Review - L'Oreal 24h Super Liner

The development on cosmetics and skin care has improved over the years - a fact. It has improved to the point that companies are putting out bold claims on the product's performance to rival all others. This writer is aware that each person reacts differently to each product. Hence, tests are required.

This is a review and experiment on the L'Oreal 24h Super Liner (waterproof gel liner).

This liner, like most gels, comes in a small glass pot and a golden cap. It is sold with a travel-sized liner brush which is quite convenient. Also known as the 'Lacquer Liner', this product is said to come in 5 highly pigmented shades. The brand claims that the product applies smoothly and delivers a glossy, high shine finish that lasts for 24 hours. The brush, though not the focus, also holds esteem in being claimed to provide precise application. 

As 'thick' as the packaging appears to be, it holds about 2.8 grams of product. The brush, upon first inspection, feels slightly flexible yet firm. It does not sink straight into the product, but picks up enough for a light application. The gel applies smoothly with high pigmentation and dries to a semi-glossy finish - not too flat or too shiny.The brush's small size allows easy control over the application.

Waterproof Test

During water test

After water test

As shown above, the liner does not smear under running water. It does, however, smudge a bit when wet. It does not appear to fade or scatter, thus holding up to the waterproof claim.

Final conclusion and personal experience

I have always wondered if this liner was all what it claimed to be. Waterproof, budge proof, creamy and highly pigmented. It was also one of the more pricey drugstore gel liners I've come across.

But I'm delighted to say that it does hold up to its claims. With this product a small bit goes a very long way and I try to be careful that I don't pick up too much. I am unable to confirm its 24 hour lasting power - but, honestly, who wears an eyeliner for that long?

I did observe that it does smudge a bit when wet (by water/sweat). If you are planning to wear this out to a beach or pool, expect a small line on the top or bottom corner of your lid. Despite that, the pigmentation and application is phenomenal. The brush is decent and of good quality - a trait unfamiliar to many bundled products.

The only thing I consider a drawback is the price. In Dubai it can retail for about 80 AED. For this alone, I expect that the product would last a long, long while.

I do like this gel liner and think it's probably worth the cost. However, consider your options before purchasing. It holds up to its claims, but it's not budget friendly. There may be other affordable liners that are just as great.


- L

Review: BYS 5 piece Horizontal eyeshadow pallets

One of the joys of visiting another country is hunting for the cosmetic treasures it may hold. I journeyed to Australia at the beginning of this year (2014) to visit friends and found myself bringing back more than memories. I brought back drugstore gems.

This is a mini review of the BYS 5 piece Horizontal eyeshadow pallets.

The BYS brand is much like the NYX of Australia. The variety in products, packaging and amazing affordable prices draws consumers in with the feeling of youth and fun. 'BYS' is said to stand for 'Be Yourself'.

I was very tempted to indulge myself in the products they offered. But alas, I could only bring back a few. A couple of which were the eyeshadow pallets.

As shown, I decided on trying out the bright neon and natural pallets. The tester at the store promised high pigmentation and a soft, almost creamy texture. These pallets come in a variety of other colors such a blues, purples, greens, pastels and even glitter shades. I own the Natural Delight and Neon pallets.

Natural Delight :
I was highly impressed and satisfied with this pallet. It has the basic brown/vanilla shades with a satin finish. I would use this for a natural day-to-day wear or spice it up to a smokey eye for night. The shadows have high pigmentation and the texture is smooth to the touch. This is a highly recommended basic pallet to those who adore natural colors.

Neon:
I had very high hopes for this pallet. The tester in the store was far more pigmented - the reason why I bought this one. However, once I swatched my new purchase, the shadows were much lighter and more chalky than the tester. I assume it may be a hit or miss with this particular pallet or that the surface pigmentation is not as high. Which means I might need to use it for a while before it produces the desired results. However, it works well over a white base to brighten the colors.

Nevertheless, at $5 AUD, this product is well worth the try. The packaging is sturdy and travel friendly. If I am blessed with the opportunity to visit Australia again, I might just help myself to the other pallets.

Here are a couple of basic looks created with both pallets.

I have always found eyeshadows to be the luxurious way to dress your eyes. Don't you agree?


-L 

Review: CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation

The biggest drawback to having oily skin - other than breaking out now and again - is that EVERYTHING seems to slide right off. Most foundations and concealers tend to do one of the following:

1. Wear off in a matter of hours.
2. Turn overly shiny on the face (if they don't control oil)
3. Oxidize after a few hours.
4. Crease in fine lines.

Achieving flawless coverage is a challenge for one such as I. I had given up my goal in finding a full coverage foundation that stays on long enough without producing that infamous shine. But, with renewed hope, I began to search again and I believe I've found a foundation that actually works for (my) oily skin.

This is a review for the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation.

This foundation has been out in drugstores for a while. It comes in a 1 fluid ounce bottle with a pump and a cap. An additional feature is the locking mechanism for the pump. This secures the product within the packaging if you were to take it with you on your travels. Furthermore, it comes with a 4 page booklet on directions and cautionary advice on skin protection. Nifty.

The product claims to deliver 'all-day flawless coverage' with the benefits of a primer, concealer and foundation in one bottle. It also provides the much needed protection of SPF 20. The main website displays about 14 different skin tones - a decent amount with neither being all yellow or all pink.

When dispensed, the product is thick, yet smooth when blended out. The coverage is full to buildable without the added cakey look that comes with layering. The price can be considered a tiny bit more than expected of a drugstore brand. However, with the claims, one would expect that the product itself is well worth the price.

Final conclusion and personal experience

In my opinion, this could be considered the Colorstay of the CoverGirl line. I have tried Revlon Colorstay Foundation many years ago and found that it cakes up, feels heavy and oils up during the course of the day (for me). However, the coverage is unmatched. The CoverGirl Outlast is very similar in coverage, but does not cake up or feel heavy and can last an entire 15 hours (I wore this on the flight home) without looking overly oily.

I purchased this product in Australia for around $16 AUD. My skin still harbors the scars and marks of pimples past. For application, I use my trusty E.L.F flat top studio brush. Initially, I dot the product on my forehead, cheeks, nose and chin sparingly and buff it out evenly. If I require extra coverage for stubborn spots, I apply it only to those areas.

It truly does provide the coverage of a concealer and the blendability of a foundation. As I have not used a primer before, I cannot vouch for it. But it does smooth out the texture of my skin and blurs out my pores around my nose. However, the main feature and reason as to why I would recommend this foundation is the lasting power.

I wore this foundation on the flight home - a 15 hour journey with no touch-ups. When I finally had the chance to wash up, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the coverage was still holding up with the minimal amount of shine. Although I didn't feel as fresh as I did at the start of my flight, the foundation reflected otherwise.

The added SPF 20 is a bonus since summer is fast approaching. It is not waterproof or smudge proof. It is, nevertheless, one of the better full coverage drugstore foundations I've tried. A face-saver and worth a try.

-L

It's 3am and you're still awake because...

Something big is about to happen. Like really big. And the universe doesn’t want you to sleep through it. Except the universe isn’t sure if it’s scheduled for tonight, or tomorrow, or the day after. Let’s not risk missing it okay?

You have a heightened level of brain activity. It is physically impossible for your awesome brain to shut down so early. It is also physically impossible for your brain to function before noon.

If you don’t get a meal at this time of the night, your life will be meaningless.

You don’t know it yet, but you’re part of this secret cult that meets at this hour. They call out to you every night, it’s time you pay more attention to those voices.

You were an owl in your past life.

You are still an owl, disguised as a human being.

The stars need you to watch over them.

You like to watch people sleep.

And let's face it, it may be 3am at your end. But it's 5pm somewhere else in the world :)

Here's one of Benedict Cumberbatch, because why not.

The Native Outcast

At one of my favorite cosmetic stores.

Saleslady: Hi, po.
Me: Hello.
Saleslady: Ano ba ang hinahanap mo? Lipstick? Eyeshadow?
Me: Ahh.. I'm just looking for concealer.
Salelady: Oh! I'm sorry. I thought you are Filipino.
Me: I am. I just can't speak it.
Saleslady: Why not? All Filipino should know how to speak Tagalog. Is your father a foreigner?
Me: .... umm.. the concealer?


Just a rendition of one of the many episodes I have. Sometimes it's worse and sometimes it's not. However, it doesn't change the fact that my own kin observe me as an alien.

Growing up, I was heavily influenced by my peers rather than my parents. English was my main language in and out of our home. Overtime, I began to understand Bisaya and Tagalog from listening intently to my parents and relatives. The end result? A pure-bred Filipina who speaks fluent English and understands the Filipino language BUT doesn't speak it.

What I considered to be perfectly normal was strange for many of our family friends and new people we meet. The consensus among Filipinos (and for many others) is that every 'Kabayan' must know the language. The failure to do so is enough to be considered a side-show. (Ok, maybe that's exaggerating it.)

One may find it naive and frustrating on how narrow-minded many people may be. I am aware not every one is like that. BUT!... I've encountered too many to shrug it aside. Being a person without the ability to converse in their native tongue may and can result in the following:

1. Assumed as a half-Filipino (usually with a rich foreign father)
2. The topic of many starter conversations - of course done in the native tongue because they assume you don't understand.
3. The attention of many speculative stares when you speak english fluently to your Filipino parents.
4. Not being included in interesting conversations with peers or co-workers. (plainly because they can't gossip in english and get away with it.)

(I may or may not have encountered 2 or more of the above)

Half the battle is understanding the language and interpreting it so you're aware of what is being said. The other half is coping with emotions of feeling alienated from your own kinsmen.

The obvious solution would be to learn the language. Sadly, I'm not motivated enough to. English is more than enough for me. Being able to understand what my parents tell me in Bisaya is enough. Hey, it's a personal preference.

Over the years, I have collected a small group of friends (non-Filipinos) and found myself more at home in a multinational society than in my own nationality. English is the main form of communication - and even when a couple of my friends share a second language, they won't hesitate to translate it.

Being mentally branded as an outcast - yes, 'mentally' - I allowed myself to explore and learn the world around me. I observed and questioned other cultures, people and behaviours. What makes them tick; Why they act the way they do; Why stereotypes are formed and are they true? The result - a broadened perspective of our mixed society and the ability to hold a semi-objective understanding of the cultures and ethnicities around us.

Despite feeling like a 'freak-show' around my 'Kabayans', I feel utterly relieved to have been raised as I am. I'd like to think I grew up with a minimal sassy, typical personality most Filipinas tend to have in their teens. Nor do I hold a bias against other nationalities as many do.

I was educated in non-Filipino schools, hung around a majority of non-Filipinos as I grew up and spoke no other language except English. Yes, I was seen as different. Perhaps people felt intimidated to approach and talk to me because of the language difficulty. I don't blame them. None of us can completely control the way we were raised or how much exposure we had to either language. As my cousins love saying, we cause 'nosebleeds' in an attempt to understand each other.

Nevertheless, I'm rather proud of the way I was raised. Despite feeling alone among my kin, I have never felt inadequate. I may have referred to myself as an outcast. Let's tweak that a bit...

I'm a Proud Native Outcast.


-L

*Disclaimer: This post is not intended as an insult to the Filipino community. It is a young woman's personal opinion drawn from previous experiences in life. I love being Filipino. Nevertheless, take it as you see fit.

Review: Thursday Plantation 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil

Pimples, white heads, acne... the bane of our teens. A few lucky ones can escape them, but not most of us. Me included. Cosmetic companies make millions of dollars feeding off the insecurities of the young who are on the endless quest to achieve perfect skin.

Let's face it, there is no way we can get that perfect flawlessness that the media constantly shoves at our faces. But we try. So we buy creams and pay for expensive treatments. We lean on the promises, claims, harsh chemicals to help us.

But what if you didn't need all that? What if all you needed was time and one natural product to aid you?

It look me a while, but I found my staple for these nasty pimples.

This is a quick review for the Thursday Plantation 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil.

Tea Tree Oil is a natural antiseptic that was used mainly for first aid purposes in wars. Its healing properties caused enough of a stir for cosmetologists to consider incorporating it in skin care products - but to a certain percentage.

The product comes in a brown tinted bottle with a secure screw on/off cap. It resembles that much like an medicinal ointment in packaging. The label is green with directions on how to use it. Under the cap, there appears to be a dropper-like feature designed to dispense the clear liquid in small quantities.

The product is available in 10ml, 25ml and 50ml bottles. It bears the strong scent of tea tree. The oil is watery, hence easy to spread. It can be found in most pharmacies such as Boots. The 25ml bottle retails at AED 80 in the UAE.

Final conclusion and personal experience

I didn't discover the benefits of tea tree oil until about 2 years ago on Youtube - after which, I had gone though about five 10ml bottles of the Body Shop oil before discovering Thursday Plantation. The difference is outstanding. I was amazed at the results and haven't even finished my first bottle.

I use this on a daily basis on pimples, small cuts, reddened areas and so on. The scent is very strong and not recommend for those who have very sensitive skin or smell - opt for the Body Shop one instead. I do recommend that you mix one drop of this with your moisturizer to minimize the effect. The result is well worth it. It absorbs into the skin fairly well and doesn't contribute to any additional oiliness. I have noticed that it prevents pimples from coming to full term. In fact, in about a day or two, the pimple would have almost dried out or greatly reduced in size.

Other than the slight stinging upon applying and that the dropper that may dispense more than you'd expect, this product is clearly a goldmine. It is all natural and easily accessible. 

In conclusion, yes, I would recommend this to anyone suffering from acne or painful pimples. I would also advise to dilute it first with a cream or water to lessen the stinging effect. I have seen a greater difference in the past 3 months than I have in the last year.

Although if you wish to go natural at a cheaper expense, change your lifestyle, diet and thinking. Nothing heals better than the inside out.


-L

Review: Garnier BB Cream - Combination to Oily Skin

Every cosmetic brand out there is on a mission to perfect that one product that would make our skin look as naturally flawless as possible. Foundations, concealers, anti-aging creams, serums... the list goes on!

A recent addition to the Middle Eastern cosmetic market are the BB creams (Beauty/Blemish Balm) and CC creams (Color Correcting). BB creams are meant to be a hybrid between a moisturizer, a sunscreen and a foundation. In short, good for the skin and lightweight, but decent coverage.

As always, I'm on the hunt for something light, but pigmented to replace my concealer and liquid foundation. And, oh boy, was I jumping for joy when I realized THIS BB cream was finally being sold here.

This is a review on the Garnier Skin Naturals BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector for Combination to Oily Skin. (phew!)

The product is packaged in a rectangular box to fit the tube's elongated shape. The claims and product details are printed on the front and sides of the box.When opened, the tube is stored upright instead of on its cap. It's a normal squeeze tube with a narrow opening initially designed to dispense the cream with precise control.

The product consistency is pretty runny and the fact that the tube tip is cone-shaped does very little to halt or control the product from flowing out. On the contrary, storing the tube on its cap may result in severe leakage and loss of product.

Officially, there are 3 shades available. However, only 2 are made available in the Middle East. Light and Medium. Therefore, color-matching would be a hit and miss. The coverage ranges from medium to buildable. It applies smoothly and dries to an almost powder finish.

This Garnier BB cream comes with an additional SPF of 20 and retails for around AED 25 - 28 in the UAE.

Several reviews have stated that the product tends to oxidize (turn warmer/orange/darker) on the skin so users have been warned to be cautious.

Final conclusion and personal experience

I have to say that this product is not that bad for a drugstore brand. Upon first application, it feels incredibly light on the skin and matched rather well to my warm skin tone. It covered my hyper pigmentation fairly well although a tiny bit did peek through. It didn't sink into my pores and left my skin looking even-toned.

It dries off to a near matte finish with a slight sheen (or healthy glow). It does transfer if you rub your hands against it, so be aware. It isn't as long lasting as most foundations, but it doesn't slide off immediately either.
It is also affordable and easily accessible.

Overall, this product looks good on, applies very well and doesn't break me out whatsoever. It would be perfect on days I don't want to wear foundation and concealer. However, there is ONE reason I would not use this often.

It oxidizes.

Yep. It oxidized to a warmer, slightly orange tone on my skin. It wouldn't make a noticeable difference outdoors or during daylight. But once the lights come on and night falls, the difference is very obvious. And I personally dislike my face and neck being different colors.

Another peeve is the uncontrollable runny consistency and the packaging. I would assume this is why the tube is store on it's end rather on the cap in the box. Imagine if it were the other way around; users would encounter a huge mess upon first opening it.

In conclusion, this BB cream would work for someone who can match it. It's a great alternative to foundation. It's not a miracle product though, so don't rely on it.

And, as always, give your skin space to breathe.