Base Makeup - Foundation Swatches & Lemmings

I have to admit, I'm obsessed with flawless skin and I'm always on the lookout for products that would help me look less ruddy and more polised.

Today is a showcase of the foundations that I own and a short introduction on them. Not a lot and I'm still a long way from building a foundation bible.

I do hope that this can help those who are trying to buy foundations with absolutely nothing to rely on, except for online swatches for comparison.

This idea came about when I realized that there were very little cross foundation swatches to be found on the WWW. Maybe my search parameters wasn't good enough, I don't know.

Anyway, I decided to pull out all the foundations that I currently own and swatch them. For the benefit of others, who like me, don't have the luxury of testing out products in person.

Click Image for larger pic

Lunsol Water Cream Foundation in YO02:
You can read my review on this foundation here.

RMK Liquid Foundation in 101:
I bought this out of impulse when it first re-launched in Singapore. Frankly speaking, I didn't quite use this foundation due to the heavy yellow undertone. Moreover, the coverage was not enough to cover old and blemished skin like mine.

Paul & Joe Liquid Foundation in 010:
The first Japanese foundation that I bought. The color is a tad too light for me but the undertone was perfect. The only drawback is that, it doesn't really provide the coverage that I need.

IPSA Pure Protect Foundation in 100:
You can read my review on this foundation in my last post here.

DiorSkin Nude Liquid Foundation in 020:
What can I say? My perfect HG foundation. Gives the best finishes. You can read about my review here.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville:
One of the latest addition to my makeup collection. Color is a tad light for me but once it oxidizes, it's a perfect finish. You can read about my review here.

As for my lemmings:

Burberry Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation in Trench 4
Armani Luminouse Silk Foundation in 4
Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation in Sunny Beige
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe
Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation in Chamomile
Chanel Pro Lumiere Foundation in Clair-Cameo


A good resource is the Foundation Matrix on Temptalia. Go take a look if you're interested.

Haul: Collective - Origins, MAC, Clinique, Dior, Prejume

This entry is a collective haul post on the stuff that I got some time back. So, this is really a guide for me to keep track of the things that I buy....

First up is Origins - Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins, Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Serum. My friend knows that I chomp through this serum like a mean grinding machine. And so, whenever there is an offer on this serum, she would be the first to sms me. I got 2 x 30ml at SGD25.00 each!

Next up is the MAC 217 brush and this is my second 217. This brush is very soft and perfect for blending out the eyeshadows! SGD33.00 available at all MAC Counters across Singapore.

Next, the Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips (SGD39.00). My sampler bottle ran out and I've decided to purchase the full sized bottle since this worked quite well to remove my eye makeup.

Next up, is the Dior - Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Fresh Powder Makeup (SGD70.00). I was looking for a loose powder and the BA recommend this loose powder to me since I'm using the Dior Skin Nude Foundation. The BA assured that it wouldn't be heavy since I recalled that one of the BA at Takashimaya told me that this is actually mineral powder foundation. However, I really think that using this powder on top of the Diorskin Nude foundation is a little overkill for me. In addition, the actual size is really puny and paltry, compared to other Dior Loose Powder that are bigger in size with about the same price.

Lastly, Prejume hair wax that my hairstylist brought back from Hong Kong for me (SGD29.00). I totally like this hair wax. It has a rice paste texture , styles but not oily at all!!

Haul: Random buys in June

Been away.. Was kind of depressed over the week as I lost my brand new laptop! Well, technically, I didn't lose it but rather, a cab driver took off with it in the boot. I was so shocked by what happened that I didn't get the license plate. It was a brand new laptop just out from the shop.

I was more angry with myself than with the cab driver. First, I shouldn't have put it in the car boot. There was enough space in the back seat for it. And I should have asked for the receipt. But the cab driver was so nice that I was caught off-guard. I shouldn't have been so trusting, remember, low crime doesn't mean NO crime.

Anyway, I lodge reports with the police, LTA and the cab company. Although chances of getting it back is slim, but I still want to put it in record that there is an errant cab driver on the prowl.

This entry is for the random buys that I did for the month of June. June is not only my birthday month but also the month of the Great Singapore Sale (GSS).

Not a lot of stuff as I'm trying to curb my spending. Oh well, living in Singapore meant that there are sales going almost all year round. There's always next time.

First up is MAC 217 brush. It's a my second MAC brush. This is a much raved eye makeup brush and I was totally won over. It's so soft and blends my eyeshadows very well. The best part is that I paid for it with my Isetan vouchers that I redeemed with my Isetan points. So, this brush came almost as free!

Next is the Lunasol 2010 Summer Collection, Nature Summer Blue EX01 Eyeshadow Quad (S$77.00). I've been lemming this quad ever since Rouge Deluxe and Fuzkittie featured it. So I decided to get it when it launched in Singapore on 18th June 2010.

Friends of mine know that I'm a blue eyeshadow lover. A lot of people are scared of blue eyeshadows but they are one of the colors that actually works for me. And Japanese seems do well in this arena.

I'm totally in love with the deep blue!!

Ok, what else???..... Oh yes, I purchased a Fancl sunscreen. Due to my sun-phobic nature, I'm very into sunscreens. I currently own.. hmmm.. about 6 bottles of sunscreens. All of different brands.

My ma thinks I'm totally insane. She's an advocate of sunscreens since I was young but I think I've outshone her. Wonder how many sunscreens my daughter will own next time. Anyway, picked this up because I had quite a good experience with it previously. The only thing I don't like about Fancl products is that they expire way much faster than I can use it up. 75days after I've opened the bottle, I'll have to toss it.

I also stocked up on some essentials during the GSS period.

MAC makeup sponges and brush cleaner. Truth to be told, I'm not exactly a connoisseur when it comes to makeup sponges. So far, MAC makeup sponges have worked well for me and so, I've been hooked on it ever since.

The MAC brush cleaner was a purchase I decided after reading somewhere that normal shampoo do not do a good job when it comes to disinfecting. And so, I bought this so that I can give my brushes a good clean. I'm a germ & dust-phobic when it comes to the things that I put on my face. To the point that I rather buy the wrong foundation shade home, then to have the BA test it on my face. I once saw this lady who took the tester lipstick and applied straight on her lips. Yew, I was totally turned off and horrified by what I saw.

Next up is the Clinique's Liquid Facil Soap (Mild) - S$35.00. Another staple of mine that I've grown to love. This product does a good job of cleaning without stripping moisture off my face.

Lastly, is the Laneige Perfect Renew Skin Refiner (S$53.00). Another staple of mine. I had a bad reaction when I first used it but now, it's one of my holy grail. I'm already in my Nth bottle!!

Review / Skincare: Clinique - Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

Item Name: Clinique - Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
Size: 125 ml
Price: S$52.00
Available At: Metro Paragon and all good dept stores
Picture Source: klutzbeauty.blogspot.com




Product Description from Manufacturer:

Lightweight makeup remover quickly dissolves tenacious eye and face makeups, sunscreens. Transforms from a solid balm into a silky oil upon application. Cleans thoroughly, rinses off completely. Non-greasy. Non-drying. Ophthalmologist Tested. For all skin types.

Why I bought it:
I had to get a makeup removal as the Biore cleansing oil was causing cystic pimples on my face. I had originally wanted to purchase the version that is meant for eyes and lips. I had a sample of it and I must say, it worked really well even for the whole face. The BA was telling me that I can use the balm on my eyes as well, so being the adventurous person, I decided to get the balm version instead.

Packaging:
A screw cap plastic tub that is typical to Clinique's packaging. What I hate about it is that I have to either dip my fingers into the product or use a spatula. Very troublesome I would say.


Texture:
As the name suggests, the texture is white thick balm.

Price:
Price is a little pricey, given the amount of product.

Road Test:
The texture felt more crumbly rather than balmy when the product first came out of the box. It started to melt into a more spreadable texture the moment I start to rub on my face. It did a nice job of melting away makeup and emulsify into a creamy texture.

My face was left with no makeup after washing off but as usual, I would top up the cleansing with a foaming cleanser just to be sure I got rid of all traces of residue on my face.

Verdict:
The product did what it was supposed to do, remove makeup. There's no WOW factor here that I would rank it as an item that I can do without. Plus, it's very hard to use this for removal of eye makeup, contrary to what the BA told me. Which was the reason why I bought this balm version instead of the one for Eye and lips.

Other Product Pics:

The product inside the tub. 

The product when I initially dug out from the tub.

The product doing it's work, melting away makeup.

Yeah, the finished surface. Clean and free of makeup residue.

Event: Metro - Clinique's Great at Every Age Event

From 30 April to 06 May 2010

Orchard Paragon Lobby

Hauls

Haul Photos!!! Woo-Hoo!! Nothing beats talking about my lovelies and nothing can get me down when I'm talking about them.... These are some of the purchases I've made during this period..

Warning: Picture heavy



Avene Soothing Moisture Mask x Centerpoint Guardian Pharmacy - 5 April 2010
Got this on the day that I went to my new company to sign the Letter of Appointment. And so, was able to recall the date that I got it. The lady was so zealous about recommending me use this product that I was embarassed to say "No". In addition, I do know that Avene have some really great products. Just that sometimes, I find the products too mild for my taste.

Franche Mineral Skincare Sample Set x My Beautician

I got this a week after I started on my new job. My office was going to have a major renovation and people were packing their stuff. The air was so dirty that I had a major outbreak of cystic pimples. So out of desparation, I went to my beautician for help. And all they did was gawked at my face and pushed this set of skincare to me right after my treatment.

I figured there was no excuse to not buy and since it's my first time encountering mineral skincare, my interest was piqued. However, I haven had the chance to actually try it. And the condition of my face now, it's much better than 2 weeks ago but it can be better.

The sample set in it's plastic bag.

The items taken out...

The cleanser

The Toner

The Moisturizer

The Phamplet

Dior Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Foundation in 020 x Takashimaya

I had make the decision to buy a hydrating foundation. And so, this is not an impulse buy but an intended buy. After reading through the forums and raves by makeup gurus, I was deciding between Lunasol Water Cream Foundation and Dior. In the end, the superb service by Kline (Takashimaya Dior Counter) won me over and I went ahead to purchase the Dior one. I would still want to purchase the Lunasol one but I guess I'll wait till I'm finished with at least one more bottle of foundation before I make the purchase.


The pretty box that my foundation came in...






















The elegant glass bottle within...
























Of course, being Kline (kind), she gave me a sample of Diorsnow sunscreen in translucent. I so liked it that I decided to purchase the full-sized bottle.






















MAC 190 Foundation Brush x Isetan Scotts
My first MAC Brush!!! Yeah!!! Got this on the same day that I got the Dior Foundation. I have been comtemplating this brush for the longest time but I just couldn't bear to sink so much money on a brush. But my sister gave me some Isetan vouchers and I utilized the vouchers and ended up paying a lot less.

My MAC brush in it's pristine plastic protector...



















MAC Brush#190

Fancl Calorie Limit Tea x Isetan
This is my absolute necessity. I drink whenever my ma buys fried fritters. Not to mention the nice taste which I've grown fond of. I also bought the Kale juice along with this purchase but the latter is something I would rather not mention. The taste is just not my cup of tea. Maybe I should dilute it further instead of following the 250ml guide.

Guerlain Meteorites 03 Beige Chic x Tangs - 23 April 2010
Ling got word from Beauterunway that Guerlain Meteorite was going at 50% discount @ Tangs as they are going to change packaging. Of course, being the kiasu singaporean that I am, I had to get one for myself. It's not every other day you have Guerlain giving this kind of discount for their products.

Haul x Metro 20% Storewide Sale - 23 April 2010
Metro was having a Storewide 20% sale and I headed over to Metro with Ling as I decided to purchase the full sized Clinique Take the Day Off since I had quite a good experienc with the sample product.

In addition, I was undecided whether I should get the Diorsnow sunscreen.

And below are my spoils for the day. Please ignore the Guerlain Meteorites as I bought from Tangs and not Metro.




















Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
I had originally wanted to get the Bi-remover only to realise that the product is meant for Lips and Eye Color. Lol. In the end, the BA recommended me the the Balm, which can also be used for the eye area. I was a little put off by the packaging since I've to either dig in or to use a spatula. But in the end, I went ahead to buy it since I quite like the texture.

Dior: Diorsnow Protection UV - Translucent
I got the sample pack for this product and I was pretty won over by the sample pack that I decided to get the full size.


Dior: Dior Addict - Lip Glow
This product was recommended to Ling by Kline of Takashimaya Dior Counter. The same day I was buying the Dior Foundation. In the end, Ling got it during the Metro Private Sale. I was very impressed by the effect that I decided to get one for myself too...

Dior: Rouge Dior - 264 Replenishing Lipcolor
This is totally an impulse buy as I was $1.00 short to being a Dior member. So Ling suggested lipcolor since I was just tellng her the other day that my sister commented that my lipgloss is too red for my pale skin. Plus, I quite like the color swatch.

Of course, we mustn't forget the samples that the BA gave me. Sorry I didn't get her name but she's a very nice lady too. I do forsee that I'm visiting the Dior counter soon.

Fancl x Bishan J8 - 27 April 2010
My face was lacking radiance and moisture. So, decided to drop by Fancl to get some "clean skincare" to help.

Below is the spoils photo:

Skin Renewal Pack

Night Pack Cream

Beauty Concentrate
GWP for Night Pack Cream.

Facial Blotters
Another GWP. Not sure of the mechanics though...

That's all for now.... Review posts coming up...

Review/ Skincare: Clinique - Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer

Item Name: Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer
Size: 50ML
Price: Part of a Christmas Coffret.
Available At: All good dept stores
* Picture source from Clinique Website*

I first got to know this product via Shimmers54 on Youtube and got interested in this product. I had plan to get it only after finishing up all my serum products but decided to get it due to the christmas coffret promotion.

The texture is a white gel like emulsion. Very similar to some of the serums that I use.
The product was easily absorbed into the skin and there was no violent reaction on my most sensitive area, the cheeks. And after 5 mins, the texture of my skin felt so much better.

Pores looked finer after a night's sleep but I'm sure if it is due to the scrub. All in all, I liked the texture and the way it made my skin feel. But do take note that the texture and effect has an uncanny similarity to the Estee Lauder's Idealist
which could be due to the fact that Estee is Clinique's parent company.

Tune to Shimmers54

Review/ Skincare: Clinique - Exfoliating Scrub

Item Name: Clinique Exfoliating Scrub


Size: 100ML

Price: S$46.00

Available At: All good dept stores
* Picture source from Clinique Website*
 
I first came across this product while surfing the clinique website for information on another Clinique product. After reading the reviews, I decided to get it since I was lacking a scrub.
 
The texture is kind of pasty with a medicated smell which, is quite similar to Origins out of trouble mask. I tested it first on the back of my hand and there was not strong reaction but I somewhat felt that the grains were kind of big and rough for my skin.
 
So when I ultimately did try on my face, I was careful not to rub too hard least it worsen my sensitized skin. The grains still felt harsh even though I was very gentle and doused with lots of water. All in all, it did it's job of a scrub and it left a minty cool feeling on my skin.
 
I dont think I would want to buy it again once I'm done with this tube. But I'm not being fair since this product was meant for oily skin and not sensitive skin.

Haul: Metro - 05 Dec 2009

Metro had a 20% storewide sale yesterday and thinking that I am low on some of my HG, I decided to go down and stock them up.

My intention was to get my staples and try out the Clinique exfoliating scrub.. But I ended up splurging on Clinique products cos I could get a 7 piece GWP if my total purchase exceeds $180.00. So, here's the total damage:

Clinique Turnaround Christmas Pack [Impulse Buy]
Clinique Exfoliating Scrub [Intended Buy]
Clinique liquid Facial Soap [HG Stash]
Clarins HydraQuench Smoothing Gel [HG Stash]
Laneige Perfect Renew Skin Refiner [HG Stash]

I did a stash assessment today while trying to find space to house my skincare stuff and I realized that I've bought and stashed away quite a number of things. Guess I have to stop spending on skincare beauties for some time while I work on using up my skincare items.. Gosh, I have like 7 bottles of bodywash alone... Sheesh..

I'm lemming over whether I should get a whitening mask.. But nah, I shall finish up my stash items before I spend anything on skincare again.. I still have 10Pan challenge to complete...