Tony Moly's Pikachu Mini Cushion Blusher in 02 and 03

★★★★★ out of 5

Price: $8 (on sale right now)

Why did I pick this product?
I mean... look at the packaging. How adorable is that? Plus, I was in search of a cushion blush.

Where to buy it?
I bought it at a Tony Moly store while I was in Korea. However you can purchase it on YesStyle.com.

Description:
01, aka Pink Fantasy, is a very light pink shade that would look good on very fair and cool skin tones. (not pictured here because didn't purchase) 02, aka Rose Coral, is a rosy shade that would probably look best on people with cool skin tones. 03, aka Peach Orange, is a peachy shade that would compliment people with warm skin tones. 

02 - Rose Coral

03 - Peach Orange

Pros:
- Cute, sturdy packaging
- Good amount of product
- Good color pay-off
- Fruity scent 

Cons:
- Packaging might be too bulky for some

Bottomline: I love it. I use it daily because I prefer cushion blushes to powder blushes. Cushion blushes tend to blend better on my skin because I have pretty dry skin. Putting powder blushes on my face accentuates the dryness even more for me. This blush gives me a healthy glow on my cheeks and helps me achieve a dewy, fresh look - perfect for the summer or spring. The blush doesn't leave you feeling sticky and it blends well into the skin. It's very buildable as well. I personally like to keep my cheeks looking natural and slightly flushed, but it's possible to make it bolder by patting on more product. Below are pictures of it on my forearm. 

natural light vs flash (03 top and 02 bottom)

Speak of patting, the cushion is so cute. It looks like a pokeball (whoever thought of this packaging - give that person a raise). 

If you can get your hands on these, I would recommend buying them! I wish I would've stocked up on these. I might be biased because I love Pokemon/Pikachu, however I genuinely believe this is a quality product. There's good color payoff. It comes with a mirror, cushion, and a good amount of product at an affordable price. And once again, look at the packaging.

REVIEW: Kylie Cosmetics Matte Liquid Lipstick & Liner in Candy K

★★★ out of 5

Price: $29

Why did I pick this product?
The hype. I bought it because of the hype - to be honest. Also, I was looking for a matte liquid lip product.

Where to buy it?
I bought it on http://kyliecosmetics.com/

Pros:
- Comes with a lip pencil 
- Good pigmentation
- Pretty color
- Long lasting

Cons:
- So expensive...
- Dries out lips

Bottomline: If it was cheaper, I would definitely buy another in a different color (try colourpop). I like the creamy, mousse-like formula, pigmentation, and color of the product, but it dries out my lips too much. I already have dry skin... no need to give attention to it. Also, it's way too expensive for what it offers. I'm not made out of money. When you pay for tax, shipping, & handling, you end up paying close to $40... That's insane. Most people just get this product to say "I have a Kylie Lip Kit."

REVIEW: Mac Cosmetics Viva Glam V

★★★★ out of 5

Price: $17

Why did I pick this product?
It was time to invest in a quality lipstick. I wanted to get a nice mauve/pink lipstick that gave my lips a subtle pop of color for the fall. I was in between Viva Glam V and Amorous but decided to go with Viva Glam V because it's one of their most popular colors and 100% of the proceeds go towards MAC's AIDS fund.

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Mac Cosmetics.

MAC claims: A long-wearing, smudge-proof gel eyeliner pencil in intensely pigmented matte shades. This luscious pencil features a creamy gel formula that glides on for a modern matte finish. The waterproof formula will never smudge or fade. It is formulated without parabens.


Pros:
- 100% of proceeds go towards MAC's AIDS fund
- Good pigmentation
- Beautiful color
- Decent moisturization

Cons:
- Not as long-lasting

Bottomline: I would definitely repurchase if I ever ran out of it because, first it's going towards a good cause, and lastly, it has color and shimmer without it overpowering the rest of my makeup/face. Since it's part of the "lustre" collection at MAC, it has a bit of shimmer. It comes off rather luxurious because the "glitter" is quite fine and, therefore, glides one smoothly and leaves a "pearly" finish. I have pretty dry lips and it keeps my lips pretty moisturized. I took off one star because I wish it stayed longer on my lips (but maybe it came off because I constantly eat throughout the day). 

REVIEW: Clairol Shimmer Lights shampoo + conditioner (purple shampoo)

★★★ out of 5

Price: $16.50 for both

Why did I pick this product?
I've been trying to transition back to my natural hair color, which is a mix between dark brown and black. However I currently have an unintentional ombre because I used to dye my hair light brown. Over time, my dyed hair took on a brassy color. Therefore, I wanted to neutralize the brassiness. Purple-colored shampoo is usually used to help neutralize brassy colors like yellow and orange because purple is on the opposite side of the color wheel.

See?



One of my friends, who recently went blonde, recommended it to me so I decided to try it out. However she warned me that it would dry out my hair.

Where to buy it?
I bought it on Amazon.

Clairol claims: Shimmer Lights refreshes faded highlights, removes dull yellow in gray hair, and leaves hair shiny without residue - and it can be used on natural or color-treated hair.

Pros:
- Tones down brassiness

Cons:
- Dries out hair

Bottomline:
Toning down the brassiness comes at a price. Maybe it's because it's winter time but my hair become very dry and full of static. My sister noted that the brassiness did tone down however I don't know if the pros outweigh the cons. If you do decide to use the product, make sure to deep condition it with a hair mask or a good conditioner. Would I purchase it again? Eh... probably not. The reason why I didn't post a picture is because I don't think you can tell the difference. It's kind of expensive, it dries out my hair, and I didn't see a huge difference. It may work better on different types of hair and hair colors. It's originally made for blondes and I have naturally dark hair. 

REVIEW: Sephora Collection Sleeping Masks

★★★★★ out of 5

Price: $4 each

Why did I pick this product?
My friend, Christine, picked these up for my birthday. I instantly got excited because they looked so cute and winter has been wrecking havoc on my cheeks lately. Everything was just perfect timing. There are many different masks that serve different purposes.

Where to buy it?
You can buy it at Sephora.

Sephora claims: It is a line of rich cream-gel textured sleeping masks, each with a skin refreshing benefit. Each of these masks is infused with a different active ingredient for relaxing the skin and achieving a brighter, more revitalized complexion. The luxurious cream-gel texture melts into skin for penetration of the active ingredients while you sleep. These masks are dermatologist tested and are quick and easy to use. 

Pomegranate Mask: Awakens and tones the skin while reducing signs of fatigue for a revitalized look. 

Ginseng Mask: Provides a tightening effect while toning for a supple, fresh, and energized complexion. 

Lingzhi Mask: Smooths wrinkles and minimizes the signs of aging for younger-looking skin. 

Green Tea Mask: Absorbs excess sebum and purifies for a matte, clean complexion. 

Lotus Mask: Locks in water and reduces the signs of fatigue for the appearance of plumper, more rested skin. 

Rose Mask: Plumps skin and gives an immediate radiance boost for hydrated, more luminous skin. 
Honey Mask: Nourishes and relieves dry skin instantly for softened, balanced skin. 
Pearl Mask: Evens and helps minimize irregularities for skintone that is even, fresher, and brighter. 

Research results: 
Pearl Mask: In a use test on 22 volunteers, after 42 days of use: 
- 90% felt skin is moisturized 
- 81% felt skin is fresher 

Ginseng Mask: In a use test on 21 volunteers, after 42 days of use: 
- 100% felt skin is suppler 
- 96% felt skin is firmed 

Lingzhi Mask: In a use test on 20 volunteers, after 42 days of use: 
- 100% felt skin is smoothed 
- 100% felt skin is younger-looking 

Lotus Mask: In a use test on 21 volunteers, after 21 days of use: 
- 91% felt skin is re-plumped 
- 91% felt skin is fresher 
- 91% felt skin is softer 

Rose Mask: In a use test on 21 volunteers, after 21 days of use: 
- 96% felt that skin is softer 
- 95% felt that skin is ultra-hydrated 

Green Tea Mask: In a use test on 21 volunteers, after 28 days of use: 
- 100% felt skin is purified 
- 96% felt skin is fresher 

Pomegranate Mask: In a use test on 22 volunteers, after 21 days of use: 
- 100% felt skin is toned 
- 100% felt skin is invigorated 

Honey Mask: In a use test on 22 volunteers, after 21 days of use: 
- 100% felt skin is nourished 
- 100% felt skin is re-plumped

Pros:
- Simple packaging 
- Many uses
- Lots of choices
- Hydrating
- Affordable

Cons:
- Not resealable

Bottomline: I love this. Go buy it. If you're tight on cash, just avoid ordering that extra side of fries and buy one of these. One "mask" is good for at least 3-5 uses. They are super hydrating and refreshing. If you like gel-like textures, you'll like this product. It's very light, yet moisturizing. I have only tried the Rose Mask but will most likely purchase the others after I finish the two that I already have. If I have one negative thing to say about this product, it would be that I wish it had better packaging. Since it can be used more than once, I wish it was resealable. I'm guessing they didn't do it because it would end up raising the prices. Nevertheless, I would 120% recommend this product!

REVIEW: Sephora Collection Contour Matte Gel Eyeliner in All Black Everything

★★★★ out of 5

Price: $14

Why did I pick this product?
Maybe it's because I have oily eyelids but none of the eyeliners stay on my lids. Liquid eyeliners flake off after a few hours. Gel/pencil eyeliners smudge and make me look like a panda/raccoon. I decided to pick this product because the liner can be brought up by twisting the bottom and it was waterproof, pigmented, and "long-wearing." Also, it was at a price point that I didn't mind paying.

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Sephora.

Sephora claims: A long-wearing, smudge-proof gel eyeliner pencil in intensely pigmented matte shades. This luscious pencil features a creamy gel formula that glides on for a modern matte finish. The waterproof formula will never smudge or fade. It is formulated without parabens.


Pros:
- Simple packaging
- Easily glides on
- Good color payoff/pigmented
- Waterproof

Cons:
- The tip becomes too blunt to draw a sharp cat eye
- Not that smudge-proof

Bottomline: I think I would repurchase because, out of the one's I have already tried, I liked this one the best. It's affordable, travel-friendly, and well-pigmented. I did not give it five stars because it still smudged a bit and the tip was too blunt to make any detailed lines. It doesn't really matter for me because I usually do a toned down smokey eye. I have monolids, which may be why the eyeliners keep smudging onto my lower lash line. Anyhoo, I would recommend it to a friend.

REVIEW: Tarte park ave princess (Contour Palette)

★★★★ out of 5

Price: $34

Why did I pick this product?
I have never contoured my face because but I wanted to try it out. Honestly, the packaging looked so cute and alluring. Also, it comes with a bronzer, highligher, and blush, so I thought it was a good deal.

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Sephora.

Tarte claims: Be a contour de force with tarte’s newest complexion-enhancing essential – a 3-in-1 contouring palette featuring the iconic park ave princess™ matte bronzer and a complementing highlighter/blush duo. The trio of rich, skin-nourishing pigment is infused with Amazonian clay and works wonders to help balance all skin types for a fade-free, effortless finish. Available all year round, this chic palette features a sleek, portable design and full size mirror so you can dress up your look and create an instantly slimmer appearance at home or on-the-glow! 
3-step contouring shades include: 
• Amazonian clay matte waterproof bronzer in park ave princess™
• Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in posh (pale pink) 
• Amazonian clay highlighter in champagne gold

Pros:
- The packaging is beautiful 
- Comes with a mirror
- Subtle color and good color payoff (the colors are so pretty)
- Travel-friendly

Cons:
- The color of the bronzer may be limited to certain types of skin colors

Bottomline: I personally was very pleased because I liked how subtle the colors were. I think this palette is perpect for beginners, like me, who are just starting to learn how to contour their face because it doesn't leave behind harsh lines. It gives your skin a healthy glow, while naturally contouring your jawline. However, if you're going for that "Kim Kardashian" look, I wouldn't recommend this because it may be too light.

REVIEW: Clinique Moisture Surge Intense

★★★★★ out of 5

Price: $52

Size: 2.5 oz (100 ml)

Why did I pick this product?
No matter how much lotion I put on my face, it has been so dry. My skin felt rough and flaky because the cold, harsh winds have been attacking my face. I didn't have a moisturizer in my skincare routine so I decided to try one out. I heard so many good things about this moisturizer. Also it doesn't hurt that the packaging is very cute.

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Sephora.

Clinque claims: Rich, oil-free cream-gel plumps skin with 24-hour hydration. Instantly rehydrates. Helps repair skin's moisture barrier over time. Works for extra dry to dry skin.

Pros:
- Gel-like texture
- Really moisturizing
- Leaves a dewy complexion 
- Leaves skin feeling moisturized for hours

Cons:
- Could be a little sticky feeling in the beginning
- Smells a little "chemically"

Bottomline: Although it has a few cons, I still gave it five stars because it does what it's supposed. It keeps my skin feeling moisturized and makes my heart look so healthy and dewy. However, I have to warn you that this is formulated for really dry skin. So if you have oily skin, I don't recommend using this. Try the regular Clinique Moisture Surge. Also the bigger size is currently limited edition and it's already sold out on the Sephora website. Obviously other people think it's really good too!

REVIEW: Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream (Rinse-off Formula)

★★★★★ out of 5

Price: $20

Size: 3.4 fl oz (100 ml)

Why did I pick this product?
After snowboarding, my cheeks got so chafed due to the cold winds. Also, because of the harsh winter cold, my face started to get flakey. My mom and the lady at Sephora suggested getting a scrub because it'll help exfoliate and get rid of the dried skin flakes. I picked this because it was the most affordable and reasonable for its size. Also, I currently use a lot of Clinique products for my skin so I thought it would be more compatible.

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Sephora.

Clinque claims: Dermatologist-developed exfoliating cream deflakes, refines. Helps minimize the appearance of fine lines. Clears the way for moisture. Works for all skin types.

Pros:
- Creamy texture
- Doesn't dry out skin
- Refines skin

Cons:
- None

Bottomline: I absolutely love this scrub! I've used it for about a week and it has made my skin tremendously soft and even. It got rid of all my dried skin flakes without being too harsh on the rest of my skin. I haven't broken out and my skin isn't irritated by it. If anything, I feel like it helps me avoid pimples and blemishes. Also, it has a lot of product and the price isn't that bad. If you're looking for a scrub, I'd say go for this one!

REVIEW: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Jet Black

★★ out of 5

Price: $20

Color: Jet Black

Size: 0.016 fl. oz.

Why did I pick this product?
My friend and a lady at Sephora recommended this liner when I said I was looking for a precise, waterproof liquid eyeliner. I was debating between this one and Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner.  I was hesitating from buying this liner because it was a bit pricy. However, I made the purchase because my Lancome's gel liner made me look like a panda by the end of the day. Also, I was looking for a liner with a sharp felt tip. 

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Sephora.

Pros:
- Lightweight
- Dries very quickly
- Doesn't smudge
- Precise application
- Felt tip
- Waterproof
- Easy application

Cons:
- Price
- Doesn't "stay all day"

Fresh Application:

After only 4 hours:

Bottomline: Although I really wanted to love this liner and make it a staple in my makeup bag, I think I'll have to find another liner. The name is "stay all day liner" but... it definitely doesn't stay all day. I have to reapply every 3-4 hours, which is very annoying - especially if you spent $20. I'll keep on using it until it runs out but I don't think I will be repurchasing this product in the future.

REVIEW: MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Shy Girl

★★★★★ out of 5

Price: $16

Color: Shy Girl (peachy nude with a pink undertone)

Size: 0.1 oz (3 g)

Why did I pick this product?
I was looking for a lipstick that I could wear on an everyday basis. Since I keep my overall makeup look very simple, I wanted to find a nude lipstick that would complement my skin tone. It was also important that it wouldn't dry out my lips because I have naturally dry lips (I should drink more water). Cremesheen is known for its creamy texture and easy application.

Where to buy it?
I bought it at MAC.

Pros:
- Lightweight
- Creamy texture
- Beautiful color/good pigmentation
- Even coverage
- Fairly long-lasting

Cons:
- Price

Bottomline: I really fell in love with this color. It glides on nicely and leaves my lips feeling creamy and smooth. I'm glad that this nude lipstick didn't end up making my lips look like I bit into a powdered donut. Although this lipstick was on the expensive end for me, I think it was worth the purchase. The lipstick goes on very smoothly and gives even coverage. The color is light and natural-looking so it won't look overbearing for everyday looks. 

REVIEW: Loreal Excellence Creme in 6A (Light Ash Brown)

★★★ out of 5

Price: $7.99 (originally $8.99)

Their Claim: 
Our richest color comes from our ultimate care. Excellence by L’Oréal, our first hair color with Triple Protection system revitalizes and protects hair from the inside and out. Now, get younger-looking hair and rich, radiant color. And grays? What grays? Nothing protects better. Nothing covers grays better*.

Why did I pick this product?
I tried Loreal before and it worked pretty well so I decided to try it out again in a different shade.

Where to buy it?
I got it from CVS.

Pros:
- it comes in a creme formula so it doesn't really drip or make a mess
- it comes with a pre-treatment serum that protects the ends of your hair
- the conditioner is really nice (leaves your hair feeling really soft)

Cons:
- the colors doesn't come out exactly like the box (maybe because I have darker hair)
- doesn't really come out evenly

Bottomline:
I don't know if I would repurchase this because the color didn't come out the way I wanted it to... However it didn't leave my hair too damaged and I really liked the serum and conditions that came with it. If you have dark hair like me, you might want to try out a lighter shade like 8 or 9 (blondes).

<< before >>

<< after >>

<< the uneven coloring >>

<< the color in bright lighting >>

REVIEW: Make Up For Ever HD Powder

★★★ out of 5

Price: $19 for .14 oz and $34 for .3 oz

Their Claim: 
The industry's must-have powder. 100% mineral finishing powder that softens the appearance of fine lines and pores for a naturally radiant complexion. It reduces shine and slightly mattifies without changing the skin's natural contours, and the light weight, silky texture adds a soft focus effect for a flawless finish. This translucent, dermatologist-tested, and talc-free formula does not dry the skin. HD Powder can be applied over foundation or worn alone. One universal shade works for all skintones.

Why did I pick this product?
Honestly, I got it because I got it for free since I used up my Beauty Points from spending my $$ at Sephora. One of my friends raved about how smooth it made her skin so I decided to try it out.

Where to buy it?
I got it from Sephora.

Pros:
- provides a light finish to your makeup routine
- it makes your face look smoother (automatic photoshop)

Cons:
- it's really expensive for something so small

Bottomline:
Honestly... I really think it's unnecessary to splurge $34 for some white powder that makes your face look smooth. Just take better care of your skin then it'll naturally look smoother. I gave it three stars because it does what it claims but I don't know if that's worth $34... However if you have cash to blow and you got money for days, go for it because it leaves your face looking (as Beyonce would say) "flawless."

REVIEW: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in St. Mortiz

★★★★ out of 5

Price: $42

Shade: St. Moritz (medium with a neutral yellow undertone)

Size: 1.9 oz ( 50 mL)

Active Ingredients + Purpose:Octinoxate (7.4%) - Sunscreen

Titanium Dioxide (6.1%)* - Sunscreen

*this may cause a white reflection when you take photos with flash

Their Claim: 
This lightweight oil-free tinted moisturizer immediately helps thirsty skin feel hydrated. It has been proven to help reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots caused by hyperpigmentation for a clearer and brighter complexion in just 4 weeks. It obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores, and other imperfections. Broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen adds a translucent veil of protection.

Why did I pick this product?
I usually don't wear foundation or any type of tinted moisturizer because I never really felt the need to and believed that it will make me breakout. However  I decided to take the plunge and try it out. At Sephora, I asked for a lightweight, sheer coverage foundation that had SPF and they referred me to this. They used a beauty blender to apply the product onto my face in order to see which shade was right for me (St. Moritz aka Medium 1). 

My face didn't feel cake-y or powdery like most of the foundations these days. It gave me enough coverage to cover up the redness from my pimples. It evened out my skin tone. My boyfriend went shopping with me so I asked if it made a difference and if that difference was a good difference. He said that it made my skin look smoother and more even. If a guy can tell the difference, I think it means it works and it does its job. Since it was boyfriend-approved, I decided to get it. 

Where to buy it?
I bought it at Sephora.

Pros:
- lightweight
- has SPF 30
- Paraben free and oil-free
- no fragrance
- good sheer coverage

Cons:
- for those with extra dry skin, it may accentuate the flakiness
- kind of expensive (but not bad for a high-end brand)
- it has titanium dioxide so you could have trouble when taking photos with flash (however most products with SPF protection has TiO2)

<< before >>

<< after >>

Bottomline:
If you already have fairly good skin and just want a lightweight, sheer coverage, I would totally recommend this tinted moisturizer! It doesn't weigh your face down and it looks natural. It comes in 13 different shades.

Click here to be directed to see the product.

Review: NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fushia

★★★ out of 5

Price: $1.99

This was one of the products sent by Influenster for me to test. The color reminds me of Barbie because it's so pink. ALL UP IN YOUR FACE pink. I personally wouldn't purchase it by choice because I tend to lean towards lighter and more neutral colors. However, if you like flashy and bright looks, like Nicki Minaj's look, then I think this would be perfect for you. The color pay off is good because it's really pigmented. When I tried to wipe it off with a tissue, it left a stain. However, I don't think it'll last for a long time like it claims because of the consistency and texture of the product. I didn't really like the texture because, although it glided on easily, it was borderline oily. The packaging also looks kind of cheap, but keep in mind that it's only $1.99. 

< the color pay off >

< after it was wiped off >

< how it looks like on the lips >

Bottomline: If you want a cheap lipstick that'll help you achieve a Barbie or Nicki Minaj look, this is the lipstick for you.

Review: Carols Daughter MONOI Repairing Hair Mask

★★★ out of 5

Price: $32 (but I got mine for $26 because it was on sale)

Ingredients + Purpose:Monoi Oil - conditions hair

Bamboo Water - strengthens hair

Hydrolyzed Silk - fortify hair for future damage
(There are no parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, or artificial colors)

Their Claim: 
The Monoi Repairing Collection is the #1 Selling hair collection in prestige department stores nationwide!
This deeply repairing treatment nourishes your hair from the root to ends to undo unwanted damage and prevent it in the future.
Why did I pick this product?
Well, let me tell ya. I went to the salon to get a perm and the lady messed up big time... no curls came out. How does that even happen... ANYWAY, she offered to redo it a month later. Since I paid my good money to get it done, I went back to get it fixed. The curls came out (thankfully) but it was too frizzy (unfortunately). My hair was basically fried and dead. Therefore I decided to get something to revive my hair. When I told the lady at Sephora about my dilemma, she said that it's not really possible to revive dead hair but there are ways to prevent it from getting worse. She recommended this and the Ojon hair oil. However the Ojon one smelled SOOOOO BAD. So I opted for the Monoi Mask.

Although it left my hair feeling smoother and shinier, it didn't really help with the breakage.
Where to buy it?
I bought it from Carol's Daughter's website because they were having a sale.

Pros:
- smells great (kind of floral)
- a lot of product
- leaves your hair smoother and shinier

Cons:
- didn't really help with breakage for me
- doesn't really help with split ends and already dead hair

Bottomline:
I gave it three stars because it claimed to help with breakage but I still had a lot of breakage. I think it nourished my roots but didn't really do much for my ends. However, if you just want to maintain your hair or give it an extra boost, I recommend this product. It will leave it smelling super good and smooth. 

< what it looks like >