Maybelline The Hyper Curl Volum’ Express Mascara

The past two weeks has been a flurry of activity since I went back to work but didn't want to let go of the awesome buzz we all know as summer. So while I've been waking up early again after sleeping in for an entire month, I've also been sleeping kind of late since I usually end up going out after work since I can't get that summer feeling out of my system. And what's the inevitable result: panda eyes. Works on warm fuzzy creatures but not on me. 

The logical step would be to grab concealer and just pile it on the offending sight dark circles. Though I do try to make my eyebags less noticeable, I have another trick up my sleeve:

Maybelline The Hyper Curl Volum' Express: Waterproof

Maybelline The Hyper Curl Volum’ Express Mascara has two effects – it instantly builds 3X volume of lashes and curls them for more dramatic effect. The exclusive curl-lock formula holds lashes for up to 18 hours and it is clump free.

I don't wear mascara on a regular basis since I usually have glasses on but since this came in my May Belle De Jour Beauty Box, I couldn't resist trying it out. I was already thinking of purchasing this mascara when my current one runs out so I was more than happy to see it included in my May BDJ Box! 

After using Maybelline The Hyper Curl Volum’ Express Mascara this week, both throughout the day and even when I had dinners and parties after work, I must say it delivers on its promise of opening up the eyes since it curls your lashes and gives you that fresh, wide-eyed look. See the bristles on the mascara wand? They gently curl your lashes and lift them up so you can see the effect immediately.

Beauty Boost

• Application is a breeze since the formula doesn't clump my lashes together
• Only had to apply one coat of mascara so a little goes a long way with this product
• The volumizing effect is great for both the upper and lower lashes!
• Opens up your eyes and makes you look alert and awake

Beauty Boo

• Though it does curl my lashes to a certain degree, I think I'll need an eyelash curler if I want to go for that dramatic effect
  

I don't use mascara on a daily basis because I wear glasses and most formulas have my lashes scraping against the lens. But with the Maybelline The Hyper Curl Volum’ Express Mascara, I didn't feel that my lashes were poking against my glasses, nor did they feel heavy or sticky. It's great for everyday wear but when you go out at night, double coating your lashes would really make your eyes stand out! Already replaced my old mascara with the Maybelline The Hyper Curl Volum’ Express Mascara since wearing it makes me feel like something exciting is about to happen!

 

Beauty Breakdown: ♥♥♥♥ out of 5

 

The Fun, Fresh, Fierce Belle De Jour May Beauty Box

Finally got my Belle De Jour May Beauty Box  and it was a very pleasant surprise to have not just one but THREE sponsor brands for this month! I'm very excited to try out the products (most of them full-sized) from Maybelline, Garnier and Ralph Lauren. Will take quite a few weeks to go through all of them but they are definitely worth the wait!

  

I present to you: The Fun, Fresh, Fierce Belle De Jour May 2013 Beauty Box 

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The Face Shop Lovely Me:ex Angel Skin Powder Pact

I knew it was time to buy a new powder compact when my old one, the trusty Maybelline Clear Smooth Shine-Free Face Powder, came apart after falling from my desk. There was hardly any product left as I had hit the pan weeks ago and I felt that it was time for a change. I've actually been eying this particular item in The Face Shop:
  

The Face Shop Lovely Me:ex Angel Skin Powder Pact

“A base make-up that gives a translucent angel-like complexion. Various spherical powders that absorb sebum with a time difference so the skin will be matte and fresh looking all day without any dryness. Has a very light texture that would not burden the skin. Adheres naturally into the skin without any chalkiness and gives a nice coverage making your skin more translucent."

  

I've been using this powder pact since summer started and I have to say, I love how it feels when I apply it! I use it with my The Face Shop FACE it Power Perfection BB Cream in the morning when I have to leave for work or a quick trip to the mall. It's great for quick touch ups when I go out with friends or when I need to freshen up after a meal. But I'm getting ahead of myself. BOOST and BOO time!

Beauty Boost

• The sales ladies in The Face Shop are very helpful when it comes to identifying the right shade for you so no worries there.
• Super smooth application! I love the way the puff feels when it touches my face.
• The powder itself just glides into place and leaves my skin feeling touchably soft.
• I don't even have to think about how I apply this powder. It's THAT easy to use.
• Absolutely breathable. Feels light on the skin, and there's no acne-causing buildup.
• Doesn't cake up when I apply it (though I have to admit I usually only do one layer).
• The packaging is so pretty! Don't be fooled by the feminine design. It may be bulkier than most compacts but it fits right in your palm and is quite sturdy. 

Beauty Boo

• I have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, most of my chin) so I need something that provides a matte finish for a longer period of time. I'm lucky if the powder keeps me shine-free for 2 hours.
• I favor sheer blushes for that naturally flushed look but the silky texture of this powder (though it's a big plus) makes my blush almost invisible.
• I wish the plastic that keeps the puff separate from the powder was actually part of the compact like some Lioele products featured in various beauty blogs.

I've been using The Face Shop FACE it Power Perfection BB Cream with the The Face Shop Lovely Me:ex Angel Skin Powder Pact and I noticed that they work really well together. I've tried using my powder pact with other BB creams and moisturizers but if you want that flawless coverage, these two items are your best bet. Though I think the lasting power of this powder pact could still be improved, I don't mind reapplying as long as I have the time. But though I love applying this powder in the mornings before I leave for work, I have to admit that it isn't the best makeup for summer since it doesn't stay on the face for a long time.

Still, it's a great product and unless I find something I like better, I will most likely repurchase this when I'm finished with my current powder pact. With the great quality you find in the The Face Shop Lovely Me:ex Angel Skin Powder Pact comes great results!

Beauty Breakdown: ♥♥♥♥ out of 5

The Face Shop FACE it Power Perfection BB Cream

Summer is the time to go on that spur of the moment road trip, enjoy an ice cream cone and wear your favorite sunglasses everywhere to beat the city heat. It's also the time to check if your beauty essentials protect you from the sun.  
  

I present to you: The Face Shop FACE it Power Perfection BB Cream

“A total skin treatment reenergizing the skin through power lifting, power moisturization and power correcting effects. Wrinkle Improvement + Whitening + Sunscreen with an airy touch formula that adheres in a thin layer as light as air yet flawlessly covers skin blemishes for a lustrous, healthy skin appearance.”

   

I use The Face Shop FACE it Power Perfection BB Cream every single day, whether I plan to wear makeup or not. And with SPF 37, it's perfect for the summertime!

Beauty Boost

• I only need a small amount for my face and neck area.
• It blends evenly on my skin. No gray cast like most BB creams with SPF.
• No need for foundation or to apply with a stippling brush. Clean fingers will do!
• Feels very light and makes for smooth powder application.
• BB creams that come in a pump bottle are definitely more hygienic.
• Very cute and sturdy purple packaging.

 
Beauty Boo

• The formula is a little on the fluid side. Though it doesn't immediately melt off your face, I wish it had more lasting power. But it's nothing a little powder can't take care of!
• Has light to medium coverage so you'll still need a concealer to cover up any blemishes.
• Can't really comment on its wrinkle-fighting properties but I didn't become visibly fairer though its a whitening BB cream.
• Not sure how much more is left since you can't open the container to check.

I've been using The Face Shop FACE it Power Perfection BB Cream since October 2012 and though I can't see how much more product is left in the container, my friend who recommended it said hers lasted for more than half a year. Even though my face didn't necessarily become lighter, I don't exactly mind since you can use it both for skin care and as a makeup base. I bring this when I go on a trip so it's been road tested for summer. It looks awesome even under the sun! No need to confine it to a single season, The Face Shop FACE it Power Perfection BB Cream is definitely a keeper!

Beauty Breakdown: ♥♥♥♥ out of 5

The Body Shop Strawberry Body Polish

I may be a stickler for skin care but it doesn't mean I'm not a sucker for products that smell the way you imagine happiness would. Though I can't decide if I like flower or fruit scents more (or if I prefer the more exotic scents like cinnamon or perky ones like mint), scent is a big factor when I buy just about everything from food, perfume and even skin care.

That's why I use this:  

The Body Shop Strawberry 
Body Polish

The Body Shop Strawberry Body Polish's exfoliating, foaming gel gently buffs away dead skin cells to leave skin soft and smooth. It has a sweet strawberry scent. It gently exfoliates, leaves skin feeling soft and smooth and has a sweet strawberry scent.

I generally use scrubs once or twice a week so as not to dry out my skin (or if I had been to the beach recently or I just finished shaving) and I prefer to use scrubs that not only get the job done but also smell great. My top pick would have to be The Body Shop Strawberry Body Polish. It actually came in a set with The Body Shop Strawberry Shower Gel and The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter, two products that I will do a separate review on. Used all together, these three products make me feel like I just treated myself to a day at the spa. But before I get carried away...

Beauty Boost

• The scent! I love strawberries and this makes me feel both energized and relaxed (if that's even possible) whenever I use it.
• One thing about this scrub that I did not expect was that it would lather up! This is perfect when you're a little pressed for time... though I do tend to linger in the shower when I use this!
• My skin feels soft and smooth after I use this. The grains don't feel abrasive at all and they wash away easily afterwards.
• As previously mentioned, using this makes me feel like I went to a spa!
• Lots of product in the tube so I can see myself using this for a long time. 

Beauty Boo

• My skin feels a little tight once I've rinsed the scrub off. Some people would think that's generally a good thing but then...
• Though it's great on its own, this is best used with the The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter.

I only use The Body Shop Strawberry Body Polish when I feel the need to exfoliate. And as it isn't all that often, I still have quite a lot of the product left so the price is pretty reasonable. I also found an alternative use for this product by accident. I had left my Human ♥ Nature Strawberry Facial Scrub (you can never have too much of a good thing) and all I had was The Body Shop Strawberry Body Polish. Though I wouldn't recommend this if you have sensitive skin, it made my face feel thoroughly clean and refreshed. 

If you want to make your skin glow and smell strawberry sweet then this scrub's for you!
 
Beauty Breakdown: ♥♥♥♥ out of 5

The NIVEA Visage Deep Pore Control Toner

I'm very careful when it comes to choosing products for my skin because I believe in the saying "Skin care is more important than makeup." Though I do apply makeup for work and when I go out, skin care is always my top priority. This is why at the end of a long day, I make sure I wash off every trace of makeup on my face so I can sleep with no worries.

This is what I use every night:  
Nivea Visage Deep Pore Control Toner 


The NIVEA Visage Deep Pore Control Toner has been developed for the particular skin type (Combination to Oily) and will thoroughly cleanse the skin without drying it out. The Carnitine regulates the skin’s oil production deep within the pores, and reduces excess oil when and where the skin needs it. The Lactic Acid helps to keep the pores free of oil and other impurities for the prevention of blackheads and blemishes. It also contains Aloe Vera to help soothe the skin.

I used to think it was enough to just wash my face before climbing into bed. But when I started wearing makeup to work, it became quite apparent that I needed to establish a routine of some sort if I wanted to prevent breakouts. So I listened to what so many other beauty gurus have been saying for the longest time: cleanse, tone and moisturize. I already had a cleanser and a night cream so all I had to do was look for a good toner.

This product caught my eye because it promised to address any issues I have with the oily skin in my T-zone area (forehead, nose and a little around my mouth). The Facial Care aisle in Watson's boasted quite an impressive array of toners but I found myself going back to the The NIVEA Visage Deep Pore Control Toner because of the following reasons:

Beauty Boost

• It had the most amount of product and the price was well within budget!
• Descriptions of controlling oil as well as cleansing the pores is always a plus.
• The contents of the bottle don't spill even when I shake it or turn it upside down.
• Removes deep-seated dirt effectively when I come home from a trip.
• There wasn't an overpowering scent as, and even after, you apply it.
• Very gentle formula that doesn't sting your skin or your eyes.
• Doesn't dry out the face the way other products do.
• This toner lasts a LONG time! 

Beauty Boo

• As much as I love having a big bottle of this, I think Nivea should have it in a smaller size as well. I would totally buy a travel sized one.
• The opening at the top of the bottle is pretty small so you have to shake it quite a bit to get a decent amount of the toner on your cotton pad.
• The labels on the bottle rub off after a while.
• I generally use this at night but I some people think toner should also be used in the mornings to better control oily skin. Will test if this method is effective for my skin type.

I think it's pretty obvious that I like The NIVEA Visage Deep Pore Control Toner since my issues with it were not the actual product but the bottle it came in. Finding a skin care product that addresses your skin concerns and, amazingly, is budget friendly is definitely a good thing. However, the last time I was at Watson's, I didn't see this toner anymore since they seem to have launched a new, reformulated version. But I'll save that for another review!

Beauty Breakdown: ♥♥♥♥ out of 5

The Face Shop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam in Acerola

I won The Face Shop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam in Lemon at our White Elephant last year and I loved using it because it was gentle, refreshing and didn't make my face feel too tight. And the lemon scent was energizing, something I liked since I generally used this cleanser in the morning. The great thing about Face Shop products is that it takes months to finish them off... but since I just finished mine off before starting this blog, I get to review my new cleansing foam.

Hello, The Face Shop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam in Acerola

What's an Acerola? It's a tropical fruit bearing shrub known to be rich in vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B3, carotenoids, and bioflavonoids which are thought to be strong antioxidants. This cleansing foam is infused with acerola extracts among other natural ingredients to give you a mild and gentle cleansing experience. Everyday impurities and buildup are easily handled by this cleanser while at the same time, it delivers nourishment directly to your skin.

I love the scent even more than the Lemon Cleansing Foam! It reminds me of cherries and I have to say, it seems to do a better job of cleansing my face than its predecessor.

For the purpose of this review, I will state that I have generally oily skin in my T-zone area (forehead, nose and a little around my mouth) and I used to favor products that were a little stronger to combat the buildup on my face after a long day. But since trying The Face Shop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foams, I've noticed that a gentler product did a better job of keeping my skin clean and healthy.

Beauty Boost

• The scent is amazing! Sweet and fruity fresh but not overpowering.
• You only need a small amount to work up a good lather for your face and neck.
• Doesn't sting your eyes (I opened my eyes accidentally when I was washing my face and I was amazed it didn't sting at all!)
• Since it's a cream formula, it leaves my face feeling thoroughly but gently cleansed.
• Soothes any irritation I might have from stress/travel-related breakouts.
• Helps manage blemishes and while making your skin feel soft and supple.

Beauty Boo

• No smaller size available for this one, only comes in a 170ml tube so I can't bring it along when I travel.
• Doesn't wake me up as effectively as the Lemon one so I might tweak my morning routine a little.
• Haven't really noticed if it helps with blackheads or whiteheads.

I really like The Face Shop Herb Day 365 Cleansing Foam in Acerola because it gets the job done with minimal effort and it's great if you want a soothing facial cleanser before you snuggle into bed. I would definitely keep using it and I'll probably buy the same cleanser, or maybe just choose from the other variants (Aloe, Mung Bean or Peach) when I'm done with this one!

Beauty Breakdown: ♥♥♥♥ out of 5