tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58659383369127352952024-03-18T11:04:01.410-07:00of Faces and FingersAsian beauty blog with swatches, product reviews, and Asian makeup posts. Seen in Allure Korea, Fabulous Magazine, and Edgars Club Magazine. Winner of the Everyday Woman Award in BeautyJudge UK Awards.Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10453401073791906028noreply@blogger.comBlogger1109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-81677157414671453442020-07-19T06:46:00.001-07:002020-07-19T06:46:35.413-07:00Empies: Sunscreen aka the Super Important Skincare Step!Happy 2020 everyone, and hope you are keeping well in this time of pandemic! It's been awhile since I've posted, and everything's fine on my end, other than that I'm doing my best to adhere to the COVID-19 measures in place, such as wearing a mask when in public places, observing social distancing, working from home, etc. - we all need to do our part!. Life has just been busy and that's why I haven't been posting. I'm <a href="https://www.instagram.com/musicalhouses/">still active on Instagram as @musicalhouses</a> however!<br>
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Anyway, since the <a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2018/08/makeup-empties-foundations-cushions.html">last time I blogged about my empties (in 2018 too, can you believe that!)</a>, I've been accumulating a fresh new batch of empties, so here's a rundown of what I've been using since then! And as you can tell from the below photo, I'm starting with the sunscreens first, because sunscreen is one of the most important parts of a skincare routine, and everyone should be using a good sunscreen that works for them! <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PaTZqOtb0Q/XxQdgPcn4yI/AAAAAAAAGBA/zgY-Tx9MMi0swS_mYe7kxUJWQzDJ2cIGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Empties%2Bsunscreen%2Bbioderma%2Bkiehls%2Bfancl%2Bcanmake%2Bapieu%2Bw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PaTZqOtb0Q/XxQdgPcn4yI/AAAAAAAAGBA/zgY-Tx9MMi0swS_mYe7kxUJWQzDJ2cIGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Empties%2Bsunscreen%2Bbioderma%2Bkiehls%2Bfancl%2Bcanmake%2Bapieu%2Bw.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="768"></a><br>
<center><b>Sunscreen empties - from the past couple of years so they've been piling up!</b></center></div><br>
So without further ado, let's start going through these empties, as well as my thoughts of each individual product! (And yes, I do plan to move on to the other categories of skincare and makeup empties when I do have time, haha!)<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2020/07/empies-sunscreen-aka-super-important.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-72505828620785386032019-08-12T07:40:00.000-07:002019-08-12T07:41:50.765-07:00Mineral Oil Myths Explained: Cancer, Safety, and Skincare Benefits<div class="disclosure-buttons"><a class="skincarescience" href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/search/label/Skincare%20Science"></a></div>It's been awhile as life has gotten busy! But I'm back with more skincare geekery - this time on mineral oil! I've wanted to write this post for awhile, because over my years being an amateur skincare nerd, I've noticed lots of fearmongering with respect to mineral oil. Some people believe that 1) mineral oil is bad for you because it prevents your skin from breathing, 2) mineral oil causes cancer, or that 3) you shouldn't use it because it is derived from petrochemicals. I'll be taking a look at these three myths in this post!<br>
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First though, a little bit of a primer into mineral oil itself.<br>
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<b>What is mineral oil?</b><br>
Mineral oil is a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons (i.e. molecules comprised only of carbon and hydrogen atoms) obtained from petroleum, and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378427417311542">consists of saturated hydrocarbons having carbon numbers predominantly in the range of C15 through C50</a>. As seen in the bottles of baby oil, it is easily recognizable as an oily transparent liquid. It's manufactured by the distillation of petroleum, and then followed by refining of residual fractions to meet the standards for cosmetic grade mineral oil. <br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2019/08/mineral-oil-myths-explained-cancer.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-89983429465184304812018-10-06T07:33:00.000-07:002018-10-06T07:33:52.159-07:00Peel-Off Masks: Why They're Bad For Your Skin<div class="disclosure-buttons"><a class="ingredientsanalysis" href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/search/label/Ingredients%20Analysis"></a></div>Recently, I've been seeing a lot of press about peel-off masks, and how awesome they are. I've blogged about somewhat dubious skincare and beauty product trends when I think the hype gets out of hand (I've always been kind of terrible as a shill that way, LOL), but this is probably one of the more egregious ones I've seen lately, so I'll get to the point - I'm really NOT a fan of peel-off masks at all, regardless of brand, and I highly discourage anyone from using them.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-rnEHptC0w/W7i25J6NtBI/AAAAAAAAFbo/41NwaL2z8I4ZPXH7X7DOSbjahKjpC1V7wCLcBGAs/s1600/Peel%2BOff%2BMasks%2BSkincare.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-rnEHptC0w/W7i25J6NtBI/AAAAAAAAFbo/41NwaL2z8I4ZPXH7X7DOSbjahKjpC1V7wCLcBGAs/s640/Peel%2BOff%2BMasks%2BSkincare.png" width="640" height="353" data-original-width="1304" data-original-height="720"></a></div><br>
Unfortunately, they're really popular, and seem to be receiving a lot of mainstream press as of late. A quick google search turns up the following:<br>
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<b>What a cursory search for "peel-off mask" returns</b></div><br>
Why are these masks so popular? In a word, it's novelty. Prior to peel-off masks becoming popular, most masks have been clay or gel masks that you leave on and wash off, and can often get messy and drippy. By comparison, peel-off masks seem so much more fun and easier to use - the mask doesn't drip, and instead of washing off the mask, you get the satisfaction of peeling off the mask like this:<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/q1y5_4RBQq8/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/q1y5_4RBQq8/maxresdefault.jpg" width="640" height="360" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="450"></a><br>
<b>Part of the a-peel (see what I did there?) of the mask is that you peel it off</b> (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1y5_4RBQq8">Source</a>)</div><br>
And, now brands are adding to the fun and entertainment factor of peeling masks by doing things like adding glitter to them, which while fun, doesn't really enhance the skincare value of the product in anyway. But, damn if it doesn't look like the most fun to apply and peel off though! <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.glamglow.com/media/export/cms/Landing%20Pages/GG_LANDINGPAGE_MLP_V1_Slice5_A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://www.glamglow.com/media/export/cms/Landing%20Pages/GG_LANDINGPAGE_MLP_V1_Slice5_A.jpg" width="640" height="355" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="444"></a><br>
<b>And yes, this is a My Little Pony mask collection</b> (<a href="https://www.glamglow.com/my-little-pony">Source</a>)</div><br>
But as I've mentioned (right in the title, too), I'm not a huge fan of peel-off masks. I personally find them really bad for skin, and the general formula of these peel-off masks is such that by their nature, they're rather drying and sensitizing to the skin, and it's hard to escape that fact, no matter how much glitter you throw into them. We'll take a look at the general formula of such masks, and see how the masks work, and then check out the ingredients lists of some of the more popular peel-off masks, to see how much they adhere to the general formula. It's lots of ingredients reading. But it's fun! And worth it for better skin!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2018/10/peel-off-masks-why-theyre-bad-for-your.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-2031590790218037132018-09-09T04:50:00.001-07:002018-09-09T04:50:21.164-07:00Givenchy Rouge Liquide Swatches and First ImpressionsGivenchy's Rouge Liquide has just hit Singapore, and this is clearly a pretty big launch here, and is very on-trend with the popularity of liquid lipsticks. All 14 shades are being launched here (yes!!), and the selling point of the lipsticks is that the packing is pretty unique - it looks like an ordinary lipstick when you open it, but what you are seeing is just the flocked applicator. To apply the lipstick, you twist the base, and the liquid lipstick will move up through the hole in the applicator.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUGtbIkC7wmPXWpzLygDoKPpcy_E6j2i6XbA0GUK0bb2vsylsQznVniBKaUCCU_ZyYutSA9IL_xbmF5W8ORD-w5VRKVgaaoXgSfsTTqlfDIABKT0dQTm8SxcH92h9_AbjgU_By_f6IDl_/s1600/Givenchy+Rouge+Liquide.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUGtbIkC7wmPXWpzLygDoKPpcy_E6j2i6XbA0GUK0bb2vsylsQznVniBKaUCCU_ZyYutSA9IL_xbmF5W8ORD-w5VRKVgaaoXgSfsTTqlfDIABKT0dQTm8SxcH92h9_AbjgU_By_f6IDl_/s640/Givenchy+Rouge+Liquide.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200"></a><br>
<b>Givenchy Rouge Liquide - liquid lipsticks with a flocked applicator</b></div><br>
Cool, right? Above is the lipsticks when the case has been opened (you can see the flocked applicator and the hole through which the liquid lipstick is pushed up). The applicators all have the same shade of red, so you can't tell what shade the Rouge Liquide is without looking at the base to see the shade name. Just a note of caution though - the applicators can be a bit tricky to use initially. As with most "twist up to push the product out" products, you do run the risk of the twist mechanism going "click-click-click-click - no product - click-click-click-click - no product - click-click-click-click - a whole globule of product emerges that's way too much for one application". So, twist and wait the first time you're using it! You only need a little bit to cover the lips, because the product is pretty dense and pigmented. This isn't an issue after the first time you use the Rouge Liquide however.<br>
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Alright, enough gushing about the packaging, let's get to the meat of the post - swatches!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2018/09/givenchy-rouge-liquide-swatches-and.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-90594842251420398442018-08-27T18:07:00.000-07:002018-08-27T18:07:24.675-07:00Makeup Empties: Foundations, Cushions, Primers, Eyeshadows, Lips and Blush!We did skincare in the last empties post, so today we're doing makeup - and sunscreen! Usually it takes me longer to use up makeup than skincare (probably because there are more makeup products than skincare products under rotation at any one point in time, and I vary my makeup routine more than my skincare routine). So this is sort of an achievement!<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu31M6EGmFo/W31q9oSXbMI/AAAAAAAAFYE/6UThmXWB6Uwy8-Q9OucHBqznE3xMx2K6wCLcBGAs/s1600/Empties%2BMakeup%2Band%2BSkincare%2BPan%2BPorn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu31M6EGmFo/W31q9oSXbMI/AAAAAAAAFYE/6UThmXWB6Uwy8-Q9OucHBqznE3xMx2K6wCLcBGAs/s800/Empties%2BMakeup%2Band%2BSkincare%2BPan%2BPorn.JPG" width="640" height="853" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600"></a></div><br>
Alright, let's start!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2018/08/makeup-empties-foundations-cushions.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-8629941022709138572018-08-22T02:46:00.001-07:002018-08-22T02:46:17.710-07:00Skincare Empties! Serums, Essences, Moisturizers, and All That!Another few months have passed, and with that more empties! Yes I have been trying to use up my products instead of just accumulating them (because truth be told as a beauty junkie you do accumulate a LOT after a short period of time). Anyway over the past few months, I (with a little help from some of my family members) have managed to accumulate quite the literal pile of products. Behold! My empties!<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ks3HKBIHBl8/W3mLcoo8B8I/AAAAAAAAFXs/stJJCtX7IvMiIy5JE0p-9c280X6D5FrYACLcBGAs/s1600/Empties%2BSkincare%2BMakeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ks3HKBIHBl8/W3mLcoo8B8I/AAAAAAAAFXs/stJJCtX7IvMiIy5JE0p-9c280X6D5FrYACLcBGAs/s800/Empties%2BSkincare%2BMakeup.JPG" width="640" height="853" data-original-width="1200" data-original-height="1600"></a><br>
<b>As usual, I wait for months until my empties pile up to the high heavens before it occurs to me to do an empties post, LOL</b></div><br>
Since these are a lot to get through, they're going to be split into two parts - skincare, and makeup. We'll start with the skincare first. Basically every face product you can think of - lotions, essences, creams, masks, eye creams, are all in this post. Except sunscreens, because they're grouped with makeup this time round (mostly just to prevent this post from getting too long).<br>
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Alright, let's get to it!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2018/08/skincare-empties-serums-essences.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-26746061075839586622018-07-15T09:38:00.002-07:002018-07-15T09:38:42.034-07:00Chantecaille Summer 2018 Swatches: Bronzer, Eyeshadows, Lipgloss, EyelinerChantecaille's Summer 2018 makeup collection has launched, and here are swatches of the entire collection! And close up product photos! I know these aren't exactly the earliest swatches, but I thought better late than never. <br>
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The collection is inspired by vacation and beaches, and has an appropriately themed colour selection with limited edition packaging (for the bronzers and eyeshadows). The rest of the collection (Lip Sleeks, Mermaid Eye Matte cream eyeshadows, Les Perles Metallic Eye Liner) are all permanent.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5maBIMwq-DM/W0tzIrq8LlI/AAAAAAAAFXY/3ulJaCpkXWE3zhpprAq4XUebG8RprKS5ACLcBGAs/s1600/Chantecaille%2BSummer%2B2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5maBIMwq-DM/W0tzIrq8LlI/AAAAAAAAFXY/3ulJaCpkXWE3zhpprAq4XUebG8RprKS5ACLcBGAs/s640/Chantecaille%2BSummer%2B2018.JPG" width="480" height="640" data-original-width="768" data-original-height="1024"></a></div><br>
Let's take a closer look at the collection. <br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2018/07/chantecaille-summer-2018-swatches.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-35594273747445232672018-03-25T08:44:00.001-07:002018-03-25T08:44:33.669-07:00Marc Jacobs Shameless Foundation Swatches: All 29 Shades!The Marc Jacobs Shameless Youthful-Look 24H Foundation SPF 25 has just hit our shores, and it comes in a whopping 29 (!!!) shades! Obviously, I absolutely just had to swatch it - you guys know that I do love swatching things, so I just couldn't resist! <br>
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The Marc Jacobs Shameless Foundation claims to be oil-free, and offers medium coverage, alongside a natural finish. I have to say though, when I swatched it, I felt like it did perform better coverage-wise than your average medium-coverage foundation. The Shameless Foundation shade range also boasts a pretty easy-to-navigate shade naming system. Basically, pink-toned shades start with R, and yellow-toned shades start with Y. And the higher the number, the darker shade. So for example, R440 would be a fairly deep shade with red undertones, but Y130 would be a light shade with yellow undertones.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdOosDAiKxw/Wre0j5EOfOI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/Xp3IVaLlwAASr4p6nGb17rJl-CPZ1H0DwCLcBGAs/s1600/Marc%2BJacobs%2BBeauty%2BShameless%2BYouthful-Look%2B24H%2BFoundation%2BSPF%2B25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wdOosDAiKxw/Wre0j5EOfOI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/Xp3IVaLlwAASr4p6nGb17rJl-CPZ1H0DwCLcBGAs/s640/Marc%2BJacobs%2BBeauty%2BShameless%2BYouthful-Look%2B24H%2BFoundation%2BSPF%2B25.JPG" width="640" height="640" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1600"></a><br>
<b>Marc Jacobs Shameless Foundation: In 29 Shades!</b></div><br>
Alright, so without further ado, here are the swatches! I have to say, I am also so proud of myself for taking such photos in a club (yes, literally in a disco-loud-music-dancing-strobe lights-type club), and I think patience and searching out for good lighting helped!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2018/03/marc-jacobs-shameless-foundation.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-74784678041545313752018-03-11T06:30:00.000-07:002018-03-11T06:30:16.544-07:00Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic Review and Ingredients Analysis<div class="disclosure-buttons"><a class="presssampleingredientsanalysis" href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/search/label/Ingredients%20Analysis"></a></div>Pixi's Glow Tonic has been a cult favourite skincare product, and if you've heard about the brand at all, then chances are, you've probably heard of Glow Tonic. This cult product has raves from virtually every blogger out there, with people excited over how it is both cheap and effective, so I figured it's high time I got around to review it!<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvm5sjwP1O4/WpK6oG3FRYI/AAAAAAAAFRA/_I8MMWhUqLwXSTYdL-n_PksAHQfDw01MwCLcBGAs/s1600/Pixi%2BBeauty%2BGlow%2BTonic%2BReview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hvm5sjwP1O4/WpK6oG3FRYI/AAAAAAAAFRA/_I8MMWhUqLwXSTYdL-n_PksAHQfDw01MwCLcBGAs/s640/Pixi%2BBeauty%2BGlow%2BTonic%2BReview.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200"></a><br>
<b>Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic: This is THE cult skincare product from the Pixi brand</b></div><br>
In case you're wondering why the Pixi Glow Tonic is such a fabled product, in part it's becuase the <a href="https://www.pixibeauty.com/products/glow-tonic-100ml">5% glycolic acid</a>, which is pretty rare in a product at that price point. So I do get why it lives up to the hype, with people claiming that it works to give them that glow, even for sensitive skin!<br>
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/musicalhouses/25603408157/in/dateposted-public/" title="Pixi Glow Tonic Review"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4653/25603408157_e4b3c4233a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pixi Glow Tonic Review"></a><br>
<b>Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic: I've been seeing so many rave reviews for it, so I've decided to see how it stacks up!</b></center><br>
So, does the Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic actually live up to the hype? Well, let's dive in and find out! Of course, we'll start right at the ingredients list!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2018/03/pixi-beauty-glow-tonic-review-and.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-90017617729978570472018-02-11T06:38:00.001-08:002018-02-11T06:38:50.445-08:00Tarte Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation and Hybrid Gel Foundation: Dupes or Not?<div class="disclosure-buttons"><a class="ingredientsanalysis" href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/search/label/Ingredients%20Analysis"></a></div>Tarte's Shape Tape Concealer has finally launched to much fanfare and - perhaps not too surprisingly in this day and age - controversy. I'm sure you'll have seen it if you weren't living under a rock. The Shape Tape Foundation - which was released in two forms, matte and hydrating - was very, very eagerly anticipated as <i>the</i> makeup launch of 2018, owing to the massive popularity of the Shape Tape Concealer. The main controversy with the Shape Tape Foundation was the lack of shades for darker skin, which was problematic for a brand that had previously claimed to champion diversity. I won't say too much more because that's not the focus of today's blog post, but should you be interested, you can google it; there are some very articulate and thoughtful summaries of the issue and why it is problematic. <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tartecosmetics.com/dw/image/v2/BBPW_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-master-catalog-tarte/default/dw1f77d2da/1214/Round%2010/1213-shape-tape-hydrating__DDB_misc-alt-2_ALT.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tartecosmetics.com/dw/image/v2/BBPW_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-master-catalog-tarte/default/dw1f77d2da/1214/Round%2010/1213-shape-tape-hydrating__DDB_misc-alt-2_ALT.gif" width="640" height="640" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="800"></a><b>Tarte Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation: Probably the hottest anticipated foundation launch so far this year, but pity the shade range</b></div><br>
What today's blogpost will focus on is another issue with the Shape Tape Foundation, specifically the Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation. What's the source of the controversy with the Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation? Basically that Tarte was already re-releasing an existing formulation as a new product. The existing product in question? Tarte's Hybrid Gel Foundation, which has already been on the market for awhile. So, if this is indeed true, it means that all Tarte did was essentially repackage their existing product into a different container, and then tried to sell it as a different product. And that, of course, would be awful.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://tartecosmetics.com/dw/image/v2/BBPW_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-master-catalog-tarte/default/dwa14d05bc/757/ALT/757-empowered-hybrid-gel-foundation__DDB_social-4_ALT%20-%20Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tartecosmetics.com/dw/image/v2/BBPW_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-master-catalog-tarte/default/dwa14d05bc/757/ALT/757-empowered-hybrid-gel-foundation__DDB_social-4_ALT%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="640" height="640" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="800"></a><br>
<b>Tarte Shape Tape Hydrating Foundation is also claimed to be identical to the existing Hybrid Gel Foundation</b></div><br>
So, in today's post, let's see how this little kerfuffle started, and take a look and see how similar the two products are, and whether they are really dupes or not!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2018/02/tarte-shape-tape-hydrating-foundation.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-67783489456210169432018-01-24T07:24:00.000-08:002018-01-24T07:24:25.333-08:00Etude House Cherry Moisture Lip Glow SwatchesEtude House Cherry Moisture Lip Glow was launched in January this year, and it's a really cool product! Basically its sort of a cross between a lip oil and a lip gloss, offering both shine, as well as some colour, while claiming to moisturize your lips. I think it'll be a pretty popular product, owing to both the nice feel and colour, as well as that uber-cute packaging - check out the cherry on the tube!<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHpS2I87sJc/WmdZ4aseftI/AAAAAAAAFQs/CZR20fc-Tr8um9i2U7s8y64pfnVIzjr2ACLcBGAs/s1600/Etude%2BHouse%2BCherry%2BMoisture%2BLip%2BGlow%2BReview%2Baw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cHpS2I87sJc/WmdZ4aseftI/AAAAAAAAFQs/CZR20fc-Tr8um9i2U7s8y64pfnVIzjr2ACLcBGAs/s640/Etude%2BHouse%2BCherry%2BMoisture%2BLip%2BGlow%2BReview%2Baw.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200"></a><br>
<b>Etude House Cherry Moisture Lip Glow: A cross between a lipgloss and lip oil</b></div><br>
Well without further ado, here are swatches! <br>
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<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2018/01/etude-house-cherry-moisture-lip-glow_24.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-80966361206139686422018-01-20T08:43:00.000-08:002018-01-20T08:46:53.772-08:00Fancl BC Night Intensive Cream and Essence Review and Ingredients Analysis<div class="disclosure-buttons"><a class="presssampleingredientsanalysis" href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/search/label/Ingredients%20Analysis"></a></div>Check this out - an actual "proper" skincare review! I know I've not done one of these in awhile, but better late than never, right? Fancl's BC range, according to the Fancl website, provides "<a href="http://www.fancl.com/shop/category.php?category=categories_skincare_collection&categories_id=9">intensive treatment for aging skin needs</a>". I'm actually not sure what the BC stands for, but suffice to say it's an anti-aging line. Recently (and by recently I meant "actually a couple of months before Christmas last year because I've been busy like that"), Fancl has added two new products to the BC range in Singapore - the BC Night Intensive Cream, and BC Essence. Existing products in the range include a facial cleanser, lotion, as well as eye essence. <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJpLHevtZAI/WkjCa4jbq0I/AAAAAAAAFP0/wwKlYvBJ5bYr-d-nu6YcQVIgDuE6QPFlACLcBGAs/s1600/Fancl%2BBC%2BReview%2BSkincare%2BEssence%2BNight%2BCream%2BIngredients.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OJpLHevtZAI/WkjCa4jbq0I/AAAAAAAAFP0/wwKlYvBJ5bYr-d-nu6YcQVIgDuE6QPFlACLcBGAs/s640/Fancl%2BBC%2BReview%2BSkincare%2BEssence%2BNight%2BCream%2BIngredients.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200"></a><br>
<b>Fancl BC Night Intensive Cream and Essence: The newest additions to the BC skincare range</b></div><br>
As you can imagine, the products feature a lot of Fancl's typical brand claims - for example being suitable for sensitive skin, having a gentle, simple formula that works as it claims without any unnecessary frills, and also being what the brand calls "preservative free". Some of you may recall I was previously introduced to the brand's "preservative free" philosophy and have done a <a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.sg/2017/02/fancl-moisturizing-lotion-i-review-and.html">review here, where I examined whether it was really preservative-free or not</a>. Much to my satisfaction, my assessment of the concept of a "preservative-free" formulation was <a href="https://twitter.com/beautyscientist/status/838014435868409856">retweeted by an actual cosmetics formulator</a>, who called it "long but well informed". I won't deny it's long (if you haven't realized my ingredients analysis-type reviews tend to be), but I was happy that he found it accurate. Colin also incidentally runs the blog <a href="http://colinsbeautypages.co.uk/">Colin's Beauty Pages</a>, which I really value for its take on cosmetics by an actual person who knows his ingredients and formulations, and works in the biz! <br>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fancl Moisturizing Lotion I Review and Ingredients Analysis <a href="https://t.co/RCJmlACbL1">https://t.co/RCJmlACbL1</a> //A long read but well informed <a href="https://t.co/683b79lkNk">pic.twitter.com/683b79lkNk</a></p>— beautyscientist (@beautyscientist) <a href="https://twitter.com/beautyscientist/status/838014435868409856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br>
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Anyway, after being retweeted by Colin, whom I really respect and admire for his competency, I don't know if this review will live up to my previous one. But I can try! Or at least just do the best I can.<br>
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/musicalhouses/39374092292/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fancl BC Essence NIght Cream Skincare Review"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4598/39374092292_59a4e40d13_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Fancl BC Essence NIght Cream Skincare Review"></a><br>
<b>Fancl BC Night Intensive Cream and Essence: Claims to be formulated for sensitive skin, and to be preservative-free</b></center><br>
Anyhoo, that was a really, really long introduction for a blogpost (which, by the way, is also going to be quite long). Let's just dive into the review already, shall we? And of course, we're going to start with the ingredients!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2018/01/fancl-bc-night-intensive-cream-and.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-45364070194830994902018-01-07T07:02:00.001-08:002018-01-07T07:02:26.488-08:00Empties: In With the Old, In With the New! Part 2And this is the official last empties post from 2017! After the previous <a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.sg/2018/01/empties-out-with-old-in-with-new-part-1.html">empties post part 1, which focused on cleansers</a>, we're going to look at all the other various leave-on products! There's quite a lot to go through here, including masks, lotions, moisturizers, sunscreens, and more! <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDvgiKXG04U/WlHng5h8pDI/AAAAAAAAFQU/ZV6oJ6OuATsme89bQxAq9jr3veg7VcL7ACLcBGAs/s1600/2017%2BEmpties%2BMakeup%2BSkincare.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDvgiKXG04U/WlHng5h8pDI/AAAAAAAAFQU/ZV6oJ6OuATsme89bQxAq9jr3veg7VcL7ACLcBGAs/s640/2017%2BEmpties%2BMakeup%2BSkincare.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200"></a><br>
Aaaand, this is the last of the 2017 empties!</div><br>
Truth be told, I'm always surprised by how much skincare I use up whenever I do one of these empties posts, especially because I don't think of myself as the kind of person who religiously masks her face every week or even slaps on serum every night! Believe it or not, when I'm really tired after a long day of work, I go to bed with no skincare on! The very horror! But sometimes you just gotta sleep, you know? In any case, I attribute my ability to use up my skincare to my large face, haha. I guess a larger surface area does use up more product!<br>
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/musicalhouses/38703523394/in/dateposted-public/" title="Empties 2017 Skincare Makeup"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4739/38703523394_11e9913b16_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Empties 2017 Skincare Makeup"></a><br>
<b>There's a lot of empties here to round off 2017 - I'm surprised I used up all this!</b></center><br>
So, let's get started, and finally wrap up 2017 in beauty on this blog!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2018/01/empties-in-with-old-in-with-new-part-2.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-13527243315675643452018-01-01T08:27:00.002-08:002018-01-01T08:27:36.606-08:00Empties: Out With the Old, In With the New! Part 1Happy new year everyone! First post of 2018 and it's an empties post! What better way to start out than by showing you my last set of empties that I've managed to use up in 2017? I figure all these empties officially give me a clear pass to keep hauling and procuring more makeup, skincare and beauty items in 2018! :P <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NTk0qeQDT_M/WkkpsjLKchI/AAAAAAAAFQE/lFj2tKxzQjg09uDQW6B3jODjH-y_x5rlwCLcBGAs/s1600/Empties%2BMakeup%2BSkincare%2B2017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NTk0qeQDT_M/WkkpsjLKchI/AAAAAAAAFQE/lFj2tKxzQjg09uDQW6B3jODjH-y_x5rlwCLcBGAs/s640/Empties%2BMakeup%2BSkincare%2B2017.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200"></a><br>
<b>Last batch of empties from 2017!</b></div><br>
Anyway, like the previous empties post, this round of empties also consists mostly of skincare. I do realize that I tend to use up certain skincare items (lotions, sunscreen, serums, cleansers) much faster than makeup, particularly colour makeup. I guess there's only so much blush a girl can apply before looking like a clown, but you can slather lotion on your face until your skin is basically dripping in liquid, oops. (Not that I haven't done that at all, oh no, not me, I mean, that would be so weird, who does that... *looks away and whistles*)<br>
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/musicalhouses/38703523644/in/dateposted-public/" title="Empties Skincare Makeup 2017"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4641/38703523644_578dbd54fd_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Empties Skincare Makeup 2017"></a><br>
<b>Last round of empties from 2017: Mostly skincare, especially cleansers</b></center><br>
So, without further ado, let's start on part 1 of this round of empties. Today, we'll be looking at the various cleanser and makeup remover products - I figure cleansers (what with washing old skin and makeup away to reveal the new skin underneath) are tangentially related to the new year and thus a suitable way to kick off the empties post!<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2018/01/empties-out-with-old-in-with-new-part-1.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-3179571863100337632017-11-18T06:40:00.002-08:002017-11-18T06:40:42.391-08:00The Body Shop Japanese Matcha Tea Mask Review and Ingredients Analysis<div class="disclosure-buttons"><a class="presssampleingredientsanalysis" href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/search/label/Ingredients%20Analysis"></a></div>The Body Shop Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask was launched a couple of months back, and I'm finally getting round to reviewing it! I really wanted to review this mask because it seems to tick off all the right, trendy boxes at the moment - the website for the Japanese Matcha Tea Mask claims that the mask is "<a href="purifies, gently exfoliates and liberates your skin from the weekly build-up of city pollutants and everyday impurities">100% vegan</a>" (which I interpreted to mean that it doesn't contain any animal-derived ingredients), and that it "<a href="purifies, gently exfoliates and liberates your skin from the weekly build-up of city pollutants and everyday impurities">purifies, gently exfoliates and liberates your skin from the weekly build-up of city pollutants and everyday impurities</a>". For those of us (including myself) who live in highly urbanized, city environments, doesn't this sound great?<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPxBYq2yrw0/WhAl3GQj0AI/AAAAAAAAFPI/ZL3vHOv1-nQC1qAC4djskRL-iZ2BqaI-QCLcBGAs/s1600/The%2BBody%2BShop%2BJapanese%2BMatcha%2BTea%2BMask%2BReview%2BPollution%2BClearing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPxBYq2yrw0/WhAl3GQj0AI/AAAAAAAAFPI/ZL3vHOv1-nQC1qAC4djskRL-iZ2BqaI-QCLcBGAs/s640/The%2BBody%2BShop%2BJapanese%2BMatcha%2BTea%2BMask%2BReview%2BPollution%2BClearing.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200"></a><br>
<b>The Body Shop Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask: The newest mask claims to exfoliate and purify skin</b></div><br>
As is typical of The Body Shop products, the Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask also boasts a few plant-derived ingredients, as you might expect from a "vegan" mask. There's "<a href="matcha green tea from Kakegawa, Japan, dandelion extract and soul-soothing Community Trade aloe vera from Mexico">matcha green tea from Kakegawa, Japan, dandelion extract and soul-soothing Community Trade aloe vera from Mexico</a>". Also, you can't tell from a first glance at the advertising material, but this mask actually has little scrubby bits - in this case, they are again derived from two plants, Luffa Cylindrica and Apricot Seed Powder. But the exfoliation offered by this mask is advertised as being gentle - this isn't one of those harsh masks. <br>
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/musicalhouses/38134875346/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Body Shop Japanese Matcha Tea Mask Pollution Clearing Review"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4509/38134875346_7bfbc94f87_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="The Body Shop Japanese Matcha Tea Mask Pollution Clearing Review"></a><br>
<b>The Body Shop Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask: In line with recent trends, it also claims to remove pollutants and impurities from skin</b></center><br>
How is The Body Shop Japanese Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask as a clay mask? As an exfoliating product? Would it work for sensitive skin? And which ingredients are in there making the product work? We'll find out!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-body-shop-japanese-matcha-tea-mask.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-33917921991741940042017-09-12T06:30:00.000-07:002017-09-12T06:30:14.890-07:00Anti-Haul Blogpost: "Not My Colours" Orange Eyeshadow EditionRecently, I've been seeing lots of "anti-haul" posts on Youtube and elsewhere. Basically, in a nutshell, an "anti-haul" is just a list of things you didn't/aren't planning to buy - as opposed to a "haul" which is list of things you bought. From the posts I've seen, it seems to have been partly borne out of a bit of a backlash against Youtubers and "influencers" shilling all sorts of dubious makeup trends and products, so this trend helps people to articulate how they are saving money by highlighting what they are not buying, and what trends they're not buying into.<br>
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I'm all for it. I mean, as a beauty junkie and beauty blogger of 7+ years, of course I've hauled many a haul (and have the <a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.sg/search/label/Hauls?&max-results=5">haul posts</a> to prove it too! But I do agree with the general anti-haul sentiment that not every trend is worth getting into, and not every makeup product is for everyone - after all, not every "must-have" palette is suitable for every type of skintone, undertone, and colour preferences. And while I'm not about to stop hauling (oh no, not at all!), I do agree that I do enjoy my makeup stash best when my makeup purchases are thoughtful and curated, and when I don't just jump on every hype bandwagon. And, I get to save money! So for me, anti-hauling isn't at all "OMG DON'T EVER WEAR MAKEUP!!!111!!!11!", but more of "hey, not every makeup product/colour/trend is going to work for you, and you'll enjoy makeup more if you buy what you're happy wearing, and what looks good on you". <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWfL-T5AP_0/WbVQwvGwWBI/AAAAAAAAFOo/aatUS0IlP9UkCfZy3dhmYNc-vtV3YoV0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Anti%2BHaul%2BOrange%2BEyeshadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWfL-T5AP_0/WbVQwvGwWBI/AAAAAAAAFOo/aatUS0IlP9UkCfZy3dhmYNc-vtV3YoV0gCLcBGAs/s640/Anti%2BHaul%2BOrange%2BEyeshadow.jpg" width="640" height="454" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="568"></a></div><br>
So, with that said, let's get into one of the recent makeup trends that just haven't been doing it for me - warm, orange eyeshadow! There have been a ton of warm and/or orange-y eyeshadow palettes released this season, and the orange eyeshadow was pretty much the "it" item of the summer, and still going strong. But for me, since I have an olive, neutral-cool undertone, the orange eyeshadow trend really just became the "swollen eye" trend. I do love some of these brands (and do indeed have other products from some of these brands here), but here are some of the recently-popular orange/warm/rust-toned eyeshadow palettes that just didn't do it for me.<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2017/09/anti-haul-blogpost-not-my-colours.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-48526155129491213062017-09-07T07:00:00.000-07:002017-09-07T07:00:10.115-07:00Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix Review and Ingredients Analysis<div class="disclosure-buttons"><a class="presssampleingredientsanalysis" href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/search/label/Ingredients%20Analysis"></a></div>Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix was launched a few weeks back, and of course expectations are pretty high for this new product, because it's an extension of the brands "Advanced Night Repair" line, which houses some of the most iconic Estee Lauder products, such as the Advanced Night Repair Complex, which has become something of a cult product in some skincare circles, with some people trying to find dupes or similar products for it. <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBCZMPdylnc/WavDSE7MzpI/AAAAAAAAFOY/sHBuHOxFEWMcC2fykKg3jo6rWUxaUPgigCLcBGAs/s1600/Estee%2BLauder%2BAdvanced%2BNight%2BRepair%2BEye%2BConcentrate%2BMatrix%2BReview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cBCZMPdylnc/WavDSE7MzpI/AAAAAAAAFOY/sHBuHOxFEWMcC2fykKg3jo6rWUxaUPgigCLcBGAs/s640/Estee%2BLauder%2BAdvanced%2BNight%2BRepair%2BEye%2BConcentrate%2BMatrix%2BReview.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200"></a><br>
<b>Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix: The latest addition to the Advanced Night Repair line</b></div><br>
The new Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix is an eye serum/concentrate that is added to the line, and Estee Lauder claims that the product will hydrate skin "for a full 24 hours with a 2X concentrated infusion of Hyaluronic Acid". Also, like the rest of the Advanced Night Repair line, this product also claims to have anti-aging benefits, to "dramatically reduce the look of lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles." Despite the "Night" in the product name, the product is suitable for both day and night use, and you're supposed to apply the product by using the given massage applicator to roll the product around the eye area.<br>
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/musicalhouses/36980781385/in/dateposted-public/" title="Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Review Eye Concentrate Matrix"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4404/36980781385_da65b509d0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Review Eye Concentrate Matrix"></a><br>
<b>Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix: Claims to offer 24 hours of hydration, as well as various anti-aging benefits for the eye area</b></center><br>
So, with that overview of the Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix, let's dive headfirst into the ingredients list, and see what is inside this product!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2017/09/estee-lauder-advanced-night-repair-eye.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-34572225423325908252017-07-30T08:21:00.000-07:002017-07-30T08:21:19.974-07:00Su:m37 Water-full CC Cushion Perfect Finish SwatchesSu:m37 has finally come to Singapore, with a new outlet in Tangs Orchard, much to the joy of all kbeauty fanatics here! For those who aren't aware, Su:m37 is a luxe Korean beauty brand, with prices that are comparable to other luxe brands, such as SK-II, and the brand's selling point is that their skincare includes lots of natural ingredients, in particular fermented ingredients. The brand has quite the cult following for its skincare items, but I also found that their makeup items also aren't bad. <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfMtimhxWOQ/WX3eMZ6vQDI/AAAAAAAAFOA/sGNsX7ttODwIBT--ONKdwqmtyRH9Un08gCLcBGAs/s1600/Sum37%2BWater-full%2BCC%2BCushion%2BPerfect%2BFinish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LfMtimhxWOQ/WX3eMZ6vQDI/AAAAAAAAFOA/sGNsX7ttODwIBT--ONKdwqmtyRH9Un08gCLcBGAs/s640/Sum37%2BWater-full%2BCC%2BCushion%2BPerfect%2BFinish.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200"></a><br>
<b>Su:m37 Water-full CC Cushion Perfect Finish: The brand has finally launched at Tangs</b></div><br>
One of the makeup products the brand has brought into Singapore is the Water-full CC Cushion Perfect Finish, which is supposed to be a hydrating cushion foundation that provides a finish that's more on the dewy side. They have 2 shades, both of which I've swatched, alongside my first thoughts.<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2017/07/sum37-water-full-cc-cushion-perfect.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-85076338368378014212017-06-26T09:28:00.000-07:002017-06-26T09:28:11.698-07:00Vichy Mineral 89 Booster Review and Ingredients Analysis (and a pH test!)<div class="disclosure-buttons"><a class="presssampleingredientsanalysis" href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/search/label/Ingredients%20Analysis"></a> </div>Vichy Mineral 89 Skin Fortifying Daily Booster was just launched here, and this is one of Vichy's largest launches this year - so of course I had to review it! The Vichy Mineral 89 Booster claims to make skin "<a href="https://goo.gl/QW8asL">bouncy inside and glowy outside</a>", which are definitely very popular themes in skincare in Asia - bouncy, glowy skin is definitely "in", with the theory being that bouncy, glowy skin looks younger (I don't disagree).<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rr4TTmKR7k/WVEWlOY0omI/AAAAAAAAFNw/IpvI5s2dZvQYNxQZNv4EtDByBjcTLs4oQCLcBGAs/s1600/Vichy%2BMineral%2B89%2BReview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Rr4TTmKR7k/WVEWlOY0omI/AAAAAAAAFNw/IpvI5s2dZvQYNxQZNv4EtDByBjcTLs4oQCLcBGAs/s640/Vichy%2BMineral%2B89%2BReview.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200"></a><br>
<b>Vichy Mineral 89 Booster: Claims to give users bouncy, glowy skin</b></div><br>
Interestingly, I noticed that Vichy gave slightly different names to this product - perhaps because what different markets expect and finda cceptable vary from place to place. Here, in Singapore, it's called the "<a href="https://goo.gl/QW8asL">Mineral 89 Skin Fortifying Daily Booster</a>", because the concept of "booster" products (stemming from Asian beauty brands) has become fairly mainstream here. However in the USA, it's actually called "<a href="http://www.vichyusa.com/mineral-89-3337875543248.html">Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Gel Face Moisturizer</a>", perhaps because the concept of a "booster" might seem foreign to Western markets. But, it's the same product with the same ingredients list anyway. Just slightly different wording in the product name.<br>
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/musicalhouses/35508110956/in/dateposted-public/" title="Vichy Mineral 89 Review Booster"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4215/35508110956_19e463fcf8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Vichy Mineral 89 Review Booster"></a><br>
<b>Vichy Mineral 89 Booster: One of the largest launches for 2017 from the brand</b></center><br>
So, does this live up to all the buzz? Well, let's find out, by starting at the (surprisingly short) ingredients list!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2017/06/vichy-mineral-89-booster-review-and.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-51341911196376175292017-06-22T09:05:00.000-07:002017-06-22T09:05:46.373-07:00Mega Empties Post Part 2: Masks, Serums, Essences, Sunscreens, Eye Cream and MakeupThis is my epic empties post part 2 (<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2017/05/mega-empties-post-part-1-acne-skincare.html">part 1 was written a few weeks back</a>), and yes, we're going to do a quick-hits rundown of what I liked, what I didn't like, and why! And yes, there are some products I didn't like in part 2, unlike in part 1 where everything I did actually like. Which ones? You'll find out!<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Us7szAzvkiI/WSmAfKY5xeI/AAAAAAAAFNc/CEOYTLDBNNYoQuxGVvchU9wfOs6L6gwCgCLcB/s1600/Empties%2BMakeup%2BSkincare.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Us7szAzvkiI/WSmAfKY5xeI/AAAAAAAAFNc/CEOYTLDBNNYoQuxGVvchU9wfOs6L6gwCgCLcB/s640/Empties%2BMakeup%2BSkincare.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200"></a><br>
<b>Yes, I am indeed capable of using up my massive stash of skincare products!</b></div><br>
Today's post will focus on sunscreens, serums and essences, masks, sleeping masks, and exfoliating products, as well as the lone eye cream. Basically we continue from part 1 and cover all the product categories part 1 did not.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://ig-s-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t51.2885-15/s1080x1080/e35/18646414_641414522726788_4497222339670310912_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://ig-s-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t51.2885-15/s1080x1080/e35/18646414_641414522726788_4497222339670310912_n.jpg" width="640" height="640" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="800"></a><br>
<b>Instagram post of all my empties!</b></div><br>
Well, we've got a lot of products to cover today, so if you're ready, let's get started!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2017/06/mega-empties-post-part-2-masks-serums.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-69396635848963770932017-05-27T10:27:00.005-07:002017-05-28T06:50:52.760-07:00Mega Empties Post Part 1: Acne Skincare, Lotions, Cleansers, Oil Makeup RemoversIt's been a while since my last empties post in October last year, and since them, I've accumulated a loooot of empties to show you guys! To be clear though, not alll of these are my empties, there are a few bits and bobs in there that are contributed by my mother and sister, because they do help themselves to some of my skincare products from time to time! I'm happy to let them indulge though, because to be honest, I obviously have way more skincare than I can ever use up!<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GyTZqWtEHtY/WSmAYV1mw9I/AAAAAAAAFNY/gNDjRDhTcdgDpetDTIRwc6bxOH4a_7GhACLcB/s1600/Empties%2BSkincare%2BMakeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GyTZqWtEHtY/WSmAYV1mw9I/AAAAAAAAFNY/gNDjRDhTcdgDpetDTIRwc6bxOH4a_7GhACLcB/s640/Empties%2BSkincare%2BMakeup.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200"></a><br>
<b>Oh yes, look at all the empties I've accumulated!</b></div><br>
The products I (with a little help from mum and sis) have used up really run the gamut - every step of the skincare and makeup routine is covered here! But because this would be too long of a post, I've split it up into two. For today, we'll just cover the acne skicare (unfortunately this is all mine, my mum and sis have way better skin than me, sigh), lotions and toners, as well as cleansers and makeup removers. <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Us7szAzvkiI/WSmAfKY5xeI/AAAAAAAAFNc/CEOYTLDBNNYoQuxGVvchU9wfOs6L6gwCgCLcB/s1600/Empties%2BMakeup%2BSkincare.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Us7szAzvkiI/WSmAfKY5xeI/AAAAAAAAFNc/CEOYTLDBNNYoQuxGVvchU9wfOs6L6gwCgCLcB/s640/Empties%2BMakeup%2BSkincare.JPG" width="640" height="480" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1200"></a><br>
<b>Who's been a good girl and using up all her skincare before opening a new one? Yours truly!</b></div><br>
So, without further ado, let's get started! I'm officially going to cram a bunch of mini-reviews together into this blogpost, so let's hope this doesn't end up being too long!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2017/05/mega-empties-post-part-1-acne-skincare.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-55598627285803197112017-05-01T08:58:00.003-07:002017-05-01T08:58:41.641-07:00Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque Review and Ingredients Analysis<div class="disclosure-buttons"><a class="presssampleingredientsanalysis" href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/search/label/Ingredients%20Analysis"></a></div>Kiehl's Calendula and Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque was just launched earlier in April, and I fully expect this mask to be popular for one big reason - calendula. If you're familiar with the Kiehl's brand, then you'll know that one of the bestselling flagship products is the <a href="http://www.kiehls.com/calendula-herbal-extract-alcohol-free-toner/254.html">Kiehl's Calendula Toner</a>, as a gentle and hydrating toner (which I'm also using right now - I need to get around to reviewing this one day!). Of course, the product line also includes a <a href="http://www.kiehls.com/calendula-face-wash">Calendula Foaming Face Wash</a>. Now, the Calendula line of products has been extended further with the introduction of the Calendula & Aloe Masque, which is a pretty smart move given the popularity of the Calendula range.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vBcOCW-wqUw/WQXqDtZ3XeI/AAAAAAAAFNI/aGFdDTkJXoUsuMd0V8bfUg-ABUHuNCOeQCLcB/s1600/Kiehl%25E2%2580%2599s%2BCalendula%2BMask%2BAloe%2BSoothing%2BHydration%2BMasque%2BReview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vBcOCW-wqUw/WQXqDtZ3XeI/AAAAAAAAFNI/aGFdDTkJXoUsuMd0V8bfUg-ABUHuNCOeQCLcB/s640/Kiehl%25E2%2580%2599s%2BCalendula%2BMask%2BAloe%2BSoothing%2BHydration%2BMasque%2BReview.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a><br>
<b>Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque: The latest addition to the calendula range of products</b></div><br>
According to Kiehl's, the Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque has "<a href="http://www.kiehls.com/calendula-and-aloe-soothing-hydration-mask/KHL4592.html">hand-picked Calendula flower petals and Aloe Vera, [and] bursts into a refreshing surge of cooling hydration upon application to instantly achieve hydrated and soothed skin</a>". Kiehl's also claims that you only need to leave this mask on for 5 minutes to get the hydrating and soothing effects, although you can leave it on longer if you wish. The product is suitable for both day and night use, but night use is preferable. <br>
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/musicalhouses/33549254853/in/dateposted-public/" title="Kiehl’s Calendula Masque Review Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2855/33549254853_625897b16a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Kiehl’s Calendula Masque Review Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask"></a><br>
<b>Kiehl’s Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque: Kiehl's claims a 5 minute application is sufficient</b></center><br>
So, does the Calendula & Aloe Masque live up to its claims? Can it really soothe the skin? Well, we'll find out by looking at the ingredients inside the mask!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2017/05/kiehls-calendula-aloe-soothing.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-36619023321524593812017-04-01T09:46:00.001-07:002017-04-01T09:46:45.096-07:00Benefit They're Real Double The Lip & Duo Eyeshadow Blender SwatchesBenefit They're Real Double The Lip and They're Real Duo Eyeshadow Blender are the latest products from the brand, and have been out in the market for about a month now. And, I have swatches of both the Double The Lip Lipsticks and Duo Shadow Blenders!<br>
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As you can guess from the name, the Double The Lip Lipsticks are a two-in-one product - there is a complementary darker and lighter shade in the same tube, with the darker shade serving as an in-built lipliner, and the lighter shade serving as the filled-in lipstick colour. The They're Real Duo Shadow Blenders also operate on a similar principle - there are two shades, one light and one dark, in a tray, and you use a sponge applicator to swipe and apply both shades at once. <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfWiKTni6qI/WN-4Iv_Vx9I/AAAAAAAAFM0/zgHgshPgDCwfFFWQvF0xd0AufWA981fQQCLcB/s1600/Benefit%2BThey%27re%2BReal%2BDouble%2Bthe%2BLip%2BLipstick.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfWiKTni6qI/WN-4Iv_Vx9I/AAAAAAAAFM0/zgHgshPgDCwfFFWQvF0xd0AufWA981fQQCLcB/s640/Benefit%2BThey%2527re%2BReal%2BDouble%2Bthe%2BLip%2BLipstick.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a><br>
<b>Benefit They're Real Double The Lip</b></div><br>
Anyway, if you're wondering how all this works, and what the shades look like, well, here are swatches of both, along with my quick thoughts!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2017/04/benefit-theyre-real-double-lip-duo.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-73453769689117538842017-03-28T09:58:00.001-07:002017-03-28T09:58:22.841-07:00Skinceuticals H.A. (Hyaluronic Acid) Intensifier Review and Ingredients Analysis<div class="disclosure-buttons"><a class="presssampleskincarescience" href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/search/label/Skincare%20Science"></a></div>Skinceuticals recently launched their HA Intensifier, or Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier. As the name suggests, it's a serum/booster product with hyaluronic acid - but more than that, Skinceuticals also claims that the HA Intensifier will also help to boost your skin's ability to make its own hyaluronic acid, beyond just replenishing it. Application-wise, Skinceuticals recommends this go after your toner, but before your other skincare products. <br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxSG7-f0A-M/WNX5E5bG7yI/AAAAAAAAFMk/gnO52pOVAHYD7V404-vWlujsUObvua0bACLcB/s1600/Skinceuticals%2BH.A.%2BIntensifier%2BHyaluronic%2BAcid%2BReview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxSG7-f0A-M/WNX5E5bG7yI/AAAAAAAAFMk/gnO52pOVAHYD7V404-vWlujsUObvua0bACLcB/s640/Skinceuticals%2BH.A.%2BIntensifier%2BHyaluronic%2BAcid%2BReview.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a><br>
<b>Skinceuticals HA Intensifier - in case you didn't know the HA stands for Hyaluronic Acid</b></div><br>
Skinceuticals is one of those brands that's a little niche, but has quite the following among skincare devotees, particularly for its CE Ferulic (which is sometimes considered the gold standard in Vitamin C serums). So I was pretty excited about the HA Intensifier, and was hoping that it would also live up to the brand's reputation for good skincare. <br>
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/musicalhouses/33505685481/in/dateposted-public/" title="Skinceuticals HA Intensifier Hyaluronic Acid Review"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3938/33505685481_e76af47ed6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Skinceuticals HA Intensifier Hyaluronic Acid Review"></a><br>
<b>Skinceuticals HA Intensifier: A key claim is that the product helps to boost skin's own hyaluronic acid production</b></center><br>
I'm sure at this stage, you're curious about so many things - does this serum live up to Skinceuticals' brand reputation? How exactly does a serum boost your skin's own ability to make its own hyaouronic acid, and does the Skinceuticals product do so? So, let's start our review - at the ingredients list!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2017/03/skinceuticals-ha-hyaluronic-acid.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865938336912735295.post-44354563401331121292017-03-18T09:33:00.001-07:002017-03-18T09:33:30.069-07:00Marc Jacobs Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon Swatches, Review, Ingredients Analysis<div class="disclosure-buttons"><a class="presssampleingredientsanalysis" href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/search/label/Ingredients%20Analysis"></a></div>Marc Jacobs' Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon is the brand's new eyeliner product, and an extension of the existing Highliner eyeliner range. As the name suggests, the main difference is that the new Highliner Matte Crayons are, well, matte, as opposed to the original Highliner eyeliners which had a bit more of a sheen. And as with the original Highliner eyeliners, these are also advertised as being akin to having a pot gel eyeliner, but in pencil form. They're also advertised as having "<a href="http://www.marcjacobsbeauty.com/highliner/matte-gel-eye-crayon/29572V1.html">15 seconds of play time</a>" before they set, so you can smudge out, soften, or otherwise adjust your eyeliner before it sets.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj2ubvH-gQI/WM0pzcmxkfI/AAAAAAAAFMU/1qbB7c3OErUbJ9VKLQVCjwZfGQb_QRB1QCLcB/s1600/Marc%2BJacobs%2BHighliner%2BMatte%2BGel%2BEye%2BCrayon%2BEyeliner%2BReview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj2ubvH-gQI/WM0pzcmxkfI/AAAAAAAAFMU/1qbB7c3OErUbJ9VKLQVCjwZfGQb_QRB1QCLcB/s640/Marc%2BJacobs%2BHighliner%2BMatte%2BGel%2BEye%2BCrayon%2BEyeliner%2BReview.JPG" width="640" height="480"></a><b>Marc Jacobs Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon: 12 shades of matte eyeliner</b></div><br>
I've never tried the original Highliners before, but they seemed to have really good reviews, so I was hoping the new Matte Highliners would be equally great. And I'm glad to say that after testing out all 12 shades - yes there are 12 shades of Matte Highliner - I think these are actually of really good quality! And as always, this review will look at what makes this product so great - the formula, the colour payoff, as well as the weartime are some of the critical factors here.<br>
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<center><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/musicalhouses/33124543790/in/dateposted-public/" title="Marc Jacobs Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3791/33124543790_2550e2d75b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Marc Jacobs Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon"></a><br>
<b>Marc Jacobs Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon: An addition to the existing non-matte Highliner eyeliner range</b></center><br>
So, without further ado, let's begin the review. Of course I've got a lot of swatches and photos for you, but let's start off with something a little bit more mundane - the ingredients list!<br>
<a href="http://musicalhouses.blogspot.com/2017/03/marc-jacobs-highliner-matte-gel-eye.html#more">Continue Reading . . .</a>Musicalhouseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729594479103799852noreply@blogger.com1