Fave Five for August

It's time for another monthly favourite roundup. I initially planned this post at the beginning of the month but life (and work) got in the way :-) My skin went a little crazy due to stress, dehydration and using a number of wrong products, which caused really painful breakouts all the way down to my neck. Thankfully, it has gotten better because I've been on a semi anti-acne regime.

Anyway, here's a list of what's been working really well last month.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex

Many, many years ago, my mum gave me a travel-size bottle of this legendary serum but the consistency back then was much thicker and felt really uncomfortable and tacky. I believe the ANR has gone through several reformulations and the latest one is simply the best serum ever. It is hydrating but not overly so and does not feel heavy. My face feels so velvety and smooth after applying a few drops of this stuff. It has not caused any break outs, of which I'm really thankful for. I absolutely love it!

Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush
I reviewed this brush last month (link) and it is now one of my favourite face brushes to date. I especially like using it with loose or pressed powders. The bristles are dense yet soft. I sometimes use mineral powders and certain brushes can feel a little scratchy but never with this fat and fabulous brush.

Skin79 Super+ Hot Pink Beblesh Balm

This was such a pleasant surprise and I did not expect to like it so much. It applies smoothly, does not make my face too oily, has relatively good coverage and provides some sun protection. I have been using this BB cream for most of August and even reviewed it before (link).

Clinique Moisture Surge Eye Gel

I cannot use eye skincare products that are too rich as it will cause milia so I need to be very careful when choosing the right eye cream. The Clinique eye gel came in a set that I got at duty free in one of my travels. It comes in a pink tube, which is hygienic and cute at the same time. The texture is quite light and is of course, in a gel form. It hydrates my undereye area well without feeling too heavy and has not caused any bumps (hurray!). This is a basic moisturising eye gel and I don't think it has any hefty anti-ageing properties.

Bloom Liquid Foundation Brush

I had given up hope on many paddle-shaped foundation brushes because the ones I had before created streaks across my face and no matter what I did, I could never get my foundations to blend or spread properly. The Bloom foundation brush however has restored my faith in the existence of good foundation brushes because this thing blends like a dream. The bristles are firm yet soft and pliable. I have tried it with different liquid foundations (except those with runnier and thinner consistency) and they all apply beautifully with this brush. No more streaky face!

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So, that's it for now. What's been your favourite?

Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush

A couple of weeks ago, I came across the Ecotools bronzer brush at a local mall and immediately snapped one up. I know Ecotools brushes cost twice as much here compared to The States but they are still cheaper than most brands.

I like the fact that Ecotools is an earth-friendly company. It also makes me feel a little bit better that no animals were harmed in the production of their brushes. The bristles are made from synthetic taklon, the handles from bamboo and the ferrules are recycled aluminium.

I have a few face brushes made from synthetic hair and know that they tend to be rather soft. The Ecotools bronzer brush does not disappoint in the softness department. In fact, it has the softest bristles amongst the other face brushes in my collection. My sensitive skin definitely appreciates this.

The brush head is really dense, fluffy and large. I am not sure how well it will work with bronzers as I don't use them but the domed head works really well with mineral makeup and compact powders. From what I've read, quite a few people use the brush with liquid foundation and it works equally well.

I mostly use the brush with loose mineral makeup. I can buff the foundation on fairly quickly and it always seem to deposit the right amount of product. It blends like a dream and provides a really beautiful finish.

No doubt it is a big, fat brush and I see many people complaining about the size of the handle. But it honestly doesn't bother me and I do appreciate the slightly hefty weight in my hand. It just seems to balance better when I swirl and buff powders on.

The first time I washed it, I was quite prepared for the long drying time since it is such a large, dense brush. Just remember to dry it laid flat or downwards because you will not want water to seep into the ferrule as this will loosen the bristles and you'll start experiencing shedding. If you plan to use it with liquid foundation, you'd need to wash it out more often.

This is now my favourite multi-purpose powder brush. I have tried it with normal loose powder (non-mineral type), compact powder, highlighting powder and blush (with a light hand), and it works with all of them. I am already thinking about getting another so I don't mix too many products or colours on one brush.

Overall, this gets two big thumbs-up from me.

I bought the Ecotools Bamboo Bronzer Brush at Shins for RM65. I was going to recommend Makeup Masala if you're interested in ordering online but I don't think she has a shop anymore.