Korean cushions have. It has a very light consistency thus providing a buildable coverage without looking cake-y. It claims to provide a cooling sensation on the skin which I haven't felt but maybe it's because I only use it in the morning after my skin care routine. Cleansing, toning and moisturizing makes my skin feel cold so I guess, that's why I don't feel the cooling effects of this product.

I use the cushion puff included because I believe that cushion foundations are meant to be applied on the skin using patting motions rather than buffed with a brush. It goes on the skin easily, blends like a dream and sets easily. It does feel hydrating on the skin and doesn't get sticky throughout the day.

SCENT
If you're sensitive with scents, this one may not be for you. It has a faint floral scent which I didn't really notice until I sniffed the sponge. Every time I use it, I don't really notice its scent so it doesn't really bother me.

COVERAGE

coverage after 2 layers

This cushion provides a buildable coverage. It doesn't cake up even when I apply several layers to try and cover up my blemishes. When I apply a second layer, it does an excellent job in covering my dark undereyes, hyperpigmentation and pimple marks. Because of its moisturizing benefits, it did not emphasize any dry patches in my skin.

I always purchase the darkest shade in every Korean cushions I've tried. Despite that, they still seem too light for me upon application. For this cushion, I purchased C23 which is Cover Tone #23, the darkest shade with high coverage. However, it still looked very light on me. But since it oxidizes a bit throughout the day, it slowly matched my face and neck.

FINISH AND LONGEVITY

I find it annoying to keep removing hair off my face and who knows what other stuff that sticks to my it throughout the day. That is why I like how this cushion doesn't feel sticky and gives a matte to semi-matte finish which is uncommon for a Korean cushion.

This product has excellent sebum control properties. It was able to keep my face matte even after 5-6 hours! However, if you have really oily skin and live in a humid country, a mattifying powder and blotting papers will be your best friends. Compared to the Lancome cushion, this one does not cling on to the dry patches on my face and provides better coverage (upon layering) that lasts throughout the day.

MY THOUGHTS:

I am in love with this cushion foundation. The quality of this cushion is outstanding. You can tell from the formulation and how it looks and feels that it is a high-end product. Its coverage is excellent. It makes it seem like my face is poreless. The wear and oil-control properties are fantastic. It is definitely by far the best cushion foundation I have ever tried. I completely understand why even though it is on the pricey-side, it's one of the best-selling cushions in Korea. And I find it very convenient that when you buy the product, everything else you need is included in the box.

I can only think of 2 cons for this cushion: (1) it is not transfer-proof and (2) it has limited shade range. Sadly, if you have medium to dark skin tone, you might not have a shade for this line.

If you're thinking of getting a high-end Western cushion, I highly suggest that you try this cushion instead. Its definitely worth its price!

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Hope you like this post. Have you also purchased this cushion foundation? Let me know your thoughts about it in the comment section below.

Have a great day everyone!

2Comments

, by poshmakeupnstuff

In beauty, cushion foundation

Is It Worth the Hype? Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion Foundation

Hey lovelies!

Those of you reading my blog would know that I am obsessed with cushion foundations! I realized that all the cushions I've tried are from Korea so I thought maybe it's time for me to check out Western brand cushions.

As you all know, Lancome is probably the first Western brand to release their very own cushion foundation. But did you know that cushion foundation is patented in Korea? It's patented by a Korean company called, AmorePacific, the same company who released the very first cushion foundation in Korea. That's the reason why cushion foundations all look the same. Even this Lancome Cushion is made in Korea!

I have been curious about Western brand cushions and I read a lot of mixed reviews regarding the L'oreal and Maybelline cushions. That's why I decided to get this one instead.

Here's my review of this cushion:

INGREDIENTS:

PACKAGING:

As I mentioned earlier, the Korean company, Amore Pacific has patented cushion foundations which is the reason why more or less cushion foundations have similar packaging. It comes in a white, plastic case with Lancome's classy rose logo at the center its case. It has a built-in mirror, a cushion puff with the brand's name on it and the cushion sponge which contains the product inside. Comparing the sponge to the Korean ones I have, Lancome's sponge is significantly softer. Because of this, I suggest you use a light hand when you press the cushion puff on it, as it dispenses the foundation easily.

However, unlike the Korean cushions that I have tried, Lancome sells the plastic case and the cushion foundation separately. Also, unlike its high-end Korean counterparts, it doesn't come with a free refill. What's more disappointing is that with the amount you pay, you get lesser product (14g) than the Korean brands (15g or 30g including the free refill).

PRODUCT CLAIMS:

Lancome claims this cushion to be hydrating, cooling, brightening and protecting as it unifies and sublimates complexion (I'm guessing it evens out skin tone??). It has an SPF 23 PA ++ which means it protects your skin from both UVB and UVA rays. It also claims to deliver buildable coverage with a weightless feel that will keep your complexion bright all day. It is non comedogenic, designed for Asian skin and is suitable even for those with sensitive skin. It remains in good condition for 12mos after opening the product.

TEXTURE:

Since this foundation is formulated for and tested on Asian skin, I love that it has a yellow undertone unlike the usual pink undertone most Korean cushions have. It has a very light consistency, which is probably why it is buildable without looking cake-y on your face. It claims to provide cooling sensation on the skin but I honestly do not feel my skin feeling cool and refreshed when I apply it in the morning or when I retouch in the afternoon.

Like any cushion foundation, I use the cushion puff included because I believe that cushion foundations are meant to be applied on the skin using patting motions rather than buffed with a brush. It goes on the skin easily, blends like a dream and sets easily. It does feel hydrating and doesn't feel sticky or tacky after application. However, if you have oily skin, blotting paper is your bestfriend throughout the day.

SCENT:

If you're sensitive with scents, this one may not be for you. It has a faint floral, rosy scent which disappears after a while. Personally, I like its scent. Usually, by the time I finish my make up base, I don't notice it anymore.

COVERAGE:

This cushion has a light-medium coverage and like what it claims, it is buildable. It doesn't cake up even when I apply several layers to try and cover up my blemishes. However, when it comes to my dark undereyes, hyperpigmentation and pimple marks, I still need to use a concealer. Also, I notice that it tends to emphasize the dry patches around my nose area.

Since the shade I have is too light for me, it naturally has a brightening effect on my skin. However, it does oxidize a bit throughout the day so it slowly matches my face and neck.

FINISH AND LONGEVITY

Upon application, I notice that it doesn't feel sticky unlike Korean cushions I've tried which is great. I find it annoying to keep removing hair off my face and who knows what other stuff sticks to my face throughout the day. Initially, it gives you a satin finish---not dewy, not matte. It's a perfect balance between the two. It also tends to cling on to the dry patches on my face so if you have dry skin, a good moisturiser is a must before you apply it.

This product doesn't claim to control oil so I have no expectation about its oil control properties. However, because I have a combo skin type and probably because of the humidity in my country, it tends to look dewy bordering to oily throughout the day. After 2 hours, it starts to look dewy and remains dewy throughout the day. I guess, it's not a big problem as long as you set your make up with a good mattifying powder. If you have combo or oily skin type, blotting papers will be your best friend. I actually like its finish because it makes my skin look glowy as long as I mattify my T-zone area. But if you have dry skin and have a nice chilly weather in your country, this cushion would just be perfect for you.

MY THOUGHTS:

To be honest, I love this cushion foundation. You can tell from the formulation and how it looks and feels that it is a high-end product. I think it is far better than any Korean drugstore cushion I've tried (Etude House Mineral Cushion, The Face Shop CC Aura Cushion and Chica Y Chico Mat Fix). However, what really puts me off about it is the price. You pay separately for the cushion case and the product (Cushion case costs Php 600 while cushion refill costs Php 1,850.00). Both costs a lot of money and you only get 14g of product!

Aside from my beef with its price, I washed its cushion puff once and while rinsing it, the puff was ruined. So I guess, it's not as sturdy as the Korean cushion puffs I had because I can wash and rewash them without ruining them.

Therefore, as much as I love this cushion foundation, I will not repurchase it. I would rather get a high end foundation with 30ml of product and pay the same amount than repurchase this. If I want a cushion foundation like this, maybe I'll just purchase a Lancome foundation or other high end foundation then turn it into a cushion foundation.

Have you also purchased this cushion foundation? What high-end cushion do you love? Let me know your thoughts about it in the comment section below.

Have a great day gorgeous!

2Comments

, by poshmakeupnstuff

NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment: Review + Swatches

Disappointing High-End Make Up Products

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Must-Haves Brush Set!

Korean High-End Cushion ft. H E R A UV Mist Cushion

Is It Worth the Hype? Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion Foundation

HEY THERE! I'M CARMINA

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NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment: Review + Swatches

Disappointing High-End Make Up Products

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Must-Haves Brush Set!

Korean High-End Cushion ft. H E R A UV Mist Cushion

Is It Worth the Hype? Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion Foundation

HEY THERE! I'M CARMINA

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