Review: Missha Two Faces of Beauty Limited Lip Kit (Sensual Smoky Look)

 Hello!

Today I'm going to review my Missha Two Faces of Beauty Lip Kit.

I am loving this kit so far-- so onto the review. My kit is called "Sensual Smoky," while the other kit is entitled "Feminine Grace." The only differences are the colors of the full size lipsticks/glosses. Take a look at my previous post on the haul, it has pictures of the other kit (my sister got the Feminine Grace set.)

 The Lipstick

Color: SBE203

Missha Signature Glam Art Rouge SPF15/PA+ 

Color: SBE203

In Neutral Apricot Beige, the Glam Art Rouge lipstick is great for long-term wear. The lipstick applies smoothly and the color softly melts onto lips.

Missha describes this lipstick as being a "neutral apricot beige" color. I kind of disagree. While it does have an apricot coloring to it, it isn't really neutral. It is really pigmented and reminds me more of a coral-type lipstick. See the swatch below. The lipstick is also scented, it has a subtle sugary vanilla-ish smell to it.

Lipstick SBE203 swatch

The color is really pretty, but like I said, it really is more like a coral lipstick than a beige/neutral color. 

The Lip Gloss

Color: SBE01

Signature Glam Art Gloss SPF12 

Color: SBE01

The shimmery gold pearl and beige gloss is great for elegant color, moisturizing, and long lasting wear.

While I disagree with Missha's labeling of the lipstick as being a neutral apricot beige, I agree with that description for the gloss. It is nude, very neutral, and beige. The gloss is mostly shiny, I don't detect much glitter. It has a "cleanish" scent? Nothing like the lipstick's scent.

Lip Gloss SBE01 swatch

Lip Gloss SBE01 on my lips

The Lipstick Palette

(from left to right) SCR304, SBE203, SOR401, SPK101, SRD703 

Signature Glam Art Rouge Mini Five-Color Lip Palette:

Collection of popular lip shades - SCR304, SBE203, SOR401, SPK101, SRD703

So as I mentioned in my Missha haul post, the palette includes the lipstick color from the "Feminine Grace palette," and also includes the lipstick color from this palette. 

While I like the idea of having a lip palette of Missha's popular colors, I was disappointed that the palette didn't come with a lip brush. If you don't have a lip brush, you have to go out and buy one or apply it with your fingers--which is less than desirable. I think they should have included a mini cheap brush. Onto swatches.

(from left to right) SCR304, SBE203, SOR401, SPK101, SRD703 

I really like these colors. They are all within the pink family in my opinion. The boldest/most different shade is on the far right. It is SRD703 which is included in the "Feminine Grace" Lip Kit. I'd describe it as a berry-ish red color with slight pink undertones. I am a big fan of this color. It is so wearable. A bold lip, yet it compliments my skin tone so well. I think this is a beautiful red that would look great on anyone. 

My Thoughts on the Products?

The Lipstick (Missha Signature Glam Art Rouge): A huge fan of Missha's formula. I wrote a post earlier about Missha's High Glossy Lip Rouge, which is a little bit cheaper than this lipstick. This lipstick is slightly upgraded. It is just as creamy, pigmented, and beautiful as the other lipstick, except this one seems to have longer wear time and doesn't seem to wipe off as easily. I have the same complaint of this lipstick as the other one though, it seems to really emphasize your chapped lips. Be sure to wear a lip balm or to exfoliate your lips before wearing this. The color is to die-for, the moisturizing and creamy formula is divine, and I am crazy about the subtle vanilla smell. LOVE THIS LIPSTICK!

The Lip Gloss (Signature Glam Art Gloss): I like this gloss. It is sheer, creamy, and very light-weight. It pairs perfectly with the lipstick, and works great on top of it. SBE01 is a very neutral/nude color and I like that it is shiny, without being too sparkly. I don't really like ultra sparkly glosses. The nice thing about this formula is that it isn't sticky at all. It doesn't have a scent. I can't vouch for the wear-time because I have yet to put it on all day, but I think this is a very nice gloss. 

The Lipstick Palette (Signature Glam Art Rouge Mini Five-Color Lip Palette): I really like this palette. I love the idea of trying Missha's most popular shades. The palette's lipsticks are just a lovely and creamy as the full size. I think that these colors are very versatile and would look great on anyone.

Rating: 5/5

Pros:
- Affordable and inexpensive
- Great value (full size products)
- Creamy lip stick and gloss
- The lipstick is highly pigmented/beautiful color pay off 
- The lip gloss is sheer and very wearable
- The lip gloss isn't sticky at all!
- The lip products are moisturizing
- The lip products have SPF
- Good longevity of wear time
- The lipstick smells amazing!

Cons:
- The lipstick makes your chapped lips obvious
- The lipstick palette doesn't include a brush

Overall, I am so happy about my purchase! I am simply crazy about Missha's lipsticks. Plus, I got my kit for a great price! I only paid $24, while the lipstick is $18 by itself and the gloss is $16. This kit is a real steal. Pick yours up today. It went on sale again, now it is only $20!!!! Head to the Missha US site and check out what they have. See you next post~~~

Missha Haul!

Hi everybody! 

As promised, I am updating you on my Missha haul ^^

We bought everything on the Missha US website.

It actually just came yesterday. The shipping was really fast. My sister and I were so excited when this arrived hehe. She picked it up at our on campus Post Office and we quickly tore into the package. I'll be posting reviews sometime in the future, possibly soon, since I've already been trying a few of my products. Now...onto what I got...

So as you can tell from the above photo, we bought both versions of the Limited Edition Lip Kits, referred to as the "Two Faces of Beauty." Mine is the Sensual Smoky look and my sister got Feminine Grace. She also bought an eyelash curler, and the three face masks in front. I also bought a BB cream sampler. The loose samples on the top left and the tall silvery package with an "M" on it are free samples. The tall black matte looking box (top left) is also a free gift :)

Smoky Sensual (left) and Feminine Grace (right)

I was the most excited about these lip kits! The two kits both come with a lip gloss, lipstick, and a lip stick palette with their most popular lipstick colors. The lip stick palettes are identical in both lip kits, but the lipsticks and glosses are in different colors. 

I think it's odd that "Smoky Sensual" has more nude colors, while "Feminine Grace" has more of the bold reds. Is it just me, or should the titles be reversed? Haha.

The Lipstick

Color: SBE203

Color: SRD703

The packaging is so pretty, with cute flowers. The front of the cover is transparent, while the rest is not. The lipstick has a sugary vanilla smell and has geometrical shapes on the actual lipstick.

I tried on the top lipstick, and I wouldn't call it a "neutral apricot beige" exactly. While it does have an apricot coloring to it, it isn't really neutral. It is really pigmented and reminds me more of a mauve color?

The other lipstick, SRD703, isn't quite as red as I thought it'd be. It reminds me slightly more of a berry red color, rather than a "crimson" red as stated on the site.

The Lip Gloss

Color: SBE01

Color: SRD03

The lip gloss looks so pretty! I love the packaging, and the wand for application is also really nice. SBE01 is described as a "Shimmery Gold and Beige gloss" while SRD03 is described as a "Daring Rose Red." I tried the lip gloss on yesterday, and it didn't feel sticky at all. It didn't really have a scent either.

The Lipstick Palette

(from left to right) SCR304, SBE203, SOR401, SPK101, SRD703 

So if you didn't notice already, the lipstick palette of Missha's most popular colors contain the two full size lipsticks already included in the set. I really like the shade SRD703, which surprised me. It is the brightest color in the palette and isn't something I would normally ever choose to wear. It is such a lovely berry red, and compliments my skin tone really well.

The Freebie

A cute and very pink passport cover. It is a free gift that came with our order.

Anyway, that's all for now! Just updating you guys in detail on the haul. So far I am loving the lip sets. I suggest you go grab one now, they are limited edition and on sale! I got mine on sale for $24, but after buying it, it went on sale for only $20!!!! I cannot rave enough about this lipstick formula. So creamy and pigmented. Check them out :)

Sensual Smoky Lip Kit

Feminine Grace Lip Kit

Review: Skin79 Scandal Rose Vanilla BB Pact

The "BB Pact" writing got scratched off...

 Hello! Today I will be reviewing a product by Skin79.

I love Skin79's BB cream, so if you have a chance, check them out. I used up a ton of samples from them, but haven't been able to purchase a full size BB cream yet.

This product, as you can see, is a compact. It is a powder, but I suppose they call it a BB pact because it is meant to complement the Scandal Rose Vanilla BB cream?

I don't own the Rose Vanilla BB cream, so today I'll just be reviewing the pact.

I believe I bought this on GMarket while I was in Korea for somewhere around $10 on sale. I saw it on Amazon for about $15 in the states I think.

When buying Skin79, make sure it has this little silver Korean sticker on it.
This lets you know that the product is authentic.

So as a side note, it seems like a lot of sellers are selling "fake" versions of Skin79's products. This includes their BB Cream. I don't know why they would do this, but do your research before buying. Make sure it has the authentication label.

So the packaging is a standard compact, but I like how there is a plastic separator between the powder and where you place the sponge. It is more sanitary, but this packaging seems to be standard for most Korean compacts. 

My only complaint about the overall packaging, is how easily the writing on the front cover gets scratched off. The "BB Pact" was completely scratched off mine, and even the "n" and "Rose" words are beginning to get scratched off on mine.

Skin79 Scandal Rose Vanilla BB Pact (UV Interception, SPF 30 PA+++)

Size: 12g

- Rose complex

- Coverage + Long lasting + sebum control

Directions: Apply using the puff, which is included, on the entire face evenly at the last step of base make-up.

Skin79 delivers when they call the compact "rose vanilla," it definitely has a floral/rosy smell to it. I don't smell any hints of vanilla though. The smell is pretty subtle, I think it smells alright.

Swatches

I swiped some of the powder on my finger. As you can tell, it is really light. I think this powder only comes in one color.

I swiped the powder onto my hand, but you can't really see it. I included a close up/zoom swatch above so you can compare the color to my natural skin color.

Coverage

Eyeliner, Eye Shadow, Lipstick (from top to bottom)

One application

Two applications

You barely see the difference between one and two applications. In the second application it looks like the eyeliner is covered a bit more, but it doesn't appear significantly different. The coverage is super sheer.

How I use this Product

After applying my foundation I pat this powder all over my face, I mainly use it as a settling/oil control powder.

My Thoughts on the Product

When I purchased this product, I wanted a nice powder-type foundation, unfortunately, this product does not do that. It is a super sheer powder, with barely any coverage. It was really disappointing. While the rose vanilla smell isn't bad, I'd rather have a powder that isn't scented? The idea of patting on some powder foundation that smells like roses doesn't really appeal to me. 

While I don't expect powder foundations in compact form to have a lot of coverage, I expect it to at least have some color to it with a slight amount of coverage. As you can see from my swatches, this color is so sheer, and it blends right it, like it disappears. The compact works pretty well as a setting powder-- it offers SPF benefits and also has pretty good sebum control. It seems to last pretty long, but other than that, I would say the powder does nothing. 

Who do I Recommend this Product to?

People with oily/combination skin. It works quite well for sebum or oil control, but honestly, I can't really recommend this product. If it only cost a couple of dollars, I would say it isn't a bad deal. But considering it costs $15+ in the states, it totally isn't worth it. You can find better compacts. 

Rating: 1.5/5

Pros:

- Sanitary Packaging (but this is standard for most Korean compacts)

- Good oil/sebum control

- High SPF

- Long wear time

Cons:

- Expensive if buying abroad

- Not a big fan of having my compact powder smell like roses

- The text scratches off the compact so easily

- Ultra sheer coverage/does nothing for me

So that is my thoughts on Skin79's BB pact. Thoughts? Feel free to comment below. See you all next post :)

Review: Etude House Bling Bling Eye Stick

Hello everyone!

Today I will be reviewing Etude House's Bling Bling Eye Stick, an eye shadow stick. I just love the name of it! Bling Bling eye stick. Did you know that SHINee endorses Etude House? I love SHINee. Whenever I use this stick, I think of Jonghyun (my bias) haha. Bling Bling Jonghyun-- though he doesn't specifically endorse this product ^^;

The packaging is simple, but I like it a lot. It is such a light-weight stick, so easy to just toss in your bag on the go. It has a cap, and you twist the top portion of the stick to make the stick come out more or less. I like how the shadow tip is rounded, making it easier to apply. 

Etude House Bling Bling Eye Stick

Size: 1.4g

Twist-up eyeshadow stick brightens eyes with its creamy soft and glittery formula. Rich color payoff applies color true and with an opaque finish for standout eyes. Easy-to-use design comes with a rounded tip for uniform and precise application of eyeshadow.

I found the description on yesstyle. Anyway, this eye shadow stick comes in six colors, mine happens to be in white meteor:

From the Etude House website

I love how multi-purpose this stick is! It isn't only used for eye shadow, you can see all the many different uses here:

Swatches

Close up

It is quite sparkly, and has a beautiful pigment. It is very creamy, and applies onto the skin very smoothly. I love the color pay-off, so pretty :)

Applied to the inner corner of my eye

How I use this Product

Since the color is so pigmented, and I don't like white sparkly eye shadow on my eyes, I use this color to brighten my eyes. I always apply it under my eyes to look more awake, to make my eyes appear a little bigger, and to make my dark circles/bags less apparent. I use it everyday, because it is so easy to use. I just swipe it under my eyes in the morning, and I'm ready to go. Less than 5 seconds.

My Thoughts on the Product?

I can't rave enough about this eye shadow stick! I ADORE IT! The pigment and color pay off is great. It also stays all day long. I always apply it under my eyes in the morning, and it doesn't budge all day. I literally have to scrub it off at night. I love how it makes my eyes look brighter and bigger, it is such a pretty white. Although it is pretty sparkly, and some people don't like that, I think the sparkle just makes the color pop even more. Just be careful if you apply it under your eyes, don't put it too close to your eye ball-- the sparkles can possibly get into your eye and irritate them/make them red or puffy.

They are also so cheap! A lot of bang for your buck. I got mine in Korea I think, but I see them on ebay for a little under $6 including shipping! A real steal. I want to buy more at some point. All of the colors are so pretty.

Who do I Recommend this Product to?

I recommend this to literally everyone. You need this! Who doesn't want a creamy, pigmented, and long lasting eye shadow stick with a million purposes? You can even take it with you on the go. You can use it to brighten your eyes, or for eye shadow. The color is so beautiful, and I love the sparkles. I highly recommend you buy one! It is a staple in my beauty routine and I wouldn't go a day without it.

Rating: 5/5

Pros:

- Cheap

- Highly pigmented

- Sparkly

- Creamy

- Long lasting

- Easy to apply

- A lot of product

Cons:

- NONE!

If you haven't tried this product yet-- please go out and buy it! You will not regret it. See you guys next post :D

Review: Dearberry Magic Oil Control Powder

Hello everyone! 

It's been freezing in NY lately, and we've had a few snow days at my college already. I hope everyone is staying warm in NY, it is so icy and slippery out there. Anyway, today I will be reviewing another make up product by Dearberry. This is a oil control powder, and the packaging is really cute! :) I think I saw it online for about $12-13. 

I've talked a little bit about Dearberry in a past post (Dearberry lip balm), and I actually mentioned them in a post on my study abroad blog on Tumblr. It's actually a blog I co-wrote with my twin, but she did most of the posting/writing haha. If anyone is interested in reading about our study abroad experience together, feel free to check it out here: our study abroad blog

The packaging is pretty similar to most loose powder make up. It comes in a round container with a screw on lid, and once opened, the container has little holes where the powder comes out. It also comes with a puff applicator.

Dearberry Magic Oil Control Powder

Size: 9g

Loose powder that gives you a smooth, flawless and shine-free complexion!

So unfortunately, I couldn't find directions for the powder. But it is an oil control powder, so I assume that you just pat some of the product on after your base make up. 

Swatches

As you can see, it is just a standard loose powder. Almost like a mineral powder. I'd compare it to a mineral veil. It appears pinkish-beige, but when you blend it, it is translucent.

How I use this Product

After applying all of my make up (concealer, foundation, sometimes a powder foundation) I pat this on in my oily areas. I mainly pat it onto my t-zone: nose, cheeks, and forehead. 

My Thoughts on the Product?

Love it. It is so convenient. It has lightweight packaging, and it is so easy to bring on the go if you get oily later in the day. All you have to do is pat it on with the included puff applicator. This stuff is great! I use it everyday and it ALWAYS keeps my oiliness at bay. When I apply this powder, I never seem to get oily, even if I am wearing makeup from 9am-11pm at night. I think I may have reapplied the powder once in the afternoon, but usually, this product lasts the entire day without re-application.

I suppose that after a while the puff gets dirty from use, and is really hard to clean. But in that case, you can easily switch over to a powder brush.

Who do I Recommend this Product to?

Anyone who gets oily during the day, or needs to touch up their base make up during the day because they start to get oily. This powder is great! It reminds me of a mineral veil. I only apply it to my t-zone usually, but it works well for setting make up too.

Rating: 5/ 5

Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight packaging
- Long lasting product
- Sets my makeup
- Easy application
- Prevents oiliness, especially in my t-zone
- Good for all skin types

Cons:
- Can't think of any

Hope you enjoyed reading my post! Until next time~~