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

Review: Facial Cleansers

Today, I thought I'd review five face cleansers I've used in the past few months. As I've stated before, I double cleanse at night, which means I use a cleansing balm or oil to take off my makeup, which I then wipe off with Bioderma or any micellar water, and then a wash my face with a face cleanser. In the morning, I just wash my face with any one of these cleansers.

Perfect Whip (Japan): This foaming cleanser was a rage in Korea awhile back, and I still use it. I really like using it at night where I feel like it really cleanses the leftover makeup and the balm from my skin. It does, for me, strip a lot of the oils in my skin, which I feel I have to add back and is the primary reason why I like using this at night. I know there is a new technique where you create foam in the foamer. I haven't tried that yet and I am looking into trying this method the next time I use this face wash.

Trader Joe's Spa Face Wash with Tea Tree Oil: I've used many times and it's a good cleanser for its price point. It does cleanse the face, although sometimes, much like the castille soap, it feels like it leaves a film over my skin. If you do end up using this, I highly recommend you toning your face.

The other thing about this face wash is to really avoid this in your eyes. I have made the mistake of flying too close to the sun and having it sting my eyes. It really isn't fun. But, it *does* take off the makeup and it really makes you skin clear, especially if you're acne-prone, because of  the tea-tree oil. The price is also very very nice and I feel like this is one of the best lower-end face washes out there.

Andalou Naturals "1000 Roses" Cleansing Foam: Before this, I've used another Andalou face wash and I will admit I didn't like how it felt when washing my face. This, however, is different. The product comes out foaming and it smells amasing, if you like the smell of roses. The smell isn't too overpowering and is the scent when you are walking through a rose garden. I generally use this for the morning cleanse as this is very very gentle and I like how it takes off the overnight product without stripping the face.

GlamGlow Power Cleanse: I recently started using this product after I used up the Trader Joe's face wash. This is a dual cleanser in that it has one pump, and one side, with oil and the other pump/side with a clay cleanser. I have been using this at night.

I've been really enjoying this cleanser. It doesn't foam like the Andalou or the Perfect Whip, but the combination of the two really does create some kind of "soap" that really does cleanse my skin and take off any remaining makeup. I also really love the scent of this cleanser and it's like some aromatherapy that relaxes me in the evening.  the packaging is also lovely; in a way, I feel it enhances the decor of the bathroom.

Missha Frui-Tea Cleansing Foam: I've talked about this product before and I still stand by review. I really did like how it took off my makeup and I felt, like the Perfect Whip, a good evening cleanser but perhaps not gentle enough for a morning cleanser.  Also, like the Perfect Whip, when I repurchase, I will try it with the foamer and see if that makes any difference.

I hope you enjoyed this review. If you'd like to see more reviews like this, do let me know. If you also have any products you'd like me to try, let me know as well; would love to hear from you.

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 Travels: Beppu, Japan

Today, I thought I would talk about my recent trip to Beppu, Japan. A sleep beach resort, Beppu is in the southern tip of Japan and is famous for their hot springs.  When I was there, loads of Korean and Chinese tourists were there, so be cognisant that the tourist generally will trend towards the East Asian.

Beppu at night

Jigokus, or geyers, are prevalent in that area and when you take a bus around them, you can see steam coming out of pipes that create such a surreal look. It reminds me of what I would imagine how the factories looked like during the Industrial Revolution but obviously much much cleaner.

Since Beppu is known for its onsens, or hot springs, that is the one thing you must do. One thing, however, you must be aware is that the public onsens require you to go in the water in the nude. Which is why, if you can, do find a hotel that has a private onsen or has an onsen in your room.

One of the jigokus of Beppu, Yes, that is the actual colour of the geyser. Amasing.

Japan, like Switzerland, is expensive. Everything is expensive. Beautifully packaged, but expensive. If you're looking to find a way to cut costs, I recommend grabbing food at the convenience stores. I went to the 7-Eleven that was close to our hotel and grabbed some onigiri, beef and ume, as well as cup ramen. Not gonna lie, it was delicious after soaking in the hot springs.

There are restaurants and even a place that allows you to steam your food in the onsen water. Depending on where you go, the price for the meal *will* be pricey. I feel like, for that area, food is not what they are known for, unlike other areas of Japan, and you will be fine just eating simply. Spend your money in areas known for their food. That said, if you eat sushi there, which I did, it will  not disappoint. It was v v good. 

The sushi was so fresh and Oishii!!!

Whilst there, do go to jigokus, especially the Eight Fiery Hells. Each are unique and beautiful in their own way. There *is* an entrance fee but I believe you can get a package deal.  Also, while you're there, take a day trip to Yufuin. It's really touristy but I really did like walking to the lake and back. There are a lot of shops and if you're a girl, there are some cool things to eat and also buy.

Yufuin. Even on a cloudy day, the lake does not disappoint.

Beppu is a small town, and like any small town, there are both the good and the bad. There is one Starbucks, inside the main department store, and is where most people wait for the bus to take them to Oita airport.

If you can, do go to Oita airport. It's a tiny airport and I loved it. I loved how small it was and yet, unlike the smaller airports in the US, the food was so good and there was so much to buy and see. On the third floor, there is a ramen shop, a sushi shop, and a Japanese "fusion" shop. All were packed. You can also go outside and see the airplanes fly off, which is awesome.

One of the art exhibits at Oita Airport.

Speaking of airports, if you're coming from Incheon (ICN) there is a direct flight to Oita, but it is not everyday, as this is a smaller airport compared to Narita, as I mentioned. Most people come out of Fukuoka and take the local train, which is what we did coming to Japan. I highly recommend getting the bento box from the Fukuoka train station. It was kind of pricey, I believe it was approximately USD$14.

Get the bento!!! There is one line for fish, another for meat. SO GOOD!!

This is just a little tidbit of some of my experiences in Beppy, Japan. If you want to hear more about this trip, or any other trips, do let me know!

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.

Jane Tries: Cel-Derma T-Laser Hydrogel Mask

Today, I thought I'd talk about a mask I got from Korea. Whilst this is technically a sheet mask, unlike the usual sheet masks which generally provide a concentrated amount of essences, as they are soaked in a cotton sheet, this is very much a gel-like version of the sheet mask. These gel-masks (a good example is the TonyMoly Hydro Gel-Masks that have a similar effect as this one.

Like many gel masks, this comes in two separate layers. This separation, for me, is something I really appreciate, as I like to adjust the upper and lower half of the mask to my face, accordingly. The normal sheet masks do not allow such adjustment.

It's like Phantom of the Opera! The actual mask is clear.

Another difference with the usual sheet mask is the amount of time I put on this mask. I generally like to keep this on for HOURS, if possible. Lots of times, I like to sleep with it on. It feels so great on the skin and it really makes a marked difference the next day.

As for this mask, when I put it on, my skin was really red. I don't know if it's the heat or if it's because I sprinted to class but my face looked like a tomato and it wasn't a pretty sight. After I got home and I puttered around the house, I decided to put on this mask.

The one thing I really like about this mask is how immediately cool my skin felt after I put it on. I kept it on until I decided to wash up. My skin felt softer and less dry. Another thing I like about this mask is how it accounts for the nose and I can wrap the mask around the nose. I really like that.

Would I Use This Again? I would. I think any gel mask are a great option when your skin doesn't feel 100 percent.  To me, they are a better product than the general sheet mask. I got mine in Korea but there are loads of gel masks that do the same thing.

Until next time, xo Jane.

Sheet Masks: Do They Really Have What They Claim?

I like to use sheet masks, as you can see by my many posts about them But sometimes, even when I am using them, I wonder if they really have the products as advertised on the cover. And, even though I am not 100% sure for all, I do know the innisfree masks *do* have what is advertised.

When I opened the shea butter sheet mask, unlike the other masks, the essence was white, which means shea butter *is* included in the essence.

That is always nice to know.

Until nest time, xo Jane.