Jane Tries: TonyMoly Pikachu Mini Blusher Cushion

Cushion foundations have been the rage in Korea and it's been creeping into international awareness with companies like Lancome also coming up with cushion foundations. The next step, however, has been these blusher cushions. When you are using a cushion foundation, sometimes, it's tough to use a blush that blends well with the foundation, especially if the blusher is a powder. I hate how it just streaks across your cheeks. Not a good look.

Although some people love the cream blushers, I do not. I hate how it just sits on top of the foundation and it looks so caked on, even when you blend.  The ones I've used really sink into the pores which ends up being all I can see.  Since this is also in a thinner, less creamy, form, it blendㄴ nicely into the cushion foundation on your skin.

Each of the three Pikachus have a different expression.

There are a lot of cushion blushers, some better quality than others, but today, I am reviewing the TonyMoly Pikachu mini cheek cushion blusher. Limited edition, this comes in three colours, but I find, for my skin, the best one is No. 2 or "Rose Coral." I find No. 1 a bit *too* light for my taste, but I suppose you could build it up to a nice pink tone on your skin.

How cute is that pokeball puff???

This cushion blusher is sheer, and as I've stated, buildable, but for me, I like the fact it is sheer, since again, it doesn't sit on your pores. The one thing, however, to be aware is that if you have any dark spots, this blusher *will* emphasise it.

I tend to find I use the blusher when I am touching up, viz. after a long day, when your makeup has worn off, I like to reapply a little of the cushion foundation and then add a little blusher on my cheeks so I won't look like I'm a corpse. But of course you can use it as your daily blush if you'd like.

I  hope you enjoyed this review and do let me know if there is anything you'd like for me to try out.

xo Jane

Jane Tries: Etude House "Tint My Brows" Gel

When I went home, I saw how everyone's makeup was simple and subtle yet incredibly effortless. The "No Makeup" is really in and I love it. Aside from flawless skin, which has been the bane of my existence (sigh), one of the things I noticed that really ups the "put together yet effortless" ante are good brows. This brow tint really allows you to look smashing on your no-makeup days without much effort.

My cousin had gifted me this last year and I forgot to try it, even though both my mom and cousin raved about it. Late to the train, but here I am. I have been using it for awhile now and I really love how even if I leave the house with just concealer and mascara, I don't have the "it's so obvious she's wearing no makeup" look.

If you have beautiful brows, this product has no importance, but I have sparse brows and this fills in the gaps. To say it really is a game-changer is such an understatement.

Since this is a tint, the longer you put it on, the more it stays. Much like henna, it will tint the area of your skin where the product is placed. I recommend doing this before you sleep so that there is a sufficient amount of time for the tint to actually work. Don't be alarmed by how dark it is; the tint is actually a nice soft brown colour. I like to wipe it off with Bioderma in the morning before I wash my face. I guarantee you will see results immediately.

The product itself is thick and tacky and goes on a dark brown

If you're afraid that you might make a mistake when applying, I recommend perhaps making the brow shape slightly less than what you're accustomed and if you *do* make a mistake, oil will less the colour faster. Do remember this product is temporary, so it will fade soon.

One of the reasons why I have this blog is to document all the product I've used and also, to encourage me to use up all my products before I buy new ones. I hope you enjoy my reviews and I can't wait to try more products for you.

xo Jane

Empties Review: Missha and Laura Mercier

Today, I am going to review two products I've recently finished. One of them, the Laura Mercier Powder, I have discussed before, but I wanted to talk about it after I finished the entire product and after using other powders in the interim.

Clearly I used ALL of the product =)

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder: Although the powder comes in a very small container for the price, the powder itself is white and it *does* brighten the areas applied.  Even at my age, I still get oily on my T-zone, and this powder helps lessen the shine in that area. I also really helps set my foundation and concealer.

Would I repurchase?: I don't plan to repurchase it anytime soon;  I am still trying the innisfree sebum powder, which I also really like, and I have a Nars powder I plan to use next.  Stay tuned for the next review.

Missha Frui-Tea Cleansing Foam in Blueberry Tea: I got this last year when they were having a sale back home and I've been using it for a year. I really love the smell of this foam; it's a fruity blueberry scent. Because it foams, I like to use it on a cleansing brush and lather it all over my face.

Would I repurchase?: Whilst I loved the scent and it did a good job cleansing my skin, I felt my skin sometimes felt *too* clean, i.e. I had a very tight feeling. I think if you like that tight feeling, I recommend getting it but I generally would prefer my skin to feel clean but supple. Currently, I am using a number of different cleansers, so if you'd like a review, do let me know and I'd gladly provide.

xo Jane

Jane Tries: Nexcare Blemish Clear Covers

Even at my age, I still break out. *sigh*

Needed a white background to see the actual product

On one of my trips to Olive N Young, I saw these blemish covers and I decided to give this a go so in the basket it went.  After a few months, when I have broken out a number of times, I can legitimately say these have been a good product for me.

I know there are a number of blemish cover creams in Korea; I wasn't able to try them all and I hope one day to be able to use them all and compare. Nexcare, however, is the original and thus, likely the most popular.

I use these patches right before I go to sleep and after I finish my skincare routine but before the sleeping mask.  One my first try, I just stuck the patches on the trouble areas. I find this to be ineffective. What I have found to have worked the best, however, is to place a little benzoyl  peroxide on the trouble spot and then place one of the covers on top of that.  I find the Clean & Clear 10% benzoyl peroxide the best product for my skin. Even if this process does not immediately clear away the acne, what I have found is that it really does speed up the process. Recently, I had a big spot which would normally last a week but using this process, I found the blemish pretty much healed in two days. It's a Christmas Miracle!

One note: Korea does not carry benzoyl peroxide, so if you're in Korea maybe you can see if they are online or check out the 도깨비 마캐트. If you know anyone in the US, then definitely ask them to send some your way.

If anyone has tried the other blemish covers, do let me know. I would love to hear your experiences.

xo Jane

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! Did you know in Korea there are three "Valentine's Day?" On the actual Valentine's Day, it is customary for the girl to give a little sthing to their significant other. On "White Day," or March 14th, the roles are reversed. Then, there is "Black Day," or April 14th, where the singles get together and lament and eat my favourite dish, 짜짱면, the Sino-Korean dish made with black bean, hence the name, "Black Day."

Whatever your status, I hope you have a lovely day and even if you aren't single. do try the black bean noodle dish. It really is the best comfort food out there, especially when they have a special!

xo Jane

Jane Loves: My Favourite Drugstore Beauty Products (United States)

I do love finding a great bargain at the drugstore. I will admit I'm a bit gun-shy when it comes to the facial creams in the US drugstores, primarily because it really broke my skin out or dried out my skin, but that doesn't mean I'm not a sucker for the eye shadows and lipsticks!

Here are some of my favourite products I've bought over and over again:

1) Clean and Clear Persa-Gel-10 (10% Benzoyl Peroxide)

This is my all-time favourite acne product. I've used loads of different products and this has, time and time again, really reduced my acne. When my acne was at its worst, I used Proactiv, which is essentially a toner that sloughs off the dead skin and 2 different types of benzoyl peroxide, which added up to 5%. What I realised was benzoyl peroxide really attacks the bacteria and the sebum within each of the pores but since the medicine can be so drying on your skin, you really need something to moisturise, which is why I use this mixed with an emulsion.

2) Wet N Wild Pixie Stick

I really like to use this as a natural highlighter. I use it on the bridge of my nose and my cupid's bow. Be sure to use your fingers to spread the product out. I also like to use it on my aegyo-sal. I find it gives me a natural highlight in areas that needs a little help. I suppose you can use it on your cheeks but I have yet to do so. Perhaps I should

3) Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl in Black

I have been tighlining my upper lips with like eye pencil since the beginning. Since the eye pencil is waterproof the smudging is at a minimum. It *does* smudge if you squeeze your eyes shut but maybe it might be just my eyes.  Be sure to get the waterproof liner as this really lasts until the end of the day with no racoon eyes.

4) Revlon Colourstay Lipstick

My mom loves this lipstick and I can't blame her. Where a lot of the newer matte lipsticks are incredibly drying, this formula is much less and the colour stays on for a long time.  I've used the Wet N Wild long lasting lipsticks and while they have a wonderful payoff, it's so drying. The same goes with the super popular Nyx Matte Lip Creams. It seems even if I use a lip balm the lipsticks ultimately cracks and my lips feel like it's been under the desert sun.

5) Nivea Milk & Honey Lip Balm//Carmex Cherry Lip Balm

Speaking of cracked lips, when my lips feel dry, these are the best balms to really moisturise my lips. I've used a lot of different lip balms and I feel these really do the job. I know there are some super posh lip balms out there and perhaps they are worth the money but, for me, I prefer spending my money on sthing else.

I hope these products are helpful; I know these are products I've used for years, even decades.

Until next time,

xo Jane

Jane Loves: Heroine Mascara (Japan)

In addition to heavily hooded monolid eyes, I have sparse Asian lashes. They really need a lot of help. The Heroine Mascara from Japan really helps create a look of false lashes without wearing falsies, a feat I greatly appreciate.

The pink is the remover and the burgundy is the actual mascara

I've been wearing this for a few months now and I love it. The formula of the mascara is such that it.will.not.budge even if you're crying.  The mascara, however, *will* smudge if you are swimming or washing your face with soap and water but it will still be a lot of product on your lashes. The mascara also separates the lashes and keeps the curl, which is something my Asian lashes need.  Because it's such a great product and does not budge, they also have a separate mascara remover which you run through the lashes when you want to remove the mascara. I generally run the wand a few times and you can see it separate itself from the lashes. I wipe it off with Bioderma and then cleanse my face with a cleansing balm.

L: The mascara, R: The remover

As you can see from the picture above, the mascara wand is hourglass-shaped and I've noticed this allows from all my upper lashes to be covered. The remover's wand does have ridges and it really does slide onto the lashes and allows a good distribution on the product.

As the title stated, this product originally comes from Japan, but I also found it through Amazon.  Japan has amasing mascara and even if you aren't keen to try this, do take a look at Japanese drugstore mascaras as they really do a better job on the lashes, especially if they need lots of help.

xo Jane

January Favourites

January is over and I had the opportunity to try new and fun things. I can't wait to move back home so I can try ALL the things. =)

Without further adieu, here are my favourites for January:

1) Gerlavit Moor-Vitamin-Cream:

I got this when I went to Vic's and I have been really enjoying using this at night. It's a very thick cream and a little goes a long way.  I like to place a pea size amount in the palm of my hand, spread it around the palm, and pat it into my face. The thickness really helps moisturise my face and lock in the moisture during the night. Sometime I wear a sleeping mask, sometimes I don't, but either way, it's a great night cream.

2) Aritaum Honey Mask:

I love wearing some type of mask when I am on a long flight, as I stated in my previous post about sheet masks, but my mom kept harassing me not to wear them on the plane, so this round, I decided to wear this. I will say it's not as good as a sheet mask; I think the fact that the masks are soaked in essence really soothes my face and also hydrates my skin, but it really does help with the dry air. Even if your skin is oily, I highly recommend hydrating your face in a long flight. I find when I hydrate my face, my skin skin breaks out less. Just my own personal experience.

3) Modi Gold Glitter Nail Polish:

My cousin gifted this to me when I was home and I love it. I love how little coats in needs and I love how pretty it looks on my nails. Normally, when there is a glitter nail polish, it takes so many coats to get a decent look. This is not the case. You can use one coat if you'd like and it would be enough. Such wonderful coverage and also such a pretty gold colour.

4) Kamill Hand & Nagelcreme:

Until recently when I have been watching the "Tasty Guys" on repeat, I used to watch the Korean beauty show "Get it Beauty" religiously.  Although I feel the show has generally jumped the 상어, I found out this hand cream was an MVP by this show. If you walk around the Incheon Airport, the Lotte Duty Free has a display that shows products from the show that have rave reviews. If you go towards Gate 9 you will see the Korean beauty shop.

I got this hand cream from my mom, who got it free from work. I love this hand cream. The smell is a fresh, flowery smell and it really sinks into my skin. Sometimes, when I wear cream, I feel the cream isn't moisturising enough and my hands still feel dry, especially when I was my hands outside. This really helps cuts the dryness. I also have a TonyMoly snail handcream which I plan to use next, so a review will be coming up on that.

5) Gentle Monster sunglasses: Yes, the hype is real. I love these sunglasses so much.  They are so edgy and really unique. They have the mirror lenses that are really trendy at the moment and the frames have a Miu Miu feel.  Gentle Monster is really popular in Korea and they have a store in Soho so if you're in NYC, I recommend going to their store as their stores are aesthetically so artistic and I love how they really go for a theme.

6) Legend of the Blue Sea (푸른바다의전설) and Goblin (도깨비):

I am not a person who generally watches a lot of Korean dramas but these two have me HOOKED. Both are about people who, in their past life, were Korean royalty, or part of their court, and they have these flashbacks.  "Legend of the Blue Sea's" twist is that the girl is a mermaid with special powers whilst "Goblin" has a guy who can't go to the afterlife until he finds his bride, which turns out to be this high school girl. Weirdness aside, I initially resisted becoming sucked into the morass known as K-dramas since once you start, you really must finish the series. But luckily, they are about to end/ending soon so I am STOKED so I won't be frantically waiting until the next episode comes so I can see what happens next. Until the next series.....

I hope you enjoyed my January favourites. If you have any products you want me to try,

Jane Tries: TonyMoly Pokemon Coloured Mascara

Pokemon is super popular in Korea and TonyMoly has rolled out a limited edition Pokemon-themed makeup as everyone was waiting for Pokemon Go to debut in Korea, which is just debuted last Wednesday!

There are three holiday-themed Pokemon mascara: black, grey, and burgundy.

This is the official stock photo.

As you can see in the stock photo, there are three different faces of Pikachu in each of the mascaras. Since I think everyone knows how black would look on your lashes, today, I am reviewing the burgundy and the grey.

Both the grey and the burgundy is not very noticeable and I would argue you can wear it to most offices. The grey especially is much darker than the stock photo and it also is such when applied. The burgundy is the same as well.

I really liked how the bristles curve so you it covers all lashes

The packaging is so lovely and unlike a hard tube, it's a soft tube and the wand does provide great separation of the lashes. It is also buildable. That said, I wasn't the biggest fan of this mascara because I felt it didn't thicken my lashes nor did it really keep my lashes curled. Instead, it felt as if my lashes got limp.

If you have thick, beautiful lashes, this is a fun mascara to wear. If you're looking to use just this mascara, I would find another. I ended up layering this with another so keep my lashes curled longer and give my eyes more lift.

xo Jane