REVIEW: B•liv by Cellnique Skincare Line

A few months ago, I was kindly asked to review B Liv (meant to be read as Believe) products by Cellnique. Cellnique Paramedical is a brand that has emerged as one of the problematic skin expert amongst the industry over the past 12 years in Asia. This company is based in Singapore but offer free worldwide shipping. You can buy their products online at sasa.com or on the official website: blivskin.com.

So anyways, I've already heard of the brand Cellnique through many beauty bloggers but  B•liv was new to me so I did a little bit of  research and discovered that it's a skin care line created by Cellnique. It used to be called Pro-Series but later the packaging changed and got labeled as B•liv to better cater to young people/teenagers. I love the packaging for all the products. The pumps are practical because it's sanitary and you can control the amount of product you want to dispense. I will only write about the products in brief so if you would like to know the ingredients for the products, please go to the website where it is listed. http://blivskin.com/en/home/index.php

BTW, Cellnique does not test on animals :) I've been using these products on and off for 3 months now. My intention was to use it religiously for a whole month but that was impossible for me to do because I have so many skin care goodies to play with!

My experience in brief. 

LEACH ME moisturizing mask
Price: USD 28
Size: 6pcs

Main functions: deep moisturizing + brightening + age preventing
   
I got one of these to try and let me tell you, it really hydrates my skin! Truth be told, this was the first paper mask I've tried so I wasn't expecting much from it but after feeling how soft my skin was, I was stoked! After removing it, my skin felt so supple and smooth. I didn't notice any brightening effect but I guess you have to use it often to see those kind of results.

DRENCH ME moisturizing cleanser
Price: USD 25
Size: 130ml

Main functions: cleansing + moisture-retaining

This gel cleanser makes for a nice morning facial cleanser. It gently removes my morning oils and wakes up my skin with it's fresh citrus scent.  My face doesn't feel tight or dry after using it. I don't recommend this product for removing makeup. It's not the best for that.




 


GLOW AND SHINE skin smoothening mask
Price: USD 25
Size: 50ml

Main functions: exfoliating + pores reducing + brightening

I use this once a week. It's very much like a clay mask. The first time I used it, I applied such a thick layer that it made my face extremely dry and tight. Afterward, I started using less of it and dryness was no longer an issue. The mask gave instant results! After washing it off my face, my skin looked brighter and smoother. I've been using this and the Shrink and Tighten serum and I can say that my pores have visibly reduced in size. This is me with the mask on! I use a very thin layer and I don't apply any to my forehead because I don't need it there :D On the right: after I wash my face. Click to enlarge.

 












SHRINK AND TIGHTEN pore reducing serum
Price: USD 49
Size: 30ml

Main functions: pore reducing + barrier repairing

This serum is formulated to reduce large pores. For the first month, I honestly didn't notice any changes in my pores. To my surprise, I noticed that some of the redness on my inner cheeks and around my nose have lessened. I went to the website and realized that it also contains Oleanolic Acid which have anti-inflammatory properties. The consistency is a runny gel. I put this on at night and it absorbs into my skin very quickly. I read the ingredients and noticed that it also contains Witch Hazel extract which is rather inexpensive (think Dickinson's Witch Hazel Toner $5) but I love this stuff for it's ability to relieve and eliminate redness.

OFF WITH THOSE HEADS blackhead sebum gel
Price: USD 49
Size: 30ml

Main functions: clear blackheads + whiteheads

This serum dissolves blackheads. It is very similar to Shrink and Tighten but is a bit more thick in texture. It also contains Witch Hazel to shrink pores. One thing that differentiates this from Shrink and Tighten is that it contains Tee Tree Oil which have anti-septic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. I think $49 for 30 ml is a bit much but I only use a teeny bit of this (not even a full pump) and because of the watery consistency, it is very easy to distribute and can last forever! I only use this on my nose and I can say that it has kept the blackheads at bay. This is definitely a less painful alternative to nose strips but it does take a few weeks to notice results.

SUBMERGE ME moisturizing booster
Price: USD 49
Size: 45ml

Main functions: deep moisturizing + brightening + age preventing

This moisturizer is suppose to relieve parched dry skin but it is way too light to provide that kind of moisture. I have really dry skin and this did not do it for me. Instead, I think it would be ideal for people with oily/combination skin because it's light and fresh and absorbs readily into the skin upon contact. Since this lotion contains no SPF, I only use it at night as a night repair lotion! It contains plenty of ceramides which re-texturize the skin and prevents aging. And honestly, I think my skin look less saggy. The ingredients also lists other plant extracts that help brighten your skin as you sleep. I detest heavy night creams so this product is my current go-to night treatment. :)


I received Shield Me and Quench Me in small sample size amounts (one time use) so I am in no position to give a proper review. Under first impressions though, Shield Me sunblock doesn't contain any white cast and Quench Me is a really light gel that doesn't seem very moisturizing at all.

Consistency swatches:

1.Glow and Shine 2.Submerge Me 3.Shield Me 4.Drench Me 5.Quench Me 6.Shrink and Tighten 7.Off With Those Heads

Overall, I am quite pleased with the skin care products in this line. They are effective and cosmetically pleasing for my skin. I have sensitive skin and I didn't experience any negative reactions or break outs using these products. Some of the gels and lotions remind me of some stuff I used in the past by BIOTHERM. It's a Canadian brand that specializes in skin care and most of their products fall in the same price range as well.

When I was contacted, I was asked to give my skin type so that they can send me products to accommodate to my needs. My main concern was my dry skin and large pores so they sent the products accordingly. The only thing is, the products that were supposed to be super rich in emollients were not (i.e. Submerge Me, Quench Me). I guess it's humid in Asia and people there just don't get dry flaky skin like I do :(  Another drawback is the price. It's strange how these products are being catered to teenagers/ young adults because I can't see how a broke college student can afford this stuff... let alone a teenager! I'm sure there are other products that can deliver the same results. If you know of any, do share!

Until next time!
Ciao bellas!

DISCLAIMER: The B Liv products in this post was sent to me for review purposes. I am not compensated for writing a review for this company. My opinions are honest and based on first hand experience.

Review & Swatches: Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer & Blush

Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer 

In shade Beige Medium 0-2.5

The Claim: Conceals with an amazing air-soft feel. Completely covers dark circles, imperfections and redness. Blends and smooths away imperfections instantly.

Overall: 4 out of 5 (because it works)
Packaging: 3 out of 5 (typically I don't like jarred products but because of the nature of this product.. the jar is practical)
Price: $6-$8
Size: 3 g
Would you buy this again? Yes

I like this stuff. It does what it claims and gives me the coverage I need. I don't know how well this covers major dark circles but I can tell you that it's buildable. It consists mostly of dimethicone so it's easy to blend and spread. The consistency is air whipped but creamy at the same time. I wouldn't recommend this for people with fine lines or wrinkles for it will settle in and make it more noticeable.

Next up, Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush

 

L-R: Pink Frosting 10, Peach Satin 20, Rose Petal 25

The Claim: Air-soft formula provides luminous, long-lasting color on cheeks. Glides on smoothly and blends easily for seamless color and a natural, radiant finish. Long-wearing formula will not clog pores.

Overall: 3 out of 5 (some colors have way toooo much shimmer)
Packaging: 3 out of 5 (typically I don't like jarred products but because of the nature of this product.. the jar is practical)
Price: $6-$8
Size: 5.75 g
Would you buy this again? Yes

This comes with more product than the concealer so that's nice! It's also more "moussy" than the concealer and less creamy. I bought two of these last year in the colors Peach Satin and Rose Petal. However, I wasn't able to pull these off because they don't show up on my skin (I'm around NC37-40). So anyways, I give them to my sister who is really fair (NC 20ish?) and they look so lovely on her! I decided to try a new color that might work on me and I found it! Pink Frosting is a bright pink color in the jar but when applied gives a subtle pink glow. It's very natural looking and blends in flawlessly. I wouldn't recommend this for people with dry or flaky skin for it will enhance the flakes! Staying power is about 5 hours without primer or makeup underneath. One big con about these is that some colors, i.e.Peach Satin, have way too much shimmer/glitter! It's hard to see the blush color when you have micro reflecting glitz everywhere. Here are the swatches unblended:

They all look the same here but trust me, they are different!
This is what they look like all blended on our bare cheeks. The first cheek is mine and the rest are my sister's.

L-R: Pink Frosting 10, Peach Satin 20, Rose Petal 25 
These been around in the market for awhile so most of you probably already own one in the past but who knows, maybe I might have sparked up your interest again :p

Hehe I finally did the hair bow tutorial.. I made one last summer but I wasn't happy with it so this is the second attempt. Anyways, I will  try to write up a new review tonight for Cellnique. Stay tuned my friends :)

REVIEW: Wet N Wild Color Icon Palette & Single Eyeshadow Swatches

I heard about these new eyeshadow palettes from my lovely April. She made a video review on them here. My initial thought was: $4.99 for a Wet n Wild eyeshadow?! That's almost the same price as Maybelline!  I remember the days when all Wet N Wild  products were 99 cents! Well now that the makeup industry is booming, almost every drugstore makeup brand is stepping up their game.

I'm going to keep this review short and sweet. Sorry if the pictures are a bit sporadic, I purchased these products on separate occasions.

L-R: Wet n Wild Idol Eyes Cream Eyeshadow Pencil 130 Pixie, Wet n Wild Color Icon Single Eyeshadow Nutty, Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Palette Vanity.

On the left is Nutty which is a unique brownish taupe color with silver sheen... I don't own anything like this. Very nice and pigmented and glides on my lids effortlessly. LOVES!  To the right is the Pixie pencil which looks like a shimmery beige in the packaging. When swatched it appears to be nothing but silver shimmer! I was a bit disappointed with this one.

Swatches of the Vanity palette with no base/primer. These babies are crazy pigmented. What's nice about these palettes is that 3 colors are matte and 3 colors are shimmery so you get the best of both worlds. The matte eyeshadow here are perfect for daytime and the shimmery ones can be used to achieve a bronzed or golden look.

L-R: Lust and Greed. I've also heard that some of the colors in these palettes are MAC eyeshadow dupes.. I wouldn't know because I don't own MAC shadows. Can you spot any???

Lust is the most popular palette because it's always sold out at my local Walmart. It consists of dark plums and charcoal which is perfect for smokey eyes.

Out of all the palettes, Greed let me down. It looks the prettiest in the pan and gorgeous when swatched. However, the beautiful shimmery light pink and lavender does not show up on my lids. I tried using a white base underneath but to no avail as the colors just turn out murky. I'm sure this will show up on the fair skin gals though.

Overview on the eyeshadows based on my personal opinions.

Pros:
- Highly Pigmented
- Vivid colors
- Silky smooth upon application.. just spread it like butter!
- Able to use without primer
- No creasing (on my lids anyways)
- Inexpensive ($4.99-$5.99 so works out to be $1/eyeshadow)
- Wearable Colors
- Nice Variety to fit peoples' preferences.  (i.e.Vanity is more on the warm side while Greed is more on the cool side.)

Cons:
- Matte colors are really powdery but they really stick to your lids
- Hit or miss with some colors which is usually the case with most palettes anyways (BTW, I'm only referring to the Greed Palette)
- Cheap and unattractive packaging
- Eyeshadow applicators it comes with is garbage, especially the wonky eyeshadow brush... what were these people thinking?

Either way, these new Wet N Wild Eyeshadows are a win for me and I plan to do some tutorials on them soon. Until next time! Ciao!

REVIEW: EOS Organic Lip Balm - Smooth Sphere

Claim: Lip balm is 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, EOS keeps your lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth. 

Unfortunately, EOS (Evolution Of Smooth) sphere lip balms are not sold in Canada. I got mine when I was down in Washington this past weekend. It was on sale at Rite Aid for $2.99... original price was $3.39. You can also buy it through their website but shipping is ridiculous. Moving on, I've seen these around youtube and beauty blogs since last year and since I'm a lip balm junkie, I knew I had to get it eventually.

I'm not going to lie, I bought this lip balm because of the packaging and the unique shape of the lip balm itself. I bought Honeysuckle Honeydew and Summer Fruit,both of which smell really sweet and fruity. The balm comes in a rubberized plastic sphere that can easily get scratch if you put it in your purse. They also carry Vanilla Bean which comes in a tube for those who like the convenience of carrying lip balm in their pocket. Although they are the same price, the sphere comes with 7g of product while the tube version only comes with 4g. So if you buy the sphere you get more bang for your buck.^_^

I personally think the packaging is mighty cute. I also own other lip balms that are in a sphere case but this one is unique because the lip balm protrudes out of the bottom half of the sphere while the other ones just come up to the rim. This lip balm is big which might take up more space in your makeup bag and you can't carry it in your pocket because it is, no doubt, bulky. In terms of consistency, I found this balm to be just right. It's not too soft that the product just melts on your lips like crisco and it's not too hard like applying wax to your lips. It moisturizes well for me and staying power is about 2 hours (without eating).

 Size Comparison: Ballmania Twist & Pout Lip balm with SPF 20, BEBE tinted lip balm, EOS sphere lip balm

When I apply my EOS, I pucker up and run the tip of the sphere over the top of my lips and then the bottom. I let boy try it and he almost put the thing in his mouth like a popsicle! Luckily I stopped him before he could! When the top becomes flat, I plan to just use my fingers to apply the product. No biggie.

All in all, I think the EOS lip balm is a great buy. Is it worth all the hype? For me, yes. And for $3, one seriously can't complain. It is half the price of the Ballmania and BEBE lip balms and it keeps my lips happy!

If you're wondering about the cute Ballmania lip balm that I have, you can check them out below. I got mine for $5.99. The BEBE lip balm was purchased at the BEBE store.