NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Review

 

A lot of my followed Make Up Artists shared their love for Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer.  I was one of those who would raise an eyebrow and say: “Yeah right, tinted moisturizers since they do makeup for actresses and they always have great skin to start with!”

I mean comment down below if you have the same thoughts as me!  Tinted moiturizers really are for people who are blessed with already-gorgeous skin right?

I know, I sound bitter.  I am currently sitting in the middle of living room sipping a cup of coffee to force myself to stay away and listen to K-Pop music as I type this article without even thinking.  I am literally BLABBING so please bear with me.

Shade: Auckland 

Light 2

According to NARS website —-

Your skin, but better. Brighter. Protected. Purely radiant. Enhance the look of your skin with NARS’ iconic tinted moisturizer—now available in 16 shades for all skin types and tones. It’s the everything, for everyone—coveted formula smooths on buildable, oil-free coverage infused with SPF 30 and packed with skincare ingredients to hydrate, smooth, brighten, and protect. Vitamin C—rich in antioxidants—helps to protect against environmental aggressors and even out skin tone for a brighter looking complexion in just four weeks. French Polynesian Kopara helps to hydrate, condition, and refine the look of skin for a softer, smoother complexion. Lightweight hydration. A universal sensation. Reveal skin that is unlike anything else.

I wished I had this product when I was actively doing makeup on clients.  I have a LOT of mature clients because I have been called the “Queen of Mature clients” in the Chinese community.  Guys, they were the one who gave me the title okay? Hahah

I am a master in mixing the right foundation with moisturizer thus giving my clients a healthy glowing skin with the right amount of coverage.  But the mixing process has a lot of trial and error so I wish I have tubes of the Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer back then.

You are probably thinking: “Ah, so these are for mature and dry skin only?”

BIG NO!  The Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer has a unique texture that works for ALL Skin Types! If you have oily skin, this won’t leave a greasy, slime ball face because the product will get absorbed into your skin in no time.  The only tip I would add is to set with your favorite translucent powder or face powder not because the product will grease you up, it is because of our hot and humid weather, you may oil up or sweat within the day thus may end up blaming the product instead of the environment.

Even with normal skin, I still set my skin with powder … ALWAYS.

Before and After

Half-Face Test

(No other base product used except Nars)

I wanted to review this product properly and give the mention it deserves.  The Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer isn’t just like most tinted moisturizers you’ve seen and heard.  This is a tinted moisturizer that honestly covers (minimal skin issues) and tones up and evens out your skin.  See how the “x” part of the photo made my skin looks dull and blah?  The “check” part is more lifted, glowing and healthy-looking.

Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation Review

A skin that glows and looks like skin.
A skin that looks like you don't have makeup on.  You want that?
We all do! 

I found it at Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation!

Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation 

Approximately Php3,500.00

Available at Rustan's The Beauty Source 

Dior Forever extends its high perfection, long-wearing foundation formula to offer a 24h* radiant finish, Dior Forever Skin Glow. The complexion appears flawless and even and the pores tightened. This enveloping fluid foundation does not just instantly embellish the skin: it improves its beauty day after day with a formula enriched in meticulously selected skincare ingredients to reveal the skin's full sensuality.
Dior Forever Skin Glow offers a radiant finish. For a velvety matte finish, discover the iconic foundation Dior Forever.

NYX Born to Glow Illuminating Primer Review

If you want that Korean Glowing skin.

You gotta do what you gotta do!

Step 1: Hydrate your skin!

Step 2: While waiting for your skin to glow from hydration, use an illuminating primer.

The latter is the fastest and easiest!  But it is a reminder from me to you to be consistent with your skincare!  You can't fake GLOW forever you know? *wink*

I recently chanced upon NYX Born to Glow! Illuminating Primer.  I find this to be a nice inexpensive alternative for a a primer that keeps your skin looking hydrated and glowing!

NYX Born To Glow! Illuminating Primer

Approx Php550.00

Prep and brighten your complexion in just one simple step. Start off your routine with our Born to Glow Illuminating Primer, the next generation of our fan favorite Illuminator. This two-in-one primer ensures the smoothest makeup application while also delivering an exquisitely radiant finish.

Avon True Color Power Essence Color Correcting Cushion Review

Avon has been around for so many years, I guess I was used to seeing them in their usual makeup line - basic blush colors, wide range of lipsticks, an array of base makeup, great colors of eyeshadow that fits Filipinas.

Then K-Beauty Collection came along!  Will this brand do well?

For me, the best way to know is to review their base makeup!  If you managed to create a really good base for K-Beauty look - you'll do well on the rest of the collection (that's just me!)

The first product from this collection I tested is the Avon True Color Power Essence Color Correcting Cushion (Php799.00).

Skin care and color correction for instantly improved, radiant skin.

 Infused with Power Essence for instantly improved skin texture.

As opposed to most cushion compacts you know, the similarity of the "thick compact" ends there.  This one has a "pan" and you only need to "press" it down and product will come out.  I prefer this type of packaging as it keeps the product fresh and clean beneath while you can control the amount of product to be dispensed.

There are a total of 3 shades - Light, Nude and Shell

Nude and Shell would work well on most Filipinas with Light Medium to Medium Dark complexion.  It was a close fight between Nude and Shell but I picked the latter because it has warmer undertone.  That said, if you have cooler complexion go for Nude.

Cloud Cosmetics Milky Way Face Cream Illuminating Moisturizer Review

I've talked about having glowing skin as my major "peg" for the year 2019 and for the coming years.

It really goes with age, I wear lesser and lesser makeup as I grow older and can even go out without eyeliner!  (SHOCKER RIGHT?)  

But don't worry, I am still your resident AMW trying out various products when new products are here!  I mean, I always have this fascination for makeup and skincare products so this woman ain't retiring anytime soon!

Now back to the topic.   

I've had this Cloud Cosmetics Milky Way Face Cream Illuminating Moisturizer for months!  I've done an initial thoughts on #AMWIGStories and a lot of you requested for an in depth review.  I wanted to do it as quickly as possible but because I have been busy with other skincare products, it took a bit of time but I'm finally ready!

Cloud Cosmetics Milky Way Face Cream

 Illuminating Moisturizer

Php399.00 for 30ml

Available HERE

A LIGHTWEIGHT FACIAL CREAM FORMULATED WITH HYDRATING HYALURONIC ACID, SOOTHING FRESH ALOE VERA JUICE, GLOW POWDERS AND IRIDESCENT MINERAL GLIMMERS (LIGHT-REFLECTING MINERALS) FOR A RADIANT, SUPPLE, FRESH SKIN. INSPIRED BY THE SPARKLING WHITE MILKY WAY GALAXY, FRESH ICE-COLD GLASS OF WATER, 8 HOURS SLEEP, AND THE GLEAMING SUNLIGHT ON SEA WATER. WITH CAPTIVATING SCENT FROM RIPENED FRUITS AND FRIENDLY CARNIVOROUS PLANTS IN A TROPICAL ISLAND—SWEET, EXOTIC, PURE… ☺︎

Radiance in a Tube?

Don't you wish you can fake good skin?

With the right makeup, you probably can!

I have always been into primers that add radiance to my dull skin.  I am NOT joking when I say I have dull skin, I do have clear skin at times (not now as I am majorly breaking out!)  but since I don't have sufficient intake of water (yes, inaaamin ko!)  plus, I tend to sleep very late at night (not good!), my skin is dull and blah....

But when I go to my "ego-boosting" social media page a.k.a. Instagram, I always get the compliment of "Ang fresh mo!" "You have good skin!"  "Your skin is glowing!"

I am not complaining, but I will be honest with you, most of the time, it is MAKEUP!

I loved a couple of radiance primers int he past, the most used and loved is the Benefit THAT GAL Brightening Primer which I used for more than 5 years now.  I finished up a total of 4 tubes and still highly recommend this to my friends!  

But because I am Ms. AMW and I do a lot of product trials, I recently tested Bobbi Brown's newest primer called Primer Plus Radiance with SPF35 PA+++.

"A multitasking face primer designed to illuminate the complexion, blur imperfections and help even out the skin tone.  Illuminates complexion with ultra-fine pearl pigments.  Helps prevent sun damage with UVA and UVB protection.  Paraben-free; phthalate-free; sulfate-free"

CLIO Kill Cover Glow Cushion Review

Whenever I see the "Kill Cover" line from CLIO... I always have the BlackPink music on top of my head: "Let's Kill This Love...da da da da..rampapapapa"

Well obviously, my first statement is totally OUT of the topic on what I'm supposed to write here but you know me..there's always something crazy going inside my head I just had to let it out.

So back to this topic, I recently got the CLIO Kill Cover Glow Cushion and because it says GLOW, I pushed aside all my cushion (even my favorite AprilSkin Magic Snow Cushion) to give way to this glowing product.

CLIO Kill Cover Glow Cushion Review

Php1,850.00
Sun radiance added to the Kill Cover’s high coverage for a perfected, healthy and illuminant complexion that glows

There are a total of 5 shades and I got shade 4 which is GINGER.  I am glad CLIO came something with not just 2-3 shades but 5!  Although the darkest shade isn't really dark so not for users with darker complexion.

Can I Get ALL COVERED with Inglot?

It is POSSIBLE.

If a picture speaks a thousand words and the thousand words will start right now!

I recently got Inglot Cosmetics' newest ALL COVERED products in a form of Concealer and Foundation.  I have unboxed them on AMW IG Stories and a lot of you have commented how natural and nice it looked on me!  But I have to keep on using these 2 to test them out and after more than 2 weeks, I'm ready to give my piece.

Inglot All Covered Concealer 

Shade on review: 14

Php1,350.00

Available in all Inglot Stores and Lazada

All Covered Under Eye Concealer covers dark circle and discolorations, 

providing a natural, flawless skin effect.

The Body Shop Fresh Nude Tinted Beauty Balm Review

I don't know about you but I've changed so much in terms of putting on (or not putting on) makeup.  I guess it is indeed the age, I put more skincare products rather than makeup nowadays!  If not only because for the fact that I need to review makeup products, you'll probably see me strutting along Makati, BGC or Ortigas without makeup on!  

Thankfully, brands like The Body Shop is making "my transition" easy.  They also came out with a smart new product from their Fresh Nude line called The Body Shop Fresh Nude Tinted Beauty Balm!

Can you believe I am actually wearing something in this photo?  JUST ONE PRODUCT!  The Tinted Beauty Balm!

I got the shade 01 Fair

I find this to be a bit too light for me at a glance but I was surprised how this actually works for me!



From The Body Shop Website ---

Want that naturally confident, fresh-faced look? Our multi-tasking beauty balm will give you a light, even coverage with a boost of hydration for a lasting, luminous finish. This effortless make-up essential is comfortable and non-greasy with a lightweight formula that matches to most skin tones perfectly. It’s super quick and easy to use so you can get soft, healthy-looking skin in seconds.

• BB cream

• Available in five shades

• Blends to your skin tone

• 24-hour hydration

• Transfer and sweat resistant

• No-flashback UVA/UVB protection

• Enriched with Community Trade organic aloe vera from Mexico

• 100% vegan

IT COSMETICS Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF50+ Review

I've heard so many great reviews about IT Cosmetics from my favorite international Beauty Bloggers ad Vloggers.  As much as I wanted to give them a try, it wasn't locally available (such a bummer)!  Thankfully, one of my favorite online beauty shopping site SEPHORA PH is carrying IT Cosmetics and I was able to give this a test right away!

The weather for the past few weeks was perfect to test out base makeup products.  It is very cool in the morning and extremely hot and sunny by lunch time onwards.  

If you wonder how unnatural most base makeup look on you, take a look at this photo as I am wearing NOTHING except clothes *laughs* and IT Cosmetis CC+ cream!  (Mind you, in very thin layer!)

How do you like it?

IT COSMETICS 

Your Skin But Better CC Cream SPF50+

Size: 32ml

Available at: Sephora PH

Price: Php2,560.00

11 shades available!

Teen Crush Problem Glow Cushion Review

Remember my first Teen Crush Review?
I'm not yet done!  The brand has a lot of exciting products to try for beauty lovers like YOU and ME!

When I first unboxed this and gave my first impressions on #AMWIgStories , a lot of you messaged me right away to ask me about this "glowing product".  Yes, you can actually see through IG stories on how it gave my skin that ultimate impact.

So, are you ready?

Teen Crush Problem Glow Cushion 

Shades: 10 Light Beige and 20 Natural Beige

Price: 20,000KRW (approximately Php940.00)

Available in all Department stores in Seoul while overseas can purchase online 

In the Philippines, can be purchased at Lazada

Product description on box

SilkyGirl Magic BB Cushion Review

Silkygirl is an inexpensive makeup brand that actually impressed me!  Their Silkygirl MatteJunkie Lip Cream  is actually part of my Top 5 favorite inexpensive liquid matte lipsticks to date.  Aside from that, I was impressed with with the lightweight, great texture of the SilkyGirl Skin Perfect Liquid Foundation and thankfully they came up with a couple of shades to choose from.  If you're a powder user, you may look into Silkygirl Magic BB All-In-One Powder foundation which I also reviewed.

Then came their newest product called Silkygirl Magic BB Cushion SPF50/PA+++ which gor the most request for review when I posted an IG contest for the said brand.

Silkygirl Magic BB Cushion

Php675.00

Shades: 01 Natural Light, and 02 Natural Medium

This BB Cushion is enriched with beneficial key ingredients like Skin Light Complex, Eldelweiss Extract and it is rich in mineral water to keep skin looking fresh and youthful to make you stand out. Dap on this BB Cushion and tap-tap on skin for medium to high coverage. 
• 12-hour Oil-Control • Fragrance-free • SPF50/PA+++ • Formulated for Asian Skin

Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Blurring Powder Foundation review

Make Up For Ever Philippines recently launched their next-generation mattifying powder foundation that blurs imperfection for 12 hours!  

That said, what amazed me even more is their promise of a life-like second-skin water-resistant finish!  And since it's Make Up For Ever, they come in 30 shades in the USA and 15 shades locally (they will add more within the year!)

During the event, we were all given lab coats and glasses and we were tasked to challenged this newest powder foundation from the brand.  We tried to mix the Matte Velvet Skin powder test tube with water and would you believe that the powder remain dry?  Even if the powder gets a bit wet, it dries off pretty quickly and it is good to use!

Given a 30 shades palette in front of me, I look THIS happy swatching and searching for my perfect shade! 

 I found it in Y245!  Y225 comes close but if you are lighter than me, that would be a perfect shade for you!

SilkyGirl Skin Perfect Liquid Foundation Review

If you ask me, I will categorize SilkyGirl as a brand you can look into if you are just starting out on makeup!  They have good basic makeup line from  SilkyGirl Magic BB All-in-One Powder Foundation to lip products that I really love - SilkyGirl Matte Junkie Lip Creams.

They are inexpensive yet they deliver.  But who would've thought they would up their game for the year 2018?

I did a quick contest to giveaway some SilkyGirl products at the same time, I am testing the most requested products and I'm finally done with this one!

The SilkyGirl Skin Perfect Liquid Foundation 

Php329.00

You're the type who can't read through this post?  Just look at this half-face photo!  You can see that this product delivers in terms of coverage and how it looks so natural it doesn't appear like I have makeup on!

Now, if you can spare less than 5 minutes of your time, (why thank you!)  feel free to read the rest of my review after the jump!

Lioele Cosmetic Dollish Cera-V CC Review

By this time, you probably get used to the fact that Lioele products aren't housed in a girly pink/pearl packaging like what we're used to!  A total change in look and packaging as they are more premium and professional-looking judging by the packaging.

After reviewing several Lioele products, mostly positive reviews, I have the Dollish Cera-V to talk about and it took me a while to write a blog post because I really can't decide whether this product is a hit or miss!

Help me out will you?  I'll talk about it more after the jump!

At this stage, you probably knew the difference between a BB and CC cream.  If not, well, to cut it short, BB (short for Blemish Balm) has more coveage while CC (Color Correct) is lighter in terms of coverage and has added brightening properties (mostly).  

And this particular one from Lioele is no exception, with added ceramides, ceramides is a component that is deeply moisturizing to the skin thus it will keep skin looking hydrated, soft and dewy throughout usage.

Flormar Wet & Dry Compact Powder Review

Have you really tried using a 2-way foundation in 2 ways?
I usually don't!  But for this particular one from Flormar, I've used this both Wet and Dry and I have my final say!

Housed in a plain black matte packaging, I like it that it comes with a separate sponge compartment.  I got myself a Medium Caramel based from the shade on pan!  Thankfully, I picked the right shade!

Flormar Wet & Dry Compact Powder Says ---

The powder that can be use wet or dry according to the need provides a velvety smoothness and smooth look with its special formula, it is easy to apply with the silky texture, prevents the shine on the skin, covers skin defects such as pores and spots, stays on for a long time.

Kanebo Luster Cream Foundation Review

The last time I used a cream foundation housed in a gorgeous bottle like this, is from Paul & Joe which is also a Japanese brand. 

How I love the Japanese cosmetics brand when it comes to packaging - how luxe they feel yet still remain the simplicity - just like how we like in our Beauty Regimen.

I recently tried the Kanebo Luster Cream Foundation.  
Let me tell you upfront right now, this foundation is expensive as compared to the usual drugstore or mid-range foundations I feature here, but... I don't mind paying premium when it comes to foundations especially if I plan to use this on my lovely brides for their super special day!

And maybe, just maybe, after you scrolled down and see my before and after photo, you'll understand why this earned raves amongst Beauty Enthusiasts worldwide.

Kanebo Luster Cream Foundation Says ---

A rich textured cream foundation that achieves a flawless, luminous finish like porcelain. The complexion is instantly more luminous and visibly evener. The enriched formula creates a smooth porcelain skin with comfort.

Available in 8 Shades

Max Factor Facefinity Compact Foundation Review

I kinda lose count how many powder foundations I've tried for the past 10 years (since I started Blogging).  

But, I never stop reviewing new ones because I really use them a LOT and I am the type who wanted to try different brands as much as I can --- reason why turning into a Beauty Blogger was easy for me!

Recently, I was able to try Max FactorX Facefinity Compact Foundation.  The last one I tried is the Max Factor Creme Puff Powder which I like but I find using Powder Foundation is my thing for the fact that it gives more coverage.

Here's my take on Facefinity!

Firstly, the packaging is quite huge, slim but huge!  A rectangular shaped compact with soft round edges.  I don't know about you but I don't mind big compacts like this as long as they aren't bulky.

Max Factor Facefinity Compact Foundation Says ---

Protect and moisturise your skin with the convenience of a compact and the smooth coverage of satin finish.

AprilSkin Magic Snow Cushion Review

When I got my own Althea Glittery Black Box before the year ends, I did a bit of unboxing on #AMWIgStories and one of the most requested review from you guys is the AprilSkin Black Magic Snow Cushion 2.0.  

Yes, this is version 2.0 because the original version which I've seen online comes with a white puff and reviews told me this one has better coverage and better oil-control.

Without much expectation, I roadtested the AprilSkin Magic Snow Cushion 2.0 over the Holidays and is still using this to date!  

Housed in a black matte compact, this is a bit bulky, similarly sized as most BB Cushion compacts (Laneige is the closest one).

Pink Sugar Our Lil' Secret Foundation Review

Help me here, I am still confused as I write this review because I want to hail this base makeup as one of the most inexpensive yet effective foundation I've tried to date.  What's stopping me?  Well, there are a few minor issues that I want to tackle (for you to know what to expect) but with the before and after photo I'll show you after the jump, you'll understand why this is such a good product worth investing!  (Thankful that the brand packaged this simply and priced this affordably!)

Pink Sugar Our Lil' Secret All Day Coverage Foundation

(Php399.00 each)

Pink Sugar Our Lil' Secret Foundation Says ---

Provides buildable medium to full coverage; sets with a modern matte finish; doesn’t look cakey, unnatural, or overdone; lightweight, comfortable formula is perfect for Philippine weather; formulated with green tea extracts, hyaluronic acid, macadamia oil, and aloe vera; available in 5 shades

Shades: Beige, Light Warm, Medium, Light Medium and Medium Deep