aikolynn: (Art - Paris)
I went to Longs Drugstore recently and took the time to really comb the Beauty section.  I noticed that Revlon has released and re-released a whole bunch of their nail enamels--even those that were limited edition glitters!  I finally got my hands on Whimsical, a supposed Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air dupe.  However, Facets of Fuchsia and Blue Mosaic, two that I already own, have been re-released under different names.  Even the third glitter from that limited collection, Starry Pink, was re-released as Popular.  Facets of Fuchsia has become Scandalous and Blue Mosaic is now called Radiant.  The shade Naughty is a re-release of Perplex and is also supposed to be a dupe of Chanel's Paradoxal.  I didn't pick up Popular (Starry Pink) because I found it dull...the glitters in it weren't sparkly and it was unappealing.  I suppose it would be a nice subtle polish, but light pinks really aren't for me.  Apparently, the Revlon polishes are getting better in quality.  I wasn't a big fan of the formula for Facets of Fuchsia (it was too watery and thin), but I heard that the new formulas are good.  Some even cover in two coats!

I also stopped by the Konad section as all Konad products were 30% off.  I decided to get some nail stickers since I barely have time to do nice nail designs this semester.  You'll be seeing them on my nails soon! ^^

Truthfully, I was also on the hunt for the new Garnier BB Creams.  I did find them at Longs, but they were $14.39 instead of the retailed $12.99.  I will probably purchase this from Target since it'll be retail price.  ^^
--Cheryl
aikolynn: (LC - Smile)
 
Above is an image of the BB Creams Sephora carries to date...and they're all in the $30 price range.  I have to say that I think that's outrageous--$32-$39 for a small 1-1.75oz product?  I don't think so!  I totally get that these companies* are trying to get into the BB Cream market and take advantage of the American/English-speaking consumers, but I'd rather buy my BB Cream off eBay.  For $15.  "But the quality!" you say...I say BS.  I've tested these and frankly they aren't that great or different from Asian versions.  These may work for some people, but I'd rather not have to pay $30+ for a product of that small size.  I get that it's the trend, but I'd rather not get ripped off for something that's lacking in quality or boasts about certain properties that is found in most BB Creams.  Smashbox is especially guilty of this since they have an entire section dedicated to how wonderful their BB Cream is and how it moisturizes, has SPF, skin care properties, and evens out skin tone.  Wake up call--the majority of BB Creams have this.  Where they differ is usually the brand, thickness of the product, color options, and the specific purpose the product is trying to fulfill (various "types"--moisturizing, shimmer, acne, etc.).

While I think it's pretty cool that this Asian trend is catching on, it disgusts me that the prices for it are so high with some of them lacking in quality or claims to be miracle products.  These may be better suited for Western skin, but doesn't cut it for my Asian one.  I'll stick to my $15 BB Cream, thanks very much, but I am willing to try the Garnier one coming out next month.  At $12.99 it's affordable enough to consider purchasing, but we'll see.

I've come to learn that expensive and branded doesn't always mean it's better than something at a lower price.  I say take advantage of Sephora's buy-and-try policy.  Buy it, try it, hate it?, return it.  Simple and done.

*Dr. Jart is a Korea based company, but most of their BB Creams range from $10-$20 with some of them going up to the $30 range on eBay.  It's one of the higher-end brands of products from Korea, but as to how well they work...I have no idea.


--Cheryl
aikolynn: (Sulli - Snow White)
When Sephora released the BB Creams by Bosica, Clinique, and Dr. Jart (which is actually an Asian company), I thought that was the extent of this "Asian invasion" on the mainstream Western beauty market...I was wrong.  Apparently, the popularity of BB Cream has extended to drugstore makeup as Garnier is now planning to release its own line next month.  Of course, I'm skeptical because most of the BB Creams I've tested from the other "American released" brands are terribly expensive and way too dark.  The problem with BB Creams in general is the limited color range--usually 1-3 different colors.  However, it does seem that the American companies are out to make some major money off of this popular Asian product.  The Garnier version will only cost $12.99 which isn't too bad considering those sold at Sephora range from $22-$40 for a regular sized tube.  The BB Cream I use, Etude House's Precious Mineral All-Day Strong, goes for about $16 on eBay and is originally priced at 14,500 won.  I am curious to try the Garnier line due to the fact that their products have been very good to me (think Dark Spot Corrector and Moisture Rescue Gel Creme), but return policies at drug stores often aren't cosmetic-friendly.

image credit: beautyblitz.com
I'm very picky when it comes to BB Creams...and terribly hard to please.  I've tried a bunch and they've all failed to meet my expectations except for Etude House's...but even with that one I have some issues.  We'll see...but I do stand by the belief that BB Creams are better than foundation. ^^

You also have the opportunity to win a sample of Garnier's new BB Cream once it becomes available. Just go to their website and fill out the form. ^^

Edit: After doing a bit more browsing, I came across articles that state this year the "in" trend is BB Creams while tinted moisturizers are getting the boot.  Apparently Smashbox also has a BB Cream--who knew?  I know in Asia Maybelline and some of the other American drug store brands carry BB Creams, but maybe they'll be releasing them stateside. ^^

image credit: beautyblitz.com

And thank God those feather hair things are listed as an "out" item this year.

--Cheryl

aikolynn: (Sulli - Snow White)
 
And here it is...the skin care list.

 

General Routine

  • Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Acne Face Wash or Acne Face Scrub
  • Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector
  • Clean&Clear Persa-gel 10

Every Week - Face Peels

  • Laneige Strawberry Yogurt Peeling Gel or
  • Cure Natural Aqua Gel


Every Two Weeks - Face Masks

  • Skin Food Rice Mask Wash Off
  • C.O. Bigelow Power Berry Mask

Whenever

  • Holika Holika Blackhead Sponge Peel-Off Mask
  • Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream
    • I only use this when I feel like I need more moisture...like when I'm sick or when the air is dry

 

--Cheryl

Bye Bye Spots!

Thursday, December 29th, 2011 09:30 pm
aikolynn: (Sulli - Snow White)
 I've been testing out the Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector from Garnier since November 18th of this year and, wow, this thing works.  Acne scars have been one of the main issues I've had to deal with since I started getting acne in 6th grade.  It is one of the main reasons I started wearing foundation and concealer so early--I was really self-conscious of my acne scars.  It seemed that nothing I used to hide them worked--they always showed through whatever foundation I used...and to make matters worse, the acne wouldn't go away despite passing puberty.  Since I started using B.B. Cream and B.B. Compact powder, my skin condition has improved greatly, but while it helped minimize the acne, the scars were still there.  In the month and a half that I've been using the Dark Spot Corrector, the visible differences are really amazing.  The first week I noticed my skin looking brighter, but I went out today without my B.B. Compact powder.  I still applied B.B. Cream, but the coverage from the powder is what really helps prevent the really dark spots from showing through.  My skin looked really good today without the powder--and I'm sick.  I love love love this product.  It's one of the few skin care products that I feel actually work with my skin.  I also noticed that my problems with acne have drastically reduced.  While I still get the occasional pimple, they aren't as large, deep, and painful as they used to be.  The combination of the Dark Spot Corrector and the topical acne cream I've been using are like a miracle team for my skin.  I predict the appearance of a products post in the near future...

--Cheryl

Profile

aikolynn: (Default)
Cheryl

It isn't about "like," but about "love."

When I call you, drunk, and speak of my love for you, all you have to do is listen.


December 2012

S M T W T F S
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16 171819202122
23242526272829
3031     

Most Popular Tags

Page generated Monday, July 7th, 2025 11:56 pm
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios