Secret Key Sweet Glam Tint Glow Review

Hi, guys! WOW I HAVEN'T POSTED FOR MONTHS. Ew, this freaking human *mumbles*. I promised myself to write at least three posts every month, now see how I'm doing. Things got real hectic, but ouch, I have no excuse, guys.

I came to this blog and some of you commented how you checked this blog to see if there's a new post, when you didn't find one you sort of protested (and 11k pageviews? Last time I checked it was still 9k or something). Thank you so much! Those comments surprised me and I can't believe myself. 'What? People actually revisit my blog and they are eager to see some updates--when I can't even write properly.' Again, thank you! It really made me super happy!! I won't abandon this blog (but oops, I did forget that I have a blog), buying the .net domain was a form of my commitment to the blog. I pay it yearly, so even if I forget that I own a blog, the bill will still come to me and be like, 'sup you still have that stupid cottonkuma thing of yours.'

Today I'm going to do a review of this one product--which, wait, looks very familiar.

IS THAT DIOR ADDICT LIP GLOW?

Nope. A dupe, obviously. A wonderful-looking dupe. Guys, guys, I don't want to spend $32 on a damn lip balm, okay? I have always been lusting on Dior Addict Lip Glow, but god knows my wallet is so thin I'm afraid it could disappear into thin air whenever it feels like going poof! Bye, loser.

First, what is this Dior Addict Lip Glow thing?

(or Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm, to be exact. It's this one.)

(The one I want is this one, the packaging is prettier.)

It's a lip balm with sheer, natural pink color that comes in a beautiful packaging from the high-end brand Dior (actually, who doesn't know Dior?). It has SPF 10 and is supposed to 'awaken and enhance the natural beauty of your lips'. It will look like your lip color--just much nicer! How does that sound? Not to forget that it's a lip balm, it's as moisturizing as lip balm and bonus SPF (not very helpful, minimal SPF for lips is 15, but better than nothing, no?). The color will also vary on different person. Yeah.

(In the photo above, the plastic cap appears more pinkish. The first photo of this post shows you the true color. I hate editing the photos of this one product, somehow the colors in every photo are inconsistent.)

Secret Key is a Korean brand that I have heard few times because of their snail products. This is the first Secret Key product I purchased. I was excited when I first saw this product, I didn't wait to buy one.

They do a great job in replicating the packaging. I feel good carrying this around with me, makes me feel sassy.

The twist mechanism works well and when you close the cap it produces 'click' sound. I like how it has lip bullet shape. Because, uh, it feels cool and very womanly. I had great time laughing when my clumsy friend tried to put it on her though, 'how the heck do you apply this?!' since lipsticks feel so foreign to us. I also struggled with it at first, but *cough* none of you will get to see that.

Swatched on arm, the color is nice sheer pink. When first applied on lips, it may appear too red. After a while, it will turn to be reddish on me and on my friend, very cute milky peach color. My friend complained how it was too red after application, but we chatted for a few minutes and I noticed the change. She went to look on the mirror and surprised herself. I'm really sorry I can't show you some photos to prove, no one liked the idea of being my model! (I don't like taking photos of myself too lol) I will come back to this post with some swatches.

First few days of using the lip balm, I felt wonderful, it felt very moisturizing and--just fabulous. But after two weeks or so, I found myself stopped raving it. The lip balm lasts only for few hours and leaves my lips dry, or worse, sometimes chapped. Even with another lip balm underneath. I like the color it gives on my lips, but as a lip balm, it doesn't do its job well.

As it's drying, it's logical to reapply as often as you can. However, after reapplying every two hours, I scared my boyfriend with my extreme red lips. When the moisturizing effect runs out, the stain stays. It's fine if you're a fan of red lips, though.

At the end of the day, will I say that it's a perfect dupe of Dior Addict Lip Glow?

No. It's drying, it's a huge con. How could a product claiming as a lip balm be so drying?

It could work, but here is how to :

1. Apply.
2. After around two hours, apply lip balm. Don't reapply Secret Key Sweet Glam Tint Glow.
3. Watch out, don't wait until your lips are chapped. Always apply another lip balm beforehand.
4. Reapply Sweet Glam Tint Glow only if the color is gone.

Don't you think it would be such a hassle?

Price :
Rp 119.000,- (approximately $10)

Where to buy :
I purchased mine from Chic Princessa.

What I like :

• Elegant packaging.
• Beautiful color that varies on every person. It's just fun.
• Moisturizing--when it's still there.

What I dislike :

• YO IT'S DRYING.

Repurchase? Only if they do something with the drying part. Until then, no.

Brb, I have a lot of catching up to do!!
(Edit : OH NO my brother is downloading 10GB++ movies!!)

UPDATE : I'm truly sorry, I think I misjudged this product. I tried switching back and forth to other kinds of lip balm and I think it's MY LIPS' DRYNESS THAT CAN'T BE HELPED (I'm that type of person who doesn't drink water much). I will edit this post properly once I'm done with my work! I specifically went online to edit this post so people won't immediately list this product as a no-no. See you now, I will be back soon!

UPDATE II (whaaat) : Yeah, I think it's just me always being not hydrated enough. I'm really sorry, I can now claim that this lip balm is not drying! It's just like any other lip balm, I'm using this product again! It is moisturizing and not drying. The only con on this product is that if you often reapply it, the color will probably be too much. That is all!

Whoa this post is such a mess--finals are near, I think I'm on the verge of losing my sanity.

O.P.I Nail Lacquer in Dulce de Leche Review

I love this color, somehow I really do. It's O.P.I, so I would not be disappointed---would I?

To my surprise, it takes FOREVER to dry and IT CHIPS VERY EASILY, even after topped with the great Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as Nails Strengthening Top Coat (very recommended!). In a day or two, you should expect it to crack. I couldn't believe myself, so I gave it another few tries. And it still sucked.

My mom owns few O.P.I nail polishes, they all work great, so I kept wondering how this one failed to impress me. If you are questioning its authenticity, I will answer that I'm certain it's authentic, my mom bought it from the O.P.I counter directly for Rp 190.000,- (around $16)

This post has been sitting on my draft for months. I apologize for not showing how the color would look like when painted on nails. Every time I wanted to take a photo of it on my nails I feel highly unmotivated--then I decided I wouldn't do it. I know it's not going to be worth-it, I don't want to spend time beautifying my nails only to be disappointed the next day.

I love the shade, but the quality is poor and truly disappointing. I will not repurchase unless they make changes to the formula.

Anyway, I bought some items, I'm quite happy with my purchases and I want to review them! But I have 'use for at least three weeks before posting a review' rule I made for myself. Noooooooooo oh well can't wait to post! Have a good day!

My Makeup Essentials

Most of the time, I get too lazy to go for 'full makeup'. I proceed without this and that. However, I'm certain we all have those products we can't skip before going out! Here are mines!

1) Sephora Mineral Foundation Compact
I got this from my aunty as a gift. It has a mirror and a puff, but after experiencing a breakout the puff gives, the puff sits there simply as a decoration (I was in France and I left the brush at home, wow stupidity). This foundation powder greatly gives my skin smoother look, I love this!! Lasting power and oil control are an okay but I love the result it gives! Normally, I carry it with me but I never actually retouch, I leave the house as I wish it would stand my oily face.

2) MAJOLICA MAJORCA Lash Enamel Glamour Volume On
Another gift, this time from a friend. My first mascara ever and I'm never going to switch brand. Majolica Majorca's mascaras are no joke, they are the real deal. Even if you sweat a lot, cry a pool, or run through the rain, it will stay still awesomely. This mascara is the queen! And just look at the gorgeous packaging! I actually did a comparison with my ex-housemate's Benefit They're Real! and Benefit was such a pain to remove, Majolica Majorca's could easily be removed with hot water. This one is supposed to give you more volume, but my friend said that my eyelashes are thick (not full, just--thick, every lash is just thick), so this mascara doesn't work so well on me. I tried it on my brother (yes, brother, because eh no sister) and it worked--wonderfully. Wow.

3) Whatever brow pencil *cough* Etude House Drawing Eyebrow AD
Full review here. I included it in this post because doing my brows is an essential routine of mine. This one pencil is dead though, the job's done, time to look for a new brow kit.

4) Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
One of the best eyelash curlers out there, but it just doesn't really fit my eyelid shape. I tried an eyelash curler my friend bought from Daiso and it worked better on me. Even so, I still need this, Queen Majolica Majorca can't go without her throne curled.

5) Yves Rocher Stop Correcteur Malin
Full review here. A bit hard to blend, but works great on my dark circles.

6) The Body Shop All-in-One BB Cream
This and the Sephora Mineral Compact Foundation are a match. I can't achieve the 'smoother skin' look without the powder, and my face will be all shiny with oil without the BB cream. This BB cream has grains with color-changing feature, when applying you could feel the--grains--on your face--feels weird, but that's how it works. When my skin tanned greatly, I didn't need to replace my BB cream because it could adapt itself with my skin tone. Light coverage, okay oil control, but still feels great.

7) 3 Concept Eyes Pink Kabuki Brush
Affordable, about $9. Comes with an expensive-looking pouch. Washed few times already. Really soft, doesn't shed, doesn't irritate my skin. *dances*

8) Too Cool For School Milk Tint
Full review here. Lovely peach color and doesn't leave my lips dry. It's my favorite lip tint so far!

9) The Body Shop Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm
Well. Lip balm. You just don't skip it. Full review here.

Okay now have a good day, guys!!

Etude House Drawing Eyebrow AD

Why is there no 'review' in the post title? Because I planned to review it but before I could, it broke. Again.

Before I continue with my review, I would like to say HI HELLO HI HI how did your Valentine's Day go? I hope you all had a good time! I spent mine at my friend's place, we wanted to bake chocolate cheesecake but we were running out of milk. Eventually, we just looked for cute gift box printables and ta-dah!

Looks very nice, right? I was kind of disappointed that we couldn't make the chocolate cheesecake (I really wanted some for myself too! Well, it's cheesecake), but that's fine!

Now, about the product on the title!

The first time I purchased it, it broke because of my own fault, I twisted it the wrong way, so I made another purchase. And this time, I didn't even do anything but when I wanted to use it it just wouldn't budge as if I twisted it wrong again. But noooo, I haven't even done anything, I just removed the cap and twisted it--correctly (I have learned my lesson). No one borrowed my makeup so did it just--break on his own?

That's it, Etude House, I'm never going to buy any of your product again. Sure, Etude House's products are cute, adorable, affordable and all but I have always thought that the quality is so-so.

NOW I DON'T HAVE EYEBROWS.

I mean they are visible but not thick enough.

It's broken and I can't do swatch or anything but I'm going to do a short review anyway.

Etude House Drawing Eyebrow AD comes in six shades; #1 Dark Brown, #2 Grey Brown, 3# Brown, #4 Dark Grey, 5# Grey, and #6 Black. Mine is #5 Gray, because my hair color is black. Pick one shade lighter than your hair color for your eyebrows so it will not appear too harsh on you.

The pencil is replaceable, when you are running out of it you can buy a box of the refill. I can't find any seller that sells the refill box in my area though. The color itself is sheer and buildable, which is good because I don't want to overdo it. I just need my eyebrows to appear thick enough but not really obvious that I draw my eyebrows.

I hate sharpening and this one is an automatic pencil with triangle shape, also comes with a spoolie brush to comb the hair and soften your strokes. The spoolie is a huge help, I can just draw it messily and it will still turn out nice after being combed with the spoolie (I comb my eyebrows before and after), perfect for *cough* us students who often wake up late and do a little bit of makeup in a rush.

Unfortunately, it doesn't last long. Just few hours and it will disappear. This made me consider whether I should switch for other eyebrow pencil (it didn't wait long though, it broke on me).

Price :
Rp 36.000,- (around $3)

Where to buy :
I bought mine from Chic Princessa.

What I dislike :

• Doesn't last long.
• Breaks easily.

 What I like :

• Cheap.
• Automatic triangle-shaped pencil.
• Comes with a useful spoolie.

Repurchase? No.

I'm thinking of getting NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder, tell me if you have any (inexpensive) brow kit or bow pencil recommendation!

Baviphat Apple Jelly Lip Scrub Review

Wow, it's already 2014! Thank you for your company on my blog, guys! I really like reading your comments, you guys are super sweet! By now, have you noticed that I used exclamation mark a lot? I don't even know why but, yeah! Exclamation! Mark!

Please bear with me.

Okay. My first post in 2014 is going to be a review for a lip scrub. It deserves a post because it really had saved me during my bad lip days!

Another cute fruit-shaped packaging from Baviphat (I previously wrote a review of Baviphat's Strawberry Mask here), it's like a tinier version of their Apple-In-One Peeling Gel. Who is a sucker for cute packaging? You may raise your hand with me.

It contains 6g of the product and it's really tiny, but since you only use a small amount of the lip scrub, it will probably last forever.

I actually didn't buy this myself, a friend gave it to me. If you are wondering why the gel is yellow-colored (unlike in the stock photo, which is pink), I'm sorry that I have no idea.

You can actually make your own homemade lip scrub, but if you are lazy like me and often have very dry lips, I suggest you to grab a cheap lip scrub. There's no need to buy a 'luxurious lip scrub' because they all basically work the same way, and I bet the ingredients are not that different (wait, does a luxurious lip scrub really exist?).

It's absolutely not the best feeling when you have very dry lips. Lip balm alone can't help your dry, chapped, and flaky lips to recover. Don't even try applying lipstick on your lips when they are very dry, flaky lips are not flattering. Moisten your lips by scrubbing them first, apply lip balm, then finally you can go with your favorite lipstick! Make sure your hands are clean before you dip your finger into the product.

I don't scrub on daily basis--but this really helps when I have super dry lips. It smells and tastes sweet! It's obviously not something for you to eat, but who can resist?

Do note that the smell is a bit strong, some of you may be overwhelmed by it. I'm sensitive to fragrances myself, but this one doesn't bother me. After scrubbing, wipe your lips with water because I'm sure some sugar will stay if you try removing only with a tissue.

Price :
Woahh I'm sorry, I don't know!

Where to buy :
Same answer as above.

What I dislike :

• Jar-type packaging without spatula provided, might be unhygienic.

What I like :

• Cute and travel-friendly packaging (you don't want to be rubbing your lips in public though).
• Moisten my lips.
• Smells and tastes sweet.

Repurchase? I kind of want to try Lush's Bubble Gum Lip Scrub, but it's not available in my area so I will probably repurchase this! Oh wait, it lasts forever.

Yves Rocher Stop Correcteur Malin Review

My first post in December! I'm sorry I have not been able to write much. Do you guys have certain plan for Christmas? I wish that this month will be another great month for you guys!

I will now review another product from Yves Rocher I randomly grabbed when I was in France! Which I use very often. To my surprise, all of their products I bought didn't go to waste. My friend loves the brown mascara I gave her, my mom uses the lipstick (I didn't get the chance to ask her whether she likes it or not), I use the concealer and the lip gloss.

I did a brief introduction of the brand Yves Rocher and a review of the lip gloss before, if you have not read it, do check it here yay!

So what does the product do?

Yep, you read it yourself. It is a concealer that Yves Rocher claims to be capable of concealing your acne, pimples, or any 'imperfection' and making them dry faster. Sounds amazing, no?

I assume this product is only available in France, because I could not find it in the US and Canada ones, so--here you go, in French, from their site :

Camoufle les imperfections et accélère leur disparition
Un correcteur indispensable à garder au fond du sac pour camoufler les imperfections et accélérer leur disparition.

Testé sous contrôle dermatologique
Composants d'origine végétale : Extrait de scutellaire

Son + : hyper pratique, c'est le produit complice par excellence, à emporter dans son sac à main partout avec soi.

What kind of writing is that, Yves Rocher?! 'Son +' (its +), really? Please try to write the description for your own product properly.

Aaaanyway. Google Translate in action.

Camouflages imperfections and accelerates their demise
Indispensable to keep in your bag to conceal imperfections and accelerate their demise checker.

Tested under dermatological control
Components of plant origin: Extract from Scutellaria

The Plus: very practical, the accomplice product par excellence, to be carried in her purse anywhere.

Ingredients (written on its plastic sealer) :

Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Paraffin, Ozokerite, Cera Microcristallina, Phenyl Trimethicone, Salicylic Acid, Copaifera Officinalis, Resin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891

It contains 1,4 g of the product.

Expiration date and color of the shade. Unfortunately, they apparently only have one single shade for this product, I asked the shop clerk there for other shade option and a tester, but they did not have any. I read on their site that a lot of people complained for not having more shades available.

Stick type, you can use up all of it, the advantage of a stick-type concealer.

As you can see, the shade is actually very deep.

Without and with flash. Deep shade with orange undertone.

A little bit of rant from me :

This shade actually suits my skin tone really well. Before I went to France, I ordered a concealer from CANMAKE. It arrived when I was in France. After going back, I was surprised that this was the only concealer that worked on my tanned skin (I thanked my randomness for grabbing this thing!). My Etude House Surprise Essence Concealer and CANMAKE Cover & Stretch Concealer UV (both in Natural Beige) turned out to be too light for my tanned skin *sobs*

I did not even intend to tan my skin (when my friends back there tried really hard to get tanned). I was looking forward to try my CANMAKE concealer, forgetting the fact that the sun in France was harsh. My friend would not stop staring at me, wanting to have 'sun-tanned golden skin' I had. Well, it comforted me. Thank goodness my BB cream has this color-matching system, so I did not have to buy another in deeper shade.

End of rant!

So, does it really work?

It works on my dark circles well, better than my other concealers. Peach and orange tones are the best for your dark circles. The coverage is also great for other areas. But the texture is not creamy enough, it feels dry and it's hard to blend it out, especially on your dark circles. Yes, it works well there but the texture is the problem. While patting motion is the best way to blend out concealer under your eyes, it doesn't work with this concealer. I usually blend it out by rubbing and--reminding myself not to be harsh on my under eyes.

As for its lasting power, there is nothing outstanding. I'm sorry, I always failed to check how many hours it could last on my face, I can't tell you how long exactly it could last, but what I know is it's definitely better than Etude House Surprise Essence Concealer's lasting power.

It smells like---your foundation powder. Faint, does not bother me.

How about the 'drying imperfections' claim? Nah, I used it quiet diligently on a few pimples, it didn't medicate any of them.

Price :
4,10€ (around $5.6 or Rp 67.000,-)

Where to buy :
Yves Rocher stores. Use the store locator here. Yves Rocher's products are mostly available in America and Europe, the only Asian country who has them is China.

What I dislike :

• The dry texture, making it hard to blend out around under eyes.
• Does not last for long time.
• Does not actually make acne dry faster.

What I like :

• Works great on dark circles.
• Cheap (yes, this has to be added!).
• Matches my tanned skin well.

Repurchase? No.

Etude House Dear Girls Be Clear Moisturizer SPF 30/PA++ Review

We know that applying toner and moisturizer before going with your BB cream or foundation is very essential. When I first started doing make-up, I didn't own any moisturizer at the moment, so I grabbed this right after Etude House released their Dear Girls line which used only organic ingredients and comes in 5-Free System; paraben, talc, mineral oil, artificial colors, animal ingredients.

Etude House's products always have pretty packaging! Look at those flower and ribbon decorations!

Pump for your hygiene's sake. Contains 50g of the product.

'Ingridients'? What.

So what do they say about this product? (from en.koredepart.com)

Adheres to skin to brighten skin tone without stickiness.
Blocks UV rays to create healthy skin.
5-vitamin extract and 7-organic extract offer full of nutrition to skin.
5 Free System (Paraben, talc, mineral oil, artificial colors, animal ingredients)

It's always good to have some sun protection in your make-up, I was happy finding out this moisturizer has SPF 30 in their formula. And that 5-Free System is just great!

Now, let's see how it works.

Hada Labo's moisturizer comes in transparent white liquid while Etude House's has thick white liquid with refreshing floral scent that stays on skin for minutes.

Blended out.

With flash.

While Hada Labo Ultimate Moisturizing Milk gives clear, watery finish, Etude House Dear Girls Be Clear Moisturizer leaves you with a matte white cast. Note that it doesn't last long, but you need to give some time for it to give you the brightening result you want before you start going with your BB cream or foundation. There was one day where I applied it with BB cream and powder in a rush, the white cast wouldn't tone down even if I waited for minutes. It was horrifying, my face was way far brighter than my neck. I ended up restarting my whole make-up.

I have to tell you that you need to be very careful with this moisturizer, apply it thinly with your fingers! With Hada Labo, I don't need to worry about applying too much moisturizer, let it dry for a while and BB cream time! With this one moisturizer, one full pump is too much. When it's too much, it leaves you a white cast that lasts long and if you go out, being exposed to the sun, IT MELTS.

IT.

MELTS.

No kidding, when I visited my boyfriend he asked, 'what is that white thing on your forehead?' FREAKING EMBARRASSING GRAAAAHHHH

*cough*

Well, if you apply it evenly, thinly, and carefully, you will get the result you want. I really like how it brightens my dull skin without sticky feeling. And it has SPF 30 so no need to apply more sunscreen! I don't get breakouts from this moisturizer too. But having to be careful upon application is too much of inconvenience for me, so I switched to my Hada Labo.

Price?
Rp 76.000,-/around $6.7

Where to buy?
eBay. I purchased mine from Chic Princessa.

What I dislike :

• One full pump is too much? WHYYY. The pump should have been designed as its own measurer that gives you the perfect amount! Or do I expect too much?
• White cast that stays forever when applied too much.
• It melts (again, when applied too much) under the sun.
• Wtf why so much work to get the result I want. 

What I like :

• Refreshing floral fragrance.
• Cute packaging.
• Hygienic pump.
• SPF 30/PA++ for your sun protection.
• Brightens the skin tone--when applied correctly.

Repurchase? No.

Thanks for reading, have a good day!

It's Skin Macaron Lip Balm in 01 Strawberry Review

Bon appetit ! Omnomnomnom.

Okay, no, don't. It's a lip balm, not a real macaron for you to eat, no matter how tempting it looks please don't eat it. Once, my friend and my boyfriend saw this, my friend jokingly told my boyfriend to eat it. He took it, he opened his mouth and I swear I had a light heart attack there. My friend and I gasped when we saw it gone into his mouth as he made gulping sound. Of course he was also joking, he didn't really put it inside, but the lip balm could fit into his mouth! *inhales*

Onto the review!

What made me buy this lip balm? The packaging, obviously! *hides*

It's Skin offers the Macaron Lip Balm in 01 Strawberry, 02 Green Apple, 03 Grape, and 04 Pineapple. It contains 9g of the product. I chose Strawberry because I felt like--smelling strawberry? I don't know, later I regretted for not going with mint-colored green apple instead.

It's bigger than normal macarons (or maybe it's normal macarons that should be this big, yum). Don't try giving people heart attack by seeing if it could fit into your mouth, okay?

So far, this is my favorite lip balm. On lips, it feels lighter than my The Body Shop Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm. The strawberry scent is very faint yet so sweet. Remember how I told you that sometimes I can be such a sensitive ass with fragrances? Not even once this lip balm makes me feel sick. It does its job well, it moisturizes your lips, no chapped lips. Nothing outstanding from the lasting power, though, it lasts for 2-3 hours like any other lip balms, then you will need to reapply it.

Although the packaging is really cute, it has its own disadvantage. It comes in jar without applicator, which makes it possible for it to collect bacteria. There are three ways to apply this kind of lip balm; you can use a lip brush, your clean finger, or just dip your lips into it. I usually use the second or third way myself.

Still a favorite lip balm of mine!

Price :
Rp 65.000,-/around $5.8

Where to buy?
eBay. I bought mine from Chic Princessa.

What I dislike :

1. Jar type without applicator, collects bacteria easily if not careful.

What I like :

1. Sweet, faint strawberry scent. Good for those who can be extremely sensitive with scented lip products.
2. Very light on lips.
3. Cute packaging!
4. Moisturizes the lips, not leaving them dry and chapped.

Repurchase? Nah, there are still tons of lip balm to try out!

As for you guys, how do you like lip balms in jar packaging? How do you usually apply it?

Thanks for reading, have a good day!

Too Cool For School Milk Tint in Milky Orange Review

Who is not a sucker for cute packaging? Not me! Who doesn't like milk? Not me! Put them altogether and you have me scratching my monitor!

Another lip product review. F--forgive me. Seriously, I don't know why but milk-related things in a packaging always look irresistibly cute. The first time I saw this from Cominica's review, I knew I had to grab it.

By the way, I just recently moved my domain to .net and THE COMMENTS ARE ALL GONE. If you guys commented and I didn't reply, I'm sorry but I lose all of them! Sob.

Moving on!

What do they say about this product? Prepare to scroll down for the long image!

Yep, there are two shades of them.

Mine is #2 Milky Orange. I tend to avoid pink shade because most of the time I'm afraid they will not suit my warm skin tone.

Please don't chug it down.

Shortest lip tint wand I've ever had. Does the color appear more pinkish to you?

(Actually useless to swatch it on wrist but I couldn't take a photo of me on my own)

The fact is the color is not very orange, it's more peachy. It makes your lips look livelier, it has hints of lovely orange color but not eye-catchy orange so I don't look like I just ate an orange candy. Last time I used Etude House's Sweet Recipe Candy Stick in Orange I looked like I rubbed something orange all over my lips and it was embarrassing.

'Once applied, stays lively for a long time.' Yes, it's correct. The lasting power is pretty surprising, it stays even after eating and drinking. It doesn't last all day but obviously it lasts longer than Yves Rocher Gloss!

'Moist without lipgloss'? It doesn't moisturize your lips all day but it doesn't leave my lips chapped and dry like other lip tint!

The thing that bothers me is the smell. It smells like it's perfumed, it doesn't smell like something natural (floral or something) and it's quite strong. When I'm being very sensitive, I avoid this lip tint because for the first few minutes after application, the smell stays on lips. It's tolerable but sometimes I can be a sensitive ass. Well, eventually it will bring out the color on your lips and last long!

Price :
Rp 72.000,-/around $6 at Chic Princessa. I bought it somewhere for Rp 98.000,-/$8 though.

Where to buy?
eBay or somewhere. I forgot where I got mine, this has been around for quite a long time.

What I dislike :
1) The scent.

What I like :
1) Soft, lovely peachy color.
2) Lasts long.
3) Doesn't leave my lips chapped.
4) JUST LOOK AT THE PACKAGING.

Yves Rocher Gloss Review

Hello, finally a new post! My mom lost the DSLR's memory stick, yesterday she found it back and today I took quick snaps. I struggled with the lighting--and God, someone needs to teach me how to use the camera properly. I always take photos when it's dark, I don't want my family to see me taking photos of a lip gloss!

Anyway, another lip product review! This time, a lip gloss from Yves Rocher. I used to hate using lip gloss because of the STICKINESS. But this one lip gloss surprised me!

...I had to stick my cow sticker on it because I didn't put it on a flat surface, it kept rolling down.

What is Yves Rocher? Other version of Yves Saint Laurent? (I got some people asking me this)
 
No! It is a beauty brand founded by French entrepeneur Yves Rocher. The company maintains a botanical garden in La Gacilly, Bretagne, France, which is open to public for free in warm months. Awesome company!

In their promotional posters, they say «Se réinventer chaque jour» and «Créateur de la cosmétique végétale», means 'innovating everyday' and 'creator of végétale cosmetic' (sorry for not being a good translator). In short, they use natural ingredients for their products. Yes, it is for you people with sensitive skin!

Honestly, I didn't even know this brand exists until I passed by the Yves Rocher store near my flat. I walked into the store, curious. The shop clerks were all smiley and nice, they will ask you whether you need their help as soon as you walk in (I will creep you out with my terrible French!). I bought some mascaras, lipsticks, a concealer and this lip gloss. The only things I keep for myself are the last two ones, I gave the rest to family and friends as a gift. Their products are rather cheap, really, I grabbed them without thinking much. And talk about quality!

Alors, what do they say about this product?

Yves Rocher USA | Yves Rocher France (The French one is the only one that has images and buyers' testimony.)

Ultra-light, non-sticky texture
A gloss as translucent as water. A sensual texture that is non-sticky and does not clump, enriched with Raspberry extracts for a sensory experience.
Glossy effect for light coverage and delicious lips.

The Plus: It's applicator’s design, moulded to the shape of the lips for an easy application and its soft tip which is a pleasure on the lips.
Paraben free formula.

0.15 fl.oz. Tube / 4.5 ml

Simple and nice packaging with a floral print.

Text in French with translation in English. Good, no need for me to translate anymore.

There is a spring inside the cap (white tube), make sure you secure it tightly after usage. I often forgot so it jumped.

Yes, the shape of the applicator is unique!

....my super tanned hand

I have to say that--IT LIVES UP TO THE CLAIM. Everything they say about the product is true. At first I didn't expect much from it, it was just something I grabbed randomly in a rush. And it surprised me! It is light, not awkwardly too shiny, sheer, buildable, and most importantly, not sticky at all. It has floral/fruity (can't determine) scent that is a bit strong, not very faint, you still can smell it when applied on your lips, but it's not overwhelming so I don't have a problem with it. This is something you need to note, though, the smell is a bit strong. I know some people can be extremely sensitive with scents.

I always apply lip balm beforehand because it doesn't have moisturizing effect. It lasts for 1-2 hours, gone after regular drinking and eating. Leaves my lips dry afterward, that's why I always use a lip balm first.

Oddly, on the site they only have up to nine shades while mine says on the bottom of the tube that it's the eleventh shade! Nah I don't know anymore.

Where to buy?
Use the store locator here. Yves Rocher products are mostly available in America and Europe, the only Asian country who has them is China.

What I like :
1) Cheap. 4,50€
2) Light, sheer, not sticky.
3) Great applicator shape, easy application.

What I dislike :
1) Not available at local stores.
2) Has rather strong scent.

Recommended? Yes! 

The Body Shop Born Lippy Stick Lip Balm Review

I always carry lip balm with me and I'm kind of a lip balm junkie. Once, my friend said "why do you only buy lip balms?!" Because they're cute, they vary, practical to carry and the easiest make-up to apply! Well, not really a make-up, but let's just say they are.

I remember these photos were taken a day right before my departure so they were rushed and a bit blurry, I apologize.

"You will need these," said my mom as she handed me over two lip balm sticks, she remembered that by the time I arrive in France, it will be summer. No for chapped lips, yay for lip balm!

Nice packaging, but not that adorable. Born Lippy comes in stick and pot with many fruity scents. These two are plum and pomegranate.

Notice a difference there? The red twister is a bit off, but it still works perfectly fine. I like how the cap covers the stick almost entirely. The last time I purchased their chocolate stick lip balm, it came with short cap, I put it it in my bag, it got dirt and all, ugh, gross. Not to mention it made me feel really sick many times (even before it got dirty), will never repurchase that one.

I thought it was grape, though.

And I thought it was apple! See, the twister is a bit off.

So what do they say about these two on their site?

Our cult lip balm in a stick format. Gives lips a pop of colour, a shot of moisture and a soft shine.
Plum/red tint
Subtle shine
Fruity plum/pomegranate flavour

Wtf what 'pop of colour', The Body Shop? They are not tinted at all. These are lip balm, not tinted lip balm. I didn't even know if they're supposed to tint your lips until I checked the site. Both smell nice, not too strong but it's not as faint as It's Skin Strawberry Macaron Lip Balm is. Those of you who are very sensitive with smell, avoid this.

I like the twister, it feels secured on your grip, the product slides out and in easily, unlike Etude House's Sweet Recipe Candy Stick--the product slid out but then it got stuck when I twisted it, I had to push it in manually with my finger.

I have been using the plum one for five weeks and I never felt sick (their chocolate lip balm traumatized me!). Lasts for 3-4 hours, like other ordinary lip balm.

Nooooowww.

Where to buy?
The Body Shop stores! They are everywhere.

Pros :
1) Nice fruity scent.
2) Long cap, protects it from getting dirt.
3) Proper twister.

Cons :
1) Not tinted, unlike their claim.
2) Might smell a bit too strong for those who are extremely sensitive with smell.

Repurchase? No, there is still a lot of lip balm out there to try out, but this is recommended!

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 Review

Summer! What do you guys do in summer? Do you go to the beach, to the lake (not possible in Indonesia, I believe), or to the pool? Do you enjoy the sun? Don't forget to take a sunscreen, the extreme sunlight will damage our skin! And here, I picked the best sunscreen I have ever tried. First review I wrote during my stay in Montpellier, I guess (I don't have a DSLR neither supporting tools to create white background, nooooo).

I love this product so much I want to post the review as soon as possible.

I use this sunscreen everyday. Even when I woke up late, I made the effort to apply it all over my exposed skin before I go to school, I feel insecure without it (and it has to be SPF 50!). When Europeans try anything they can do to tan their skin, we, Indonesians, have enough sun already, we'll say no to tanning! I'm happy when people compliment me for my skin but I don't want my skin tone to go down by two shades, no (which already did).

Now, we want to enjoy the summer without getting sunburned!

Ingredients :

Aqua, Octocrylene, Benzophenone-3, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Benzoate, Glycerin, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Diisopropyl Adipate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Phenethyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polyethylene, Sodium Polyacrylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Coco-Glucoside, Ceteth-10 Phospate, Dicetyl Phospate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Paraffin, Silk Amino Acids, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Panthenol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Colocasia Antiquorum Root Extract, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Fruit Extract, Plumeria Acutifolia Flower Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Parfum, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool, May Contain:, Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride, Iron Oxides.

It has Benzophenone-3 (or Oxybenzone) which is commonly found in sunscreens and is believed to have side effects. There are good sunscreens with Benzophenone-3, I assume this is one of them, it even has a recommendation stamp from Skin Cancer Foundation on the back label, but if you're really concerned about it, forget this product.

Anyway, here is what they say for the product on their site (which offers useful informations about sunscreens too, go check them out) :

Introducing our new sunscreen lotion, the only sunscreen with hydrating ribbons for continuous in-sun moisture. With its ultra-luxurious hydrating silk ribbons, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ lotion sunscreen nourishes and pampers skin while providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and 12-hour moisturization when out in the sun.

Features & Benefits:
• Lightweight, luxurious hydrating ribbons infused with silk protein pamper
  and protect skin when in the sun, providing 12-hour moisturization
• Safe and effective broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Nourishing antioxidants
• Exotic botanicals
• Warm tropical fragrance
• Lightweight feel

The bottle contains 180 ml of the product.

Sounds great. We all hate the greasy feeling that sunscreen gives. How about this one?

Refreshing orange color. Can you see those orange lines of the hydrating ribbons? Yup, you can actually see them!

It's not greasy AT ALL. Super light. Water resist. High protection from both UVA and UVB. Nice fragrance, but rather than 'warm tropical fragrance', it reminded me of chocolate the first time I smelled it. It's not a strong fragrance, so those of you who are sensitive with smell, no worries.

And, bonus! It moisturizes your skin for 12 hours.

Left : without. Right : with Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration sunscreen. I super love how it gives instant glow to my skin!

I have headache now and I need to go to sleep early so let's just move to the final judgement.

Where to get?
Amazon, maybe. I got mine from Monoprix near my flat.

Pros :

• High protection from both UVA and UVB.
• Good fragrance.
• Light texture, nothing greasy.
• Moisturizes skin for 12 hours, gives glowing effect to skin.

Cons :

• Contains the controversial Oxybenzone.
• Maybe--just a bit pricey, 14€. But it's totally worth-it.

Repurchase?
Definitely! I have used 3/4 of it!

Have a great summer!

By the way, do any of you know where I can find Shu Uemura stores in Montpellier, near Place de la Comédie? Please tell me if you do!