Haul-Review / Makeup: Benefit - That Gal Brightening Face Primer

This haul was done way back in Dec 2010 when Benefit was offering $20 off for every $100 purchase. Hence I tempted a few of my BFF to consolidated enough orders to qualify for the offer and free international shipping.

The Pretty packing within....

The goods within.. Only "That Gal" is mine...

Item Name: Benefit - That Gal Brightening Face Primer
Size: 11 ml
Price: USD28.00
Available At: benefitcosmetics.com
Picture Source: klutzbeauty.blogspot.com

Product Description from Manufacturer:

Our silky pink primer takes your complexion from dull to darling! Simply smooth on for the look of brighter, smoother skin.

One shade helps brighten all skin tones. Can be worn alone, under or over makeup.

Twist the base until the primer is distributed on the top. Apply with fingertips onto the face. Blend this silky pink primer in an even, upward motion. Wear alone, or under makeup for smoother makeup application. Gently pat on during the day to re-brighten your complexion.

Why I bought it:
I need a highlighting primer and I've heard raves about this product, so I decided to try it out, since there was a discount plus free shipping.

Packaging
Slick plastic packaging. Instead of squeezing, you need to twist the base to get the product out. Kind of freaky to see globs of product oozing out from their tiny holes.

Thereafter, you just swipe up all the product that oozed out with your finger to apply.

It takes a little practice get used to how many turns to do so that you don't end up with too much product.

Texture:
Shiny gel like consistency. There is a faint smell that might take some time to get used to.

Price:
The price of the product came up to approximately SDG34.00 after the discount and free shipping. With 11 ml, I would not consider it as cheap. But given the amount that I use at one time, it should last a while.

Road Test:
First of all, a little goes a long way. The first few times, I ended up with too much product. But once I got the hang of it, it was a breeze.

I applied the product after foundation by patting it in lightly to the bridge of my nose, the top of my cheeks where the light hits and also the "C" area on the outer sides of my eyes.

This is the "heart" shape area as taught by Kevin 老師..

My face became radiant instantly !!! A colleague even commented that I looked like I'm in love!!! 

Source: Kevin老師's Facebook

Verdict:
Definitely a new HG!!! The product gives me a radiant highlight that looks so au naturale. And a little goes a long way!!!


Other Pictures:

Haul: Tangs - IPSA Pure Protect Foundation + Pore Clear Base

Tangs was having their closed door Christmas Preview Sale on 16 Nov 2010 and I decided to get the Ipsa foundation that I've been lemming for so long now.

The crowd wasn't as bad as I thought when I got there in the evening and I went straight to the counter. I was contemplating between the liquid and cream foundation but I went for the liquid in the end as I liked the texture better.

IPSA Pure Protect Liquid Foundation in 100

SGD63.00 - Available at Tangs Orchard

The BA matched me to 100, the lightest available shade and I was kind of taken aback since I usually sit on the second lightest shade instead of the lightest. However, the BA explained to me that since I'm more inclined towards neutral, 100 suits me the best. She tested on my jawline and I have to agree with her.

I've already opened the bottle to try as I write this post.  And the foundation matched my skintone perfectly! It almost became my dupable HG until it started to melt on me by afternoon. But it does have a lot of potential.Will do a review entry on it when I find time.

IPSA Pore Clear Base

SGD48.00 - Available at Tangs Orchard

I also bought their Pore Clear Base. This is supposed to help fill my pores and cover light freckles. As usual, it's the pores that I'm more concerned about.

IPSA Foundation Sponge

SGD13.00 - Available at Tangs Orchard

Lastly, I got the foundation sponge to top up to SGD150.00 to enjoy a direct 10% off on top of the Tangs 12% rebate.

As usual, the BA stuffed me with lots of their latest Metalbolizer sample to try out.

For those interested in Ipsa products, please note that the one and only one Ipsa counter in the whole of Singapore is located at Tangs Orchard.

Haul: NARS, Smashbox, Urban Decay and Dior

The christmas season is round the corner and with that, comes the flood of Christmas sales! Last week was pure retail extravagence for me.. To the point that I'm feeling a little guilty now for spending so much. But oh well, it's not as if I don't need the items.

In addition, I've been a real good girl this year. So, it doesn't hurt if I materialize a little of my lemmings, I rationalize.. Yes yes, my feeble attempt to justify my purchases. Anyway, the next few posts would be entries on the things I bought and received last week.

This post is a closer look at the items that I bought from Beauty.com and Sephora@Amazon. There was a lot of other things that came with the parcels but those don't belong to me. So, I'll just cover the stuff that belongs to me.

First up is the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville (~SGD47; inclusive shipping). I'm a foundation junkie and I'm always on the look out to try new foundations. After reading through all the online reviews, I was really intrigued by this foundation. However, since it's not available in Singapore, I could only stash away my lemmings.

The opportunity came when Beauty.com was offering a 20% FF sale. I took the plunge and purchased. I did an extensive research online by using Diorskin Nude 020 as reference and finally decided on Deauville. I was really apprehensive but to my relief, the tone matched, although it was still a little yellow for me but it was no major concern.

I received the NARS Cleansing Oil sample for the foundation purhase.

Next up is the NARS Powder Blush in Deep Throat (~SGD30; inclusive shipping). I was deciding between NARS or Cargo blush. But decided to get the NARS blush because of it's cult status. I had originally wanted to get Orgasm but decided that Deep Throat may be more suitable for me after looking the swatches and reviews online. It was a little peachy for my liking but I love it still the same!!

Next one is the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer on the Go (~SGD18.00; inclusive shipping). This is actually the smaller sized 15ml. I've heard raves about this product and so, when I saw that they have the smaller trial version, I decided to purchase it to try it out.

Next, is the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Yeyo. This is actually a white eye liner glittery eyeliner and I'm thinking of using it to line my inner eye corners for the pop effect.

Lastly, is the Dior Mascara Duo Set (~SGD28.00). I usually don't like to spend on mascaras, as I don't see the need to spend a bomb on something that covers only a small portion of the face. But ever since I've read raves about Dior's mascaras and their performance, I've been wanting to try it. So, when I saw this set on Sephora@Amazon, I didn't hesitate since this was the perfect chance to try out the mascara without commiting too much money on it.

My thoughts: This purchase was really a rushed and unprepared one, and was kind of haphazard. But I was really glad that my first attempt in an online spree turned out well.Next time, I would defnitely be more prepared.

Spotlight / Makeup: Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion (UDPP)

Item Name: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (UDPP)
Price: S$32.00
Available at: Sephora @ Orchard Ion

Price: US$18.00
Available at: beauty.com


*Picture source from Urban Decay Website*







For makeup mavens and fanatics, I believe this is not a new product. This product is considered the holy grail / saving grace for many people who have oily eyelids. It is touted by many that eyeshadows do not slide, crease or smudge as long this was applied as the base.

And actually, there are enough raves on the WWW that I do not see a need to add on more information. So, today I'm going to touch on something else that I came across by chance.

This small item retails at S$32.00 a pop at Sephora Singapore for a mere 10ml of stuff. It works to $3.20 per ml. Not cheap at all, considering that my Clarins Moisturizer costs less per ml.

So, you finally bought that whimsical genie bottle but do you know that due to the design of the bottle, you probably wouldn't be able to get the maximum mileage out of your purchase? Even though the wand has already been improved and revamped, there is still a limit to how much product you can reach. Not to mention that repeated pumping action introduces air and bacteria, drying out the insides much faster.

And so, I found a good solution. But it involves the extremely heartbreaking action of cutting up that pretty cute bottle, some mess and a little miracle worker.



Brittany from Clumps of Mascara showed us the steps to cutting up the pretties and the outrageous amount of product left after the bottle was cut up.

And Enkore showed us a better way of storing the decanted product that is both hygienic and allows the product to last longer. I like watching Enkore as he's very detailed, friendly and always on the lookout for better products and solutions.

So, the next time you think you have ran out of UDPP, think again.

Click here for Brittany's demo for the major op.

Enkore's video below. Click to purchase the Empty Twist Up Lipgloss Pen ~ Brush Tip mentioned by Enkore.