Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Mineral makeup

Mineral make-up aims to use no preservatives, fillers or binders. It attempts to give the coverage desired, without the chemicals that the skin doesnt need. Nowadays, most companies have a mineral makeup product line. Be careful as to not believe them blindly. Try the products on yourself, and look out for any skin irritation.

One of the best-selling mineral products company is bareMinerals. Their products are 100% mineral. Their swirl, tap, buff technique is quickly gaining recognition. Read below for product reviews.



bareMinerals
 
Products worth investing in from bareMinerals:

Warmth All-Over Face Color
This acts as a bronzer. Apply onto areas of your face where the sun would naturally touch, such as the cheekbones, eyelids, forehead, chin and bridge of the nose. 

Mineral Veil or Tinted Mineral Veil
This provides the finishing touch to your makeup, giving an airbrush complexion. Buff over the foundation to absorb oil, minimize the appearance of fine lines and pores. 

SPF 15 Foundation
This is the main foundation. There are various types of foundation available, such as Matte Finish and Original. Apply with different types of brush of variation in coverage. 

Overall, I myself was recommended this product, and once I tried it, I never went back to liquid foundation.  Love it!

Pros:
1. Mineral make-up. All natural.
2. Since it's powder form, it doesn't look like you have applied heavy make-up. Does not look cakey.
3. It gives you a healthy glow
4. Long lasting
5. Improves skin condition
6. Quick application!
7. You can choose your coverage. If you want light coverage, just dab a little. If you want heavier coverage, use more of it
8. Provides sun protection. The foundation is SPF 15
9. Now available in Hong Kong! Harvey Nichols in Pacific Place, and Faces in Ocean Terminal. Visit their booth for a quick demo

Cons:
1. It's meant for daily use, and if you're looking for high coverage, this is not for you. This product works well for light-medium coverage

If you have dark circles, I'd recommend using your own cream concealor instead of the bareMinerals concealor, as a cream concealor would give more coverage. Apply bareMinerals foundation over the concealor for better coverage. 

When you first start using this product, it might not look like its making much difference. But see yourself in a different light without applying too much at first, and you'll see the difference.

My article for COVERmagazine:

Monday, January 16, 2012

Make-Up Removers

Make-Up removers reviewed! There are different types of removers in the market: oils, creams, clear solutions, wipes. I would recommend using waterproof removers, as most make-up now tends to be waterproof.

 L'oreal Gentle Waterproof Eye and Lip Makeup Remover
HK $70
(9/10)

This is the best make-up remover from my experience. It is waterproof, removes eye make-up instantly, is oil-free, and inexpensive. The most difficult product to remove is a good kohl, but this remover does a fantastic job in removing it. There will be no traces left. Also, suitable for all skin types, dermatologist-tested and safe for contact lens wearers. Definitely a product worth re-stocking on. Shake before use.

Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover
HK $120 
(8/10)

This is the best cream make-up remover that I've used. It can wipe off the thickest waterproof mascara, and leaves your skin feeling refreshed. However, this does not completely remove kohl, and can sting your eyes as the product goes in. If you don't have to re-apply make-up immediately, then this is highly recommended! 



Andrea  Eye Q's Eye Makeup Remover Pads
HK $45
(6/10)

There are a variety of these in the market. 65 pads in one box. The pads are really small, so you end up using at least 5 at one go. You need tissue to wipe your face afterwards as it generally leaves a very slight greasy film. This does not work so well for waterproof make-up. Suitable for contact lens wearers, and is handy while traveling. 


 Comodynes Make-Up Remover wipes 
HK $50
(7/10)

The wipes do a decent job of removing make-up. Not 100% effective, but wipes do give a refreshed feeling, especially if they have a soft fragrance to it. There are a variety of wipes in the market. Choose according to your skin type. I generally use a wipe after I have used a make-up remover solution, just so it feels like everything is off, leaving a refreshed feeling. Wipes are good choices for travel.

A rule of thumb for a good make-up remover, is to buy a clear formula that is suitable for all skin types. My standard buy is the L'oreal Waterproof eye and lip make up remover. Apply moisturizer afterwards if you have to.

Check out the official review on COVERmagazine:
http://www.covermagazine.hk/blogs/prerna-agarwal/make-removers-reviewed



Thursday, January 12, 2012

Sonia Rykiel Beaute 25th Anniversary Celebration (Part II)

Hello! Today I reviewed the Velvet Eyeshadow from:

Sonia Rykiel Beaute 25th Anniversary Celebration





This is a sparkly cream eyeshadow

A little about cream shadows in general:

Pros:
1. There is no need for an eyeshadow base/primer
2. It is more longlasting than a powder eyeshadow
3. Easy to give a metallic impression

Cons:
1. A lot depends on the packaging of the product. Generally, it's really messy to use a cream shadow as it's best applied with fingertips, and as its usually glitter. Can get all over the place!
2. Can give quite a thick layer on your eyelids
3. Colors are limited. Most often, the colors seen are soft glittery hues of purple/green/blue

Read the reviews of the Velvet Eyeshadow from Sonia Rykiel by clicking the link below!


http://www.covermagazine.hk/blogs/prerna-agarwal/sonia-rykiel-beaute-25th-anniversary-celebration-part-2