MY DAILY SUNSCREEN: INNISFREE OAT MILD MOISTURE SUNCREAM REVIEW

Hi everyone, today I'm reviewing the Innisfree Oat Mild Moisture Sun Cream. It's part of their Superfoods line. As I'm sure you know, oat is really soothing for the skin. I'm not quite sure what percentage of oat is actually in this sun cream but nonetheless, it's an excellent product.

Sunscreen is important. By now you've probably heard a billion YouTubers/ Bloggers tell you the same thing. I know that through my early twenties, I was really lax about sun protection. I depended on my bb cream's sun protection. Now that I'm starting to see several sunspots, especially around my eyes, I've been trying to take better care of my skin.

One of the reasons why I didn't use sun screen in the past was because I couldn't get past 1) sunscreen scent 2) texture of most sunscreens 3) how oily they made me and 4) how they usually ball up my bb cream. I think I may have found one that does not do any of the above and with SPF 50 + PA+++, I think we're pretty much getting the most coverage possible.

PACKAGING

Like most of their products, the Innisfree sun cream comes in simple packaging with a white tube and semi-opaque lid. You can really control the amount of product squeezed out and cut the tube when you're trying to scrape the last bit out. 

TEXTURE

The texture of this sun cream leans more on the thicker side. Because true to it's name of "Mild Moisture", it's doesn't seem very emollient. I usually experience some difficult trying to spread this out onto dry skin because it will patch up and become somewhat resistant. Try using this on freshly moisturized skin and you won't experience a problem. 

SCENT

Unlike most sunscreen that has the traditional sunscreen scent, Moil Moisture Sun Cream has a clean, slightly citrusy scent. It smells nice and not overly fragrant. After initial application, you really can't smell it.

PERFORMANCE

Because the sun cream leans on the thicker side, it can leave behind a white cast even after being spread out. Once I put bb cream or foundation on top, it doesn't really show though. One of the things I love about it is that it doesn't interfere with my makeup at all. It doesn't make my skin oilier nor drier and just sits so well. In fact, I think due it's slightly thicker texture, it acts like a primer in that it holds my foundation in place and prevents any slippage. The downside of this is that, even if you wore this on its own, you have to use a cleanser to massage the cream off. It really will stick to your skin.

In terms of whether or not it's effective in protecting my skin damage, only time will tell. Although there's a lot of UV reflections from the snow here, I haven't really felt any skin irritations and with SPF 50 +, I don't feel as if I need to reapply it as often as SPF 30+.

It's pretty clear to say that I really, really like this product. I will definitely repurchase it before I run out of my current tube. If you've got any questions, please leave it in the comments!

10 comments Innisfree, Sun cream

[REVIEW] INNISFREE REAL FIT COLOR LIQUID in V2 Dried Azalea

Matte liquid lipsticks have been in for a while now but I haven't tried ANY so far. Why? because it's mainly the higher ends that are making it and also I've heard that it's incredibly drying - which is why I'm so excited to see Innisfree, my favourite Korean brand, come out with some this summer. Okay, it's not really matte, it's velvet but it's close enough. 

Innisfree Real Fit Color Liquids are not exactly matte liquid lipsticks. They come in two versions gloss and velvet. Velvet is close enough to matte that I'm willing to give it a try. The promotional pictures also look pretty amazing. I've purchased mine in V2 Dried Azalea. 

PRICE

10 000 Won ~ 4.5g

CLAIMS

The velvet version claims a velvet feather like fitting with camellia oil for hydration and clear colouration - all which I'm happy to say is true. The product is very opaque even with one swipe and fits onto the lips really nicely with a velvet, almost powdery finish. The more you blend it out the more velvet like it becomes. No matter how long I wore it for, it never felt drying. I think it's similar to the NYX soft matte lip creams but better.

PACKAGING

Here is where one of the problems lie. The product comes in Innisfree's usually non-fuss, simple tubes with a flexible doe apply easily on the lips. 

Here is where one of the problems lie. The product comes in Innisfree's usually non-fuss, simple tubes with a flexible doe foot applicator. The applicator picks up WAY too much product for the tip to apply easily on the lips. I would say the doe foot is not the right applicator for mousse products. They might have done better with a brush tip.

 

Because the tip is really flexible, if you don't use all the product before putting the product back in the tube, it gets onto the tube opening like this...

COLOUR

GLOSS VERSION

VELVET VERSION

The first thing you might have noticed is that the actual product of V2 is that it's not really all that true to the promotional picture. From the picture, I would assume that the colour be kind of a dusty rose / pinky mauve shade. The actually colour is a pretty average medium, cool tone pink leaning a bit red. 

Top is one swipe, bottom is swipe blended out.

You can see that as it blends out, it goes from mousse to something of a velvet powdery finish. 

APPLICATION

Since the wands pick up so much product, I had to be pretty careful when I applied it. I usually swipe in the centre and blend out the outer edges with my fingers. I'm really happy that the formula doesn't cling onto any dry patches and that it applies on smoothly because that makes it worth the hassle of application. You might want to swipe off the excess product for easier application. Although it does provide a velvet-powder finish, I would say that it takes a long time for it to become matte. 

SCENT

A slight fruity, floral scent.

PERFORMANCE

Innisfree Real Fit Color Liquid is not what most would consider a traditional matte liquid lipstick. It never claimed to be either. It's a mousse that results in a velvet-powder finish that is also very comfortable and non-drying on the lips. The original cream consistency allows the product to spread onto the lips easily without clinging onto drier areas or clinging into patches.

The lasting powder on this is not that great since it rubs off onto everything but it doesn't leave an awful mess on the lips either. It fades evenly the way regular lipsticks will.

I don't think I would purchase more because it rubs onto things way too easily but I am happy with the colour I've chosen. Although it's nothing original and not true to the promotional, it's still a pretty bright colour for the summer. 

4 comments beauty, Innisfree, Korean, liquid lipstick

[REVIEW] INNISFREE CREAMY TINT LIPSTICK #1 PINK BUD

Hello everyone, how's it going? It's suppose to be spring here but I've just witness random little chunks of hail flying everywhere! Today, I've have another lipstick to review - Innisfree Creamy Tint Lipstick in #1 Pink Bud. I've had this lipstick for a while now but I haven't worn it til now (which is not like me at all)! Since I'm going through my lipstick stash right now, I've decided to bring this out and try it. I'm glad I did because this lipstick reminds me of fresh spring flowers.

CLAIMS

The Innisfree Creamy Tint Lipsticks describes itself as "a highly pigmented, long-lasting moisture lipstick that delivers rich color in a stroke." I'd say that this is half true. It's really pigmented - so pigmented that this is probably the reason why I haven't used it until now! However, I wouldn't call it moisturizing.

The colour at the end of the tube is the same as the colour on the inside so that's super nice when you're trying to find the colour you want!

CLAIMS

"Vivid Colour, creamy texture, long lasting, camellia oil, 3 - free system"

SCENT

I don't notice much of a scent so I'd say it's unscented. 

COLOUR

When I first looked at the lipstick, I really though that it was a simple, typical red-pink colour. However, when I tried it on, I really have to say I love it. Even though I've got so many red-pink / pink-reds in my collection, this one is truly differently. True to its name, I really think of a budding rose when I have it on. There's something vibrant and bright about it. One layer gives quite a lot of colour so sometimes I just apply a bit and smudge it out - this way I can get a bright lip and still be wearable!

I've accidentally smashed the top of the lipstick to the cap because I forgot to twist it down. Now it's all rounded and hard to get precision.  Regardlessly, I recommend you to use a lip brush simply because this lipstick is PIGMENTED.

There's something very florescent about this colour.

This is the lipstick full on. It really packs a punch!

 This is when I apply a light layer and smudge it out.

PERFORMANCE

I love this colour. It's fresh and springy - just what I need right now. It applies on smoothly and gives opaque colour in one swipe. Although it goes on like a cream lipstick, there's something powdery-matte about the finish. It does transfer when you eat or drink but it leaves behind a stain, which is typical because of the bold colour. I would say that this is a medium moisture lipstick that doesn't completely hydrate my lips nor dry them out. Lip balm prep is not necessary but I would recommend that your lips be in decent condition before you put this on. 

Overall, I'm really impress with this Innisfree lipstick!

2 comments Innisfree, lipstick, review

[REVIEW] INNISFREE TREATMENT TINT: Cherry in Honey

I use to love matte lipsticks and I still love them but lately with the anticipation of spring, I've been really digging the glossy look. Glossy lips reminds me of youth and freshness like gentle warm breezy, sunlight and dewy grass. Can you just tell that I can't wait for spring to roll in?

It has been a long time since I've found something I can truly deem as HG status. Today, I'd like to introduce one of my recent favourites - the Innisfree Treatment Tint in Cherry in Honey! When I first saw this product online, I knew I had to buy it because 1) Innisfree rarely disappoints 2) Treatment + tint? Yes! 3) The packaging reminds of me of the Beyond Alice in Glow Oil Tints (they're actually really different. A review for those ones will be coming up soon).

I have #1 CHERRY IN HONEY.

This product comes in two colours: #1 Cherry in Honey #2 Orange in Honey.

I couldn't find much information about the product and it also didn't come with a box, just a sticker seal with the product name on it.

PRICE

10 000 Won ~ 5mL 

TEXTURE

It has a slightly, slightly thick consistency that reminds me of honey. 

SCENT

Very light to non-detectable

WAND

This lip treatment has a funny wand that reminds me of a little punching fist. The tip of the wand is small and curved into a C shape. I've never seen this type before and it really provides excellent precision in application.

PERFORMANCE

Although initially I thought this was an oil tint, it's actually a honey "tint". I put "tint" in quotations because it really does not tint. However, that's the only disappointing thing about this product! Upon application, it gave my lips a slight warming feeling and a gloss of colour. The consistency of the treatment is just like honey but without being overly sticky. I can really feel the moisture sinking in. The thickness of this treatment allows the product to adhere to my lips better. While it was on, the colour didn't intensify but remained the soft wash of pink with a lot of shine. Within an hour, the super, pretty shine fades into a dimmer shine, and eventually within 2-3 hours, the shine wore off. However, my lips remain moisturized even when most of the product disappears because the honey had provided a barrier to keep moisture in. This is just what I expect from a treatment. Within 3-4 hours, the product is completely gone but my lips remained moisturized for another couple of hours. 

If you're looking for a long lasting oil tint with nice pigmentation, this is not it. However, if you're looking for a lip treatment that looks natural, glossy, and beautiful while providing suppleness to your lips, this is it!

BEFORE
(My top lip looks a bit full here because I accidentally, slightly busted it by dropping my iPad on my face that morning - D'OH!)

AFTER

Overall, I'm really impress with this product. Even on days when I'm not going out, I like to put this on because it really makes my lips feel good - dare I say this makes my lips feel softer than my lip balm? If I wasn't so terrified of corals making my skin look shallow, I'd even go for Orange in Honey. 

10 comments Innisfree, lip, lip tint, review

[REVIEW] Innisfree Jelly Tint #3 Orchid Lavender and #4 Sour Grapefruit

One of the main reviews I started blogging was to provide useful information to shoppers and beauty enthusiasts out there. As someone who rarely buys anything cosmetics without reading about it first, it's only right that I contribute back to this community.  As a beauty blogger, writing reviews on products is something I love, love, love doing. However, there are quite a few occasions where I have to bring myself to write honest, bad reviews on things I didn't enjoy and this is one of those products.

I'm the type of person who will apply on makeup and not look in the mirror for the next 5 hours. Now do you see why I need smudge proof liner and lasting lip products? I cannot be trusted nor have the patience to deal with things that are high maintenance. This is why I avoid bold lipsticks. However, bold lip tints that lock and stay in place? I need those. Lip tints are probably one of my favourite types of makeup. Today, I am reviewing the Innisfree Jelly tints. I must be on a lippie kick these days because I'm accumulating more lip products than I can ever use. These guys come in tiny sizes of 3ml for 6 000 Won (around $6 USD).  

The two colours I picked up are #3 Orchid Lavender and #4 Sour Grapefruit.

#3 Orchid Lavender - this isn't very pigmented and wears better as a gloss with a slight bit of colour

#4 Sour Grapefruit - this is much more pigmented and opaque than #3. It's a very warm, wearable red.

If you look closely, the shimmers in #4 (top) are very visible. #3 (bottom) swatches like it's got a bit of colour but on girls with pigmented lips, it's not really going to show up at all. 

TEXTURE
These have a very slippery liquid thin feel to them. It spreads easily because of it's liquid consistency and doesn't tug nor patch up.

SCENT
Fake, lemony dishwasher soap scent.

PERFORMANCE
The performance of this product varies from colour to colour. #3 was very light, not opaque and definitely did not leave any tint behind. #4 was more opaque, more difficult to control and the shimmers it left behind was much more visible. For tints, these certainly don't last very long. I'd say it's on for around 2-3 hours before disappearing. They rubbed off easily onto cups.  Both colours had the same slick, slippery feel and the over powering lemon dishwasher soap scent. While these were on, they felt pretty moisturizing and nice. However the moisture doesn't sink into the lips and when they wore off, my lips felt a tad dry.

I like to use #3 when I just need a quick gloss of colour because that's what it reminds me of - a light slick gloss with just a teeny hint of colour. The gloss doesn't make my lips look greasy nor oily, just shiny. #4 isn't really my colour because of it's warmth so I don't reach of it often. Not to mention, I'm not fond of the very visible shimmer it leaves behind when the gloss wears off. It just looks like I've got glittery bits on dry lips.

OVERALL
I don't usually dislike Innisfree products but I'd say give these a skip. They're not long-lasting, moisturizing, nor pigmented. The pigmentation, performance of the colours differ from colour to colour so it's rather unpredictable. There are tons of tints out in the market that are better.

2 comments cosmetics, Innisfree, lip, review, tint

[MOTD] Giving More Love to My Unused Stuff

In 2015, I really played it safe as you can in my Best of Beauty 2015 post. I stuck to low maintenance, natural, barely there makeup. In 2016, I'd like to experiment more often. As a beauty enthusiasts, I've accumulated quite a lot of things I admire and never use. Here are some beautiful items I love in my collection but rarely wear outside. 

I'm not really skilled at all with eyeshadow. I have tons of palettes that I never use it. This discontinued quad from Innisfree has a lot of cool toned coloured shadows that I think I will be conformable starting with - like the olive gold and cool tone silver. The shadows are actually really soft and flattering so I think this will be a favourite soon.

I'd love to use glitter and shimmer more often but the eyeshadow trend here is mostly the matte, neutral kind. I'll try to work the Aritaum Shine Fix Eyes into my routine daily and add some dazzle to daily life. The one in the picture is #13 Brown Bunny which I love using on top of my regular liners to get a bit of sparkle. 

Nars Cruella has got to be my favourite red classic red lip. It's deeper red than most reds I own so it doesn't really pop as much as others. I got this as part of my Sephora Birthday gift last year, and I haven't had the chance to wear it yet. I've been trying to work it into a gradient lip. 

 Too Face Melted Lipstick in Melted Peony is my latest flattering almost "nude". It's a soft milky pink that always makes my lips look fuller than they are. 

Falsies - My eyelashes aren't flattering, even with mascara. This year, I'd like to use more individual lashes to amplify my own.  It's still a bit time consuming so I've been using Maybelline's Falsies and I actually really like it.

Using the products above with a bit of light contour with TCFS Artclass by Rodin

8 comments Aritaum, Innisfree, maybelline, motd, Nars, too faced

[COLLECTION] Best of Beauty 2015

Stock Photo from PinkPot

2015 ~ It wasn't my best year. There were a lot of changes and transitions that really force growth. Even now, I don't know if there will ever be a moment when I won't be growing. I think that's just life. You face challenges, you meet them, and then you deal with it to the best of your abilities. While in the meantime, indulge in things that make you happy - which in my case is playing with makeup.

MAKE UP

On the beauty front, I really stuck with simple, easy things that I knew I could depend on.  Here are my beauty favourites of 2015. This is the first time I'm writing this type of post and I'm truly showing everything that I would genuinely repurchase if I ever use up. Many, many of the things are stuff I've shown before and if you ever ask me for recommendations, these are the things I would suggest.

Too Cool For School - Artclass by Rodin: It's become my go-to-contour palette this entire year. Neither too cool nor too warm, I think it will suit a lot of skintones. (Reviewed Here)

Clio Touching Apple Cheek: This is my second favourite for contour. Simple and quick, it gives me instant cheekbones - though it's not as long lasting as the TCFS.

Urban Decay Duo Shadow in Sin/Mushroom: I love this combination. Sin is amazingly natural, bright, and beautiful while Mushroom is warmer and taupe. It's just an easy duo to have and to throw into my purse when I'm traveling.

Etude House Surprise Concealer: My go-to for amazing coverage under the eyes. Got to keep those bags under control!

Essence Long Lasting Lipstick (Barely There): I highly recommend this lipstick range for anybody. It's a drugstore gem. (Shown Here)

Dior Addict Lip Glow: This goes into my work bag everyday - simple, moisturizing, and gives a natural tint of colour.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow 20E: Just about my favourite stick shadow at the moment. The colour is light neutral taupe.

Innisfree Ampoule Intense Cushion: It's really hydrating but not overly dewy!

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner (Black Scotch):  I love this liner! It's seriously a great everyday special something colour. I see it on Sephora.ca so I guess, it's back this year? (Reviewed Here)

Tony Moly Peach Lip Balm: This is my favourite lip balm of all times. It's clear but really hydrating. I put it on before I sleep and in the morning I can still feel it. It smells really tastey too!

Dior Rosy Glow Blush: This is actually my second favorite blush of this year and every time I use it, I try to be really careful not to dent the design. My absolute favourite blush is Etude House's Cookie Blusher in Grapefruit. I've lost it somewhere though. 

Etude House Dr. Mascara Fixer: This mascara primer out performs a lot of more expensive lashes primers.

Physician's Formula Custom Eye Enhancing Eyeliner Trio: I've been using these for years and I still can't find anything better. They last really well and does not smudge on my oily eyelids.

Etude House Drawing Eye Brow Pencil: This is a simple slanted pencil that twists up. It's really cheap and easy to use. I've gone through many of these.

Darkness Eye Lash Glue: The best eyelash glue ever. It's got a wand tip that allows for more precision.

SKIN CARE

Missha Flower Bouquet Cherry Blossom Cleansing Oil: It gets everything off easily and doesn't leave my skin feeling dry nor irritated. (Reviewed Here)

Mamonde Lotus Mud Mask: This draws out clogged pores without feeling overly drying. In fact, after rinsing it off, my skin feels pretty nice. (Reviewed Here)

Aritaum Fair Smile Fermentation Lip and Eye Remover: This really gets even the most stubborn eye makeup off easily. (Reviewed Here)

Physician's Formula Ultra Nourishing Argan Oil: I love adding a drop of this into my moisturizer just to amp up hydration.

Scinic Snail Matrix Cream: This stuff is wonderful! I pulled it out after my skin began having really dry patches again. When I use this I don't need the Physician's Formula Argan Oil. (Reviewed Here).

Origins Ginzing Eye Cream: This eye cream has a bit of cooling sensation as well as a peach tint so it's great in the morning when I'm in a hurry but I'm also feeling tired.

Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate: Really light, hydrating, sinks in quickly and does not mess with my eye makeup. The only downside is that it's expensive. I've just been using this at night time to ration out the sample. 

Bother Pure-Fect Skin Gel Cleanser: Although it may seem like a runny clear gel, it actually lathers up amazingly and cleans my skin without stripping it. 

That's it for my favourites 2015! I felt almost a bit guilty pulling this list together after realizing a lot of the products are things I've reviewed but I hope you've found it helpful. I'd like to know, what are your favourite item of last year?

6 comments Aritaum, biotherm, bobbi brown, clarions, Clio, collection, Dior, etude house, Innisfree, Mamonde, missha, Origins, physician's formula, scinic, Tony Moly, too cool for school, Urban Decay

[MOTD] Falsies + Berry Lips with Bite Beauty Kir Royale

Back in university, I used to be obsessed with falsies. It was when I first started using makeup and I was so shocked by how different my eyes could look with falsies. One of my friends who loved makeup at that time wouldn't leave the door without the Shu Uemura Farfallina daily. Unlike her, I didn't have the guts, and still don't, to wear falsies everyday. I also couldn't afford to bust out $20+ for it. So I started small with the drugstore Ardell lashes and progressed onto Quo lashes. Eventually I started accumulating so many pairs that I started storing them in a box. The fact is, I don't ever wear falsies unless it's a formal event and over the years, I haven't been to that many - at least not as many as the pairs of falsies I have.

Today, I decided to bust a pair out and just let my makeup crazed self go cray cray with the shadows and the falsies and as you can see - even at cray cray level, it looks pretty neutral. Normally I would have hid the lash band with a black liquid liner but my Kat Von D Tattoo liner just went out of ink today.

(*Ops almost forgot the star of the show - Bite Beauty in Kir Royale. )

Products Used

I'm wearing a pair of falsies I got from eBay many years ago. I can't remember exactly which seller I purchased from nor what the style is called. All I remember is that it was ridiculously cheap compared to how much I was paying per pair in the drugstore.  Here is a link to something that looks similar - falsies.

On my lips is Bite Beauty's Luminous Creme Lipstick in Kir Royale which I got using my Sephora Reward Points last month. Although the pictures are picking out the pinks in it, it's definitely more red in real life. If you missed out on the Kir Royale mini kit, don't worry, I heard that they will be releasing a full size. I applied using the bullet and then smoothed out the edges with a brush. For a more accurate colour swatch, please take a look at this swatch. 

Additional Products

Aritaum Shine Fix Eyes in #13 Brown Bunny

Aritaum Shine Fix Eyes in #2 Pink Oyster

Innisfree Ampoule Intense Cushion #21

Nature Republic Botanical Cake Eyebrow

essence eyeliner in Teddy
Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder
Nars Orgasm Blush
Tony Moly Circle Lens Mascara
Darkness Lash Glue

2 comments Aritaum, Bite Beauty, essence, Innisfree, motd, Nars, physician's formula, Tony Moly

[MOTD] Rosy Brown Lips with Essence's Barely There Lipstick

Nudes and browns have never been my color... or so I thought. I watched this Bubzbeauty video, and I was really inspired by her Mac Velvety Teddy lip color. It's hard to wear a brown lip color and pull it off on its own if you've got pale skin but I've discovered that if you combine the look with brown eyeshadow and contour, you can look really put together. 

I'm not confident that I will be wearing brown lipstick often enough to invest in a Mac lipstick, so I searched online for the next best thing which is Wet N' Wild Bare It All. That's unavailable where I live, so the next alternative is essence Barely There.

 This is actually my second time trying a brown lipstick and I'm so glad I did. The first brown lipstick I tried was a mauvey brown lipstick that looked horrible on my skin tone. It made me look so sick that I was just convinced that browns and mauves aren't for me. While mauvey browns still don't work for me, rosey browns do! Once again, I am reminded that colours work for everyone as long as you find the right tone. 

The camera is picking up slightly more pink than there is in real life. 

Essence's 06 Barely There is an excellent way for pale people to test the water with brown lipsticks and it would also make a nice natural, My Lips But Better color for people who have darker skin tones. The rosiness makes it look quite natural but the brown gives it a slight uniqueness. The essence Long Lasting lipstick formula is quite moisturizing and creamy. It's really comfortable and easy to apply which is really amazing. Despite the name, I would describe the staying power to be decent but not what I would call long lasting. On my lips, it does come off onto things like mugs and napkins and when it does that, it fades beautifully. 

I've actually recommended Barely There to a couple of friends before and both backed from it due to how dark the lipstick bullet looks. In the swatch below, you can see that Barely There is a nice and natural colour. Nothing to be afraid of. 

This is more true to color.  This lipstick has lovely pigmentation.  If you want to sheer the color out, you can apply it with a lip brush instead of directly from the bullet. 

Products Used

essence 06 Barely There, Tony Moly Circle Lens Mascara, Etude House Surprise Concealer, Maybelline Color Tattoo in 80 Creamy Beige, Innisfree Eco Gel Liner in Brown, Too Cool For School Artclass, Tarte Off The Cuff Blush Palette (dark mauve shade), Holika Holika Single Eyeshadow in SBK01 (not in photo)

While trying to create a brownish smokey eye, I fell in love with the Maybelline Color Tattoo in 80 Creamy Beige. It's a few shades darker than my skin tone and the edges blended out beautifully. It really created a soft base for the other darker browns I pat on top of it. I finished off the look with a brown liner instead of black to keep the eyes soft. 

About essence

In case you are unfamiliar with essence, it's a German company that has recently expanded into North America over the last two years. You can find it at Shoppers Drug Mart if you live in Canada. They have a wide range of cosmetics with nothing over $5. What's amazing about it is that many of their products are fantastic for the pricing. As with all brands there are hits and misses. The hits of essence would have to be their Long Lasting Lipsticks, lip liners, and silk blushes. 

Have you tried essence? If so, what are you favourite items?

* As usual, everything was purchased by me. Not a sponsored post. 

8 comments essence, etude house, Innisfree, lipstick, maybelline, motd, tarte, Tony Moly, too cool for school

[REVIEW] Innisfree Water Glow Cushion

(cushion case taken from Limited Edition Ampoule 2015 collection)

 Innisfree Water Glow Cushion SPF 50+ / PA +++ ~ 20 000Won (for case + cushion)
Refill ~ 12 000 Won

Ever since the weather started being a bit drier, I've brought out my Innisfree Water Glow Cushion to use. Out of all the new Innisfree cushions, I think this has to be the most similar to the original version and it's definitely my favourite. As I often do, I have only purchased the refill and popped it into one of my cushion cases. The last time I've checked, Innisfree cushion cases are compatible throughout their versions so you can just buy refills instead of collecting a whole lot of cases. These refills are NOT compatible with the Hera, Iope or Laneige. 

Also, unlike the Hera, Iope, and Laneige cushions, each order of the Innisfree cushions comes with one cushion (15g) and one case. Unless there are special offers going on, refills are always sold separately. For Hera, Iope, and Lineage cushions, each case comes with one cushion (15g) and one refill (15g) - you can also buy refills separately of course. 

Claims:

[Water glow cushion full of moisture]

1. 100% squeezed Jeju green tea water fills the skin with essential moisture.

2. Moisture coating effect from the water glow complex

3. It cools down your skin upon application to soothe the skin from environmental damage

4. Powerful UV protection with SPF 50+ PA+++

It comes in three shades. I find that #13 Light Beige is extremely light and not very natural unless you are extremely pale. #21 Natural Beige is the color that I have. It's very light but natural unlike #13 which is super light and bright. #23 True Beige is just a shade or two darker than #21 Natural Beige. Overall, it's the typical shade selection from Korean base makeup so there really isn't much of a range and definitely does not cater towards people with darker skintones. 

The Innisfree Long Wear Cushion has a much wider range of six colors that does cater to darker skintones. 

Picture Source: Innisfreeworld

No. 21 Natural Beige

Currently there are three versions of the Innisfree Cushions: Water Glow, Long Wear, and Ampoule Intense. The texture, coverage, SPF and staying power in each of these versions are different. Long Wear is meant for use in the summer because it's much more mattifying compared to the other two. The staying power is also much better but I, personally, found it a bit dry on my skin. Ampoule Intense is meant for the winter because it is infused with ampoule. It can look oily if you use it in the summer. Water Glow can be used year round. When testing these in stores, I found Water Glow to have the nicest coverage and consistency for my skin. I would say it is a light to medium coverage. It adds just a bit of glow and has a good amount of SPF. 

Tip: One of the issues that I tend to have with cushions is that I tend to use up all the products at the top. An easy way to remedy this is to flip the cushion cushion upside down for a day or two. This allows the product to flow to the top of the sponge again. If this doesn't work, you can just flip the actual sponge over. I learnt this trick from the YouTuber: BeautyBemused in one of her videos. 

Further claims: lasting moisture, radiant glow, natural coverage, with mineral powder, and infused with Jeju green tea. 

The consistency of this cushion is true to its name. It has a slight watery, but not runny nor oily consistency, that pats on easily and sets quickly to an almost matte finish. In the picture, I've applied two coats onto the liner. I would say that it can be built up to a medium finish. 

When applied the Water Glow Cushion evened out my skin with a single layer. With two layers, it added more coverage. It  did a great job in cover the pores on my cheek and evening out redness. However, I did find that it caught onto and accentuated dry areas on my nose and some parts of my cheek. The focus of this cushion is using green tea as a moisturizing factor. While it definitely does add moisture, it's definitely more of a watery moisture than an oily moisturizer. I think this is what makes it useable even for the summer time. In comparison, the Ampoule Intense version would probably be more forgiving of the dry patches due to it being more of an oily moisturizer. 

The Water Glow cushion added a nice healthy and radiant glow to my skin. It's one that looks extremely natural yet quite matte. I find that to be quite an accomplishment as most cushions tend to give me the oily glow.  If it didn't catch onto dry areas on my face, this would have been the perfect cushion. Right now, the weather has been extremely dry and my skin is suffering from lack of hydration from my skincare so I don't blame this cushion at all. It lasts for around 5 hours on my skin before I start getting oily around the T-zone. 

Overall, I really like the Water Glow cushion. It's moisturizing enough for summer, spring and early autumn. Not only has it a really high SPF, it applies easily and has great coverage. 

If you've any questions, please feel free to leave it in the comments. Thanks for reading!

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