Friday's Fragrance

 Talking about perfumes, there are a variety of types; eau de parfum, eau de toilette, etc. How do you choose?

First, we have to know the difference between the products. Why does a 100mL of eau de perfum cost more than 100mL of eau de toilette? What's the difference?

The difference in price is due to the difference in concentration levels. Alcohol is used as a liquid base for perfume. The ratio of alcohol to scented perfume concentrate determines the final label. From the highest concentration to least, the different forms of perfume are:

• Perfume, can include 15-40% perfume concentrates. As this is the purest form of scented product, it is also the most expensive. Also known as extract or extrait perfume. 
• Eau de parfum, includes 7-15% perfume concentrates. This is the most popular and common form of perfume found. It provides a long-lasting fragrance and generally isn't as expensive as perfume.
  
• Eau de toilette, includes 1-6% perfume concentrates. Originally intented to be a body splash, the scent doesn't linger as long as the more intense versions.
  
• Eau de cologne is sometimes used interchangeably with eau de toilette. This is also a light, fresh fragrance.
  

Today's pick would be:

Ralph Lauren Romance
Eau de Parfum
1.7 oz HK $480
3.4 oz HK $610

This has the sensual elements of velvety woods, extravagent florals and seductive musk. Although it was released in 1998, it remains as my favorite perfume. It has a spring-like feel to it and lasts long. It's not too sweet or fruity, and gives an intense refreshing fragrance - got to love it!


My post for COVERmagazine:
http://www.covermagazine.hk/blogs/prerna-agarwal/fridays-fragrance

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:

http://covermagazine.hk/blogs/prerna-agarwal/mineral-make

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