Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Chacott Loose Finishing Powder

Chacott is a company that specializes in ballet outfits and is also known for its Loose Finishing Powder. The powder received cult status after it was included in cosme.net's annual rankings. Recently, I find loose powders to be an indispensable part of my daily makeup routine as it evens out the complexion, protects the skin, and keeps my oily skin matte without the heavy and clogging properties of most foundations.
Although it is quite hard to get hold of, my curiosity was piqued with the many positive reviews of this product on the internet. I ordered a 30g jar over at ichibankao.com including two powder puffs that are nothing to rave about.
This powder in 766 or OC02 as listed on the website is too dark for my NC20 skin. It was a bit disappointing as I thought it would be a correct match for I also use OC02 in Lunasol. 
Aside from the off-color match, the powder's quality is a desirable feature given the selling price in Japan. It is very finely milled, but not as silky as department store-brand loose powders. This is no cause for complaint as it is fine enough and does not cake on the skin or clump into rough bits. The color here looks much lighter than it appears. This shade would be perfect for NC25 up, I think. The oil control is also commendable. With this, I would usually start oiling up in 4~5 hours after application, which stretches my usual "oil-up" period quite a bit (1~2 hours).
I would gladly try out the lighter shade in 764 or the translucent one in 763 if I can purchase it in Japanese retail price. But I do not think it is worth spending another ¥2100 (price for no powder puffs included) yonder at ichibankao.com when the normal rate is only ¥1260. This is not to say that Chacott is of poor quality. In fact, it is very good quality for its regular retail price. Perhaps when I have the chance to visit Japan one day, I can finally stock up on more Chacott loose powders.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Bourjois Little Round Pot Blushes in 16 Rose Coup de Foudre & 03 Brun Cuivre

Little Round Pot Blush is probably the most recognized product in Bourjois' lineup. This is no wonder as the product has been around for over a century. No other packaging says "Paris, France" like these pot blushes.
16 Rose Coup de Foudre translates as Pink Lightning. This interesting blush was gifted by an old friend (thanks E). 03 Brun Cuivre, or Copper Brown is something I brought home from Hong Kong two years ago.
These blushes exhibit a soft, powdery texture because they are baked. The color of the packaging is matched to the product shade, which is a convenient and practical touch. 
The cute round mirror, while of not much use, is of good quality and add to the overall chic elegance of the packaging. The blush also comes with a scratchy crescent-shaped brush and an instruction sheet. The brush did not serve its purpose as it is oddly shaped and the poor quality of the bristles applied color too heavily. The hair is also very rough on the skin. I have disposed of them since they are no good. 
Rose Coup de Foudre is actually more peach than pink. This shade imitates the cheeks' natural flush and is extremely flattering on most skin tones. There is a glimmer of sheen on the skin when applied which makes the product more three-dimensional. I like this shade and find it one of the best peach-pink blushes in the market. 
I was attracted to Brun Cuivre during a nude-obsession phase. This shade is not overly brown. It has a slight orange mixed in which is what makes it more forgiving in my observation. It tones down the redness on cheeks while giving it a subtle color that is not flat, thanks to the slight shimmers. It can work its magic into creating a polished, sophisticated look. 
This range of blushes from Bourjois are deserving of their long-standing fame. They offer beautiful shades in a wide range of colors. The price is reasonable also, and for the quality it offers, is well worth having in one's collection. There are twelve shades in all. 

I have also reviews 33 Lilas d' Or in Makeupalley.