Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-Hour Eye Colour

I first heard about Clinique coming out with a new eye makeup product a few months ago and I was very excited because most of the reviews I have read were very promising and positive. The Clinique Lid Smoothie is relatively new and I believe was brought in locally late August.

The Lid Smoothie comes in a rather unassuming little tube. I like the fact that I can see the actual cream itself as it is easier to tell how much product is left.

Description:

Creamy, crease-resistant eye colour wears for 8 hours. Instantly cools thanks to a unique applicator. Nourishing ingredients coax fine lid lines into a blanket of smoothness. Antioxidants help protect eye-area skin.

I chose the shade Bit O'Honey because it is a neutral, shimmery beige that looked really pretty as a nude wash or base colour. It has a relatively smooth consistency and dries to a powder finish. The metal applicator tip feels cool on the eye but I don't find that it dispenses or applies well directly on the eyelid. I prefer to squeeze a small amount onto my fingers or brush.

However, the Lid Smoothie is not crease-resistant on me and I still find that it creases after 4 hours or so. This was a huge disappointment as I was hoping that it can hold up on its own without having to apply an eye primer below. If you don't have oily lids, you probably won't face similar problems. It would have been a perfect product otherwise and this is why I won't be getting the other colours.

Pros:

• Pretty array of colours.

• Can be used as an eyelid wash.

• Comes in a tube so it's hygienic.

• Interesting metal applicator.

• Smooth texture.

Cons:

• Metal applicator does not spread product well.

• Creases on my oily lids.

• Expensive.

It was rather anti-climatic after all the expectations I had built up and although I didn't regret getting a Lid Smoothie, it was a little disheartening that it didn't work out so well on me. The Clinique Lid Smoothie is sold at Clinique counters nationwide for RM84. Each tube contains 7g of product.

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?

Favourite Five for July

I will be doing a Favourite Five every month highlighting products I have enjoyed the previous month. To kick off, I'll start with several products I have been using for a while now.

1. Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm

This lip balm is petroleum free and has a lovely rose scent that's rather uplifting. It is a rich balm and feels slightly greasy so it's probably not a good lip balm to use below lipsticks or glosses as it provides plenty of slip. It helps soothe my dry, cracked lips and makes my smackers feel quite soft.

2. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

I have been using this moisturiser on and off for many years and it was only late last year that I started using this daily. This is my all-time favourite moisturiser because it hydrates well and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. It is multi-purpose and can double up as a quick 5-minute mask at times when my skin is feeling a little parched. It may not contain anti-ageing properties but I prefer to use serums to address such matters.

3. Shu Uemura Stage Performer Instant Glow

This product is meant to be a light-diffusing base or face primer. It may work well as a moisturiser too because it contains some moisturising properties so those with oily skin will find this alone to be enough. It imparts a soft-focus glow and enables my foundations to go on more smoothly. Some folks find the cream to be a little thick but if you use sparingly, it shouldn't feel heavy at all.

4. Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus

This serum claims to reduce lines and wrinkles caused by sun damage. I got a bottle almost a year ago and used it religiously day and night during the first 4 weeks. I believe it improved the overall appearance of my skin. I do not have many wrinkles or lines on my face, so I'm not exactly sure if it helped reduce them. I recently started to use this on my neck and I think the lines have smoothened out.

5. Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation

I did a review (link) a few months ago and it's a keeper for sure. It is lightweight and offers medium coverage with a slightly dewy finish. Oil control is fairly decent and it doesn't oxidise on me. I have received a few compliments on how nice my skin looked and it's mostly due to this foundation.

So, what have you been lovin' lately?

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm

In the past month, I have been asking for these Chubby Sticks at a Clinique counter and they were always out of stock. When the SA called me last Thursday to inform me that they finally have them available, I immediately booked two and picked them up after work on Friday evening.

The reason why I wanted one so badly was because I've been reading so many fantastic reviews online and the raves really had my interest piqued.

I must say most of the raves I've read are pretty spot-on. Not only are these sticks fat and quite cute looking, the formula is emollient and lightweight similar to a tinted lipbalm. They feel very comfortable on my lips. The colours go on rather sheer so if you're looking for something stronger, the Chubby Sticks are probably not your best choice.

Sadly, the Clinique counter I went to only brought in 4 shades. I'm not certain whether the other counters have more colours available. I came home with Whole Lotta Honey and Mega Melon. When swatched, they both look a little similar but that's because Chubby Sticks are not heavy on colour. They wear off quite quickly too but I don't mind it so much since reapplying them is a breeze.

Overall, I am quite happy with these and can see myself using them in place of my colourless lipbalms at work. The Chubby Stick does not require sharpening (although it looks like it) as it has a swivel mechanism at the bottom.

Clinique Chubby Sticks are available at most Clinique counters for RM50 each. I suppose this can be considered pricey since it is essentially just a lipbalm in cute packaging :-)