Beauteque Head to Toe Bag Lip Essentials (May 2015)

This month’s head to toe bag is all about lip essentials! Recently the media is all crazy about lip products and ‘the pout’. I myself was hunting down some eccentric lip stains for spring/summer, so when the theme was unveiled, I was actually positive about this! ❤

Before we start unbagging, lets talk about Beauteque‘s subscription bag. 🙂

The Beauteque’s Head to Toe is not exactly a monthly sub, but they do release a new theme each month and you can purchase a singly bag each time if you fancy the theme! You can also find some previous bags in their site. 🙂
The Head to Toe Lip Essentials is still available for purchase at $26.00 on their site.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE:

–7 full sized products in every bag
-a value between $65 to $85
-products from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Europe, America

SHIPPING:

Beauteque ships to US, Canada, Europe, Japan Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand mailing addresses with some fees. US customers are able to enjoy free shipping with purchase on their site tho!

Some previous bags- read my reviews to get an idea! 🙂
Head to Toe Milk
Feb- Pink Beauty
Head to Toe Breakfast
April: Tony Moly 

The bag arrived a week ago. The 7 products were housed in this grey velvet-embroidered bag.

It’s 18cm x 11cm, looks pretty nice but reeks a little. I guess the smell goes after awhile.

Info-card (front and back);

I am most excited about the Etude House Dear My Blooming Lips-talk in PK005. I do like this lipstick range and tried their other colors before. PK005 is a light pink, which is almost salmon-ish. It works for people with very fair skin but not so much with darker skins (makes me look like a tanned barbie in summer … :O ).

The design is super cute! ❤ I like the pink and embossed lipstick and all, but the ribbon ring on the tube is a flaw. It breaks so easily! My previous blooming lipsticks are mostly void of the ring.

I wouldn’t call this a long-wearing lipstick, but it applies nicely and has a nice color. It is perfect for gradient lips if paired with a darker pink. 🙂 I like that Etude lipsticks come with so many choices and make an adorable gift for any girl friend.

The lip brush that came in this bag looks interesting. it is actually detachable and retractable.

Just pop one end into the other and the brush shows iteself. It is quite….err bushy (?) and doesn’t seem to be right for precise application. Thank god this bag contains a lip liner to fix that.

Idk, it isn’t the best lip applicator. I was looking forward because my Vivito painting pod needed one.

I’m sure you will feel blessed when you use this, because its the Holy Berry Tint by Holika Holika! (sorry for bad jokes)

It tastes like artificial berries lol. I don’t think it is any better than Tony Moly’s or Benetint, but if you just need a quick stain to head out the door, then this is alright. I will put this on in 3 seconds to answer my door or run to the store.

Mine was in 02 Raspberry. Well, you could use this to mix with a basic BB cream in an empty cushion pact to make a blush! I have been experimenting with various lip colors and I think it is a fun idea for people with too many BB creams and lip tints to spare. (I mixed my unused Clarins BB + Innisfree lip tint mousse + Peripera tint to create this salmon pink blush which I love using daily! 😀 )

The Etude House Soft touch Auto lipliner is a product to have in terms of application and price. It does remind me very much of the Tony Moly lip liner received from a previous bag. This one is slightly darker and tugs less.

I don’t wear a lot of red lips, but this bag is starting to re-inspire me. 🙂

This photo is under the sunlight so the real color is slightly darker than that.

We are no stranger to lip patches~ The Tony Moly Lip patch (I know the info card says Etude house..) is pretty much the same as compared to other hydrogel lip masks I have tried.

Cooling and silencing 😛 This product is just what you need if you suffer from dry, chapped lips.

It is another product to introduce to my countrymates. We don’t often see a lip mask around here you know..

Aritaum is a brand I have been waiting to see more of in subscriptions. We got their Baby Lips Balm in this bag. Mine was Power Hyaluronic Acid.

I have not tried this, but I guess any lip balm is pretty handy to have in your handbag. This version is said to hydrate without stickiness. Of course, there is nothing worse than having gel-like lips which adheres your hair as the wind blows.

I’m glad that Beauteque chose to add in a lip scrub as well! The Nature Republic by Flower Lip Scrub is a granulated scrub that helps soften and smoothen lips.

I was always confused as to when to use a lip scrub! I kept forgetting that I should scrub when I wash my face in the mornings, and not after I have applied all my skincare steps because then i will just wash everything around my lip area off. I did try to remove scrubs with a cotton and then apply lipstick on but its just a mess and granules can taste blergh. So scrub when you cleanse! 😀

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Okay, I like how well-rounded this bag is. You get everything from a scrub, a lip liner to an applicator. They aren’t the best choices for me, but I do like how varied this is. I do wish they’d include a hot item from VDL/ 3CE/ Clio instead of that lip brush and lip tint. It’s a personal preference but eccentric color choices like violet or burgundy would have elevated the bag to a must-have.

You can get the regular BB bags and other product offers here: Beauteque.com (also sign up immediately for a $3 rebate) or find their other monthly subscriptions at Beautequemonthly.com. For mask lovers, rejoice because Beaeteque is now offering Mask Maven too (10 mask/ month sub)!

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This bag was sent for review purposes but the opinions are honest and true to my experience.

a lip

Beautequemonthly BB Bag Marvelous May unbagging

I am so excited for this month’s BB bag! It’s themed Marvelous May, and marvelous it is ❤

Before we start unbagging, lets talk about Beauteque‘s subscription bag. 🙂

The Beauteque’s new sub program will come with a month-to-month subscription and three other different options: 3 month, 6 month, 12 month (all are prepaid).
3 months is $24/m
6 months is $23/m and
12 months is $22/m

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE:

–7 full sized products in every bag
-a value between $65 to $85
-makeup, skincare, jewelry, lifestyle products
-products from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Europe, America

SUBSCRIPTION CALENDAR:

-subscriptions are from the 15th to the 15th (ex. If you subscribe on January 16th, you will be receiving the February bag and so on)
-Beauteque will ship out bags from the 5th to the 15th (customers will be guaranteed to receive their bag that specific month)
-Beauteque will email options to customers on the 1st and they must reply with their responses for the options by the 5th or the options will be picked at random (ex. lipstick color, hand cream scent, toner type,etc)

SHIPPING COSTS:

Beauteque ships to US, Canada, and Europe mailing addresses with the following fees;
-US ($3.95/m)
-Canada ($5.95/m)
-Europe ($8.95/m)

This year’s bags- read my reviews to get an idea! 🙂
February: Sweethearts BB Bag
March: Our Lips are Sealed
April: Mad for Plaid

 

You can also read about my Head to Toe bag reviews (these are the BB bag’s cousins, also curated by Beauteque!).

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I love the concept for this month. We don’t often get body mists and lash curlers, and these kinda elevate the curation you know. 😀 Most of us beauty junkies have enough in our stash and useful daily items are what we seek!

The info card

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Shall we start of with this really pretty gold-plated lash curler from The Face Shop? 

Photogenic from all angle 😀

I am currently using this one from Nature Republic and it is satisfactory, but this new lash curler couldn’t come at a better time because I needed a replacement!

I find Korean/ Japanese lash curlers really good and economical! They also come with a silicone strip as replacement when they become worn/ dirty after prolonged usage.

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The next item is the Holika Holika Pig Nose clear blackhead starter. This product is pretty much the gel that helps lift the gunk out of their lair! It is said to contain pink clay that absorbs excess sebum and soften those stubborn blackheads.

I don’t know how efficacious this is with one use, but I do adore the 3-step product from the same line. Seriously though, if anyone has a blackhead problem, try those nose strips for guaranteed satisfaction. This one might just be a great adjunct. We’ll see!

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The It’s Skin Mini Bebe mist is another item I looked forward to. I chose “shining apple” because I love sweeter, fresher scents. I can tell you that Korean hair fragrance/ body mists are all fabulous!!! Maybe I am generalizing things a little, but I have certainly not gotten any mist that smells bad. ❤

I can’t wait to pop this into my bag during summer. You know how horrid it can smell in the public transports in Europe after a hot day out. Blueh 😛 This is what I need since it is almost palm size and doesn’t weigh a brick.

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The Nature Republic Bulgarian rose essence is sort of like a toner slash mist which refreshes the skin after cleansing. It serves to ‘start’ (as the Koreans would like to call it) the makeup or skin care routine. I love that it is packed with Vitamin A and C, both antioxidants for brighter and younger skin.

Look how cute this is!

It smells only subtly of roses– for those who are afraid of strong rose scents. 🙂

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Another Nature Republic product is the Vivid Tint Bar (SPF 15 PA+). This one fits the May-lets-prepare-for-hotter-weather bag as it has sun protection on top of moisturizing and tinting.

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The Mik@tvonk Auto Eyeliner pencil is some of the few products I have not tested long enough from this bag. I have to admit I do have too many black eyeliners in my possession currently. One side seems to be matte and the other end shimmery. It did apply a little dry (not like those smooth kohl liners) and may tug at the eye lines. I’m on the edge about this, but I will give it more tries. The shimmery end seems interesting enough though!

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The May Island Donkey Milk Skin Mask came as a pair: Mela-Tox and Wrinkle filler. Did someone say donkey milk?

I jumped onto the bandwagon awhile ago, and loved some donkey milk-based products. It does sound squirmish as first, but they are great for people struggling with dry skin!

Ingredients;

Fortunately, my dry skin days are gone, so these might be passed over to my mum. I do like the 3-step concept, because you can just carry some of these masks while traveling and not worry about carrying your heavy tubes of cleanser and ampoule~ 🙂

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It is obvious that this month’s bag is one of the bloggers’ favs. I adore how color-coordinated this bag is~

Obviously the curations can be taken differently according to individual tastes, but this one is a winner across the globe~ I like how practical they are. Shall I reveal my <3?

YAS. 😀

You can get the regular BB bags and other product offers here: Beauteque.com (also sign up immediately for a $3 rebate) or find their other monthly subscriptions at Beautequemonthly.com. For mask lovers, rejoice because Beauteque is now offering Mask Maven too (10 mask/ month sub)!

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This bag was sent for review purposes but the opinions are honest and true to my experience.

Laneige BB Cushion (Pore Control) SPF50 PA+++ [No.21 Natural Beige] Review

So I finally decided to buy the Laneige BB Cushion (Pore Control) SPF50 PA+++ in No.21 Natural Beige after looking at swatches. I have been using my IOPE and Innisfree cushions for the past few months and I got addicted to the convenience of it. Forget about germs and the budget, these cushions are life-saving. 😀

Since summer is nearing in Europe, I had to switch up my makeup to help control shine (I have normal to oily skin). I was loving the IOPE cover cushion (a tad better for oil control than it’s natural version) so I thought this one might be similar if not better as they are both from the same parent company, Amore Pacific.

I saw this on sale on Amore Pacific’s ebay for approx $32 (free shipping). Well, I thought that’s great since I need not worry about authenticity and these companies usually add a ton of samples. How wrong was I. There was zero samples and the way the parcel was labelled got it caught at the customs for 2 weeks with a $21 tax slapped on top of that. I was utterly disappointed. Thanks, whoever you are, G. G. Lee. 😦 😥

Nevermind the extra charges, there was no way I could turn the order back and get a refund since I really wanted to try this. I had to bit the bullet and pretend that the charges were for shipping. My advice is to buy them from companies that do give samples and mark the parcels properly– RRS, TTK,…

This box contains a cushion in its case, a refill and an instruction sheet. I love how pretty and lux the case feels. I do regret a tad, not going for the limited editions but I guess I will buy those later if I do enjoy using this one. 🙂

It is almost palm-size and about 50g (?) so your handbag won’t feel like it is filled with bricks.

At least this one was manufactured in April 2015, correct me if I am wrong..

The standard stuff you see on their site. It is said to be semi-matte, long wearing and offers pore control with UV protection. I quite dig the cooling sensation on a warm, sunny day. I remember reading that by lowering the skin temperature by 1 degree, we actually cut down sebum by 10%. 🙂

Sealed for freshness

Up close 🙂

It seems all moist and properly soaked.

Look at how much I could pick up with one press!! ❤ Compared the Innisfree’s ampoule intense cushion, this one feels like it has much more product and picks up easily.

I’m okay with how the air sponge feels. Nothing to shout about.

Look at how much was picked up! I didn’t have to apply much pressure. Lovin ❤

Okay, I just had to compare my top 3 cushions currently;
Laneige Pore Control cushion in No.21
Iope Air cushion Cover C23
Innisfree Ampoule Intense cushion No.21

Although they are from the same parent company, it is amazing to see how different their formulation/ shades are! Innisfree is the lightest of the bunch (comparing both No.21 of Innisfree and Laneige), and I think their No.13 is perfect for the pale European ladies~ Laneige seems to be on the pinkier side at swatch compared to Iope which suits warmer skin better.

Formulation wise, Iope is the creamiest of the lot and blends beautifully. Innisfree seems a little runnier but is great for those who wants natural looking makeup without much coverage (I think their long-wearing one would be closer to Laneige). The Laneige pore control is very much like a foundation and reminds me of the Western makeup bases. It can be cakey if you have dry skin —read on.

All three blend out well on my skin, although I prefer Iope a little more than Laneige at this stage of the game. It looks really natural.

You can see how the Laneige one is pretty powdery and covers well (on a non-moisturized/ non-primed hand). I like the Laneige one when I wake up with plump skin and when it is a hot day out. I would say that it covers the best among the lot, but you will definitely look like you have some makeup on. My favourite MOTD is to moisturize with my SNT Goddess cream and then prime with some Miguhara BP cream.

Pros
Nice packaging
Cooling, pore control
Great coverage
Matte finish
Scent of lux (something like a super mild Estee Lauder perfume?)

Cons
Tad powdery, not as natural as Iope
Expensive for 15g of product (perhaps for my budget)
Not every country has Laneige counters so you might have to shop online

I have to try this in mid-summer to tell you how well it works. At the moment my skin still seem dormant in the oil-production department, which I am grateful for. First impressions are good, although I still cannot detach from my first love– the Iope air cushion. The Laneige cushion is indeed perfect for problematic skin and covers imperfection like magic. I would love to give the other versions a try! Definitely picking up the Anti-aging version for mum for her birthday. ❤

 

Edit: I just came back from a 2-hour Sunday jog with my dog. It was quite sunny out but I came back and there was almost zero shine on my face! I am so amazed, I guess the oil control is really the best~