3 months ago, I reviewed a series of Sage & Ylang's products after chancing upon them at the Boutique Fair. I did a quick review of their lip and cheek tint in Sugar Plum shade (click here to read the review) and ever since then, Irene (Sage & Ylang's Founder) went back to her drawing block and worked at improving the formulation of it.

To check out Sage & Ylang, head to their website at sageandylang.com or follow them on Instagram at @sageandylang!

Today, I will be reviewing the entire Lip and Cheek Tint shades and my thoughts on them in time for their upcoming booth at the Boutique Fair this weekend!

Lip and Cheek Tint

This vegan Lip and Cheek Tint was created because Irene wanted to provide cleaner and greener alternatives for adults and teenagers. A compact and versatile 2 in 1 formula suitable for those who don’t wear a full face of makeup on a daily basis and just wanted to add some colour to the lips and cheeks without all the hassle.

Benefits:

• Provides moisture and soothes chapped lips
• Provides a sheer and natural colour on the lips and cheeks
• Great for everyday use
• Contain Shea butter and meadow-foam seed oil which provide natural sun protection.
• Perfect on its own or layer over other shades
• Smooth buttery texture that glides over lips easily

To Use:

Using fingers or brush, apply a small amount to lips and cheeks. Blend with fingers.

For a more intense look, apply several layers till you achieve the desired color.

For other uses, read the end of this post!

Ingredients:

Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Ricinus communis (Castor) Oil*, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) seed oil*, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) kernel oil*, Citrullus Lanatus ( Watermelon ) Seed Oil*, Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Mica, iron oxide, PELARGONIUM ROSEUM (Geranium Rose) LEAF Oil*, CITRUS SINENSIS (Blood Orange) PEEL OIL EXPRESSED*.

* Ingredients from Organic Farming

Certified Organic Ingredients : 75%

Price: $23 for 4.44ml

Texture: buttery balm once warmed up

Smell: floral blend of Geranium Rose and Blood Orange essential oils

Lip and Cheek Tints' Shades

After months of development, Irene has created a whole range of new shades with a smoother balm texture. I have with me 7 shades to review however, not all shades are up for purchase yet but you have first insight into the shades here!

Pink/Red Shades

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied

Shade: Pink Blush

Colour: A sheer light-shimmery pink tint

Thoughts: 
A natural shade that you can apply & build up without worrying about the shade over-intensifying.

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied

 Even with 3 layers applied, the shade looks very sheer and natural on my lips. If you have chapped lips and are looking for something more moisturizing out of the other shades, I highly recommend this!

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied

Shade: Pink Frost

Colour: A shimmery pink tint

Thoughts: 
This shade doesn't suit my skin tone due to the light pink shimmers in it but it works well as a cheek tint.

However, I can see this working well for ladies with fair skin tone and lighter lip tone base. So feel free to head down to their booth this weekend to swatch it yourself!




Shade: Sugar Plum

Colour: A shimmery berry-red tint

Thoughts: 
Like what I previously reviewed, I find that this shade is perfect for all skin tone on the lips and cheeks.

It's very hard to go wrong with this shade!





Shade: Scarlet

Colour: A shimmery brick-red tint

Thoughts: 
Scarlet will be the shade I gravitate towards for a dark red lip without looking vampy or over the top.

Brown/Copper Shades

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied

Shade: Cinnamon

Colour: A shimmery bronze tint

Thoughts: 
If you swatch this from the tube, you would think that it's too brown in colour for the lips, but the trick to using this is to blend with your fingers between each layer and the shade turns into a natural shade that looks really pretty on the lips!

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied

Shade: Honey Earth

Colour: A shimmery copper-red shade

Thoughts:
Another shade that doesn't suit my skin tone, it dulls my complexion when I layer it heavily on my lips but I've found that it works as a eye shadow shade!

Top: 1 layer of balm applied, Bottom: 3 layers of balm applied.

Shade: Satin Pearl

Colour: A sheer golden-brown tint

Thoughts:
I love this shade because like Pink Blush, it is very versatile due to its sheerness. This would be a shade to consider if you are looking for something more moisturizing too!








Overall Rating: 9.5/10

Unlike the previous batch of Lip and Cheek Tint, this batch of tints are newly formulated to be softer and smoother to apply. Hence, the change in my rating because now, with its newly formulated texture, I find it sufficient in keeping my lips moisturized! I swatch all 7 shades in one go and my lips hardly flaked! Normally, I would end up with bits of dead dry skin hanging off the lips when I swatch other lip products...

Top: Pink Blush, Bottom: Cinnamon

I like that the shade can be layered on for a more intense colour and at the same time, it can be blended out for a softer look which works great on the lips, cheeks and even eyelids! Before applying it on my eyelids, I asked Irene if the ingredients are safe to use near the eye area and the answer was yes. I did a full 7 days trial with this on my eyelids as eye shadow and I can confirm that there isn't any negative reaction!

In fact, I love using the shades Pink Blush and Cinnamon as an eye shadow. Both are very easy colours to work with for a minimalist makeup look. For more intense colour, I will recommend using it with a primer, and to layer on the balm gently by dabbing them on with your finger. In terms of staying power, because it is a balm, by mid day, there will be creases but as it is highly pigmented, just use your fingers to blend the crease away and you are good to go! Pst!~ Cinnamon works great as a contour shade too!

The only issue I have with these tints is if you twist too much product out, you may not be able to twist them back down due to its formulation and if you are trying to apply straight from the tube, you will need to swipe it a few times to warm the balm up for it to be applied.

To overcome its downsides, I found that simply using your fingers to apply works really well. Just lift the cap off, run your finger tips over the balm and apply it by dabbing onto your lip, cheeks, jawline or eye lids. I will be posting a video of how I apply them onto my face on instagram so follow @jodyguide to watch it!

Cinnamon on eye lids, below cheekbones and jaw line as contour, Pink Blush on lips and above cheekbones as highlighter, Scarlet on cheeks!

Sage & Ylang is available at this weekend's Boutique Fair at

Boutique Pit Building,

15 Nov 2019

9am to 8pm

16 Nov 2019

10am to 8pm

17 Nov 2019

10am to 6pm

Alternatively, you may purchase them online too at Sage & Ylang website!

This review is sponsored, but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.

Previously, I wrote about Sage and Ylang in my post and shared my experience with some of the products. As you now know, the brand is an organic, natural, pure plant-based green beauty line created by Irene Chong. The Radiance Series is the result of four years of product research and development to help combat skin dullness, uneven skin tone and lack of skin firmness.

All products are formulated using high quality, phytonutrient-rich ingredients to meet the demands of maturing skin. As quick fixes to rejuvenate skin only display a temporary effect, Sage & Ylang firmly believes that a high-quality green skincare regimen, plus a healthy and holistic lifestyle are key to having a more radiant and healthy looking skin.

As mentioned in my previous post, after my conversation with Irene, I decided to give their products a try and was going to pay for their Trial range but she was nice to offer me their full sized range instead so I did a partial payment and she sponsored me the rest. That being said, if you are a regular reader, you should know by now that my reviews are based solely on my experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors. So with that out of the way, let's kick start with my reviews!

For this post, I will be reviewing the following products

• Radiance Luxury Serum
• Radiance Defense Serum
• Radiance Indulgence Mask

Radiance Luxury Serum

Radiance Luxury is a powerful multi-tasking night treatment which targets to reverse the effects of environmental aggressors. Powered by phytonutrients and anti-oxidants, this serum counters the effect of skin-stress that happened during the day. This nightly ritual will get your skin ready for renewal and rejuvenation. The brightening active will work on uneven skin tone, and you will awake to smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin.

Price: $96 for 30ml

Texture:  light-weight oil

Smell: a blend of botanical scents

Ingredients:
Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Fruit Oil*, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Squalane (Olive), Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil*, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil*, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract, Prunica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil*, Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Gum Oil*, Pelargonium Roseum (Geranium Rose) Leaf Oil*, Cistus Ladaniferus Oil^, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil Expressed*
* Ingredients from Organic Farming
^ Wild Crafted
Certified Organic Ingredients : 72.1%

To use: 

Massage 1-2 pumps nightly onto damp face, neck, and decollete.
To enhance absorption of this serum, spritz your face with essence or toner, and while your face is still damp, massage the serum into your skin.

Overall Rating: 10/10
Firstly, the scent of this is divine! It helps me unwind after a long day as I massage the oil gently onto my face, neck and decollete as instructed and wake up to skin that is plump, well-rested and radiant.

I've been using this for a month and there's still more than half of it in the bottle, going to show that a little goes a long way for this serum. I would suggest new users of oil serum to start with a pump or 5 drops of this at a start to get used to the texture and work your well up to 2 pumps. For me, I'm a fan of oil serums as I find that in the process of massaging the such product onto my face, it helps to unclog blackheads (gross but hey~ it helps) and with 2 pumps, it does a really good job at clearing out the skin while giving it the necessary moisturizing result.

Radiance Defense Serum

A concentrated serum of 15 phytonutrients and vitamin, enhances the skin's natural defense against environmental stressors. Besides offering unique skin brightening and protection, this serum also nourishes, repairs, moisturizes, tones and firms, all at the same time.

This multi-tasking, light-weight serum consists of a blend of healing plant oils, which are high in phytonutrients, plus Vitamin C and E, which aids in skin brightening and gives an added anti-oxidant effect. Each of the ingredients is carefully selected to target the needs of maturing skin, which is constantly bombarded by an array of environmental factors.
Price: $96 for 30ml

Texture:  light-weight oil

Smell: a blend of citrus and botanical scents

Ingredients:
Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil*, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil*, Squalane (Olive), Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil*, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Extract, Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil*, Passiflora Edulis (Maracuja/Passion Fruit) Seed Oil*, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Glyceryl Stearate, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Cananga Odorata Flower (Ylang Ylang) Oil*, Pelargonium Roseum (Geranium Rose) Leaf Oil*, Lavandula Latifolia Herb (Lavender Spike) Oil*, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil*, Cymbopogon Citratus (Lemongrass) Leaf Oil^
* Ingredients from Organic Farming
^ Wild Crafted
Certified Organic Ingredients : 70%

To use: 

Massage 1-2 pumps every morning onto damp face, neck, and decollete.
To enhance absorption of this serum, spritz your face with essence or toner, and while your face is still damp, massage the serum into your skin.

This serum does not replace the use of sunblock with SPF and UVA protection.
Overall Rating: 7/10
If I have to choose between the 2 different types of serum, I will choose Radiance Luxury. Radiance Defense doesn't seem to yield any significant improvement or result after use. Initially, I thought that it could have been due to the sunscreen I used along with the makeup but I changed the products I've used on top of this serum and still it doesn't show any difference.

That being said, I have to applaud Sage & Ylang for finding the perfect balance for the texture of this serum, being a day oil serum, the texture is akin to that of the finish a light cream moisturizer would give. It doesn't feel oily, blends well into the skin and doesn't affect the texture of the sunscreen and makeup I layer on top.

Radiance Indulgence Mask

Pamper yourself with this mini facial spa in the comfort of your own home. Radiance Indulgence is infused with 10 exotic botanical extracts and organic essential oils. These skin-renewing anti-aging botanicals are powerful skin rejuvenator which are able to revitalize and refresh your skin.

Price: $76 for 100ml

Texture: Clay powder

Smell: a blend of botanical scents

Ingredients:
Montmorillonite(French Pink And Yellow Clay), Kaolin, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour*, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Powder*, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Powder*, Rosa Canina (Rosehips) Fruit Powder*, Tapioca Starch, Moringa Oleifera Fruit Powder*, Curcuma Longa (Tumeric) Leaf Powder*, Panax Quinquefolius (Panax Ginseng)*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Pelargonium Roseum (Geranium Rose) Leaf Oil*, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil Expressed*
*Ingredients from Organic Farming
Certified Organic Ingredients : 45%

To Use:

1. Activate 2 teaspoons of clay with about 1.5 teaspoons of water, and stir till a smooth consistency. Apply to face and neck with a brush, avoiding eye area. Leave on for about 7-10 minutes, then wash off with water.
2. When used as a gentle exfoliator, follow the same method as above, but immediately use your fingertips to gently massage your face for few minutes, then wash off with water.
3. Follow with toner and facial serum.

FREQUENCY OF USE
Dry skin : 1-2 times per week
Oily skin : 2-3 times per week

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

This mixture dries quite easily upon application so blend quickly onto your face, I find that it helps to wet my finger and go over areas to even out the layer. As the mask dries, it will tighten and start to feel itchy so don't leave it on for more than 10 mins if you have sensitive skin.

Left: Clean cotton pad

Right: After running the cotton pad over

skin after mask 

The thing I don't like about this mask is that it leaves a yellow layer (from the turmeric) after washing it off and will stain your towels/ white pillow case. I won't be bothered by it if I used the mask in the day and am staying home for the entire day, but if I use it before going out or before sleeping, I will run a cotton pad with toner over my face to remove the yellow layer.

I wouldn't recommend using this as an exfoliator too as the mix is a little too scratchy for the skin for my liking, and so if you do so, be very very gentle!

That being said, the mask does have its benefits. I found that it helps to cleanse and detox my skin, improve the skin tone, calm the skin and lighten scars and pigmentation. On days that I have a few blemishes, I will mix a small amount and do a spot treatment over the pimple and I find that it helps to calm the skin.

Right: Skin is red, pores are obvious and look "open".
Left: Skin is lighter in tone, redness reduced, pores appears smaller and more refined & scars seems a little faded.

With that, it brings me to the end of this review post, head to sageandylang.com or follow them on Instagram at @sageandylang to check out Sage & Ylang!

This review is partially sponsored (I bought some on my own!), but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.

For my green beauty readers, here's a new conscious beauty brand I want to introduce: Sage & Ylang! I had the opportunity to speaker to the founder, Irene Chong who is a former registered nurse, a cabin crew and safety trainer in Singapore Airlines, and a homeschool mum of 5, on her brand and the products to find out more!

Sage and Ylang is an organic, natural, pure plant-based green beauty line. Created by Irene Chong, the Radiance Series is the result of four years of product research and development to help combat skin dullness, uneven skin tone and lack of skin firmness.

All products are formulated using high quality, phytonutrient-rich ingredients to meet the demands of maturing skin. As quick fixes to rejuvenate skin only display a temporary effect, Sage & Ylang firmly believes that a high-quality green skincare regimen, plus a healthy and holistic lifestyle are key to having a more radiant and healthy looking skin.

Currently, Sage & Ylang offers solutions you can introduce into your current skincare and hair care regimen without much disruption with their products:

• Hair Repair and Shine Serum Oil
• Scented and Conditioning Hair Mist
• Radiance Luxury Serum
• Radiance Defense Serum
• Radiance Indulgence Mask
• Lip & Cheek Tint Balm

After my conversation with Irene, I decided to give their products a try and was going to pay for their Trial range but she was nice to offer me their full sized range instead so I did a partial payment and she sponsored me the rest. That being said, if you are a regular reader, you should know by now that my reviews are based solely on my experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors. So with that out of the way, let's kick start with my reviews!

Scented and Conditioning Hair Mist

Formulated from a unique blend of quinoa protein and hair loving plant extracts, this hair mist protects, repairs, conditions your hair. Regular application of this mist will result in smoother and silkier hair. Additionally, this protein will also form a protective barrier which will protect your hair from environmental stresses. Scented with organic essential oil, this mist will freshen your hair beautifully for hours.

Price: $34 for 50ml

Texture: Water-based mist

Smell: a blend of floral herbal scents

Overall Rating: 9/10
I love the smell of this hair mist, and the scent does last quite long compared to other naturally-derived hair mist I've tried. I have really thick long hair, so the scent last about half a day but I also noticed that the scent last longer if it isn't exposed to the elements (hair by the nape of my neck).

After using this product for a month, I do find that it helps to keep my hair soft, shiny and healthy. This is now my little secret for times when I want to freshen up my hair when the weather is too hot and humid, and I don't want to smell like sweat! After a month of misting daily, I'm left with 1/3 of the bottle so my guess is this product will last 6 weeks when used daily.

Hair Repair and Shine

This hair serum is formulated with a power pack blend of 8 plant-based hair fortifying botanical, 3 organic essential oils, and vitamin E. It helps to repair and strengthen hair, nourish and restores shine, and creates a protective barrier which will shield your hair from environmental stresses

Price: $28 for 30ml

Texture: Lightweight oil serum

Smell: a blend of floral herbal scents

Overall Rating: 9/10
Hair serums and oil are a staple part of my hair care routine because I have long, thick and wavy hair which equates to frizzy, unmanageable and split-ends prone hair in Singapore.

 When I was introduced to Sage & Ylang's Hair serum oil, I immediately fell in love with the scent and was amazed by how lightweight the oil is on the hair! After a month of using it each night, I'm glad to report that I haven't seen any split-ends and my hair looks and feels healthy! The best part of it is that it is made of natural ingredients and after a month's usage, I've only used 1/3 of the product. My guess is that this tiny bottle will last 3 months which makes it great for value!

Lip and Cheek Tint

This compact and versatile 2 in 1 formula was created to give a minimalist look with just a tinge of colour. Apply lightly for a natural and healthy look. Smooth buttery texture that glides over lips easily to provide moisturization and soothe chapped lips. It also contains ingredients that provides a little natural sun protection, and it can also be used on the cheeks.

Price: $23 for 4.44ml
Texture: Balm

Colour: A shimmery berry-red tint

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

I've got to say that it's a gorgeous tint that is perfect for all skin tone on the lips and cheeks, and a little goes a long way for the colour pigmentation. I carry this around on days when I wear light makeup to touch up my blush.

I have very dry chapped lips and after using this for a month, I find that this isn't moisturizing enough for me. That being said, I like the shade of this on my lips so I've been using it in place of my normal lipsticks. I will treat my lips with a hydrating balm first followed by this and reapply both as the day goes by.

With that, it brings me to the end of this review post, I've got another review lined up on their skincare range, so do keep an eye out for that. To check out Sage & Ylang, head to their website at sageandylang.com or follow them on Instagram at @sageandylang!

Hair after the mist & serum, with the lip tint on my lips!

This review is partially sponsored (I bought some on my own!), but reviews are based solely on user's experience and are in not way influenced by any other factors.

A few moons ago, I attended Singapore Fashion Runway 2015 and chanced upon a very interesting Eco-fashion label for men and women that specializes in designer wear that uses organic and eco-friendly fabric of quality and comfort. I knew that I had to collaborate with this label, and it is none other that, Chere & Dillon.

So I arranged a short interview with label owner, Dawn to learn more about her lifestyle and the label.

Hi Dawn, thank you very much for accepting this interview for my blog! Please tell me a little about yourself and Chere & Dillon.

It's my pleasure to share. I am a mother of 3 lovely children, and I was working 15 years in the public sector, before I realised that there is always something amiss in my life; and that was that my entrepreneur heart has not found its place. Then in 2014, I met some amazing people who inspired me much to make my dream into reality. I decided to take a plunge and launch my fashion label in late 2014. Chere & Dillon was named, taking its roots from Chere which means beloved, and Dillon, which means being true. Just like the name, our brand aspires to create a bond with perfect depiction of timeless love between two individuals in a most genuine relationship in its organic form.

That's a really pretty name for the label! How does Chere & Dillon represent itself and differ from other brands?

Chere & Dillon differentiate with use of natural fabrics such as organic cotton which is free from harmful chemicals and Tencel made of 100% natural fibres from wood pulps, is bio-degradable and incredibly environmental friendly. 

Chere & Dillon is a brand that represent  love in the simplest & purest form, yet original. 

I love how wholesome and pure Chere & Dillon is being positioned. Is this a personal reflection of yourself as the woman behind the label? If so, may I know what is your motto in life and how does that translate to your style?

In a way, I believe that we should be authentic as individuals, being as real as possible and that is reflected in the quality of my product. I expect them to be at its most original form as much possible. 

Moreover, as a dreamer at heart, I love dreamy pastel colours and flying drapes in the styles. I like my clothes to be free & easy – simple , easy to wear and of an effortless style.

That's the impression I had when I saw your collection on the runway during Singapore Fashion Runway 2015. May I know what or who is your fashion inspiration then?

Nature is my inspiration. Anything in the nature that I connect it with an emotion, could be an inspiration.

Talking about nature, do you think people should consider eco-fashion and even make the switch to be more sustainable with their choice in outfits?

I don't expect that people would seek out eco-fashion in the first place or switch to eco-fashion completely. But I believe if the design stands out and if it's made with quality material, people would have a better inclination to buy if they know they are made of eco-friendly material.  

Oh yes, speaking about material... I am very amazed by how soft the fabric feels! I've never expect that 100% natural fibres derived from wood pulps could feel this soft! Dawn, thank you very much for spending your time with me for this interview. Before I end, I have one final question. What is the one most important message for my readers to know about Chere & Dillon?

Anyone can play a part no matter how small it may be, it all starts with you. A step at a time, we can choose to shop wisely with right choice of fashion. All it takes is a choice, that can make a difference, to become a little more caring and playing a part to build a better planet. Chere & Dillion is a fashion label that aspire to make a difference to the world with sustainability in mind.

When it comes to foundation, I look for one that has the least amount of harmful ingredients (so something that uses more natural than chemical/ synthetic ingredients), something that evens out my skin's imperfection without it feeling like a mask or oily and sticky and ideally, something that has some SPF! 

I have been collaborating with Charis Naturals to review some of their products and they have been a sporting bunch to keep coming back to me for my honest review. This time round, they are getting me to review one of the foundation from their new makeup brand, Studio 78 Paris!

Studio 78 Paris eases your conscience by proposing a new solution for women who are in need of a "green" makeover, by creating an organic make-up line high tolerance certified by Ecocert. Their laboratory has selected natural pigments from vegetal and mineral lands, in order to offer a natural and ecological make-up range, protecting the skin and respecting the environment.

YES to Health, YES to Beauty... NO to Chemicals!

Studio78 Paris Bi-phased water foundation

This enhancer sublimated and brings our the natural skin radiance with translucency, thanks to its innovative formula, easy to apply: a highly pigmented mineral powdery phase combined to a toning aqueous phase.

This matte finish texture leaves the complexion perfect, natural and luminous.

The formula is enriched with organic AVOCADO OIL and organic GLYCERIN in order to moisturize the skin and in PALMITATE SUCROSE to smooth the skin and eases the application.

Available in 2 shades:

Energizing mist 01 - Warm light beige for light skin tone.

Enhancing dew 02 - Medium warm beige for olive skin.

To Use:

Shake Water Foundation well before use. Apply your natural liquid foundation with fingertips and blend onto both sides of the face from the nose outwards. Use light sweeping movements and take special care to blend past the jawline. For best results on dry skin, apply after moisturising well.

VERDICT

Texture: Watery, easy to blend, dries off matte

Smell: Floral Scent


Ingredients:
AQUA, PERSEA GRATISSIMA OIL*, GLYCERIN*, MICA, SILICA, SUCROSE PALMITATE, PARFUM, BENZYL ALCOHOL, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, LIMONENE, LINALOOL. May contain: CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499.
99% of the total of the ingredients are natural
30% of the total of the ingredients are from organic agriculture

Cost: $68

Product Rating: 9/10

This is the first time I am trying a water-based foundation and it reminds me a lot like applying Sunkiller's water-based sunscreen. Haha! It's is very watery and it will drip off your fingers if you apply too much, but I like the consistency of it because it makes it easy to blend into my skin.

On the skin, the texture of this foundation feels very similar to how a mositurizer feels. It's not too thick or sticky and it allows the skin to breathe.

One thing to note is that you have to shake well before using it as the ingredients will settle.

The shade of the foundation is also very interesting, I have the one in Enhancing dew 02 because my skin tone is towards the "darker Asian shade" or aka olive shade. Initially, I was a little doubtful that the shade will blend well because it is peachy in tone but as you can see from the photo above, it blends seamlessly into the skin.

The packaging of this foundation is very similar to M.A.C's foundation old packaging (before the pump) or Loreal Nude Magique foundation, where you have to pour the foundation out. The only difference is that Studio78 Paris's opening is smaller due to the stopper. There is a tiny sticker covering the opening the first time, so do note to peel it off. Initially, I couldn't tell that it was is sticker and I actually prick a tiny tiny hole in the middle which took forever to pour out enough product.







Overall, I love this foundation. It has been a constant product in my makeup pouch because it fulfills most of my criteria. I find that this foundation works well to even out any minor imperfection with one coverage and helps to brighten my skin.If you are looking for a foundation with a thicker coverage, this wont do.

I advise against adding too many layer, the most 2, because that's when the shade builds up and you end up looking orange. Personally, I do a general application for my whole face with 2 drops of the foundation using a foundation brush and add on a swipe or two over troubled areas like the sides of my nose, dark circles and cheeks.

The great thing about this shade is that it acts well as a under eye concealer too because of its peachy tone (peach/orange counteracts blue/purple ) so you can skip a step for a quick makeup for the day!

This foundation last pretty well, more than half a day in our climate for me because of its natural and light coverage, it doesn't smudge or cake much like normal foundation. Personally, if I know that I will outdoors most of the time, I pat on some powder to reduce the natural shine and to help the foundation last longer.

Studio78 Paris Foundation applied to half side of my face.
Coverage is minimal but sufficient to blend away minor imperfection, lighten my dark circles and brighten my overall complexion for a natural no makeup look!

To view more of Studio 78 Paris products or purchase this foundation, head over to Charis Naturals!

Before the new year, I got a couple of products from Charis Natural for review.  I have reviewed a handful of products from Charis Natural before and this time round, I get to put a sunscreen to the test!

Introducing~

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF50+

Thinksport sunscreen is perfect for daily use and for anyone spending time in the sun, including pregnant women, children over 6 months, and anyone with sensitive skin. Please note that use of sunscreen on children younger than 6 months of age requires a doctor's prescription. This is true for ALL brands. 

Thinksport sunscreen is a physical sunscreen which means it works immediately upon application. It is not necessary to apply 30 minutes before you are exposed to sunlight as is the case with chemical sunscreens. Thinksport sunscreen is classified as “water resistant - 80 minutes” and it will maintain its SPF after 80 minutes of water immersion. Thinksport sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin but it is recommend to test on a small area of the body to ensure that you don't have any sensitivities.

Thinksport formula applies easily and absorbs quickly. Be sure to apply all areas that will be exposed to sunlight, including behind the ears, neck, hands, feet, and scalp. Reapply every two hours or more as needed. While the sunscreen applies very easily, it is recommend not to spread it too thin. Otherwise you will decrease the effectiveness of the sunscreen. Keep in mind that physical sunscreens work by reflecting sunlight.

First Sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care Requirements 

Top Rated by EWG with a “1” rating in 2010, 2011, and 2012 for Baby, Beach and Sport 

 To Use:

Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure

Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying OR at least every 2 hours

VERDICT

Texture: Non-oily, leaves a slight thin white film on skin

Smell: Has a sweet fruity floral scent

Active Ingredient:
Zinc Oxide 20% (Non-nano)

Inactive Ingredients:
PURIFIED WATER, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, CAPRIC CAPRYLIC TRIGLYCERIDES, SORBITAN STEARATE (COCONUT BASED), PINE WOOD RESIN, VEGETABLE GLYCERIN, DIMETHICONE, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, MAGNESIUM SULFATE (EPSOM SALT), SUNFLOWER OIL, JOJOBA OIL, ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), TOCOPHEROLS (VITAMIN E), OLIVE OIL, RASPBERRY SEED OIL, CRANBERRY SEED OIL, HYALURONIC ACID (MADE FROM VEGETABLE), WHITE CURRANT(NATURALLY SCENTED)

Benefits:

Free of biologically harmful chemicals (No Avobenzone, Oxybenzone or UV Chemical absorbers)
Highest SPF 50+*
Highest level of Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection*
Highest level of water resistance (80 minutes)*
Non-nano formulation
Non-aerosol formulation (High concern of both ineffectiveness and particulates being inhaled)
Paraben, phthalate, PABA and 1,4 dioxane free
Applies and absorbs easily. Non-oily feel 

* As per FDA 2012 Rules 

Cost: $29 for 3 ounce 

Product Rating: 8/10

The usual issue with sunscreen is that in our humid weather, it tends to feel even more oily and yucky than in a non tropical climate. However, I have got to say that Thinksport sunscreen surprised me. It doesn't feel oily, it feels more like having moisturizer on.

As for the sun protection coverage, it works really well! I tested it out during my trip to islands around Singapore and I got to say that I'm impressed. While I did get slightly burnt, I conclude that it was more because of the fact that I missed the spot or that I didnt reapply as was recommended. I tested it out on my guy too when he was suntanning and the difference is really obvious. I only applied the sunscreen to his front but not for his back and he ended up with really bad sunburns on his back :/ There was none on his front.

The only issue I have with this is the application of it. It claims that the formula applies easily and absorbs quickly but I find that it was a little bit challenging to spread it out and for it to be absorbed. It goes on white and as I spread it out, it feels a little like pushing the lotion around waiting for it to be adsorbed. 

This is how white it will be when you apply a thick layer and it will take awhile to blend it out.

I found that it is easier to apply in small amount first and build up the layer as you go. It leaves a slight whitish layer on the skin but as you spread, it fades off unless you have too much on the skin.

That being said, I half expected it to be whitish because it uses Zinc Oxide that is a physical sunscreen (Read more about harmful ingredients here). Personally, I am not bothered about the consistency or the slight whitish layer because that's how physical sunscreen works, the whitish layer helps to reflect the rays away. I love the fact that it is free of the usual harmful ingredients and that it doesn't feel like I have a yucky layer on my skin. I also did a little more digging about the brand and product, and found out that even the packaging tube is made to be environmentally friendly and safe as it does not contain BPA, vinyl, or phthalates. If you are the sort of person that hangs out a lot under the sun or into sports that exposes you to the sun a lot (hi, golfers), this is a sunscreen worth trying out!

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF50+  can be purchased directly via Charis Natural here, and right now, they are having a additional discount rate if you buy 2 or more tubes! 

Click here to the website!