Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation 

vs 

Apieu Triple Wear Foundation 

(Comparison + Review)

I've owned Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation for 3 years and it has always been my go-to foundation for special events or if I knew I need to stay mostly outdoor for the day. For your knowledge, I've super oily skin and most foundation don't last long (more than 6 hours) on me especially around my nose/lips area, foundation might also appear cakey/sitting into fine lines/pores throughout the day when sebum production becomes noticeable. But Estee Lauder Doube Wear foundation has never fail me even in extreme weather (40͒C summer, rainy days, 1-2͒C in Iceland), lasted perfectly and MATTE for 16 hours! (oil production is barely seen). So, Double Wear foundation has soon becoming my long-lasting holy grail(HG) foundation.

Well.. done raving about Estee Lauder Double Wear! I came across this Apieu Cosmetics Triple Wear Foundation few days ago when the brand set up a promotion counter in AEON Tebrau City. I know that the brand opened in the mall long ago but never bother to visit the shop. BUT then when I saw this foundation, I was literally shook by the name of TRIPLE WEAR! The first thing that came through my mind is "Is this a probable DUPE for the Estee Lauder Double Wear?" "Is this a challenge against DOUBLE wear? cause it's TRIPLE wear!!" XD The salesperson told me that this foundation claims are long lasting matte and moisturizing at the same time.

Reviews of Apieu Cosmetics Triple Wear Foundation:

Let's start with the packaging! The see-through opaque matte finish glass bottle is really classy and a complete dupe of the Estee Lauder Double Wear on this point. It comes with pump which the Double Wear doesn't! This is another plus point. However, is this packaging travel-friendly? Not really! It's much heavier than the Double Wear and the glass packaging can easily break. (It contains 35g of product, slightly higher than Double Wear by 5g) Another off-point for this foundation is that no claims/ingredient list on the box or the bottle itself. (So I can't really test according to the claims and see if it's up to par)

Shade wise as usual for Korean road shop brands. VERY BAD range of selections! Only 5 shades available. And the darkest shade doesn't even appear as dark as advertised. I do look a little fair with it but can add a little bronzer to darken the shade. Good thing is that it has pink and yellow shades! (Most Korean brands would only come with pink cool tone!) I'm using 5 (Sand) which more of a warm yellowish beige shade. For shade reference, number 5 (Sand) is about same for No. 23 in Korean makeup brands.

Consistency right after dispensing from the bottle is fairly similar to the Double Wear which is very liquid. Runs like water, really lightweight. I would prefer Apieu Triple Wear if it comes to the lightweight feeling of my skin after application. (I can feel my skin breathing while Double Wear does feel slightly heavy)

Coverage is super amazing despite the lightweight texture. It covers all blemishes, dark pigmentation, acne scars, dark circle and literally EVERYTHING! I would say it's higher than medium but not the highest. Very buildable too.

Finishing 👍: Semi-matte finish (slightly skin-like glow). NOT complete matte which can be good (skin-like) or bad (NOT enough oil-control).
Very easy to work with either by Beautyblender/Real techniques Miracle Sponge/wedge puffs or foundation brush (Sigma F80 Kabuki brush/Real Techniques Expert Face Brush)
Feel slightly tacky/sticky after application and even after few minutes of letting it set on the skin unlike Estee Lauder Double Wear which sets quickly to a matte powdery but still skin-like finish.
Slight powdery finish after product dry down but not cakey.
NOT completely transfer-proof before setting with powder. (*It stuck onto my fingers after touching but I can't really tell if any products came off my face! Good job, Apieu!)
It does not set into fine lines. I'm surprised by pore-diminishing effect.

Longevity (Note: I did set it with my Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder): Hold up to 12 hours. I did sweat a little on my moustache area but nothing came off! I tried spritzing water on my face but nothing came off too (waterproof APPROVED!) I had the slightest bit of oil around my T-zone area at the end of the 12-hour test and I did not blot AT ALL throughout the day!!! Did NOT oxidise at all! Overall, as good as Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation!!

Price: RM 43.92
Worth it? Definitely worth the price which is less than one-third the price of Double Wear! (Estee Lauder Double Wear: RM 165.00)

Overall rating: 8/10
(I deducted 2 marks because it didn't set as quickly as Double Wear/slightly transferable and also the lack of shade selection)

Dupe for Double Wear?: 75% (Good job, Apieu Cosmetics!)

Recommendation: For all skin types. (Normal/dry skin might be able to skip setting powder BUT oily skin is a must to set with powder)

Repurchase rate: Yes! (Only if I'd finish using all my other foundations which is IMPOSSIBLE!)

You might be surprised why I'd include Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless in the first few pictures. That's just a teaser for the NEXT foundation review! Haha...

Let me know in the comment section below if there's any suggestions or points I should also include in my following foundation reviews. Very much appreciated. Thanks and hope you enjoy reading! 

Makeup for Beginners (Part I)

I've often come across people especially girls asking me how do I do my makeup. So, I decided to come out with my own 'formula' to answer most of the questions. Some of my friends would complain 'why the hassle? especially early in the morning!". Ladies and gentlemen, let me make this clear, I didn't start makeup because I love doing it! I've mentioned how I got myself into makeup in my first blog post. [So, I save you from the long story! 😂] Well, I started off because of insecurity and a way to hide my imperfection. But NOW it's more like I can't live without it and it's part of LIFE! (It has given me a lit to my day in the morning, brighter than the sun!) Ever since then, it's never because of I had to do it but I LOVE 💗 doing it! I'm not saying everyone of you should start doing makeup but if you've something you want to correct (eg. dark circles, blemishes, pigmentation), makeup is never a bad idea. [BTW I don't mean you should cover all the imperfections, cause I believe everybody lives with a little imperfection which makes you different from others] And the makeup trend in 2017 is to look as natural as possible. (There's been a trend where makeup artist even draw freckles on their clients who originally don't have them) So, what I provide here is just my personal 'formula' or merely a guide for beginners. 😂 

Before I start the main topic (makeup), I would like to bring you to the theory of constructing a building. In short, in order for the building (a.k.a makeup) to last forever or at least a good amount of time, a concrete, stable and  strong base is not just essential but a MUST. What does the base in this context means? Basically it means our SKIN. Concrete, stable and strong can be translated as the general condition or well-being of the skin. Therefore, in order to achieve that "concrete, stable and strong" skin, I highly recommend implementing the right skincare before any makeup. And here goes my 7-step on how to start makeup (Finally!🙈):

1) Learn about your skin

What I'm trying to imply here is that every single one of us has a different skin type even though our skin cells are composed of about-the-same component. By learning about your own skin, you're more likely to find the right product in the market in order to optimize your skin condition.

What are the skin types?

• Normal
• Dry
• Combination
• Oily/Acne-prone
• Sensitive
• Aging

These are probably some of them but if you have any to add just comment at the section below. Our skin types could change with time and change in environment (four seasons, extreme heat or air-conditioner). Lucky or somehow unlucky (if you have bad skin), Malaysians generally don't experience much changes cause we are living in a tropical weather.

"How do I know what skin type I am?"
Best indicator: After washing your face, leave your skin for 30 minutes or more (without applying any skincare) then observe your skin

• Normal: You're lucky! Thanks your parents for the good genes!😀 
• Dry: Your skin feel tight from deep within/ dry flakes, patches is seen
• Combination: Part of your face will feel tight/dry flakes, patches (Usually cheeks area)BUT other part of the face has sebum/oil production (Usually the T-zone: forehead and nose area)
• Oily/Acne-prone: Your whole face might or might not feel tight BUT sebum production is all over the face/ large pores are visible 
• Sensitive: You might have itchy, red patches on the face/ Blood vessels are easily visible
• Aging: Fine lines/wrinkles, sagging large pores, hyperpigmentation etc.

You might have already noticed that I mentioned "skin feeling tight" in most skin types and you must be wondering "Isn't tight a good thing?". What I meant the above is NOT face lifting/wrinkle-free. The feeling of tightness is deep within and not the appearance of tightening effect. And it basically means your skin cells dehydrated and craving for water. So, moisturizing the skin is the key to all of skin types.

2) Using the right skincare

By saying using the right skincare, it means finding the right product. In order to get the right product, you need to know your skin type.

• Normal/Dry: Focus more on moisturizing the skin 
• Oily: Sebum-production-controlling products (NOT excessively) +/- exfoliate (remove unwanted dead skin cells)
• Combination: Zoning care (different skincare catered for the T-zone compared to the dry cheeks)
• Sensitive: Avoid alcohol-contained products/ Choose hypoallergenic products/ Better if natural ingredient-based products
• Aging: Anti-aging products that contains AHA/ Retinol etc (Main aim is to remove unwanted dead cells and promote newer skin cells growth) 

Tips: To me, the safest solution to all skin types is to follow the sensitive skin regime +/- what you need extra (eg. anti-aging/sebum control)

Skincare is good before makeup. However, if it's done excessively or unsuitable products, it's just going to ruin the makeup that you put on afterwards. Oil-based products are important for balancing the skin and to provide a canvas on the face to lock-in moisture from the previous skincare steps BUT it can also become a barrier for the makeup to cling on to the skin properly. So, here are a few recommendations that is likely to suit most people: 

a. Avene Thermal Spring Water: a type of mineral water located deep underground known for it's skin soothing, softening and calming properties and is exempt form bacteria and pollution. It's spray head is designed to produce the finest mist for better absorption and optimal hydration for the skin. This calm the skin really well especially if you have redness/rosacea. It can also be use as a refreshing mist throughout the day without affecting your makeup.     [Tips: Spritz a good amount of this product onto a cotton pad and  leave it on the irritated part of the skin for 5-10 minutes. TADAA!!!]

Available at most pharmacies in Malaysia: Watson, Guardian, Caring etc

b. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb: It's an ultra-lightweight, mineral oil-free gel-cream (more towards water-based) that instantly cools and refreshes skin while providing intensive hydration. Its anti-oxidant-rich lady's mantle will help neutralize skin-damaging free radicals, improves skin elasticity and minimize appearance of pores. The key point here is 'ultra-lightweight', 'gel-cream', 'cools' and 'minimize pore size'. 'Ultra-lightweight' and 'gel-cream' texture is the best pre-makeup moisturizer! Its significance is that it is formulated to absorb quickly by the skin and hence does not interrupt your following step which is makeup. And yes, some people might feel that gel-like texture moisturizer doesn't really do their job in keeping in moisture throughout the day BUT remember this is a gel-cream hybrid! So, it does more than purely gel-textured ones.

[Tips: If you feel that your skin is still feeling dry after first application, try the layering technique which means re-application of the same moisturizer: (1) Use a small amount of the moisturizer about a pea size and apply evenly across the whole face (2) Wait for the product to sink in completely into the skin (3) Re-apply the same moisturizer again and pressed in into the skin with your warmed palms]

Alternative: Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream (Available in-store and Hermo website)

Available in Belif stores (Sunway Pyramid, Midvalley Megamall, IOI City Mall, Suria KLCC, Queensbay Mall Penang, Vivacity Mall Sarawak) and,

Hermo website: https://www.hermo.my/mall/2493-belif-the-true-cream-aqua-bomb-50m

c. Blithe Pressed Serum (Crystal Iceplant & Tundra Chaga) [left to right]

Crystal Iceplant (for calm and cool hydration): suitable for normal, combination, oily skin

Tundra Chaga (for ultimate nutrients and firmness): suitable for normal, dry, aging skin

They serve as an anti-polluaging (pollution-causing aging) serum and mositurizer hybrid, packed with 63% iceplant extract from the Sahara or  60% tundra chaga mushroom extract respectively, provides lasting hydration and nourishment to the skin without heaviness. This type of 2-in-1 product may serve as the best regime as they're highly packed with potent ingredients and save you from layers and layers of skincare before makeup which is most of time not helpful at all. However, these multi-purpose products can be on the pricey side. Considering the cold-pressed technology used to make these products to preserve the original nutrition instead of the commonly used heat-processed, I would say it's definitely worth the price! 

Available online:  Blithe Crystal Iceplant Pressed Serum ; Blithe Tundra Chaga Pressed Serum  (This product is carried by Glow Recipe which ships internationally! 😁)  #kbeauty #glowrecipe #sephora 

There are definitely more new and innovative products in the market. And let's discover them together! (Any recommendations, please comment below 👇) 

3) Cleanse your face (in the right way)

Washing the face does not just mean by cleaning it. It can also act as an exfoliator to remove unwanted dead skin cells so that your makeup sits on your face smoothly, and some cleansers come with nourishing/added effect to the skin. And AGAIN this depends on your skin type as well! There are so many types of cleansers on the market that you can splurge on BUT bear in mind to get the right one for yourself. Washing the face is a MUST-DO daily habit but over-washing the face or using the wrong product can make your skin worse by stripping the water from your skin, breaking the normal skin barrier. 

• Normal: You're lucky enough to try anything as long as you cleanse your face
• Dry/Aging: Oil/Balm/Lotion (Recommendation: Heimish All Clean Balm)
• Oily: Cleansing Foam/Soap/Gel (Recommendation: Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser)
• Combination: Lotion (More towards dry skin); Foaming Cleansers (More towards oily)
• Sensitive: No alcohol content, soap-free, Cleansing Lotion/Milk (Recommendation: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser)

[Tips: For all skin types EXCEPT Sensitive skin type, use lukewarm water to start off cleansing process (lukewarm water helps open the pores in order for deep cleansing) and end with cool water which will help to minimize the pores]

For men/people with oily skin, dead skin cells tend to be more and may eventually clog the pores causing comedones and acne. Hence, incorporating some gentle exfoliator (physical or chemical) in the cleansing process once/twice weekly can help unclog the pores and prevent acne.

(Recommendation: Skin Food Black Sugar Mask, Philosophy Resurface The Microdelivery Dual Phase Peel)

So, here are the three steps on how to prepare the skin for makeup. Do this the right way and we shall continue the real deal in Part II (MAKEUP) 😃

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Cheers,

IncrEdibleYu

Colour of The Year 2017: VDL + PANTONE

Since we are approaching 2017 in few days (It's the last Friday of 2016 😱), I thought I would do a more relevant topic for all of you. Colour is everything to the beauty and fashion industry especially makeup! It is a trend to follow and be fashionable. It happens every year, usually in the fall, sometimes in December which is NOW when the colour of the following year is chosen! Just for your knowledge, "The colour of the year" is announced by Pantone, the design world's leading colour authority.

Before I even start, let's take a look at the video released by Pantone two weeks ago.

The Colour of The Year 2017: Greenery (a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew)

"A refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings."

"It signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate."

"Greenery is nature’s neutral. The more submerged people are in modern life, the greater their innate craving to immerse themselves in the physical beauty and inherent unity of the natural world." 

"A life-affirming shade, Greenery is also emblematic of the pursuit of personal passions and vitality." 

-credits to PANTONE-

And so every year makeup brands came up with their own collection to match the colour of the year. The one brand that always caught my eyes is VDL (a korean brand). Collaboration between VDL and Pantone is a well-known trend if you've been a kbeauty lover. So let's take a closer look at the VDL + Pantone 2017 collection: 

Expert Color Eye Book 6.4 NO. 6  (Retail price: USD 48)

As you can see, there are only one shade that shows "Greenery". However, I would say other colours such as the pink, peach and brown undertones are quite some daily usable colours plus they would complement "Greenery" perfectly as shown below:

Many might think that the colour green is a little hard to pull off BUT makeup has no LIMITS and never will it ever be. I would say just give it a try if you're up for it! :)

Expert Color Lip Cube Marble Glow (Retail price: USD 22)

Claims from VDL: It's a highly moist tinted lip gloss to give a natural color while delivering comfort with mositure as soon as it touches the lips.

[Impression: Well! The VDL lip cube structure is designed to match the lip shape perfectly and I'm truly in love with it BUT I can't speak for the texture, pigmentation of this Marble Glow series just yet! Still worth a TRY I guess]  

VDL Colour Correcting Primer (Bottle and Cushion) 

(Retail price: USD 21)

Both comes with three colours: Green (combat redness), Lavender, Serenity blue (Brightening). All has already been in their collection for sometime but VDL decided to jump on the bandwagon to re-introduce their primers because of the colour "Greenery"while Lavender and Serenity Blue were introduced for last years' 2016 Color of The Year. 

[Impression: Nothing exciting! Unless you wanted to try out color correcting cushions which Etude House already has!]

VDL Satin Veil Finish Powder Greenery (Retail price: USD 28) 

Claims from VDL: Translucent powder with Elastic Sebum Control technology. 

[Impression: Again! Nothing exciting! The content is exactly the same as last year's Satin Veil Powder] 

VDL Expert Color Cheek Book Mono 1.8g 

(Retail price: USD 15)

Contain of two single cream cheek blusher: Coral Vitality & Tawny Orange (left to right respectively)
Claims from VDL: To provide a chic and "chok chok" (moistful and dewy) look after application.
[Impression:Both colors look pretty interesting and chic. Coral and Orange colors do suit Asian skin tone the best! BUT cream blusher just somehow does not speak to me; The formula can either be too hard or too runny which might somehow ruin the base makeup SO nahhhhh I'll pass!]

VDL Rouge Supreme Comfortable Lip Oil 

(Retail price: Update soon!)

Information and Claims from VDL: Update soon! (No further details from VDL website) 

BUT the roller applicator can be quite interesting and probably a newer trend too!

These are just some of the products available from the VDL + Pantone  2017 collection. They have also come up with Perfume and Diffuser which was not included in this blog. 

Disclaimer: Information were collected, simplified and translated from the VDL main websites by myself (So don't quote me if I'm wrong  😁 ) Hahaha!

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2017! 💗

Many happy returns and love for 2017!💕

Journey to Makeup

Journey to Makeup

Contemplating with acne

All of these go way back to my teens (around 14-17) when I started to have a massive break out on my face and body. I began to acknowledge the need of incorporating skincare in my daily routine and here comes SHOPPING TIME! (way back I thought it was a nuisance >.<) And what I meant by shopping time (Back in those days: Watson/Guardian stores are the only few options) is pimples cream/acne gel/tea tree oil products etc. That was all!

So I "self-medicated" myself for a few months and things have worsen to a point that I need to see a Dermatologist. I tried topical creams, antibiotics (Doxycyline) for few months, NOT working! Then, change to a more well-known regime NOW, Retinoids (a form of Vitamin A) which helps reduce sebum production, regulate skin growth etc. It worked WONDERS after half a year of treatment, I barely have a single pimples (No whiteheads nor blackheads). All left was a few pimples scars here and there which never bother me at all.

However, this did not last (I would blame myself for not putting much effort on my skin; All I did was washing my face twice daily)! After a year or two pimples-free, it's all back to square one! Well, it started off not as bad (just blackkheads and a few tiny little whiteheads), so nothing to be worried about. (Cause I've experienced worse 😂) I admit that it has worsen throughout a few months but it was my least worried problems cause SPM (just in case you're not Malaysian, this is sort of O'level) was just around the corner.

First attempt on skincare and makeup

After SPM, I travelled abroad to South Korea for a week. South Koreans are known for their skincare and BB cream has brought the country a whole new level recognition in the makeup industry. My first day spent in Myeongdong, I would say that I was overwelhmed by every single people who I came across. Their complexion are DAMN GOOD!(Good is an understatement, I can't find a better word for that) So... my heart whispered "Their products must be really effective! And YES I'm going for it!" I entered Etude House because the sales-person was the first to approach me on the street and has gave me a few samples. I startled for a few minutes not knowing what to do because I didn't know how to speak Korean. But then a guy came to me and started speaking Mandarin to me "Do you need help?". (Most Korean beauty stores do employ workers from China/Taiwan)  He introduced a few skincare products which is the Aloe Moistfull series which I bought. Before I head to the counter, he said he would like to recommend me their new product which was Precious Mineral Sun BB Cream. (this product was promoted by 2NE1 Sandara Park and SHINee; A little bias there hehehe) It was Summer in Korea and he said SPF is a MUST! So... GOT it as well!

That's my kick start of makeup: Etude House Precious Mineral Sun BB Cream! 💖
 *Too bad it has been discontinued

It made my skin so flawless and fresh on my first application. I was amazed by how much coverage it has provided to my skin. I could barely see any redness on my skin! The brightening effect was literally the bomb too! "I just can't.. just can't and will NEVER stop using it!" (That was my first impression)  AND So.. I begins!

{I skipped the part that I went crazy shopping for skincare and BB creams from other stores} 🙈