Beauty Review: Too Faced Born This Way Liquid Foundation

*I have a normal-combination skin where my T-zone is a tad oily while the other areas are normal. My skintone is around MAC NC25. My skin concerns at the moment are fine lines, brown spots and the occasional zits. I live in a humid country where it's hot all year long.*

Assalamualaikum and hello everyone!

I am finally back with a beauty review! Pretty excited as I have been delaying this since forever. Work has been a little hectic, in fact I just spent the whole day with the students at Bandar Hilir and Pantai Klebang where they were required to interview and snap a selfie with tourists. It went very well and I am very proud of their dedication and teamwork. Some even taught me how to fly a kite!

Anyway, work aside, time for a serious business here. I would like to share my thoughts on the latest liquid foundation from Too Faced that was just out at Sephora MY for about a month now.  It costs RM135. According to the website it will have 18 shades by fall. I am unsure if the shades are available here in Malaysia but I'm quite sure it has a pretty decent range. I'll explain further in terms of its packaging, formulation and my overall thoughts.

Packaging:

I'll be honest, more than 40% of my purchases were based on the packaging. Packing looks good, I'll buy it. A perfume has quirky designs, I'd buy it because I think it would look good on my vanity. Too Faced is one of those brands that offers super cute packaging. Born This Way foundation comes in a cute light pink box with black and gold prints. The black cap has the usual "TF" stamped onto it while the bottle is frosted glass.It has a pump which is handy in helping me control the amount needed to be dispensed. And it's hygienic too!

 

Formulation:

You can check out the ingredients list below. I am not an expert in this area and reading all those ingredients just make me feel like I'm in a chemistry class. Not really my cuppa tea since high school lol. The webpage stated that "This revolutionary foundation is infused with a potent combination of Coconut Water to naturally replenish moisture levels; nature’s resilient Alpine Rose to brighten the skin’s appearance and promote elasticity and Hyaluronic Acid for a smoother, more youthful appearance."

Overall thoughts:

I haven't had the chance to check out this foundation at Sephora since I have no opportunity to go to KL in these few months. However, since my baby sister lives 10mins from KLCC, I asked her help to purchase this foundation for me. Up until today I have no clue as to why she bought me in the shade Sand. It is way too dark for my skintone. She thought it'd be alright for me. (*_*)

I usually mix it with another lighter foundation but for this review purpose, I solely wear this over my current favourite primer, Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. It definitely look muddy on me, sometimes too orange. It is super easy to blend and buildable with no qualms. I applied it using my Sigma F80 kabuki brush. I have very fine lines around my forehead and that annoying area around my nose but it did not settle in. My T-zone only started to look a tad oily after 4 hours but not the horrendous greasy one, more like glowy so I was okay with it. Nothing a blotter couldn't help. I loved it!

The foundation claims to have undetectable medium-to-full coverage. The formulation is dreamy, feeling very light on my skin. I prefer to set it with a setting powder to help lengthen the staying power.  I can't tell much about its coverage since I got it at a darker shade.

Final verdict:

I will definitely purchase another one in my true shade! I use this almost everyday for a week now, mixing it with Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in Ivory which is too light for me. Since I'm mixing it with another foundation, I can't really see or feel the benefit of Coconut Water, Alpine Rose and Hyaluronic Acid on my skin. Good news is, it doesn't break me out. I have sensitive skin so I would know in an instant if my skin isn't liking any products.

Having said that, I have a feeling those with excessive oily skin may not enjoy this foundation especially if you're living in a tropical countries. I suggest for you to try out samples first before buying the full size. You can bring along a small container to Sephora and ask the beauty assistant to fill in some for you.

I hope this review helps you decide whether to purchase the foundation or not. I've tried my very best to describe my experience thoroughly. Should you have any inquiries, ask away! Till then, have a great week ahead!

Just a quick hello!

Assalamualaikum and hello everyone!

I hope everyone is doing well wherever you are. 

The weather is crazy these days in my country. One minute it's a hundred degree outside and the next minute you have the rain pouring like there's no tomorrow you start to feel you probably need Noah's Ark.

Anyway, it is going to be a quick (or rather, short) one this time.

After some thoughts I have decided for this blog to focus on my reviews on things I love and passionate about, mainly cosmetics, skincare items and places I have visited. 

I feel like at this moment, these keep me sane.

Work has been, well, quite challenging as well. I tried very hard not to use 'crazy'.

Apart from 24 teaching hours per week, which has been like that for me for almost 2.5 years now, there are also research and paper to be done, students' activities, preparing quizzes, test and exam questions and not to forget, students' work to be assessed. My average number of students for each class this semester is 28 and I have 6 classes so yeah, go figure. I'm teaching 3 subjects this semester by the way.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am in no way no anything complaining. This is the job I signed for regardless of the system and all. I need the job and I'm beyond grateful for having it. 

It may be (very) tiring but other than being Samantha Brown, I can't imagine doing anything else as my career. One thing for sure, it allows me to travel twice a year because of the long semester break so you lose, you win some.

I got the chance to visit Seoul again last May and it was amazing because I finally had the chance to try out their street food. It is actually super easy to get halal food over there. I will share more on the trip later. Trust me, that is going to be a loooooong one.

I will start off reviewing stuff again some time this week. The ultimate reason I'm doing this is simply to share my thoughts on products that work or don't work on me. Prior to buying anything I always spend time reading reviews made by other awesome beauty bloggers and this has helped me with my purchase a lot. So I thought I should be doing the same too to help others too.

I am excited that finally is happening. I have been delaying this for so long now. 

Till then, just like how I love Ellen Degeneres always says, be nice. The world needs it these days.

BR: Etude House Collagen Moistfull Essence-In Foundation

I may be a huge fan of BB creams but that does not stop me from buying other base products like foundation and tinted moisturizer.

As long as it they does not cause my skin to break out or make me look like Chinese opera actresses, I don't mind trying them out.

Even though Korean beauty houses focus more on BB creams, they do have a selection of foundations to cater those who prefer or need a thicker coverage.

This foundation that I'm about to review contains collagen which helps to maintain skin elasticity.

(^.^)

 

 

Etude House Collagen Moistfull Essence-In Foundation SPF22/PA+ in Shade #2 Natural Beige

Loves:

Easy to blend. Love the finishing, not too glowy.

The shade is just right for me. I firstly thought beige would be dark my skintone.

Contains collagen.

Loathes:

My skin gets oily after a couple of hours. Need to blot.

In terms of consistency, it is almost the same as BB cream but it doesn't have the glowy effect like most BB creams have which may end up looking oily on my skin.

I went to the store recently and did not see this on the shelf so I asked the sales assistant in which she replied that the brand has stopped producing the product.

I guess because most people prefer BB creams over foundations these days.

BR: Maybelline The Magnum Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara

I have been very lazy these days to properly wear eye make up whenever I go out.

I have tonnes of eye shadows but I don't know what has gotten into me because I really don't use them anymore.

The only eye make up products I use are eyeliner and mascara. These are my staple eye products for now.

So since I use them a lot, I buy them a lot, too. 

I always dispose my eyeliner after 3months while around 4months for my mascara for hygienic purpose.

It's gonna be my first mascara review so let's check it out! 

(^.^)

 

 

Maybelline The Magnum Volum' Express, RM32.90

Loves:

I love the neat bristles. Usually Maybelline mascara can be clumpy.

I only need two coats to add volume to my lashes.

It contains collagen.

Totally love the yellow and purple combination, makes it easy to find on my cluttered dressing table. LOL.

Loathes:

Apparently it doesn't hold the curl of my lashes.

It removes easily with eye make up remover too. Overall, it's a great mascara in my opinion.

BR: The Face Shop Migamsu Cleansing Emulsion

I use BB cream almost everyday so it's essential for me to have a good make up remover as BB cream may clog pores if not removed thoroughly.

Currently I'm using this remover from The Face Shop and I really love it because it's not too oily so it works well with warm water.

Super easy!

 

 

 

The Face Shop Migamsu Brightening Rice Water Cleansing Emulsion, 200ml

How to use:

Massage a pea size onto skin and wipe off with cotton pad. Then rinse with warm water or usual cleanser.

Loves:

Not too oily.

Doesn't break me out.

Hygienic pump.

Loathes:

Doesn't really help brightening my skin.

I went to The Face Shop the other day and apparently they have changed the packaging of the range.

They're having the GP Sale at the moment so go check them out!

(^.^)

is this working?

Hello people!

I'm posting this using my Samsung Galaxy SIII, trying it for the first time.

Hopefully it works and user-friendly enough.

So far my new toy seems to work handy.

BTW I'm using this apps called 'Photo Grid'. Love it!

Will review my ModBox March edition soon!

(^.^)

BR: Lioele Haul

The joy of online shopping is when the items arrive at your doorstop.

Especially when it's a big box!

Lioele (pronounced: Lee-oh-eh-lee) is another Korean brand that I am starting to adore because the packaging is super cute!

It's in pink and the logo looks like Cinderella's carriage which I love, love, love!

The brand was launched in 2003 and is now made available in certain Parkson in Malaysia, not available in Melaka, though.

=(

I ordered these through Zalora as I got 20% voucher. Previously I wanted to ask my friends to help me buy these items as they're heading to Seoul in April but after some research, I found out that the only shop for Lioele is in Busan and it's difficult to get them in Seoul. 

How sad! It must be a lot cheaper there!

Anyway, let's check out my first few items from Lioele!

1. Make Up Cleansing Tissue, 30 sheets, RM13.90.

2. Beyond the Solution BB Cream, 30ml, RM39.90.

3. Dollish Veil Vita BB Cream SPF27 PA++ in Green, 30ml, RM84.90.

4. Blooming Pop Tint in Cherry Tint, RM44.90.

5. Bubi Bubi Mascara in Black, RM29.90.

6. Waterdrop BB Cream SPF27 PA++, 5ml, RM9.

7. Carry Me Blusher in Cutie Pink, 5g, RM46.90.

8. Natural Mineral Powder, 10g, RM69.90.

9. Real Brush Pen Eyeliner in Black, RM32.90.

I know I bought too many BB creams but I can't get enough of them! I have so many of them that my sisters have started using mine these days.

(*.*)

I only found out that orders can also be made through Lioele MY website after the items had arrived at my home.

I strongly suggest to purchase from the website and not Zalora as the MFG date of some of the items is in 2011. I was really disappointed in this. No wonder there are so many complaints made on Zalora.

I am so not gonna purchase skincare or cosmetic items from Zalora any more.

On a happier note, I can't wait to try these items! Will share the reviews soon!

(^.^)

 

BR: Etude House Skin Malgem Smoother

I'm a huge fan of toner. I like how it preps my skin before I use my moisturizer.

The cleanser that I'm using at the moment is a really good one as it also acts like a mask. 

However, my skin can feel a bit tight after cleansing, probably due to the dry weather and the fact that my skin is getting drier these days.

Thus, I always use toner so that it helps my skin to absorb my moisturizer better.

 *pic credit: prettycuteblog*

At the moment I'm using Etude House Skin Malgem in Smoother. 

There are six variants; 5 of them are toners or fresheners plus a moisturizer or emulsion.

The toners are Fresh (Oily Skin), Smoother (Exfoliation & Trouble-Prone Skin), Moist (Dry Skin), Deep Moist (Dry & Sensitive Skin), Essential (Combination Skin).

"Malgem" is a Korean word which means clean, clarity and pure.

The beauty assistant at the store suggested I use Smoother after I mentioned to her I've been having problems with my pore size.

She also said that Skin Malgem can be used as mask by using those compressed sheet mask that absorbs liquid easily. Other than that, this product can also be used as mist. There is a small mist bottle sold separately, specially made for this line.

The Korean star that represents this product is Shinee which I'm not really a fan of as they look so young (LOL!) but some of their songs like 'Sherlock' and 'Replay' are quite addictive.

And they are a bunch of terrific dancers!

*pic credit: prettycuteblog*

 *sturdy plastic bottle*

 

 

 

*clear and light liquid*

Etude House Skin Malgem Smoother, 250ml, RM79.90

How to use:

As toner: Pour some onto palms and pat into skin or use cotton pad.

As mask: Let compressed mask fully absorbs the liquid and leave on face for 15mins.

Loves:

*I use it only as toner so far*

The lovely smell!

Very lightweight and doesn't clog my pores.

Doesn't make my skin oily.

Doesn't break me out.

Loathes:

I've always kind of hated screw caps because they can be a hassle.

Overall I love it as a toner.  My skin was reacting really bad a couple of weeks ago, flaky and dry which I couldn't figure out the reasons. So I started using this and after only two days I could see and feel my skin became smooth and moist.

I already bought my second bottle as Etude house was having huge sale during Chinese New Year earlier.

I don't think I have ever not shopped anything everytime Etude House is having sale.

(^.^)

BR: SkinFood Rice Shimmer Powder

A quick review on my current favourite loose powder.

(^.^)

These days I use loose powder a lot compared to compact or pressed powder.

I guess it's because my skin is now a bit dry so I don't really need much coverage to get rid of the oil.

I usually pat some powder after applying my BB cream.

This powder from SkinFood only has one shade which I believe suit girls with fair-medium skin only.

It is shimmery but I like that it isn't obvious that makes you look like a disco ball.

I took this description from SkinFood website, 

"Infused with soft, fine pearl particles, this multi-function powder achieves a subtle, luminous finish. Rice extract creates a clearer, incredibly radiant skin tone."

 

 *removed the puff as it's too eww-looking*

*finely milled*

SkinFood Rice Shimmer Powder, 23g

Loves:

Spreads easily on my face and doesn't crease.

The shimmer effect is just nice. Suitable for day use.

Doesn't break me out.

Available in Malaysia.

Loathes:

Nothing! Honest! Totally love it!

*my skintone is between MAC NC20-NC25*

BR: SkinFood Mushroom Multi Care BB Cream SPF20 PA+

I honestly cannot remember where did I get this BB cream but I know it's a free gift.

Either during my trip to Seoul or from GMarket or SkinFood shop here.

I got two types, mushroom and aloe vera.

I will review mushroom BB cream first.

(^.^)

Based on the tube, it says

"This triple-function BB cream provides UV protection and deep moisturization to skin for your skin clear and resilient".

Since the grammar is a bit of a haywire, I decided to look over SkinFood international website and found this instead, 

"This triple-function BB cream provides UV protection and deep moisturization to skin with aloe and mushroom extracts, while arbutin and adenosine make skin clear and resilient".

Now that is a lot better, isn't it?

 *pic credit: amazon*

*full size tube*

 

 

 

 

SkinFood Mushroom Multi Care BB Cream SPF20 PA+ in Shade #1 Radiant Skin

Loves:

Shade #1 suits my skintone very well.

It doesn't look ashy on my skin.

The coverage is not bad, hides my pores well.

Loathes:

Oil control is so-so. I still need my blotter sheet.

It provides matte look on my skin instead of radiant look.

Has weird smell, not mushroom smell but weird synthetic-like smell.

The texture is too thick for my liking, gives me mask-y feeling.

It's not very moisturizing.

Since my skin is a bit dry at the moment, I find this BB cream too thick for my skin.

I'd feel uncomfortable everytime I wear it.

I think it might be suitable for girls with normal skin.

This will not be on my shopping list anytime soon.

*my skintone is between MAC NC20-NC25*
*Skinfood Malaysia website: HERE*

BR: It's Skin Collagen Mask Sheet

I'm loving skincare with collagen at the moment.

It's mainly because my skin has become quite dry due to the blazing hot weather.

Dry skin can cause wrinkles and collagen helps to maintain skin elasticity, thus, prevents wrinkles.

This is my first mask from It's Skin, another Korean brand.

It is famous for its dermatologist tested and clinical skin solution products. 

The boys of 2PM are currently endorsing them, mostly Nickhun.

You may read more about the brand here.

 

 *bad ingredient: paraben*

It's Skin Collagen Mask Sheet

How to use:

After cleansing and toning, spread the mask onto skin. Remove after 15-20 minutes. Massage in the remaining essence.

Loves:

Its soothing smell.

Skin felt moisturized after using. I wore it before sleeping and the next morning my skin felt supple.

Available around Malaysia.

Loathes:

Contains paraben.

The effect was temporary.

The shape of the mask was too round for my face.

By now I assume Korean brands sheet mask has the same manufacturer for the sheet. So far they are all too round for my face. They don't really cover my nose and cheek areas. Very frustrating.

(*.*) 

BR: elf Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Raspberry

This product from elf reminds me so much of Stila Lip Glaze.

While Stila Lip Glaze costs US$22 each, elf Luscious Liquid Lipstick is only US$1. 

Can't get any cheaper than that.

So is it really as good as Stila?

 *bad ingredient: parabens*

 

 

elf Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Raspberry, 1.5g

Loves:

Doesn't dry up my lips.

Very convenient to use.

Love the minty smell!

The color lasts quite long for a lip gloss.

Cheap price tag.

Loathes:

Contains paraben.

I had to twist like 50 times during my first time application.

The applicator/head/sponge is too small for my liking and quite harsh too.

Not available widely in Malaysia.

As to compare it with Stila Lip Glaze, first of all, Stila has 2.3g worth of product while elf only has 1.5g.

In terms of diameter, elf is much smaller.

I prefer Stila brush than elf applicator. Elf feels harsh on my lips.

However, I would say there's not much difference with the lip gloss. Both are fairly pigmented glossy. After all, lip gloss never stays for that long on lips.

 

korean skincare & cosmetic brands

You may have noticed my obsession with Korean skincare and cosmetic brands.

It basically started when I visited Seoul in 2011. 

The beauty houses are everywhere, even underground along the way to subway and don't let me start with the streets at Myeondong. OMG that place is a shopping heaven!

I wrote a post about the street here.

I have two main reasons why I love Korean brands like Etude House, Skinfood, The Face Shop, Holika Holika, Tony Moly, It's Skin and Missha, among others.

First, these brands really pay attention with their packaging. I guess they truly understand how girls go crazy over the cutest things. I probably bought most products because they have irresistible packaging. 

I mean, look at Etude House, the whole shop is in pink! 

Everytime I pass the shop, I can feel it "pulling" me in. Not just me, my purse as well. 

Their shops in Seoul are much cuter! Even the cash machine is in pink! 

The second reason would be the price tag. They are much cheaper than those high end brands at departmental stores although I won't deny the quality and effectiveness of these high end brands like SKII, Biotherm, Estee Lauder and Lancome but as long those Korean products don't break my skin out, I'm a happy customer. Furthermore, especially for cosmetics which I use daily, products with cheaper price tag are more affordable for me who doesn't get a RM5000 paycheck at the end of the month. 

Oh I almost forgot another reason. 

It'd be the models of the brands.

How could I ever forget this?!

(^.^)

 

 *Song Joong Ki for Laneige Homme*

*pic credit: Laneige*

 *Kim Hyun Joong for The Face Shop*

*pic credit: The Face Shop*

 *Won Bin for Biotherm Homme*

*pic credit: soompi*

 *Nickhun for It's Skin*

*pic credit: It's Skin*

 *Yunho for Missha*

*pic credit: continuetvxq*

 *coming soon: GD for The Saem*

*pic credit: bigbangupdates*

I know Biotherm isn't a Korean brand but I am beyond thrilled that Won Bin is endorsing the brand for now.

He's like the epitome of anti-aging guys, like seriously!

Either he ages backward or those skincare products he's been endorsing are bloody effective!

 And I so cannot wait for GD's endorsement commercial to be released! My friends are heading to Seoul in April and I am so gonna ask them buy me anything with GD from The Saem! 

Additionally, I'm somehow is praying silently for other brands to sign TOP as the model. It's gonna be a huge deal! That man is scrumptious!

Back to the products, periodically, you'll get freebies related to the models such as calendars, posters, CDs etc which I would usually succumb to.

Which girl doesn't like products that are cute, cheap and err, endorsed by super hot, adorable guys?

 (^.^)