Pretty in Pink - favorite spring lipsticks

Getting in touch with my girly side this spring

I am not really a believer in seasonal colors. I'll wear burgundy lip in a middle of summer if I feel like it and rock a coral lip in a dead of winter if it suits my fancy.  But sometimes the weather makes you feel like wearing a certain color, and after this long and bloody cold winter the sun is finally out and I am feeling a bit of pink. And not just any pink but this soft almost bright but not quite wash of color, like sakura (cherry blossom) petals.
The colors are soft and girly (yeah, I know it is out of character but I can be girly ...in theory) and they give life to my face and also one thing they all have in common is that they are super comfortable to wear. Now onto lippies (Missha Cushion and Clinique blush are in the photograph for the pretty).

Peripera Ink Velvet Airy in No.5 Elf Light Rose, Laneige Two Tone Lip Tint Bar in No.3 Tint Mint, Mamonde Oil Shine Stick in No.9 Nude Rose and Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Sheer in Brat

Peripera Ink Velvet Airy in No.5 Elf Light Rose - the only matt formula in the bunch. It is a beautiful warm pink that goes feather light on the lips and feels like nothing but boy does it last. I am telling you this sucker does not budge. 

Laneige Two Tone Lip Tint Bar in No.3 Tint Mint - apparently a super popular colour in Korea. The balm side of the two tone lip bar is very moisturizing and nourishing which makes this one comfortable lip product. Although the colour looks really bright in the swatch it diffuses on lips into this beautiful soft petal pink. It is not overtly shiny or balmy and it is not sticky at all. It just makes lips feel great and look beautiful.

Mamonde Oil Shine Stick in No.9 Nude Rose  - Despite the name this does not feel oily nor is it particularly shiny. It is actually quite pigmented and super comfortable on lips. Colour is very nice natural pink that leans slightly warm on me. Despite being moisturizing it is rather long wearing unless you are eating or drinking. This feels and looks great on the lips. I am impressed with the formula. 

Urban Decay Vice Lipstick Sheer in Brat - surprisingly the shiniest and sheerest of all and the only cool toned pink in the bunch. Formula is sheer but it is also very comfortable to wear. It gives the right amount of shine to lips making them look healthy and moist and not greasy. 

Swatches 

This would be my lipstick wardrobe for this spring.  Almost all of them are great bag lipsticks as they are easy to apply, even without the mirror.

Review - UNIK Propolis Vitamin Synergy Serum

If you read my posts before you know of my love of honey and propolis in cosmetics so when I spotted a new propolis serum on offer with one of my favorite ebay sellers blueprint21 from a company I never heard of I decided to be adventurous and give it a go. 

I learned that UNIK stands for Unique & Natural Ingredients Knowhow. They say they are a new Korean cosmetics brand, that produces effective cosmetics with natural ingredients and unique combinations thought out by their research and development team.

The brand visual identity is clean, no fuss almost medicinal look. Serum comes in a 50ml glass bottle with a well functioning pipette. The packaging contains the full ingredients list, directions and other information in rather good English. Very user friendly to users that do not speak Korean. 

The serum itself is gold yellow in color and has a really pleasant mellow bergamot scent (that comes from Bergamot Fruit Oil that is part of the formula). The consistency of the serum is reminiscent of honey, it spreads easily and evenly and absorbs quickly leaving a slightly sticky finish at first, but stickiness goes away rather quickly. It is lightly moisturising and imparts some of that famous propolis glow and layers well with other serums and essences. It also feels slightly firming on skin. I like to use it as my final step before an occlusive layer that is a cream or oil as propolis is a natural sealant. The smell is really, really nice and natural but does not linger.

Serum consistency

 CosDNA analysis   is really clean and only ingredient listed as possibly comedogenic is Butylene Glycol, a moisturizing agent widely used in cosmetics. 

I also like that they state the exact percentage of their hero ingredients in the formula.
"The unique and optimal ratio, Propolis Extract 70% and Vitamin C (Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract) 12%, 2% Niacinamide and 0.04% Adenosine.This serum can help make calming, nourishing, brightening and wrinkle care with nature ingredients."

Looking at ingredients this serum should do what it claims. 

Propolis Extract - moisturizing, antiviral and antimicrobial and as such beneficial for acneic skin it is an ingredient suitable for sensitive skin that helps reduce redness it is also natural sealant, and as such it may help skin retain more moisture to maintain healthier and vibrant complexion.

Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract (Sea buckthorn ) -  an antioxidant Sea buckthorn promotes skin hydration, elasticity, and skin regeneration, and even helps treat and prevent acne. It may also be beneficial for rosacea.

Niacinamide - a skin-restoring ingredient that offers multiple benefits for aging skin. Among these benefits is the ability to visibly improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, fine lines, dullness, and a weakened skin surface. 

Adenosine - good soothing and skin-restoring agent. Adenosine has proven anti-wrinkle benefits due to its ability to energize skin’s surface so it looks smoother and younger. 

There are also skin soothing ingredients like allantoin,centella asiatica extract, portulaca oleracea extract and other antioxidants that are beneficial for the skin. 

Looking at the formula it seems to be really suitable for skin suffering from acne.

So if you wanted to give propolis a go and you have troubled skin this might be a product for you. Also other skin types could use this product as long as you do not rely on it as your main source of moisture as its moisturizing capacity is light. 

I have been using this product for two weeks, twice a day and although it did not make me 10 years younger in two weeks it also did not cause any irritation or flare ups and my skin seems to enjoy it. Hopefully with continuous use I will see the anti aging and brightening benefits. 

Tint my lips: peripera

peripera's tints

Some of my favorite tints come from brand peripera. Peripera is a sister brand of Clio, and while Clio has this MAC like/professional makeup aesthetics, peripera is all about cute. Actually their design makes me think that peripera's target clientele are teenage girls, however that does not mean that products are not high quality. Peripera's tints are some of the best I've came across.


Peri's INK

peri's INK the Velvet in no.7 Dollish Beige Rose and in no.6 Celeb Deep Rose, 

peri's INK the airy Velvet in no.5 Elf Light Rose and original peri's INK in no.5 No-Spoiler

Peri's INK line is easily recognizable by its ink bottle packaging and cute images done by the cartoonist who did the cute drawings for 2NE1 animated MV "I hate you" (click on the MV name if you want to watch it). Peri's INK are some of the most hard core long lasting tints on the market, their lasting power is no joke.They are lightweight and pigmented. Peri's INK the Velvet line is the relatively new line with super matt finish and cloud like feel on the lips. The latest edition is the airy INK which is even lighter feeling on lips. They are all really comfortable to wear and not drying.

Swatches from top to bottom of: airy INK Velvet in no.5  Elf Light Rose, INK Velvet in no.7 Dollish Beige Rose and no.6 Celeb Deep Rose and peri's INK in no.5 No-Spoiler

Stain after wiping the tint away

Another of the peri's INKs are the Moist line. I have the Mini Set that peripera occasionally issues that contain mini sizes of all colors in the line. What a great way to try them all.

Peripera peri's INK Moist MiniMini Set

Peripera states: 5 piece gift set is a bite size collection of Lip Ink Moist. You can meet all colours of Peri's Ink Moist in this MiniMini Set. Zero texture delivers intense color with no sticky residue. It is high moist and gloss formula. 

All I can say is that the description is right on the money. These tints are moisturizing and long lasting and manage to be glossy without being sticky. 

Colors: 1. Cuddle Orange, 2. The Cutest Pink, 3. Top Red, 4. Bang Rose, 5. Soul Burgundy

Swatches of INK Moist from top to bottom: Cuddle Orange, The Cutest Pink, Top Red, Bang Rose, Soul Burgundy

Stain after wiping the tint away

Peri's tint (water) and Lumi Pang

Peri's tint in no.1 and Lumi Pang in RD0

Peri's water tint is the classical old school water tint. Longevity is really good and color is beautiful but as all water tints I find them rather difficult to use because they are so runny. Usually I end up with more tint on teeth than on lips. It is a great tint for natural "just bitten" lips look. 

Lumi Pang is one of my favorite formulas, it goes on smooth and lasts long. It looks really beautiful on and formula does not emphasize dryness or chapped lips. 

Peri's tint in no1. and Lumi Pang in RD05

Stain after wiping the tint away

If you are looking for a long lasting but comfortable tints that are also very affordable than  look no further than peripera. 

I bought all of them on Jolse and the prices range from USD 11.50 to 6.50 depending on the product. 

Review: Too Cool For School Art Class by Rodin line

Too Cool for school Artclass by Rodin line so far consists of a contour powder, a highlighter and a blush. Undoubtedly the most famous product in the line is the contour powder that has almost a cult status among lovers of Korean beauty products. 

The cult status of the contour powder is well deserved as it is a lovely, pigmented finely milled matte powder that blends well. It consists of three shades of brown, the middle one being the most cool toned one. The color of all three blended together is similar to that of a Hoola bronzer by Benefit, another product with a cult status. It is suitable for people with light to medium skin tone. 

Tiki's thoughts:I like it and use it often.

Top swatch is Benefit's Hoola Bronzer and bottom swatch
 is Artclass by Rodin contour powder

Highlighter is a golden champagne highlight that gives this lovely sheen on skin. It is not in your face highlight but one suitable for everyday wear. If you try to build it up to more intensity it can get cakey and emphasise skin imperfections.  It consists of three shades ranging from light gold to rose gold. I like to wear all of them mixed together. Suitable for people with light to medium skin tone. 

Tiki's thoughts: It is a nice everyday highlight. Office appropriate. 

Blush, as many Korean blushes, is very light, subtle and discreet. It is a matte blush consisting of three colors: apricot (so light that it does not even show on my very pale skin), peach and coral pink, mixed all together they give a light peachy pink blush. Blush blends well and is finely milled but rather light and really not buildable and will show up only on people with very light skin. 

Tiki's thoughts: I am regretting buying it. Even on my super pale skin it barely shows. 

One thing to note is that all of these make nice eyeshadows too. Blush works better as an eyeshadow than blush to be honest. (Sorry for my poor swatch taking skills). 

Swatches: all three colours of blush highlighter and contour mixed, swatches of  all three blush colors, swatches of contour colors and of highlighter colors

Review: Innisfree Ginger Oil Skin

I love ginger. I love it in food, I love it in drinks. I love how it tastes I love how it smells.  So it was safe to assume I will probably love it in my skincare as well. 

Sometime last year I saw Innisfree's Ginger Oil line, and I decided to give toner (skin) a go to see how I like it. After using it for several months I can say that I really do like it.

Let's see what Innisfree says  about the Ginger Oil Skin:

Nourishing ginger enriched with nutrients derived from soil, the source of life 
Nourishing the skin from the inside out to allow it to feel smooth and look radiant 
The power of the skin to protect itself against external irritants 
Enhance the power of the skin that has become tired and exhausted from external irritants in order to keep it healthy 
A highly nourishing rich texture that is completely absorbed into the skin to provide deep hydration with a silky finish 
Nourishing essential toner is completely absorbed into the skin and leaves it feeling smooth and moist.

Nutrient-rich Jeju ginger grown in the fertile soil of pristine Jeju Island has 6-Gingerol which is effective in protecting the skin. 6-Gingerol and functional skin-vitalizing ingredients enhance the natural strength and protective power of the skin to keep it energized and healthy.

Toner comes in 200 ml off white bottle with gold lettering.It is a simple and classy looking design. 
The product opening is nice and dispenses an appropriate amount of product. 
Ginger Oil Skin smells wonderful, it has a mild natural zesty ginger scent without the spiciness. It is a rather thick liquid that spreads easily but it takes a bit to fully absorb.
This is a very rich, moisturizing toner. It leaves skin, supple and nourished with a lovely glow. I prefer to use it at night due to its richness and I belive it would be a perfect toner for people with dry skin. 

CosDNA analysis shows no acne triggers or irritants and my skin did not react badly to it in any way (no breakouts or other signs of irritation). 

Ingredients: WATER, PROPANEDIOL, ALCOHOL, PEG/PPG-17/6 COPOLYMER, GLYCERETH-26, BETAINE, ZINGIBER OFFICINALE (GINGER) ROOT OIL, ZINGIBER OFFICINALE (GINGER) ROOT EXTRACT, CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT, ORCHID EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CAMELLIA JAPONICA LEAF EXTRACT, OPUNTIA COCCINELLIFERA FRUIT EXTRACT, MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL, ADENOSINE, XANTHAN GUM, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, DIETHOXYETHYL SUCCINATE, METHYL GLUCETH-20, BIS-PEG-18 METHYL ETHER DIMETHYL SILANE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, DISODIUM EDTA, PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, FRAGRANCE
Source: http://www.innisfreeworld.com

Notable ingredients (somewhat) explained: 

Ginger Root Oil - anti-inflammatory and skin conditioning agent
Ginger Root Extract  - acts as an anti-inflammatory for soothing the skin and scavenges free radicals while reducing edema
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract-antioxidant (antioxidants protect from damage caused by free radicals )
Orchid Extract - antioxidant, also anti-aging agent, calms inflammation, and helps increase cell turnover.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea) -antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract-antioxidant, skin-soothing
Prickly Pear Extract - antioxidant
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil - skin conditioning agent
Adenosine - Yeast derived soothing and skin restoring agent with proven anti-wrinkle benefits. 

As you can see it is chock full of antioxidants and some anti-ageing agents which leads me to believe it has anti-ageing properties, besides moisturising ones. 
Also a little goes a long way, and 200ml should last several months at least even if used twice a day. 

Tiki's thoughts: 4.5/5 I love this. I deducted 0.5 from the grade due to fact it is a bit rich for me to use during day but it is a lovely, lovely product that feels especially good after using actives (retinol). I will continue to use it at night and in winter when such a rich, moisturizing toner is something my skin enjoys. Definitely repurchase.