VMV Hypoallergenics Skintangible "Faint"ation Skin BBBB Cream SPF30 - BB But Better review!

VMV Hypoallergenics - Validated hypoallergenic, ramdomized, blinded, published and awarded clinical studies since 1979. 100% Fragrance, Paraben, Preservative and Phthalete-free.

Doesn't that make you feel like your skin is in good hands?

I've been doing too much shopping off Luxola recently and one of the products I picked up was the Skintangible BBBB Cream from VMV Hypoallergenics. I know I know....I've got too many bottles of BBs, CCs and liquid foundations as it is...but...I'm sure 1 more bottle's fine~ =P *ambles away*

First off, I love the eco-friendly packaging that's glue-free! And all available surfaces are packed with information so there's lots to read if you're keen to~

Description: This barely-there, "dew"lightly non-makekup is tinted subtly, beautifully evening out skin tone and refining the complexion.

With antioxidants and purely mineral SPF sunscreens to protect against fine lines, hyperpigmentations and other signs of (photo) ageing. With monolaurin plus other monoglycerides - all coconut-derived, soothing, anti-acne and anti-inflammatory. Multi-purpose: It can be used alone as a barely there non-makeup that leaves the complexion incredibly natural looking yet "skintriguingly" more refined. It also works under makeup as a skin-friendly, skin-enhancing primer. 

A uniquely "can't-put-my-finger-on-it-but-wow-your-skin-look-awesome" finish that subtly evens out skin tone, imparts a soft glow + works alone or under makeup as a primer. Purely physical (inorganic) SPF30 protection too. One shade works for all skin tones.

Validated hypoallergenic: VH - 76/76. 100% All-Types-Of-Fragrance-Free. 100% Dye-Phyhalete + Paraben + Preservative-Free. Non-Comedogenic. Non-Drying. Non-Darkening. Usage + Patch-Tested. All Skin Types.

(VH - 76/76 rating means that this product has none of the 76 identified allergens.)

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide: 2%, Zinc Oxide: 14%

Ingredients: Alumina, Aqua/Water/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Caprate, Glyceryl Laurate, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicon, PEG100 Sterate, Simethicone, Steareth-2, Steareth-21, Sodium Phytate, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides).

Above information extracted from VMV Hypoallergenics 

Comes in a little sturdy bottle with a pump and plastic cap....which strangely enough has a gap where the nozzle sticks out a little. Umm....I don't get it. While there hasn't been any incident of seepage, there have been instances when the little residue just inside the nozzle has stained (slightly) the inside of my makeup bag. But in the big picture, I guess that's not a big deal.

The term 'subtly tinted' might not be the first thing to mind as the product pumps out looking quite dark for my NC25 - 30 skin tone... But thankfully, the cream spreads easily and the colour blends well without affecting my original skin tone. See? Those with fairer skin like NC20 might find it too dark though..but I feel that if you're going to layer some powder, that'll even things out fine.

Oh by the way, 1 pump is sufficient for my entire face =) The BBBB cream lends a very slight dewy finish to my combination/oily skin that (thankfully) doesn't cause my face to degenerate into an oil slick throughout the day.

The term 'barely there' in the product description is right, there is little to no cover so I don't see how it's a 'BB but better' in that aspect. I also fail to see any sort of 'refining' effect. However, it performs GREAT as a primer. I used ONLY a layer of Bare Minerals compact powder on top of it and noticed that I got more coverage than usual and a smoother finish. PLUS my makeup stayed put much longer than before!

I like that the cream doesn't feel silicon-y, it feels just like any regular BB cream and doesn't leave any sort of visible layer or layering look on the skin. Also, the price is very affordable, S$24 for 12g on Luxola. Luxola has so many sales however that it's likely you can snag it for 20% off if you keep a lookout. I liked it as a base so much that I bought a 2nd bottle the moment the next Luxola sale came up!

In a nutshell, the VMV Hypoallergenics Skintangible BBBB cream:

• hails from a reputable brand, stocked at Common Thread at Ion Orchard if you ever feel like checking out the products before purchase.
• affordably priced at S$24/12g on Luxola.
• comes in a thumb-sized sturdy glass bottle with an easily controlled pump nozzle. Design of the plastic cap poses a SLIGHT possibility of staining on the inside of the makeup pouch though.
• spreads easily and doesn't affect the tone of my NC25-30 skin tone despite dispensing a tad dark. Fairer skin like NC20 might have an issue but powdering can even things out.
• has SPF30 so it could also function as a 'tinted' sunblock.
• has little to no coverage, doesn't perform like a BB cream in that aspect but might be sufficient for you lucky peeps with good skin to begin with~
• imparts a very slight dewy finish to my combination/oily skin but doesn't develop into an oil slick.
• makeup goes on smoother and lasts much longer, got more coverage than usual from my Bare Minerals powder.
• doesn't go on feeling all silicon-y, feels just like a regular BB cream.
• doesn't leave any sort of 'layered with makeup' look when used with concealer and powder.
• didn't cause any sort of reaction on my skin, but then it IS a hypoallergenic cosmetic.

Overall, I'm ever so slightly bummed that it didn't give any coverage and didn't really improve the look of my skin when applied on its own. But it performs so well as a base and is really comfortable to have on. It's also very affordable and skin-friendly so until I come across something else, I guess I'm sticking to this find!

So if you've been looking for an affordable, light, skin-friendly makeup base without that silicon feel, check out the VMV Hypoallergenics BBBB cream~ I'd love to know how it works for you! =)

Da-Da-Da Dasoda MG Mega Liquid Concealer~

Ok I admit I'm at a loss for a decent title XP

Anyway~~ This isn't a new product, launched much earlier this year but I only recently finished my Sleek Makeup concealer so finally I was able to justify a new purchase~

This is the Dasoda MG Mega Liquid Concealer~

Retails at S$25.90 at Watsons, Sasa, y'know...the usual places =P

It comes in 2 colours, Natural and Ochre. Natural is a pink-ish shade and Ochre is a yellow-ish shade. As there weren't any testers I had to struggle for awhile to decide but thankfully, I got Ochre which is PERFECT for my NC25-30 skintone. (Check out my FAQ section for an idea of my skin tone across brands.)

A look at the back of the box info:

This concealer is also formulated with various ingredients for a 'lift-up' function and daily use supposedly can help prevent wrinkles, dryness and age spots around the eyes. That's a nice little titbit but to me, makeup is makeup..doesn't help that the skincare ingredients I can see (Royal Jelly extract, Collagen etc) are at the tail end of the ingredients list.

 

 

Moving on, here's a look at the calligraphy brush applicator~

 

 

When it's new the brush is pure white and it took me quite a while of clicking away to get the initial flow going >_< For awhile I thought the product had dried up inside the pen!



Easy click-to-dispense mechanism

The 'clicker' is firm and doesn't overdispense. =)



Blends like a dream~



The concealer liquid is quite creamy but not thick and blends very smoothly even with several layers.

 

Here I have the concealer on my undereyes, nose (on the bridge and on the redness under my nose area) and temples plus selected spots here and there on my face.



Pretty decent with just concealer ey? =D



I was really happy that it didn't cake and emphasize the lines under my eyes even though I applied several layers!



Yay no caking!!



After this all I added was a light dusting of Bare Minerals loose power, a smattering of blusher and lipbalm and I was all set!



All done in like what, 5-10min? Woots!



I have to say, I'm really liking this one!

 

In short, the Dasoda MG Mega Concealer Liquid:

• slim casing is super easy to bring around
• smooth liquid product dispenses and blends well
• conceals light to medium blemishes and undereye circles well after layering
• coverage is buildable to a medium level without caking up or emphasizing lines
• easily available and affordable (Currently 20% off!)
• having only 2 colour options might make it difficult to match skin tones

I was hesitant at first because there wasn't a tester and it was pricier than the Sleek concealer I had before but I'm glad I got this! ^__^

Of Care and Correction - Etude House CC Cream

Hmmm seems I've been buying more Korean products recently...no idea why...maybe it's the lack of pretty, interesting, omgwtfimusthaveit Japanese products being brought into Singapore =\

Today I'm show-telling the fairly new Etude House CC Cream in #02 Glow:

It also comes in #01 Silky, which is the more matte version, but I like a little dewiness on my face so I got the Glow =)

Oooooo Luminosity~

Back of the box info:

Hopefully this'll give you an idea of the size of the tube~

Product dispenses via pump:

It does say apply liberally on the box but too much might be overdoing it as you can see with the swatches below~

 

 

The small amount that's dispensed spreads really well so you don't need to go crazy with it~ Once dispensed, you can see the tiny micro capsules in the stark white cream but as you massage, it slowly turns into a pinkish nude-ish shade which then blends into your skin. The end result is an overall fairer, more radiant look!

 

 

The cream definitely brightened up my face and evened out my skin tone. Minimal coverage for blemishes and dark eye rings etc though~ I could definitely use this on its own if I'm not going downtown or if I'm having a really good skin day! I've been using this as a base more often though cos I need the extra coverage (^__^;;) and it does make for longer lasting makeup and smoother application~

 

This would totally be enough for someone with pretty good skin just looking to add a nice made-up luminosity to their face but if you need higher coverage and concealment, this'll just be a base I guess~

 

In short, the Etude House CC Cream:

• is a nice & smooth cream with sheer coverage that is not buildable
• moisturizing effect & sunscreen of SPF30 PA++
• affordable at about S$25 as I recall
• instantly brightens up my face and helps even out the skintone, gives the my-skin-but-better look
• too much product might result in umm over-brightening? This CC cream spreads very easily so you don't need THAT much
• applies smoothly on my combination skin and stays for a good 5 - 6 hours without touchups
• lovely dewy base for smooth application and longer lasting makeup
• been using for a few weeks with no skin issues
• good for those with pretty good skin looking to add that Korean style luminosity to their look!

 

For my first CC cream, it's pretty good. I'm quite happy but not sure if I would repurchase because it strikes me as quite similar to the Maybelline BB WaterGel =\ maybe a less dewy version of the Maybelline? What do you think? ( ^__^ )

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L'Oreal Universal Glow Beautifier - Glow or Blow?

You may recall my previous review of the L'Oreal Universal Lip Glow and how I liked it. So when I came across the Universal Glow Beautifier, on sale again at the Paris Duty Free, I bought it even though there wasn't a tester available.

Here's a look at the product:


Bottom right picture: Product is blended in to the right

The back of the box info says:

'Discover the 1st Universal Glow Beautifier by Studio Secrets Professional. With a sheer coverage and a natural effect, the Universal Glow Beautifier blends with your skin to sophistically enhance your natural skin tone. Your complexion is immediately luminous with a healthy glow, tinted with apricot accents to flatter all the skin tones.

Thanks to its texture enriched in Vitamin C and B5 derivatives, the Universal Glow Beautifier reveals a radiant complexion. Skin is perfectly hydrated and looks supple and bouncy.

Make-up Artist tip: apply your Universal Glow Beautifier alone for a healthy and natural glow effect or under your foundation to enhance its radiance.'

Sounds good right? I will attest that the texture of the product is indeed very smooth, easily blended and quite light. But aside from that?

Left side is clean, no product. Right side with L'Oreal Universal Glow Beautifier blended.

I am sorry but I don't see any differenceee~~~ No promised glow nor radiance =( And as the box info said, 'sheer coverage'....well, it's wayyyy sheer. Dark eye rings and blemishes remain completely unconcealed. (=_=) The hydration provided is slight, my usual moisturiser does better.

In a nutshell, the L'Oreal Universal Glow Foundation:

• gives extremely sheer (bordering on non-existant) coverage
• very light hydration properties
• no noticeable change in my medium fair skin tone's radiance or luminance
• gave no enhancing properties to my makeup
• skin is slightly smoother after application so this might be alright as a smoothening makeup base

I was hoping to get a really good light, sort of a tinted moisturiser in this product but.....guess not. =\ Next!

Shedding light on the Sleek Luminaire Highlighting Concealer~

Hello all~ ^_^

The last time I dropped by the Luxola office for the Edward Bess openhouse, I purchased the Sleek Luminaire Highlighting Concealer as I was in the market for an undereye concealer at the time. I only recently got to using it though:

S$17 from Luxola.com; Available in 3 shades with L02 being the middle child

Brush tip + Click dispenser control
The initial pumps came up slightly cakey but was fine from then on.

I haven't had the best experiences with highlighters as they tend to not make much of a difference =( The Sleek version?

Looking Fresh with Kanebo Freshel High Cover Base

As you've noticed by now, I have a definate weakness for Japanese brands. I was on a Kanebo Freshel kick earlier this year but only used the BB cream, Cleansing and Whitening Cream >_< Luckily I keep the Kanebo Freshel stash right up front of my beauty drawer and I eventually got to using the High Cover Makeup Base which I'd bought from Phuket~ I haven't seen it in Singapore but I'm pretty sure you can get it in Thailand, Taiwan, HongKong and Japan(duh).

Kanebo Freshel White C Makeup Base High Cover
Approx S$20 overseas (Original Price 1,000yen)

I have high anticipations for this as I'm also a big fan of the Freshel White C BB Cream!

A look at the back-of-the-box info:

As usual, a general translation was the best I could do T_T

So how does this high cover makeup base perform?

Banishing the Black-eye~ (temporarily =P)

Before you get all excited and think I've found the holy grail for eradicating undereye circles, I have to be honest and say THIS IS NOT IT. Sorry y'all~ ^_^

But this is still a pretty good find, especially for people who're sensitive about the fine lines around the eye area like me.

S$19.90 at Nishino Pharmacy, Sasa and selected Watsons

What I have here is the K-Palette 0Kuma (Zero Kuma) concealer in yellow beige~ It's been in Singapore since early 2012 but somehow I didn't notice it, despite the cute packaging, till now =_=..