Best Of 2014 ♡ BLUSHES

I am ending the wonderful 2014 with a list of my top beauty favourites of the year, this will be divided into a few categories which I will post and update within the next few days.

I actually got this idea from a thread in the Specktra forum and I thought it's a pretty cool way to end 2014 instead of posting beauty empties and/or some regular end of the month posts.

Today I am starting off with my favourite blushes of the year.

Last year I thought I don't need a lot of blushes as I am not as crazy about them as I am with lip products and plus, owning one or two in different shades can last me my entire life, so there is really no need of a huge blush collection... right?! Yeah that's what I thought, until I came across Sharlynn's blog! She loves her blushes, she owns some of the most beautiful shades and she knows how to apply them perfectly. Most days I read her blog, I am just here like... *total envy* ~

Sharlynn of The Blackmentos Beauty Box is one of my most read and favourite blog this year, her reviews are all very detailed and she's a nice and lovely girl. Check out her blog if you love blushes or just beauty in general. ^^ Sharlynn def deserves a shoutout because she is my number one commentor on my blog this year. So thank you, Sharlynn ♥ for supporting and keeping up with my blog!

Anyway, since discovering Sharlynn's blog, I have been collecting more blushes than I would usually do. This year I have three blushes that I have been obsessing over, scroll down to see which ones they are...

 HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING BLUSH - LUMINOUS FLUSH

Hourglass Luminous Flush Ambient Lighting Blush is described as a "champagne rose", the blush color looks different depends on lighting, it could look coral, and it could turn into a true pink. That's not the main reason why I love this blush thou; haha ~

Ever since I purchased this brush from Mecca Cosmetica, I have been SO obsessed! All it takes is a little dab in the blush with a blush brush, apply to the apple of your cheeks and it could last all day! The packaging is also really gorgeous, I love the golden reflected mirror look, but I am no fan of the many finger prints it left. The texture looks a little powdery from the blush pan, but it isn't chalky when applied; the blush feels very silky and soft, it applies and blends easily.

 MAC BAD GIRL GONE GOOD BLUSH
I regret to say I have been neglecting MAC lately, I mean, there's just too many new products and new brands to try; I just can't keep up hahah, anyone else with me?

MAC Bad Girl Gone Good Blush is described as a "warm cropper" with a Satin finish. I love that the color isn't dramatic, it doesn't give me that over-the-top un-natural flush. It is a dusty orange-y brown and the color payoff is great! The texture is soft, it blends well without being powdery, the color shows up on my skin as a dark orange-y shade and the blush could last up to hours and hours!

 CANDY DOLL CHEEK COLOR DUO HIGHLIGHT BLUSH - CANDY PINK
I wish I have purchased this blush sooner so I could write a full review of it and tell you guys how amazing the Candy Doll duo blush applies! I spot this blush in Ippondo a few months ago and my first thought was, how gorgeous is this blush?! Everything from the packaging to the product itself all looks very simple but it's really kawaii at the same time!

There are two colors in the Candy Doll Duo Blush, you can choose to wear the blush alone and add the highlighter or both colors can be swirled together to make a pretty light pink color. I have always swirl both the blush and the highlighter together and it turns into a pretty light pink shade with subtle shimmer.

I am always heavy handed when it comes to applying blushes and the reason why I adore the Candy Doll Duo Blush is because even thou I tend to be heavy handed and apply too much at times, the blush still comes out as a subtle pink and it gives me that natural flush on the cheek. The blush also last long hours!

Leave a comment below and tell me about your Best of 2014 Blushes! I would love to know what everyone has been loving this year.

MEMEBOX Superbox #69 Banila Co. ♥ Unboxing + Initial Thoughts

Memebox Superbox #69 Banila Co.

 MEMEBOX SUPERBOX #69 BANILA CO.
High quality, high performance, beauty essentials. Approved and endorsed by Korea's top idol group member, Girls Generation's Jessica, Banila Co. is certainly one of Korea's top-selling, most-loved cosmetics brands! Everything from skincare to makeup, Banila Co. is infamous for its high quality, high effectiveness, and pinchably cute packaging.

This is my LAST Memebox of the year, I am also banning myself from purchasing more next year. I feel like, I have been stocking up way too many Memebox this year that some of my all time favourite beauty items is left un-appreciated. For example: MAC! Obviously it's going to be a challenge once Memebox released some new boxes hahah, but I am going to try and stay away... Let's see if I can make it happen? ;)

 Banila Co. Claypatra Facial Scrub 120ml
Full size product: 120ml ($15)

Product Description: Containing 100% natural mud extracted from the mineral-rich Deed Sea, the Claypatra Facial Scrub is the perfect peeling scrub for exfoliating away dry patches, dead skin cells, and skin impurities. It will leave skin smooth, translucent, and firm.

How to Use: Spread the facial scrub evenly over clean, dry face and massage onto skin in a circular motin. Rinse off with lukewarm water. It's recommended to be used 1 ~ 2 times a week.

Initial Thoughts: Sometimes I wondered what the beauty world is going to be like in 10 years time... If people can come up with ideas of peeling scrub for your face, they can formulate anything! The whole thought of a facial peeling scrub is just weird to me. Last night I tried the Banila Co. Claypatra Facial Scrub and it was just awkward! The texture is very liquid-y, a big amount of product comes out with just one tiny squeeze of the tube, I end up wasting a lot of product; oh and, it smells like shampoo! During the wash, my skin was just... peeling... I guess that's the purpose of the product, to peel and scrub off your dead skin etc, but it's just gross >.< eek is it just me?

 Banila Co. Prime Primer Classic 30ml
Full size product: 30ml ($22)

Product Description: A lightweight, smoothly applying pore-refiner that enhances the skin's uneven texture and primes the skin for makeup application. The Prime Primer Classic leaves skin silky soft and creates a protective layer over skin, allowing BB cream or foundation to glides on easily and last longer.

How to Use: Apply at the end of skincare routine and as a starter to makeup application to prepare the skin texture for better makeup adherence.

Initial Thoughts: I have heard amazing things about this primer and I have always wanted to try it, so I am super excited and can't wait ~ At the moment I am trying to finish up all the primers I have already opened, to avoid wasting products.

 Banila Co. Clean It Zero 100ml + Free Sample Size 7ml
Full size product: 100ml ($22)

Product Description: This makeup remover goes on as a sherbet-like balm and transforms into a silky oil that effortlessly dissolves makeup and sunscreen. Its non-greasy, gentle formula made from papaya, acerola, and herbal extracts cleanse without dehydrating the skin.

How to Use: Take out the formula with the spatula and gently massage into skin. Rise off with water or wipe away with tissue.

Initial Thoughts: Things just gets weirder with a cleansing balm that you can take your makeup off with without rising off! I have used up the sample size and I actually really like it, it does the job well, removes makeup and all the dirt on my face, it even removes waterproof makeup. The texture is like a hard balmy type, then once it warms up, it's like melting butter on my face. It goes very greasy and oily once it's warmed up, I have tried to remove the cleansing balm with a makeup pad or tissue, but it feels thick and greasy. So I had always rinse it off after then wash my face again with facial wash. The Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is quite gentle on the eye, it doesn't stint but it did blur my eye version for a few minutes when I accidentally covered my eyes with it.

 Banila Co. Eye Love Gel Liner Natural Black 4g
Full size product: 4g ($11)

Product Description: Create dramatic to everyday eye makeup with this smoothly applying, waterproof, non-smudging, and long-lasting classic gel liner from Banila Co.

How to Use: Take a small amount of the formula on the tip of the brush and draw in the lines along your lashes.

Initial Thoughts: I have been using the 3 Concept Eyes gel liner prior to trying out the Banila Co. Eye Love Gel Liner, and I thought, I may never find another gel liner that will replace 3CE! Since I have tried the Banila Co. one, I just completely fell in love! The texture is very soft and smooth, it applies without smudging and my favourite part is being able to do my eyeliner wings perfectly with the gel liner, I often struggle to apply just a thin line and getting both my eye liners perfectly, this gel liner is very impressive!

Banila Co. Vanila Tint Balm Pink Illusion

 Banila Co. Vanila Tint Balm Pink Illusion 5g
Full size product: 5g ($9)

Product Description: A moisturizing tint balm enriched with vegetable essential oil and Vitamin E complex and works to soften and replenish dry, chapped lips with a lovely pink stein.

How to Use: Apply directly to lips as often as necessary. It's recommended to apply a lip gloss subsequently for adding more volume and gloss.

Initial Thoughts: I don't understand why this is named "Tint Balm Pink Illusion"? It's pretty much just a clear lip balm and it's not the balmy squishy or gel type either, it's like those hard balm type that leaves your finger prints to you swipe your fingers across. 

Banila Co. Glam Muse Luster Lipstick

 Banila Co. Glam Muse Luster Lipstick 3.5g
Full size product: 3.5g ($14) / Randomly selected from LRD331, LPK569

Product Description: This blend of argan oil and coconut seed butter delivers instant glow and volume to lips while the glam colors melt onto lips for a glossy, radiant pigmentation.

How to Use: Apply directly to lips, first filling in the inner lip contour and then lining the outer contour.

Initial Thoughts: I was expecting this lipstick to be like super pigmented with a bright hot pink shade, it turns out it's just a sheer pink which you can build up the color. This is choosen between the pink and the red and I was lucky enough to get the pink one, ^^ cause, let's me be honest, I am sick of all the red Memebox has thrown in my boxes lol! The Banila Co. Glam Muse Luster Lipstick is very moisturizing, it does bleeds after awhile and transfer to cups and food while eat and drink; the color is gorgeous thou!

Banila Co. Glam Muse Luster Lipstick Lip Swatch

Banila Co. Glam Muse Luster Lipstick Selfie

 OVERALL THOUGHTS 

Memebox's Banila Co. theme box is one of those that I have been adding to my cart and then deleting off my cart kind of boxes, I have never tried Banila Co. products prior to receiving this box and I have always wanted to since it's one of those brands that are not much raved about, but at the same time it's loved by many. Every single time I have added to my cart, then deleting it and came back to find it all sold out, I was super disappointed man! So when Memebox announced the return of the Banila Co. box, I thought, it's now or never!

I went ahead and grab the Superbox #69 Banila Co. box and I am just super glad I did grab this before it's all gone again! Banila Co. products are truly amazing, very good quality and looking at the prices on the introduction card, they are actually very affordable! Banila Co. does have that few weird products like peeling facial scrub and/or a greasy oily facial cleansing balm that suggest no rinsing after use, just wipe and it goes away... haha! I guess I am just not used to these stuff yet...

Overall Banila Co. products are amazing and this is like a really good try out box for all Banila Co. newbies. Memebox Superbox #69 Banila Co. cost $32.00 and I am sorry, by the time I have put up this unboxing, the Banila Co. box is all sold out again!

Anyway, have you tried any Banila Co. products?

Beauty Empties #4 ♡ ft. LUSH, Tosowoong, Banila. Co + More [2014]

Let me guess, you are probably wondering why I am putting up a November & December beauty empties post in the middle of the month? Don't we all post up one of these at the end of the month? Yes, but December is different, or I think so anyway.

I totally forgot about my November beauty empties post and since December is the last month of the year, I don't want to just end this year with some boring empties post... Don't get me wrong, I love these kind of posts, I love reading others beauty empties to see what have they enjoyed using and it also keep myself away from wasting products.

Anyway, I have better thing coming for the end of the year ;) **watch this space**... Now, let's continue with the November & December empties, I have finished up a few great products from Lush that you may be interested to hear my thoughts on.

LUSH Shower Gel L-R: Hot Toddy, Rose Jam & So White

LUSH Hot Toddy Shower Gel
I am not a fan of cinnamon scented items >.< I still wanted to try it anyway, cause you will never know what the product is like until you have tried it yourself, right? I don't regret buying this shower gel, but at the same time I can never imagine myself re-purchasing this, ever again!

I have previously used the Philosophy Cinnamon Bun Shower Gel and that one is a lot different compare to LUSH Hot Toddy, it is much sweeter and it has a coconut scent. Hot Toddy has a more spicy, plain cinnamon smell; and the shower gel is filled with loads of pretty gold sparkles.

I love: red shower gel with gold sparkles.
I dislike: strong cinnamon scent, smells like Chinese medicine.
Re-purchase?: NO!

LUSH Rose Jam Shower Gel
This may be the next best thing to Snow Fairy, ♥ not only does it look so girly and pretty in the bottle, Rose Jam smells amazeball! Like flora, sweet scent; it smells just like roses!

I love: pretty shower gel & beautiful roses scent.
I dislike: nothing.
Re-purchase?: definitely! stocking up on Rose Jam before it all sells out!

LUSH So White Shower Gel
I have just finished up So White not long ago and I am currently un-decided about this product. I have enjoyed using this shower gel but then I was glad I have finally finished it. Reason for not liking this is, it smells so weird! A lot of people says they love the crisp apple smell, but to me it just smells like a bunch of fruit thrown together in the blender that result in a can't be described scent.

The consistency of this product is kind of watery and it's not thick like other shower gel. Like I have mentioned before, it smells like a bunch of fruit thrown together, and it feels like water mix with a crunch of leftover crushed fruits from the blender.

I love: nothing.
I dislike: smells weird & feels weird.
Re-purchase?: probably not.

LUSH Celebrate Body Lotion

LUSH Celebrate Body Lotion
The smell of this body lotion brings back so many childhood memories, Celebrate has a sweet, fresh orange scent; I couldn't figure out the smell when I first started using this body lotion, I remembered walking around thinking... "I know this smell"... "It smells so familiar"... heheh ~ I later realized it's the exact same smell of Starburst lollipop, the orange flavor, it used to be my favourite!

LUSH Celebrate has a thick, creamy texture; it feels greasy when first applied then once the product has absorb into my skin, it feels soft and non-sticky. This body lotion really does an amazing job at fixing dry area on the body, I have seen amazing result after using this body lotion, my legs are no longer cracky looking and/or dry and flaky.

I love: the sweet orange scent & the smooth and soft result.
I dislike: the price... $34.90 / 225g... *cringe*
Re-purchase?: definitely!

LUSH Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub

LUSH Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub
This was my first time trying out the LUSH Rub Rub Rub shower scrub, and I am super impressed with this product! I love how I can scrub it on my body before shower on dry skin for a tough scrub or I can just use it as a normal shower product for that gentle scrub.

The texture is quite liquidy, a little scoop of shower scrub goes a long way, leaving my skin feeling very soft and smooth after. This product doesn't smell too bad, nor amazing; obviously it doesn't have a special smell that left me wanting more hahah. I actually can't remember what it smells like... but I know it wasn't bad!

Rub Rub Rub shower scrub reminds me of blueberry slushies, hehe one of my favourite drinks during my high school years.

I love: smooth & soft skin after use.
I dislike: too liquidy, I wish the texture was a bit thicker.
Re-purchase?: hmmm, maybe.

Tosowoong Morocco Argan Hair Oil

TOSOWOONG Morocco Argan Hair Oil
If you have been a long time reader of my blog, you know I am not a hair products fan, I hardly use any hair products and I never review any hair products, unless if it's heavenly amazing. So when I do review and/or mention a hair product, you know it must be a gawd damn amazing product!

I have been a long-time fan of the Tosowoong Morocco Argan hair oil, I love how it made my hair so soft and smooth and it smells olive delicious! This hair oil isn't greasy upon application and it doesn't turn my hair oily and greasy the day after. I have naturally straight hair and sometimes it goes frizzy when it's windy outside, after applying this hair oil, it hardly ever gets frizzy or messy unless if the weather is very bad.

Love everything about this product except the pump lol... The texture is like oil, oil and pumps just doesn't work togehter. Every time I push the pump, instead of having the hair oil come out like normal, it drips down the bottle and made the bottle all sticky and icky. I have also tried the hair oil with a spray type of bottle, it didn't work aswell :/ hmmm so what kind of applicator will work with a hair oil???

Anyway, highly recommend this product for those with dry, flaky hair, or even if your hair is coming to an end with loads of split ends, the Tosowoong Morocco Argan hair will help cure your damage hair! Also works amazing on those with perfectly fine hair, like me ;) I used it to soften my hair.

P.S I only apply this after I washed my hair, while my hair is still wet; apply after I towel dried my hair.

I love: olive scent, smooth & soft hair, cure split ends, flaky, dry & damaged hair.
I dislike: the pump, when pushed the pump, it drips hair oil down the bottle. 
Re-purchase?: Yes!

Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

BANILA CO. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm
I received a little sample pot of the Banila Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm in my latest Banila Co. Memebox, along with a full size of the same product. I have been using the sample pot and so far I am loving the product. This cleansing balm can remove all makeup and dirt on my face, it even removes waterproof products like eyeliner and mascara!

The texture of this cleansing balm is like butter, it felt like warming butter on my face then it goes greasy lol! I have made sure to keep it away from my eyes, but sometimes things does not goes as planned; even if it goes in my eyes, it didn't stint or anything, it just blurred my version for a few minutes before I washed off the product.

The unique thing about this product is that after you have applied the cleansing balm on your face, you do not need to rinse off with water. All you have to do is remove the cleansing balm with a cloth or a makeup pad... I am still not used to it, I always felt the need to rinse off the greasi-ness.

I love: remove dirt and waterproof makeup.
I dislike: feels like butter on my face, very oily and greasy.
Re-purchase?: probably not.

Bihada Ichizoku Rumiko Brightening Mask Sheet

BIHADA ICHIZOKU Rumiko Brightening Mask Sheet
I have tried a few Bihada Ichizoku face mask and I feel like non of them have given some kind of effect to my skin. Usually I can't tell if a mask sheet is amazing or not until I have tried a bunch of them, maybe that's why I can't see any benefit yet. I am mostly attract to these mask sheet for its packaging. :P

Bihada Ichizoku is a well-known skincare brand in Japan, I found these mask sheet in Ippondo and they are also available in any Japanese store that stocks beauty and skincare products.

The Rumiko Brightening mask sheet is suitable for all skin type, and it has benefits like anti-wrinkle, moisturizing and whitening.

I love: cute packaging.
I dislike: nothing.
Re-purchase?: always!

Pure Smile Essence Mask Sheet L-R: Green Tea & Pearl

PURE SMILE Green Tea & Pearl Essence Mask Sheet
I got both of these face masks from Memebox and again, I just don't see any difference the products made on my skin when it comes to face masks... Unless if it's magic like instant poreless! Then you know I would definitely notice lol... So far I haven't come across anything magical like that anyway.

Pure Smile is definitely one of my favourite skincare brand, I have enjoyed using their lip scrub and I am a huge fan of their lip masks! Even thou the mask sheet has done nothing to really impress me at the moment, I still really enjoyed those time using them. I love Pure Smile!

Pure Smile Green Tea Essence Mask Sheet helps to nourish skin, while Pure Smile Pearl Essence Mask Sheet helps brighten skin tone.

I love: I am a huge fan of the brand.
I dislike: nothing.
Re-purchase?: always!

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion

AVEENO Daily Moisturising Lotion
Someone posted a link in Beauty Review of Aveeno's Facebook page which you can request for a sample of their moisturizing lotion to try, of course you never say no to freebies ;) lol I requested for this sample and it arrived within a week.

I have never tried Aveeno's lotion before, so a sample is very useful. Also, the sample includes a $5 off voucher for your next purchase of any Aveeno moisturising lotion.

Aveeno claims this moisturising lotion will improve the health of dry skin in one day with significant improvement in two weeks. It helps prevents and protects dry skin for a full 24 hours, leaves skin feeling smooth and soft.

After finishing up this sample packet, I went ahead and purchase a full size with the $5 off. So far it's doing the job, it does leave my skin feeling soft and smooth. The texture of the first few pump is liquidy then it turns into a thick texture, it doesn't feel greasy or sticky and it smells like oatmeal.

I love: soft & smooth skin.
I dislike: oatmeal scent.
Re-purchase?: no.

Have you tried any of the products mentioned?

Christmas Wearable Makeup ♥ ft. MAC Rocky Horror Lipsticks

I am no experts when it comes to applying makeup, after so many years of practicing on my brows, I still can't seem to get it right >.< gahhh totally envy those with nicely shaped brows!

Anyway, while I was deciding how to spend my Saturday, last week; I end up playing with makeup and I thought, why not do a Christmas wearable makeup look post?! ^^

Also I wanted to see how the MAC Rocky Horror Picture Show lipsticks look when applied on my lips, as I have only done a swatch on arm kind of post last time, pretty sure some of you are curious how it look on my NC25 skin tone? & plus, the MAC RHPS lipstick fit in with the Christmas theme so well!

So I came up with this easy and simple Christmas makeup look that is wearable for both days and night.

PRODUCTS USED

FACE:
☆ Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer
☆ Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation - #52
☆ MAC Pro Longwear Concealer - NC20
☆ YSL Touche Éclat
☆ NARS Algorithm Laguna Bronzing Power Palette
☆ Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush - Luminious Flush
☆ 3 Concept Eyes Highlighter

EYES:
☆ Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Dark Brown
☆ Benefit Stay Don't Stray
☆ Le Metier de Beaute True Color Eye Shadow - Peachy Keen / base
☆ Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette - Limit x Nooner / crease
☆ MAC Her Cocoa Eyeshadow Quad - Her Cocoa #1 / lid
☆ Banila Co. Eye Love Gel Eyeliner - black
☆ Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara - Blackest Black
☆ Diamond Lash - Glamorous x 2 pair

LIPS
☆ Hurraw Night Treatment Balm
☆ MAC Rocky Horror Picture Show Lipsticks

Click here to read my MAC RHPS Lipsticks first impression + swatches xx

MAC OBLIVION

MAC Oblivion Lipstick is described as a Vivid Blush Red with an Amplified finish.

This is my top favourite from the MAC RHPS collection, the formula is very creamy, it's hydrating during wearing time and it applies so smoothly. Despite its creamy formula, it did not smudge and/or bleeds.

MAC Strange Journey Lipstick

MAC STRANGE JOUREY

MAC Strange Journey Lipstick is described as a Yellowish Brick Red with a Matte finish.

Also another of my favourite from the MAC RHPS collection, it looks more of a bright orangey red on me. Strange Journey glides on smoothly and evenly, the color pay off is amazing and the matte finish didn't dry out my lips. It was very comfortable while wearing this lipstick.

MAC FRANK-N-FURTER

MAC Frank-n-Furter Lipstick is described as a Deep Raspberry Wine with a Matte finish.

Frank-n-Furter is a beautiful deep wine red, its formula isn't that matte like it dries my lips, but it wasn't hydrating at all. I don't remember much of this lipstick, it obviously didn't impress me as much as it should haha ~ However, I like the full opaque coverage it gives!

MAC SIN

MAC Sin is described as a Deep Dark Blue Red with a Matte finish.

This is the worst I have ever tried... >.< The color pay off is good, the shade is gorgeous and really suits my dark lipstick moods lately; but the formula just sucks so bad! It pulls and drag my lips during application, it didn't apply evenly and oh, I am guessing this must be one of those old MAC matte finishes. It's just bad.

Did you enjoy this post?

Which of the MAC Rocky Horror Picture Show lipsticks is your favourite?