NARS Pure Matte Lipstick- Vesuvio

Swatched on my sister's arm (NC40)

Product Claims/Website Description>>>

Bright. Bold. Perfectly matte. This super-rich lipstick provides high-impact payoff: an ultra-pigmented, long-wearing formula that glides on effortlessly with comfortable wear. Contains wild mango butter, known to provide advanced moisturizing properties to repair dryness and scaling. Long wearing and enriched with vitamin E and acai oil for antioxidant benefits.

Application>>>

I always prep my lips with carmex lip balm, blot a little then apply the lip color straight from the tube.

Pros

• True to its name, it's absolutely matte yet non-drying
• Good stayin' power (about 3-4 hrs)
• Great color pay off
• Sleek elegant matte tube

Cons

• Some might find it pricey
• Could still be drying if applied without a lipbalm underneath

Store/Damage>>>

Rustan's Glorietta
Php1,450 (2g/.07oz)/$25

The BamShell Thoughts>>>

I usually prefer matte lipsticks as it looks more natural on me, even though it often dries up my lips pretty bad. But that's not the case w/ nars pure matte, as this is surprising moisturizing compare to other ones I've tried. I find the texture and the packaging pretty similar to sephora's matte lippies , however, I find nars to be non drying, no waxy/tacky feeling and doesn't bleed.
I find vesuvio as a pretty wearable red for daytime, I just do a dabbing motion for natural effect and swipe it heavily for a bolder look. I also thought it's cool naming their shades after different places all over the world.
Will I repurchase? yeah, I wanna get tonkin or bangkok shade =)

Review: Avene Eau Thermale (Thermal Spring Water, soothing anti-irritating)

Ingredients>>>

Avene thermal spring water, Nitrogen


Products Claims/Website Description>>>

Unique composition soothes and softens the skin and restores skin’s natural balance.
Clinically proven by over 300 studies to calm, soothe and soften the skin.  Used since 1743 in the Hydrotherapy Center to treat serious dermatological conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.
As daily care, can use after cleansing, soothes the skin after shaving/waxing,sunburn, rashes, refreshes after exercise or during travel and could be use to set makeup.


Application>>>

Primarily I use this as a toner when I have some redness or irritation on my face and also to moist my sponge or brushes for foundation application. I also spray a little after using powder foundation to eliminate powdery finish.

Pros

• Great for sensitive skin
• Multipurpose
• Very fine mist

Cons 

• It's an expensive water ;-)

Store/Damage>>>

Watson's Tampines Mall (Singapore)
Got it on sale! S$20.00 for 2 150ml/5.2 Oz (or roughly Php680)


TheBamShell Thoughts>>>

Personally, I've nothin' much to say about this stuff except that it effectively and instantly calms my redness or  irritations, and for setting my makeup, I prefer using Etude House Dr. Oil facial mist. And I guess I wouldn't even repurchase even if this becomes locally available, and for the price??? Arrrghh...

Topshop Cream Blush-Pinch

Ingredients

Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Trimethysiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Mica, Polyethylene, Nylon-12, Silica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, BHT, Dextrin Palmitate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Laureth-4, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Various Colors.

Products Claims/Website Description

Lightweight cream to powder blush that melts into the skin giving a natural luminous, radiant finish.
Available in 5 shades

Application

I just dab a little on my cheeks using a small flat foundation brush and blending it slowly using patting motion. I also apply this on my lips, making sure it's well moisturized as this stuff dries into semi-powdery finish.

Pros

• Pigmented, a little goes a long way
  
• Gives me that natural perfect blush
• Works pretty well on my lips
• Not oily, stays all day
  
• Great moussey like texture that makes it very easy to blend
• Has satin-matte finish, no shimmer at all
• Very cute case w/ nice mirror, great for quick touch ups

Cons

• May emphasize flakes or dryness

Store/Damage>>>

Topshop Ion Orchard (Singapore)
SGD13.00 (4g/0.14oz)

TheBamShell Thoughts>>>

The color looks very intimidating from the pan, but it really depends on the amount you apply, just blend it very well  and it'll give you a very nice flush. I sometimes use this as a lip color and it works just fine, it comes up very matte on me, could be a bit drying without lip balm underneath.Overall, for the price, cute packaging and for the quality, It is such a a good buy.

This is my sister's swatch, (ref NC40)

Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash

Ingredient>>>
Super Hyaluronic Acid

Product Claims>>>

Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Face Wash hydrates as it cleanses, helping to restore and preserve skin’s natural moisture, leaving it silky smooth. The wash gently cleanses, leaving skin comfortably hydrated and refreshed. Skin pH balanced with low irritation, and free of fragrance, mineral oil, alcohol and colourants.

Application>>>

Just a pea size is good enough, unless I've used an oil based makeup remover coz it wouldn't lather well. I use this 2x everyday.

Pros

• Fragrance and colourant free
• A little goes a long way
• A gentle cleanser that suits my sensitive skin, leaving it supple and hydrated
• Love the texture/consistency, not dripping nor too thick
• Packaging is simple and you get a good control of  the amount to dispense

Cons

• Doesn't remove remaining mascara and eyeliner residue
• Not locally available 

Store/Damage>>>

Watson's and Guardian SG
S$12.90 (100 g) (approx Php 500)

The BamShell Thoughts>>>
I obviously got my self a backup of this stuff, coz I knew that I will be sticking w/ this for a while. The effect of this stuff is similar to Physiogel facial which I also love.

Lewis & Pearl Oil Control Body & Face powder- Chill

Ingredients>>>

Talc, Titanium Dioxide, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, Fragrance

Product Claims>>>

Application>>>

I only use this on my face as an oil control powder. I dispense a little on palm and apply it lightly using a large fluffy brush.

Pros

• Very very affordable!
• It really works! mattifies and controls oil very well
• Translucent
• Has sunscreen

Cons

• Scent is overpowering w/c tends to irritates my skin

Store/Damage>>>

Watson's SM North
Php 17.00 (50g)


The BamShell Thoughts>>>

I'm not a fan of  baby powder on my face, however, about 2 weeks ago I saw this powder at watsons and I remember reading about it from one of our pinay blogger kikayMD (thanks to her). So I decided to grab one and road test it on top of my bb cream and gave me a nice finish, not really flat matte, I could see a subtle brightening effect, and yes controlled my oilies very very well... 

The next day... it broke me out! really bad.... But, did it stop me from using it?? NO! hahaha! after a week I tried it again, but this time, instead of using it as a setting powder I used a very light, thin layer of  it on top of my usual loose powder (w/c is fashion21) with a big fluffy brush.. then.. voila! it didn't break me out anymore =)

P.S.
My sister also uses this everyday and doesn't break her out no matter how she uses it... Buti pa sya no?

NARS Illuminator in Copacabana

Ingredients>>>

Product Claims/Website Description>>>

Light the skin from within. A collection of light-reflecting liquids that glide on to refresh and enhance the complexion with shimmering incandescence. Deceptively sheer, decidedly luminous.
Can be applied all over the face or used as a highlighter or worn under, over or mixed with foundation.



Application>>>

I usually mix a very small amount in my moisturizer prior to bb cream/foundation application, for a natural radiant effect. As a highlighter, after my bb cream, I dab some on my T-zone down to the tip of my nose, temples, above my cheekbones, a little on my chin and cupid's bow for poutier lips effect w/c I really love. And for all over face glow, I simply mix this w/ my foundation. I sometimes add few drop into my body lotion to add that soft shimmer to my legs when I wear skirts

when blended...

blended even more, under natural light

Pros

• A little goes a long way
• Versatile/Multi purpose
• Easy to tote plastic tube that dispense well
• Has mild citrus/orangey scent
• Shimmers are not too obvious/disco-ball look
• Lasts all day

Cons

• Expensive
• Might leave some streaks as it dries pretty fast upon application so blend it quickly

Store/Damage>>>

Rustan's Glorietta
Php 1,750/$29  (1.2 oz/30ml)

TheBamShell Thoughts>>>

This is the only liquid highlighter I've tried so I really can't compare it yet.

(might get benefit's high beam/tony moly's pink beam crystal soon). Took me a little while to learn its application techniques as I ended up w/ streaks and patchy cheeks during my first few tries. 

Copacabana suits my skin tone (I'm NC 25-30) doesn't give me a grayish cast which I often get w/ powder highlighters. I easily get that glowy/dewy look w/c I'm so into these days.

(yeah like the koreans, I hate how perfect their skin looks! lolz). If you got dry patchy skin, you might wanna moisturize well prior to application as this might emphasize flakiness.

Will I repurchase? Nah... I've been using this for about 4 months now and the tube is still full, this would last me forever and I wanna try other liquid highlighters.

Queen Helene Mud Pack Masque w/ Natural English Clay

 Ingredients>>>

Water, Kaolin, Bentonite, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Iron Oxides, Fragrance, Phenoxylethanol, Methylparaben

Product Claims>>>

Contains natural English Clay that works wonders for your skin.

An effective pore cleanser

Helps tighten loose, sagging skin

Relaxes tired facial muscles to soften lines and wrinkles. 

Complexion will have a clearer, smoother, more youthful looking appearance.

as it dries...

Application>>>

After my facial scrub, I just apply it evenly onto my skin and leave it for 30mins to an hour (sometimes I just let it sit half of the day). Once it dries, I get a damp warm towel and gently massage my face,then rinse it with cold water. I use this 2x a week.

Pros

• Easy to apply, and the soft squeeze tube dispense well
• Great relaxing, fresh earthy scent w/ hint of floral
• Feels more comfortable on skin compare to other clay mask that really hardens as it dries
• Cheap and Locally available
• Instantly refreshes and makes the skin supple, great for makeup application
• With regular use, it improves skin texture

Cons

• Some may find the scent overpowering
• May sting or irritate sensitive skin

Store/Damage>>>

Healthy Options SM North (ground flr) 
About or less Php350/$5 (8.oz/250ml)

TheBamShell Thoughts>>>

Absolutely my current HG clay mask! I've used Indian healing mask, St.Ive's, french clay etc. but this is the best I've tried. The very first thing I love about is the scent! sooo divine.... very easy to use, almost mess-free, the texture is pretty thick yet kinda' moussey that gives a breezy application. I've a combination oily skin and it really helped me appear less oilier as it visibly tightens my pores. I've been using this for about 3 months now and really improved my skin texture, however, I can't say anything about on how it makes fine lines and wrinkles appear less noticeable since I don't really have any visible lines yet. Lastly, for some reason this stuff helped my scars and blemishes healed faster when I had my crystal resurfacing treatment.

Tip: you wanna make sure to shake it well and gently give the tube some squeeze before using it,this would dissolve the water content giving you a moist clay.

Will repurchase? Yes! unless I stumble on something better ;-)

Pure Beauty Perfect Cleansing Water- Sensitive Skin

Ingredients>>>

Aqua, PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides, dipropylene glycol, phenoxyethanol, xylitol, perfume, lavandula angustifolia extract, monarda didyma leaf extract, mentha piperita leaf eaxtract, freesia alba flower extract, matricaria chamomilla extract, rosmarinus officinalis extract, betaine, disodium EDTA



Product Claims>>>

Enriched with a natural herbal complex (Lavender, Bergamot, Peppermint, Freesia, Chamomile and Rosemary extracts) to help gently cleanse and remove makeup and impurities from the face. The alcohol-free and dermatologically tested is specially designed for sensitive skin. It also contains natural moisturizers (Xylitol and Betaine) to provide a soothing effect and prevent skin dryness after use.
Other Variants: cleansing oil and cleansing liquid 


Application>>>

I just pump enough liquid in a cotton pad or tissue

all swatches got waterproof formula (lip tint, mascara, gel liner, pigmented eyeshadow and lipliner)

Just used 1 pump and rubbed with my fingers

2 full pumps and wiped with tissue

3 full pumps wiped with tissue

4 full pumps

as you can see, there are still tiny bits of mascara and lip tint left

Pros

• Easily removes my everyday makeup w/o sting 
• Doesn't leave my face greasy
• True to its name, watery texture (w/c I love...)
• Nice soft scent
• Cheap and locally available
• Great packaging, simple and the pump works fine

Cons

• none

Store/Damage>>>

Watson's SM North
Around Php249++ (190ml)

The BamShell Thoughts>>>

I don't like the greasy feel of most makeup removers since mostly are oil-based w/c breaks me out. Seeing this stuff on pure beauty shelves, I've read "cleansing water, for sensitive skin".... I'm sold!
without even thinking, I picked up this stuff straight away and didn't regret buying.

As you can see from the photos above, it didn't completely remove those waterproof formula but I still give this stuff a thumbs up, coz it's good enough for me since I don't wear heavy makeup everyday. You might wanna be really careful using this near your eye area coz it stinged my eyes sooo bad, like I literally had to wash my eyes in running water! However, I didn't consider that as a "con" as well as the fact that it doesn't completely remove waterproof makeup. I think that this stuff isn't really formulated for the eye area that you  need to have a separate eye makeup remover.

Overall, me, my sis and even my brother (yes my brother! he's not gay, he's just vain lolz) love this stuff, as you can see still got 1/4 left despite of us 3 sharing on this 1 bottle for almost 2 months now.

P.S.
I moist a cotton with this cleansing water wiping my makeup away, I noticed that it somewhat melted my nail polish, as if an acetone touched my nails... have you experience the same thing?

Schwarzkopf Citre Shine- Anti frizz Spray Laminator

Ingredients

Cyclopentasiloxane, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Fruit Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Panthenol, Pyridoxine Dipalmitate, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene.








Product Claims

Pure liquid shine formulated with shine enhancing citrus extracts, vitamins, silicones and a UV protectant.  Alcohol free formula controls flyaways and unruly frizz.  Protects hair against damage caused by heat styling and environmental stress.  Helps to realign the cuticle, tame frizz and treat split ends for a soft, smooth finish.

Application

Directions says "Style hair. Hold 6-8 inches from head and lightly mist over finished style" But I prefer spraying it about 2-3x times onto my palms and lightly press the middle part of my hair up to the tips.

Pros

• Gives a nice shine without greasy texture
• Hair is more manageable and smoother
• Doesn't leave a waxy or greasy texture on palms
• Fine mist spray pump

Cons

• Price
• Leaves my hair oilier at the end of the day, even more, in the morning.

Store/Damage

Landmark,Trinoma
Php295 (89ml/3oz)      

The BamShell Thoughts

To start off, I got a rebonded hair not to mention that I often dye too. My hair is fine but needs extra boost so I'm still in hunt for hair improvement products, such as hair shines or serums.

Here comes this shine mist that didn't really impressed me at all, not that I don't like it but I somewhat expected it to be better than those cheaper ones I've used. True to what it claims, yes it gave me that nice subtle shine and a smoother, frizz-free locks. I'm cool with its very light citrusy scent and non sticky texture too. But here's the thing, I definitely get the same result or shall I say even better with vitress cuticle coat (Ehem! w/c only cost about Php60 for 30ml) without making my hair oilier at the end of the day till the next morning.