In the Limelight: Luminaze Catalytic Skin Tone Illuminator Dark Spot Corrector Product Review

Remember my lemming post about the Luminaze Catalytic Skin Tone Illuminator Dark Spot Corrector? Well, Santa must've heard my wish and granted my wish early. Last summer, when a cousin came back from the US, I was handed a loot that contains this product which made me squeal with delight. But the sad part is that every photo I took of it that I took was gone. As I was about to transfer pictures to my laptop, I had this glaring error that I had to format my memory card which is such a pain and since I completely used up the product in less than 2 months and threw the empty bottle in the bin, we'd have to settle for a stock photo instead. Anyway, here is my review.

According to Luminaze, this product:

Corrects dark spots.
And we can prove it.

Luminaze actually breaks down melanin for a visible improvement in the appearance of dark spots and overall evenness of skin tone in only 7 days. It's clinically proven to work better and faster than the leading prescription ingredient, and it's gentle enough to use every day.

What I like:

• First of all, I have sunspots and freckles and although they did not completely disappear, they lightened, which allows me to somehow conclude that this product works.
• Does not feel heavy on the skin and non-greasy, which allows itself to be easily absorbed by the skin.
• I was worried that it could dry my skin but I'm glad that it didn't. My skin felt moisturized and nourished.
• Even though the spots are still visible under the naked eye, I am pleased that this product has somehow evened my skin tone which is a plus.
• No allergic reactions, nothing that annoyed my sense of smell either.
• It is in a pump packaging which is hygienic. There are two compartments and pumps - the enzyme and the bio-activator. With one pump, I got the right amount of product for my entire face.

What I don't like:

• I easily ran out of it even though I used it sparingly. Each compartment only contains 15mL of product which isn't much.
• Not locally available and pricey for $120!

Overall rating: 4.5/5 

The product works, if only it weren't THAT expensive. I also have to add that if you are not fond of and allergic to mushrooms, you may want to take a step back before purchasing this item as the Luminaze enzyme in this product is harvested from a mushroom that grows on trees high in the Swiss alps. 

Will I buy again? I would like to but the price is kinda prohibitive. And it also hurts that it's not locally available. I would've loved to see how it could further improve my skin by my wallet tells me that I can't afford it. Story of my life.

*I wish I can show you before and after pictures of my skin before and during use of this product but I forgot to document the trial period.*

Have you tried this product? 

Happy rainy Sunday, super awesome peeps!

Cheers,

In the Limelight: Sleek Makeup Blush in Rose Gold Product Review

Sleek Makeup has made its mark on beauty aficionados worldwide for their inexpensive yet good quality makeup. Their eye shadows, blushes, and lip products all scream pigment which isn't the case with other inexpensive products. I was keeping myself from purchasing any of their blushes even though there were hundreds of raves because I knew I didn't need any more cheek colours but when I found a good deal online, I caved in and got Rose Gold. It is one of those blushes that are being compared to NARS Orgasm (again, I wonder why there are a lot of Orgasm-ish shades) and even though I no longer own that said blush, I can clearly remember how it looks. Let's see if it can pass as a dupe for the said blush or if I even like it at all.

Sleek Makeup describes their blushes as....

A highly pigmented blusher to brighten and define cheekbones. The silky-fine formulation provides long lasting blusher which helps to create a subtle but radiant cheek area. 
Apply using a small powder/blusher brush, by swirling the brush over the surface of the blusher. Tap off excess powder and apply onto the apples of the cheeks to emphasise your cheeks and your smile, or just below the cheek bone to create a sculpted look. 8g

What I like:

• The compact is small and sturdy and does not totally look cheap. It is indeed very sleek.
• There is a mirror inside the compact which is very useful for touch ups.
• The shade is a gorgeous peach-pink shade with gold flecks.
• Very pigmented. On the swatch below, I only dabbed my finger and did not even swipe it across the blush yet I was able to get that much product.
• Lasts a few hours which is acceptable.
• No allergic reactions, no breakouts either.
• Inexpensive for Php 400-450 for 8g of product.
• Has a shelf life of 24 months or two years. 
• Now locally available, thanks to distributors and resellers.

What I don't like:

• A very pretty shade, albeit too shimmery for my liking. It is a "shining, shimmering, splendid" blush. If shimmers are your thing, you will definitely love this. I'd choose iridescence over shimmers any time of the day.
• Oxidizes on me and looks bronze-y after a couple of hours on me.

Overall rating: 4/5 Aside from oxidizing on me, I can't say this isn't a good blush because it is. The shimmer thing is just a personal preference.

Will I buy again?  In case I decide to, I'll probably go for Flamingo which is another pretty shade. :) But I don't see myself purchasing a blush from them soon. :)

Up-close

Swatch

Have you tried Sleek blushes? How do you find it and what shades would you recommend?

Have a blessed Sunday, super awesome peeps! :P

Cheers,

In the Limelight: Becca Mineral Blush in Flowerchild Product Review

Time really does fly pretty quick, don't you think so too? It's already the second half of 2012 and the next thing we know, we're welcoming 2013 with a bang! Anyway, how are you doing, guys? I'm hoping everyone is having a great time on this lazy Sunday evening. I've been reading ebooks of the Women's Murder Club by James Patterson the whole day and I must say I am hooked! Now before I stray from the topic, let me get back on track. Tonight, I will be reviewing one of the few pigmented and shimmery blushes I have on my stash and that is the Mineral Blush in Flowerchild from Becca Cosmetics. I am somewhat developing a certain fondness for the underrated brand. Anyway, this is one of the items I got from Apothica when I used my sponsorship fund from them. I was kinda expecting it to be close to NARS Orgasm due to other bloggers and other reviews comparing its likeness to the said blush so let's see if I agree or disagree with them.

Becca describes Mineral Blushes as...

A delicate powder blush infused with micro-fine minerals that deliver a soft glow.


Imparting a soft halo of colour, this delicate powder is formulated with micro-fine minerals that subtly reflect the light and cast a luminous glow.

With the following Key Attributes that makes such nice selling points:

• Infused with anti-oxidants such as Vitamin A, E and C
• Natural mineral complex including Mica
• Contains skin treating conditioners for smooth, even application
• Free of parabens and phenoxyethanol, fragrance, alcohol, oil, chemical dyes, talc and other fillers
• Delicate illuminating particles to create luminosity
• Packaged in a classic BECCA compact with mirror for on-the-go application

What I like:

• Becca describes Flowerchild as "peachy-pink with golden highlights" which they totally nailed. It is such a pretty shade reminiscent of NARS Orgasm but definitely way better than the said blush. Its shimmers are very fine definitely not as pronounced as Orgasm's. 
• Texture-wise, it's even better. It is very finely milled, smooth, and applies nicely on the skin.
• I kinda like how small the UFO compact is but houses 6g of product. It doesn't hurt that it comes with a mirror too. It's easy to fit in small purses too.
• It lasts fairly long even on my skin type which is combination-oily, now leaning a bit more towards being oily. Perhaps 4-5 hours at best under the sweltering heat of the sun?
• Unscented which is huge for me. Most of the blushes I am loving right now are scented so this is like a breath of fresh air.
• Pigmented and a little goes a long way.
• Has not caused me to break out unlike their Boudoir Skin Mineral Powder Foundation which definitely made a statement on my skin.
• Locally available at Adora in Greenbelt and from a few online resellers too.

What I don't like:

• Says it only has a shelf life of 6 months. Becca, you have got to be kidding me?! Seriously? Even creme blushes last longer than that. Even your Beach Tints (which I really adore sans the rigorous shaking before use) last twice as much as 6 months. Thus, I am not buying your 6-month claim. Period.
• Kinda expensive at $32/compact. Imagine how it's priced here in Manila, will you? *I'd rather you don't*
• Other than these two, nothing more.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Will I buy again? I am having thoughts because of the shelf life but I know it's most likely just a marketing strategy. But I don't see myself buying this again in the near future only because I can imagine how one compact can last for a couple of years.

Up-close

Swatchtime

So, have you tried Becca Cosmetics blushes?

Have a wonderful week ahead, everyone! :)

Cheers,

And P.S.
I hope this is the start of regular blogging. I've tweeted earlier that I've been struggling to keep this blog updated due to several reasons which are mostly good anyway.


DISCLAIMER: Product was purchased using sponsorship funds from Apothica but does not affect my opinion on the said product.