jessfortherecord.

Lioele BB Creams

2011-08-30T18:58:00.002+01:00

So it turns out I lied about having more time to write... I apologise. But I'm back now, first off with a review on two BB Creams!

For those who don't know, BB Cream has the characteristics of moisturiser, foundation, and often act as sunscreen as well, and have become really popular in the past few years, particularly in Korea, Japan, China, and other parts of Asia. Depending on the brand and type, some BB Creams also have anti-wrinkle, oil control and whitening properties to suit most skin types. BB Cream can be used as a base for foundation or powder, but more often than not you can use them by themselves and still achieve natural looking, flawless skin without looking like you have too much make up on. The only problem is that unlike foundation, most BB Creams only come in one or two shades. The available shades are usually more suitable for people with fair skin, however there are a few out there for those with darker skin, and some that adjust to an individual's skin tone after application.

Left: Water Drop BB//Right: Beyond the Solution BB

After that rather lengthy introduction to BB Creams, I can finally move onto the main content of the post. The BB Creams I'll be reviewing are Lioele's Water Drop BB Cream and Lioele's Beyond The Solution BB Cream~

Water Drop BB Cream

Enhanced with Lioele's 'water capture system', the Water Drop BB Cream claims to provide increased skin hydration as well as giving the skin a natural glow. The cooling effect of the water droplets also relieve redness and helps skin feel fresh and not weighed down by the product. It also has SPF 27 PA++ which blocks both UVA and UVB, so that's handy for people who usually apply sunscreen under their makeup to protect their skin and those who are more susceptible to the sun. This BB Cream is waterproof, so you have no worries about it melting off your face in the rain or anything =)

Ingredients: Water, Phenyl Trimethicone,Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Alcohol Denat,Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate,4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Talc,PEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, CI 77492, Sodium Citrate,Methylparaben, Chlorphenesin, Butylparaben, CI 77491, CI 77499, Fragrance, Cyclomethicone,Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium EDTA,PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide , Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Hexyl Laurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract,Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf/Twig Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract, Citric Acid

Packaging: ✭✭✭✭✩

This BB Cream comes in a flat-ish tube (easy to pack into a crowded make up bag!) with a nozzle from which the cream is squeezed out of. Although a pump would be more hygienic, it's not too bad as it's easy to control the amount you squeeze out so that less is wasted. The pearly effect on the powder blue coloured tube is also super pretty.

Texture: ✭✭✭✭✭

My favourite thing about this product is how light it is on the skin. It isn't as thick as normal BB Creams and feels more like a lotion or water-based moisturiser. This makes it easy to apply and blend into the skin, and it feels like you're not wearing any makeup at all! Even after removing, skin feels smooth and soft as if you'd just moisturised.

Finish: ✭✭✭✩✩

Like any respectable BB Cream, this gives a lovely even skin tone and does relieve redness. It has a dewy finish, so this may not be so good if you naturally have oily skin, although you can always dust it over with a little powder to achieve a more matte finish. My one and only problem with the Water Drop BB Cream is that while it does a good enough job with dark circles and mild redness/blotchiness, it has relatively poor coverage, so don't rely on it to cover significant blemishes or severe redness.

Beyond The Solution BB Cream

Lioele's most popular BB Cream - I'd be a fool not to try it. This BB Cream is suitable for any skin type, and the colour does adapt slightly towards your personal skin tone. It is extremely long lasting, quickly absorbed and smoothes the skin upon application, making it perfect for quick make up application in the morning. The product also has oil control properties, which prevents it from becoming cakey or sliding during the day, yay!

Ingredients: Water, Cyclomethicone, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Talc, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Disostearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalane, Betaine, Magnesium Sulfate, Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglutamix Acid, Iron Oxides (CI 77492), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Tocopheryl Acetate, Iron Oxides, (CI 77499), Bisabolol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Allantoin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Fragrance

Packaging: ✭✭✭✭✩

The Beyond The Solution BB Cream comes in a tube with a metallic pump; none of the product which comes out goes back in. However, it is more difficult to control how much comes out, since a little of this BB Cream goes a VERY long way, and one full pump may be a little too much for one use. As for the next slight problem with packaging, I'm sure it's not only my own because other reviews have said the same thing, but the positioning of the cap against the pump nozzle is... messy. If the nozzle isn't properly wiped before you close the cap, the remaining BB cream ends up smearing up the inside of the TRANSPARENT cap... Maybe that's just me being picky, but... =="

Texture: ✭✭✭✭✩

Unlike the Water Drop BB Cream, this product is thicker in consistency and therefore feels a little (and I mean by the slightest amount) heavier when applied. Despite its consistency it's no harder to work with, and spreads amazingly. As I said somewhere in the last paragraph, only a little is needed to cover a large area, and it's easily absorbed by the skin when tapped lightly using your fingertips =)

Finish: ✭✭✭✭✭

I think the main reason why this BB Cream is so popular is that it provides great coverage even without any concealer or foundation. Redness, blotchiness, scars: This BB Cream has got it under control. It also has a smooth matte finish, so there is no need for powder unless you have slightly more oily skin. This finish lasts throughout the day without creasing or fading - Definitely 5 stars!

All in all, I really love both BB Creams. I think the Water Drop is great for everyday use when you just need to smooth out your skin tone and cover up mild blemishes, whereas I personally prefer the Beyond The Solution on days when my skin really doesn't look too good, or if I know I'll have a lot of photos taken that day and want my skin to look more flawless. Even mixing both BB Creams with 2 parts Water Drop and 1 part Beyond The Solution works, as it combines the softer texture of one with the better (although not full) coverage of the other. Experiment, try both, see what works for you =)

PEACE.

I'm Back!

2011-08-07T23:33:00.001+01:00

Hey everyone~
So I'm back from my holidays now, and I'll be home until school starts again in September, giving me more time to post more, I hope. Okay, as some of you might know, I went to Hong Kong again, mainly for work experience (which was awesome, by the way) but I also had some time for shopping. During my endless trips to Sasa, Colourmix etc., I managed to pick up a couple (okay, a lot) of things that I will hopefully write some reviews and comparisons on over the next few weeks...

All in the packaging... Because I do like pretty packaging ^^

More pictures below...

Ya, kind of forgot to include my new nail polishes in with the rest, so here's a photo of them.

As you can see, there are quite a few Lioele products, as well products by Laneige, MUFE, My Beauty Diary, OPI and more, so if any of this takes your interest, stick around =)

A Little More About Me...

2011-06-14T22:57:00.068+01:00

What is your current obsession?
I obsess over everything. People, food, objects, activities. Anything. Can't think of anything very 'current', but this past year one of my most pervading obsessions would probably be MUN (Model United Nations). Yes, I'm a complete dork. Another is painting my nails to procrastinate... Can't do much with wet nails can I?

What is your weirdest obsession?
Second question and I'm already finding this difficult, go figure. Weirdest... I don't know. But I do have an obsession with making sure there's always more than one loo roll in the bathroom. Running out is an awful situation.

What are you wearing today?
Um... Just been at home today so just some black sweatpants, T-shirt and my school sports hoodie =) Nice and warm.

What's your favorite comfort food?
Dark chocolate in any form. Or hot chocolate with a scoop of ice cream in it - Yes I'd be obese if I ever got severely depressed.

What would make today special?
If the person I'm speaking to now will call me again before I sleep.

What would you like to learn to do?
Skateboarding! I don't know how to ride a bike (I know, shameful) but I think learning to skateboard would just be that much cooler? ^^ Or snowboarding. Or drumming. There are too many things I'd like to learn to do, to be quite honest.

What's the last thing you bought?
Some double faced cotton pads (because I was running short and they are a must!) and a bottle of Sally Hansen's Hard As Nails polish in Natural, which I currently have on, and it's definitely living up to its comments so far.

What are you listening to right now?
Nothing... iTunes is paused for some reason. Although I can hear my sister and mum talking pretty loudly downstairs although I swear they're in the same room... Well, that's my family for you.

What is your favorite weather?
Sunny and slightly breezy but not too hot, probably around 25ºc would be perfect. Oh, and no chance of hayfever please.

What is your most challenging goal right now?
Getting through my GCSEs whilst trying to get the grades I'm expected to get (2 WEEKS TO GO!)

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I don't know... I guess I'm supposed to answer this with some exotic far away place, but I really just want to live near people I love and care about. Wouldn't hurt to have a nice house in a safe and decent area though ^^"

If you could swap lives with anyone for one day who would it be and why?
Hm... Not sure, probably one of my close male friends? It'd be interesting to be someone of the opposite gender for a day, as long as I get to switch back. Plus, I'm sure he'd benefit from walking a day in my shoes too.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
That depends on who would find out... I'd probably go and spend time with a person I kind of still need to make amends and redeem myself with >< Oh so mysterious.

What would you like to have in your hands right now?
Haha, this question could be read sooo wrongly. But I could do with some money round about now ;)

Which language do you wanna learn?
Korean!! Or Icelandic. Just because. But Korean would take priority anyday. KPop has made me obsessed, and it sounds so cute :3

What do you look for in a friend?
Someone who's a positive thinker and knows how to cheer me up or take my mind off things, who's also trustworthy and would be able to be honest with me in any circumstance.

Who do you want to meet in person?
Jesus, because he's awesome and he has all the answers I could possibly want. If we're thinking a little more 'realistic', so to speak, then Rick Warren, because I find him so inspirational and talented with words.

What's your favorite type of music?
Right now I'm going through a huge KPop phase, which pretty much includes all the mainstream Kpop artists: Big Bang, 2NE1, IU, Beast, MBLAQ, CN Blue, 4Minute, 2PM, 2AM and the list goes on.
Aside from Kpop, I like also like Matt Redman, Boyce Avenue, Elliot Minor, Taylor Swift and Hillsong United~

What's your dream job?
I'd love to be able to become a doctor and save lives, working anywhere in the world as long as I can help. I know, cliché and all, but it's true. My dream job would be one I wouldn't get bored of, one that I could help people live well, and a job that isn't money-orientated but will earn me a good living to look after myself =)

If you had $100 now what would you spend it on?
The Urban Decay 15th Anniversary 24/7 Glide-On Pencil Set. I've been wanting it for agessss but hesitate every time I see the price >< Oh, and I'd save the rest for future use!

Things you wish you could change in the past?
I wouldn't. I'm happy with how things are now, and I know messing with the past might have even worse consequences for the future. Everything happens for a reason, and that reason is to make yourself, or someone out there stronger. That's what I believe anyway.

Fashion Pet Peeve?
I really don't see this whole 'flatform' thing... They just look like those ancient Japanese clog-sandal shoes, and in my opinion, if you really want to add height, heels will always be that much classier.

Describe your personal style.
Simple, I'd say? I have a bit of a thing for scarves and I love the way they can change your look depending on how you wear them, but other than that I do feel comfortable just walking out in skinnies and a hoodie with converses. And I love jeans, they're the only type of full lengths I wear =D

What's your favorite ice cream flavor?
Hehehe. It really depends on my mood, but I like mint chocolate chip and Bailey's flavour the best. And Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia is yummmm~

What's your favorite makeup brand?
I have a lot of Maybelline makeup, but at times it does disappoint me quite a bit, I must admit (or that could just be my monolids causing problems). But I love love love love LOVE Lioele products, will definitely bring back a haul from Hong Kong this year!

What makeup do you use a lot?
I'm not a frequent eyeshadow user, since it's just effort because of my fore-mentioned monolids, but I usually stick to my Maybelline gel liner, Clinique volumizing mascara topped off with a coat of Maxfactor Lash Extension Effect waterprood mascara, and for my face some Lioele Water Drop BB Cream with concealer where I need it?

Do you get enough beauty sleep? Yes or no? Why?
I sleep a lot. I mean it, usually the minimum is 8 hours a night, but I've heard that'll probably change next year when I start needing to study more >< However, even with that amount of sleep, I still have these permanent dark circles/bags so... no I don't get enough beauty sleep? But seriously, how much does a girl have to sleep for it to count as beauty sleep?

Why did you start your blog?
Because I was bored... And I thought that I may as well, you never know where it could end up, right?

What do you think is the best feature about yourself?
I'm very determined with things that I feel are important to me. If a good friend is in trouble, I'd try my best to help. If I'm struggling with exams or studying, I could work for hours at a time without tiring in order to get things done. However, if I don't have this kind of urge, I'm incredibly lazy.

What is your favourite vacation spot?
Hong Kong! Shopping opportunities everywhere, good food, amazing version of Starbucks, fast food delivered to you within 5 minutes, food everywhere, food... food. Food is good XP

What do you like least about yourself?
There are so many things I would change about myself, but nobody's perfect. I think one of my biggest flaws is speaking without thinking through things enough. I often say things I don't mean that could hurt someone and then regret it later. But then another flaw is that I'm arrogant, so it takes a lot to make me make the first step to admit and correct my mistakes.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?
What a question. I don't think I have that many, but different people have different opinions. 11 pairs... soon to be 13 (summer sales at Office. *sigh*) Now that I've counted, that's quite a lot. I may have even missed a couple of pairs.

Are you happy?
Yes =)

Helloooo.

2011-06-14T17:13:00.008+01:00

Hey hey hey,
So after considering and pondering for quite some time, I've decided to just go for it and start a blog. On what, exactly? I don't know, but I'll try and be spontaneous about posting a little about everything until I settle myself into some sort of niche. Whatever I decide on, I'm definitely not guaranteeing that I'm any expert in the field, but I thought it was about time I started sharing some thoughts and ideas: Where better to start than on the Internet?
Anyways, I hope I'll keep this up and... yeah. You'll hear from me soon ^^