Covergirl Lashblast Volume Mascara

Why Covergirl Lashblast Volume Mascara is the best-selling mascara in the United States certainly got my attention, and it being sold at drugstore price, well, no doubt I scribbled it onto my shopping list. 

It comes in a bright orange tube. The brush is made of synthetic bristles and is orange when still un-dipped into the tube.

Its accolades aren't misplaced. I think it gives the lashes an extra black hue and lengthens them unabashedly. Of course do not forget the curler pre-application. The smell is not very pleasant though -- it wafts of a chemical scent, which can be overlooked because it dissipates in a few seconds. The best part is I can build the intensity of the mascara by swiping/layering it across the lashes multiple times without it clumping. It still smudges on me after about eight hours, but I've not found a mascara that doesn't. Thumbs up for this orange blast of goodness. 

Ingredients list. 

VMV Hypoallergenics Oil-Free Quick & Complete Makeup Remover

After a not-so-pleasant experience with VMV's Gentle & Softening Makeup Removing Oil, it was time to try its alternative, the Oil-Free Quick & Complete Makeup Remover. 

It comes in only one size, 140ml. 

The plastic bottle is simple and looks recyclable. VMV's revamped typeface saves its rather sparsely-designed packaging. 

The opening is quite huge, so be careful when pouring out the contents. 

It's true that it removes face and eye makeup quickly and painlessly. I usually use a cotton pad/ball to apply the product. It leaves the face slightly damp and moisturized; no stinging, burning, or other irritations. 

It's good that VMV prints out its manufacturing and expiration dates. 

Ingredients list. 

Some more. 

Kerastase Initialiste Advanced Scalp and Hair Concentrate

Kerastase's newest offering, Initialiste Advanced Scalp and Hair Concentrate is a hair serum that is formulated to strengthen, give shine, softness, and substance to hair through the scalp and improve subsequent hair growth. 

It comes in a rose gold metallic box. 

The glass bottle makes up most of the weight of the 60ml serum.

The applicator is a pipette type. One to two drops for short hair and three to four for long hair. 

It's a leave-in type of hair product; it can be used on wet or dry hair. I usually massage it on the scalp after towel-drying hair. The milky white serum is watery and smells really good -- soft and invigorating at the same time. I especially like that it doesn't make my hair oily; no greasy residue or whatever. I don't see substantial improvements on my hair/scalp yet, but I do feel that some strands of hair are sprouting more than usual (and shinier and more robust at that). So far I have had no negative reactions from using this product. It's pretty much skin care for the scalp.

One bottle lasted me four months. I haven't encountered a product that works the way Initialiste is meant to do, but if you've got healthy hair to begin with, and are not too keen on hair products, for the price, I would say this can be a pass. 

Ingredients. 

Japanese side of it. 

M.A.C. Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Essence/Serum

Since coming across M.A.C. skin care, I've always wondered why their range don't get enough attention. If you're looking for quality products within a reasonable price range, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend checking out their line. 

I have forgotten how useful an essence/serum is to maintaining healthy skin. There was a time when I applied moisturizer straight on after cleansing and wondered about the change. Sometimes I can skip moisturizer (actually, I do skip it in the morning) with only the Marine-Bright Formula Essence/Serum and my skin is satisfied. Essences/serums penetrate deeper into the epidermis and thus deliver their more potent ingredients within the layers of our skin. There is a considerable difference when I skip serum and only apply moisturizer. So between the two I'd go for the serum, but in the evening do top up with moisturizer. 

It comes in a 30ml white plastic container. Shiny, shiny. I like the lock mechanism on the cap. I think M.A.C.'s skin care products are very well-designed -- practical and visually appealing. 

It's made in Japan, which to me translates to higher quality. Not all of M.A.C.'s skincare are manufactured there though. 

It's a cloudy type of fluid that spreads easily and dries down to a very slight sticky finish. I'm currently using three pumps of this serum day and night right after cleansing. I've noticed a significant change in skin texture since using this -- way, way softer. I like it mainly because it performs well on the moisturizing aspect, and that it contains antioxidants. I also appreciate the fact that this didn't break my skin out at all. But if you are looking for more targeted results from this serum, such as reducing redness and pore size, it doesn't work that far. 

Product description above. 

Ingredients list. Overall, non-sensitive skin types wouldn't go wrong with this serum. It does what a proper serum is supposed to do. But sensitive skin types may find that this doesn't address redness/calming issues, and may want to look further if those are their primary concerns. 

M.A.C. Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Softening Lotion

M.A.C.'s Lightful Marine-Bright Formula Softening Lotion is meant to soften the skin as a pre-serum step, not as a usual toner for removing cleanser residue and/or tightening pores. 

 It comes in Lightful range's white box and silver holographic print. Rings of Austin Powers. 

Psychedelic flaps. 

Hello. 

Safety seal.

It is recommended for day or night use, either poured straight to the palms or soaked in cotton.

A little bit of the clear light yellow liquid is enough for the entire face. It sets into a slightly sticky texture. It preps/moisturizes the skin very well. I recommend it to those with normal to dry skin types with no hypersensitivity issues. It doesn't lessen the redness on my cheeks, but it didn't give any breakouts either. I believe this is the skin-friendliest softener I've tried. It also doesn't contain alcohol (hurrah!). Overall, this makes an excellent softener to those looking for an extra hydration boost prior to applying serum or moisturizer. 

Frederick Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless Shampoo and Conditioner

Oh, Frédéric, how many dull hair days did I have to contend with as a sulky teen without your Full Volume shampoo? Fekkai introduced me to the world of specialty shampoos -- those that target certain results. Volume's yellow goo lifted my roots and infused bounce to every strand; not to mention the divine scent it imparted. 

Now that the bottles are redesigned and reformulated, and curious about sleek straight hair, I pointed my claws to the Silky Straight Ironless series (thank you 二姐, for these). 

Top view.

Product description.

Ingredients. 

The shampoo gives moisture to hair, thus reducing some stray bits. But it does not give a straightening effect that one would expect from a flat iron. The conditioner can weigh fine hair down, as it is moisturizing. Otherwise, it is an excellent conditioner for normal to dry hair types. The scent of both formulas are of a soft chemical aroma commonly smelt in salons. Overall, fairly excellent hair products, but I'd tweak the label from 'Ironless' to 'Moisturizing.'

La Mer The Powder in 01 Creme

Dr. Max Huber's spin-off, The Powder by La Mer (thanks to 三姐 for helping me procure this). 

Aside from the cream, this is (from their makeup line) La Mer's most raved product.

I got this in 01 Creme, Translucent has got the shiny particles, so if you don't like glitter on your face, beware like me and opt for Creme. 

Description and ingredients.

Brand overview.

The Powder info. 

Opening . . .

Frosted plastic case. White cap. Bulky. 

Small soft puff.

The 20 small holes were covered with sticker. 

Texture: Extremely fine. Dissipates like smoke in the air when tapped with brush. 
Color: Light beige with pink undertones.
Finish: Radiant, natural.
Oil-control: Yes. 
Coverage: Effect similar to translucent loose powders. May be built up to light to medium. 
Irritation: None. 
Overall: Lives up to its reputation. The best sheerly-pigmented loose powder I've tried.

Bottom of it.

M.A.C. Lip Conditioner

Below is MAC's Lip Conditioner in its white embossed box (Thank you 三姐 for helping me procure this {so much cheaper in Hongkong}.).  

Opening, opening . . . 

White-silvery tube. 

Slanted applicator. 

Back detail.

Texture: Gooey.
Color: Clear.
Scent: Vanilla.
Thoughts: Good hydration. Ok for night use, but Lucas' Papaw Ointment provides way more moisture. If for day use, use alone as it does not sink in lips to act as lip base. Overall, a basic lip balm that hydrates -- no more, no less. 

Ingredients above.