Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation ~ Original vs Serum

I have been meaning to write a quickie comparison review between Bourjois' Healthy Mix foundations in the Original and Serum formulas and finally got around to it. They are both in shade #51 Vanille Clair, which I think is the lightest available.

Packaging:
Original - Plastic, bottle is a little shorter and wider, has pump mechanism, solid brown cap that clicks in place.
Serum - Plastic that looks like glass, bottle is taller and slimmer, has pump mechanism, solid red cap that clicks in place.

* the foundation shades are the same but appear different in swatches due to lighting *

Texture:
Original - Liquid and not too thick.
Serum - Liquid but a bit more "gel-feeling" and fluid, not too thick.

* the foundation shades are the same but appear different in swatches due to lighting *

Consistency:
Original - Lightweight, smooth, spreads easily and applies evenly.
Serum - Lightweight, smooth, spreads easily and applies evenly.

Coverage:
Original - Light to medium, not cakey, slightly dewy finish and skin looks more glowy.
Serum - Light to medium, not cakey, more powdery finish and semi-matte.

Oil-Control:
Original - Skin gets oily within 4 hours and requires blotting, holds up well throughout the day and doesn't get patchy.
Serum - Better oil control but still requires blotting after 5 to 6 hours, holds up well throughout the day and doesn't get patchy.

Scent:
Original - Smells like fresh berry juice.
Serum - Smells like fresh berry juice and a tad bit fruitier.

I have been using both foundations without issues and they do not cause me to break out. In terms of texture and consistency, they are pretty much even. However there is a slight difference in the finish and oil-control properties.

I used to prefer the Original version because of the finish as it seems to look better on me in certain lighting but my skin does get oilier quicker. It is difficult to pick a favourite between the two now because they are equally good foundations.

So in summary, I like them both. And very much so! The Healthy Mix foundations help even out my skin tone, cover most redness and make my skin look brighter and better. They are still not Holy Grail material but they do come pretty close.

Bourjois Healthy Mix foundations are not available in Malaysia and the nearest place you can get Bourjois is in Singapore. I purchased the Original in Australia and the Serum version in Hong Kong but sadly, cannot recall the pricing on them as I have had both for a while now.


Ingredients (Original Version):

Aqua (water), Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol Denat, Parfum, Panthenol, Alcohol, Aluminum hydroxide, Silica, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Pyrus malus (Apple) fruit extract, Cucumis melo (Melon) fruit extract, Zingiber officinale (Ginger) root extract, Prunus armeniaca (Apricot) fruit extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, [+/- May contain: Mica, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77007, CI 77891]

Ingredients (Serum Version):
Aqua (water), Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Aluminium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alcohol Denat, Parfum (fragrance), Panthenol, Aluminium Hydroxide, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, Silica, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Pantolactone, Punica Granatum Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid [+/- May contain: CI 77007 (ultramarines), CI 77019 (mica), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI77891 (titanium dioxide)] 10BMT001-1]

Chanel Vitalumiere Hydra Moist Radiance Emulsion Compact SPF15

I love new foundation discoveries and am usually on a lookout for anything interesting. In my review on Chanel's Vitalumiere Satin Smoothing Foundation, I mentioned that I usually have trouble finding a good colour match at our local Chanel counters as the shades are rather limited compared to what's available overseas. So it was a pleasant surprise that I recently found yet another gem from Chanel's Vitalumiere range.

The Chanel Vitalumiere Hydra Compact is an Asia-specific release and launched some time in October 2011. I believe other parts of the world got their hands on the new Perfection Lumiere (I want this too!) but I don't think it will be available locally yet. Anyway, I am still really happy with the Vitalumiere Hydra Compact and let me tell you why.

Chanel Vitalumiere Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup

Being the foundation junkie I am, Chanel foundations have always been on my to-buy list but I have never been able to find something I really liked or a good match from the shades available locally. Nearly two months ago, I was casually browsing through the Chanel counter and came across their Vitalumiere Satin Smoothing Fluid Makeup, which I have never noticed before. I'm not sure if it's new in Malaysia but after doing some online research, this foundation seemed to have been around for a number of years. It's strange that I've never seen it before.

Anyway, one of the reasons why I got it is because I finally found a Chanel liquid foundation shade that I can wear! The colour Limpide #10 suits my skin tone well and does not appear to be too yellow or pink, which can sometimes be dominant undertones in many Chanel foundations.

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation

That's right, people... it's a foundation review again! I was trying to think of an excuse on why I bought yet another foundation but then I thought, sod it... I'm just a foundation junkie and don't really need to come up with any good reason.

I can't believe time has passed so quickly and it has been two weeks since I last blogged. I have been very busy and stressed out lately and it has taken a toll on my skin. That and not drinking enough water throughout the day. So my face has been rather dry and flaky. It may have been aggravated by a number of new skincare products I've been slapping on as well.

Anyway, I've been watching a number of YouTube "beauty guru" videos and noticed a couple of them raving about the Revlon Colorstay foundation. I then googled through several reviews and they were mostly positive so that piqued my interest even more. It being a drugstore product means it won't break the bank and I don't need to spend more than three figures (in Ringgit Malaysia, of course) on a higher-end foundation.

To my surprise, they carry only five different shades locally when there are at least twelve available in the US. I'm not sure what cosmetic companies are thinking when they export to South East Asian countries but the colour selections are usually much more limited.

I picked up Sand Beige in the Combination/Oily Skin formula because I think it was the lightest shade available. I was a little apprehensive at first because it looked a little yellow on the back of my hand but when swatched on my neck, it blended seamlessly. My colouring ranges between NC20 to NC25 (in MAC speak) and Sand Beige seemed to match me quite well.

Paul & Joe Protective Fluid Foundation S

You know, I do try to be a disciplined and savvy shopper. I really do. But more often than not, I am faced with a situation where I just cannot help myself. This was what happened when I spotted a new foundation by Paul & Joe during my holiday in Hong Kong a couple of months back.

I must confess, what really sold me was the packaging. Not only does the foundation come in Paul & Joe's gorgeous frosted glass bottle with its embossed chrysanthemum motif, they have finally released a foundation that comes with a pump.

* A pump, yo! *

Okay, it may not be relevant to some but pouring out foundation straight from a bottle reminds me of the eighties, when big hair and bigger shoulder pads were in. Did I mention the eighties? My age must be showing. A pump does make things a whole lot easier and less messy.

Lancome Maqui Blanc Miracle Liquid Foundation

When ParisB of My Women Stuff extended an invitation to attend a mini-blogger gathering organised by Lancome, I immediately jumped at the chance to say yes. It is always a pleasure to get together with like-minded people who share a common interest. ParisB (whom I've met before) and her lovely sister were there, along with Xin of Pretty Beautiful, Connie of SkinDeco and Domncroxd of Belle Demoiselle.

We met last Saturday at Lancome Beauty Institute in Bangsar Village II. I will post more about it another day because I have not gotten around to editing the photos yet. Lancome recently released a new liquid foundation called Maqui Blanc Miracle, which was a brightening version to the original Teint Miracle. We each got to come home with a full sized bottle and I thought it was nice gesture as I wasn't expecting anything but a good time.

The Maqui Blanc Miracle liquid foundation is made in Japan and has been created specifically for Asian skin. It is oil-free and is touted to last through sweat, shine and humidity. It really sounded like my kind of foundation because my t-zone gets quite oily and I usually prefer something with decent oil control.

It is packaged in a square glass bottle with a pump at the top. The pump works wonderfully and does not get stuck. I can control the amount to use without any issues. This is quite important to me because I have had a couple of problems with pumps on other foundation bottles.

It is meant to be a long-wearing foundation with a Natural Brightening Creator. I am a little uncertain what it means though. I was matched to shade O-03, which is a little surprising because I tend to just pick the lightest shade of any lineup and they pretty much work out. But I went with the recommendation anyway.

Shu Uemura Face Architect Sheer Refining Mousse Foundation

I first got to know about Shu Uemura's newest foundation release on The Makeup Blogette's blog and was immediately intrigued. I do like both the Face Architect liquid and powder foundation versions, so when I read they came up with a mousse formula, I knew I had to have it. But it was not available locally at that time and I thought it would be a good opportunity to look for it when I visited Hong Kong.

I came across a Shu Uemura outlet on Russell Street at Causeway Bay and saw that they had the mousse foundation. I tried on a few shades and came home with 7YR-L Light Beige as it was the closest match. When tested at the store, I didn't have any makeup on and my face was rather splotchy because it was late and I had been out and about all day. It felt quite nice and refreshing on my skin that evening.

Product Description (from Shu Uemura Malaysia):

Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation

I remembered seeing Elizabeth Arden's version of mineral foundation some time ago and what caught my eye was the innovative packaging that included a grinder mechanism in the compact. I never got around to purchasing it because I was on a liquid foundation craze at that time.

I was browsing around the EA counter a few weeks ago and decided to test out the foundation. I felt it was a little warm on my skin tone, even the lightest shade (01) but it did give my face a "sunkissed" glow. It was a look I quite liked. I did not intend to get another foundation but I had several cash vouchers available and only had to pay half price :-)

The compact is actually a little bigger and heavier than the regular loose mineral foundations available. That's due to the grinder inside. But it is very sturdy and I like the fact that you can swirl your brush directly within the compact, which is less messy.

Product Description:

Mineral Makeup from Elizabeth Arden comes in a portable grinder compact. It releases a fresh layer of microlight makeup for each application, allowing you to achieve a look of pure perfection that's skin brightening, non-drying, and comfortable to wear every time. No waste. No mess. No kidding.

The grinder mechanism works by twisting the ring around the compact right and left. The powder is not as finely milled as some loose powders but it does apply very smoothly and has a slightly creamy texture. The coverage is quite sheer and I'm not sure how many layers you'd have to apply to achieve full coverage. I have been using this on top of my regular liquid foundations or BB creams to leave that slightly glowy look on my skin. Oil control is not that great in this warm and humid weather though. I have to blot after 4 hours of use. On it's own, it will not cover any spots or redness because the coverage is light.

Extra Blurb (from Elizabeth Arden):

• New fresh ground technology delivers a microlight powder, virtually weightless, that blends perfectly on the skin.
• Takes the mess out of loose powder mineral makeup to control just the amount you need. No more powder everywhere.
• Non-drying. It's skin brightening and comfortable to wear.
• Smooths imperfections. It doesn't cake or settle into fine lines.
• Infused with minerals rich with antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E and natural skin smoothers.
• Enriched with sea water complex which contains elements such as calcium and magnesium known to strengthen skin and support natural mineral equilibrium.
• Buildable formula, it's easy to create your own customized look from light to full coverage, without a made up look.
• Pure, luminous natural finish.
• SPF 20 sun protection. UVA and UVB protection.
• For all skin types. Sensitive skin tested.
• Clinically, dermatologist and allergy tested. Talc free. Fragrance free.

Availability:
The Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation is available at all Elizabeth Arden counters for RM139. I think they sell the Face Powder Brush separately but I'm not certain how much it is.

Revisiting: Lumiere Cosmetics Cashmere Silk Foundation

When I returned onto the beauty bandwagon a couple of years ago (yes, I went through a phase of not caring at one time), I started experimenting with mineral makeup. It was fairly new to me and I was so intrigued by this idea of "natural" makeup.

Last year, I came across Lumiere Cosmetics at The Bodybar in Sunway Pyramid. The collection available was not wide but they had what I wanted, which is foundation of course. You will soon see why I am such a foundation junkie after the jump because I will be revealing my naked face (gosh!).

Lumiere has 4 foundation base options; Veena Velvet, Flawless Face, Luminesse and Cashmere. I got the one in Cashmere, which is meant for all skin types. It was also the only one available at The Bodybar during that time.

Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation

I don't know why I keep buying foundations. It's like a terrible disease. I guess the hunt for the perfect base is a never-ending one. When Shiseido released a product called Perfect Refining Foundation, I just couldn't resist jumping on it.

As mentioned in my previous post, my skin has been suffering from rather bad allergies. It's been bumpy, red and flaky but started getting a little better over the weekend. I thought it looked okay enough to review this new foundation.

Look at how tiny the bottle is but it's a good 30ml, which is a similar volume to most foundations out there. The packaging is different to all other Shiseido foundations as they are usually housed in glass bottles or jars. I quite like that it's plastic and lightweight, which makes it the perfect travel companion.

Product Description:

This foundation blends seamlessly to instantly erase conspicuous pores, acne scars, and skin roughness for even, long-lasting coverage. It minimizes shine while optimizing the moisture balance of the skin, offering a refined finish for 15 hours. 

This foundation is formulated with Micro-Smoothing Complex, a Shiseido-exclusive ingredient that protects against the enzyme that causes skin roughness.

Why I'm Lovin' Bourjois Mineral Matte Mousse

One of the first shops I visited upon landing in Melbourne was a drugstore. It was not a big pharmacy like Priceline but they carried Bourjois and I immediately grabbed the Healthy Mix Foundation as I have read so many raves on several blogs. I did not look at their other products as I was in a rush and it wasn't until our final week there that I spotted the Mineral Matte Mousse Foundation.

What Bourjois says :
This light and soft mousse enriched with mineral powders instantly blends onto the skin for a perfectly even complexion and a powdery matte finish with a soft touch feel: NO MASK EFFECT GUARANTEED!

And it's good for your skin!
• Let's skin breathe
• Preserves essential moisture
• No added preservatives
• Dermatologically tested


The texture is absolutely lovely. It has a mousse consistency in the pot but once applied onto skin, it dries to a soft powdery finish that is semi-matte. It blends very easily and smoothly. I have been using the Etude House duo fiber brush to swirl and buff the foundation on my face and it works a charm.

I am quite lucky I can use one of the shades as they are very limited (only 4 so far) and the one I use is the lightest (I think) called Tendre Ivoire no. 81. It blends to my skin seamlessly and covers the redness on my face well. And yet it looks quite natural, as long as you don't use too much at a go. I have read a few bloggers using their fingers to apply and they were happy with the results too.


Pros :

• Helps conceal redness yet allowing natural skin to show through.
• Very nice semi-matte finish that doesn't appear flat and dull.
• Good for oily skin folks as it helps control oil to some extent.
• Easy to blend.
• Skin feels soft to touch and not sticky.
• Does not feel heavy.

Cons :

• Very limited shades offered and does not cater to darker skin tones.
• Light floral scent that some may not like. Personally, I am okay with it as it dissipates fairly quick.
• Not a super long-lasting foundation and will start to fade after 5 or 6 hours.
• Not available locally! Argh!!! The nearest destination to purchase Bourjois products is Singapore.
• Quite expensive for a "drugstore quality" product, I paid AU$31 for a pot (almost RM93 at the time of purchase).

Before signing off, I'd like to leave a couple of mementos from my trip on The Great Ocean Road, which is my most favourite place in the world. I have traveled a lot and seen many sights but this place will always hold a special spot in my heart. It was one of the reasons why we came back to Melbourne again.

Cape Otway Lighthouse

Loch Ard Gorge

Anyway, I hope y'all are having a wonderful weekend! I have a bunch of housework and shopping (not for fun stuff) to do, so until the next time, take care and stay beautiful!

review : shu uemura face architect smoothing fluid foundation

I recently visited the newly opened Empire Shopping Gallery in Subang and came across a Shu Uemura boutique. I didn't expect to come home with yet another foundation but I couldn't help myself as I am quite in love with the Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation.

Description from Sephora :

A foundation that creates a perfect makeup canvas.

What it does :

Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation lays the foundation for all of your beauty-full makeup creations. A high concentration of depsea water allows the formula to go on like silk, leaving skin hydrated and refreshed. The lightweight foundation is designed to smooth out imperfections, such as uneven skin tone and texture, for a naturally flawless finish.

review : clarins everlasting foundation spf15

I used to follow a Clarins skin care regime about three years ago. Whilst I liked their face and body care products, their cosmetics never held an appeal to me. However, I read on Paris B's that there is a new foundation coming soon and since I am on an insane foundation spree lately, I just had to go check it out. The Muse had also reviewed it  not too long ago and it certainly looked like the kind of foundation I needed in my life.

The product comes in the standard red and white Clarins box and is housed in a frosted glass pump bottle. I like the packaging and find it elegant. The pump dispenser can be opened up so there's no wastage and you can get to every last drop.

This product promises to last throughout the day and I wondered how well it will hold up in our humid, tropical climate. I have tried foundations that were supposed to be long-lasting but they never performed the way they claimed to.

review : diorskin nude natural glow hydrating makeup

The hunt for le parfait fond de teint continues...

I must thank Ms. Paris B for introducing me to Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup. It was due to her review that I decided to give this foundation a whirl when I popped by the Dior counter on Friday. I was instantly impressed with how smooth it went on when applied with my fingers. This is the second liquid foundation I have purchased in six years and quite honestly, I am starting to prefer the finish liquids provide over powder.

review : maybelline angelfit flawless natural liquid foundation

The quest for perfect looking skin can be a difficult one. Over the past few months, I have been trying out a variety of foundations, always hoping to create that smooth canvas of skin, which every woman who wears foundation is after. Ever since hitting puberty (erm... many moons ago), my skin has been a mess and it is still a mess. I still suffer from hormonal breakouts and have little bumps on my forehead (thankfully the amount is lesser). I probably have rosacea since my cheeks and forehead are quite ruddy. Not to mention the dark undereye circles and old blemish scars too.

You see, there are many, many things to correct. Besides the discoloured and uneven skin, I have to worry about its condition as well. Not only is it dehydrated but the t-zone is rather oily. It is an arduous task to find products that can balance out all these problems and this is why I am still hunting.

Liquid foundation was a beauty product I had stayed away from for at least six years. The last time I used it, I had really bad breakouts *cough* MAC *cough*. But it could have been due to not having a double-cleansing routine at that time because oil cleansers were relatively new to the market. Liquid foundations felt heavier and rather mask-like too, so when two-way cakes (powder foundations) started picking up its popularity, I hopped on the powder train and have not looked back since. Until recently, that is.

makeup with minerals

There has been an explosion of mineral makeup in recent years. I have read about it quite some time back and even the mainstream cosmetic companies have jumped on the mineral bandwagon. Upon doing some research, I was surprised to find that brands like Dior and Laura Mercier had their own line of mineral makeup.

One of the better articles that describes what mineral makeup is can be found at The Mineral Makeup Blog. The main selling point is that they do not contain ingredients that are harmful to your skin. As with any skin care or cosmetic item, there are always potential allergens and one of the common ingredients that may be problematic is Bismuth Oxychloride. However, many companies produce mineral makeup that are bismuth-free.

The first time I tried a mineral foundation was Maybelline's Clear Smooth Minerals. The ingredient list states that it may contain bismuth. Luckily, I don't seem particularly allergic to it but I did feel a slight itching sensation when I was sweating. I had taken my dog out for a walk in the sweltering tropical heat that day. When I wore it to work the next few days, I did not suffer any adverse reactions.

I thought of getting a bismuth-free foundation anyway... you know, just in case the bismuth starts to become a problem. I was hesitant about ordering online because I was afraid the shades won't match. Also, it seemed a bit of a hassle to purchase a few sample jars to test. To my delight, I came across Lumiere Cosmetics at The Bodybar in Sunway Pyramid when I was out shopping over the weekend and got to test the shades there and then.

Mind you, the range at The Bodybar is rather limited but it had what I was looking for. I bought the Lumiere Silk Powder and Loving Minerals synthetic kabuki brush as well. The Ultimate Foundation brush you see in the photo is from Youngblood Cosmetics and yes, I had purchased their mineral foundation too (it contains bismuth though).

review : mac lightful ultracharge foundation spf25/pa+++

Although I quite liked the Paul & Joe Protective Dual Powder Foundation, it started getting cakey, especially between my eyebrows and below my nose. At first I thought it was caused by the residue on the sponge applicator but even after changing to a new one, the foundation still caked and would literally slide around my face after a couple of hours, creating weird yellow streaks. Honestly, not a good look. I had also tried all sorts for the base, from using sunscreen alone, to applying three different primers (not all at once, of course). It still caked! I was so disappointed because it worked well at the beginning but just got too strange after several uses. I still love the packaging but I won't be re-purchasing this foundation for sure. I think I'll only use it if I'm going out for short instances, such as a mini grocery run or something.

So, I went back to searching for a better powder foundation. I was at MAC with my sisters over Chinese New Year and noticed they had a line called Lightful.

The shade I got is NC25, which matches my skin tone very well. It looks slightly darker in the photo because of the tungsten lighting. The powder is sold separately from the compact. The sponge that comes with the powder is inserted into a compartment below. It is in the standard MAC powder foundation packaging except the Lightful one is a lot prettier instead of the usual black compact.

review : paul & joe protective dual powder foundation

I have had a really stressful week and am so glad that it's over. It was so stressful that a huge and really painful zit appeared on my forehead :-( Good thing we have makeup to help conceal some imperfections.

Anyhoo, I am still completely bonkers over Paul & Joe. I was previously mostly looking at their skincare, which have been working out quite well so far. Lately, I have been eyeing some of their cosmetics too. The SA had included a tester size Protective Dual Powder Foundation UV SPF20 PA++ with my previous purchases and after using it a couple of times, I decided to get the full sized version.

The powder foundation comes in a sweet pearlescent compact. It looks a little orange in the photo due to the lighting but is actually white.

I got the it in the shade #30. The SA tried recommending me #20 but it was a little too pink for my liking.