Sun Care | How to Reapply Sunscreen Over Makeup


As I've previously ranted in my Shiseido post (click here) sunscreen is crucial to keep your skin healthy looking now and in the future. The sun's UVA rays penetrate deep within your skin, causing long term damage. This usually leads to tanning, wrinkles, sunspots and skin cancer. Part of what I call my "skin care regimen" that I abide by every day always includes a sunscreen in the morning. I apply my Biore UV Perfect Bright Milk (Pink bottle) that helps me from looking too shiny and brightens my skin before applying any base.
However, once I have all my makeup on, how do I reapply makeup throughout the day?
As mentioned in my previous sunscreen review, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours or so. This makes it difficult if you're out for a few hours as it's quite impossible to remove all your makeup and redo your base. When you have makeup on, your options of reapplying sunscreen are really quite limited (unless you want to mess up your makeup!). So, when picking the correct sunscreen there are a few terms you should be looking out for: Broad Spectrum, UVA/UVB, PA(++++), PPD (What are they? Read about them here)
Here are my 3 recommendations:

1. Mist/Spray

Perhaps my favourite way of re-applying my SPF! Finding an aerosol can sunscreen may give you the evenest distribution without getting large droplets. They usually form a very gentle veil that does not disrupt your makeup underneath and sinks in momentarily! The cans are usually very portable and fit into your bags for reapplications. Although it may be easy to find these products anywhere in Asia (a Japanese favourite is the Kose Whitening Sunblock UV Protection Spray), I found it extremely hard to purchase these in North America. As mentioned in my previous sunscreen post, NA does not have a standardised scale for measuring UVA rays like Asia and Europe does (PA and PPD respectively) which makes it even more difficult!
Bioderma Hydrabio Eau de Soil Moisturising anti-UV mist SPF 30 PA+++ 50ml
Price: $10 Euros (Roughly $15 CAD)
Although this product is not available in NA (my mom in France shipped it to me hehe) I found it was great that it had the PA+++ scale labelled on it. This mist is gentle and easy to use and felt hydrating. The first time I used it I over applied and looked way too dewy! However, a lighter hand left my skin looking healthy and glowy without disrupting my makeup. Rating:3.5/5
Coola Makeup Setting Spray Green Tea & Aloe Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Organic Suncare + Hyluronic Acid 50ml
Price: $51 CAD
Rating: 4/5
Read more about it here!
La Roche-Posay Anthelio 50+/60 Advanced UVA/UVB Protection 148ml
Price: $35 CAD
La Roche-Posay uses 2% Mexoryl as one of its main active ingredients which is known for its UVA protection. Although there is no scale in NA to measure UVA, the chances that the UVA protection is high can be associated with the use of Mexoryl. This special ingredient used to be patented by L'Oreal but now is used in many sunscreens in North America. Although this product is praised for its great sun protection, I found it to be only just bearable to use over makeup. Although when applied to the skin it leaves a light film that's quickly absorbed, on the face, it doesn't quite sink in and requires some time. However, given the limited choices, I would say this is a good option! Rating: 2.5/5
VICHY Ideal Soleil SPF 50 UVA/UVB 155g
Price: $23 CAD
Having tried the La Roche Posay and the Vichy at the same time, I would say that this is a good dupe! It has a similar feeling as it dries quickly on the body but creates almost a film like a barrier on makeup. Although this is not ideal, it's bearable. Additionally, they have very similar ingredients as this one also has 2% Mexoryl, making it a good UVA protector. Rating 2.5/5
Supergoop Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50 Broad Spectrum 100ml
Price: $28 CAD
Despite not having personally used this product, Supergoop's claim that their refreshing setting mist has SPF 50, broad spectrum and protects from photoaging UV rays. Using this product as an example, these claims are exactly what you should be looking for when picking a spray out. In Canada, Urban Outfitters sells it online and is widely available in the US through Sephora.

2. Setting Powder 

If sunscreen sprays are not readily available, perhaps picking a setting powder with SPF would be an easier alternative. These powders would be great to apply on top of your makeup to refresh your look and get rid of the shine that's breaking down your makeup! In Asia, most powder foundations have a PA included which makes touch up extremely easy (a popular favourite: Canmake Marshmallow Finish Powder SPF 26 PA++)

A few options for North America after doing some research are:
Peter Thomas Roth Oily problem skin instant mineral SPF 30 UVA/UVB Protection
SuperGoop 100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45
(Has Zinc Oxide 20% that delivers broad spectrum sun protection)

Sunforgettable Loose Mineral Finishing Powder SPF 50 Broad spectrum UVA/UVB Sun Protection
(Includes Zinc Oxide)

3. BB Cream/Cushion

Lastly, if you don't mind re-applying your base makeup, then carrying your bb cream/cushion would be another option! Cushion Foundations are especially easy method of reapplying your SPF. BB Creams/Cushions from Asia usually already have a SPF, and a PA protection in it. Personally, I use the Hera Long Stay Cushion and Laneige Pore Control which both have SPF 50 PA+++.
Many Korean brands can now be found at Nordstrom/Sephora/Malls in NA (ex: La Neige, Amore Pacific, Sulwhasoo, The Face Shop) which makes these products easily accessible! If I don't have too much makeup on, first I blot my face and then reapply my base with the cushion. Be cautious that if you set your makeup with powder, it can make your reapplication patchy! Please remember that BB cream by itself is usually not enough, and you should still apply a sunscreen as part of your skincare morning regime.

 I struggled so much with finding ways to reapply sunscreen with makeup on. After doing a tone of research to find all the different options I hope you were able to learn something as well! Remember that sunscreen is especially crucial in the summer times or if you're using any acid peels, retinol/retinoid, vitamin c products.
In conclusion, when picking sunscreen look for terms like Broad Spectrum, UVA/UVB, PA, PPD, Zinc Oxide and Mexoryl.
Please let me know if you have any questions in the comment section :)

Until my next post!
JAY

Sun Care | Shiseido S.O.S Sun Kit VoxBox Review

  Shiseido S.O.S Save Out Skin Sun Kit - Influenster VoxBox Review

It's finally summer here in Toronto - we're starting to get more sunshine than rain lately! When it comes to protecting my skin - I'm just as diligent to applying sunscreen as I am skincare. I strongly believe that the key to healthy skin is through sun protection.

A little bit of education....
The sun's harmful rays come in two types: UVB and UVA.

UVB: Many sunscreens only cover UVB - "Burn." These are the rays that are harmful to the skin's surface level - they burn you, causing your skin to peel.

UVA: However, UVA in my eyes is just as important, if not more than UVB. UVA - "Ageing" rays penetrate deep into our skin and cause sunspots, tanning, wrinkles etc; basically everything we apply skincare for! To measure UVA, Asian sunscreens are labeled with "PA" scale that range from 1-4 + (ex: PA+++). Additionally, Europe has it's own scale called the PPD - persistent pigment darkening.

In North America, when looking for sunscreen, we should always be looking for ones that state "broad spectrum." "Broad Spectrum" means that the sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It is crucial that we make sure we protect ourselves from the sun!

There are several ways you can diminish the harm to your skin: you can choose to stay away from the sun (ex: staying indoors, wearing hats), go out when the rays are not as strong (avoid 12-4pm) or applying sunscreen. Shiseido creates some of the best sunscreens and is easily accessible at your local Shoppers Drug Mart or Sephora. 

Influenster and Shiseido sent me a few products for review purposes!

Shiseido WetForce Sports BB SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum 30mL 

Price: $48 CAD 
Sunscreen and makeup in one. This ingenious hybrid keeps skin looking undeniably gorgeous and protected, even while you have fun under the sun playing sports and working out. Now in a transfer-resistant BB tinted sunscreen, discover the ultimate sun protection formula with innovative WetForce technology. The super-lightweight formula blends easily into skin and stays put, delivering comfortable natural coverage that camouflages uneven skin texture and tone so you can look your best while you sweat. 
 I found the Shiseido Sports BB to be a really great for when I'm out spending time in the sun. On weekends I like to explore Toronto - visiting cafe's or walking around Harbourfront. As the temperature rises in the noon, many BB creams I use (ex Laneige, Hera, Missha) tend to break apart from the sweat and heat. However, I find the Shiseido Sports BB to be really great and holds together throughout the day. I still do need to occasionally blot - but it does not disturb the makeup underneath.  It controlled my oils fairly well and I can see all skin types using this.The texture is very light weight, a little runny and has medium coverage. The finish is matte/satin and natural looking. My only complaint is that there are only 3 shades - light, medium and dark- and tend to lean more beige. I picked "medium" and felt that it was a little dark for my NC25 skin and therefore I mix it with the "light" shade from the Urban Environment Tinted sunscreen. Finally, I love that the packaging is no hassle and easy to take when travelling. I find it convenient for sticking it in my purse for touchups when needed! Overall great product that is long lasting. 

Rating: 4/5

Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF 40 Broad Spectrum (Travel Size) 

Price: $40 CAD (56mL)
A feather-light daily cream sunscreen that shields the skin to fight unavoidable environmental aggressors.This daily shield utilizes advanced sun care technology to protect against dryness, oxidative pollutants, and UVA/UVB rays that cause photo-aging, spots, and wrinkles. This product spreads quickly and provides long-lasting, exceptional moisture to the skin. It can be worn daily as a makeup base for a beautiful foundation finish and easily removes with daily cleanser.
Shiseido claims that this cream spreads quickly, long lasting, can be worn as a base and moisturising. I must say, despite the thicker cream texture, the sunscreen spread out really easily on my skin and blended in very quickly. The first time I used it, I applied way too much but it absorbed easily and didn't feel thick! I had no problem using this as a base as it almost turned into a slightly powdery finish (it was a bit matte). However, I did not feel that it was moisturising. 

Rating 4/5



Shiseido Ultimate Cleansing Oil 75mL (Travel Size) 

Price: $33 CAD (150mL) 
A rinse-off oil-based cleanser. This specially designed purifying formula quickly and easily removes long-wearing foundation and water-resistant, high-SPF sunscreens. It rinses away quickly leaving no sensation of stickiness. This product is for use on face and body.
A really good oil cleanser that takes off all my makeup and sunscreen. It's a very runny formula which takes off my face makeup easily. It took off all my makeup pretty easily and left my skin feeling soft and not greasy. The only complaint I have is I wish there were more benefits to the product, ex: including green tea extract. Additionally, the current oil cleanser I use (RMK Cleansing Balm) is just a tad thicker and creamier. It just felt slightly "boring" and too simple of a product for the price... however, it does get the job done well! 

Rating: 3.5/5


I hope everyone's having a great summer, and please look forwards to my next posts! I'd love to hear some ideas to what other products I should review next :D 

Love,
JAY

Palette Review | NARSissist Loaded Eyeshadow



  • Purchase at Sephora
  • Price: $74 CAD
  • 5 Matte Shades, 7 Shimmer/Satin Shades
  • Mix of Neutral and Warm shades
  • This eyeshadow palette is filled with 12 must-have neutrals in a just-released, sensorial eyeshadow formula that’s designed to impart your richest looks yet. Curated with a full lineup of essential shades—from creamy nudes to decadent darks in matte and shimmering finishes—this potent spectrum also features both cool and warm toned neutrals for ultimate versatility.  

  • Newbury Steet: White Gold Shimmer (Frosted finish)
  • Windsor: Warm Beige Matte (A lot of fall out, a bit patchy) 
  • Privilege: Gold Metallic (Semi opaque) 
  • Dover: Neutral Brown Matte (Patchy, powdery, and looked more taupe than brown)

  • Foix: Peach Matte
  • Castille: Umber Brown Matte 
  • Alnwick: Copper Shimmer 
  • Beaumaris: Chocolate Brown Shimmer

  • Splendor: Pewter Sparkle
  • Versailles: Bronze Shimmer
  • Montaillou: Dark Brown Matte (Patchy and chalky)
  • Reale: Black Satin (A bit patchy)

Final Thoughts: 

  • 1st row: Pretty lighter shades for a natural look 
  • 2nd row: Nice warm/neutral shades that can be used every day - Foix, Castille, Alnwick are my favourites from this palette! All the shades were very pigmented. 
  • 3rd row: Can create a lovely smokey eye (leans cooler/neutral tone) - Splendor is absolutely beautiful.
PROS:
Overall, I feel like it's a really well put together palette - a lot of matte/shimmer shades, and a variety of light-medium-dark colors. Additionally, a nice blend of neutral and warmer shades. 

CONS:
However, my main problem with this palette is the fact that their matte shades are not creamy. Most of them tend to be dry, chalky and patchy in comparison to my ABH Modern Renaissance Palette - meaning they most definitely need to be used on top of a primer. Additionally, there was a lot of inconsistency with the formula; even the shimmer/satin shades would vary. 

That being said I still think that the palette is good quality - but compared to the $74 price tag attached to it,  you can spend the same amount and probably get a better quality palette. 

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Palette Review | Tartelette In Bloom Clay Eyeshadow Swatches & Review

Price: $60 CAD
Tartlette in the Bloom is the second palette in the series! This one definitely leans a bit warmer vs the original Tartelette Amazonian Clay Matte Eyeshadow Palette is more neutral. Other than that, it includes a mix of matte (9)  and shiny/lustre (3) finishes for a total of 12 shades.
ALSO, the palette just smells like cocoa powder!! <3 

Overall I find that this palette is a really great all-in-one because you have your basic whites, medium/dark browns and black matte shades. Those are considered essential shades that everyone should own. But on top of that, you have some beautiful shimmers such as Funny Girl and FireCracker. So, if I had to bring one palette with me to travel, I think this would be the ideal one!

Overall Formula:

  • The formula overall is creamy and easy to blend except for a few. 
  • For the lustre finishes, Rocker was not as pigmented and smooth as FireCracker or Funny Girl.
  • All matte shades on the very right (darkest) were super pigmented and did not need to be layered twice. However, some of the lighter matte shades like Charmer, and Flower Child were slightly chalky. 
  •  For consistency, I wish all shades were as pigmented and creamy as Funny Girl because it does change from shadow to shadow.

Favourites: 

My personal favourites in this palette have to be Funny Girl, Sweet Heart, and Firecracker! Funny Girl is EXTREMELY creamy and pigmented, sweetheart is a beautiful peachy transition shade and FireCracker is a great all over the lid colour. 

Note: all swatches are done without primer!

Charmer (off white)
Jetsetter (warm taupe)
Rocker (shimmering taupe)
Smokeshow (black brown)
Flower Child (peachy nude)
Smarty Pants (tan)
Firecracker (bronze copper)
Activist (dark brown)
Funny Girl (champagne)
Sweetheart (peach)
Rebel (chestnut brown)
Leader (aubergine) 

Final Thoughts:

 Although I do find $60 quite pricey for this palette, I still highly recommend it because it's a very well thought out and just an overall very solid palette. It's really versatile and can create natural to smokey looks. If you are hesitant about the price, keep an eye out for discounts at Sephora, and also the Tarte website - I'm always getting emails for sales from them!

Overall Rating: 8/10


What do you guys want to see next? :) 

Love, 
JAY

Favourites | March 2017

March has been a weird month in terms of weather - part of it was cold and part of it was warm. But because instead of getting snow, we started to get rain, my skin sorted itself out and went back to being combination/oily instead of dry/oil! Here are a few products that I have been really loving this month, and have been my go-to products!

1. CoverGirl Oh Sugar! - No.10 Gumdrop
Price: $7
Personally, I don't like a super opaque lipstick that looks like a mask and dries my lip out so I was looking for more of a tinted lip balm. I really love the new Yves Saint Laurent Volupté Tint-in-Balm but I couldn't justify a $42 lipstick/balm that only lasted around an hour before disappearing from my lips. The colour I was in love with was 5 - DARE ME PLUM which was described as a dark rich berry.  Luckily, CoverGirl has a $7 dupe for that shade. It's a medium plum shade that feels just like a chapstick. I put it on very lightly and tints my lip, but I find that if I put on too much it feels a little greasy. However, the color is pretty buildable as you can see in the swatch. I love that it's decently moisturising and also no fuss - making it an ideal daily lipstick!

2. Shiseido IBUKI Smart Filtering Smoother
Price: $29
This was given to me by Influenster and I go into detail reviewing it here. I won't go into too much detail but I love layering this over my oil control primer to give my skin a smoother look. Layering it also helps really helps prolong my makeup!

3. Hera UV Mist Cushion Long Stay
Price: $50
This is an amazing cushion foundation in the shade C23 that I bought last summer in Beijing. It is on the pricier side but it wears really nicely on combination skin. The finish is very natural. It has a semi-matte and is medium to almost completely full coverage. "C" stands for cover which indicates it has higher coverage versus, other Hera cushions that have less coverage and indicated by not having the "C" label. After around the 5 hour mark, I do need to blot where I get oily. But, I find that by the end of a whole day 80% of my makeup is still there. For those who have dry skin, I would not recommend this one because it does cling onto my dry patches. I do not use this in the dryer months but once spring and summer come by I always find myself coming to this! 
C23 is perfect for my NC25 skin
4. MAC Mineralize Blush -  BI TONE
Price: $33
When I fist saw this blush I didn't think I would like it. However, once you mix the colours together it looks like a beautiful pinky/mauve with a hint of plum. It's a very satin finish so it kinda gives you the blush and highlight look all in one. Additionally, I love to use this when I wear berry or plum lips. I've been pairing this with the CoverGirl Oh Sugar all month and they look really great together! It is very pigmented make sure you use a light hand. 

5. Wet n Wild Photofocus Setting Spray
Price: $6
I usually almost always used my Urban Decay All nighter setting spray but because it does cost $35 I wanted a good setting spray for my shorter daily outings.  I've limited myself to only using my UD spray if I'm going to a party, or if I know I'll be out the entire day. Wet n Wild's setting spray is super affordable and I find it does a good job on prolonging my makeup! I can't say that it's a dupe for UD because it doesn't hold my makeup together as long. However, since when I go out it's usually just for classes, I'm never out for too long. For times when I'm out for 4-5 hours, I highly recommend this spray. The mist is also very nice :)

Love,
JAY

Makeup | Shiseido IBUKI Survival Kit VoxBox


This is the first time I received a VoxBox from Influenster and I'm very excited to try out this Ibuki box! I'm very familiar with Shiseido's skincare lines like Ibuki and White Lucent, but I've never really used their cosmetic products. In terms of what I have used, Ibuki Protective Moisturizer is one of my favourite moisturisers because it makes my skin feel super plump and hydrated. Additionally, the Urban Environment Tinted UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 43 is a go to daily favourite :)
Click to enlarge/zoom

Shiseido has a letter that's already stamped and encourages you to tell someone why you care about them and why they're beautiful to you. I'm thinking of writing a little something and send it to my mom! <3
 Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate 

Additional to the letter, which contains 3 days worth of ultimate concentrate. The VoxBox also includes a deluxe sample in addition. I had previously been gifted a full size 2 years ago and was able to really try it out over a prolonged period. Ultimune is a:
A one-of-a-kind boosting pre-treatment that helps defend against multiple signs of aging and damage, while enhancing the effects of skincare that follows. 
In general, Ultimune can boost your skin's immune and help it defend itself from external aggressors like sun damage, pollution, etc. However, I found it too rich for my skin as it is usually given to older clients. I gave my bottle to my mom and she uses it every night after toner and before serum. Ultimune boosts the serum used over it and helps you use less to get the same results! It has a really refreshing scent, easily absorbed and instantly makes my skin feel softer. 

My review: 7/10
Shiseido Ibuki Beauty Sleeping Mask 
An overnight leave-on gel mask featuring vitamin capsules that melt into skin, helping you wake up to a well-rested and radiant complexion. 
I used half the packet one night and woke up with amazing skin despite sleeping super late and only getting a few hours of shut eye! Somehow it reduced all the redness and my skin looked very even. The gel itself is clear but also has some yellow bubble/beads in it that disappear when you apply the cream. According to Shiseido these are actually vitamin capsules. It's very light-weight, absorbs easily, and has the same light fragrance all Shiseido products have. This is one of the top products in my Shiseido Vox Box and would definitely consider purchasing after I run out of my current night time cream! 

My Review: 9.5/10
Shiseido Ibuki Quick Fix Mist

This sample size mist is easy to throw in your bag to help refresh your makeup. Sephora says it's a
"dewy, refreshing gel mist that helps visibly correct shine, dehydration, and day-worn skin while preventing makeup from wearing off or creasing."
At first I thought this was a setting spray but it's actually best used as a refresher throughout the day to touch up your skin/makeup. The formula is a little bit viscous and gel like. My only concern was not with the product itself but rather the deluxe sample packaging. The mist was really bad because it didn't spread the product evenly and only sprayed out droplets. This made it hard to judge the product. At first, when I sprayed it onto my hand it felt tacky, but after it settled in it moisturised and also mattified. Additionally, right after spraying, I feel like there's a light cooling sensation.
My review: 7.5/10
Ibuki Smart Filtering Smoother

A game-changing formula that acts like a smart filter reducing the appearance of pores and absorbing oil, leaving skin with a fresh, smooth, matte look. 

The texture comes out slightly pink, liquidy and the moment it applies to the skin it gives a velvety feel and appearance. I've had a lot of success with this product in terms of blurring my skin, prolonging the wear, and helping to mattify my skin. As I do tend to have more of an oily t-zone, I can't say that it will stop all my oils, therefore, I prefer to use this product as a layering product. I use this on top of the current oil controlling primer to help blur my skin and pores that I have around my cheek/nose area. This makes my skin look super smooth and even. However, I would not recommend this if you're looking to specifically fill in your pores, but rather just as an all over skin blur.

My review: 8/10

Love,
JAY


I received the product complimentary to review but these are my honest opinions :) 
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