Jane Talks: Eye Primers

The last remaining eye primers

Whilst not as popular as when they first came out, loads of people still use it and I wanted to talk about my experiences with eye primers. I'll flat out and say I'm not a fan. Primers are supposed to help with the product, i.e. if I was to use an eye primer, the primer would help bring out the colours of the shadow. What I find, however, is that the primer does not do a very good job of staying on my lids. Instead, most eye primers tend to pill and does not allow the shadow to blend. Not good.

I suppose if you have really oily lids, an eye primer might not be a bad choice but I personally would prefer just to dust a little powder and then use a fluffy brush to blend out the eye-shadows. Also, if you're using a facial primer, I generally feel that is enough primer on your lids.

Lastly, sometimes, I use the leftover primer as an all-around face primer. One word of warning: using the eye primer as a face primer can break you out, as I recently experienced. Even thinning it out with lotion still broke me out, meaning if you're acne-prone, it might be best to throw them out if you're not going to use it for its intended purpose. Technically, both face primer and eye primer have the same intended effect and theoretically, since the eye is far more delicate, one would assume eye primer would work for the face. As I just stated, however, this wasn't always the case.

If you do use eye primer, I would love to hear what you use and how you use it. I'm always open to new products.

xo Jane

Empties: Guerlain L'Or Pure Radiance Primer

Empty//When Full

Makeup has gotten so very high-tech and I absolutely love it. One of the new products I love is primer. There are many different primers in the market in many different price points. The one thing about many primers I've used, viz. Benefit's That Gal, Makeup Forever HD Primer, etc, is that they either break me out and/or they don't really do a good job of working with my foundation.

The Guerlain L'Or does not have this problem. The key to using the primer is to be sure to immediately put on your foundation after priming your skin with this product. Unlike thicker primers, this primer is very thin, but I think it does the job if you're not keen on having the foundation "pill," which I really do not prefer.

To be fair, it doesn't really create a "flawless" look if you don't have flawless skin but I'd rather have that than the former. If you're going for the "no makeup" look perhaps this is a good primer for you to use. Do note this will not "blur" your skin like many of the popular primers will do. If you're amenable to this, then I highly recommend this primer.

Until next time, xo Jane

March Favourites

March has come and gone and it's time for March favourites!

This month has been a bit hectic and my skin definitely suffered, which is why I had to adjust.

Radha Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Serum: As I stated in my updated nighttime routine, this with the Korres Black Pine Sleeping Oil has been wonderful for my skin. As the weather changes, I love it absorbs into the skin and really moisturises the skin during the night. This is also USD$15 on Amazon! I think that price in itself cannot be beat.

Korres Black Pine Sleeping Oil: This on its face does not really do it for me. I felt it didn't really do a great job absorbing into to skin, viz. I felt the oil just sit on top of my skin. That said, once I mixed it with the Radha Hyaluronic Acid Serum, as mentioned, supra, there was such a change in my skin.  That said, I personally would not recommend just getting the sleeping oil, but in combination with the serum, the one-two combination really does wonders.

Heroine Make Volume and Curl Mascara: I've discussed this product before and my love for this product hasn't changed. Unlike a lot of other mascaras, I love how this product really lifts my eyes and gives me a more "awake" look. It's waterproof and really stays on your eyes, even after a good crying jag. If there is one mascara that I would recommend, it's this one.  Dasoda is a close second. Both are from Japan.

Tarte "The Sculptor" Contouring Stick: I don't use this to contour, as it is too dark for my face, but I do use it as a eyeshadow base on the lids of my eyes. I like to put a little on the base of my lids and then, using a finger, blend it in. I will then go over it with an eyeshadow, generally one that is lighter in colour.   I really like this as it gives my eyes dimension whilst allowing the shadow to still show through.

Etude House Sweet Recipe Cupcake Eyes: Yes, this is old, but I have been wearing it all month. Especially the champagne colour, which I like to blend over the areas where I used the Tarte Contouring Stick, supra, and on my aegyo-sal. I like how you can see the colour but it's not overpowering like many of the US brands.

Clearly, I've been using the light side incessantly.

Uniqlo Navy Midi-Skirt: This month has been the month of what I call "hobo chic." This skirt is the epitome of that. It has an elastic waist and it also hits my calves mid-length. Truthfully, this probably isn't the best look for me but it is devastatingly comfortable. When I'm feeling bloated, I will throw on a flowy sweater and when I'm less so, I will tuck in a shirt. I've worn this the majority of the month and at USD $19.95, I think it was a great choice. I'm sure there are better ways to wear it but I love the ease of it.

That's all of my March favourites. Would love to hear what your favourites are for this month.

Until next time, xo Jane.

Jane Tries: Nars Translucent Powder

When I was deciding what to buy at the Sephora Winter Sale, my friend raved about the Nars Translucent Powder, saying it was far better than any translucent powder she's ever used. Since she is not one to ever rave about any product, I was intrigued and I added it to the cart.

Upon use for awhile now, she's right. This is a great product for those with oily to combination skin. For me, a lot of the powders I use really do not keep the oil at bay, especially in the forehead and the nose. This definitely does a much better job than the others. I will let you know how it is during the hot and humid days, but for now, I feel it is far superior to the Laura Mercier translucent powder.

One thing I noticed about the Nars is how finely milled the powder is compared to other powders, which I believe, is the reason why oil absorption is better. Although the colour of the powder itself is white, it does not leave a white film on your skin, which I love.

I have found I have been using it after I use my Sulhwasoo cushion foundation and my 3CE blush cream but before my OHui Powder Sunscreen. I feel the combination of the two really helps fight the oil and gives me a soft semi-dewy look without making me look oily.

Is it better than the innisfree No-Sebum powder? For me, yes. But the innisfree is a very good alternative and I wouldn't be sad if I had to use that. Again, as I had stated, supra, I feel the Nars powder is finer than the innisfree, but that doesn't take away from how great is the innisfree No-Sebum powder.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely. Until I find a powder that can stave off the oil longer.

Until next time!

xo Jane.

February Favourites

February has come and gone and I have a new batch of favourites that I really enjoyed this month.

1) Sulhwasoo Cushion Foundation: I've been using this almost everyday. Before, I used the Tarte foundation but I've become less interested in creating a full look and have been resorting to just using two Nars creamy concealers and patting this cushion on my forehead, as I have a slightly darker forehead than the rest of my face.

2) Nars Creamy Concealer (In Vanilla and Custard): In an attempt to minimise the amount of makeup I wear, I've really relied on these two concealers to brighten my eye area and then cover up my dark spots. I recently got some spots removed by lasers and they are still pretty red. I use the Custard to conceal the areas that are dark and use Vanilla to brighten my eyes.

3) 3CE (3 Concept Eyes) x Lily Maymac in Holy Rose: When I went home, I gave my Givenchy "Rose Dressing" lipstick to my mom.  That colour is really lovely on Asian skin and I highly recommend it, if you are feeling spendy. Since I was without, I decided to head to the Givenchy counter to get another one for me, only to find out it was sold out.  Gutted, I passed by the Style Nanda store and decided to take a look. I saw this collaboration and even though I an not familiar with Lily Maymac, I really love the lipstick colour.  It reminds me of a better version of the brown-red lipstick of the 90s. The only thing about this lipstick, however, is that it can be very drying. I like to use a lip balm prior to use.

4) Sheet Masks: There is a trend in Korea where people like to use a sheet mask a day, saying it helps them with their skin. In February, I decided to give this a go. I've always loved sheet masks and unlike the traditional masks where you apply on your skin, I find sheet masks have a cooling effect on the skin. That in itself really helps when you have trouble skin. I will, however, say that sometimes, I felt the mask broke me out, but generally that was when I didn't bother to wipe it of after use. Since I have combination skin, I feel like using this as an essence to give my face moisture perhaps gives me *too* much moisture. I feel if you have drier skin, leaving it on would do wonders. Regardless, I love the cooling effect and have been using a sheet mask almost every day.

5) "Descendants of the Sun" (태양의후예): Let me preface this by saying I generally am not this keen on Korean dramas. I know I talked about two before, but I was in Korea, so you know, proximity. After I got back to the US, and after I got a flu shot, I got the flu. It was awesome. I was so sick I slept for three days straight. After a few days of watching movie after movie on Netflix, this show came up on my feed. I know this show was very popular in Korea when it first aired last year,

but I couldn't be fussed to find it online.  I normally don't like to binge-watch shows because it really takes up a lot of my time, but since I'm sick, I thought, why not? This drama was incredible to watch. It really got my attention from the first scene. I will admit there were some parts that I put on fast-forward because I felt it was kind of heavy-handed and cheesy, but in general, that was perhaps less than 1% of the entire drama.

If this is any indication of how picky I am regarding shows and movies in general, I could not watch Boys Over Flowers. I watched the first four episodes and then I just watched the ending. I wasn't a fan of the four overwrought Heathcliffs and I kept rolling my eyes the entire time.  As you can tell, I am not a fan of Wuthering Heights, either.

I hope February was a great month for you and here's to an even better March!

xo Jane

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 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 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

Jane Tries: Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Powder (with Coverage)

Today, I thought I would give you my first impressions on the Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Powder I bought now that I am currently in South Korea. I've heard great things about this and when I went to the Innisfree store near my house, I was deciding between this one and the one that is white and in the green package. The lovely sales associate told me that this gives better coverage whilst the one that is white is just transparent and only helps with the shine. With that in mind, I decided to get this and give it a go.

Recently, I've been using the Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent and whilst in the past has been a great drugstore find, I find, as I age, the powder does not give me the flawless finish I had prior.

This loose powder has been pretty good in terms of giving me the coverage I desire. I have a lot of spots and hyper-pigmentation these days and it's been such a bother to cover it all. Whilst this does not completely cover it all, I do like how my pores look and how much less concealer I need to use.

When you first open the package, there is a faint scent of mint which is really quite nice. The puff is also nice and soft. The one thing, however, I find a bit of a bother is the fact that it is really hard to get the powder out of the holes. I ended up just removing the plastic and just using either my damp Beauty Blender and then blend it in with my powder brush.

These "fast fashion" makeup stores, viz. Face Shop, Innis Free, Etude House, etc., are geared for the younger set, but if you are discerning, there are things that are useful for those in the mid 30s and older. The Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Powder is one of that and at USD $8, it really is a good purchase thus far. Will be sure to update after I finish the powder.

If anyone has used this product, or the one without coverage in the green packaging, I would love to hear about your experiences.

xo Jane

Beauty Review: Shiseido Eye Masks

I will admit I am not the biggest fan of eye masks. I always think they are not worth the money. If I am to buy these masks, I always feel I'd be better off just using an eye cream instead.

These eye masks came in a set from Sephora. Yes, this is from my huge Sephora purchase spree. I used these right before I went to bed and the next day, I really loved how the fine lines around my eyes were diminished.

No eye cream, eye mask, etc, will ever entirely rid the lines around your eyes. And I have learned to accept that my skin isn't as elastic as it once was.

That said, these eye masks do lessen the effects of fine lines and feel absolutely lovely when put on.  Whilst this does have retinol, unlike other products, this does not break me out nor does it sting my eyes and face. I think the gentleness of the mask and the ability to really create a certain level of suppleness around my eyes, is why I think this is a good product to use, if you're so inclined.

If, however, you are not in the mood to splurge, a good eye cream is a better route; at least, for me. I would rather spend my money on an eye cream than an eye mask. But, if someone gave this to me as a gift, I wouldn't be sad about it. =)

xo Jane

Coffee Talk: How do you cleanse?

How you cleanse your skin has become a hot topic. Do you double cleanse? Single cleanse? Once a day? Twice a day?

For me, my cleansing skincare hasn't changed much. The type of products, I use, however, has changed.

During the daytime, I do not double cleanse. What is double cleansing? Generally, it's the idea that you use an oil-based cleanser or balms to wipe away any excess before you go and use another, water-based cleanser. What I do, however, is use a gentle cleanser to wash away the excess grime from last night and also the sleeping mask. At this moment, I am using the Andalou Rose Foaming Mask and I absolutely adore it. It smells divine and is so gentle. I got it at Whole Foods, but I believe you can find it elsewhere.

At night, however, I double cleanse, especially when I am wearing makeup.  The removal of makeup is such a chore, isn't it? I hate it so. Regardless, I *must* take off my makeup or my skin will suffer the next day. I have been using a cleansing balm (I am currently use Clinique, but Skinfood has a really great one and everyone knows about Banila Co.) and then wiping off my excess with Bioderma, If Bioderma is too pricey, Garnier also has a micellar water that is the fraction of the price and is at Target. I find the gentle nature of the water really helps take away the grime without taking away too much of the moisture. After the makeup is gone, I then wash my face with face wash.

After washing my face, I always tone with a non-alcoholic toner. I find my skin has trouble sloughing off dead skin and so, I must always tone. I use Biotherm, not to be confused with Bioderma, and also the Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel. I love the Thayer's especially because of the scent. They have a variety of scents: Rose, Lavendar, and Lemon. I love them all.

I hope this helps you determine the best method to cleanse. If your skin is dry, perhaps double cleansing may not be for you. But regardless, would love to hear your thoughts, as always.

xo Jane

Sleeping Masks: Are they even necessary?

Sleeping masks are a thing. Also known as a night mask, they are masks you use after your moisturising and keep on whilst you sleep. Night time, for me, is repair time. I love them and use a rotation of a few masks each and every night. They soften your skin and you wake up with such a suppleness, which when combined with the ampules, your skin feels and looks younger.

Skincare is a day-to-day struggle. Yesterday, I was feeling so lazy and didn't bother to do my routine and today, it shows. My skin is dull, it's spotty and I look rough.

When I was even a few years younger, my skin didn't need such care; it seems it need more care with each passing minute. If this is your case, do look into sleeping masks. They truly help heal your skin and fight again the drying and the lack of elasticity that time seems to bring upon.

xo Jane

p.s. Realise I never did a Sunday coffee talk; one will be up this Sunday! xx

Coffee Talk: Makeup, wrinkles and all

As I age, my makeup skills have improved, which is an absolute blessing. But, my face isn't what it used to be. The glow of youth is a thing of the past. I look at pictures of when I was young and sigh at that glow. I wish it was still there. 

Luckily, makeup can help. I absolutely adore makeup. It covers up our flaws, evens out my (still) spotty skin and creates an illusion of that youthful glow I desire. 

One thing I notice, however, is that what worked for me when I was young, does not work for me now. Less is definitely more. I may cover my flaws more, but I cannot pile on the electric blue eyeshadow of yesteryear. *Sigh*

So what do I do? One thing I definitely have added to my repertoire has been concealer. I like to use a shade lighter around my eyes to really give my face that "awaken" look. Another thing I use is highlighter, sometimes liquid, sometimes not, but adding in that youthful glow is always nice.

Lastly, I use try to basically create a clean face, without it being a clean face. So the "natural" look.  I like to use a light amount of shimmer in my eyeshadow, but they are all neutrals; rose golds and browns and yellows. I don't use a lot of colour like I was wont to do when I was younger. That doesn't mean, however, to never use colour, just that in my day-to-day, I have become more measured in my application. I love it when mature women use vibrant colours, but I find it doesn't work for me anymore.

As for lips, I have been really enjoying the "gradient" look that is very popular in Korea. I like how it gives me lips the colour without it being too overpowering. I find this look works best on lips that are on the fuller side, but I don't think it looks bad on anyone.

Gradient Lips

I absolutely admire the skills of the makeup artists who can transform anyone into a masterpiece, but since I am only working on myself, these are the things I've learned along the way.

xo Jane.