Review | Pupa Milano Professionals BB Cream + Primer Combination to Oily Skin 001 Nude

BB Creams are continuing to gain popularity and more brands are coming out with their versions. A few weeks ago, I was sent the Pupa Professionals BB Cream + Primer for Combination to Oily Skin to try.

If I had to be completely honest, I had given up on finding a good BB cream that won't make me look even more like a ghost as the Korean ones I tried in the past all had a greyish tinge that accentuated my pale complexion and their finish was somewhat cakey.

I couldn't have been more wrong about this Pupa BB cream, but let have a look at the packaging first. The Pupa Milano Professionals BB Cream + Primer Combination to Oily Skin comes in a cute pink box, the same colour as the actual product tube. The product has a rather watery consistency so do be careful how much you squeeze the tube for the product to come out, plus, a little really does go a long way.

The shade I have, 001 Nude is the lightest of the two shades available on the market and I found it to be a very good match for my skin. One word of warning though, this product does have an almost floral scent that reminds me of baby wipes (I personally don't mind it) which can react with sensitive skins and it does state on the box that the product has a low allergy risk.

Pupa Milano Professionals BB Cream + Primer Combination to Oily Skin claims to:

• moisturise, smooth and protect
• mattify the skin with an anti-shine effect
• minimize pores and imperfections
• even out and enhance the complexion
• increase makeup hold
• protects against UV rays with SPF20

I have been using this product every day for the past two, almost three weeks and so far I haven't had any breakouts and have been enjoying the benefits of sun protection and smooth, even, moisturised skin with just one product. This has proved to be indispensable on those mornings when I am in a rush to go to work and run errands. I have only used the product alone not under makeup and I like that it stays matte for a very long time, even at work where my skin tends to get oilier as time goes by. The only claim from the above that I cannot attest to, is the pore minimisation as for someone having oily skin, I really don't have enlarged pores (I thank God for that mind you).

The light, natural finish of this BB cream is perfect for days when my skin is behaving and I don't need a lot of coverage and I also like that is enhances my skin's radiance. I would give this product a good 9/10, with the only downside to it being the fragrance with respect to skin sensitivity.

yours truly wearing Pupa Milano Professionals BB Cream + Primer for Combination to Oily Skin 001 Nude

Pupa Milano Professionals BB Cream + Primer Combination to Oily Skin retails for €15.95 for 50ml of product and can be bought from authorised retailers. Contact Pupa Milano in Malta on Facebook to find your nearest stockist.

PR Sample

Review | The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream in Shade 01

I'm sure all of you are well acquainted with BB Creams now and I for one, have tried a fair amount but I still wasn't totally convinced with them, primarily because they all have a grey undertone and most of the Japanese and Korean brands I have tried, all have a thick texture which resulted in a caked look most of the time so I gave up on them...

 

...until I learnt that The Body Shop have launched their own version that is actually a colour-adapting tinted cream. I added it to my Christmas wishlist and Mum and Dad included it in their gift :) They bought me Shade 01 which is suited for lighter skin tones and is the second shade out of the four available.

 

Packaging is very simple yet I think it still makes a statement with the reflective silver tube. The nozzle through which the product comes out is the perfect size in my opinion as the product is a little runny so take care when squeezing it out.

 

 

The BB Cream looks white at first glance but if you look closer, you will see tiny pigmented particles in it and these are what will make the cream adapt to your skin tone. The pigment rich capsules burst when applied to the skin to provide a light to medium coverage with an even finish. A little really does go a long way with this and most of the time, I apply it with my fingers the same way as I would a moisturiser.

 

It blends perfectly with my skin and I cannot really tell I am actually wearing makeup of my face. I do recommend setting it with a little translucent powder though as it tends to look rather shiny on its own. I love this product both for everyday and night use especially when my skin is on its best behaviour and I don't even need to apply concealer! I just apply a tiny amount of this BB Cream, set it and I'm good to go!

My skin falls in the combination category with oily being the predominant type while other areas tend to be quite sensitive. I find that the BB Cream lasts all day on me and I haven't experienced any breakouts or allergies.

 

Featuring this BB Cream in my December favourites after trying it for a few times in a span of a few days, is pretty self-explanatory! So, yes I definitely recommend you check it out!

 

The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream is available for sale at all The Body Shop outlets in Malta & Gozo and retails at €13.50 for 25mL of product.

Monthly Favourites: March 2012

Once again, this month I have a good mix of new favourites and some re-discoveries as well thanks to the Project-Ten-Pan I am working on so let me get started on which products I have been using the most this month!

Starting with skin and body care, this month I have been using Jojoba oil and Witch Hazel to cleanse my skin and treat blemishes and my skin is looking better just in time for summer! Speaking of summer, I have also starting taking more care of my body and hence I have been giving my thighs a daily scrub with this Coffee Club Soap from Body Gourmet Malta that helps bust cellulite and prevents its formation.  My skin does feel taut after using this soap so I use shower gel afterwards but I do like the results so far!  To keep me smelling fresh all day, I have been using this White Musk deodorant that my auntie brought me from the States.

So, with regards beauty products, I'm gonna start with the face products first. With spring in full swing (the poet is coming out :P), I am ditching liquid foundation and opting for more lighter coverage products (not that I usually use heavy coverage products) such as the Lioele Triple the Solution BB Cream when I need a little extra help and the Rimmel Lasting Finish Minerals Foundation on days when my skin is behaving itself.  All I do is just dab on the Essence Stay Natural Concealer over spots that need extra coverage and then, I set everything with the mineral foundation.  On the other hand, when I opt for the BB Cream, I just dab it on my face and blend it well with my fingers and I'm good to go as far as my skin is concerned... no need for concealer with this one! With me reverting back to mineral foundation, I also have a new brush to apply it with, the retractable powder brush from Born Pretty Store.

Moving on to eye products, this month I have really been enjoying the Catrice Intensif'Eye Wet & Dry Shadow in 010 Black or White Swan?!  It is a very nice eyeshadow that is best used wet for a more dramatic colour pay-off and dry for a more subtle effect.  However, I always make sure to use a primer when I use this eyeshadow dry as otherwise, it will fade away. Since I have included a mascara in my Project-Ten-Pan, I was using this everyday but for night time, I paired it with the Essence Multi-Action False Lashes Mascara for a more dramatic effect.  My fave eyeliner this month was hands down the e.l.f. Studio Cream Eyeliner in Black because it is very creamy and once dry, it doesn't budge a bit!

For lips, I have quite a number of favourites, namely Chanel Rouge Allure 66 Confidentielle, Catrice Ultimate Colour Lipsticks in The Nuder The Better & Pink Me Up! as well as Catrice Colour Show Lipgloss in Toast With Champagne and e.l.f. Studio Glitter Gloss in Ruby Raspberry and last but not least Essence Stay With Me Long-lasting Lipgloss in I Like Cotton Candy.

So those are my favourite products for this month ladies :) Until next post, stay beautiful!

Monthly Favourites: February 2012

Another month, more favourites! This month I got to try quite a lot of new products and most of them have managed to make it to my favourites.  I also have some accessories that I have been wearing almost everyday so without further ado, let me get started :)

Starting with cosmetics, the main favourites this month come from Essence cosmetics.  I have bought some new stuff from the brand and cannot wait for the launch of the new products this coming March! I have been enjoying the delicious smelling hand cream most and I like that it seeps rapidly into the skin and leaves no greasy residue.  Being small, I take it with me to work and it is perfect to mask the latex smell of gloves which no matter how many times I wash my hands, seems to cling to me all day.  The mascara is really true to its name and I really like the silicon wand.  As for the lipgloss (I like Cotton Candy), it is a very pigmented ligloss and I like the applicator wand too.  I like to pair it with the Matte Lip Color in Tea Rose from elf cosmetics when I want a more dramatic lip without being too in your face.  Lastly, the Color & Go nail polish in Irreplaceable is a very unique taupe shade with flecks of gold glitter in it that offers a nice alternative to the plain, creme finish nude nail polishes.

This month, I have resorted to BB Cream during the day and I have used it whenever I needed I little coverage yet still not that full on coverage you get with foundation and I set it with the e.l.f. Translucent Matifying Powder. I have also been using Jojoba oil once a week on my face to treat blemishes and prevent them from leaving marks on my face and eliminate any existing ones.  All I can say is that so far I'm pretty satisfied with what it does!

Moving on to my two main purchases this month, my first ever Mac and Chanel lipsticks!! I haven't used the Chanel one much as I only bought it yesterday but I'm so in love with the colour and packaging!!! The Mac one is Milan Mode while the Chanel one is from the Rouge Allure Range and it is no. 66 Confidentielle.

On my nails, I have really been loving the look of magnetic nails, more specifically the Red nail art kit from Pupa Milano.  I like how you can create instant, cool nail art with the magnets, especially when I'm in a hurry! You can read my full review here and, also, my Maltese followers have till tomorrow to enter for a chance to win a kit themesleves (read rules here)!  Also, I have been using Orly's Nailtrition and Top 2 Bottom with every manicure and I can safely my nails have never been this strong!  Lastly, Essie's Shine Of The Times has also been a favourite this month. It is the only flake polish I own and I really like the effect it gives layered over different base colours!

Lastly, I have been wearing my new Spinning Rings which were a Valentine's present from Johan every single time I go out! I do not wear them for work out of fear of accidentally throwing them away with gloves.

What were your favourite products this month?

Make-Up Collection {Part 1 ~ Storage Cabinet & Face Products}

Hello loves :) I thought of sharing my make-up collection with you in a series of posts where I will divide the products in different categories.  I will also link the reviews to the different products so you would know which I have already reviewed and if you would like me to review any of the non-reviewed ones (if any) or  you simply want to know if I still like the product as much as when I initially bought it or if I have changed my mind about it or anything, just leave a comment down below :) 

I will start with face products today.  You will see that I as much as I love to collect make-up, I am not much of a hoarder in this regard as I just don't get the point of having say 10 peach blushes when you only have one face lol but that's just me! So don't expect a huge collection.  Also, my make-up is mostly drugstore with the occasional high-end product or two.

Anyway, first up are some pictures of the cabinet where I store all my make-up.  The cabinet is located in my room just under a half-length mirror and I apply my make-up standing up.  Mum & Dad had bought it for me after I had been complaining that I didn't have any more space to store all my make-up.  I quite like it being white and the drawers are all very spacious especially the wicker baskets.  Mum will however take off the flowery cloths and sew some out of left-over fabric from my curtains and bed-spread so that the cabinet matches my room more.  

Here's a quick rundown of how I store all my make-up in the cabinet, starting with the smaller drawers first...

In the first one, I mainly keep face products as well as some lip products while in the one beneath it, I keep my false eyelashes and other eye products.  In the third drawer, I keep all bits and bobs I use to tie my hair as well as fancy bobby pins etc and in the last one, I keep all my taller nail polishes such as China Glaze and Orly.

In the first wicker basket, I keep my brush-roll and other loose brushes in their covers as well as the brush shampoo and daily cleaner.  The second basket, houses all my eyeshadows while the third one, holds all my perfumes and some body lotions.  In the bottom-most one, I keep my Philips hair-dryer and New Look straighteners.  

On the top of the cabinet, I keep the brushes I use on a daily basis, basic make-up products I reach for most often and my hair brushes and deodorant.

That out of the way, I will let you have a nosey into my face products collection :P

e.l.f. Studio Blush in Candid Coral

e.l.f. Mineral Blemish Kit

e.l.f. Mineral Booster in Sheer

e.l.f. Studio Warm Bronzer

NYX Concealer in a Jar in CJ12 Green

Max Factor Creme Puff in 85 Light 'n' Gay

essence stay natural concealer in 01 Soft Beige

e.l.f. Tinted Moisturizer in Rosy Beige

Revlon ColorStay Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin in 180 Sand Beige

NYX HD Foundation in HDF02 Soft Beige

Lioele Triple the Solution BB Cream

e.l.f. Studio Complexion Perfection

Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation in 100 Ivory

Inglot Under the Make-up Base

e.l.f. Studio Make-Up Mist & Set

Rimmel Powder Blush in 004 Pink Rose

e.l.f. All Over Color Sticks in Pink Lemonade & Persimmon

So that's all of my face products collection ladies! Do we have any common products? Do you like these kind of posts?

Review: Lioele Korea Triple the Solution BB Cream

Hello my lovelies :) Today I'm going to review the Lioele BB Cream I won earlier this month on a YouTube giveaway hosted by shampoop118. If you do not already, make sure to check out the lovely Stephanie :). Anyways, with all the hype surrounding BB Creams lately, it is no wonder that this review was highly requested, so finally here it is! For more information about BB Creams and their various functions, please check out this post :)

As stated previously, BB Cream has been very much hyped about lately and I wanted to try it out myself to see what all the raving is about but with shipping being overly expensive, I gave up on it so needless to say, I was thrilled to learn I had actually won one! 

I really like the packaging of this Lioele BB Cream as I think it is so girly.  The BB Cream itself comes in a tube with a pump at the base and a replaceable cap so it is a very hygienic type of packaging. Also, the pump makes for good control of how much product you get out.  In turn, the tube is supplied in a pink and gold box as you can see in the picture. The tube holds 50ml of product.  It is a very generous amount considering that a little goes a long way with this particular BB Cream.

The texture is quite thick and has a slight gray undertone to it. Don't worry though, the BB Cream will oxidize in air and adapt to your skin tone.  I'd say that this particular one has a light to medium coverage... it is not as light as a tinted moisturizer nor is it thick as a foundation.  In fact, it feels like you have nothing on.  The best way to apply BB Cream is to gently tap it on your face with your fingers to blend it as with a brush it can look cakey.

I like this Lioele BB Cream as it contains SPF 30 and I don't need to apply moisturizer, primer and concealer when I use it so it is a great all rounder for when you're in a hurry.  This one in particular has a slight pleasant smell of flowers with a hint of strawberries that gradually fades away.  It also contains hyaluronic acid to moisturize and nourish the skin.

This particular BB Cream is designed for oily and combination skin and it only comes in one shade, Natural Beige so I'm afraid it is not suitable for people with darker skin tones. I find that on me, it lasts well especially when I set it with a little Sheer Mineral Booster from e.l.f. cosmetics.

Overall I'm very fond of this BB Cream and from the very first time I used it, I could instantly understand what all the raving was about.

Have you tried any BB Creams ladies? What do you think of them? If not, are there any particular ones you would like to try out?

Mid-Week Beauty Masterclass: BB Cream

*Yesterday Blogger decided it won't let me upload pics so that is the reason I am publishing this post today*

After an absence of a number of weeks, the Mid-Week Beauty Masterclass returns! I know I have gone through the basic make-up products already but I just couldn't skip on BB Cream which seems to be the latest hyped about product on beauty blogs and the beauty community on YouTube.  After I have recently won one myself, I can totally understand what the hype is about but I will tell you more on that in a separate post where I review the actual product.

BB Cream stands for Blemish Balm Cream and it is widely popular in Asian countries such as Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong to name a few.  In fact, it was first used by laser surgery patients as an after care product to cover up the redness and scars this type of surgery tends to leave behind; but it soon gained popularity and Asian actresses starting using it to create that particular flawless look synonymous with East Asian girls.  

The BB Cream formula has since been reformulated to suit this new demand for it and nowadays, there is quite a vast number of Asian cosmetics brands that offer BB Cream.  However, unlike foundation, it doesn't come in a lot of shades, often presenting 1 or 2 shades so it is not particularly suited for darker skin tones.  You may also find that BB Cream has a greyish undertone to it but it adapts to your skin tone as it gradually oxidizes.  BB Creams usually come in tubes and are either supplied with a pump or you just squeeze the product out. Personally, I prefer the pump as it makes for less waste of product and is more hygienic.

So what does this BB Cream do that is so special you might ask? Basically, it is a foundation with healing properties as it offers a better coverage than a tinted moisturizer and at the same time help heal blemishes and also aids in the skin's regeneration process.  Thereby, BB Cream can be seen as a product to replace your make-up primer, foundation and concealer.  I can actually confirm this from my own personal experience and it therefore makes up for days when I'm in a hurry and do not have time to apply a lot of make-up.  BB Cream also offers protection against UV rays as it contains SPF and it also helps control oiliness.  However, due to its skin whitening properties, I do not recommend its use in the summer.

Common ingredients in BB Creams include Ginkgo extract (anti-oxidant), Licorice (helps even out skin tone),  Vitamin C (whitening & anti-oxidant) as well as Green Tea (oil control).

With regards application, I find that the best way to apply it is with your fingers and remember that a little goes a long way! Avoid the use of brushes as they will make it look cakey and also, pat it onto your skin for better coverage and maximum absorbance.  Most of these BB Creams dry to a dewy finish but there are others that dry matte.  For dewy ones, I prefer to set them with a little powder so as not to make them look shiny.

Another way to apply BB Cream

I hope you found this post useful and that you now have a clearer idea on BB Creams and their uses. If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to leave them as a comment or drop me an email :)

Review: Nivea Visage Young be beautiful! Tinted Moisturizer

Here's the last review for my face care products series, in which I target Nivea Visage Young be beautiful! Tinted Moisturizer. I kept this product for last because it is the least one I use and here I will tell you why.

As usual, the packaging goes first. This is the only product in my face care range which I can't see through the packaging no matter against which light I put it as the tube is completely opaque. Then it's the usual motifs as the other Nivea Visage Young Products. The ingredients are only found on the box in which this tinted moisturizer comes along with a product description (the latter is also found on the back of the actual tube).

This tinted moisturizer comes in a 75ml format and is supposed to 'adapt to your natural skin tone for an even and radiant complexion'. It is only available in one shade, Natural.

I bought this tinted moisturizer due to the above claim as I thought 'hmm this would be perfect for when I don't feel like wearing foundation'. Well, I was wrong... very, very wrong.

To start off with, the shade is very dark for my skin and even though Nivea claim that this adapts to your natural skin tone, I am afraid that I noticed not even a hint of colour change. I gave it a go another time with a little less product but the same dark tone was what I was left with. Here are a couple of swatches:

In the second photo, you can still see where I blended the tinted moisturizer, and this picture was taken a couple of minutes after I blended it to make sure it is dry.

I even tried mixing the tinted moisturizer with my regular one, but sadly, no success there as well. So, I keep this for the summer months only.

Some good points about this tinted moisturizer would be the fact that it is non-comedogenic and it is clinically approved to be compatible with all skin types.

I think having a bigger array of shades would be great for this product as I as quite disappointed but I still believe Nivea can do better... just take a look at my previous posts!!

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