My Updated Skincare Routine - Mar. 2012

I haven't done one of these in a while so I wanted to add some products to my list. I'm still using the same face cleanser, toner and day lotion, which you can read about here. I've updated my night cream and added a serum. The Garnier gel cream is good for summer nights, but throughout the colder nights, I blast my heater. I've noticed my skin slowly becoming more dry and dull-looking and my combination skin was really losing its oil. To prevent it from becoming flaky and patchy, I switched to a heavier night cream.

I got a deluxe sample of Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins Mineral-Enriched Oil-Free Renewal Cream. They have a regular version of this cream which is thicker, however, I do still have oily skin so I chose the oil-free version. This cream has a very pleasant orange blossom scent. It contains vitamins C, E and H, minerals and salicylic acid, which helps with removing dead skin cells and prevents blemishes. The other plus is it contains no parabens, petroleum, mineral oil, or animal ingredients. Origins is known for its organic and natural ingredients. 

It is thick and applies a bit heavy. For the first few seconds, you're face will feel very oily. This might be uncomfortable for some of you, but it definitely goes away. Once the product is thoroughly absorbed into the skin, it feels lightweight and smooth. I've been using this for 2 weeks now and I noticed that my skin is very supple and soft in the morning. I will be getting the full-size product.

The other product that I have been raving about is the Origins Dr. Weil Mega-Bright Correcting Serum. I briefly talked about this product here. It is a serum, even though the texture goes on like the Miracle Transformer, its a bit running in my hand and when I first apply it with my finger. A little product goes a long way. I've been using this for a week now and I must say, I see my skin clearing!! Not only does it make an immediate smooth complexion, it also makes my skin super soft. It lightens my scar marks and blemishes upon absorbing. It serves as an amazing primer also. Some days, I use less of my day lotion because its been getting hotter in Orlando lately, but with this serum my skin has been completely fine. No dryness and less oil, letting my skin look matte without the use of any foundation or powder. I will definitely be getting the full-size product of this. It truly works well!

I used the serum as a base and added thin coat of Missha BB Cream in No.23, applied Maybelline Dream Bouncy in Hot Tamale and Etude House V-Line Powder to my cheeks and Revlon Lip Butter in Cherry Tart to my lips. My makeup was light and comfortable, but all my imperfections were still covered because they have naturally gotten lighter.

Till next time :)

Sneekpeeq, HIP Duo, and Dream Bouncy

I joined another shopping deals site! I am getting addicted to these websites that have like 70% off deals, but this one seems just alright so far. It can be linked to your Facebook so you don't have to make an account. If you join today, you can get a free silk scarf! I believe you can just cancel or delete the app right after you "buy" the scarf. Here's a link for ya'll to use! Why not?! It's free with free shipping!! They also have $10 off your first purchase. I saw some Yes To products like the Yes To Cucumbers, Carrots, Blueberries lines for less than $10. I've tried their Yes To Cucumbers soothing facial towelettes, bought from Ulta. They're great for the gym because the package is small and light. It doesn't take off makeup  well but it does feel refreshing and your face is clean afterwards.

I finally fell to temptation and opened my Maybelline Dream Bouncy blush in Hot Tamale. It's just so cute!! I'm tempted to buy more. It looked really dark in the packaging, but I've heard that it goes on sheer so I wanted to try a darker shade. I must say I was very nervous about the mousse texture because I've used their Dream Mousse Foundation before and I didn't like it too much, but I love this blush!! You have to blend it well or it does streak and look chunky. I use my finger because brushes don't seem to pick up the product very well. The consistency literally is bouncy...its very soft and airy. I have this blush on in the photo below to show you what it looks like blended in. I think its quite natural looking. If I do it a bit darker, it looks like I just ran a mile :P

This is the eyeshadow I have on in the photo. It's L'Oreal HIP Eyeshadow Duo in 510 Electrified. I learned about this through Jen, FrmHeadtoToe and it looked lovely on her so I've been wanting to try it. Every time I went to Ulta, this specific set was always sold out. Then I finally got my hands on it, but I must say the colors look better on her. I do think it looks pretty in the case. Its a shimmery taupe color and a metallic-based purple plum color. It is not too flattering on me, but still a nice night-time color. The two colors are very pigmented. One or two sweeps are all I need. It comes with a small eyeshadow sponge applicator, which works pretty well, but I use my blending brush for the taupe color as a highlighter. Both colors stay on all day for me without primer and doesn't crease at all. I love the texture, very smooth and doesn't fall all over my face and countertop. Here are the swatches:

Here is my finished look with the eyeshadow duo and bouncy blush :)

On a side note, my boyfriend's mom brought these pineapple cakes (feng li su) back from Taiwan and they are absolutely delicious and adorable! I almost didn't have the heart to eat them, but I can't let them go to waste either. The packaging looks like fancy soap or makeup even!

Till next time :)