[REVIEW] IOPE Air Cushion XP MATTE FINISH SPF50+ PA+++

Hello everyone!

Today I will be reviewing a bb cushion from the very popular and well known brand IOPE. A lot of k-beauty bloggers believe that IOPE was one of the first companies to introduce bb cushions into the makeup industry. So being one of the first they have got to know what they are doing right? Let's see!

Also please note, that I am reviewing the older formula because  for 2016, they launched newer formulas for this cushion and some others in the range. 

-----------

For reference:

My skin type: Combination & Acne-prone
Natural beige No. M23 

a) Oily at the nose when wearing makeup

b) Large pores around & on the nose.

c) Can be dry: forehead and chin.

-----------

Claims and opinion:

1. Pore Care:  Despite the claims that it improves the pores of the skin due to its beneficial ingredients, during the time I used it there was no visible difference.

2. Matte Finish: This is really disappointing because it was not matte at all for me. It wasn't even semi-matte, I had to set my makeup with Innisfree's No Sebum Mineral Powder and still expect to be oily in a few hours.

3. Long Lasting: This wasn't long lasting. At most it lasted for about up to 3 to 4 hours. I had to blot my face and touch up during the day. This also transferred and just touching the face lightly would remove the product. The product didn't adhere to the skin but rather sat on top and created a layer of its own creasing over time in smile lines.

4. UV Protection: The sun protection is great and is expected from a good bb cushion.

5. Darkening free: This stayed true to its colour however due to the oiliness, there was separation and cracking in the product on the skin.

6. Pore Coverage: Pore coverage is comparable to cushions who have no claims to help or cover pores. It was suprisingly hard to build up coverage around the nose because the product wouldn't adhere. It emphasised my pores on my nose and around it too.

7. Lightweight: It is odd because the product is difficult to build up coverage. Yet somehow also manages cakes up if you apply more than 2 layers. Even on the second layer, it already looks like you're wearing full makeup.

8. Brightening skin tone: In terms of brightening my skin tone, it did brighten through the pigment of the product on my skin but no permanent change without the product.

9. Moisturises skin while wearing: It is moisturising however it isn't matte or semi-matte, so this only made me look more oilier than I actually am. I just don't understand why it claimed to have a "matte" finish when it focuses more on the korean actress glow.

10. Cooling sensation: There is a cooling sensation when the product first hits your skin but no lasting cooling feeling after.

11. Reduces fine lines: I didn't notice any difference in improving fine lines but then again I don't have any obvious fine lines.

12. Locks in oil: Nope.

_______________________________________

IOPE's puffs are thicker than other puffs and feel thicker when you use them on your face. There's this bounce back of the material as you tap it on your face. Some may like this but I was concerned that it was soaking up more of the product rather than placing it on my skin.

It does distribute the product on your face evenly but because of the product's formula even a good puff can't fix it.

This bb cushion has only three shades like most cushion brands and is harder for those with deeper skin tones to use.

Coverage: ★★★ Light to medium coverage.

Packaging: ★★★★ It looks really luxurious and pretty. It isn't too bulky or heavy either. You could bring this along in your handbag. Very similar to Laneige's cushion packaging.

Price: ★★★ This is on the higher price range and is an investment for many. But for a bb cushion for well known brand like this, it is expected.

Natural looking? ★★ It is not natural looking at all and can look rather cakey if isn't applied carefully.

Worth the price? ★★ In my opinion, it isn't worth the price as it didn't serve its main purpose of mattifying the skin or adhering to the skin. I really wanted to like this cushion after hearing many wonderful things about IOPE and its advancement in technology in making their products. I will however in the future consider buying their new version and try it out. I'll get back to you about that later :)

Highlight attribute: This cushion is better suited for those with normal skin and dry skin. It didn't suit me but it might be a holy grail for others.

Great for skin types: Normal and dry skin.

Would I repurchase it? No. It's not suitable to my skin.

Signing out 

Jennie

[REVIEW] Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control SPF 50+ PA+++

Hello everyone! I am finally back after my forever long hiatus. I have now finished high school and am in university on my way to studying my dream course law. It is great to be back and best news of all I have been testing and trying many new and different Korean products.

Today I am reviewing the infamous Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control SPF 50+ PA+++.

-----------

For reference:

My skin type: Combination & Acne-prone
Natural beige No.23 

a) Oily at the nose when wearing makeup

b) Large pores around the nose.

c) Can be dry: forehead and chin.

-----------

Claims and opinion:

1. Pore Control: Despite covering pores well, there isn't a difference in the skin and its pores from using the product. Rather than its claims to improve the pores, it doesn't do anything.

2. Semi-matt Finish: Laneige has a really nice semi-matte finish to their bb cushion but throughout the day, it can look oily without touch up if those wearing it have oily skin. However, touch ups are easy with the puff and it does not cake up.

3. Long Lasting: The tone and colour of the bb cushion stays true to its colour and doesn't oxidise throughout the day. It lasts about up to 5 to 6 hours and can go further with touch ups and powder.

4. UV Protection: The sun protection is great and acts as a double kill in makeup and sun protection.

5. Cooling Sensation: The cooling effect is definitely present when applied but other than cooling down the skin it doesn't last and goes away when the bb cushion merges with the skin.

6. Pore Coverage: There is pore coverage but it is not high. It will not be able to cover large pores but does a great job accomplishing a smooth finish to the skin.

_______________________________________

Laneige also has one of the best air puffs I've used. It distributes the product on your face evenly and ensures that it won't look cakey. Despite using other different bb cushions, I prefer to use Laneige's air puffs due to how nicely it applies on the product. It also claims to have a structure and made in a way where it can be anti-bacterial. 

This bb cushion has one of the most vast variety of skin tones for Korean bb cushions. This is really great for those with deeper skin tones who want to try out bb cushions.

Coverage: ★★★ Light to medium coverage.

Packaging: ★★★★ It looks really luxurious and pretty. It isn't too bulky or heavy either. You could bring this along in your handbag.

Price: ★★★ This is on the higher price range and is an investment for many. Especially for a student like me, this did cost a lot. But after getting the case, you can stick to buying refills. Refills are a lot more affordable.

Natural looking? ★★★★ Depending on how much you apply, it can look very natural like your own skin.

Worth the price? ★★★★ Yes, this is a great bb cushion and still remains to be one of the best if you have troubled skin or skin with lots of texture.

Highlight attribute: This cushion is one of my favourites out of all the ones I've tried out so far because of how soft and smooth the skin looks with it. It doesn't transfer as badly as other cushions.

Great for skin types: Combination, oily and acne prone. Basically, any skin type can use this except for dry skin types.

Would I repurchase it? Yes, I would definitely consider repurchasing this cushion.

Signing out 

Jennie

[REVIEW] Multi Function Formula All in One Snail Repair Cream MIZON

A new innovation? Yes, and a step forward in health and beauty remedies!

Introducing to you today is the review of MIZON's moisturising and repairing cream that is 92% extracted from snails. Yes, that does sound terrifying. Like what good would snails have for our skin? Well, to be exact it's not the snail itself but the secretion in its pores giving it the ability to heal rapidly.

This is where we come into the equation. Humans have been using heaps of remedies for years for all purposes beauty or health. It was only a few years ago that Australia started to talk about the hype of snails and their secretion having benefits for our own skin. The hype has gone down since then, I'm guessing since people don't want to be putting something on their face that belongs to a snail. But they're really missing out.

Just think of snails as self regenerating organisms. That's what they really are. All day they drag around their soft body and no doubt would scrape themselves on sharp or rocky surfaces. But every time we have a look closer, snails aren't covered in scars or aren't half dead all the time. That's because of their ability to heal as quickly as they hurt themselves.

This cream mimics their healing abilities and helps the skin repair quicker and replenish in benefits. In doing so, it also achieves to deeply moisturise the skin. It also has been proven to help reduce pore size, improve wrinkles and skin texture and aid the process in healing hyperpigmentation or acne scars.

The cream in contained in a container made out of amber glass so it is sturdy. Not the best for travelling but looks really impressive and high quality on your vanity.



This product comes into effect nearly instantly as several minutes after application, the skin had absorbed the product and had not left any sticky residue. Your skin will feel a lot more moisturised and supple. Not only will your skin feel nice but the product will come into effect over time to help recover acne scars,dull skin, micro wrinkles and pores. I definitely recommend this to all skin types as it is extremely nourishing in moisture but will not feel oily on skin that is more oily or unbalanced on combination skin. I, myself have combination skin so I have patches of dry and oily but this has solved my problems and now I only have to deal with my acne. 

This is a excellent product worthy of  ★★★★★

Design: Very appealing and pretty. Sturdy and high end

 appearance.

Would continue to use and re purchase? Definitely, I already

 use this everyday. I have already repurchased it.

Recommended for: Any skin type 

Signing out

Jennie

[UNBOXING] Memebox X CutiePieMarzia 2

[REVIEW] Holika Holika Jewel-light Waterproof Eyeliner #7 Carot Diamond #8 Pink Topas #9 18K Gold

Hi everyone! It's been a while since my last post related to beauty products. Don't worry, I have heaps of products in line that need to be reviewed.

Today I am going to be talking about the Holika Holika jewel-light waterproof eyeliner in the three colours specifically made for tear\bottom liners. Or if you follow a lot of korean trends, this accentuates and helps you achieve the aegyo-sal look. However, most people would just use this to highlight the inner corners to bring brightness into the eyes.

There is an entire set of different colours in the range ranging from blue to the simple black and browns.

This is also waterproof and extremely long lasting. I wear it everyday in the morning and it won't come off until you actually use your finger to rub against it. Removal is simple and easy as any normal makeup remover would work.

I choose these three colours specially as I would use them the most often. The carot diamond colour would suit formal events or for a night out. Pink Topas is more subtle so it can be used for everyday use, at work or just for the sweetheart look. Colour 18K Gold, is an extremely beautiful colour that I have used once to dress up as a hunter because it really compliments your eyes and gives you this really exquisite look.

These have no glitter fallout or anything at all and the material that illuminates the shimmer is so finely milled that it looks like a whole entire colour.

What was most shocking to me was how to use more when the tip was all used up. After using google, I was able to find that this eyeliner worked exactly like a pencil eyeliner. All you need is a pencil sharpener and you're good to go. I got this a few months ago and I am not even halfway through the eyeliners. And I use this everyday for school especially because I have tired eyes in the morning.

This is also very handy if you have limited eye shadows and want your look enhanced. Just draw circles on the tip of your finger and use it to tap onto the your eyelid to complete your look. This can also be used to highlight your brow bone to give you a more defined look that accentuates your brows and eye look.

Here are examples of some celebrities that have sported this look.

Hot fashion icon and youtuber, Jenn Im.

Nana (Im Jinah)

Supermodel,qualified makeup artist, critics rated as the second most beautiful face in the world 2014 and 1st beautiful face in the world 2015, fashion icon and member of AfterSchool and Orange

Caramel.

Lee Hyeri from popular and talented kpop group, Girl's Day.

This is a excellent product worthy of  ★★★★★

Design: Very appealing and pretty. Is sturdy and is a step 

above a normal pencil.

Would continue to use and re purchase? Definitely, I already

 use this everyday. And this will be repurchased every time 

it runs out.

Recommended for: Any skin type and for any occasion 

suitable.

Signing out

Jennie

What to wear for your body shape, eye, hair, skin colour | Joy of Clothes

My Style File - Joy of Clothes

Hi everyone! I have great news. I've found an incredible website that would help us all out A LOT. 

Since I have an event for my final year at high school, all the girls have been hunting down their perfect dress and accessories. Although I haven't physically stepped in and done any window shopping, I thought I had to at least research on what kind of things I can wear for the night. 

So then this was the part where I clicked in and out of google typing in; "What colour dress suits short hair?", "What dress suits my body type?" and so on. I didn't come up with a lot. It was more of specific types and they did not define all aspects of a female body to what she wears. 

It was that until, I discovered this website. I have not seen anything like this before. It really feels like having your own personal stylist. The same feeling you get when you talk to someone who knows what would suit you best. There's nothing wrong with wearing whatever you want! I, of course do that all the time but for an event like this I would like to have something to compliment all of my natural features and highlight every aspect. No one wants to look out of place or be wearing an absurd colour on such a day anyway. 

I could go on for days on how many aspects that this website covers to make sure that you are informed. So readers of this blog, before picking your dream dress or any clothing to a special event remember to do a little research. It would definitely make your life a lot easier. The Style Advice is the section where you click on different specifications about either your body shape or skin tone and it would provide you with advice on what colour or style would suit you best. For example, they define my dominant colour as deep.

Straight away it provides me with a large amount of colours that would best suit me. And to my suprise, I've only worn about 5 colours from this entire selection that would suit me. And also realising that I've been wearing colours that don't compliment my skin tone as much. Damn, what shocks me most is that some colours I thought I would never be able to pull off actually is preferred for me to wear.

There's so much more to explore, they even give you an avatar to customise so you can test out varieties of clothing on your mini-me. There's an entire section on celebrity styles and looks to follow and get inspired from.

So definitely check it out! I hope it will help a lot with making choices when it comes to your outfit on that special day or any day out. Share it with your relatives too, I'm definitely going to share it with my Mum whenever we have trouble picking out any outfit.

Signing out 

Jennie

exfolimate face and body exfoliator : A new invention in Australia!

Recently, I have been lucky enough to have been offered to try out one of Australia's newest inventions that are supposed to be a new way to exfoliate and clean skin. I've heard a lot of reviewers LOVE and some hate this new product. It resembles something of a smooth, sturdy plastic grip with a blunt blade. What's most special about this blade is that it has tiny TINY ridges which are meant to lift dead skin cells and dirt from your skin. 

This is especially efficient as you can easily, just have a shower while letting your skin become moist and exposed to the steam. After that, all you do is position the exofolimate at a 90 degree angle on your face and glide it slowly down your skin. 

In my experience, I have seen dead skin cells and flakes on the sides of the blade. It has helped me a lot when I have dry and flaky skin that cannot be cured with normal moisturiser. It has, I'm not even kidding lifted off dry skin that I've struggled to moisturise since forever.

You can also use your own cleansers along with this tool to thoroughly cleanse your face. It also feels great when your nose is bumpy from blackheads, just a few glides will lift the dirt out of the pores and leave it smooth again. 

I love using the face exofolimate when I want smooth and supple skin that is soooo nice to touch. It makes your skin feel like baby skin despite if you have acne spots or bumps. 

I think this would be very helpful if you have acne scars or skin patches that are too dry to peel or fall off, just a few minutes in shower steam and if should come off with no problem. 

I have to be honest, that I haven't used the body exofolimate as much but that's just me because I don't even use loofahs. I prefer to just lather and wash off. 

This product is also amazing because you do not need to use scrubs and scrub cleansers because that triggers even more acne by irritating and moving the skin around too much. If you do use scrub cleansers only use it once every two weeks and for sensitive skin, it is recommended that you stay away from it or use it occasionally. 

This is a good product worthy of  ★★★★★

Design: Pretty,simple and smooth. Blade was a bit

intimidating at first until I used it.

Packaging: Looks simple and nice. Also includes plastic 

cords to attach to the exfolimate to avoid slipping during

shower use. Has easy instructions to understand in a pamphlet.

Would continue to use? Yes, especially when my skin is 

feeling dry and needs to be exfoliated properly.

Recommended for: Any skin type. Sensitive skin types can

use it also without any damage to the skin or irritation.

Signing out

Jennie

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

DIY: Green,lemon and chrysanthemum flower tea facial mist

So the new big thing that everyone is raving about the moment are facial mist sprays; yes, I thought the same thing. How does mist make a difference?! Well luckily I've done heaps of research to help you understand.

At the moment it is winter and FREEZING in Australia however it is summer in the rest of the world (lucky you), a lot of beauty obsessed gurus and normal cosmetic consumers have reached out to mist sprays. They have many uses; for occasional refreshing of the face to relieve from the heat, a makeup setter and even a spray-on toner before moisturizing. A lot of brands, even SPRING WATER brands are making mist sprays since they are so popular. However the difference is that, there can be simple ones that contain spring water and ones simmered with many natural ingredients that aim to enhance, moisturise and boost your skin. 

Sounds good already huh? Well, I decided to test it out myself. I mean after hearing about all these hypes and people going as far as making their own, I had to give it a go. Going to my kitchen I picked out the most natural ingredients I could find.

 I came across green tea,lemon tea and these mysterious dried flowers called the chrysanthemum flower (living in an all traditional typical Asian family, you're always bound to score something "exotic" that relates back to ancient Chinese medicine practices).

Let me summarize the health and beauty benefits of these three ingredients;

1) Green tea leaves (just the simple processed one would be fine, make sure it is as natural as possible no added sugar and so on).

Effective in protecting your skin from sun damage as it has specific antioxidants however it does not provide full sun protection of course, just enough to prevent you from severe skin damage. But this is extremely nourishing,anti-aging and moisturising for skin. It also tones your skin and balances out your skin tone while reducing redness and calming down your irritated skin. 

2)  Lemon(either extracted, in slices or any form however make sure there is not too much of it, less than the other two ingredients).

Lemon is most known for its brightening effect definitely recommended for dull skin with acne scars. With a high acidic and Vitamin C level, it is able to naturally cleanse and lighten your skin's dark spots. It is also anti-bacterial, helping those with acne to keep the bacteria on their face controlled. And for those with oily skin, it is known to control your excess oils. However remind you, that because this has a soft bleaching effect on the skin you have to wear sufficient sun protection when you go out and we always have the green tea as a back up side-kick ;) 

3)Best for last: The Chrysanthemum flower (resembles a wild daisy)

Without caffeine, this ingredient is the most natural and useful aspect in this mist. This flower is a natural colorant to the skin so it has a calming effect as it lowers the heat and excess temperature from your face, which is necessary for acne to not flare up so often and be TAMED down. This is important especially for me as it can naturally treat acne while the entire face is also benefiting from it unlike "miracle" creams for acne that turn your face into a desert.  However, I know this ingredient is not very easy to find so it is completely fine if you just dilute honey in the green and lemon tea, that is also moisturising for the skin.

So out of my random discovery, I've made this new recipe to make a natural and amazing facial mist. So don't waste your money as most of the mists at the moment are very similar since it is quite new into the market. Save your money and make it with the ingredients most suitable to your skin type. There's no rules when it comes to DIY, just precautions with certain ingredients that can be excessive but if you're diluting it out with water it is fine. Using a mist, allows the skin to effectively absorb and benefit. This is EASY to make and switch around to suit any skin type.

After spraying this on, your skin will feel very light and refreshed. When it dries, there will be a tightening effect and with the help of moisturiser your skin will thank you. Mists can be used anytime and anywhere; in the morning, afternoon, after makeup application, together with moisturiser, as a toner, a cool-down mist and even as you are sitting still working on the computer and are in need of a skin perk up. 

                                         

                                         This is a good product worthy of  ★★★★★

Scent: Fresh and disappears fast

Packaging: Get the cutest spray mist bottles. Buy the size most

 suitable to you and is easy to carry around. I have the hello kitty plastic ones at the moment. They are very cheap on ebay :)

Would make again? Definitely!

Recommended for: Any skin type

Signing out

Jennie

[REVIEW] ETUDE HOUSE - Dear Girls Be Clear Moisturizer

Reviewing another item from ETUDE HOUSE today :) 

This is a moisturiser specially made for girls, that provides SPF 30/PA ++ which aims to protect your skin from the harmful sun rays. 

I want to also explain something about the word, "whitening" it does not mean to actually whiten your skin but instead to promote even skin tone and balance. Something must have gotten mixed in the translations but that is what korea believes whitening actually means. So don't worry, it's not actually a face whitening product but instead to enhance your skin. 

This applies on with a milky white-pink tone and leaves a bit of a white cast so be careful when you use it. Pump out a small blob, work it and heat it up in your hand\fingers and this will help the product break up and not leave the white cast. 

It is very convenient and hygienic as it is a pump packaging structure which doesn't allow you to contaminate the product avoiding further bacteria being taken to your face. It has a lot of natural products that protects the skin and helps enhance the quality. 

However this is not very moisturizing and works more as a base for makeup so I do not recommend this for people with dry skin. However this would be very suitable for those with combination and oily skin. Not one of the top products of ETUDE HOUSE for me but it can be very useful for others. I was also mislead by the name, to think that it could also be beneficial for acne-prone skin.

This is a good product worthy of  ★★★

Scent: Floral but not strong

Packaging: Girly and very adorable. Compact and easy to take along.

Would buy again? No, since I prefer very moisturizing creams.

Recommended for: Those with more oily skin to use as a makeup base that also provides healthy moisture to the skin.

Purchased on ebay.com.au

 

Signing out

Jennie