Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Review: COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol

Identifying Information
Product name: COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol, 100mL
Price: PhP 730.00 + shipping fee
Description: "Uses good ingredients and self-assurance, for flawless skin" Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol is a skin-type solution product that solves the daunting problem of complex skin trouble with a combination of Propolis, AHA, natural BHA, and natural moisture-retention ingredients, as well as helping with control of sebum and clearing of dead skin cell. Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol contains little oil, helping with managing sebum and pores, to give the skin cleanliness with no shine or trouble.
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: www.theskincarecurator.com
History: I've been using this twice daily since October 8, 2015.

Physical Examination:
COSRX Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol box and bottle

Friday, October 16, 2015

Review: Skinfood Let's Fresh Yogurt Cleansing Foam

*Updated with pH level from Skinfood. Information was given by /u/cookiemonster257 at the Asian Beauty subreddit. Thank you very much!*

Identifying Information
Product name: Skinfood Let's Fresh Yogurt Cleansing Foam, 130mL
Price: PhP 385.00 + shipping fee
Description: "A fresh complexion! A rich, milky cleansing foam with the texture of yogurt to remove excessive sebum and keratin for a smoother complexion. Skin is left fresh and clean without a lingering tightness. Yogurt: This mineral and vitamin rich milk product has excellent hydrating properties and has been used as a natural cosmetic ingredient since ancient times." (Skinfood Official Website

Additional description from the Korea Department Store website:
- Cleanser creates a lush foam, gently cleanses the skin and pores of excess sebum, prevents acne and comedones, maintains hydro-lipid barrier.
- It gives the skin smoothness, improves the tone, retains the freshness of the skin
- Milk proteins renew the epidermis and stimulate the growth of new cells, anti-inflammatory effect, lighten the skin, exfoliate dead skin cells, strengthen and moisturize dehydrated skin, eliminate the wrinkles, helping to increase the synthesis of collagen.
- Yogurt extract nourishes and contributes to better regeneration of skin cells, retains moisture and gives the skin a healthy appearance.
- Prevents the formation of acne and inflammatory (lesions?). Due to the natural acid content of yogurt, it is able to exfoliate, moisturize and gets antimicrobial properties, smooths wrinkles, restores the pH balance of the skin. 

WOW. Those were such bold claims posted on the Korea Department Store website!
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: www.kkochipida.com
History: I've been using it twice daily for about 2 weeks (13 days to be exact) now.

Physical Examination: 
Skinfood Let's Fresh Yogurt Cleansing Foam bottle

Monday, October 5, 2015

Review: Biore Cleansing Oil

Identifying Information
Product name: Biore Cleansing Oil, 150mL
Price: PhP 299.00
Description: "This oil-based makeup remover from Japan has excellent cleansing ability that makes makeup removal so quick and easy. Suitable for medium to heavy makeup users. It effectively dissolves and removes stubborn makeup, even waterproof mascara, while lifting away dirt and impurities. Unlike typical oil makeup removers, it does not emulsify upon contact with water, thus maintaining its optimal cleansing performance at all times." 
  • No greasy or sticky feeling on skin after use
  • Gentle and mild on skin
  • Refreshing fragrance
Product Origin: Japan
Where I bought it: Watsons, SM Supercenter Pasig
History: For more than 2 years now I've been using micellar water for makeup removal. I just soak a cotton pad with micellar water and wipe my makeup away. It was a quick and reliable process for me which was without any mess or oiliness. I also quite liked how I could sometimes skip rinsing or washing my face when I use micellar water. Now that I'm regularly using a topical acne medication, I found that my skin has become a bit more sensitive than usual so wiping it repeatedly with a cotton pad makes it irritated. Thus I began my search for an affordable but effective cleansing oil. A fellow Filipina in the AsianBeauty subreddit told me that the Biore Cleansing Oil only costs PhP 299.00. I thought it was extremely affordable for a cleansing oil so I decided to purchase it!I've been using this for more than 2 weeks now. :)

Physical Examination:
Biore Cleansing Oil bottle

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Review: Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream

Identifying Information
Product name: Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream, 80mL
Price: PhP 665.00 (I purchased it for PhP 598.50 because I got 10% off thanks to my NR membership card)
Description: "The Aqua Sherbet Network System protects skin from the external environment by forming a moisture film over skin. Hyaluronic acid, a plant-derived moisture factor, keeps skin moisturized by continuously maintaining moisture in combination skin for long hours."
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: Nature Republic, 4th floor, Atrium, SM Megamall
History: When I went to Nature Republic and bought the Acai Berry essence and the Fresh Green Tea toner and emulsion, I got a few samples and one of which was a little sachet of this cream. I brought it with me during a trip to Tagaytay. During my stay there, it was so cold because it was raining about 90% of the time and the winds were so strong. I liked how this cream made my skin feel so I decided to purchase the whole tub! Samples are a good marketing strategy, you see. All the makeup shops I've been to in Korea were extremely generous in giving out samples. I hope the Korean cosmetic shops here in the Philippines follow suit and not just give GWPs (gifts with purchase) once you've spent at least PhP 500.00. :) 

I've been using this cream twice a day for over a month now and as I've stated in my instagram post, it's my current favorite!

Physical Examination:
Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Combination Watery Cream jar

Monday, September 21, 2015

Review: Leaders Insolution AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask

Identifying Information
Product name: Leaders Insolution AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask
Price: PhP 148.00 (Got this during their Buy 1 Get 1 promo! :D)
Description: "Mask relieves and soothes irritated and sensitive acne skin caused by excessive sebum and skin troubles."
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: www.beautymnl.com
History: I got to know about the brand Leaders Insolution through the BeautyMNL website. I didn't know anything about the brand before that. Their sheet masks were being sold at a higher price than most sheet masks available locally so I got curious and googled about them. I saw tons of good reviews on their sheet masks so I put them on my wishlist. Upon waking up one fine day back in August, I received the usual daily e-mail from BeautyMNL and there they said that the Leaders Insolution masks were at a Buy 1 Get 1 promo! Ah, it was the perfect time to buy them so I did! :D

Physical Examination:
Leaders Insolution AC-Dressing Skin Clinic Mask

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Review: COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch

Identifying Information
Product name: COSRX Clinical Skin Care Acne Pimple Master Patch, 24 patches/pack
Price: PhP 150.00 + shipping fee
Description: "Protects wounded or troubled area from getting worse and maintains humidity of skin for faster recovery. It's a patch minimizing inflammation and caring damaged skins. Hydrocolloid type. Quasi-drugs." (Taken from COSRX official website)
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: www.theskincarecurator.com (not an affiliate link or anything)
History: I got these patches more than a week ago and I've been using them since then. I had a few little pimples and 2 huge ones to test these patches on.

Physical Examination:
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch front of packaging

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Review: Holika Holika Waterdrop Tint Stick in 01 Waterdrop Cherry

Identifying Information
Product name: Holika Holika Waterdrop Tint Stick in 01 Waterdrop Cherry
Price: PhP 435.00 (I got it at 20% off so I only paid PhP 348.00)
Description: Water-based formula provides melting application on lips with cool texture. Provides non-sticky, clear, vivid and bright color on lips. (Korea Department Store website)
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: SM Megamall Department Store
History: I got this about two weeks ago. I dropped by the department store to go look at another brand's lip tint but it was out of stock so I went to Holika Holika and swatched some of their stuff on my hand. Lip products are my weakness so, yeah, I ended up getting this. :)) 

Physical Examination:
Holika Holika Waterdrop Tint Stick in 01 Waterdrop Cherry
Holika Holika Waterdrop Tint Stick in 01 Waterdrop Cherry with the cap off

Monday, August 31, 2015

Review: Safeguard Derma Sense Sensitive Skin Facial Cleanser

Identifying Information
Product name: Safeguard Derma Sense Sensitive Skin Facial Cleanser, 50mL
Price: PhP 119.00 50mL, PhP 199.00 100mL
Description: "Safeguard Derma Sense gently cleanses sensitive skin, removing dirt, impurities and excess oil, while maintaining your skin's natural defense layer. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for Daily Use."
Product Origin: Thailand
Where I bought it: Watsons, SM Supercenter Pasig
History: One weekend back in July, my family decided to have a "staycation" somewhere in Mandaluyong. I packed everything I needed except for a facial wash! My mom only had Cetaphil with her but because I'm not a fan of it, I headed down to 7-Eleven to look for a sachet of facial wash. Unfortunately, the 7-Eleven I went to didn't have any sachets available. What they did have was a small tube of Safeguard Derma Sense cleanser for acne prone skin so I got that. I tried it out for some time but when I started using my topical acne medication regularly, the salicylic acid in that facial cleanser started to sting my skin. Because of that I decided to give their sensitive skin cleanser a try. I've been using it for 3 weeks now.

Physical Examination:
Safeguard Derma Sense Sensitive Skin Facial Cleanser tube

Friday, August 28, 2015

Review: Nature Republic Fresh Green Tea 70 Toner and Emulsion

Identifying Information
Product name: Nature Republic Fresh Green Tea 70 Toner and Emulsion, 180mL/6.08 fl. oz. 
Price: PhP 545.00 each
Description: "Containing Boseong's fresh green tea leaves, the moisture-supplying toner/emulsion takes care of sensitive skin with its refreshing feel. The 7 Non-Added Formula System with the high green tea water content makes the Fresh Green Tea brand line feel more refreshing. The 7 Non-Added Formula System is free from paraben, talc, triethanolamine, animal-derived ingredients, mineral oil, benzophenone and artificial coloring."
- "Contains Polynesia Blue Lagoon Water MD 101: The blue lagoon water, which is purified from the blue coral reef of Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean, is loaded with the minerals that provide an excellent moisturizing function. The water helps to strengthen the skin's moisture retention capability."
- "Boseong's fresh green tea sprouts are concentrated with catechins and vitamin C, making the skin clear and healthy."
(Taken from the Nature Republic official website: toner and emulsion
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: Nature Republic, Atrium, SM Megamall
History: I purchased these during the 1st week of August 2015 and I've been using them regularly since then together with the Real Nature Acai Berry essence I reviewed here.

Physical Examination:
Nature Republic Fresh Green Tea 70 Toner and Emulsion boxes

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Review: Nature Republic Real Nature Acai Berry Essence

Identifying Information
Product name: Nature Republic Real Nature Acai Berry Essence, 50mL/1.69 fl. oz.
Price: PhP 545.00
Description: "Whitening essence from nature"; Natural ingredients provide rich moisture and nourishment and prevent roughness and dryness of skin
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: Nature Republic, Atrium, SM Megamall
History: I bought this during the first week of August 2015 and I've been using it daily since then.

Physical Examination:
Nature Republic Real Nature Acai Berry Essence inside its box

Monday, August 24, 2015

Review: Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover

Identifying Information
Product name: Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover, 145mL
Price: PhP 298.00
Description: 
  • "For eye and lip; Cleanses powerfully yet remains moisturizing and gentle to skin; contains Vitamins B and E for added skincare."
  • Gentle Water-Based Formula: Derived from skin toners that contain oil dissolving moisturizing agents. Oil contained in makeup is lifted quickly without tugging, and gives skin ample moisture while cleansing thoroughly.
  • Highly Effective Emollient Oil Layer with Water Base: Dual effect of water and oil layer thoroughly removes even the most stubborn, waterproof mascaras; High cleansing power ensures that no rubbing or tugging is required to protect eyelashes and delicate skin around eyes.
Product Origin: Japan
Where I bought it: Watsons, SM Supercenter Pasig (where I buy about 70% of what I own hohoho)
History: I've had my first bottle for several months now. I can't even remember exactly when I bought it. :))

Physical Examination:
Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover
Left: My first bottle, Right: the back-up!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Review: 3W Clinic Natural Make-up Powder in 21 Light Beige and 23 Natural Beige

Identifying Information
Product name: 3W Clinic Professional Natural Make-up Powder in 21 Light Beige and 23 Natural Beige, 30g
Price: PhP 265.00 + shipping fee
Description: "Mixed with transparent white powder and fine porous silica multi coating powder. Excellent blooming effect without shine creates bright complexion. Silky touch remains moisturizing feeling without flakes for hours." (from Korea Department Store)
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: www.kkochipida.com
History: I got this during the first week of June 2015 and I've been using it regularly as a setting powder since then. In all of the selfies/selcas I've posted on my blog since July 2015 with make-up on, I have this powder on my face. :)

Physical Examination:
3W Clinic Natural Make-up Powder in 21 Light Beige and 23 Natural Beige

Monday, August 17, 2015

Review: Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly BB in 02 Aqua Neutral

Identifying Information
Product name: Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly BB SPF 20 PA++ in 02 Aqua Neutral, 40mL
Price: PhP 625.00 + shipping fee; in Holika Holika shops this retails for PhP 755.00
Description: "Jelly BB makes moist and bouncy jelly skin. Has jelly texture that helps spread evenly and creates fully hydrated and shiny skin. It is also perfect for covering up facial blemishes. Mint water hydrates facial skin, and marine jelly complex makes soft and bouncy skin."
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: www.kkochipida.com
History: I've had this for about a month now and I've been using it regularly since I got it. Prior to ordering this I read a lot of reviews as usual so I was pretty excited when it arrived! 

Physical Examination:
Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly BB 02 Aqua Neutral box, bottle and sponge

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Review: Peripera Peri's Tint Marker in Orange Stain and Pink Stain

Identifying Information
Product name: Peripera Peri's Tint Marker in No. 2 Orange Stain and No. 3 Pink Stain, 4mL
Price: PhP 295.00 + shipping fee
Description: "Fresh absorption for bright looking lips. Long lasting waterproof type. Hot, vivid color." (taken from Korea Department Store)
Photo from Peripera Malaysia Facebook page:
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: www.kkochipida.com - My favorite online make-up shop!!!
History: I saw this lip tint on several Instagram posts by online shops and I got curious about it because it looked so pigmented. I own a tint marker from The Face Shop but I don't like it that much so when I saw that Kkochipida had this Peripera one in stock for a really affordable price, I did not hesitate to order! Other shops sell these tint markers for about 400-700pesos each. O__O I've had these two tint markers for almost 2 weeks now. 

Physical Examination:
 Peripera Peri's Tint Marker Orange Stain and Pink Stain boxes

Monday, August 10, 2015

Review: 3M Nexcare Skin Care Acne Patch

***Discussion part is long because I added some studies and articles to it to make it more substanstial. There are also some pictures with exudates on the acne patch that may make you feel uncomfortable.***

Identifying Information
Product name: 3M Nexcare Skin Care Acne Patch Ladies
Price: PhP 145.00
Description: Water-based material that acts like a sponge to absorb the oily secretion, fluid or pus; Act as a barrier over the acne to reduce hand contact and infection; Waterproof yet breathable to improve healing
Product Origin: Singapore (?); It doesn't specifically indicate on the packaging where this was manufactured; however, the address of 3M in Singapore was on the box so I assume that it was made there. I will provide the exact information once I find it.^^
Where I bought it: Mercury Drug; So far I've only seen these patches in 4 branches:
> Mandaluyong City EDSA Central Pavilion
> Pasig City Meralco Commercial Strip (beside The Medical City)
> Makati City Comembo branch
> Pasig City Frontera Verde Fun Ranch
History: I discovered acne patches during my first trip to Korea in 2011. My friends and I saw many girls with a circular sticker or two on their faces and we later learned that those were patches designed to deliver anti-acne ingredients such as salicylic acid and tea tree oil to hasten the pimple's healing process. Those medicated acne patches were very thin, transparent and made of plastic. The acne patches I'm reviewing today are made of a different material. I will elaborate on that in the discussion part below.
I stumbled upon these ones from 3M Nexcare a few years ago while buying some medical supplies from the Mercury Drug branch beside The Medical City. I had no idea if it would work on my pimples or not and it was more of an impulsive buy but I am so glad that I bought them! 

Physical Examination: *Warning: Photos with exudates on acne patch ahead!*
3M Nexcare Acne Patch box front

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Review: Missha The Style Beautiful Tint in Moisture Red

Identifying Information
Product name: Missha The Style Beautiful Tint in Moisture Red 
Price: PhP 599.00
Description: "Give your lips both moisture and color with this Beautiful Tint Gloss. The soft brush tip makes it easy to apply. The ingredient, Xylitol, gives your lips a cool and refreshing feeling. Choose from different colors to express your look of the day, whether that may be lovely, casual, or elegant." (taken from Missha US website)
Product Origin: Korea
Where I bought it: Missha, SM Center Pasig (Formerly known as SM Supercenter Pasig; I usually just call it SM Hypermarket though. Guess I was calling it wrong the whole time hahaha. >.<)
History: This Missha lip tint was one of the lip products included in the video of Meejmuse (Jen Kim) entitled Must-Have Holy Grail Korean Products. I wanted to link the video here but unfortunately it was taken down by YouTube for reasons I don't really know. Jen reuploaded the video so here it is. I passed by Missha during one of my regular trips to SM Center with my boyfriend to check if they had it and they did so I immediately bought it. Aaahh, watching YouTube videos and reading blog reviews make me want a lot of makeup products! Anyway, I've had this for several months now and though I don't use it regularly (because I have numerous lip products waaahh), I do like it! 

Physical Examination: 
Missha The Style Beautiful Tint box front

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Review: Hurraw Lip Balms in Chai Spice and Mint

Identifying Information
Product name: Hurraw! Chai Spice Lip Balm and Mint Lip Balm, 0.15oz/4.3g
Price: PhP 280.00
Description: (taken from their website) "Hurraw! Balm started out of pure intent; a personal obsession to create the perfect balm: all natural, vegan, made from premium raw, organic and fair trade ingredients, complete with a bunch of natural and fun flavor options! It also had to meet some tough criteria... Criteria: Super smooth, not draggy, not sticky, not sweet, not too glossy, not too smelly, never grainy, long lasting; plus, it had to hold up to being in a back jeans pocket all day without melting! It took us several obsessed years to formulate Hurraw! Balm and put it through all the rigors. We love it, use it, and hope you do too."

Taken from the official website of Hurraw:

Chai Spice: "Nothing compares to the spicy-magical-garam-masala-ness of chai tea!  It’s been a favorite since we first experienced it out of a huge cast iron cauldron in Arizona circa 1992! Chai done right! Now we get our chai on all day long with our chai spice lip balm! It's not quite like a milky coffee shop chai latte… but the real deal; a real blend of black pepper, cinnamon, clove, anise, and vanilla. Spicy divinity!"

Mint: "The awesome tingle and crisp. The icy scent of our mint lip balm reminds us of those old peppermint patty commercials :) We get our organic peppermint oil from Oregon's Willamette Valley. It's the best mint we've found and oh so unique! A long lasting minty treat for your lips!"
Product Origin: USA
Where I bought it: Purchased online from www.beautymnl.com
History: I purchased these two balms some time in June 2015 and I have been using them daily since then. The first one I tried was the Chai Spice variant because I love Chai flavored stuff like teas/lattes. Last week I opened the Mint one because my curiosity got the best of me. I initially wanted to save it until I'm done with the Chai Spice one or my other lip balms (I have several lip balms waiting to be used up >.<) but gaaah, I gave in to the temptation of opening it. Well, at least I can talk about it here in my blog now. 

Physical Examination:
Hurraw lip balm in Chai Spice and Mint

Friday, July 24, 2015

Review: Leivy Naturally Double Moisturising Shower Cream and Ivy Naturale Brightening Shower Cream

*Updated 9/10/2015 to include additional prices*
Identifying Information
Product name: Leivy Naturally Double Moisturising Shower Cream and Ivy Naturale Brightening Shower Cream; 
*From what I've seen online, Leivy and Ivy seem to be different lines of shower cream by the same manufacturer. Websites still display both lines so I suppose that they both still exist and one is not a replacement of the other. Ivy has a variant with goat's milk too and Leivy has one with papaya and licorice.
Price: Leivy Naturally Double Moisturising Shower Cream 250mL - PhP 99.00 [500mL bottle - PhP 170.00 and 450mL refill - PhP 150.00]
Ivy Naturale Brightening Shower Cream 1L - PhP 199.00 (I got it on sale for PhP 169.00)
Description: 
Leivy Naturally Double Moisturising Shower Cream
  • with purified goat's milk and milk protein
  • lightens skin tone
  • double moisturising for very dry skin
  • From the Ivy website:
    • Ideal for very dry skin.
    • Mild and gentle formulation with double moisturising effect to restore and retain moisture to body.
    • Rich with vitamin A, B and E, protein, minerals and fatty acids.
    • Also contains sodium caseinate and lactic acid.
Ivy Naturale Brightening Shower Cream
  • with papaya extract, licorice extract, Nanowhite and Moist 24
  • 24 hour moisturising
  • smoothing and brightening
  • for fairer and softer skin
  • Copied word for word from the description at the back of the bottle:
    • "Papaya has always been known to clean the skin and act as a natural and gentle peeling agent, thus making the skin smoother and softer."
    • "A gentle shower cream formulated with Papaya Extract and Licorice Extract that leave skin visible refreshed, with a radiant glow. Papain--the enzyme that promote elimination of dead skin cells. Licorice Extract is plant substance with proven skin brightening functions."
    • "Nanowhite is a combination of brightening and anti-oxidant ingredients. Nanowhite contains Arbutin from bearberry leaves that brightens skin tone and helps against pigmentation disorder. Nanowhite also contains glutathione, which is a strong anti-oxidant to protect your skin from harsh environment. Its vitamin that anti-oxidant, anti-aging and brightening proterties as well."
Product Origin: Malaysia
Where I bought it: Watsons, SM Supercenter Pasig
*I went to SM Supercenter/Hypermarket Pasig earlier and I saw the Leivy shower creams on display. They were in a different packaging compared to the one I have and they were more expensive too. If I remember correctly, they were priced at PhP 239.00 (or was it PhP 289.00? Hmm.) for the 1L bottles. The different kinds I saw were the Simply Nourishing Shower Cream with Royal Jelly and Honey; Double Moisturising, Brightening and Firming Shower Cream Enriched with Goat's Milk, Papaya and Licorice; and the Brightening Shower Cream with Papaya Enzyme and Licorice Extract. These products are locally distributed by a company named Genson Distribution, Inc. For more information on the products, visit their website.
History: I bought the Leivy goat's milk shower cream back in February 2015 and I purchased the Ivy papaya shower cream last month, June 2015.

Physical Examination:
Leivy Naturally Double Moisturising Shower Cream bottle frontLeivy Naturally Double Moisturising Shower Cream bottle back
Leivy Naturally Double Moisturising Shower Cream bottle back
Ivy Naturale Brightening Shower Cream bottle
Ivy Naturale Brightening Shower Cream pump
Ivy Naturale Brightening Shower Cream description
Ivy Naturale Brightening Shower Cream ingredients
Ivy Naturale Brightening Shower Cream manufacturing and best before dates

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Review: Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control

Identifying Information
Product name: Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control in No. 21 Natural Beige, 15g
Price: PhP 1,950.00 
Description: "New concept Cushion BB for Pore Control + Pore Coverage + Semi-matt Finish + Water resistant + Long lasting + Sunscreen + Cooling Effect"
Here's a photo containing the description, claims, shades and instructions for use of this BB cushion. I'm placing it here since it's a lot easier to read/look at. ;)

Photo taken from the Laneige Malaysia website:
Product Origin: South Korea
Where I bought it: Laneige, SM Megamall
History: I purchased this for my birthday last November 2014. I have since finished up the original BB cushion in the case and I've put in the refill. I believe there's roughly about 30-40% left in it at present.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Review: Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation

Identifying Information
Product name: Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Fresh Complexion Oil Free Foundation in 115 Buff Beige, 30ml
Price: PhP 495.00
Description: "One simple step for a flawless, natural look that lasts all day. The formula blends easily to even skin tone and reduces shine all day. Oil free. Won't clog pores. Suitable for sensitive skin. Lasts all day."
Product Origin: USA
Where I bought it: SM Megamall Department Store
History: I purchased it about a month ago and I've been using it regularly since then. 

Physical Examination:
Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation 115 Buff Beige bottle

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation 115 Buff Beige bottle, description and price

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation 115 Buff Beige hand swatch

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation 115 Buff Beige full face swatch

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation 115 Buff Beige full face swatch
This was taken a few hours after the photo above was taken. Notice the shine on my nose and forehead. I have combination-oily skin and for me that shine you see is still tolerable. 

HAHAHA

Sorry for the poor quality of the photo. The point of this photo was to show how my face with foundation on compares (or matches) to the skin on my neck.
Ingredients:
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Talc, Dimethicone, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Sodium Chloride, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, PVP, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer, Trihydroxystearin, Arachidyl Behenate, Methicone, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Synthetic Wax, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Ethylene Brassylate, Behenic Acid, Polyethylene. May Contain/Peut Contenir: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Salient Features
Positives:
  • Feels lightweight on the skin
  • Easy to apply using fingers and/or makeup sponge 
    • I don't use makeup brushes to apply foundation so I can't comment on that aspect. I'm planning to buy a foundation brush soon though!
  • Good oil control
    • I used this on an extremely hot and humid day. I applied my makeup at around noontime and topped it off with a light dusting of the Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous powder foundation and 3W Clinic's Natural Makeup Powder. As this was a special occasion, I also used Innisfree's No Sebum Primer. I was sweating buckets prior to the graduation march because we lined up outside the venue and we were under the scorching heat of the sun. My makeup stayed in place! I didn't blot my face or anything but my makeup still looked good in photos after the event. My family, my boyfriend and I had dinner and I still didn't blot before or after that. Of course my face was getting oily towards the end of the day but it was the good kind. It was not the bad, gross kind wherein I needed to blot and touch up stat. 
    • On a regular hot and sweaty day here in the Philippines though and using this foundation without any primer, my face would get oily at about 4 - 5 hours. Oiliness would be most evident on my nose. Shine would still be tolerable as I don't find the urgency to blot right away. The amount of oil is definitely reduced compared to when I'm using other products. The foundation does claim to reduce shine, not totally eliminate it. I believe this is what a natural look is supposed to be.
  • Does not get cakey when layered, when I get oily, or when topped with powder
    • I don't see any clumps of product on the sides of my nose even when the foundation has mixed with sebum.
  • Has a demi-matte finish
  • The packaging is superb. It is made of an easy to squeeze plastic tube with a nozzle. It dispenses the right amount of product and is not messy at all. No problems with breakage or taking it with you during travels.
  • No allergic reactions, no skin irritations
  • Barely discernible scent
    • It has a faint chemical smell but I can only smell it if I put the nozzle extremely close to my nares (nostrils) and sniff it from there. I don't smell it when I'm applying it on my face. My nose is fairly sensitive and this does not trigger my allergic rhinitis. 
  • Did not cause me to breakout
  • Does not settle in or emphasize pores
  • No SPF
    • This is a positive feature for me since I needed a foundation with no SPF for the occasion I purchased this product for. I needed a foundation with no SPF to make sure that there would be no white cast during flash photography.
  • The manufacturing date is printed on a sticker.
  • Good for 12 months once opened
Negatives:
  • Feels faintly sticky upon application
    • Powders can be easily blended on top of it so it's not a big deal for me.
    • Compared to other base make-up products I've tried, this would be considered as barely to not sticky!
  • May oxidize a little bit
    • However it's barely noticeable, well at least for me
  • Limited shade range available here in the Philippines - however this is the company's or distributor's responsibility, not the product's fault
  • No safety seal/sticker on the cap or nozzle
    • I'm sure the saleslady gave me a new tube since she got it from a cabinet but this safety seal would provide more assurance as to the freshness of the product. :)
Impression/Rating: 8/10

Discussion: Graduation day was coming and I was in need of a new foundation for my graduation makeup. The bottles of liquid foundation I had were all old and needed to be disposed of. The other base makeup products that I had were all BB creams and powder foundations but I didn't want to use them for the occasion. This led me to research on good and affordable foundations. I watched several videos on YouTube about top drugstore foundations and saw this one. In depth video and blog reviews on it were all praises about it so I made my purchase and I'm glad I did. It's good for daily use and it also proved itself worthy of use during special occasions. 

Prognosis: I will continue using this product and it is highly likely that I will repurchase it once I run out. I may try other foundation makeup in the future (like the Covergirl Outlast 3-in-1 foundation, but that's more expensive) but the important thing to me is that I now know of a foundation that I can rely on. If you're looking for a new foundation and you'd like to try something affordable but has good quality, I highly recommend this one.


Other things I want to say not related to the product being reviewed:
Hello! If you're reading this part of my blog post, I would like to thank you for the time you spent reading! I'm going to try and blog more regularly/often from now on. I will also try to take photos using a proper camera for better quality. I do not edit my photos or add filters to them. The only editing I do is adding my blog's URL on the photos. I'm not really the artistic type so I'm also not adept at taking pictures. *Cue Bigbang's Loser*

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, feel free to post it below or reach me thru different social media. :)


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