Review : Biore 4-in-1 Detoxifying Cleanser

Guys, I finally found it. The last missing piece to a skincare routine that completely works for me. Finally! My skin has calmed down so much and I am getting daily compliments on it from random strangers. Love it!

I blogged earlier in the year that I tried and fell in love with the Olay ProX face brush and that it has made a significant difference in controlling my breakouts and improving my skin texture - that was great but this, this is my skin soulmate.

My skin can be really sensitive and it has a hard time absorbing topical products resulting in clogged pores. Add tropical heat to that and you can count on sweat, smoke and other pollutants throughout the day. So whilst I was cleansing with the brush, I also needed something a little deeper to help encourage my pores to open up and get rid of all the toxins and extra things my skin was holding onto. Those tiny little bumps that signify clogged pores and the whiteheads that often accompany them have now disappeared and I am as happy as a clam.

Let's get into the review now shall we?

Packaging

The cleanser is currently available in two different packages. The only difference is on the label but the name is still the same. It is is a white opaque bottle with a blue wide spout for pumping as it is a foaming cleanser. There is also, thankfully, a clear cap to protect the spout and to catch any product that may try to escape. You get 6.7 Fl Oz in the bottle, which is a lot more than I normally get in a bottle. The pump and the spout are an excellent pairing and you only need one pump for your entire face. I haven't experienced any spillage or leaking and I have traveled with this cleanser more than once so I think the bottle is pretty sturdy. You can also pretty much pump from any position, upside down, right side up etc. The only improvement that could be made is to have little grips or indentations on the side of the bottle because it does tend to slip if you grab for it with wet fingers.

Use/Application

I wet my entire face with water, use one pump and apply this with my fingers onto my face and neck. There is a slight cooling sensation - nothing to irritate you but you do notice it. It foams up pretty well and I rub it in lightly with my fingers so I can make sure that it gets everywhere. The foam doesn't get out of control and it does a great job of staying put on your face. I rinse it off with cold water thoroughly and then go onto the next step in my routine.

This removes makeup, sunscreen and any oils I may have applied to my face in one quick step and despite the fact that it is foaming my skin never feels tight after I wash my face. I have not experienced any irritation whatsoever or any product buildup along my hairline, ears or neck which can happen if your skin is easily irritated or sensitive. It has a barely there smell and doesn't leave behind residue or scent or that nasty white cast that some cleansers can. I use this with my cleansing brush most nights but in the morning I use it with my fingers so don't feel that you need to have a brush for this to work for you I just like the feeling of knowing I got a good deep clean in one step especially if I am removing makeup.

I can't think of anything Biore needs to do to improve the formula of this product at all.

Pricing

This was one of the cheaper products on the shelf coming in at about $800 JMD (under $1000) and it was more product than a lot of other cleansers. I bought this back in February when my other face wash finished and I think I'm barely halfway through the bottle. I love that you get so much product but I know that as soon as this is finished I will be going out and buying this again. I've already had to stop myself from stocking up and just hoarding it. In fact, I'm getting anxious just worrying that I won't be able to find it again *deep breath*  but I will practice self control...I think. 

This is worth your money, and the fact that it is affordable makes it an even sweeter deal. Don't hem and haw, just buy it you will like it.

Results

Fantastic. Clear skin, unclogged pores, great smooth texture, even complexion, and it has helped with balancing and controlling oil. I really really like this. I have the old packaging and I sincerely hope the formula has not changed with the new packaging. The blurb reads thus:

I can't say that anything that it claims to do is false or doesn't ring true for me. They've done a wonderful job with this product and Biore, you guys should be applauded. I did not even know you guys did anything other than pore strips! Bravo!

Final Thoughts

It's been quite a few weeks and I am still in love. I saw results within the first two weeks of using this and I continue to see results. My skin has returned to its former glory and dare I say, is even better than it used to look. I will be buying this again and again and again, I've already recommended it to a bunch of people and I will be trying out other Biore products I see on the shelf now.

Till next time lovelies, and remember if you have any questions you can always leave me a comment or get me on Facebook. 

*Jane

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Review - L'Oreal True Match Blush

I first bought this product four years ago when I was shopping for new makeup to wear to work. I was just starting my job and I wanted to have the easy go-to of blush, mascara and neutral eye shadow. I knew I wanted something sheer that I could just swipe on and go without worrying about spending several minutes trying to blend it away or it looking too loud or too shimmery.

I spotted this at the beauty counter inside Michie Supermarket on the boulevard in Kingston, Jamaica. I don't remember if I got a chance to swatch it but typically I'm drawn to rosier colours so I picked up the true match blush in Cool C5-6 'rosy outlook' and I have repurchased it three times since. Every time I hit pan I scout out where still has it in stock and put a reminder in my phone to go out and purchase it. It is always in my makeup bag and though I rarely need to reapply it, I will layer it on if I am taking my look from day to night without going home. It has the uncanny ability to blend seamlessly over the product I had applied in the morning and sculpt my cheeks while making me look rosier at the same time. In case you haven't noticed, I'm saying you should go out and buy this now now now! 

Peer pressure aside, (teehee) here is the break down of my review of this product:

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Packaging
The packaging for this product is not anything to write home about really. It's a grey compact with a transparent circle at the top so you can see the colour of the product. The labelling is easy to read and the blushes come in two different tones - cool and warm. Supposedly if you have blue undertones you should go for the cool blushes and if you have olive undertones then you should go for the warm blushes. I have an olive undertone and this cool blush looks pretty great on me if I may so myself so don't limit yourself. 
Where this becomes special is when you realize that this is actually two compacts in one. The top lid is the blush and the bottom compartment is a mirror with an angled brush that is super soft. I was also really impressed with the two little protrusions inside the bottom compartment that help keep the brush in place because really no one can stand that rattling around inside their makeup bag. 
This is pretty darn convenient especially if you're on the go. Just slip this in your bag and at the stoplight you can swipe on some blush and mascara and boom you're instantly more polished. The angled brush also makes application a breeze. It isn't one of those cheap-o brushes that prick you and shed like crazy when you're trying to apply the product. It's small but not too small and is just big enough to do the trick.
Over time you will notice that the writing on the top will fade and that the product may seep outside the perimeter of the rim especially if your handbag gets a few knocks. Thankfully though, it has not shattered and hopefully it won't.

 

Pricing
When I first bought this it was about $700. I haven't purchased it in a while but I will shortly as I have hit pan on the one I'm currently using. The last time I saw it, it was maybe $1,100 JMD. This makes it range in the mid-level of pricing. However, it will last you eons as the colour pay off is excellent, and the brush doesn't absorb alot of the product but deposits it nicely on your cheek. The colours and formula are also pretty unique as it is extremely blendable. This is probably the only blush I have that I can apply with my fingers in the dark because I know it will blend out nicely. You can get it on amazon here.


Application
The true match blush is super blendable, sheer and it layers nicely. I've used it with my fingers, various brushes including the brush it came with and I get pretty much the same effect. The first application is sheer but you can see the colour nicely along your cheek. I have never tried to apply it wet but I have layered it over cream blushes and it has not caked up. I just think the formula is pretty finely milled. 
If you look at it closely you may see some sparkles but this does not transfer to your cheek when you apply it. The blush is a matte finish but the texture is super silky so you genuinely don't have to worry about it being too bold even if you have a heavy hand.

Durability
I can wear this for about 6-8 hours without worrying about it fading. It fades pretty evenly along the cheek but if you apply it like a contour and sweep it under your cheek, it tends to fade a little less quickly - or at least on me. I have no clue why. When it fades it leaves a light colour with no oily residue  or sheen which is a problem I have seen with other blushes with a similar texture.

Results
I'm very impressed with this and will always have it in my makeup collection. The selection of colours that are available in Jamaica is quite shoddy to say the least. I wouldn't mind if they changed the package colour to something more alluring. I don't really find grey makeup products alluring but maybe that's just me. That aside, I genuinely have no complaints. L'Oreal really knew what they were doing when they created this formula and I am a super fan.
PS: Scoped out the new packaging - but haven't seen this yet in Jamaica - L'Oreal read my mind! lol

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What about y'all? Have you tried this product yet? What are your thoughts?
Till later,
*Jane


I am an Amazon Affiliate and all indicated links are Amazon Affiliate links.

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Review - Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick

When I got into wearing lip colour I started out with berry tones, plums and reds - all pretty safe options for my skin tone but then I saw and fell in love with Kerry Washington's lip color on the cover of Elle Magazine and then even more so the new trends with orange and coral lip colours so I went and picked up the Mabelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick in 'Electric Orange' No. 880. It wasn't quite the shade I wanted so I also picked up ''Vibrant Mandarin' No. 885.

                             

I've had the lipsticks now for a couple of months and have worn them out on different occasions to get a proper feel for them. Here are my thoughts thus far:

Packaging

Left - Electric Orange ; Right - Vibrant Mandarin

The packaging is relatively simple and fuss free with a square, faux metal base and a transparent neon cap. The name and number of the lipstick is printed on a sticker on the bottom and the actual colour is pretty close to the colour of the sticker. The cover is the standard snap/pull off cover and you get to the bullet by twisting the bottom. There is nothing fancy but because the cover is neon, it is easy to distinguish from your other lipsticks.

Pricing
The lowest price point I've seen this at is $750 JMD and the highest at $990 JMD so you will be spending more than say a Jordana lipstick but definitely less than a MAC lipstick. I personally don't think that this is bad for the price as Maybelline lipsticks are pretty much reliable.

Application
When you open the tube the first thing that will hit you is the smell. Both smelled slightly different but they had the same base scent. The smell reminds me of if you were to mix the smell at the end of a vanilla candle with play-do. It's not a pleasant smell and it lingers so that you can smell it on your lips for about an hour or so. So boo to that. 

Above - Electric Orange; Below - Vibrant Mandarin

Separately from that however, the colour is true to form and what you see on the bullet is the color pay off you get. The application is therefore almost opaque which is excellent for women of colour because this means that you don't have to apply concealer to get the true colour of the lipstick. Application is smooth because the lipstick is quite moisturizing and has a creamy glossy finish. However, if you layer it on you will see it start to drag and the colour streak a bit. For this reason, I would say to get the best result, apply lip liner to your lips first and dot on the colour rather than swiping it on. If you are going to go lipliner-free then application with a lip brush should help you avoid that streakiness if you intend to layer.

Durability
The product is not one of the long-wearing lip colours offered by Maybelline and therefore will transfer and rub off, but unless you are eating or making out, the colour doesn't fade for about four hours. It also doesn't dry out the lips leaving you with that shriveled lip effect some long wearing lip products cause.

Results
The Vivids lipsticks are true to their name - they provide a bright, basically opaque, creamy colour for the times when you want a bolder look. If you want to tone it down, rim your lips with a deeper coloured lipliner and blend it into the lipstick to bring down the contrast or, mix it with sheer gloss for a lighter feel. I even mixed mine with another lip colour to create a colour I felt more comfortable wearing during the daytime. You can see that diy here .

All in all, this is an excellent solution for those that want great colour pay off but don't want to shell out for higher end lipsticks. I would give this a 7.5/10 with my only complaints being the inability to layer the colour easily and the off-putting smell.

Have you tried these out yet? Which colour are you loving?

Do you have a product you'd like me to try out and review before you buy it? Shoot me an email or leave me a comment and I'll give it a try.

Till later,
**Jane

(I am an Amazon Affiliate and image links are Amazon Affiliate links)

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Review - MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural

Whoever invented MAC MSF Natural is a genius and I am quite frankly confused as to why I did not hear about this until recently. I've had this product since August and I can now declare that this is love.

The MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural is a multi-use product with an excellent silky finish that stays put and does not break you out. I am HUGE fan and I will go as far as saying that if you don't have this product go out and get it pronto.But, I digress shall we proceed?

photo credit

 

Packaging
This is a standard MAC product so it comes in standard packaging with a transparent cover, in a large black pot. It has a push lever rather than the snap closure which makes it easier to open than your standard compact. The product is molded into a dome shape which makes for easy swiping with a brush. The one drawback is that it does not come with a mirror so you can't just throw this in your bag and go. I have read a couple reviews and there is a call for an addition of a mirror so maybe MAC will heed the call and add this later on.

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May 2013 Favourites

Favourites videos are really just an opportunity to take a peek at the beauty stash of other beauty and skincare enthusiasts. You get a chance to see what products deliver what they promise, or what products are worth their price as well as hear how its being used.

Though I'm pretty late on the train, putting a video up in the middle of June, I was excited to share with you guys some of the products I've purchased or re-discovered lately that I have just been falling in love with. There are two or three products that I've been loving that weren't included in my faves because they deserve their own rave review and you can expect those pretty soon.

In the meantime, grab a a cup of water, sit back, relax and enjoy:

I would love to hear what your favourites are for the Month of May, so leave me a comment below and I will be sure to check out your recommendations.

Till later,
**Jane

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Review: Essie No Chips Ahead Top Coat (Jane Approved)

If you follow me on twitter you would have been subjected to my constant raving about this product. I scored it at Discount Beauty Centre in Kings Plaza some time ago and I have fallen in love since the first time I applied it.

My search for a good top coat got serious after my most recent encounter with shallac. After removal my nails were weak and brittle and full of ridges. I decided to give myself a break and just use regular polish. Now, I'm no glamour queen - I cook and clean several times a week, and I have neither the dedication nor the time to repaint my nails three times a week. It just will not happen. 

So after my most expensive nail polish chipped on me only two days in I decided that I needed to go out and get a proper top coat. I first picked up the sally hansen insta-dri anti chip top coat in the red bottle. MASSIVE fail. I was sorely disappointed because Sally Hansen has always been my nail go to. With this top coat my nail polish was peeling off in chunks by the next morning. I chucked the bottle and made the plunge with Essie.

Now I am not used to paying $700 + for a bottle of nail polish especially when you can pick up Klean Kolours for $120 BUT I saw the reviews on Makeup Alley and thought if so many people loved it then it was worth a shot. So here's my breakdown:


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Application
The essie brushes are small and narrow so chances are you won't be able to goop this on. It forces the application to be thin and smooth. It feels a tad tacky - as in you may not even notice it. As soon as you apply it and it sets it kind of sets to a hard clear shell like an acrylic coat of paint - which is fantastic if you don't want your nails to chip.

Dry Time
This is not a quick-dry top coat at all. I would imagine that because it's so good at not chipping it needs time to set. I recommend painting your nails where you have an hour to set aside for dry time. It will feel dry to the touch within five minutes if so long, but you can disturb the polish if you apply pressure to it or dink it with something sharp before an hour is up. Dunking your nails in cold water won't help the process either. I haven't tried it with one of those fast-drying sprays though. This may bother some persons but I think it's worth the wait if I don't have to change my polish for at least another five days.

Durability
With cheaper nail polishes the top coat lasted a good five days without a single chip. After the fifth day I saw tiny chips at the top of the nails of my most used fingers. 
With my more expensive/quality polishes this lasted between seven and nine days. A full week!!! I love products that make my life easier!
This may last longer on you because like I said earlier I cook and clean several times a week as well wash my own hair and do laundry. If you don't do this or you do it with gloves on you could have a longer lasting time.

Cost
This is not one of those bargain products per se. You can find it in Kingston for between $700 and $850. So far, I have seen it at Discount Beauty Centre in Kings Plaza or The Beauty Spot in the Spartan Wellness Centre on Brompton Road.
Since my nailpolish can last this long I really have no reason to go to the nail salon so, when you really look at it I have saved myself some money because my at-home manicure can actually last.

Overall
Bottom line, I would repurchase this product and I highly recommend it to all my friends. The smell is not overwhelmingly powerful and it has a nice shiny finish. I consider this a super fave. Well done essie!


Have you tried this product? What was your experience? Leave a comment and let me know!

Till later,
**Jane

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High End vs Low End : Concealers - Mac vs Black Opal

Concealers can be a girl's best friend. It can make us look awake, healthy and glowing while being invisible or as discreet as possible. Finding the right concealer can be a nightmarish experiment that may result with people walking up to you to brush 'something off your face' or inquiring when you start 'bleach'. 

I have found two concealers that supply shades that suit myself and most of the women I know - MAC and Black Opal. I thought it would be useful to do a side-by-side comparison of the two so you can make an educated choice the next time you're in the market for a concealer.

Packaging

Mac                                                                              Black Opal

                   

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The MAC concealer comes in a round pot and black casing. You will need to use a brush or your fingers to apply this. I use a flat concealer brush to apply this and blend it in and I enjoy the finish that this provides. I don't like using my fingers for cream products because the oils from your finger can mess with the consistency of the product and turn it wonky. No thanks!

The Black Opal concealer comes in a twist tube similar to a lipstick with a clear cover. Again, this is a cream product and though you can apply straight from the tube to your skin (which is pretty convenient) I like using my concealer brush just because applying straight from the tube deposits too much product for me and prolongs the blending. 

Convenience wise though, if you are applying with your fingers, the Black Opal is the winner on packaging because you can apply straight from the tube and blend in with your fingers. If you are using a brush then MAC wins as you don't have to twist up which would be an added step in the process. 

Staying Power

MAC studio finish concealer

This concealer has my admiration. This can last 8-10 hours, even if you're in the blazing sun. With other concealers I have always noticed fading after the third hour or so as well sinking into the fine lines under my eyes or sweating of the product in the heat. This product stays creamy, does not flake off and has SPF in it which I LOVE.  I don't use setting powder really so I can be sure that this product, applied with a brush stays put. 

Black Opal

This can stand up to the sun for about 3 hours. Longer than that and it starts to melt but really, I live on a tropical island and melting products is a norm here. If you apply setting powder it should last longer but I never do. If you aren't really in the sun then six hours is the longest this product will go before fading. What I dislike about Black Opal when it fades though is that it takes on a grey shade that is very unflattering. So if you tend to refresh your makeup during the day keep an eye on it.

Longevity of the Product

MAC Studio finish concealer

I purchased this in the airport in London and carried it back with me and had it wrapped up for three days by the window before I remembered to take it out of its packaging. There was slight sweating on the top of the concealer when I opened it but it had kept its consistency and colour throughout and did not get streaky. Loved that.

Black Opal

The heat in Jamaica is a serious factor and we need to keep this in mind when we are buying cream products. I made the unfortunate mistake of leaving my concealer stick in the car and when I returned it had melted down into the bottom of the tube and the top of it had darkened. The texture was noticeably harder but it wasn't hard to work with but I was disappointed that it had not maintained its colour.

Application

MAC concealer is creamy, has the right undertones and dries to a powder finish.

Black Opal is creamy but a tad less so, it has a tinge of a grey undertone but dries to a beautiful powder finish even when you get overzealous and apply a bit too much.

Price

MAC studio finish concealer retails for $18 USD online. I will update this figure in Jamaican dollars when I visit the now open MAC store.

Black Opal retails for $189 JMD at Lee's Pharmacy and around $200 at other pharmacies around Kingston.

If you aren't fussy and are looking for a quick fix concealer to wear for short periods of time then Black Opal will be an okay pick. If you want an exact match to you skin with long lasting wear and spf protection then MAC studio finish concealer will give you joy.

Let me know what concealer you enjoy wearing or you want to try out and I'll give it a whirl myself. Also, if you want to see how I apply concealer to fix various blemishes and imperfections leave a comment and I'll film a video on that.

Seasons Greetings!

Jane

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