Review - Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation

Hello gorgeous!
All of you must have heard that Make Up For Ever launched its highly anticipated Ultra HD Foundation recently. So much hype about this product and when it hit the store, I went and tried it. And let me tell you this, the hype is true. Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation has been my go to foundation for a flawless complexion lately and I even dare to say that it has become one of my holy grail products. 

It was a long time ago when I first tried MUFE HD Foundation and for me the foundation has a good coverage but still felt a bit heavy on the face. Perhaps I did not get the right shade as well before so I did not use them as much. Make Up For Ever now reformulates the HD Foundation to accommodate the development of digital era where high definition is not enough anymore, a 4k digital technology which will capture a more detailed objects and picture clarity beyond measure. The new MUFE Ultra HD Foundation is something else and this time, I made sure that I chose the right shade. At first I was a bit confused with the new coding of shades because now the improved formula has 40 shades for you to choose (amazing, yes?). Googling around a bit and I will try to help you understand the new numbering system that MUFE has.

The shades are categorised by two undertones, yellow and red, hence the Y and R letter in front of the numbers. The foundation starts with number 2 means it’s on the light shade, and number 3 is medium shade.  The bigger the number, the darker the shade. So, the first thing that you have to do is to think about your skin undertone colour, whether its red (pink) or yellow undertone. Then you go from there to choose the numbers and think about whether you are in the light or medium shade or even tan or dark. 

As for me, my skin is yellow undertone, so I will not look at the R coded foundations. Then, I consider myself in the light shade, so I start looking at the foundation with number 2 in the front starting from the smallest number which is Y225. I did have a dilemma between Y225 and Y245 because both of them seemed to look the same on my skin hahaha.. But then I decided to choose Y225, thinking that I need a foundation that could light up my complexion. Hope my explanation helps a bit. You can also check the comparison with the old HD Foundation here if you use your previous shade as guidance.

Let’s talk about the packaging, it still comes in the same cylinder glass bottle (30ml) like the previous version. It has the same pump to dispense the product out too. I personally like the packaging, it looks sleek, compact, and the cap closes tightly. The texture is lighter than the HD Foundation and it glides pretty well on the skin. The coverage is medium to high depending on how many layers you want to build on your skin. I usually never layer it for my daily look, because I find one layer is enough to enhance my skin complexion. But if I apply it for special occasions such as going to a wedding or party look, I will layer it to really achieve that flawless skin. The finish is semi matte because I still can see the glow on my skin, but if your touch it, it doesn’t feel greasy or balmy, love love it! I usually apply it with my fingers instead of sponge because sponge application somehow always makes foundation (any foundations) looks cakey on me. I have not try to apply it with brush though because I don’t have any foundation brush hehehe.. 


The foundation alone already gives a wonderful result on my skin, but I found it works really well when I apply Benefit Porefessional Primer under it. I have big pores, so any help in hiding them is highly appreciated. I tried using Hourglass and Three primer too, while the result is also great, both primers combined with MUFE Ultra HD Foundation provide a more glowy finish on my skin. Staying power is also good, it last 8 hours without primer and 10-12 hours with primer on me. The only minus point is it doesn’t have any sun protection due to its function for a digital purposes. But then again, you cannot take foundation’s sun protection seriously. You need a real sunscreen under your makeup. 

All in all, MUFE Ultra HD Foundation is an amazing product. I love it so much and definitely will repurchase when it’s finished. With the wide range of shades, I believe the foundation can cater everybody’s skin well. It sits comfortably on my skin, feels like second skin in fact. Love the finish that did not feel sticky or balmy but not powdery on the other side. It’s just right.
Please pardon my excitement because I love this product so much hahaha.. Have you tried them? If yes, please share your thoughts on it on the comment box below.

Have a great week gorgeous people! Who’s excited that we’re going to have a mid week break this week? 

Cheers,

Stef

Review - Three Ultimate Protective Pristine Primer and Three Flawless Ethereal Fluid Foundation

Hello gorgeous!
Today I’m going to give you a review about my current favorite primer and foundation. It’s Three Cosmetics, a Japanese brand that is well known for using organic botanical oils in its products. I knew this brand for quite some time since I was in Bangkok and heard many good things about it. So naturally, I was so excited when they opened their counter in Indonesia at Central Department Store, Grand Indonesia.

I got myself the infamous combo of Ultimate Protective Pristine Primer and Flawless Ethereal Fluid Foundation. It is a purchase that I don’t regret because it worth every penny that I spent on them. Let’s go to the review, starting with the packaging because both of them have similar bottle. 

The packaging is frosted glass bottle with a white pump to dispense the products out. It has a dark gray cap made of matte plastic. While it looks good, but it gets easily smudged by the leftover makeup on your hand after you applied the product. The frosted glass is great though, it gives you the luxurious feel whenever you look or touch them. The whole design of it is minimalist which aligned with Three Cosmetics concept, minimalist and natural. The pump works well too in dispensing the product. I usually need 2 pumps each for primer and foundation to covers my face and neck areas.

Both the primer and foundation are 80% made from naturally derived ingredients and contain Inca inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) oil, Camellia oleifera seed oil, Argania spinosa kernel oil, jojoba oil, evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil, rosehip oil, shea butter, beeswax. Those ingredients mostly are organic certified too. They have no scent and free from parabens, synthetic perfumes, animal-derived ingredients, and mineral oils. As for sun protection, these babies have pretty high amount of sun protection than the other primer or foundation on the market. The primer has SPF32+++ UV protection and the foundation has SPF36+++ UV Protection. Since it’s made mostly from natural ingredients, I supposed Three Cosmetics is safe for you who have sensitive skin. In my experience using these two, I never experience any breakouts or acne at all.

Now, we will go on to the individual review. I will start with Three Ultimate Protective Pristine Primer.
They have two type of primer, the Glow and Translucent. I chose the Glow because it said that it will give my skin a glowy yet natural finish. The primer will help to alleviate the dullness on my skin too. The texture is a little bit gel-ish and even the shade is beige, it will adjust to your skin tone after you applied it to your face only leaving a hint of beige on the skin which might be helping to remove the dullness from your skin. The texture is lightweight too and it glides easily on my skin. It reminds me to Laura Mercier Foundation Primer except Three Pristine Primer is a tad thicker. But the funny thing is my skin seems to absorb it easier than Laura Mercier one. Three Ultimate Protective Pristine Primer gives me a good layer of well moisturized and plumped skin to receive coverage from foundation while helping my makeup to stay longer. On the picture below, you could see that the primer creates a layer of glowy canvas on your skin.

Left : Not blended. Right : Blended

The next one is Three Flawless Ethereal Fluid Foundation. The texture is not as gel-ish the primer, but it is a lightweight foundation. It glides smoothly on your face and immediately gives a smooth and natural finish to your skin. The coverage is light to medium, so if you wanted more coverage, you will need an extra layer of concealer to hide your spots and scars. I find it covers the redness on my face quite well and I love how natural the finish is. It’s perfect for that no makeup look because it gives your skin enough coverage to even out your skin tone while it gives the glow that you need. Use it with Three Ultimate Protective Pristine Primer to get the most result. The foundation last on me up to 12 hours if I use it with the primer and around 5-6 hours before I have to blot my face. I love how the primer and foundation did not dry my face but do not make it oily. It’s just the perfect balance. On the picture below, you could see that the foundation sink well on my skin and the finish is so natural like my own skin. Understand what I meant before when I said I'm totally in love with its finish?

Left : Not blended. Right : Blended

All in all, both products are extremely amazing. It has good quality ingredients and delivers wonderful result. Definitely putting them on my all time favorite base makeup products. These two has become my number one choice if I want to achieve a flawless yet natural look. Three Cosmetics also have other products that I wanted to try, such as their cleansing oil, lipstick, and eyeliner. Gahhhh so many products but only one face. The struggle of a makeup junkie is never ending hahaha..

Have you tried Three Cosmetics products before? Please share your experience down here on the comment box if you have tried them before. Have a great weekend, gorgeous people!

Cheers,
 
Stef

Review - Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion Compact

Hello gorgeous! How are you today? As I promised before, today I’m going to review Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion Compact. I have been using it several times, so hopefully I can give a thorough review about it.





As you remember, I chose Mademoiselle as my pin up and I still can’t stop adoring it. It is so pwweettttyyy.. Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion Compact is one handy make up product.



With the tag #cushiontogo, Blanc Expert Cushion Compact tried to assist women in their busy life by providing an easy breezy make up base. But don’t be fooled with its handiness, Blanc Expert Cushion Compact is packed up with numerous qualities. I took this from Lancome website:

The power of light: its formula is enriched with pine extract, known for its depigmenting properties. The complexion is left radiant, illuminated with transparent perfection.

The moisturising duo: the association of an emollient agent, ester oil, and glycerine improves skin’s water content, leaving it softer and smoother. 4-hour hydrating action for skin’s well-being and comfort*.

Visibly smoother skin: the polymer’s gel texture combines with the pigments’ coverage for a blur effect. Pores and surface imperfections are reduced, as though minimised. Skin texture is visibly more even.

Visibly younger skin: the formula is enriched with adenosine, known for its anti-wrinkle properties. Skin is left more luminous and smoother, as though rested.

Photo-protection: with SPF 23/PA++ to protect the complexion from UVA and UVB, to help prevent the formation of age spots and the signs of sun-related photo-ageing.

Quite impressive, yes? Now, let’s go to the real life review from my usage.

I know that most of cushion products usually only have two or three shades available. But Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion Compact has seven shades to accommodate Asian skin colors, so do not worry that you cannot find your shade. My shade is O-01 which is warm undertone, leaning to yellow-ish undertone. The shade fits me perfectly.








As you can see, the liquid foundation is trapped there in that airy cushion that is able to keep the fluid fresh. Curious with the cushion, I touch it with my fingers (of course it’s washed before hehehe) and the cushion feels so soft, unlike the other cushion products that usually feels a bit bouncier. You should remember not to press too hard when you press the applicator to the cushion or you will get too much product on the applicator.



The coverage is light to medium as it beautifully evens out my skin tone but not really covers my dark spots and of course my under eye ring. It is great for daily makeup where you don’t want to wear heavy makeup. If you need more coverage, just dab your concealer here and there on the spots that you want to cover. Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion Compact also gives you a dewy and glow look. I love dewy look, but to use it on myself, I just simply can’t. I mean, only using cushion compact without setting it with a powder somehow makes me feel uncomfortable because I will feel that it will melt out of my face right away or get transferred easily everywhere. So, I usually will still set the cushion compact with my loose powder but set it very lightly when I still want to keep that dewy look.



Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion Compact also delivers its promise on the moisturizing part. The cushion compact doesn’t dry my skin at all. My skin still feels plumped even after 4 hours of application. But here’s the catch, in my opinion, you need to use a primer before the cushion compact. At first, I tried applying the cushion without primer and to my disappointment, it oxidized and my makeup started to melt out after 4-5 hours. Then, I tried using it with primer and the makeup last longer while still holding my skin moisture. If you have dry skin, I supposed this is the perfect cushion for you with or without primer because it will help retaining your skin moisture level well. I found that the end results different depending on what kind of primer that I apply before hand, so try your own mix to find the perfect result on your skin. For me, so far the cushion compact works best with Ettusais UV Block Base or Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.

Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion Compact has a light and fresh scent which adds a lovely ambiance when you apply it to your face. Lancome sells it separately between the cushion case and the cushion refill. So when you already run out of it, you just need to buy the cushion refill. The price tag is definitely higher than other cushion products out there but with the benefits that Lancome offers, it might be worth it. It has UV protection to although it is lower than other Korean cushion products, but SPF 23/PA++ supposedly enough if you spend most of your time indoor.

In conclusion, I would say that Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion Compact is a wonderful cushion compact due to its lightweight and moisturizing ability. If you are a big fan of cushion compact, you will want this baby sits on your vanity, especially if you still can get that pin up sticker from Ayang Cempaka. It totally amps up the loveliness of the cushion compact. It makes me want to touch up all the time and everywhere just to get that adoration from people around me ;)

You can also purchased Lancome Blanc Expert Cushion Compact at Sephora Indonesia (http://www.sephora.co.id/brands/lancome). Who doesn't love Sephora? One access away to your beauty products

Thank you Lancome Indonesia for this beautiful gift. To find out more about Lancome Indonesia products, you could check their counter or their social media below:
Instagram : Lancomeid
Twitter : @lancomeid
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/LancomeID

Cheers,

Stef

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet

Chanel is one beauty brand that can make its fan going head over heels for their products. One of them is the foundation. Many people have been raving for their foundation. It took me a long time to finally get one because actually I’m not a foundation person. For some reasons, my skin tends to breakout whenever I wear foundation daily. Thank God for BB and CC cream, my complexion is saved. That is why, I don’t have a lot of foundations and rather picky in picking out one. Usually I will be wearing foundation for 2-3 days and the rotate it with BB or CC cream to prevent breakout.

I have always wanted to try Chanel foundation since years ago and had been in dilemma in which foundation to choose. I finally landed my choice to Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet. I picked shade 20 Beige for my yellow undertone. I love this foundation because of its lightweight texture. The fluid consistency is a bit runny because of its lightweight texture, and when you applied it to your face it will instantly blends with your skin. Then, it will set and leaves you with a smooth matte finish. It felt velvety too, just like its name. The formula is oil free so this is a wonderful foundation for you who have combination or oily skin. The coverage is light but I think you can build it up a little bit more without makes it cakey. I do prefer a natural coverage foundation that is why I’m in love with this foundation. It only covered 80% the redness of my skin and my eye bag but I like how it covers and smoothen my pores. The formula also contains SPF 15 broad spectrum sun protection to help you fight the sun exposure (it’s not enough for me though, you know how vicious our sun is). 

As usual I set it with Laneige or Shu Uemura Loose Powder and it held for 6 hours before I need to blot or retouch. 4 hours if I wear a non oil free sunscreen under it. Sometimes I will just leave it unblotted because the shine is actually not that bad. It gave me a decent glow to hang on for some more hours before I really have to blot or wash it all away at the end of the day. I might want to try to set it using only Guerlain Meteorites and see how long it will stay put and if it’s going to create a luminous look *noted to self*
On the picture below, I did not set it with any powder or any concealer yet. The look is only using the foundation. You can see that even though its matte finish, but it did not look super matte and powdery.

The packaging is similar to Vitalumiere Aqua, made of plastic with black color all over it. I love how sleek and classy it looked. However, I need to wipe it every time after I use it because the packaging will usually smeared by my fingerprints. 

All in all, this is a fantastic foundation for you who like natural coverage which lightweight, without worrying that it will weigh your skin down. The result is a perfect matte with a smooth velvety complexion to brazen your daily busy day.

What is your go to daily foundation? Please do share with me 

Cheers,

Stef