Hi everyone! I finally have some time to spend on my blog!

So most of you may now know, I have been pretty busy with Miss Singapore Global!

Just completed a few photo shoots and video interviews the past weeks, and with all the time spent with thick makeup, my sensitive skin has suffered :(

I managed to keep the worse from happening with facials (thank my godma) and with (a new favourite) Blissoma Solutions Smooth A+ Serum! And yes, after the sample, I got it in full size!

Read my previous review on the serum here!

Thank you Charis Naturals!

"Like" Charis Naturals Facebook page or visit website to be in the loop!

And now, I have another review to share:

 Blissoma Solutions Refine Clay Renewal Mask!

Clogged pores are one of the prime reasons for acne flareups, and REFINE keeps pores open. Willowbark gently dissolves away dead skin cells even without scrubbing, which can aggravate very sensitive skin. The clays and minerals soften pores and encourage them to detox properly. The Zinc content in REFINE also manages bacteria on the surface of the skin and topically soothes. 

This Rhassoul clay based mask also has beneficial ingredients added into it like organic Licorice to lighten sun damage, Willowbark to exfoliate, and a bevy of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory herbs to soothe and prevent flareups. Unrefined Oils of organic Cranberry seed and organic Red Raspberry straight from pressing offer nourishment and natural source Vitamin E.

To Use:

Wash skin with mild soap or crème cleanser. Apply a consistent layer of clay to face and neck or to troubled spots as needed. Wait 15 minutes or until dry. Remove with warm water and gently pat dry. Tone and moisturize. For most skin types use once weekly.

You can dot it on a blemish and leave it on overnight too.

Verdict

Texture: Almost liquid consistency, grainy based mask

Ingredients: infusion of Foeniculum vulgare* (fennel), Stellaria media* (chickweed), Lavandula angustifolia* (lavender), Rosa damascena* (roses), Porphyra umbilicalis* (nori seaweed), Ruscus aculeatus* (butcher’s broom), Rhassoul Clay, Apium graveolens (celery) Juice*, Cocos nucifera (coconut) Oil*, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Zinc Oxide*, Cannabis sativa* (hemp) Oil*, Vaccinium macropacrpon (cranberry) Seed Oil*, Rubus ideaus (red raspberry) Seed Oil*, Extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra* (licorice), Symphytum officinale* (comfrey), and Salix alba* (willowbark), Populus Tremuloides (Aspen) Bark Extract, Gluconolactone, Cetearyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Glucoside, Extracts of Olea europaea* (olive leaf), Echinacea purpurea*, and Caldendula officinalis*, Essential Oils of Litsea cubeba, Commiphora myrrha, Pelargonium roseum (rose geranium), Citrus reticulata (mandarin), Lavandula angustifolia, Pogostemon cablin (patchouli), Coriandrum sativum (coriander), Cedrus atlantica (cedarwood), Grain Alcohol*, Rosemary Oleoresin Extract citral**, xanthan gum, limonene**, citronellol**, geraniol**, linalool***

*from Certified Organic Agriculture **natural components of essential oils

Benefits: Helps to decongest, detoxify and brighten your skin; effective for aging, troubled, acne prone  lackluster, ashy, and flaky skin.

Smell: Scent of European herbs but the scent of lavender and rose geranium stood out most for me

Cost: $45 

Product Rating: 9/10

Having a combination skin that leans towards the oily side, I am a fan of clay based mask as I find them really effective in drawing out trapped sebum from my pores.I was surprised to find that even though this is a clay based mask, it doesnt leave my face feeling super tight or constricted as it dries up. And after washing it off, it leaves my face feeling soft, clean and naturally scented! As for the sensitivity side of my skin, no irritation or any new breakout after usage, in fact, it does help improve my overall skin condition with the use of Smooth A+ Serum!

 The only concern I would like to bring up to users, is to take note during application as the mask comes in a container. So wash your hands properly or use a spatula to scoop the product out to limit contamination~

Other than that, I have no complains and am very satisfied with it! 

If you are looking for a mask, why not give this a try! 

Click here to go to Charis Naturals Online Shop!

Enjoy a healthier skin with natural organic products!

Hi everyone! It has been awhile, recently I was selected to do another review for SANA.

This time round it was for their BB Cream Line. 

Based on my skin type, I chose to do a review for their Pore Putty BB Cream Smooth!

I did my homework and they are pretty big, back in Japan.

Skin-perfecting BB cream deftly conceals enlarged pores and minimizes excessive sebum production to create the look of smooth and flawless skin for hours. Super Pore Flat design resists sweat and sebum to keep face looking fresh with a soft and dewy finish. Silicone Glue Powder ensures a 3D fit that stretches perfectly across skin for a smooth and porcelain-like finish. Suitable for combination to oily skin types.

I received my very own tube of it, 4 days ago and have been testing them out ever since~ and here is my thoughts on it.

Verdict

Shade: It comes in a typical BB shade, beige in colour. Initially, I was afraid that it would be too light for my skin tone but I was pleasantly surprised that it blended perfectly. 

Texture: Cream-based, light weight. Smooth in application, does not clump up like most silicone based products I have tried before.

Coverage: Light and natural, covers pores and fine lines a little for a smoother finish(refer to image below).

Application: After Skincare, take appropriate amount, spread over entire face and blend well

Cost: $24.90

Product Rating: 8/10 

I have quite a problematic skin, it is both sensitive and oily. Hence, if the product is too harsh or unsuitable, I will have rashes and or breakouts. After trying out the products for 4 days, I am quite pleased to announce that so far, so good. And it does help to reduce shine. For those who are wondering about the smell of the product, it is quite pleasant smelling, slight flora scent. It is also great that it has SPF15, so on days when I have to rush, I can skip my sunscreen step. However, it would be better if it could come with a higher SPF coverage. Oh, and the coverage of this product is pretty light so I find that it is not as effective in covering up discoloration. 

All that being said, for $24.90, this product is pretty awesome with so many function from 1 product! Stay gorgeous, babes~

 I was the lucky few who were selected to try out and review Super Quick Gel Pencil Liner Ex by SANA, and I have been wearing this eyeliner (for almost a week) ever since I received it in my mailbox.

WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?

The Sana Sana Super Quick Gel Pencil Eyeliner EX 01 is a gel pencil eyeliner. It spreads smoothly and is easy to gradate. It stays on and does not come off easily due to its gel nature. It can withstands sweat, water and smudge.

SWATCH

Thick: Created with the liner placed horizontally to skin

Smudged: Created by blending the line after application (liner is not smudge-able after its "dry")

Thin: Created with liner slanted at an angle to skin

Normal: As per normal liner application

VERDICT

Texture: Smooth dark crayon-like

Application: Twist to use ( Take note that it only turns as the arrow indicates, non retractable); glides on easily; smudge-able in the first few seconds; 2mm thick but can be slanted to create thinner lines

Product Rating: 8/10

I am quite an eyeliner junkie and have used quick a handful of eyeliners to comment that this would be the ideal eyeliner to use if you are new to makeup or eyeliners.

I love that it doesnt tug much on my skin during application and that it comes out pretty rich (quite black). As you can see from the swatches above, I am able to create various looks with it: Thick application for a base for smokey eye shadow, a soft smudged look for day, thin lines for hidden liner or to create the tip of a winged look, and a normal line to simply rim your eyes.

The downside of it is that it is not retractable and it does smudge a little after awhile in our climate, for me, with my oily skin. Colour does fade a little after long hours too. However, I got to add that compared to other liners, the smudge is less obvious and thankfully, it is really waterproof.

Presenting~

How to use/ Usage:

1) Pat product lightly all over the face after tinted moisturizer/ B.B. cream/ foundation

2) Buff product on T-zone areas during the day to remove shine and to keep your look fresh

Texture: Feels really smooth and light weight

Benefits: In our climate, this product really is quite useful. My skin type is a combination of oily and sensitive and so far, after using this, I have not experienced any negative reaction to it and it helps to keep my makeup matt and shine-free. Plus, it makes my skin feel smooth! Haha~

However, I feel like it doesnt really help to cover up pores as well as other products that are available in the market.

Product Rating: 8/10

So, overall, my verdict is that this is a good product to look into if you are looking into getting a loose powder to help set in your makeup and to prevent shine, just not so much as a pore minimizing makeup product.

To find out more about this product or to make a purchase, find head onto Beauty Bistro!

Presenting to you, CLIO's eye product~

CLIO Waterproof Pen Liner Kill Black

Pen liner helps you to draw clear eye lines with deep black colour. Beginner can use it easily just by one touch without breaking line. It is waterproof and no smudge formula so you can enjoy clear lines for a long time.

1. Kill black is beyond real black. This unbelievably intense carbon black creates a sophisticated and sultry look, defining all eyes to perfection.

2. Kill Black does not smudge and is waterproof. Long lasting and resistant from

water, sweat and dust. It’s indestructible!

3. Extremely pliable brush. This brush is so easy to use, even for beginners. It

causes no irritation thanks to its soft and bouncy texture.

4. Easily removable with no fuss! Coloration is the downfall for most existing pen

liners but not Kill Black! Lip/eye remover or foam cleanser can be used for swift

and perfect cleansing.

Colour Intensity: 10/10

Stayed true to its claims, comparing the pigmentation of this liner to that of my other liners, the intensity of its blackness surpasses the rest by at least 3 times!

Smudge-proof: 5/10

On its own, the liner doesnt smudge, however, it smudges after awhile with oily lids and all that blinking.

Waterproof: 6/10

Same thing, on its own, the liner proves to be waterproof, however, it fades off the moment i rub or in our current rainy season, it fades.

Ease of Use: 10/10

I love the tip of this liner, it is study yet soft and gentle. This would truly be ideal for beginners who are keen on giving liquid eyeliners a go~! I was able to create thin fine lines as well as thick with this tip. As for removal, it really is fuss free and it doesnt leave any colouration on the skin. So that means, no need to rub your skin around the eye area to get this liner off!

Product Rating: 7/10

EYE LOVE YOU! Shadow Pencil (Khaki Gray)

Pigmentation: 10/10

I like how soft this Khaki Gray is, perfect for a smokey look or a soft liner look!

Smudge-proof: 5/10

On its own, the liner doesnt smudge, however, it smudges after awhile with oily lids and all that blinking.

Waterproof: 8/10

This doesnt fade off as easily as the liquid liner with the presence of water.

Ease of Use: 10/10

I love how it glides on smoothly onto my skin, no tugging whatsoever~

Product Rating: 8.5/10

Swatch

I am certain by now, with all the buzz about Meltie on the virtual world, you would more or less know what I am talking about. So without further ado, I bring you my review on Meltie!

I was sponsored 3 tubs of Meltie in all their different "flavors":

Strawberry Meltie

Lemon Meltie

Aloe Vera Meltie

and I will be using Aloe Vera for my review.

So why am I doing a review about Meltie? Well, because of what it is:

In today's society, we are getting more and more cautious about the product we apply and consume (because we are wiser). I have been searching for products that are less harmful to our body AND to the environment. 100% Organic, No Artificial list got my attention.

Texture: Feels creamy but turns slightly lathery once in contact with water

Benefits: Organic (Gentle on environment); Dermatological tested (gentle on skin); ophthalmology tested (safe on eyes); Non Comedogenic; Prevents breakouts; Acts as both a makeup remover and a daily cleanser.

Smell: Fruity scent (Aloe Vera)

Cost: $28.90 (Online Price + Delivery Cost); and Meltie will soon be available at all SaSa outlets from November at an introductory price of $23.90!

Product Rating: 8/10

As a cleanser, I felt that it really does as what the product claims. My skin felt clean and soft without any "tight skin" drying sensation; and my (sensitive) skin didnt breakout or have any negative reaction to it. So yipee!

As a makeup remover, I found that it does not remove waterproof mascara that well as it claims and if the product enters into your eye, it stings. However, as a face makeup remover, I found that it works perfectly fine and efficiently. Overall, if you are looking for a product that has 2 in 1 properties for those lazy nights, when you have a face full of makeup and you want to hit the bed asap OR a cleanser OR a makeup removal for your face, Meltie is for you. But I would not recommend Meltie for the removal of your eye makeup.

So now, if you know about the video of the permanent marker test that Meltie used to illusrate the effectiveness of their product, you will understand what I am talking about. If you dont~ then please take the next 4 minutes to view the video directly below first!

After watching that video and finding out that it doesnt really remove waterproof mascara that well as it claims, I see it as a challenge to test Meltie out, in regards to the permanent ink test!

And what do you know, I was impressed that I managed to get the ink out easily and effectively. I used a mist bottle because I was filming in the comfort of my own room, but in reality, please wash your face in the toilet. Thank you.

Keep your eyes peeled for something exciting soon!

Still interested in using mineral makeup but clueless as to which brand to choose and trust?

Why not give Jane Iredale, a pioneer of mineral makeup a chance?

Jane Iredale (click here for more info on their FB page) is recommended by plastic surgeons and dermatologists throughout the world:

Non-comedogenic, will not block pores.

All products have been sensitivity tested.

Broad-spectrum UVB and UVA protection. UVA tested at High.

Anti-inflammatory, helps to calm and soothe irritated skin.

Very water resistant rating by an FDA-approved lab.

Complete coverage for skin conditions like acne, rosacea and redness following treatments like chemical peels and laser resurfacing.

Contains no talc or parabens.

Composed of inert minerals that cannot support bacteria.

No products have been tested on animals. Animal Cruelty Free.

I was given the opportunity to try out their product first hand by the local distributor of Jane Iredale and I was invited over to their main office to have a colour testing session with Ivy, Makeup Artist/ Trainer.

During my session with Ivy, she went through a systematic process of the application of each products that I have complied into my very first video:

Products used and their review

Absence® Oil Control Primer

Texture: Feels really smooth and light weight

Benefits: Controls oil and conceals large pores while priming the skin for makeup application; Non-drying and pH balancing

Smell: Flowery, fruity scent

Product Rating: 3/10

This product is similar to DrFeelGood and Porefessional. I am not really a big fan of this product, or of products with Silica or Silicone Powder; mostly because my skin does not react that well with this particular ingredient. I tend to end up with "mini bumps" the next day or if I wear it long enough, by the end of the day. However, if your skin is fine with the ingredients, you would find that it acts pretty well as a primer.

Dream Tint® - SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer in Medium Light

Coverage: Sheer but buildable

Texture: Feels slightly oily before blending but the sensation disappears after skin absorption

Benefits: Unique algae extracts moisturize and soothe; SPF 15 with UVA protection (recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation); acts as a tinted moisturizer and sunscreen or as primer for the mineral bases

Smell: Flowery, fruity scent

Product Rating: 6/10

Great for those lazy days where you want to use as less makeup as possible, while still protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays. I didnt really like initial oily sensation and the scent of this product, but latter factor is up to individual.

Used with Blending Brush

Made with a unique combination of natural goat hair and Taklon fiber

Texture: Stiff but soft

Product Rating: 6/10

Works well in product distribution and blending but somehow it does shed a little.

Circle\Delete® Under-Eye Concealer in No.2

Coverage: Solid. Buildable

Texture: Creamy but blends away into a matt finish

Benefits: Concealer containing conditioners such as jojoba esters and avocado oil, both high in vitamins A, C, D and E; Contains green tea extract, a potent antioxidant; good for neutralizing blue circles

Smell: Slight flowery, fruity scent

Product Rating: 7/10

One of my favourite concealers in my collection, it works in minimizing my super obvious dark circles (although nothing can be done to my eye bags). It is comforting to know that this concealer contains vitamins and antioxidant to help hydrate and nourish the skin surrounding my eyes, plus despite its creamy texture, no signs of milia seeds or any "mini bumps". However, it does crease a little if too much of the product is used.

Used with Camouflage Brush

Made of Taklon Nylon.

Texture: Soft and gentle

Product Rating: 7/10

Bristles are soft and gentle but regular maintenance is required to prevent the bristles from fraying, which will affect the smooth application of products.

Disappear™ with Green Tea Extract in Medium

Coverage: Solid. Buildable

Texture: Slightly creamy but blends away into a matt finish

Benefits: Concealer containing green tea extract,documented to combat acne bacteria; Promotes faster healing time for pimples; Nourishes with seaweed extract; contains copper-containing protein enzymes that decompose free radicals

Smell: Hardly any scent

Product Rating: 9/10

I love this concealer, it really does help to calm any blemishes that I have and it is quite pigmented to provide me with a good coverage. Although, I am not really a fan of the application tip. I am sort of a clean freak when it comes to makeup and I get pretty annoyed to see product accumulating at the tip after multiple application, but the tip does make application, fuss-free, if you dislike the use of too many brushes.

PurePressed® Base Mineral Foundation - SPF 20 in Golden Glow

Coverage: Sheer but buildable; semi matt mineral powder

Texture: Feels like nothing! Totally weightless.

Benefits: No nano particle size; UVA/UVB SPF 20 broad-spectrum sun protection (recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation); No oil, talc, dyes and parabens; water-resistant and highly pigmented; A foundation, powder, concealer and sunscreen all in one

Smell: A really light scent that I cant define.

Product Rating: 9/10

With the compact made from recycled aluminium, I thought this product couldn't surprise me any further until I tried it on. I could see the difference after application yet not feel it. On lazy days, this product is a dream. Its coverage is good to the extent of covering my old scars without weighing my skin down.

It was also comforting to know that despite the use of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (in regards to the controversy that these ingredients are toxic when they are in nano size forms and when inhaled), the particle size are within the "safe" range. But as a measure of practice, I always hold my breath when I powder my face regardless if I am using a brush, a sponge or a puff or if it is a foundation, loose powder or blush.

Used with The Handi Brush

A hand-tied goat hair brush

Texture: Ultra soft and dense

Product Rating:10/10

I love this! It picks up products effectively and distribute it evenly to give a flawless finish.

PurePressed® Blush in Parfait

Coverage: Subtle but buildable

Texture: Powder base, feels like nothing when applied

Benefits: Free of chemical dyes and potentially irritating ingredients; Formulated with nourishing minerals

Smell: Hint of pomegranate

Product Rating: 9/10

To sum up: If you are looking for a blush that will make you blush naturally, THIS is it.

PureMoist™ LipColours

Coverage: Dependent on shades but it is quite packed with pigments.

Texture: Moisturizing

Benefits: No FD&C dyes or synthetic preservatives; Contains moisturizing formula and antioxidants

Smell: Minty vanilla

Product Rating: 7/10

I dont really like the smell of this product but it is quite long-lasting and it truly does keep my lips soft and smooth with the right hint of colour, unlike most lipsticks that leave me with dry flaky lips by mid day.

Balance Antioxidant Hydration Spray

Benefits: Help balance the skin's oil production and pH; packed full of ingredients that help to battle free radical and microbial damage; Seaweed extracts help to reduce sebaceous hypersecretion and regulate the pH of the skin; Contains green tea extract, proven to aid acne-prone skin

Smell: Clean refreshing zesty scent

Product Rating: 8/10

I love the smell of this product! It has multiple uses too: to set makeup; to wet brushes to make liners; spritz as a moisturizer for oily skin; to control hair static.

Final Comparison

With makeup

Without makeup ( only lipstick)

After looking at my own comparison, I can understand why Jane Iredale was so bold and daring in their advertisement. Their products really do help people achieve results. This is the image I was talking about in my video.

Swatches of products mentioned

Mini controversy with the use of Silica and Silicone Powder

I once spoke to someone inside the beauty industry who revealed a mini secret that most of the big and small cosmetic brands uses plastic powder in their anti-aging/ pore minimization cosmetic products to fake the desired result and to me, I think that is harmful to our skin. But my thoughts are my own and there ingredients are given a name due to its structure but it can be derived from various sources, so I consulted the very people who works in Jane Iredale to get a balanced debate.

But ultimately, I trust my skin more than what people tell me. If it reacts negatively to a product for a period of time, I will stay clear from it and vice verse. I do count no reaction as a positive reaction too, because it means that the product is not disturbing the PH balance of my skin or causing any discomfort to cause a breakout. Makes sense right?

What do you think?