Cyber Colors Black Label UV Essence Liquid Foundation

Now that winter is finally and *hopefully* coming to an end, it's time to reflect on one of the foundations I've loved using during ...

Now that winter is finally and *hopefully* coming to an end, it's time to reflect on one of the foundations I've loved using during the winter months. While there are plenty of new foundations I want to try (and many I have still yet to review), the Cyber Colors Black Label Foundation seemed like a good choice for my skin after re-discovering it at the back of my make-up shelf. I had previously used this foundation during the summer, and I did not like it until my re-discovery and now I'm ready to share with you my thoughts.

Backstory: I was looking for a light-weight foundation with good coverage for the summer months, because, who wants to wear heavy make-up in the summer? So I went on a hunt to find my "summer foundation". I remembered that Bubzbeauty had mentioned a foundation in one of her chit-chat videos a few years ago, matching my specific checklist, so I did some re-watching of her videos and found out the name, which is how I became interested in this foundation.

Thoughts & Discoveries: The Black Label Essence UV Liquid Foundation has a low viscosity and a very light-weight and thin formula. It is a non-fragrance foundation, which I like because I am sensitive to smells. The foundation blended in and sat well on my skin; creating a very natural look. On the days that I wore it, most people couldn't tell I was wearing foundation (even the lady at the SHISEIDO counter complimented on how great my skin looked, when I told her it was the foundation, she didn't even think I was wearing any). However, my experience with the foundation during previous summer months was quite the opposite. I found it melted off my skin, and it started creasing because of the oils on my skin mixing in with it; it did not stay on my skin at all. Ironically, my hunt for my "summer foundation" actually became my "winter foundation." Looking back in retrospect, it makes sense since this foundation only contains an SPF of 18 PA + +, which isn't nearly enough sun protection for the summertime, thus, would have been a better choice in winter anyway.

 Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cyclopentasiloxane, CI77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Alcohol, Talc, Ethylhexyl Methoxcinnamate, Mineral Oil, Methyl Trimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipentaerythrityl Tri-polyhydroxysterate, CI77492 (Iron Oxides), Sorbitan Isosterate, Diisosteryl Malate, CI77120 (Barium Sulfate), PEG/PPG-20/20 Dimethicone, CI77002 (Aluminum Hydroxide), Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone, Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, CI7749 (Iron Oxides), Dimethicone, Hydrated Silica, CI77499 (Iron Oxides), Trifluoropropyldimethyl / Trimethlysiloxysilicate, Hydrogenated Lecitin, Trimethlysiloxysilcate, CI77947 (Zinc Oxide), Magnesium Sulfate, Lauroyl Lysine, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Citrus Aurantium Tachibana Peel Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Leaf Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, PEG/PPG-19/10 Dimethicone, Panax, Ginseng Root Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract

 Foundation Claims:
1) Contains pore invisible powder (Pore Gradation Powder), and has durable anti-sweat and oil control properties, and covers pores and fine lines.
2) Contains nutrition and moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin moist and watery.
3) Effectively improves the quality of skin roughness

RE: Claim #1 - I'm not sure what the Pore Gradation Powder does, or if this was a fancy way to say it covers pores and fine lines? But I didn't see any gradation effect or anything special. However, it did cover my pores and is an excellent semi-matte foundation. For me, it was durable and it did a decent job at controlling the oils on my skin during the winter time. But as noted above, it did not hold up to the oil control claims during the summer time for me.

RE: Claim #2 -  I wouldn't say it kept my skin feeling moist and watery when I wore the foundation alone. However, it sat a lot better on my skin once I had used toner and a moisturizer as a base (as indicated in the instructions).

RE: Claim #3 - I didn't notice any difference as I normally exfoliate and hydrate my skin, and not sure how a foundation would improve the quality of skin roughness.

Would I re-purchase: Yes. I had previously bought this off Sasa.com, and although the price point was on the higher end of the spectrum. I do quite enjoy how this made my skin look and how well it worked on my skin during the winter months.

Swatches Below: It comes in 3 shades (01 Ivory, 02 Natural, and 03 Beige). I got mine in 02 Natural

[Review] TROIPEEL H+ Healing Cushion & H+ BB Cream | Swatches

I'm pretty late at jumping into the cushion foundation bandwagon, but after much research and months of browsing YouTube videos - I...

I'm pretty late at jumping into the cushion foundation bandwagon, but after much research and months of browsing YouTube videos - I've decided to give the TROIPEEL H+ Cushion and H+ BB Cream a try. After watching MissElectraHeart's and Joan Keem's videos about this brand, I became very interested in the products since everyone keeps mentioning it's 99% skincare and 1% makeup. So I decided to purchase it and see if it's worth the hype. If you haven't heard of TROIPEEL before, it is a sister brand of TROIAREUKE. So without further ado, please enjoy the read:
TROIPEEL H+ CUSHION
Back Story & Thoughts: I bought the H+ Cushion and the H+ BB Cream off BragMyStyle on eBay, and received the package in 2 weeks. From July to August, I've been using the product for one month consistently. In my opinion, it's nothing spectacular. It's not some miracle cushion.  But I do enjoy how the cushion has SPF 50 with PA +++, the highest SPF that I have seen in a cushion. It's also by far the nicest feeling foundation I've ever worn, the colour was slightly on the lighter side when I first applied it (since it was summer here). However, it's a pretty good match for my MAC NC20 skin tone. When it comes to the smell of it, there is a slight herbal scent to it, but it's a refreshing scent that is not too overwhelming.

 H+ Cushion Ingredients: Water, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate,Cyclohexasiloxane,C12-15 Alkyl benzoate, Niacinamide, Octocrylene,Zinc Oxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Sodium Chloride, Quaternium-18 Bentonite, Dimethicone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Vitex Agnus Castus Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Mica (CI 77019), Silica, Ozokerite, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Chlorphenesin,Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide (Cl 77002), Adenosine, Perfume

 Now let's check out some of the claims of this cushion:
1. Regeneration of new skin all day long (has a skin regenerating ingredient such as Adenosine, which helps reproduce cells and promotes wound healing and has anti-inflammatory properties)
2. Protection from other environment (has something called WWS (Water Wrapping System) and it forms a thin moisture layer on the skin surface.
3. Perfect coverage, yet no skin stuffiness (light-weight makeup with excess sebum control)

 RE: Claim #1 - I don't know how much regenerating it actually does since the regenerating ingredient Adenosine is second last on the ingredients list. I mean, I guess it is regenerating the skin...compared to products without this ingredient. But I didn't notice any big improvements when I had a few acne breakouts. I also noticed the Centella Asiatica Extract (another wound healing ingredient) higher up on the ingredients list but as I mentioned earlier, I still didn't see any major improvements.

 RE: Claim #2 - I naturally have oily skin so I can't really tell if the H+Cushion had kept moisture in my skin (I may have to test this cushion out during the winter time).

 RE: Claim #3 - Yes, it has great coverage and it doesn't feel like I'm wearing make-up! I love how one layer of this cushion foundation can cover most of my scars and discolouration in my skin. I also love how buildable the formulation is as well (if you wanted more coverage). As for excess sebum control, it does do a decent job at keeping my oily skin at bay. However, after 5 hours I would say that I would require a touch up. I do end up getting some creasing around my eyes and nose though, but that's what comes when I have oily skin.

 Would I re-purchase? Not likely, the reasons being the price and because it doesn't come with a refill. If it wasn't for the expensive price tag, I would definitely re-purchase. Like I said, it's the best foundation I ever wore.
TROIPEEL H+ BB CREAM


Thoughts: The H+ BB Cream is similar to the H+ Cushion, however, it has SPF 40 with PA ++ (double plus, instead of triple plus that the H+ Cushion has). After using both products consistently for one month, I honestly prefer the H+ Cushion over the H+ BB Cream. The BB cream has a stronger herbal scent to it, which again, I don't mind, but it is definitely stronger than the H+ Cushion. Not unbearable though. I found the colour of the H+ BB Cream lighter and slightly on the grey side than the H+ Cushion. However, I do like it how it stays matte for a longer period of time than the H+ Cushion.

 H+ BB Cream Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Hexyl Laurate, Dimethicone, Arbutin, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Cyclomethicone , Magnesium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, BeesWax, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Talc, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Adenosine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Propylene Glycol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Fragrance, CI77492, CI77491, CI77499

 Now, this BB Cream is a post-resurfacing treatment so it suppose to relax, resurface and protect the skin. After using this from August to September, I didn't find it to be any different than any other BB cream. In fact, I sort of prefer my Lioele Triple the Solution BB cream over this one.

 Would I re-purchase: Not likely. Same reasons as the H+ Cushion for it being too expensive. If it wasn't for the price tag, I'll definitely re-purchase, because it has great coverage too and that it doesn't contain parabens.

SWATCHES

 Below is my swatch of the Troipeel H+ Cushion & H+ BB Cream with the MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC20.


Here I've swatched the Troipeel H+ BB Cream & H+ Cushion compared to my Lioele Triple the Solution BB Cream.


I hope this post has been helpful. If you have any questions regarding this, please leave a comment down below! 

[Review] Missha Super Aqua Marine Stem Cell Intensive Serum & Other Discoveries

As a user of Biotherm Biopur products for many years, I have been on the hunt for another product that is similar to it. I've never foun...

As a user of Biotherm Biopur products for many years, I have been on the hunt for another product that is similar to it. I've never found another product quite like the same ever since Biotherm had discontinued Biopur. Until, (maybe) now. I'm a sucker for ocean/sea skincare products.

I had stumbled upon the Missha Super Aqua Marine Stem Cell Intensive Serum through a sample from another skin care order. I had finished using my serum at the time, and decided to give this a try. I've heard many good reviews about Missha, however, it was my first time using the brand. Just overnight, (as I found the next morning) my face felt plumper and smoother. That's when I decided to get the full sized version.

This serum has a slight floral, almost lemon-y scent, which is quite refreshing. The scent is faint and not strong at all which I quite enjoy (I don't like strong scents). It has a gel-like texture that leaves my skin feeling soft, and hydrated. The consistency of the product is quite light, and it just melts into your skin. From the packaging point of view, this serum is in glass bottle with a pump, which is hygienic. However, it would be difficult getting the last bit of product when you're at the end of the bottle.


 Would I (re) purchase: Yes.
 Alternatively, if you’re like me and enjoy the light texture, while not having to spend the big bucks on a product. I would recommend the Nivea Aqua Effect Mattifying Day Care With Ocean Algae & Hydra IQ. I find the texture quite similar to Biotherm Biopur Moisturizer, and the Missha Serum. And yes, I do quite like it, and the price point is great.

Additional reading

Learn about Missha: Super Aqua Marine Stem Cell Intensive Serum
Learn about Biotherm: Biotherm | Luxury Skincare
Learn about Nivea:  Nivea Aqua Effect Mattifying Day Care

Review: Lioele Active Therapy Ampoule (Brightening) 20ml

Lately, I've been loving Lioele products, not only because of its cute packaging but also because of the results I get from the products...

Lately, I've been loving Lioele products, not only because of its cute packaging but also because of the results I get from the products. For the past year I've been using the Lioele Triple the Solution BB cream, although it came out of the tube rather thick, it provided me with nice medium to full coverage (without feeling cakey and heavy, a little goes a long way with this one) plus it had a matte finish, which was great for the hot summers we get here.

So now I've opted to get another Lioele product: The Lioele Active Therapy Ampoule in the brightening formula. My skin tends to be oily, with occasional breakouts. When I was 16, however, I had major acne (I'm not afraid to admit it.) it covered my whole entire forehead and it didn't make me feel pretty. I am now 21, hoping that I am acne-free. I mean, some days I would get a gazillion breakouts and I fear that the acne is back, but they tend to go away rather quickly. Anyhow, so due to past acne and scarring I've decided to try out this ampoule in the brightening/whitening formula.

First of all, what is an ampoule? I've certainly never heard of it before in Western skincare and I've worked in Cosmetics at a drug store before.

Ampoule is sort of an equivalent to a serum, it has loads amount of good stuff packed inside a tiny air tight bottle.

According to Skin-Spa.com. "Ampoules are typically small, glass containers that are filled with a concentration of highly active ingredients. Ampoules usually contain botanical extracts, vitamins, and enzymes in various combinations and do not have any preservatives or chemicals due to the airtight packaging."
 
When I was a teen, I never used any serums or anything that was too concentrated because I figured the formulas would be too rich, and too strong for my acne prone/oily skin. It would end up clogging my skin instead of helping it. So now that my acne has subsided I decided, why not try?

I learned that ampoules can have remarkable effects on hyper-pigmentation and of course the big one: aging.

As for my experience, I started using the ampoule consistently every night since I got the product which was about 3 weeks ago. I first applied the ampoule after I cleansed and toned my face. The results where I can see the most improvement is on the corners of my mouth where I had darker skin.On my forehead where I had past acne scars also seemed to have lightened up. However, on my forehead area I had applied the ampoule and used it in conjunction with Vita-K's Solution Professional Acne Scars lotion.

I'm pretty happy with the results and impressed at how quick it seemed to have worked. It has brightened up my skin, but only subtly. The Lioele Brightening Ampoule smells pretty decent it has a slight sticky feel to it after it is applied to the skin, however after you apply moisturizer, the stickiness goes away. I found using the ampoule in combination with a moisturizer makes the skin a more supple and smooth the next day.

In the end, I will re-purchase this product again. :) I bought this product from KeautyStore.com

 
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