Review: Cake Beauty Citrus Squeeze Sinfully Smoothing Brown Sugar Body Scrub

Bought this jar of body scrub about 5 years ago and have been using it on and off since then.  Interchangeably, I use a loofah - probably more often than this jar of body scrub.  However, I do recognize the great results the body scrub gives. 

The scent:  Smells like lemon and other citrus fruits blended together

Consistency:  Has the liquidity of oil.  It's mixed with raw sugar that doesn't dissolve with time.

Application:  I use this after I've body washed.  I grab a palm full of the raw sugar and rub it along my legs and arms to exfoliate and remove the dead skin cells.

Packaging:  It didn't come with a box, just the plastic jar.

What it claims:  "... this will exfoliate and moisturize leaving your body irresistible with true citrus a-peel..."

Thoughts / Results:
Like what it claims, it does exfoliate well and moisturizes your body.  Works better than simply using body wash and a loofah.  Though, I suspect some people may not like the slight greasy feeling left behind from this scrub after you quickly rinse through.

As for the packaging, I like that it's in a plastic jar.  But I wish there was some sort of more hygienic way to scoop out the sugar.  Maybe some sort of a mini measuring cup that measures the average amount a person typically needs to exfoliate their body.

The smell of the scrub is perfect.  IMO, it's not overpowering and not an irritating scent.  As a matter of fact, it's quite refreshing.

Cost:  $32 CAD @Cakebeauty.com (Though I bought it when it was on sale)

Product: Cake Beauty Citrus Squeeze Sinfully Smoothing Brown Sugar Body Scrub
Rating: 4.5 / 5

Pros:
-  Exfoliate and moisturizes well
-  Comes in a plastic jar

Cons:
- Doesn't have a tool to scoop out the brown sugar

Review: Anna Sui Moisture Rich Fluid Foundation 15 PA++

There aren't a lot of places in the GTA that sell Anna Sui cosmetics.  Only selected Shoppers Drug Mart and selected The Bay stores.  I picked mine up at SDM while they had the 20x optimum points when you spend $50 or more.  I chose this foundation because it is meant for dry skin, and because it was winter at the time I bought it, my skin was dry and I needed a foundation that wasn't heavily thick.

The scent:  There's a very light floral scent to it - almost unnoticeable.

Consistency:  Not thick but not too runny.

Application:  I've used both the MAC 190se brush and the MAC 187 brush.  I prefer using the MAC 187 for this foundation, although it does take awhile to stipple on the foundation, because this foundation gives a sheer-medium coverage.  So to get better coverage with this foundation and conceal some flaws on my skin, I prefer to use the MAC 187.  Using MAC 190se would require me to layer on the foundation and could easily get cakey.

Packaging:  Very innovative packaging.  The edition I got has a flower bottle.  I tried searching this same item on the annasui.com website, but found that they've changed the bottle this year to a heart-shaped.  Also, the bottle comes with a pump - very convenient.  Though sometimes it does get dirty.

What it claims: "Lightweight liquid foundation that provides sheer coverage.  Combines skin-friendly oil with moisturizing powder.  Smoothly glides on to hide pores and minor imperfections.  Reflects light for a flawless complexion with natural glow.  Broadly protects skin from the damage of UV rays."

Thoughts / Results:
Just like the name says, it's a moisture rich fluid foundation.  Doesn't dry out my skin which is what I need for the winter season.  When winter comes, my nose gets dry and skin starts to flake.  =( The foundation formula does the job well.  This foundation will last from day to night without drying up my skin.  It is a non-drying formula and has SPF 15, so it gives a dewy look.  Sometimes I would matify my skin with a pressed powder, while other times I would directly spray on makeup setting spray.  Either way works well.  Like it claims, it does hide pores.  As for minor imperfections, I'd say so-so.  Like if I just had a popped a zit the night before and used this foundation today, concealing the zit will require a concealer.  So to define minor imperfections will mean something like sunspots and blood vessels under the skin.
The one downside of this foundation line is the lack of colour variation.  There were only six shades with this foundation.  I'd say the colour I got - P05 - is still a tiny bit lighter than my skin tone.  To get my skin tone colour, I'd probably have to mix two shades to get it.

Cost: $38 @SDM

About half a pump gives this much of product

Left: Semi rubbed in; Right: Fully rubbed in

Product: Anna Suit Moisture Rich Fluid Foundation SPF 15 PA++ in P05
Rating: 4 / 5

Pros:
- Gives healthy skin, dewy look
- Sheer-medium coverage
- Has SPF15
- Non-drying formula
- Has a pump

Cons:
- Limited shades
- Skin needs to be in pretty good condition for this product to outshine - so no breakouts - but if only one or two zits, I'd recommend applying concealer first, then the foundation

Review: Tarte Amazonian Clay Long-wear Blush

I've bought this for quite some time.  But because I have a few other blushes that I haven't hit the pan, I resisted from using this.  As we all should know, once you use a makeup product where there's any chance your skin's oil or skin cells may transfer itself to the product, it's best to use it up within a certain time frame.  There's an expiration date on all products!

I bought this blush at the 15% Sephora sale back in April 2011.  Back then, I intended to go to Sephora to pick up the colour Tipsy but in real life, Tipsy is too orange for my skin tone.  It made me look more yellow.  And from this test, I knew I had cool skin tone.  Well, I chose the colour Blissful instead.  It's a pretty popping pink colour so not a lot is needed when applying to the cheek bones.

Application:  After setting the foundation, I apply a hint of Blissful blush on my cheekbones very lightly.  Too much of this product can make me look like a clown.  =\

Packaging:  The blush came in a clear plastic box.  The case has a mirror and the pressed powder is magnetically attached to the case.  So if you tap the bottom of the case (making sure your other hand catches the pressed powder), you'll be able to remove the blush from the case.  I don't recommend tapping it too often or firmly because you could possibly shatter your pressed powder.

What it claims: "... For oily skin types, Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place.  Those with dry skin will benefit from the clay's nourishing and hydrating properties, which naturally restore skin's moisture.  Combination skin types can rely on its ability to zero in on skin concerns and deliver benefits to restore complexion harmony.  The result? Blush that wears better, longer, and truer!"

Thoughts / Results:
I have combination skin, so oily on the T-zone area.  But really, this blush wouldn't affect the area I apply it.  Besides the pigmented colour it gives me, I couldn't see what it physically can do to my skin.  I haven't tried any comparable colour from NARS blushes, but I have to say, the staying power of this blush is above average but not excellent.  And I'm speaking with the help of Urban Decay's All Nighter makeup setting spray, this product does last a few hours.  I find there are days it won't last until I get home, sometimes it does - faintly.
In terms of the packaging, I like the idea that the blush is magnetically attached to the case.  There's no need to use a knife to pry it from its case. 

Cost: $33 CAD @Sephora (with 15% discount, $28.05 CAD)

Product: Tarte Amazonian Clay Long-wear Blush
Rating: 4. 5 / 5

Pros:
- Excellent colour payoff
- A little goes a long way
- Great packaging with magnetic casing
- Lasting effects with the use of makeup setting products

Cons:
- Must use a light-hand to apply it, and it's too easy to apply too much

Review: Arumee Pro-Moist Cleansing Milk

This bottle of cleansing milk is old.  My mom bought it in Jan 2008 when she went to Hong Kong.  Ha, took me four years to write up a review for this.  This is my first bottle of cleansing milk.  Before this, I've never tried this type of facial cleansing product.  My first impression of cleansing milk is "does it do the job well?".  Honestly, this product does a surprisingly good job.  I mean it's not the best but compared to the Origins Cleansing Milk sample size version I've used, this bottle of cleansing milk works a lot better.

The scent:  Has a refreshing floral scent.

Consistency:  Thick and creamy.

Application:  I usually take 2 to 3 pumps of this product and rub it all over my whole-day's worth of makeup.  Then tissue it off.  This only wipes out off majority of my makeup.  Next, I take whatever facial cleansing product I have to cleanse my face.

Packaging:  This product is stored in a glass bottle.  It has a pump and a cap.  I don't recall it came in a box.

What it claims:  "As a creamy type, this cleansing lotion is supposed to softly and lightly eliminate makeup you made on the face.  Thanks to cleansing factors, which are soft to skin and have exceptional cleansing effects.  Since it contains aha, it is easily able to get rid of aged keratin as well as plagues on skin.  The willow bark extract also dramatically reduces keratin having anti-inflammation.  As a result, it is expected to make your skin clean and good-looking."

Thoughts / Results:
First the scent, I kinda like the scent.  Reminds me of the products my mom used to use when I was a little girl.
Depending on how dry my skin is, 2 or 3 pumps of this product can take off all my makeup.  Like with all other products, this cleansing milk isn't designed to clean off eye makeup.  And the result of not following instructions of this product is blurry vision.  But of course, rinsing your eyes will help.  I don't recommend removing eye makeup with this product.  But if you insist, be careful.
I do like using this product.  It removes most of my makeup, but leaving a tiny bit behind.  That's good enough for me because then I'll be using another facial cleansing product anyway.  Again, compared to the Origins cleansing milk, this removes makeup really well.  It also leaves my skin feeling soft.  I don't like the feeling of using this product as my last facial cleansing step.  I get paranoid that the creamy texture will absorb into my skin along with the bits of my makeup residue.  Although I have used this product as my last facial cleansing step, I almost always follow up with another non-cream facial cleansing product.
As for my thoughts on what this products claims to do, I don't notice some of the results it claims to give.  For example, it claims to contain willow bark extract which is suppose to help keep pores unclogged.  But this can't be too true as I had multiple breakouts on and off during the time I was using this product.  So it didn't do a good job of keeping my pores clear of debris.
Also, I'm not too fond of the glass bottle packaging.  The packaging makes it so much heavier.  I like the pump and the cap so I don't have to stick my fingers to grab the product and dust doesn't build up on the packaging.

Cost:  Not sure, too long ago.

One small drop of Arumee Pro-Moist Cleansing Milk

 Demonstration: A drop of foundation rub into to skin and cleaned off with this product.

Foundation removed with the cleansing milk and tissued off

A piece of facial cleansing cloth use to wipe off any extra makeup residue left on my hand.

Product: Arumee Pro-Moist Cleansing Milk
Rating: 4 / 5

Pros:
- Very good makeup removal product
- Nice scent

Cons:
- Doesn't keep pores clear

Sephora Mini Haul

I stopped by Sephora today to pick up my friend's powder brush that she wanted and something that I may want if I see it.  After some deep thought and browsing around, I was deciding between the Dior cream and the YSL matte and radiant powder.  Turns out, I needed the Dior cream more.

I guess not a lot of Beauty Insiders are up to date on the Sephora sales.  When I went to the cash to pay, the girl standing beside me overheard me talking about the 15% sale and immediately asked for her discount.  

What I got:
Dior Pro-Youth Comfort Creme - $65 CAD
Sephora Round Powder Brush #120 - $52 CAD

Discounted:
$15.21 CAD

Total after discount and tax:
$112.38 CAD