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Concerning Primers: A review of the BECCA Resurfacing Primer + some thoughts

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Face primers are one of the hardest beauty products to review, in my opinion. After trying a plethora of them, I know what my favorite one is (I’ll get to that later), and yet the lure of trying another one is just so strong. Primers often promise a) longer wear for makeup, b) oil-control and mattification, and c) magical pore disappearance.

BECCA Resurfacing Primer - Bottle

The BECCA Resurfacing Primer “smooths skin to create the perfect complexion.” It is a “velvety matte lotion that helps control unwanted shine and reduce the appearance of pores.” The lotion itself is opaque white, similar to Hourglass Veil Mineral, but the BECCA Resurfacing Primer has a lot less slip and is a bit thicker/harder to work into the skin.

Here it is, under the BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector (Opal) and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Ethereal Light), in natural light (left) and indoor light (right):

BECCA Primer - Face

It’s a mattifying primer minimizes the appearance of lines and pores. Because I used a super luminous base, though, I think it defeated the purpose. (Sorry about that!) I mean, look at how glow-y it looks in near-direct sunlight!

BECCA Primer - Face - SUN

So, I used it under a foundation that I recently tested out. I have photos of the same foundation while I used it over another primer, my holy grail, the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.

BECCA Resurfacing Primer

Comparing the BECCA Resurfacing Primer to another primer that I love made it easier for me to determine which I prefer and why. While I like the BECCA Resurfacing Primer enough, Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer still takes the cake. The feel of it is better and the wear of whatever base I am using seems to be longer. My skin feels smoother with HVMP, and the foundation seems to play better with it. In terms of filling in pores and stuff like that, Hourglass pulls ahead as well.

Although I like BRP a lot and will continue to use it, I will opt to repurchase the Hourglass in the event that I do run out of a face primer. I think it really depends on your skin type and personal preference, when it comes to primer.

Hourglass and BECCA are both cruelty-free.

3 Product Face: An Experiment

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I first saw the 3 Product Face on Shari’s blog, but prior to that, I did a 4 Product Face. I think that we do these challenges to prove to everyone that we CAN SO live with the bare minimum, we just want a bit of fun!

Then again, it could just be that so many people right now are in way too much of a hurry.

3 Product Face - Stuff

Anyway, this is what I came up with. Initially, I wanted to use eyeshadow or a liner, but I opted for a base instead. As much as I love this Graymelin CC Base Cream*, I think I made a mistake! You’ll see why in a bit.

Instead of eyeliner, I opted to use mascara. Everyone yammers on about how that and a bold lip are all you need to look polished so I wanted to test that theory with the Le Métier de Beauté Anamorphic Lash Mascara, which I don’t reach for for volume… but one that I feel most comfortable wearing.

Then, for lips, I have MAC’s Plumful, which has the right amount of pigment for a morning at the textile market and printer, aka my errands for the day.

I always thought that a bold lip could instantly make a bare face look 10x more put together, but somehow a vampy or red lip seemed to be inappropriate. Plumful gives just the right amount of color without being ostentatious.

3 Product Face - Face

I look so sleepy. Granted, I really was, but still. I think a bit of eye makeup could have made me look more awake. You can tell from this picture how little mascara does for me, although I should note that my eyes were even smaller pre-mascara.

There’s nothing much to say about this, truthfully! I think the lipstick is nice. My face looks strangely bare, even though that’s more product than I used to wear on my face until recently when the relentless makeup bug bit me.

What would you wear for a 3 product face? 🙂

* I received this product for free.

Stash Shopping No. 9 & The Product Directory

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I haven’t done these in a while, but I have been wanting to use some of my “forgotten” products. This week, I will be focusing my attention towards my MAC palette which has 15 eyeshadows and 3 blushes—more than plenty to get me through the week.

SS N9 - MAC Eyeshadow Palette

SS N9

As for lip colors, I want to use my Tom Ford lipstick in Flamingo, and my Addiction lipsticks, namely Gold Fish, Strong Woman, and Lady of the Lake, all of which need some more love, I think.

I’ve also slowly been trying to not be lazy and use up some of my less-loved face primers—The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser and y.e.t. Cosmetics Fill It Up Primer. Just because I have way too many primers right now to not be using them. I hate wasting product also, and The Body Shop is on its last legs, so I figured I’d help it out and just use it up already.

Anyway, I also wanted to post two short announcements. First, you can still donate towards relief aid for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. I have placed easy links on my sidebar, in case you wish to give any kind of aid. I’ve added Bottles for Visayas, a campaign initiated by some people from the Google PH team. You can donate as little as $5 and send 40 500ml bottles of water to Central Visayas.

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(Do you like my banner? I made it myself~)

The next announcement is pretty awesome. I’ve devised what I call The Product Directory. It’s just basically a page where I list all of the products that I’ve mentioned in this blog, whether it be from a review or usage. I feel like it will allow you to navigate this blog a little better, so please let me know if it helps. 🙂

You can access The Product Directory through the navigation bar on top, or by clicking this link. Please let me know if it is helpful. 🙂 I’d appreciate all the feedback.

Autumn Blush Picks

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Autumn Blush

I don’t usually discriminate makeup as seasonal only, but from time to time, I get swept up by the vibe of various holidays that my makeup just follows suit. Here are some blushes that I’ve been tending to reach for lately.

Autumn Blush - Swatches

L-R: Addiction Cheek Stick (Tea Rose), Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush (Exposed), MAC Extra Dimension Blush (Fiery Impact), NARS Blush (Sin), Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush (Blushing Bride), BECCA Beach Tint (Raspberry), Addiction Cheek Stick (Suspicious)

I tend to go neutral (to pair with a vampy lip) or with plums and berries if I want to wear a nude or neutral lip. I’ve been laying off the corals and pinks right now, but I can’t say for sure if that’s due to the seasonal changes.

What blushes have you reaching for lately? Is it seasonally inspired? Do share!

Sample Stash Sunday: Burberry Beauty Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation in Trench No. 4

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Burberry Sheer Foundation - Trench No 4 - Packet

Here’s an exciting thing I have come across, in my sample exploits—the Burberry Beauty Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation. I have it in Trench No. 4, which is surprisingly a good match for me. It seems like it anyway; I was surprised since I just got this as a Sephora sample.

Product Description: “Formula: A sheer and light cream fluid. A gelled structure for optimum light diffusion.

Benefits: A subtle finish and natural glow that illuminate the skin. The skin feels beautifully bare, supple and comfortable.

Protection: Hydrating formula. Contains UV filters to protect from damaging environmental exposure.”

Right off the bat—I love this foundation. I applied it below over a primer (Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer) and topped it off with a finishing powder (Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal Light), but this foundation is a) weightless, b) easy to apply and blend with fingers, and c) provides decent coverage for a sheer foundation.

Burberry Sheer Foundation - Trench No 4 - Face

I was surprised at how hard it was to spread out, though, given that it’s a sheer and “fluid” foundation. The formula, which I have depotted in a little screw-top pot, is quite runny so I was surprised, by the aforementioned quality of the foundation. However, like I said, it is quite easy to blend.

Burberry Sheer Foundation - Trench No 4 - Pot

Other things to note are:
— The wear time is excellent. No fading & slight oiling up after about six to eight hours.
— Fragrance is strong; similar to Guerlain products.

That said, despite all of the merits of this product… I haven decided not to purchase makeup items from Burberry. I’ve been searching for information about its animal testing policy ever since I laid eyes on Pale Barley, and while I’ve found information regarding their makeup range (they do not test on animals, FYI), I couldn’t shake off the fact that they are largely involved in the fur trade, which is a complete no-no off-limits area for me.

For months, I have been convincing myself that I would be supporting the beauty range and not their fashion lines (duh, on account of I cannot afford even just a sock), but the thought never really sat well with me… so I shall forget about Burberry and move on. I know that personal preferences when it comes to makeup vary a lot, so trust that I do not and would not judge you if you decide to purchase anything from this line. 🙂 It is really quite beautiful, so I do not blame you!

As a makeup lover, however, the bottom line is that this is a beautiful foundation, which you may want to look into if you want a natural finish and decent, light-medium coverage. As a product, by itself, I can recommend it. 🙂

Nosy Beauty Vol. 17: Natalie

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Yay, it’s back! Did you miss Nosy Beauty? I sure did! If you’re new, Nosy Beauty is a series on this blog where I pry into the makeup bag lives of different people. Lucky for me, they oblige. 🙂

This week, we have Natalie! She is currently a student and she is definitely one of the bloggers whose posts I look forward to. Aside from posting reviews, she does FOTDs quite often and is adventurous with her makeup—something I certainly wasn’t when I was still in school. You can check out her blog here.

IMG_5412
This is natural makeup for me. It’s definitely not a no-makeup makeup look—you can see colour, but it’s nothing overwhelming.

I believe makeup should be fun, and should be something that you play with. I like the way it can change an entire look or outfit. Your makeup is your most powerful and versatile accessory – it’s easy to change up a look with just a different lipstick, or using the same quad of eyeshadows differently.

I also like to think I’m defying social conventions with my makeup, and just defying social expectations, in my own small way. Most people—boys especially I find—think that makeup should never be seen, if you have to apply it at all. I’m comfortable enough going out barefaced, so when I use makeup, I don’t believe in using it to ‘hide’ imperfections, but to make my outfit more fun. I love looking at runway looks and trying to figure out how to translate them into something more wearable. I also love to have colour—lots of it.

IMG_5826
Examples of my slightly unconventional makeup. On the left, I used white eyeliner on my upper lashline rather than my waterline. On the right, I’ve used golds and brown and eyeshadows, then I used a blue eyeliner to make the bronzes pop.

You’d notice in the photos below that I don’t carry eyeshadows or blushes with me. I’m of the belief that if my eyeshadow or blush doesn’t last throughout the day with the help of a primer, it’s useless. I started with theatrical makeup (probably how my love for colourful makeup started) and we always used highly pigmented MAC eyeshadows. I don’t have any patience with powdery and poorly pigmented products. Most of my favourite items are from Urban Decay and MAC for this reason.

Bases

Trick to making your makeup last longer—use a good base. I have MAC Bare Study and MAC Eye Prep + Prime here. I have Kiehl’s Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment and Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Moisturizer on the top, which I massage into my face about five minutes before starting on makeup.

I don’t use a face primer unless I’m going on stage, because I don’t like the way silicon clogs up the pores. Also, wearing a primer on top of a moisturizer usually means the two products slide off each other and it’ll just make your face feel greasy.

Eyeshadows

My staple eyeshadows—all of them from Urban Decay. In a clockwise direction, I have the Naked 2 palette, the limited edition Glinda palette and Theodora palette, which was a tie-up with Disney’s Oz: The Great and Powerful movie, released this year.

Concealer

I’ve only started to use concealer recently (damn you university life). I have the Catrice concealer palette a friend of mine was kind enough to buy for me for my birthday.

In the photo I also have my staple blushes. I believe everyone should own a blush in these shades; brown, pink and coral. You don’t need anything else, really. In a clockwise direction, I have MAC Warm Soul for whenever I want some colour on my cheeks but I’m not sure exactly what (it goes with everything I swear), MAC Born to Love whenever I want a pinker, more saccharine look and MAC Ripe for Love when I’m wearing coppers and bronzes.

Bag

This is the makeup bag I carry around with me everywhere. I think it was a free pouch my mom got from Agnes B. I’ve used it for ages and it’s gotten pretty worn out. I keep meaning to replace it, but I haven’t been able to find another pouch at such a handy size.

Staples

These are the items I always have inside my makeup bag. I always keep a packet of blotting paper (why I decided to buy overpriced blotting paper from Bobbi Brown is a long story, but it’s lasted me a long time now), a Painted Earth Luminous Coconut Oil Pressed Mineral Foundation (which is the my go-to powder foundation), a compact mirror from Forever21, and my compact of Guerlain Meteorites Illuminating and Mattifying Pressed Powder Compact in Teint Beige, which is my favourite finishing powder. It makes my skin feel velvety smooth, has a lovely scent, mattifies my skin and always creates a subtle glowy finish that I find no other product can replicate (Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders come close though).

Switchy

Here are other products that I usually swap around, but I will carry in some form or another. Lip balm (Korres Lip Butter in Mango here, which does amazing things for my dry lips), a pencil sharpener (I love my Urban Decay Grindhouse), a powder brush for touching up foundation (I’ve got my pink Kabuki brush from Painted Earth Skincare), a travel-sized vial of perfume (here I’ve got Anna Sui’s Fairy Dance, which I love), disposable eyedrops for when my contacts dry out and whatever eyeliner I happen to be wearing that day. (Here I’ve got Maybelline Hypersharp Liquid Liner and MAC Photogravure).

Swappy

And these again, are products I usually switch around but will have in some form in my palette. A lipstick or lip tar (I have OCC Clockwork here), a lipgloss (Bobbi Brown Canary High Shimmer Lipgloss, which is a dazzling mess of gold sparkles) a mascara (Painted Earth Supercurl mascara) and my Bobbi Brown Raspberry Pot Rouge, which I carry out of habit more than anything as I used to use it all the time.

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Thank you for sharing a bit of your makeup life with us, Natalie. 🙂 I hope you all enjoyed this return to (hopefully) regular posting. For more Nosy Beauty, click here.

Stashed & Forgotten: Rouge Bunny Rouge Colour Burst Lipstick in Whim of Mine

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Hello, I’m unveiling a new series here called “Stashed & Forgotten,” in which I post a review about products I have never spoken about at least 6 months after purchase. In the spotlight right now is a lipstick from Rouge Bunny Rouge called Whim of Mine.

RBR - Case - Whim of Mine

I don’t actually get why it has taken me this long to review it (I hauled it back in February), and why I don’t use it that much. Well, why I didn’t use it that much, anyway. After uncovering it again, I kind of feel like wearing it all the time.

RBR - Bullet - Whim of Mine

Whim of Mine is a peachier MLBB—or, My Lips But Better—shade. It looks quite boring in the tube, but it comes alive when applied.

RBR - Swatch - Whim of Mine

The formula of the Colour Burst Lipstick is quite creamy and opaque. It reminds me of the formula of the MAC Satin lipsticks, but there is quite a lot of slip and a tad bit less opacity and thickness. The application is a breeze, and it actually really feels comfortable to wear. Again, I don’t know why I don’t reach for this more often.

RBR Colour Burst Lipstic in Whim of Mine - Face

I think it might look better on me with my tan than it used to, with my natural skin tone. Who knows? I find it to have just enough warmth in it to brighten up my complexion instead of making it appear more yellow, as other warm colors are wont to do. I think it’s a gorgeous color and I’m so stumped because this has been wasting away for the past ten months. Go figure.

Do you have any forgotten makeup that you wish you paid more attention to? Do share. 😀

Rouge Bunny Rouge is cruelty-free.