Envriron #FocusOnFlawlessSA Beauty Trial

A little while ago I asked my dear followers over on Instagram for recommendations to help me deal with my red, inflamed, extremely dry skin and I got so many great recommendations!
A lot people recommended @environskincare products, which I haven’t used for ages.

 
I know that the pimples I have are pretty much all hormonal (thanks to the 5 baby month bump I’m sporting) but the rest of my concerns (flaky, inflamed, red and dry skin) have got more to do with ageing (eeek #hello30) and so this delightful duo I’ve been sent in conjunction with @beauty_bulletin couldn’t have come at a better time.

I’m going to be testing out the Revival Masque from the Youth Range, as well as the Hydrating Oil Capsules from the Moisture Range and I will be sharing my thoughts over on Instagram (@roxyhutton) in the coming weeks.

Click below to follow me over on my favourite social media platform:

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Let me know if you’re in the same boat as me and have been looking for something that actually does what it says in the box.

I’m even going as far as to share some makeup-less ‘before’ photos so you can see some exactly how my skin is looking right now (wrinkles, pimples and redness and all!) and how it changes (or doesn’t?) over the coming month.

You can follow my progress and all the other ladies participating in this trial by searching for the #FocusOnFlawlessSA.

Quick & Easy, Budget Friendly Everyday Makeup Look Tutorial Especially for the Moms - Video

Being a mom is hard, especially on those days when you feel like that's all you are. I'm sure it's not just me who still wants to feel like a lady, even if I've got unwashed hair and struggling to remove the smell of milk from my clothes...and this is when I turn to my makeup stash to help me feel a little more like the old me. 

I've got a very quick and easy, budget friendly, everyday makeup look which I put together (along with product recommendations) especially for the busy moms. And even though this video has been created with the mom in mind, it's certainly just as useful to those of my followers who haven't yet/aren't planning to enter the mommy stage of their lives. It won't take you hours to do, and you don't need a lot of products either. I've shared my recommendations of products I use and love, but you could create the same look using what you've already got in your makeup bag.

Click below to watch the video.

Enjoy!

x

Here are the products I mention in my video:

Foundation

• Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream in Light

• Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Roll on BB Cream for eyes & blemishes

• Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

Blush

• Catrice Cosmetics Multi-Matt Blush in LaLaLavender

 

Eyes

• Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Trio in Walking on Eggshells

• Maybelline The Collosal Volum' Express Mascara in Black

I hope you enjoyed the video! Here are some of my other videos that you might enjoy too:

Skin Creamery - Everyday Cream & Oil Milk Cleanser {Review}

Ever since I stumbled across Skin Creamery on Instagram (I think I found them via my friend Keri Bainborough) I have lusted after their products...probably mostly due to their gorgeous Instagram feed (have a look for yourself).

I love their minimalist approach to their branding, their beautifully packaged products, and the fact that their products are made from only the finest of natural ingredients. 

"The Skin Creamery vision is a hope; a hope to instill a daily ritual of simple self-care, which translates into a loving appreciation for who you are, just as you are."

How lovely is that?!

In the run up to Christmas last year, I hinted at a few ideas to Farmboy of things that were on my wishlist. I had just seen that SkinCreamery were having a special offer on their shipping costs, and so the hints became less hint like and more direct. Anyway, after a little while I forgot all about the products, and come Christmas I was delighted to find a very pretty package of SkinCreamery goodies waiting for me under the tree.

Everyday Cream for Face & Body R350 200ml

I have very sensitive skin, and often have eczema flare ups on my hands and wrists (you can read all about my skin care routine during my pregnancy, which was when eczema really flared up, by clicking here).

Anyway, I am always really nervous about trying out body creams (and face creams because by default the cream always ends up on hands and causes a reaction) but I have been pleasantly surprised by Skin Creamery's The EveryDay Cream for Face & Body. 

• Suitable for all skin types

• Honours the skin’s natural balance

• Easily absorbed

• Certified organic ingredients

• Hypoallergenic

• 100% natural fragrance

I have had little to no reaction to the ingredients (yay!) and love the soft and gentle fragrance of the Jojoba oil. The cream also contains Coconut & Baobab Oil:

Coconut oil is praised for its anti-aging properties. It deeply regenerates and rejuvenates the skin thanks to its high protein content. Baobab oil is an excellent moisturiser and works to improve skin elasticity – naturally. Rich with vitamins A, D, E and F, it helps restore the skin’s natural glow. Jojoba oil contains naturally occurring iodine and is packed with anti-microbial properties. This helps inhibit harmful bacteria that cause pimples, blackheads and acne breakouts. SkinCreamery

For those of you who like to know exactly what's inside your products, here is a full list of ingredient listing:

Water (Aqua), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Oil*, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil*, Glycerin*, Glyceryl Strearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Fruit Oil*, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Oil*, Isoamyl Laurate, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xanthan Gum,Dehydroacetic acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) Leaf Oil*, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil*, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Vanilla Planifolia Extract*, Citric Acid, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Linalool**, Limonene**, Geranoil

***certified organic ingredients

**component of natural essential oils

I also love how it leaves my skin feeling soft and supple, but doesn't leave my face looking greasy. It's the perfect day cream! 

---

Oil-Milk Facial Cleanser R375 200ml

I hadn't expected to also recieve this lovely face cleanser, but my hubby really did spoil me.

While I also have to be very careful with face washes/scrubs/oils (again, do to my very sensitive hands) this cleaner has been a wonderful addition to my skincare routine, leaving me again, with little to no reaction when on my hands after use!

It's got the most invigorating and refreshing fragrance which is perfect for an early morning wake up. Once dispensed, the oil quickly creams up and becomes milky, making it a wonderful texture to wash your face with. it also doesn't leave any oily residue, and also doesn't leave your skin feeling stripped. 

Here is a little more info:

• Suitable for all skin types

• Effortlessly removes make-up

• Leaves skin feeling nourished

• Soap and alcohol free

• Made using certified organic oils

And for those wanting to see a full list of ingredients:

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Almond) Oil, Decyl Glucoside, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Glycerine*, Rhus Verniciflua (Berry) Peel Cera, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Fruit Oil*, Sodium Levulinate*, Sodium Anisate*, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Oil*, Sucrose Laurate, Citrullus Lanatus (Kalahari Melon) Seed Oil, Aqua (Water), Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Oil*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Linalool**, Limonene**, Geranoil**, Citronellol**, Citral**

* certified organic ingredients
** component of natural essential oils

The melon seed is what really gives this cleanser such a delightful fragrance. And the best part about it? It removes all traces of makeup, gently, so youre skin is left feeling zingy clean, but without any horrible tightness. Here's a little more info on one of the other main ingredients, Sesame Oil:

Sesame oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It repairs damaged skin cells and deeply moisturises and strengthens tissues to improve the appearance of the skin. Sesame oil contains important fatty acids, linoleic acid and beneficial vitamins and minerals, and has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin to help reduce the appearance of scars, old or new, and regulate blood flow to the skin surface. SkinCreamery

Both products have become firm favourites in my beauty routine, and their beautiful glass packaging is the cherry on the cake for me, as they look so pretty on the shelf. And another bonus, you can purchase refill for both of these products! Yay for being environmentally friendly, and easier on the pocket when it comes time to stock up.

My only concern in having gone through a bottle of each and a refill of each product over the past 2 years is that the pumps don’t work so well when your product is nearly finished. This is a general problem I have found with pump dispensers. It’s a bit of a pain as it means you have to work really hard to get the last bits of product out (I take the pump off and then use the straw part to scrape the jar and then wipe it onto my hands…a bit of a mess bit it does get the job done). But seeing as that has been the only downside of the brand, I am VERY happy to keep recommending it to my followers.

Have you tried any of the Skin Creamery's products yet? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

#BBUndercover Hair Care Challenge with Beauty Bulletin South Africa

I am a little late to the #BBundercover party as I live out in the middle of nowhere on a farm and only received this package yesterday, but I am SO excited to be taking part in this challenge!

As mentioned, living out in the middle of nowhere makes it harder to get hold of products and find new beauty products to try. Because of this, the package that arrived from BeautyBulletin couldn't have come at a better time.

Having also just had a baby, my hair has taken a bit of a backseat and is NEEDING some extra TLC.

I've only used the products once so far, and I have been pleasantly surprised by how soft and shiny my hair is looking...from just one wash.

I'm not mad about the smell of these products, as they remind me of another (mid range beauty) brand that I'm not too fond of. BUT I am always up for giving products and brands a second chance, so this challenge may just change my mind about the brand I referred to, if it ends up being the brand I think it is!

Needless to say I am VERY intrigued by both products and can't wait to see if my suspicions on the brand are correct!

A little background on this undercover project:

A group of 'testers' have been selected to participate in an exciting blind shampoo and conditioner project. We know NOTHING about these products apart from the fact that they contain nourishing Shea butter and top quality natural ingredients. They are also suitable for all hair types (yay!).

Here's a video where I'm sharing my first impressions on this exciting shampoo & conditioner!

Stay tuned for the big reveal, coming soon!

x

Klairs Vitamin Drop Vitamin C Serum Review - Currently Testing

For the past few days I have been trying a very exciting new addition to the Dear Klairs range of beauty products. Dear Klairs is a Korean beauty brand established in 2010 in Seoul, South Korea, and what I love most about them is that they do not test on animals! I have tried out a number of their products (courtesy of WishTrend) and have been most impressed with them.

Here are my own (always honest) reviews for the products I have tried out so far.

Just click on the images below to see the full post:

You can shop for the Klairs range of products on WishTrend, a Korean beauty platform which stocks lots and lots of Korean Beauty brands.  A little bonus for my readers, by using this code 052313605 you'll get $5 off your first order. 

I am currently testing out the much talked about Klairs Vitamin Drop (which you can buy as a set along with my favourite BB cream, the Klairs Supple Illuminating BB Cream for only $34 on WishTrend) .

And now back to the review.

So what's all the fuss about Vitamin C I hear you say?

Now I'm no scientist, just a lowly ol' beauty blogger with a love for any and all things beauty, and so I enlisted the help of Korean Beauty Guru blogger Charlotte from Soko Glam to help me out here. 

Many studies have proved that Vitamin C (a.k.a. ascorbic acid or l-ascorbic acid) is one of the most effective ways to help fade pigmentation -- those pesky brown spots from sun damage or even uneven skin tone from acne scarring.

It also improves the overall health of your skin by protecting it from free radical damage! Think of it as an anti-aging shield for your skin so you’re not only reducing what damage has already been done, but also preventing future damage.

To understand the science behind Vitamin C, let me breakdown how and why pigmentation occurs:

UVA/UVB, pollution, and smoking create free radicals that destroy your DNA -- and skin cells. Sorry for the dramatics - but it’s true. Free radicals suck!

The result? Premature aging: mainly brown spots and wrinkles (and a bunch of other health problems besides).

Antioxidants help slow down/eliminate free radicals, so that’s why it’s important to include them in your diet and most importantly for your skin, apply them topically!

And you guessed it, the best of the best for the skin is...Vitamin C.  You can read the full article by clicking here.

I recently raved about my experience using the Innisfree Whitening Pore Serum with pretty drastic before and after photos (click here) and so have really interested in knowing more about Vitamin C. 

This Vitamin Drop serum from Klairs contains a 5% concentration of Vitamin C, meaning it is perfect for even the most sensitive of skins. As a rule of thumb, the higher the Vitamin C concentration, the more likely it will cause sensitivity. For those first time users of Vitamin C (like myself), the 5% contained in The Klairs Vitamin Drop serum is the prefect place to start. 

As Vitamin C is highly de-stablilized by Oxygen & light, it is usually kept in dark coloured bottles and it is advised to store it in a cool dark place. What is great about the Klairs Vitamin Drop is that has been stablilized and therefore has a longer shelf life. That's why it is packaged in such a pretty clear bottle. You can see the full ingredient list below:

I have only been using it for a few days so I can't speak on the effectiveness yet.

What I have noticed so far in the few days of use is a faint, warm sensation when applied to the skin. Nothing unpleasant, it actually feels like I am applying a warm towel to my skin. I have also noticed that my skin is being purged (small pimples are coming to the surface that were obviously waiting for the right moment to pop up). I was very worried about this and though perhaps I was having a bad reaction to the product, but have since realised it's normal.

I apply the serum after cleansing, toning and applying essence. I leave it on for about 10 minutes before applying my eye cream, day/night cream and sun cream. I have noticed that my skin is a lot more mattified since I added this serum into my routine, and I have also been very pleasantly surprised to notice that I no longer have flaky skin on my nose area. I am very excited to see more results and will report back after a few more weeks of use.

You can buy the Klairs Vitamin Drop serum on Wishtrend for $17.25 by clicking the button below.

I have also recently added the much talked about Misha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence & Toner to my skin care routine and will be making a video on them very soon. 

{This review and all the reviews on my blog are honest and my own personal experience with the product. Please note this post contains affiliate links which means that should you purchase something though one of these links I receive a very small commission}

Innisfree Whitening Pore Synergy Serum {Review}

Innisfree established itself in Korea in 2007 as the first natural beauty brand to set up shop in Korea and it markets itself as an authority on eco-friendly skincare. Their products feature extracts of pure ingredients from Jeju Island and are packaged in eco-friendly materials, making me, and a lot of other women, huge fans of this skincare brand. 

I have been using the Innisfree Whitening Pore Synergy Serum for a while now and I'm really excited to share my thoughts on it with you.

One of my biggest skin concerns is pigmentation. When I was younger I had pretty bad skin (lots of pimples and my skin was always inflamed from my constant touching and picking) and I tried a host of lotions and potions, eventually resorting to Ruaccutane which sorted my skin out after the second round of use. Since then I have been lucky to have pretty clear skin.

But, I do suffer from pigmentation, which I'm sure is a direct result of the contraceptive pill. I don't view my pigmentation as a dehabilitating thing, I know it's more of a vanity issue than anything else, but I am always interested in products that are specifically catering for this skin issues. I wear a factor 50+ sunscreen everyday, and wear a hat most of the time that I am outdoors to combat any further damage to my skin. It's the summer months when I am outdoors more and the sun is stronger, that my skin really suffers. I know there are more permanent options out there, like laser and peels but they scare me a bit and as I am pretty sure my skin is due to The Pill I am planning on waiting until after I have children before venturing into the realms of laser.

This serum claims to offer the combined goodness of an ampoule & an essence (if you're not sure what the difference is between the two click here) for an intensive whitening treatment. It claims to diminish dark spots and brighten uneven skin-tone.

On that note, here is a before and after of 4 weeks of use of this serum. All these photographs are unedited and I am not wearing any makeup in either of them. Although the lighting is a bit different, the results are quite drastic. These shots were all taken on my iPhone in the early morning after a light walk with my dog. I really hadn't noticed an actual difference in my skin tone until I put these photographs next to each other. Although the pigmentation is still noticeable on the right, my skin tone is much more even and looks a lot smoother and now after seeing these photographs together I think I am going to go and purchase ALL the other products in this range! 

I use this serum both day and night under either my  Innisfree Whitening Pore Cream (review to come soon) or my Innisfree Eco Science Cream (when I need more moisture) both of which I use at night. I wear this serum under my Nivea Q10 Day Cream for day time use. 

The serum comes in a pump dispenser with 50ml of product. The pump is great for measuring out the right amount of product without unnecessary wastage. I always seem to apply too much product to my skin and end up wiping my hands on my towel and wasting too much. The fact that this serum also comes in a pump means it is far more hygienic than sticking your fingers in a tub. 

I really wasn't expecting much from this product and have been quite shocked at the before and after photographs. The serum isn't cheap though and will set you back W28 000 at your local Innisfree store. You might want to wait until Innisfree has their monthly sales where most of their products are on sale for 30% - 50% off. This serum should last anywhere from 2 - 3 months with daily use (both morning and night) as you only need one pump of product per application. 

Have you used any of the Whitening Pore range from Innisfree? Did you notice any results? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

Everyday Makeup Look Tutorial With Light Smokey Eye & Bright Lip (Video Tutorial)

I've been on my video game lately, having published two Youtube videos in one week! I'm feeling very inspired to continue making videos, so If there is anything in particular you'd like to see (beauty, lifestyle, life in Korea, more of my rescue pup!) let me know in the comments below. Also, I would so appreciate it if you could take a moment to subscribe to my channel by clicking here...thank you!

Today's post is an everyday makeup tutorial with a very light smokey eye and a bright lip thrown into the mix. This is my everyday makeup look that I wear to work here in Korea and it really doesn't take long to apply. I won't always wear face & eye primer, it depends on whether I remember to apply it and I don't wear eye liner everyday but since I found these 101 Play Eyeliners from Etude House, I wear eye liner more often. They are just so easy to use and are super long lasting.

Enjoy! x

I absolutely love the Innisfree Colour Glow lipstick featured at the end of the video (click here for a full review), it has such an amazing creamy texture and glides onto your lips so effortlessly. You don't need to fuss with putting it on, it just goes on where it's supposed to. I do wish it lasted longer, but that's the problem with creamier lipsticks. I don't mind reapplying it throughout the day though, its easy enough that you don't even need a mirror!

Here are full reviews of the products mentioned in the video. Just click on each image to see the full review.

Remember to leave me a comment below if there is something particular you want to see in my next video, I love hearing from you!

Etude House Play 101 Eyeliner Pencil in #3 & #18 {Review}

I recently picked up these eyeliners on sale at Etude House for only W3 000, 50% off their regular price of W6 000. I must say that I really wasn't expecting much from them considering they were on sale for so few pennies. I picked up the first one #18 by mistake. The saleslady gave me the wrong pencil by accident and I didn't realise until after I had used it. I was rather annoyed, until Farmboy commented on my makeup, saying how pretty it looked, and then I decided it was actually rather a nice new addition to the dark shades I already own.

#18 is a soft pastel shade of lilac and is very light. It goes on almost white (which is great for highlighting and opening up your eyes). I have noticed a lot of Koreans use a light shade of eyeliner/glitter dust on their waterline which opens up their eyes and makes them look brighter and larger.

#3 is my favourite of the two and is a smoky, glittery dark purple, grey shade. It's dark enough to finish off a smoky eye, but with the bits of glitter in it make it still very feminine, as opposed to vampy. I use this shade with both light makeup on my eyes as well as for a darker, smokier look.

These pencils are wind up, so no fussing with a pencil sharpener. They are also a gel-like consistency which makes them glide easily onto your eye lid. They are easily removed with makeup remover, but they stay put on your eyelid. I have used them with an eye primer and right on my lid with no base and they have lasted the entire day without smudging or going creasing. Pretty amazing little pencils.

I may return soon for some of their more playful colours (I spied a teal and an emerald green which could be fun to play around with).

Have you tried these eyeliners before? What did you think of them?

Innisfree Color Glow Lipstick in #7 & #11 {Review}

I am rather mad about Innisfree, one of Koreas first authorities on eco-friendly skincare. Innisfree uses extracts of pure ingredients from Jeju Island and  their products are packaged from eco-friendly packaging materials. There is a lot to love about this brand, and my Instagram feed is testimony to my love for their products. 

The Color Glow range of lipstick promises vivid pigmentation with a moisturising formula. They have a buttery texture, and are very easy to apply in their twist up tubes. Due to their moisturising formula, they don't last quite as long as matte lipsticks. I get about 3 hours of wear, a little more with #

#11 (pictured below) is a red shade with a mostly orange tint. It also has little glitter pigment which makes for a pretty sparkle on your lips. I find that the glitter pigment does mean that the texture is a little rough on the lips but because of this I find it has more staying power than #7 which doesn't have the same glitter texture. It's not uncomfortable by any means, but it's not as smooth as the other shades in this range. I like having the option though and use this shade of red when I'm not feeling bold enough for my Innisfree Cream Mellow lipstick in #8.

The bottom of this lipstick shows a very red colour, but the actual shade is far more coral than red. As you can see below when worn on the lips, this is far more orange that the actual tube suggests.

#7 (pictured below) is a soft fuchsia shade that wears down to more of a purple shade after a few hours. The texture of this particular shade is soft and silky, with glides onto your lips, feeling more like a lipgloss than a lipstick. I find I need more than a few coats of, whereas #11 only requires two coats for a strong look. This shade is very moisturising on my lips and doesn't dry them at out at all. I love the colour and find that it goes with just about everything.

Although it looks like a bright shade, it actually is very pretty and not 'in-your-face' like the tube suggests. This is my favourite of the two shades and I wear it almost daily.

You can buy these from your local Innisfree store for W12 000 each. I picked these up during the latest big sale at my local Innisfree for W6 000 a pop.

Klairs Creamy Concealer Natural Fit Concealer Review

Welcome to Klairs' latest addition to their makeup range. This creamy concealer was designed to be used in conjunction with their Supply BB Cream (click here for a full review) but it works wonderfully by itself or under your own choice of makeup or bb cream.

I have been a big fan of Klairs for a while now, because their products are simple (they don't test on animals!), natural and they just work. I am an especially a big fan of their Black Sugar scrub (click here). If you'd like to know more about their products and read reviews of what I have tried and tested so far then click here. I get all my Klairs products from WishTrend who are an awesome online store that deliver world wide so no matter where you are in the world you can get your hands on amazing Korean beauty products.

Klairs Creamy Concealer Natural Fit

The Klairs Creamy Concealer Natural fit is a medium coverage product that works particularly well on my normal to oily skin. It blends seamlessly into my skin with or without my favourite Velvet Skin primer from the FaceShop. It covers up redness and does an okay job of dealing with my pigmentation. I am not into heavy makeup and prefer a natural look, and that is why I love this concealer so much. When I am needing a little more coverage I use this with the Klairs Supple BB cream and top it off with a dusting of translucent powder to set my look. 

My biggest skin concern when it comes to makeup is my pigmentation. I get the odd pimple here and there (and this concealer does a great job of covering them up even with just one payer of product). I know that there aren't that many products that offer full coverage for skin issues like pigmentation so I did not expect this concealer to provide full coverage. I find the products that do offer full coverage sit very heavily on my skin and I don't want to look like a barbie doll. This is why this concealer is just right for me in that it offers medium coverage without looking cakey. 

Depending on how I'm feeling I use this concealer alone, under my Innisfree Mineral pressed powder, and under/on-top my Klairs BB Cream. It has quite a thick consistency, which I really like as you feel like the product is actually going to provide coverage rather than those more liquid concealers which get absorbed into your makeup brush too easily. I use my favourite Sigma F80 flat topped kabuki brush to blend it into my skin. 

I have swatched the concealer below and you can see it's coverage in relevance to the freckle on the right. This concealer has medium coverage that is definitely buildable. The swatch below is from 1 layer of concealer. I have a medium skin shade (Mac NW 25) and I find this shade to work very well for my skin tone. If you have very light or fair skin, this shade would be a little dark for you. I would say it wouldn't be suitable for anyone with a lighter skin tone than NC 25.

This concealer only comes in one shade, which may be frustrating for some, but I have found that is similar to the Klairs BB cream which also only comes in one shade but suits a multitude of skin tones. But do bear in mind that my skin tone is an olive shade and I wear Mac NW25.

The Ingredients list:

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Polysorbate 80, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Yellow Oxide Of Iron, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Bentonite, Sodium Chloride, Black Oxide Of Iron, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Red Oxide Of Iron, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Chlorphenesin, Talc, Xanthan Gum, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Piper Methysticum Leaf/Root/Stem Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Fragrance, Tocopheryl Acetate, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Arctium Lappa Root Extract, Hibiscus Mutabilis Flower Extract, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract

You can purchase this Concealer online from WishTrend for $14.99.

If you enter this code 052313605 at check out, you can also save yourself $5!

Disclosure: I received the above products for review purposes but the opinions expressed here are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission should you make a purchase using one of the links. 

Innisfree Soy Essence Curling Mascara {Review}

Who doesn't love a mascara that actually does what it says? This curling mascara from Innisfree does exactly as promised and curls my lashes to infinity. It doesn't provide much volume, but who needs volume when your lashes reach sky high right? My only grouch with it is just how tough it is to remove. You really need to go to town with your makeup remover, and even then you will probably need to do a double cleanse of your favourite cleanser; mine being this gentle deep cleansing oil from Klairs. 

But, even though it's hard to take off at the end of the day, this means it is most definitely able to stand up to a good cry or even worse, the hot and humid Korean summer which is well on its way.

The brush that comes with this Soy Essence Curling mascara is perfect for reaching each and every lash. You do need to work quickly though to avoid clumps. I find using an eyelash curler first before applying this mascara works best for me.

And now for some blurry Instagram photos to show you just how magical the length of your lashes can be.

Are there any Korean mascaras you've tried that you love? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

Innisfree Eco Beauty Angled Makeup Brush & Powder Brush

On a recent splurge at Innifree I spent some time browsing through their range of makeup  brushes. They have quite a large range and I was rather intrigued especially when I saw their Eco Beauty range which has wooden handles (the ones pictured in this post are part of the Eco Beauty range). They reminded me of my favourite Eco Tools Brush set which I was able to buy online through Iherb (click here) and have delivered here to South Korea.

At the time I was buying my favorite Face Designing Duo  highlighter and contour powder (review coming soon) and so was on the look out for a brush to apply it. Angled makeup brushes work really well for applying blush or highlighters as you have a lot more control over where you want the product to go. I bought the Eco Beauty Powder Brush and the Angled makeup brush. Keep reading for a more detailed review of both brushes.

As Innisfree is a one of the more natural orientated skincare brands here in Korea (they use less nasty chemicals in their products) all of their brushes are synthetic and animal lover approved, at least by me that is!

Eco Beauty Powder Brush W12 000

I love this powder brush. The bristles are super soft and very gentle on your skin. I use it to apply my setting powder over foundation and it works really well. I am a little sad that the bristles are white, as it's hard to keep them looking clean and new. This is also one of the reasons why I only use it to apply my setting powder and not as a blusher or bronzer brush.

The wooden handle is one of the many things I really like about this brush as it gives it a very professional and clean appearance. The synthetic bristles are not itchy on the skin like a lot of other cheaper skin care brands and I really like the little cover that comes with the brush to help keep it's shape and to help keep it clean.

Eco Beauty Angled Brush W8 000

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with this angled brush. I love it because it works really well to apply my bronzer and highlighter, but I hate it because of the fall out (fall our refers to the actual bristles of a brush coming loose and falling out). Even though I have been using it for a few months, I am still experiencing fall out of the bristles, and it gets really annoying having to constantly worry about bristles going into my eye. It could just be that I got a bit of a dysfunctional brush, but I was very disappointed. As my Korean is rather limited, going back to the store and asking for a refund is more trouble that it's worth to me, trying to explain a dysfunctional brush and then hoping they refund me or give me a new one. 

But even with the annoyance of fall out, the bristles are soft enough whilst still being course enough in picking up a good amount of product for application. The bristle are not as soft as the powder brush though, and might irritate very sensitive skin. I will continue to use this brush until the day there are no bristles left in it, or until I find a nicer looking one. I really like the wooden handles of these brushes and I especially like how they match my EcoTools brushes. It's the small things in life right? 

I wasn't too mad as I had picked up both of these brushes during one of Innisfree's 30 - 50% off sales and so didn't pay full price for either of them. But if I was paying full price I would give the angled brush a skip but I would repurchase the powder brush for sure.

Have you given any of Innisfree's Eco Tool makeup brushes a try? Any others that you would recommend? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

You might also like these:

Easy Natural Evening Makeup Look {Video}

A super easy to do, natural look to wear for evening (or day if you felt like wearing a slightly darker eye during the day). See below for product info.

Enjoy!

PRODUCTS SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO 
-L'Oreal True Match Foundation in R3 C3 Beige Rose
-The FaceShop Dual Veil Concealer in V210
-Maybelline The Colossal Volum Express in Blackest Black
-Innisfree Mineral Single Shadow in #1,#38, #38, #41
-Mac Matte Powder Blush in Harmony
-Revlon Just Bitten Kissable in 015 Cherish Devotion

-Eco Tools Brushes (Mineral Powder Brush & Crease Brush bought on iHerb: http://bit.ly/1Fcex1A
-Innisfree Diagonal Cheek Brush
-Sigma F80 Stippling Brush: http://bit.ly/1Fcex1A 
(the following online store ships Sigma Makeup brushes to South Africa: http://bit.ly/1AZxG09)
-Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment

I hope you enjoyed this makeup video, let me know in the comments section below what you'd like to see in my next video!

x

Klairs Illuminating Supple BB Cream {review}

I have been after a BB cream for a while now, and as I now live in the original home of the BB cream you'd have thought it would be easy to find one that suits my skin. But alas, I have been nervous to be too adventurous with my choices and have fallen back on my trusty Essence BB Cream from back home in South Africa. That was until I was recently sent this one by WishTrend  to review (click here for more info on WishTrend and how you too can get your hands on South Korean beauty products wherever you may be in the world). 

This Illunminating BB Cream from Klairs is very popular here among Korean women. Here is the blurb from Klairs (their English translation is a little off but you get the idea):

For dry skin- Offers great Hydration with the best moisture ingredient; Hydraluronic Acid

For sensitive skin- Brings soothing effect with calming component such as Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice

For ageing skin – Great wrinkle improvement with highly concentrate moisture formula

For trouble skin- Does not worsen the trouble spots with low irritant ingredients and skin-friendly components. 

Klairs’ Unique smart color system is suitable for any skin type tone. No need to cover up with unhealthy looking artificial color of other BB creams. Sun screen + Primer + Foundation + Finishing Powder = [Klairs] Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream! Save your precious time in the morning and finish the base makeup with great BB cream Korean women die for.

The truthful brand, Klairs is eco-friendly cosmetics. Against animal testing, no alcohol, no parabens, no artificial coloring. Low irritation to the skin with safe and great ingredients, especially safe cosmetics for sensitive or trouble type skin."

When I first opened up the packaging I was a little nervous as the product only comes in one shade. All of the other reviews I had seen had been done by Asian girls with very light skin. So I thought it would be far from suitable for my naturally darker complexion (thanks to the countless number of hours I spent in the sun as a young child). BUT I was wrong! The product blended effortlessly into my skin (both on my hand and on my face). Most BB Creams have a greyish cast to them, making your face look sullen. But this product, with it's slightly yellowish undertone, suits my skin perfectly. From all of the reviews I have seen on this product, it suits most skin tones (although, for my very much darker skinned lady friends, this one probably won't be suitable, although it would be interesting to see if it did blend).

The packaging is simple in design, just like the product itself and has a small nozzle to dispense just the right amount of product. This helps you control exactly how much product you want to use, without making a mess. The packaging is written in both English & Korean. 

The initial coverage is very light, but definitely buildable leaving skin with a very natural, dewy finish. Korean women are very into the 'dewy' look, especially the older ladies, so finding a matte finish can be tricky. But, with a dusting of your favourite powder, your skin will look just the right amount of dewy, and not like an oil slick.

This is suitable for all skin types, and one of it's promises is that has sebum control. I have combination skin, and it didn't provide very much oil control for me. But, with a dusting of translucent powder and my favourite Innisfree Sebum Control powder I had no shiny skin, even after a full day of wear. Most BB creams make skin appear oilier than other foundations because of all the added elements they provide, things like sun protection. This would naturally make a product oilier. I didn't notice excessive oiliness though, the same amount I experience from any foundation I use, regardless of the brand. I also always apply a sun cream under my foundation/BB cream (I am currently loving the Sebum Control Moisture Sun sun cream from The FaceShop...review to come soon).

Here is the ingredient list for those of who would like to know what exactly goes into the product:

This image of the ingredients was found on AegyoPrincess.

And now for the results. In the before photograph I am barefaced (this is my skin after following my morning skincare routine of cleanser, toner, eye cream, lotion, suncream & primer...blog post to follow soon).

The after photographs were taken with only the BB Cream applied, no other makeup was used in the shot.

My biggest skin concerns are the pigmentation I have on my forehead, nose/under eye area and my upper lip region so this was the biggest test for me. I wanted to make sure that this BB cream would provide adequate coverage. You can see from the photographs below what the results were for me.

I really like this BB cream, and even though it doesn't offer that much oil control, I love how natural my skin looks. I am able to build up the coverage, and have noticed that the coverage is better when applied with my fingers, and not with my trusty Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Foundation brush. Both application methods give a smooth finish, but I prefer the brush as I don't have to get my fingers messy. My skin is left illuminated (as promised) but without the shimmer that most illuminating products have. This is a big plus for me as I'd rather add my own shimmer exactly where I want it, and not walk around looking a unicorn. 

I tend to get dry, flaky patches on my nose, so when applying this and any other foundation/BB cream, I am just careful to either have exfoliated the night before, or to make sure I apply a primer (I am currently loving this Velvet Skin Primer from The Face Shop). 

You can purchase this BB Cream online from WishTrend for $24.99.

If you enter this code 052313605 at check out, you can also save yourself $5!

Happy Shopping!