Reviews

I just can’t escape it.

Every time I pass by a drugstore, a new BB Cream and its ad is screaming in my face – and as much as I think they are glorified tinted moisturizers, it seems like the BB Cream craze here in Singapore is not slowing down anytime soon. So if you can’t beat ‘em…

I got a chance to try one that is new in town – Pure Beauty’s Jasmine Water BB Cream, available at Watsons. The triple action Blemish Balm Cream contains an impressive SPF 30 as well as intensive moisture thanks to special ingredient, jasmine water.

I’ve been using this BB Cream for the past few days, and though it’s only my 2nd BB Cream, I feel this one is the better one (the first one I’ve ever tried is Clinique’s Age Defense BB Cream – great, but a bit too light for my liking).

The application is incredibly smooth and provides good, medium-yet-natural-looking coverage. (In fact, I feel they should just call this product a tinted moisturizer – but I suppose that wouldn’t sell as well.) I apply with my fingertips, top it off with translucent loose powder and I am good to go for the day.

Overall? No real complaints, though I am worried about potential breakouts as the formula seems a little thick for my liking. But still, not bad at all. In fact, I think I’m starting to warm up to BB Creams (but don’t tell anyone.)

Have you tried this BB Cream yet? Also I’m so curious – what makes you buy BB Creams? How are they different to tinted moisturizers or foundations?

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I first mentioned Hourglass’ Calligraphy liquid eyeliner as one of my favorites of 2010 and I think it’s time for a proper review! I was given this as consideration for a review a few months back, and have actually been using it religiously since then, so I knew I had to add it into one of my top picks for 2010 – because it really is fantastic.

Why? What can I say exactly… or rather, where do I begin?! As you can tell, the eyeliner (I am using the one called Ebony) is a regular black liquid liner that does it’s job well. It is a felt tip liner, which I think is great for beginners (like me!) and application is such a breeze, so I can’t rave enough about that.

Also, look at the packaging! So cute.

Formula wise, I am really impressed by it as well. Remember my impulse buy, Chanel’s Duo eyeliner? Which I called my absolute favorite liquid eyeliner? Well… it has some major competition and I think Calligraphy now holds the title for my favorite! What makes it better than Chanel? First – don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Chanel’s duo eyeliner and will continue to use it. However, Calligraphy has more staying power, so as far as long nights out, or days out in this hot humid weather, Calligraphy is much better. This is how it holds up after about 6 hours of wear:

As you can see… no smudges! Normally, eyeliners (liquid or pencil) would create this nasty black line of smudge across my eyelids and Calligraphy has not done that yet. So the formula and staying power is A+ in my books. Another plus? Hourglass Cosmetics is under PETA’s “good” list and do not test on animals.

Overall, I think this is a great product and I would totally recommend this eyeliner. The only ‘con’ I can think of it is that Hourglass Cosmetics seem to be quite pricy, but as far as this product goes, I wouldn’t mind spending a little more than usual.

Have you tried Calligraphy or any other products from Hourglass? I must say I am very impressed. I have seen this brand before but never really looked twice because of the price. But I will definitely continue to try out their products because judging by the liner, they seem really good!

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There is most definitely a BB Cream craze here in Asia, and I have finally tried my very first one: by my favorite skincare brand, Clinique. They approached me to try out their Age Defense BB Cream and of course I said yes – you all know how much I adore Clinique!

First, the good bits: Great packaging. As usual, this Clinique product has a sleek, functional packaging in its signature mint green hue. Beautiful and chic. The second best bit are the ‘features’ of the product itself:  it’s packed with SPF 30, anti-oxidant and anti-irritant ingredients, and is oil-free and fragrance free. Phew! All that, and it is easy to apply and stays on really well. I was really impressed with it and think this would be an amazing makeup primer.

The bad bit? It’s a bit light. I mean, I don’t see how anyone who is not extremely fair can wear this. I thought I was pale, but this is even paler! If it was half a shade darker I think it’ll be perfect for me. However, I’ve been told this is what it’s like for most BB Creams, and the color does settle into your skin a bit so the initial ‘mask’ look goes away. I’ve read from other reviews that it looks a bit pink on them, but I haven’t had that problem, just that it looks a bit light in the beginning.

On my second day of testing it, I applied the BB Cream with organic translucent (no color) loose powder on top, and the color settled into my skin and looked absolutely amazing. So I think for those with darker skin tones, perhaps this can only be used under makeup.

Bottom line? It’s alright. I have nothing to compare it with, but I really enjoyed my first experience of a BB Cream. The look it gives you is flawless and all those ingredients (and SPF, for those who hate to apply sunscreen) is a big plus. No real complaints here, except I wish it could come in different shades.

Have you tried Clinique’s BB Cream yet? What did you think of it? And if you’re a fan of BB Creams, please do share – which are your favorites?

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Rosebud Salve is a true classic. From its all-American colors and iconic tin, this should be every girl’s multi-purpose, must have product. It is hands down, my fave beauty product. (OK I lie. I also love moisturizer and eyeliner the best. But it’s definitely Top 3!)

I first tried Rosebud’s Brambleberry, another ‘flavor’ from the Rosebud family at Sephora last year and absolutely loved it. However, I still wanted to try the original so I ordered it online some time back and I. Am. In. Love. There are no words that can describe this product, except that my lips are always smooth and moisturized. I also tried rubbing some Rosebud on some brittle, torn nails of mine (the result of picking black nail polish off, not good!) and Rosebud instantly moisturized my nails and they look brand new. Basically, it’s a miracle product in a jar.

Like I wrote in the Brambleberry review, this is the only thing that really helps my dry, chapped lips – it is amazingly moisturizing and has been the best thing I’ve ever tried on my lips. It is also said to help aid minor burns, cuts, diaper rash and blemishes – in other words, it’s like Vaseline’s cooler younger sister. The only ‘con’ I can see with this product is that it’s in a tin, and I am beyond lazy to apply it with my fingers. However, the tin (and its design) is what makes it so iconic, so I’ll have to let that one go.

If you’re planning to get this product; which I hope you find works as well for you as me, just remember to not leave it in any hot areas. I once left mine in the car and opened the tin to see a sticky, wet, dripping mess!

Have you tried Smith’s Rosebud Salve? If you haven’t, I highly recommend it!

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