Styling Makeup

This is where I blog about cute makeup and clothes, things that inspire me, and the occasional makeup/cosmetics review.

[stylingmakeup]

I'm alive... Just barely: Clinique Clarifying Lotion Product Review

I've been trying to stay afloat in all the waves of assignments and tests I've been having lately that I've barely had time to sleep, let alone do reviews. I do have some downtime tonight after a (surprise to me) test today. Anyways, here is my product review of one of my current toners: the Clinique Clarifying Lotion

Price: $16 CAD/200mL in Clinique Canada online

I ran out of Biotherm Clarifying Lotion so I thought I would try the Clinique Clarifying Lotion. The lotion comes in a giant pump bottle, where you can put a cotton pad on top and push down to get the liquid on the pad, which is pretty cool and the lid makes it feel more sanitary. However, I usually keep a sample-sized bottle in the bathroom instead of the giant bottle instead just to keep the bathroom neater. For $20, the price is pretty awesome, seeing as if you tried to buy a similar bottle (no product) at Sephora, the price is like, $10.

The clarifying lotion is different from old fashioned toners in that it is suppose to help restore the natural acidic pH of your face (sometimes this is called an “exfoliating toner”). However, it means that when I put it on my face on open wounds from popped pimples, it burns. It also smells like alcohol so when I swipe it on my upper lip, it causes the inside of my nose to sting as well. The lotion does do its job of removing any soap residue from my face but it does make my face feel really dry after. I do use a second toner afterwards that is gentler (Sekkisei Lotion by Kosé), which I can swipe around the area of my eyes without fearing I would blind myself in the process, and have still found a little bit of gross-ness.

Pros: Pretty cheap, pump with lid makes it sanitary; (apparently) gentle exfoliation, ok at doing its job

Cons: Can’t use on open wounds, makes my face feel dry, smells like alcohol, can’t use too close to my eyes

Verdict: I would rate this product a 3/10. It’s a toner that does its job, but I definitely won’t buy it again unless I’m really desperate. Since this is the first exfoliating toner I have tried (to my knowledge), I want to test other “exfoliating” toners as well to see if they all have similar qualities.

[stylingmakeup]

Sally’s Box – Friendly Collagen Eye Patch

Price: $2 US/pair, not located elsewhere

Previously in Memebox #28: All About Eyes

I’ve been really busy these last few weeks, which is why I’ve been MIA. I had to pull a lot of late nights lately so today, when my most recent wave of tests and assignments were over, I decided to treat myself to the Sally’s Box - Friendly Collagen Eye Patch that was included in Sally’s Box Special Set, a box with 27 different masks from the same company that Memebox was selling around October for $34 US. The eye patch is available in the Memeshop, but I wouldn't buy it individually. Read more to see why…

At about 15 minutes in, I felt my skin under the patches tighten a little. After 30 minutes, I removed the patches and tried to “pat the remaining essence” in like the package said, but there wasn’t any excess essence. My under eyes do feel a little bit more hydrated, but nothing more than what my daily aloe gel wouldn’t have done. Collagen can’t be absorbed through topical treatment, so I didn’t expect it to get rid of the wrinkles I had under my eyes. I only wanted some hydration. It didn’t do a great job of that.

Pros: Hydrogel (feels nice and squishy), great fit

Cons: Not very hydrating, too thick/heavy, expensive

Verdict: I give this product a 2/10. It was not very hydrating and at $2/pair, it’s expensive. I’d much rather have my Keyskin eye patches, which come in a container of 60 (+ 30 spot patches) and leave my skin visibly hydrated for a much cheaper (per pair) price. The only reason I would buy it would be if it came included in a bundle with the other Sally's Box masks.

[what-id-wear]

What I’d Wear : The Outfit Database

(source : Gary Pepper )

[maisonmartins]

Zuhair Murad Haute Couture S/S 2013.

[stylingmakeup]

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild Review

Slowly working through a TON of product reviews, but here is another product review!

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild

Price: $20 CAD/200mL in Clinique Canada online

For years, I used (not religiously mind you) Biotherm Clarifying Cleanser as my facial cleanser. However, a few months ago, I started breaking out all over my face, even though I hadn’t changed my skincare routine and my sleeping patterns had been (fairly) consistent. The only thing that changed was that I opened a new bottle of the Biotherm cleanser, so I stopped using it after a week or so. It might have been a bad bottle or something, but it has thrown me off using that cleanser. My sister gave me this bottle of Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild and I have been using it ever since.

The soap comes in a large 200ml pump bottle. For $20, it’s a pretty decent price. I like that you can lock the pump in between uses so I don’t accidently spill any of the soap. The soap is clear and it’s pretty thick. I also like that it doesn’t really smell like anything. However, it doesn’t foam up as much as Biotherm, so it doesn’t feel as gentle, but it does its job. I use it to wash my face every day/every other day and I found I break out less often (which might also be due to more frequent cleansing) and my skin feels a little softer.

Pros: Pretty cheap, lockable pump, does the job, not strong smell

Cons: Not as gentle as I would like

Verdict: I would rate this product a 6/10. It’s a cleanser that does its job, but it’s nothing special. Would I buy it again? Only if I run out of cleansers at home, and with the ones that come with the Memeboxes that I’ve ordered, I probably won’t buy it for a long while.

[vincecartersisgone-deactivated2]

collections that are raw as fuck ➝ on aura tout vu f/w 2014-15

Steampunk Specialist 

[amy-ambrosio]

Luma Grothe for Patricia Bonaldi, Winter 2014.

[stylingmakeup]

Thumbs Up Beauty Box Unboxing!

Hey guys! Here is the pictures from my first official unboxing! This is the Memebox #52: Thumbs Up Beauty Box. The box sold for $32 + shipping, but because I had 15 Memepoints stashed up, I only had to pay $17 + shipping ($7). Unfortunately, it's sold out right now, but there is a Thumbs Up 2 that's still in stock (as of right now).

Since this is my first unboxing post, I'll give a little ramble here about how I will do them from now on. I'll post pictures of the products with the product description, as well as the price that Memebox says they are worth. I will also post the cheapest price of the product I can find online and total up Memebox's value of the products, as well as my own (everything in USD). I will also offer my own opinion on the products, whether they're actually something I would use or not, what cool features I like, etc., especially if I tried them out before. For items I haven't tried, I'll probably be posting an individual product review at a later date.

Anyways, let's get started!

The box in all its glory...

There were 7 products in this box, all of which are apparently the top products that Meme-fans chose from previous boxes.

1. Hope Girl 3D Powder Blusher in 01 Sexy Rose (5g - full size), available at Memeshop

Memebox price = $18, online price = ~$14 (Qoo10)

Previously in Superbox #2: Burst of Colour 2

Description: This easy to use blusher creates a subdued polish finish that creates a more #D face shape for the look of a sharper jaw line and smaller sized face. Allantonin and vitamin E derivatives protect your skin against external irritation and keeps skin glowing and healthy. Originally in Burst of Colour Box.

Thoughts: I'm more into skincare than makeup, so I gave this blusher to my sister since she thought it was pretty cute. It has a small reflective surface on the lid which you can use as a mirror if you are really desperate. A little built in cushion that helps dispense the loose product without getting the powder everywhere which is nice. However, I'd rather have a sponge that is removable so I can clean it of the oils that gets transferred from my face with every application.

Would I buy it?: No. The packaging is super cute, but this product was not for me.

2. Kocostar Nail Therapy (4g x 2, full size), available at Memeshop

Memebox price = $7 ($17 for 5 in the shop), online price = $12.76 for 5 + shipping (GMarket)

Previously in Memebox Hair & Body 1 and Collaboration Box #3: Coffee Break with Dani

Description: The Kocostar Nail Therapy was created to provide simple solution to maintain healthy looking nails. This product took great measures to prevent the nail essence from drying off, and we developed nail gloves to prevent any contact with surrounding air. It will allow nails to deeply absorb all the nutrients, resulting in softened cuticles and strengthened nails.

Thoughts: I haven't used this product yet, but it seems ok. I would've rather had a full hand mask instead since I am supposed to have the nail masks on for 30-60 minutes, then I'd have to take care of my hands. The good thing about it is that apparently you can still use your hands while having these nail masks on which is always a plus.

Would I buy it?: No. But I'll definitely use it now that I have it.

3. RealBeauty Serum (50ml, full size), available at Memeshop

Memebox price = $22, online price = N/A

Previously in Superbox #30: Aloe Vera

Description: Randomly selected from Morning Dew Bamboo, Ultra Waterful, Moist Soothing Rose, and Bouncy Firming. Made from various organic ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea, bamboo water, and Bulgarian rose water, this all-natural serum will put an end to your troubles over dry, lustreless, sensitive, and saggy skin. This serum is very special because it’s actually made from collaboration with Real Beauty’s fans, and thus, it’s greatly prized for containing only the most gentle and most vital nutrients beneficial to your skin!

Thoughts: I haven’t tried this serum yet because I’m still working through another bottle (Clinique’s Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher) but I am SUPER excited about this product. I received the Moist Soothing Rose serum and it smells good. I had actually been eyeing the Morning Dew Bamboo serum in the shop before I knew I was going to get one of them in this box, but I would’ve been happy with any of the other kinds too.

Would I Buy?: I haven’t actually used the product yet, but given that Memeboxes usually have a serum in every other box, I don’t feel it’s really an essential product for me right now. Unless it happens to do amazing things to my skin, I probably will be okay with trying whatever new products Memebox throws at me.

4. RiveCowe Sebum Control Convenient Compact (8g, full size), available at Memeshop

Memebox price = $17, online price = $12.95 (eBay)

Previously in Memebox Office Essentials

Description: Touch up anytime with this Sebum Control Convenient Compact, specially designed to mattify oily skin and control oil slicks throughout the day. This compact instantly mattifies with results that last for up to 8 hours, revealing a natural flawless complexion with zero shine all day long. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and blemishes, and gives you a perfectly smooth complexion.

Thoughts: I have normal to dry skin (dry cheeks, especially in the winter) so this product used for oil control won’t do anything for my skin. It might work for people with oily skin though.

Would I Buy?: No. This product was not for me.

5. O& Soap Berry Cleanser (100ml, full size), not in Memeshop

Memebox price = $13 ($13 for 2 in the shop), online price = $6.53 + shipping (GMarket)

Previously in Luckybox #5

Description: A foaming cleanser with frothy, fine and creamy foam with soap berry, known for its natural cleansing property and carbonated water to gently cleanse the impurities and makeup and to reveal your natural luminosity on your skin.

Thoughts: I haven’t tried this product yet (working on finishing my Clinque Liquid Facial Soap Mild) but I am pretty excited about this cleanser. Around the time I found out about Memebox, they came out with Superbox #32, Bubble Pop. I was really hesitant in buying boxes then so I didn’t go for that box. I did read a lot of reviews that praised bubbling products and how they help deep clean the skin, so I can’t wait to try this out!

Would I Buy?: I’ll have to see after I use this product. If it works well, I will definitely buy it. It’s pretty cheap.

6. Miguhara B.P. Cream (30ml, full size), not in Memeshop

Memebox price = $37 ($44 in Memeshop), online price = $25.30 (Qoo10)

Previously in Luckybox #4, Naked Box #2, Collaboration Box #3: Coffee Break with Dani

Description: This dual-function cream serves both as a BB cream as well as a primer. It keeps skin silky and even-toned, while controlling excessive sebum through its oil-free formula.

Thoughts: I have heard really good things about this product. I’m willing to give it a try. Anything that will allow me to skip a step when applying makeup, I’m willing to check out! I especially like how it is oil-free.

Would I Buy?: Unless this product is really, really good, I don’t think it’s really worth it, given how high the price is. There’s lots of BB creams out there that are really good so the product would have to go above and beyond all those for me to shell out $25 to buy it.

7. Herbclinic Rice Bran Powder (80g, full size), available in Memeshop

Memebox price = $10, online price = N/A

Previously in Memebox #6: Whole Grain Box

Description: 100% RAW rice bran powdered into a product, this Rice Bran Powder pack brings you the best of what Mother Nature has to offer! Mix 1 tsp of rice bran powder with milk or any other liquid/gel type natural ingredient to create the mask pack. It will deliver intense nourishment and instant revival to your skin after a tiring day! You’ll be able to feel a visible difference in the morning.

Thoughts: Another product I can’t wait to try (currently working on Skin Food’s Rice Mask Wash Off)! I love masks, so I can’t wait to make my own yogurt mask with the rice bran powder in it. I love wash off masks with a very gentle and natural exfoliaters in there.

Would I Buy?: I’ll have to see how making my own mask pack goes, but it seems like a really fun product!

Box price = $32 + $6.99 shipping

Memebox price = $124

Real price = ~$97 (used Meme prices if couldn't find other sites selling them)

All in all, I'm pretty satisfied with this box, mainly because it included the serum that I was so tempted to buy. As I said before, I like skincare more than makeup so the makeup in this box wasn't for me. That said, the price was still worth it.

Initial Rating 3.5/5 (might be higher after I try some of the products out)

[naimabarcelona]

Annabelle Fleur @vivaluxury

[stylingmakeup]

I am so excited for tomorrow! My Thumbs Up Memebox is coming tomorrow! Wohoo! So excited to test out new products. Tested out a new YET mask today, but I've been really busy last week and this week, which is why I haven't been updating much. But there's been new boxes, but none that I'm SUPER interested in and willing to break my budget for. (September is a really tight month for me after paying for tuition and buying my textbooks -_-"). But I will definitely take some pictures of the unboxing tomorrow and my initial thoughts. Planning to work though some product reviews when school lets up a little bit, as well as do some unboxing reviews of boxes that I bought previously.

[naimabarcelona]

Quotes

[stylingmakeup]

New Box Wednesdays

Hey guys! So yesterday, I missed the launch of the new Etude House Superbox because I was busy studying for my test, but there are three new boxes released today that are still on sale! I also realised that in the rush of starting a new year at school, I forgot to post up my coupon codes. Sorry!  -_-" So read more for links to the new boxes on sale (for the next hour or so), as well as the September coupon codes!

Scrub Box 2 ($23, sale $20!): A memebox full of scrubs to clean out pores from head to toe! I think this box might be pretty decent if it's anything like Scrub Box 1. Scrub Box 1 had body scrubs, a couple of face scrubs (including peeling kind), foot scrubs, and even something for your hair! So I think for $20, it's a pretty good steal.

Volume Up! ($23, sale $20): Another memebox, this one focused on volumizing. I'm hoping to see some hair volumizing products in this one, along with a pumping jelly (hopefully the Secret Key one, which retails at $39 at the Memeshop), as well as lip masks, because who doesn't like masks?

Last up, Oil Therapy! ($29, sale $26): This memebox is set to moisturize you from head to toe (at least that's what they say in the description anyways). I'm actually not too fond of oils because they actually make me break out more, even though I have dry skin. But I'm sure there are some oil based facial cleansers that can help you get your makeup off in a flash but not dry out your skin, as well as some hair and body oils that will make your skin supple and smooth.

September Coupon Codes!

$5 off $100+ order: AFFILIATE-2982-RCDH1-PRIZ

$10 off $150+ order: AFFILIATE-8758-TW027-EQFD

$5 off 3+ Memeboxes: MEMEBUNDLE3

$8 off 4+ Memeboxes: MEMEBUNDLE4

Click for ref only deals

Click for deals with secret gift!

[naimabarcelona]

Anja Rubik by Patrick Demarchelier for Vogue China October 2014

[stylingmakeup]

What's This? 4 New Memeboxes!

Yes! Four new Memeboxes to help you beat your Monday blues. What are the boxes you ask? Well they are OMG 4, K-Style 4, My Cute Wishlist 4, and For Dry and Sensitive Skin!

OMG 4 ($29) - Full of weird products that make make you question where the idea for them came from, I'm pretty excited about this box. I love seeing what people get in the OMG boxes because they always sound really cool. I haven't been able to buy one yet due to my limited budget, but they're always a thrill to see!

K-Style 4 ($23) - Lips, eyes, and face makeup to get that super pretty Korean natural look, or if you wish to make a bold statement, makeup to give you the K-pop look as well! I'm not really into this line of boxes just because I already have too much makeup at home. But if you can't get enough, this box might be for you!

My Cute Wishlist 4 ($23) - This box, like all the previous ones in the line, are so cute it's to die for! This box contains products with the cutest packaging and items that will make you look cute as well! I've been trying to get my hands on these boxes but they always sell out super fast, so get them while you can!

For Dry and Sensitive Skin ($29) - I think the name of this box says it all. I think I want to check out this box because I have really dry skin, especially on my cheeks, due to the super cold winters we get. I am afraid that they will have really thick creams that might cause me to break out though, which is why I'm a little hesitant to try this box. After it comes out though, I might get some of the products that are available in the shop from the box.

There are a bunch of packages as well:

OMG 4 + K-Style 4 = $52

OMG 4 + My Cute Wishlist 4 = $52

OMG 4 + For Dry and Sensitive Skin = $58

K-Style 4 + My Cute Wishlist 4 = $46

K-Style 4 + For Dry and Sensitive Skin = $52

My Cute Wishlist 4 + For Dry and Sensitive Skin = $52

OMG 4 + K-Style 4 + My Cute Wishlist 4 = $75

And ALL 4 boxes together! = $104

[naimabarcelona]

Taylor Marie Hill, MFW SS 2015

[stylingmakeup]

Hi guys! When I made this blog, I said I would do some product reviews, so here is my first one! This is the Nature Republic’s 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel. I got this product from my sister this summer after I complained to her how dry and sunburnt my skin was after my trip, so I’m not sure how much she bought it for. However, you can find the product online for about $10 CAN. I absolutely love this product and give it 9.5 stars out of 10. Read more to see why…

Now I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not very diligent in my face routine, either at night or in the morning. I’m actually really lazy and I hate the feeling of slathering too much things on my face, especially before I go to sleep. It took me many years (and lots of recommendations) to find a face cream that didn’t make me feel like I was putting frosting on my face, but by then, I had gotten into the habit of not putting anything on my face before going to bed.

After my trip to Costa Rica this summer, I realized I could no longer do that. The difference in climate (and the after effects of sunburn) made my skin so dry that it hurt when I didn’t put moisturizer on. This was where my sister saved me. She had two tubs of Nature Republic’s 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel and she generously gave me one of the tubs. I have been using it daily ever since. The product is clear and gel-like with a very light, fresh scent.

Besides using it to treat my dry skin, I also started using it as a lightweight summer alternative to my normal face cream. It felt good putting it on, with a slight cooling effect which was perfect for +30°C weather. It did leave my skin feeling a little sticky afterwards, but the sticky feeling quickly disappeared as my face absorbed the product. It left my skin feeling soft and looking plumper than usual which was great. When I was washed my face the next morning, I did feel that some of the aloe did wash off, but it wasn’t a significant amount so I know most of it was absorbed.

I was also told that it could be used for my hair as well. I tried this out when I ran out of time to condition my hair the night before and woke up to dry, tangled hair. I was a little apprehensive in putting this stuff in my hair in case it left it sticky and matted looking, so I just applied it to the bottom half of my hair by putting a small bit on my finger tips and combing them through the knots. It worked miracles. My hair felt moisturized and stopped forming knots, and the product didn’t feel heavy or sticky in my hair. I wouldn’t replace it with my conditioner, but it’s a good backup leave-in conditioner to have.

The only thing I didn’t like about the soothing gel was the packaging. Using your fingers to scoop out the product is not really sanitary and I would’ve preferred if they at least gave us a spatula. However, as it is in a giant tub, you do get the bang for your buck ($10 CAN) and the aloe, which they say is 92% of the product, is extracted from organic aloe vera, which is always a plus. Other shops sell what they call aloe vera for $20 or more, with a lot less actual aloe in their product.

Pros:

Light weight moisturizer

Sleeping pack

Backup conditioner

92% organic Aloe Vera

Cheap

Cons:

Unsanitary packaging

Verdict: I would definitely buy this product again and recommend it for others to use. 9.5/10

Have you used this product before? How did you find it? I'd love to hear your thoughts about this product, as well as any comments about anything on my blog (or anything else at all). My ask box is always open!