Review: Elf Tone Correcting Powder in Cool

I was looking for a good setting powder because first, I really have oily-combination skin so wearing foundation alone is big no-no for me , and it seems like nothing works for me, I've tried everything and my nose starts to produce oil and second, I really can't find what I'm looking for. I was eyeing on powders from Urban Decay and Cargo because I've seen great reviews on www.MakeUpAlley.com , unfortunately they're not available in my country (which sucks, how I wish we have Sephora here) and it's kinda pricey (pa wish wish pa ng Sephora eh can't afford naman pala hahaha!)

My new found love! Elf Tone Correcting Powder! I've been eyeing on this since I've been into make-up,because the colors are soooooo lovely,but ELF Philippines does not have this. Luckily, The Vanity Zone,a make-up store on Facebook.com carries ELF products that are not available at our major dept. stores. Since, I'm on a tight budget, I purchased this with no hesitation. I got this for Php200 plus a "meet-up" fee for Php25. This originally comes in 3 shades which are Shimmer, Warm and Cool which is the one that I have.
 

According to this link:  http://www.eyeslipsface.com/studio/face/powder/tone_correcting_powder

Create a balanced and radiant complexion that is beautiful and healthy. The lightweight formula evens out skin tone and absorbs excess oil, and sheer formula brightens, mattes and neutralizes the skin. The colors are meant to be blended together as the Blue neutralizes orange, the Green neutralizes red, the Pink neutralizes grey and the Yellow brightens and neutralizes red.

 

Back of the box. Description, how to use, ingredients, yada yada yada.

The packaging is so sleek and matte black, and I feel like I'm more matured when I have this,I don't know,I just do. It's similar to NARS packaging as other bloggers will say. I agree though I don't have any NARS product,but at least I've seen one.

The packaging again is so sleek, with a huge mirror. It does not come with an pplicator like a brush or a face sponge.

See how cute it is? I even don't want to use it since it just look so pretty and cute in the eyes. Reminds me of Easter

 

 

 

 

Yellow brightens and neutralizes red

Blue neutralizes orange

Green  neutralizes redness

Pink neutralizes gray/dullness to the skin

 

 

• It's a translucent powder, finely milled and I like the texture a lot,when you swatch it on your hand, it has that sheerness or silky-feel (I know, I'm not good on describing things hahaha).
• It doesn't deliver coverage at all so if you're looking for something to cover blemishes or post-acne scars,this might not work for you. But since I use liquid foundation almost everyday and concealer, I really don't need additional coverage.
• Keeps my oil at bay for 3-5 hours.
• It does not give you a cakey face but gives a ghastly white finish if too much is applied. It's too powdery,it's not well-pressed especially if you swirl your brush too hard,  you might hit pan ASAP. So swirl your brush gently.
• I can hardly notice any smell. Seriously. No SPF.
• Not available locally.

 

In my opinion and experience using this powder, the pink and yellow is perfect for setting your concealer on your undereyes, while the green neutralizes redness, so I put it on my cheeks or on the sides of my nose. For the blue, uhmm honestly just blend it together with the 3 colors and put in  on your entire face, so you're shine-free.This never broke me out, perfect for quick touch-ups,  balances the color of my skin. I will repurchase since it does a decent job.

 

So based on what it claims:

• Create a balanced and radiant complexion that is beautiful and health  It really made my face look more healthy and plump.
 
• The lightweight formula evens out skin tone  I really don't think it did as what it claims on this part.

•  Absorbs excess oil  It mattified my face instantly especially if I need to retouch it
 
• Sheer formula brightens, mattes and neutralizes the skin. It neutralizes my hyperpigmentations and redness on my cheeks and sides of the nose. Made my complexion healthier.

 

I'm still looking for a good setting powder though. Something that's affordable and available locally. Any suggestions make up junkies? :))

 

Lotsalove,

Leng xx

Review: Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

  

 

 

This blog post took me lots of time to think, guts and motivation since I'm not confident showing my bare face. So please be nice! Teehee! :))

I really hate having my monthly period because I'm really having a hard time taming my skin from acne and pimples. I mean, I believe every girl suffers from it right? Lucky you if you don't. Normally,I have 2-3 pimples before the red flag raises that pops out wherever they want.

I'm not the type of person who will browse products on the internet to check what are the best and worst on skincare, but when I turned 21, my skin broke out especially on my chin and jawline. I thought it's just a normal thing so I sticked to my usual routine and ignored it. Weeks have passed but when one of my acne dries,another one will pop out of nowhere. So I said to myself that I need to do something. I found this at MakeupAlley with a rating of 4.1, not bad eh? It's not available at local dept. stores or Watson's , but you can get yours at any Healthy Options SM Manila for Php398.

WHAT IT CLAIMS:

"Helps Dry Up Pimples, Rinse Away Blackheads and Shrink Enlarged Pores"

Mint Julep Masque is the original natural home treatment to help dry up pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores. Simply apply Mint Julep Masque to your clean face and neck. As it firms and hardens within minutes, it draws out impurities from your pores. After the masque is removed, your skin will feel clean, refreshed and smooth. Even for individuals who are fortunate to be free of skin problems, Mint Julep Masque is a refreshing facial treatment that helps relax tired muscles and ease tension lines on the face and neck.

Ingredients:

Water, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Sulfur, Chromium Oxide Greens, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Methylparaben.

 

Upon application, it smells like mint,obviously duh? hahaha but turns into a rubbery smell when it dries with a hint of mint. It's not unpleasant but if you have high expectations that it will smell great, well dont expect much.

 

Pampering myself ,relaxing. I'm sorry for this picture, I just got out of the shower.

 

 

 More camwhoring. Feeling maganda hahaha!

Pro's :

• Dries fast, easy to apply and remove,just use warm water.
• Nice packaging and hygienic
• Pretty affordable because you're getting 8oz in the tube.
• Brightened and smoothened my complexion
• It didn't really reduced the size of my pores dramatically but you can see a slight difference.

Con's:

• A slight tingling sensation but still comfortable
• I have oily-combination skin so if you have dry skin,it might dry out your skin more,well you can use it as spot treatment or on your nose to remove all the gunk and oil.
• It doesn't make the pimple go away completely, but it reduces the size of your pimple and redness especially for spot treatment and was left overnight.
• Contains METHYLPARABEN :(

After washing my face,it's slightly red but uber smooth.

 

After applying my toner,serum,eye cream and moisturizer.

It's a good product if you want deep cleansing for your pores and dry your acnes, but it's not an HG product for me. I will still prefer my Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Face Mask mixed with Organic Apple Cider Vinegar over this. I will pick Queen Helene's if I dont have too much time to spend on my "At Home Facial" or a spot treatment since the latter requires mixing which is kinda messy or dirty. Don't be disappointed ladies, it's a good product, it's just not the best.

Have you tried this? What's your favorite mask?

Lotsalove,

Leng xx

A Little Something About Me

Hello everyone,especially make-up junkies out there! I'm Marlene a.k.a. Leng,a call center agent based in Manila, who loves to talk about make-up,skin care, cats, Japanese food and shopping.

I'm really not into make-up or skin care  before. I wash my face with my Silka Papaya soap and moisturize with my trusty Pond's Whitening cream,set it with my Johnson's baby powder, apply Chapstick on my lips and I'm good to go. But now:

• I have various facial washes(Pond's,St. Ive's, Cetaphil) and I use them depending on my skin is acting.
• I tone with Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner
•  Apply Pond's serum and eye cream(Flawless White, Gold Radiance,Anti-ageing)
• For moisturizers, I have one for day and one for night and an anti-ageing one (Pond's, St. Ive's)
•  I apply primer, foundation,blush,eyeliner, contour depending on my mood, lip balm, lipstick and sometimes mascara.
• I apply facial mask 3x a week,again depending on the condition of my skin.
• I exfoliate 3x a week. (St. Ive's is the best so far :) )

My 2-minute routine before takes almost 20-30 minutes now. Michelle Phan is one of those who inspired me to be vain :)) I hate YouTube and Michelle Phan! (hahaha just kidding ) I'm Michelle's #1 fan.  I love her!

Just a quick history on why I've been into make-up lately.

It all started April 2012 when I was invited to my boyfriend's oath taking ceremony at the Manila Hotel. (He passed his Maritime Licensure exam at that time *proud girlfriend*) Since it's a very special occasion for him, I want to look extra special of course. I've attended special occasions before, Christmas Party at the office, my high school graduation, reunions, weddings , you name it all and I always had my make-up and hair done at a salon/parlor or I will ask assistance from one of our neighbor to do my make-up. It normally costs P500-P1000. So I said to myself, "Why not start a make-up collection?". A week before his special day, I just found myself browsing make-up tutorials on Youtube, visiting the make-up section at SM Cubao and Watson's. So from then, I've learned the basics of make-up.

That would be it for now, you'll get to know me as time goes by. I will be posting everything about make-up,skincare, my personal life and a li'l bit of fashion tips maybe?
Please bear with me, I'm new to this kind of stuff and don't be too harsh okay? So join me on my journey to beauty. Enjoy reading and God bless.

Disclaimer: All opinions that are going to beexpressed on this blog are my own,honest and unbiased. Unless otherwise specified, all products featured and/or reviewed on this blog were purchased with my hard-earned money.

Lotsalove,

Leng xx