Review: Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base (Primer)

I have tried just about all the raved about mascara primers and none of them work for me.  They don't work for my straight stubborn asian lashes because they just fall straight and even though they may give me extra length and volume, they just make my lashes straight! Which is a deal breaker for me. Thought I give it last try.  I figured Shiseido is Japanese and it may cater better to asian folks.

This is Shiseido's Nourishing Mascara Base ($24)

Their claim from their website:

Description:

Create unprecedented impact by dramatically intensifying mascara finish. Enhances the volume, length and curl of every lash.

• DERMATOLOGIST AND OPHTHALMOLOGIST-TESTED.
• INTENSIFIES VOLUME, LENGTH AND CURL
• CONDITIONS AND MAKES LASHES MORE SUPPLE
• PROVIDES ELEGANT GLOSSY FINISH WHEN WORN ALONE

The packaging looks like any other mascara.  When opened, the brush is slightly slim, appears easy to work with, and the product appears to be clear (slightly gray?) gel type and not white like other mascara primer/bases are.  It reminds me of more fluid version of vaseline (but I assure you it's not).

APPLICATION
Applying was easy breezy.  I did not get it all over my eyelids thanks to the slim mascara brush, and it seemed to coat every one of my lashes. In the before after pictures below, I applied the base to both eyes, and paired it with Shiseido Perfect Mascara Defining Volume Mascara.  And it applied well over the mascara base because there was no white base to cover up like the other bases (Dior, Tarte, Lancome, L'Oreal).  Also I've noticed that the mascara glided over my lashes with the base rather well.  As Shiseido claims, this really can be worn alone if you want natural tint to your eyelashes.  If you are thinking you can just use clear mascara for that, umm sure you can, but this base has many more functions and benefits than that.  And HELLO CURL and LIFT in my lashes!  Till this day, I have yet to find a mascara primer/base that will hold the curl!

AFTER MASCARA APPLICATION
The first time I used this, I saw noticeable difference and was utterly shocked that it actually held the curls and kept it way up! Lash gods have answered my prayers! Since then, I have experimented with my favorite mascaras to unfavorable mascaras, and Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base worked well with every single one of them, even non-waterproof mascaras! (FYI- I ONLY wear waterproof mascaras or my lashes don't stay up or hold its curl.)  But thanks to this mascara base, I can venture out to non-waterproof mascaras!!!! THANK YOU LASH GODS~!  I will also mention that it keeps my lashes really soft and supple as it claims. And it doesn't clump up like some mascara bases do.

BEFORE with only lashes curled

AFTER Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base (one coat)

AFTER One Coat of Mascara
(You can definitely see more definition and uplifted curls in my inner lashes, which are so hard to get to for me)

MY THOUGHTS
I think you already know that this is Miloberry approved!  And I will tell you that after using it for about a month everyday, my lashes are longer and little bit fuller (it might be that my lashes are just growing) but regardless, my lashes look thousand times better and satisfying with this mascara base. 

It does everything that Shiseido claims it'll do.
Intensifies volume, length and curl - CHECK!
Conditions and makes lashes more supple- CHECK!
Provides elegant glossy finish when worn alone- CHECK!

I can't say that this is the best mascara primer/base out there in the market, because my stubborn lashes just hates the ones that can't hold the curl (which are all of them except this one).  BUT I will say this is the best primer for stubborn straight lashes like mine.  So it is the best one for me. ^____^ 

I will never ever ever live without the Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base ever ever again.  It is a must have at all times in my makeup collection from now on.  Also this product expires in 24 months, which I doubt it'll last that long for me since I'd be wearing it everyday!

Available for $24 at Macys, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Sephora.com (Online Only).

Side note:  That's how you can tell how long make up "should" last.  Look for this symbol with Number and M on it.  Number equals the number of months it'll last from the moment you open the product.

Do you use mascara primer/base?  Do you know of any that keeps the curls?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

First Impression: Shiseido Radiant Lifting Foundation

If you follow me on facebook, you probably saw my status update about this.  And if you follow my blog, couple months back, I reviewed the Shiseido Perfect Pore Refining Foundation.  Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to wear that too much because the girl at the Macy's counter did not match me correctly.  So after seeing horrendous pictures of my ghostly white face, I decided to stop using it.  I liked it, but color mismatch was a big no no.  Then recently, I was talking to the lady at the makeup counter at Macy's, and told her about my situation and she said just bring it back.  I told her I no longer had a receipt nor the box.  She said as long as they can look it up on my Macy's card that I purchased at Macy's, they will take it back.

Yesterday, I took it back, and to find out that Shiseido pulled the Perfect Pore Refining Foundations off the shelf to re-formulate the product. I don't know why, but they said it's to make it better.  So I decided to try out their newest released foundation, Radiant Lifting Foundation ($45 for 1.2 oz) (released early August 2012).  I checked on the web to see if there were any reviews, but it was too new.  So I kind of bought this blind.

I just wanted to give you a glimpse and my first impression.  I'll do a full review later, but I was so excited, I wanted to do a initial quick review.

I love innovative products.  Whether it's something stupid as a straw, cleaning product, detergent, etc... but when it comes to makeup and I think it'll work, I'll go for it.  Which is what I did with the Radiant Lifting Foundation.  Definitely this foundation is geared towards women of age... but I think you can start at 30 (or when you start to see fine lines).

Briefly, it claims:
Revive your skin with light. A revolutionary anti-aging foundation with innovative light technology to eliminate shadows and give skin a radiant, youthful glow. Radiance Reflecting Powder provides a soft-focus effect and luminosity to wrinkles for a more youthful, lifted appearance. Offers a smooth, radiant finish for 12 beautiful hours and a rich moisturizing effect for 24 hours.

My first impression:
1. Great full coverage without being heavy
2. Very natural (which is insane because it has full coverage)
3. Semi-matte but still very hydrating
4. Glowy and hydrating on the skin
5. Lasted 6 hours without budging or separating or lifting off my skin... (so far)

I think this might be love at first sight... BUT... I will keep testing for a full review...

Picture of me wearing it today at the 7th hour... looks like this can be an HD foundation...

Watch this video to see what it is supposed to do... you might think this can't be real... LOL

Review: Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua - Fresh and Hydrating Cream Compact Makeup

In the past, I've tried the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Liquid Foundation after hearing rave reviews about it from Youtube Gurus and all over the blog world.  And when I finally got it, I actually found it to be quite dry on my face.  I absolutely hate it when my face is dry.  Dry skin = wrinkly problematic skin!  So I ended up returning that.

However!!!! Last month Chanel released the Vitalumiere Aqua Fresh and Hydrating Cream Compact Foundation in the US ($58).  Since my problem with the liquid version was too dry, I thought the Hydrating Cream Compact would be perfect!  Generally I love Chanel foundations.  So I was pretty excited to try this out.

Description of this compact from Chanel:

This water-based formula blends effortlessly and offers the lightness and radiance of a fluid with the ease and convenience of a compact format. The complexion is immediately hydrated and smoothed, with a look of natural, flawless radiance and a comfortable feel that lasts all day.

In the US, they released 10 shades ranging from 6 shades in the Beige family and 4 shades in the Beige Rose (pinkier undertone).  The range isn't that great.  If you have darker skin, this probably won't work for you. 

I bought Beige 20.  It probably will be a little dark for me during the winter, but I've been getting some sun so my neck is getting darker.  I didn't want my face looking too different from the rest of my body.  (sorry, I took the pictures after I had already used it, that's why it looks dirty cuz the surface is rigid)

The shade against my arm in shade 20 Beige.

The compact pops out.  I haven't seen any refills for this, but I'm guessing that's what they are planning on since they pop out.  Hopefully the refills aren't as expensive! :)

Direction says to apply with dry sponge only.

But I like applying this with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush ($18 for Core Collection - 4 brushes)( I looooooove this brush for buffing foundation... leaves it flawless!)

This super duper soft vegan friendly synthetic buffing brush is heaven for cream and liquid foundation.  I haven't done a comparison to the Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush yet, but right now this is my favorite brush.  Great great price for awesome awesome quality.  Sorry going off topic... this will have to be another blog post. ^_^

Bottom line, I really like the Vitalumiere Aqua Cream Compact.  I've been looking for a foundation that was hydrating enough without making my face oily or the foundation moving around all over my face.  This compact also gives you a slight healthy glow (which I like).  You can always minimize the glow with powder.  If you are looking for something hydrating with great coverage, this is dreamy.  I think it's an awesome cream compact foundation.  But unless the refills are cheaper, I'd have to think twice about repurchasing this because of the price. 

Some Pros and Cons in my opinion...

Pros:

- very hydrating

- water based formula

- not heavy

- buildable medium to full coverage: tip- You do have to becareful not to cake this on.  Make sure to blend well from center of your face to the outer.  Then build up the coverage if you need.  You don't want to look like you are wearing a mask.  :)

- looks very natural

- lasts all day- I was able to wear this to a lake and kayak and fish for about 6 hours in the sun  and it did not move all over my face or make it oily.  I was seriously quite surprised by the performance of this cream compact.

- very light and easy to blend

- chanel packaging rocks

- does not flash back in flash photography despite the SPF 15

- you can carry it with you easily.

Cons:

- Pricey- it is $58.  It's probably the most expensive foundation I own.  Most of the Chanel liquid foundations don't go above $55 except for Chanel Lift Lumiere Firming and Smoothing ($65).

- Lack of shades- for some reason different shades are relased in different countries depending on the popular shades, demographic of that country.  In the US they only released 10.  Anyone who has ebony, darker skin cannot get the shade they need here in the US.

Sephora's Sun Safety Kit 2012

I love how Sephora always does Sephora's Favorites for makeup, perfumes and the Sephora's Sun Safety Kits.

I picked up Sephora's Sun Safety Kits 2012 for $30 (retail value $193.16).  It's 17 sun related products in sample size or deluxe size that you can try out.  I was totally sold by the train case it came in.  How cute is that packaging? 

The products included:
- 0.23 oz Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 PA+++
- 0.08 oz Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15
- 0.25 oz Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 with Dermaxyl Complex
- 0.5 oz Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 30
- 0.5 oz Ole Henriksen Protect The Truth SPF 50+ Sunscreen
- 0.4 oz Philosophy Hope Oil-Free SPF 30
- 0.5 oz Boscia Oil-free Daily Hydration SPF 15
- 2.5 oz St. Tropez Gradual Tan
- 0.33 oz Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++
- 0.33 oz Supergoop! SPF 30+ Everyday UV Lotion for Face and Body Cream Oil-free
- 0.5 oz Origins VitaZing SPF 15
- 0.33 oz Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15
- 0.03 oz Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 25 Mineral Veil and brush
- 0.169 oz Sephora Collection Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF 15
- 0.23 oz Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 PA +++
- 1 Kate Somerville Somerville 360° Face Self Tanning Pad
- 1 TanTowel Classic Self-Tan Towelette for Face & Body
- Bonus train case

I'm excited to try the Ole Henriksen Protect the Truth and the Dr. Jart BB Cream SPF 45 and the Shiseido SPF and Lotion SPF 60 and the TanTowel self-tan towlettes! 

Last year's Sun Safety Kit: They come up with this kit every year and I have to say it's much better than last year (then again it was $5 less last year).  This year's has 6 more products and it comes with the train case, which I can find myself using to store my makeup at home or traveling.

I think it's a great way to try out some of the sunscreens and self-tanners without having to commit.

Review: Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation and Perfect Foundation Brush

Recently I purchased the Shiseido's newest foundation, Perfect Refining Foundation along with their Perfect Foundation Brush.  I've been searching for the perfect liquid foundation for forever and I always found myself just going back to the BareMineral's Foundation. So in the winter the BareMinerals is a little too try for me so I've been using BB Creams on a daily basis and foundation from Faceshop when I go out at night...
Before I purchased the Shiseido's foundation, I bought Chanel's Vita Lumiere Aqua cuz I heard so many great things.  But it was still drying up my cheeks throughout the day and it wasn't as glowy as I thought it would be.

So here's my review on Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation- $38.
It comes in a small 1 fluid ounce bottle for $38.  It looks smaller than others, but 1 fluid ounce is about some other foundations pack.And a little goes a looooooong way!!!! Seriously little tiny drop can cover half of your face.

- it has medium buildable coverage
- super easy to blend with fingers
- semi-mat ( so no powder is needed except maybe t-zone)
- non-drying
- lasts all day
- comes wide variety of shades in natural, pink, yellow undertone.  I bought natural I00 very light ivory.
- looks very natural

Bottom line: It's now my favorite non-glowy liquid foundation! (still in search for that perfect glowy foundation) I think my favorite part is that I can wear it all day without having to worry about whether my foundation is moving around all over my face or drying it out.  I really hate it when I look like I have dry patches or cracks.  And I hate touching up while I'm at work! lol

Now on to the Perfect Foundation Brush- $30

I'm assuming since this brush has the "perfect" in it, so it must have been released along with the Perfect Refining Foundation.

- soft tight packed bristles with short handle for precision
- can be used with liquid, cream, and powder formulas
- angled for contouring your face
- not quite sure what it's made of

But this really is the best foundation brush I have ever used in my life.  I think I love the brush more than the foundation itself (if I had to choose).  It has soft tight packed bristles that can pack that foundation in every pore of your face!  I dot the foundation on my face first and I take the brush and stipple (stamping motion) and blend it out.  It does not leave any traces of streak on your face like some of the other foundation brushes do.  I'm sooooo in love with this brush!  I've also used this with concealers and it applies everything flawlessly!  Looooooooove!

Here's my before and after pictures of the foundations for your reference.....  I've been suffering from hormonal acne which I cannot control with products I use.  Acne disappear and re-appear every month.  And now it's created some scarring which now I have to cover along with my freckles.... :(  This foundation seemed to do a great job of covering with one sheer cover.

In the 3rd and the 4th picture you can see the difference.  Do you see how it even covered up my veins?

And here's how it looks all together. :)  It's semi-matte, but I think it still gives a natural glow. :)
I'll definitely re-purchase again.

One of my Favorite ♥ Pre-Cleanser: Shiseido Perfect Oil

It's been months since I posted anything related to beauty products.  Work has been non-stop and I had barely any time to breathe! And anytime I had left over I tried to use to wind down.  I'm gonna have to find a better system to update my blog.  (If anyone is still willing to read! hehe)

It's very important to wash off all your make up before you go to sleep.  And I just ran out of my favorite oil to remove my makeup- Shiseido Perfect Oil ($11.99).  You can buy this at any asian stores that sell asian toiletries.  I think it's the cheapest at Mitsuwa or Marukai.  I bought it at a korean market for $16.99 before. But why pay more!  It's made from Shiseido but it's the kind that they sell in Japan not the kind you buy at department stores here.  I guess they are marketed differently.

These are my steps for washing my face at night and removing makeup.
1. Remove Eye make up with Eye makeup remover (Clinique Take the Day Off)
2. Use 3-4 Pumps of Shiseido Perfect Oil and rub it between my hands and massage all over.
3. Wash off oil with luke warm water.
4. Use my Clarisonic to wash off the remaining make up.
5. From time to time I'll also use a gentle exfoliator.

I used to use facial tissue instead of my Shiseido Perfect Oil, and I found that the Perfect Oil melts away the make up way better than the tissue.  It's so important to take extra steps to make sure make up is completely off.  Sometimes rubbing just facial soap does not do it.  It still leaves traces of makeup that can clog your pores at night and also block all your night skin regimen from reaching inside your pores to rejuvenate over night.

Shiseido Perfect Oil is very soothing and water soluable! That means, when you wash it off with water, it does not repel and actually melts and washes off!  It also is great for removing eye make up as well.  I just prefer removing it with cotton pad and eye makeup remover, but if you want to do it all in one, this will do it.  I've recommended this to my friends and they absolutely love it!  I vowed to never buy facial tissues again! 

Hope everyone is having a great year so far!