First looks on new products!

Hello guys and galz,

This week the Priceline 40% off all cosmetics once again sent girls screaming "IT'S BACK ... MUST RESIST... OH HELL NAW!". Well that's what I was screaming inside anyway. My tactic this time wasn't to stock up on my normal goodies but a chance to try some new things out that I've been eyeing these past few weeks.

My mini #pricelinehaul - trying out new things :D

                                                                                                                             Nude by Nature Value Pack 

First looks

Loreal Paris' Super Liner - Perfect Slim ($24.95)

I normally use Maybelline's Master Precise Liquid Liner, and I'm only somewhat happy about it.

In general, the liquid isn't very dark which means you have to keep reapplying. One good thing

about it is that the brush is small so it makes the line accurate and precise. 

The Super Liner has a felt tip brush as opposed to the soft brush of the MasterPrecise. At first I found this to be too thick for the skinny lines I like to create for my cat-eye look. However, when I got used to it I quite liked the felt tip brush because it got more formula on your lids and it actually comes out dark! The grip handle also helps with precision and getting into those tight spaces. Like Maybelline's liquid liner, it does smudge when you sweat etc, and since there is more formula that comes out in this pen, the running does get quite bad. 

Overall, I like this liquid liner due to how dark the formula is so it doesn't take too long to line my eyelids. I will probably put setting spray on it to see if does not melt off my face. 

Review: 3/5 

Physician's Formula Nude Shimmer Strips ($24.95)

I was devastated when I could not find a site that (safely) delivered Naked 2 Palettes, and the fact that it was $60 really put me off. Watching some recent youtube videos, makeup bloggers have raved on about these shimmer strips, and how they can be used for everything! 

To be honest, the main reason I got this was because of the cute packaging - I have such a sweet spot for packaging! But all in all, the instructions show that using the shimmer when dry is for eyeshadow, and when using it wet is for eyeliners. The pigmentation is quite good and stays on the lids for a solid amount of time. The pinker shades I can use for highlighting and illuminating when I can't be bothered to use my Benefit Watt's Up stick. 

I'm really liking this because it is so versatile and can be used to complete a nude look from the eyeshadow, eyeliner to highlighting cheekbones! It really does it all. The only thing that is off-putting is that some colours are wider than some, which means you don't get equal product for each strip! 

Review: 4/5

Maybelline's (New) Clean Express Total Clean for Lip & Eye ($6.95)

Again this cute bottle and the simple packaging really caught my eye. I've noticed that some other people have also been buying this, so for only $4.95 I decided to try it out. I currently use the Garnier Gentle Makeup Remover which is what is says - gentle and soothing on your face without that burning sensation afterwards. 

I was quite disappointed with this product - the oil that settles on the top is quite thick (because it has 'fast acting dissolving agents'). In most products I do not feel any burning sensation mainly because I have normal, combination skin - however this product actually made my lips and eyelids sting for a while! I feel that it may be too strong, especially since it is meant to 'remove stubborn and waterproof makeup'. I would not recommend this product for those who have dry skin as it will kill when you use it to wipe off your makeup.

I'm definitely sticking to my Garnier makeup remover - it actually makes your face feel refreshed afterwards. Never to be fooled by cute packaging again (sure, Jane... sure)

Review: 1/5 (only because it is quick in removing makeup from your skin!)

Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara ($3.50)

This is a must for everyone who wants to tame those longer eyebrows in between waxes! I just ran out of my ELF one and was not going to order another batch online, or buy it from Kmart which is like double the price of those products in America so I decided to give this one a try. Honestly, you get what you pay for. The formula is quite runny and just the overall packaging makes it look like its for little kids. 

The ELF Lash and Brow Gel is thicker and helps the eyebrows mould into place. For both of these products I would not recommend putting it on the eyelashes. I mean, what is the point when it just puts a layer of gel that makes it heavier and harder for lashes to separate when you're applying actual mascara. It also causes lashes to lose curls because it does weigh down the lashes. Give it a miss for your eyelashes! 

Even though it is runny, it does do the job for eyelashes and I like this brush better than the ELF one. This one is thinner so you can sculpt your eyebrows more precisely which is awesome. This is just one of those products that does not need to be over $5... or ever $3. It is just an essential for all those who just need some taming for when you need some serious waxing, or you could even use it to put the long hairs into place for you to do some self grooming (i.e. plucking). Overall, I'm feeling neutral about this product - an essential that is runny but nothing to complain about. 

Maybelline's (New) Superstay Lip Liner in 41 Rosewood ($12.95)

I've been needing a nude/pinkish lipliner because when I wear my nude lipsticks it smears outside of my lipline and just looks like my lips are camouflaging with my face. Not a good look. I am quite impressed with this product, as it does last long and since it is a bit darker than my lipsticks it really defines my lip line which makes it look more defined and fuller. 

I'm not so sure about the last power yet because I have only used it once, but I am really liking the colour of it. It is not a creamy formula so you're going to have to apply it layer by layer - make sure your lips are moisturised and not dry! 

Today I went into target to try the NYX version of this and I do find that it is more creamier, and there is a larger range that these new lip liners. I will also give that one a try and compare the two!

Review: 3.5/5

Maybelline's (New) Superstay Lip Liner in 46 Red ($12.95)

This is just the same lip liner but in a red because I lost my Revlon Colorstay one which was absolutely amazing. Smooth, creamy and lasts forever on your lips. However, I was not going to fork out double this time to lose it again. 

Anyways, the colour of this lipliner is quite universal. It matches all different kinds of reds as it is not too bright or vibrant - nor is it particularly dull either. The colour would work from the medium reds to even the darker wine colours as well. 

As I said, the formula is quite dry so you will have to keep applying it to get that more defined look. Using my ELF lip liner brush I blend both of the colours in and apply my lipstick. My lips look a lot more defined and fuller. But as I mentioned, I have not used this product enough to comment on its long-lasting factor. Overall, I am liking it!

Review: 3.5/5

Nude by Nature Soft Focus Illuminating Powder (included in Value Pack: $19.95)

In my makeup collection I don't have many mineral products so I'm not quite familiar with the performance of this on my face. However, I am very excited to start using mineral products!! The benefits include, lesser coverage which allows your pores to breathe and not break out under a thick layer of foundation. It doesn't quite stick on your face as much as denser products - again for easy breathing but doesn't last as long. 

Overall, I quite like the colour, which is a pinkish-yellow toned illuminator that you can brush slightly on top of bronzer or blush that doesn't have any shimmer to it. The packaging is very small so little product comes out - that is not a problem though because you don't need much powder to highlight your face. Unlike the shimmer strips and highlighting sticks like Benefit's Watts Up, this illuminator is more so for the whole face or in large sections like the cheek. It can't be completely focused on one section like under the eyebrow area because it just won't stick on. 

I can't wait to test how this works against my other products!

Review: N/A (haven't used it long enough!)

Deluxe Kabuki Brush (included in Value Pack $19.95)

The main reason that I bought this Value pack was because of this awesome brush! I have been looking everywhere for a brush that dusts on bronzer effortlessly - which doesn't make all those weird 'dirt' splotches on your face that I always get. The bristles are so goddamn soft that I just want to use it all the time!! 

They're also quite densely packed which is perfect for picking up the tiny mineral products to brush over your face. I have very high hopes for this Kabuki brush - please make my makeup routine that much easier. I just bought this today so again I cannot comment on the longevity of the brush or whether it shreds. 

Just at first glance it is absolutely amazing and I have been waiting so long for a brush like this (which is very affordable as well!)

Review: N/A (but I would give it a 4/5 for softness and ability to pick up minerals very well)

Product list and pricing: 

R.R.P as listed above.

All prices are taken from the Priceline website. www.priceline.com.au

Hope you had fun reading this post! Comment below, or on Facebook to recommend some new products that you have used. Have a great weekend everyone :D 

Janie

Splurge vs. save (brief list!)

Hello gals and guys :D

Hope you've all been well! Today's post will be on the constant battle between high end products and drugstore brands. We've all been there in Myer, David Jones or Mecca Cosmetica and wondered if we should buy the $55 Benefit blush or just stick with our favourite Maybelline 'bouncy' blush. Here's a post that will help you decide whether you should take the plunge!

I'm pretty much in the same position as you! I've only really got a handful of expensive products that I spent hours online and hours in store testing to see if it is really worth it.

Splurge on: 
Foundation
Breathability & texture - 
- Firstly, this is the product that you will be covering your WHOLE face with. If the product is not breathable or causes allergic reactions then of course there would be damage. This is more evident in drugstore brands such as Maybelline, Covergirl and Rimmel. I'm not saying that these products are to be avoided completely but you need to watch out on which foundation you pick as you should avoid damaging your skin.
- Usually higher end brands have products such as Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua which has a lighter texture and generally feels more breathable on the skin. Chanel's Vitalumiere provides good coverage as well as being better for the skin.
- Textures of drugstore brands such as Covergirl are normally very thick and seem to smear onto your face rather than properly blend in. It leaves streaks on your face no matter how good your makeup brush is.
Colours & Coverage:
- Besides Revlon and Bourjois, most other drugstore brands have a maximum of six shades (of which three are highly unflattering) which makes it very difficult for you to find a colour that matches you!
- Especially with Asians, it is hard to find a mixture of a pink and yellow undertones - so we might end up with a cake face that we just aren't proud of.

Recommendations: 
Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua foundation
Make up Forever's HD High Definition foundation
Revolon's Colorstay foundation
Bourjois' Healthy Mix foundation


Blush and Bronzers:
Pigmentation & Lasting power
- I have tried many blush and bronzers from high end and the lower ends and I can tell you that for sure the feel and pigmentation of expensive brands are so worth it.
- Drugstore brands such as NYX and Rimmel have nice blush colours, especially if you want to go for a natural look, but generally they come on very light and needs to be built on a lot. In most cases they do not last very long either and it fades easily which means constantly reapplying even at a dinner party!
- I used to swear by Rimmel's Match Perfection blush in light/medium, however after constant use of the colour faded very quickly. Similar to Rimmel's Natural Bronzer in Sun light 021. As a pair these worked well for about 2 hours but fades equally as fast when you are sweating or are going through any energy inducing exercise. Also, the colour of the bronzer never sit that well with me. It isn't as orange as other drugstore bronzers, but it definitely had a hint. This is not great for any contouring because you end up looking like a cake face clown!
- After moving onto higher end brands like Benefit and Nars I have never really looked back. Benefit's Dandelion and Sugarbomb are great compact blushers that give you an even coverage and lasting power. Overall the colour pay off is great because it actually stays on your skin!
- Nars Orgasm blush is absolutely amazing. The colour is like a very subtle metallic corally/magenta pink that stays on all night. As a cult product is really does suit most skin colours so you won't be afraid to try it out.
- Coupled with Nars Laguna Bronzer, they both have just enough glitter to highlight your cheeks as well as creating a sculpted contoured face. The bronzer has no orange colour pay off which is perfect for slight contouring when you are having a simple night out without too much makeup. Again the bronzer lasts quite long compared to many of the drugstore products that I've tried.

Save on:
Mascara
- Despite the buzz about expensive mascaras such as YSL baby doll, Diorshow Mascara and Lancome Hypnose, they pretty much do the same thing as drugstore brands.
- As I mentioned in my last post, mascaras especially from the Maybelline line gives you a more subtle look as well as being quite build able and have curl hold.
- Many high end branded mascaras have fascinating brushes and colours (blue, green & purple) but I don't know if you are willing to fork out $50 for a mascara based on mere intrigue!
- Drugstore brands are enough. Trust me. Getting sucked into buying fifty dollar mascaras and finding out that they don't work as well as your favourite (and cheap) mascara will cause a big hole in your purse... and your heart!
- Check out my older posts to see what mascaras are for you! http://blushandbronzers.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/to-new-year-and-new-mascaras.html


Eyeliners 
- Although the pretty packaging of Chanel and Dior liquid eyeliners, you're better off paying $10-$20 less on them. I personally have a sample eyeliner from Lancome, and the lasting power is pretty much the same as the Retractable eyeliner from Revlon.
- But, one thing to splurge on in this category is a good gel eyeliner. Maybelline's Gel Eyeliner is quite good but the formula dries up quite easily so it is hard to use after a while. For a more longer lasting gel eyeliner, you should opt for the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner which has great lasting power and doesn't dry out as fast!
- But for liquid eyeliners and your everyday liners, just stick to your good ol' Revlon or Maybelline!

Recommendations
Revlon's Colour Stay Retractable eyeliner
Maybelline's Master Precise Liner (Liquid)
Bobbin Brown's Gel Eyeliner

This is just a brief overview of some products for now! More 'Splurge vs. Save' posts to come :)

Toodles,

Janie

To the New Year and New Mascaras

Hey ladies and gentlemen!

After a few months of being AWOL on this blog, I've finally come back for the new year of 2014.  Here's to new years' resolutions and learning to finish what you started :) Wishing you all a swell start to the new year!

Could it be "The One"? (talking about mascara here!)

Which mascara is right for you? Are they too clumpy? Does it run when you sweat? Can it hold your curls? Will I have voluminous lashes like all the models who put on fake lashes for a mascara campaign?! I have some of the answers here for you. 

Loreal's Volume Million Lashes

Thickness/Volume: *****
Length: ***
Curl hold: **
Intensity: ***
No Clumping: ****
Waterproof: Not waterproof but holds up well with some sweating 

Overall, this mascara does as it says - creates very thick lashes and its plastic bristles attaches onto every lash. For Surprisingly this mascara was also very black in colour which is great for creating a more intense look. However, the thickness does come at a cost due to its quite heavy formula. Not as thick as some of the mascaras below, but it seems to not be able to hold a curl as well. As you can see the bristles are all straight which means an even coverage of formulae which makes it difficult to extend the middle lashes especially. This is good for both everyday use for a more intensified look, as well as a simple evening, not over the top, lash look. 

Verdict: ***.5

Rimmel's (new) Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara
Thickness/Volume: **
Length: ***
Curl hold: *
Intensity: ***
No Clumping: **
Waterproof: Not waterproof 

This is one of my first Rimmel mascaras, and to be honest was a big disappointment. Unlike most mascaras, it has a really big wand which makes it difficult to manoeuvre around small lashes. In the ad it promised a 'doll-like', 'retro glam', look. The shape of the wand supposedly makes the outside and inside lashes longer than the middle lashes making your eyes look bigger. The fact that the formula smelled like nail polish remover, and was just so thick really put me off. When I applied it on my lashes, it just felt like wiping black paint on my lashes, weighing down my already very straight lashes. Not a very nice look at all. Due to the heavy formula, curl hold was very poor as I mentioned above. The only real benefit was the length. Disappointed!

Verdict: **

Covergirl's Lash Blast Volume Waterproof Mascara
Thickness/Volume: ***
Length: **
Curl hold: *
Intensity: **
No Clumping: ***
Waterproof: TOO waterproof 

Overall, I had high hopes for this mascara because it is raved about on every beauty blog and beauty video. I'm not sure if it was because I got the waterproof one, which is way to waterproof by the way. It took me about 6 swipes of Garnier's gentle makeup remover to get it completely off my lashes. The bristles are also plastic, but unlike Loreal's (Millions) mascara, they are very short which felt like it couldn't grab any lashes at all! The formula is very thick and feels uncomfortable on the lashes - as if lashes got a few times heavier - and again thick formulas are the worst for curl hold. The thickness of the lashes was noticeable, but the length was nowhere to be seen due to the short bristles. Overrated. Really. 

Verdict: **

Lancome's Hypnose Mascara
Thickness/Volume: **
Length: ****
Curl hold: **
Intensity: ***
No Clumping: ***
Waterproof: not waterproof

Overall, this 'high end' mascara is probably not worth your money if you are looking for an all-rounder. However, it is excellent for layering. The formula is quite thick, wet and might smudge if you don't let it dry on your lashes. If you let it set properly though, i.e. wait for a few weeks before using the bottle, it dries up and works a charm. Usually I use this mascara for when my 'natural' mascaras do not give enough oomph. This mascara lengthens beautifully, especially when you just apply it on the tips of your already applied lashes. It will clump if you use it by itself due to the thick formula as other mascara I have mentioned above. Lancome's Hypnose also has bristles that are quite short which makes it difficult to make the lashes voluminous as it does not capture every lash. This formula is not waterproof so again I would not recommend using it on its own!

Verdict: **.5 

Maybelline's Colossal Volume Express Waterproof
Thickness/Volume: ***
Length: ***
Curl hold: ***
Intensity: **
No Clumping: ***
Waterproof: Enough waterproof

Overall, this mascara is similar to the above. Better for layering that using it by itself. The bristles are way too thin to soak up a lot of formula so this reduces its drama factor. Ideally you use the flatter side to build up your volume/thickness and length, and the curved side is to add the curl, and furthermore to make the lashes at the end longer for a 'cat eye' look. However, to create this look, this mascara needs to be layered onto another mascara already on the lashes. For example, using the more basic mascaras like Maybelline's Full 'N Soft, and Loreal's Volume Million Lashes, creates a voluminous base to shape the curled lashes. Apply this mascara, again to the tip of your lashes so it does not clump. This should extend your lashes that are towards the end and lengthen the middle lashes. 

Verdict: **.5

Maybelline's Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara
Thickness/Volume: *****
Length: ***
Curl hold: ****
Intensity: **
No Clumping: *****
Waterproof: Enough waterproof

Overall, this is by far my favourite mascara of all time! Don't be fooled by the funny looked bristles in the picture. The closeness of the thin brush-like, and soft bristles attach itself effortlessly onto your lashes. Unlike Maybelline's Colossal Volume Express mascara, the formula soaks the bristles enough for even coverage and lightly onto the lashes. It promises that your lashes will be soft and full and it really does its job. In all of the times i've used it, there has never been a sign of clumping which is awesome! I've gone through many mascara bottles, but this is the one that I always go back to. It is good as a base for other mascaras, good on its own when you continue layering it, and it just feels so light on your lashes. One thing about Maybelline mascaras is that the formula is thin so that it doesn't feel too heavy on your lashes making you want to rub it off. Due to its light formula, curl hold is great and I feel like my lashes are curled all day. A great mascara for everyday use if you aren't satisfied with your own lashes - some extra oomph for the day time. 

Verdict: ****

Benefit's They're Real Mascara

Thickness/Volume: ***.5
Length: ****
Curl hold: ***
Intensity: ***
No Clumping: ****
Waterproof: enough waterproof

And lastly, behold the Holy Grail of all mascara users! This mascara is raved about on every website and every beauty blog I've ever been on. Yes, the formula is great - gives you thick lashes but the formula isn't too heavy. The unique ball bristles at the top end of the brush is great for trying to get those small lashes on the inner or outer corner of your lashes, as well as lengthening the middle of your lashes as well. Even though it is always raved about, I'll bring you back to earth! The volume for this mascara is quite average - it doesn't grab onto all your lashes, and when you try to it continues to lengthen the ones that are already long! Also the bristles are VERY sharp so if you get it too close to your eyes you might just get a nasty surprise and you do not want that from your mascara! Like most thick formulas, it does not hold a curl as well as the thinner formulas. It does boast to make your lashes look 'real', but I feel that it is a step too intense for a natural looking mascara. I'm not trying to steer you away from buying it, but don't always go for the high end mascaras just because you've heard everyone talk a lot about it. It is a great mascara but there are cons too!

Verdict: ***.5

There you go. For those who are too afraid to try mascaras, I've made the job easy for you! Hopefully the new year brings in new mascaras that you love (or hate). Feel free to ask me any questions or to give me some opinions on mascaras that you have used (or the ones I've posted about!) 

Prices and Where to purchase.
Loreal's Volume Million Lashes, Priceline, $27.95.
Rimmel's Scandaleyes Retro Glam, Priceline, $16.95.
Covergirl's LashBlastVolume, Priceline, $17.95.
Lancome's Hypnose Mascara, Myer, $52.
Maybelline's Colossal Volume Express, Priceline, $17.95.
Maybelline's Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara, Priceline, $14.95.
Benefit's They're Real Mascara, Myer (Benefit bar), $38.

Toodles, 
Janie 

IMATS Adventure: Part 1 of 2

Hey guys! 

I know I've been away for a week but I am really busy with the influx of uni work and assignments, as we all are. This will just be a short catch up post to show you some pictures of IMATS (International Make Up Artist Trade Show). They bring in international products, mainly from America to our willing Australian hands. It was really an amazing experience. We got to see some talks about makeup, and flooded with make up after make up after makeup! Part 2 will be much more detailed, especially with descriptions on the items that I bought. Also, if you want some tips on skin care that I have asked from my friend who has worked with Clinique tune in for my blog next week as well. 

Presale Tickets: All day - $35-$45

Tickets at the door: All day - $50

Entrance: it's like Cosplay for makeup ^^

ermergerd Makeup forever!!!  

Top end budget brushes, ranges from $4 to $18 (Bargain!)

IMATS Makeup Talks: Showing professional make up (and us noobs) artists how to contour, highlight, and apply eye makeup correctly.

Mac store. Nothing special, just 20% off everything :)

Amazing Camo Man painted by Mac Makeup artists using their 'body paint' line.

I didn't get anything from Inglot but the prices were really decent! 30% off all products. I didn't buy anything but my best friend bought a lipstick ($27 down to $19)

More Inglot! People were crazy. We spent a good 30 minutes waiting to purchase the liptsick. 

 Couldn't stand close enough, but make up artists doing their magic on models and giving 'runway' tips to the public. Putting gloss on your lids after finishing your eye make up will make it last longer and seem more intense!

 And we are done ^^ 

Isn't she pretty ^_^

Goodbye IMATS! See you next year :)

My haul for today. $242. Overspent but I will justify my reasons in Part 2!

As a person who has become really interested in makeup, it is great that there are shows and conventions for pretty much any interest group! I didn't hear about IMATS until I came across some beauty bloggers who raved about the discounts. Because it was Australia, I assume that the discounts weren't as great as say in Toronto but it definitely gave me a look into the professional make up field. There were make up artists everywhere buying 20 of the same make up brushes to stock up. And many sales people were treating everyone as if they were make up artists. It was really an enlightening experience. But yes, I would recommend any upcoming make up artists or those who are getting into makeup to check out IMATS tomorrow or next year. It is like walking into the industry in one exhibition room. Anyways, I will be showing you guys what I bought next week and my reasons for it. 

Till then, stay beautiful! Hope you have a great weekend and good luck for upcoming assessments and mid-semester exams.

Toodles,

Janie 

BB-Cream Mania. Which one's for you?

Hi lovelies! 

Another week, and another instalment :) So this week, I've decided to do a review on Western BB creams that rival some Asian BB cream brands. It is so difficult to find a BB cream that actually does what it's meant to, as well as 'perfecting' our skin to make it flawless. The colours, the ingredients, and the SPF quality always plague our minds when buying a Beauty Balm. So here are my reviews on the products and hope it helps you to find one just perfect for a perfect you! Of course I don't have all the BB creams, but below are just some pointers you should be looking out for.

Fun Facts on BB creams:

• BB creams are short for beauty balms of blemish balms. 
• It is considered an 'all in one' product which makes your skin feel smoother without a too much of the thick consistency of foundation. Many of them claim that they will 'beautify' your skin, to make it better over time. BB creams treat your skin and can contain:
• Vitamins A, E and C as well as peptides and antioxidants
• Moisturising elements such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin
• Light reflecting Mica to give skin a luminous finish
• Silicone based ingredients which could act like a foundation primer
• ingredients such as licorice and arbutin that help even out skin tone
• Many women use this all in one beauty balm to replace the zillions of products they need in their beauty regime.

(L to R: Garnier, Nude by Nature, Natio, Maybelline, Loreal) 

(L to R: Natio, Garnier, Nude by Nature, Loreal Paris, Maybelline New York) - BB creams.

Maybelline Dream Pure BB, 8-in-1 BB Cream (For Oily Skin) - Light 
Pros: 

1. One of the first BB creams that contains 2% Saliclyic Acid which fights against acne, and redness on the skin.

2. The consistency is not too thick or too runny, so when you apply the product it feels like a moisturiser that sinks into your skin. It gives a relatively flawless finish, that is nicely dewy.

3. It is for Oily/Combination Skin so it doesn't dry out your skin.

4. Contains SPF15 which is one of the highest in BB creams.

5. The light colour complements lighter skins without a yellow tinge that some foundations and BB creams contain.

5. Does not flake off the skin, and feels again much like a moisturiser.

Cons:

1. Some people say that the light colour, although not yellow, makes your skin look grey. This has yet to happen to me, but on those days that your skin is extra pale I wouldn't recommend using this BB cream.

2. It is not very long-lasting on the skin, so it would be better used as a primer under foundation for long-lasting finish.

3. Not a great range of colours - Light, Medium and Dark. It is hard to find a good colour for every skin type.

3. Not suitable for dry skin - You might want to try the older version Dream Pure BB cream with pink writing!

4. Even though it claims to fight against acne, it doesn't really but does hide redness and blemishes.

Rating: 4/5

Loreal Paris Nude Magique BB Cream 5-1 (Bare Skin Beautifier) - Light Skin Tone

Pros:

1. Contains SPF12 and 24 hour hydration - Suitable for Dry Skin

2. It has smart pigment capsules. It comes out as white and blends into the skin in the 'light tone' skin colour. These beads also make the skin feel very soft!

3. It has a dewy glow as opposed to the Maybelline's Dream Pure BB cream which gives are more matte and 'dull' finish. It is also quite long-lasting

4. Light Skin Tone colour has a yellow tinge - suitable for those with more 'yellow pigmented' skin.

5. Gives flawless skin and colours up all the redness even though the product is quite light in consistency as well.

Cons:

1. For those who want a natural look, this BB cream results in a more foundation like look.

2. Since it takes a lot of effort to blend the beads in, if you're not careful you may not get even coverage as it claims. Sometimes when you're in a rush you might have patches all of your face. (Has happened to me a couple of times!

3. After a while, the product itself gets leaky and doesn't feel as nice on the skin anymore.

4. Can't use a makeup brush with this BB cream - only your hands. 

5. It seems to look like a layer of foundation on the skin rather than sinking into the skin and beautifying it that way.
Rating: 3/5

Nude by Nature BB 5-in-1 Miracle Cream - Medium

Pros:

1. Contains Natural Sunscreen (Zinc Oxide) so in flash photography, you would get less of a 'white' face than those above.

2. Unlike the two above, it contains more product (50ml as opposed to 30ml)

3. The colour is quite nice for lighter skin as it blends well into the skin. The Medium colour is good for  fair skin, but the lighter one is too 'pinkish'.

4. Long lasting, with good coverage.

Cons:

1. The smell is strong. It smells like a eucalyptus kind of foundation which may be annoying when blended into the skin.

2. It has a thick consistency which feels heavy on the skin - less of a moisturiser and more of a foundation.

3. Good coverage, but not so flawless. It flakes when you touch it, even straight after you apply it. Has a quite 'cakey finish.

4. Only contains natural sunscreen, and not SPF so it wouldn't give you as much UV protection. 

5. It has a very dewy finish and doesn't blend in well with the skin - you're left with a sticky layer of BB cream.

Rating: 2/5

Natio Pure Mineral Skin Perfecting BB Cream - Fair

Pros:

1. It is a pure mineral BB cream. Minerals and nutrients are needed for your skin because it oxidises your skin, giving it 'air to breathe'. It is also 'light reflecting', so gives you a radiant glow.
2. Contains SPF15.
3. Gives you lasting hydration - because it contains Vitamin E, Jojoba and Shea Butter. Good for Dry Skin
4. Contains Green Tea and Chamomile to soothe the redness on your skin.
5. It has good coverage which you can replace your heavy foundation with. It is long-lasting.
Cons:
1. It has a very strong foundation smell that is quite off-putting.
2. It covers well but when you look closely, it sinks into the 'lines' of your skin and look like you are wearing foundation.
3. Also gives you a 'sticky' finish on your face after you finish, and doesn't absorb well into your skin
4. The colour selection again isn't wide, and some of the colours are quite light. Even medium is light on the skin
Rating: 3.5/5

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector - Light/Clair

Pros:

1. Contains SPF15

2. Recommended for drier skin because it leaves an oily finish.

3. Gives you a natural skin glow, and glides along the skin well.

4. Lightweight on the skin, which is good because the chemicals used do not sink into the skin

5. The colour is quite nice because it is so lightweight, blends with your skin-colour

Cons:

1. Because it is so light, it is not as long-lasting as other BB creams.

2. Like the Nude by Nature, it is quite cakey and flakes when you are in more humid/hot weathers.

3. There is a certain smell to it that might be off-putting.

4. It is quite oily/greasy on the skin, not dewy like other products, so it not recommended for Oily/Combination skins.

5. Many people say that this product breaks them out, probably due to the lack of minerals like Natio's BB Cream.

Rating: 3/5

My top picks: Maybelline's Dream Pure BB 8-in-1 BB cream and Natio Pure Mineral BB Cream!

Have a lovely weekend!

Toodles,

Janie.