a hoarder's blog

Follow-up post on the new Clarins Skin Illusion Loose Powder Foundation. It comes in a transparent cube and signature gold lid. I was a bit puzzled by the design when I first saw it. I didn't see the illustration on how to use it right away as it was hidden under the flap of the box. 

So here are the instructions. Pretty simple to use after you see this.

The packaging is rather chunky, but feels very sturdy and looks pretty luxe too, although fingerprints get everywhere on the gold lid.

Twist to open.

The built-in brush is dense and soft. The lid is very useful as it acts as a holder for the brush. Placed this way, you can easily pick up the brush.

When you first open your powder, you will find a sifter and a plastic insert. Remove the plastic insert carefully. You wouldn't want the powder to be flying everywhere.

Place the sifter back in. This will control the amount of powder that comes in contact with the brush.

Swirl brush into powder and pick up the amount needed for use. Tap off any excess.

After you're done, place the brush back into the lid

Twist back to close until you hear the click sound.

Some close-up pictures of the brush. It did shed a few hairs while I was using it. Other than that, it is very dense and is great at buffing the powder in. The size is perfect to reach all corners of the face.

The powder is very silky smooth and has a floral scent. The smell doesn't linger on after it's applied though, at least I don't seem to notice it.

Swatches of 108 Sand and 110 Honey.

Lightly blended in.

The powder provides light to medium coverage. Worn alone, it blends in effortlessly and looks very natural and when worn on top of a liquid foundation as loose powder,  it doesn't look cakey and thick at all. 

DISCLAIMER: Products in this entry were sent to me by Clarins for consideration. I wasn't paid to do this and I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. Opinions expressed here are my own.

Last year, Clarins introduced Skin Illusion Natural Radiance liquid foundation. This September, Skin Illusion is available as a loose powder foundation, offering the coverage of a foundation and the lightness of a loose powder, with pure, mineral radiance and the skin care benefits of plants. Available in 4 shades here: 103 ivory, 105 nude, 108 sand, 110 honey and priced at $62 for 13g.

You will find more or less the same ingredients in the liquid and loose powder foundations.

Luminosity & a bare skin effect

• Pink opal mineral powder creates an incredibly beautiful, smooth complexion with a transparent finish 
• Pink algae plant extract provides energizing and hydrating benefit

Radiance, comfort, protection

• Light-Optimizing+ complex for radiant skin in any circumstance
• Clarins exclusive Plant Micropatch® for comfortable hydrated skin
• Extracts of white tea and succory dock-cress ensures skin is protected all day long

DISCLAIMER: All Clarins products in this entry were provided to me by Clarins for consideration. Information taken from press file. I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. 

Clarins presents White Plus HP Whitening Powder Foundation, a compact foundation created for Asian women. Its new generation texture enriched with sea lily, the innovative plant extract in the White Plus HP range, illuminates the complexion with a new radiance and helps the skin effectively fight the appearance of dark spots.

It delivers double benefits: an unrivalled whitening action and an even, brighter complexion.

Double Whitening Performance

The "Pure Lightening" mineral complex

On application, the pigments in the formula selected for their brightening and unifying actions illuminate the complexion with a totally transparent look. Skin texture is perfectly even and dark spots and pores are visibly minimized.

The Advanced "Lock-Around System®" plant complex

White Plus HP Whitening Powder Foundation benefits from the same technology used in the White Plus HP range. In its formula, the combination of sea lily, alchemilla and raspberry controls melamin production and slows the appearance of dark spots. The skin naturally becomes brighter and dark spots are reduced.

Triple Protection

UVA / UVB protection

SPF30/PA+++ mineral sun protection shields the skin from UVA and UVB rays

Pollution and antioxidant protection

Clarins' exclusive complex composed of white tea extract rich in flavonoids and succory dock-cress extract, reinforce the skin care action while neutralizing free radicals.

Long-hold texture

The micronized powders in the formula give the texture an incredibly fine quality and mattifying effect.  Pigments coated in amino acids absorb excess sebum while preserving the radiance and stability of the colour.

Total comfort

Clarins exclusive Plant micropatch found in the formula limits water evaporation and preserves the skin's moisture, keeping it supple. Aloe extract hydrates and softens the skin all day long.

The sleek, luminous design of its pearly white and silver case evokes the flawlessness of the complexion. Its pure, very feminine style follows the graphic codes of the White Plus HP range.

Case (and accompanying velvet pouch) retails for S$18.

Refill (comes with a sponge) retails for S$52

Shades available:

The swatches below are 02 petal, 03 natural and 04 almond.

I eventually chose 03 natural and 04 almond. They didn't look that much different when I swatched them and looked closest to what my shade would be.

I have started using 04 almond. It does a good job at evening out my skintone and it blends really well with my skin giving it an overall matte finish. However, it didn't wow me as much as the Hydra Luminous Flawless Powder Foundation when I used it the first time. The texture, although very fine, does not feel as velvety smooth as the latter. The coverage is average, nothing too heavy duty, giving me a very natural look, which is not a bad thing. The powder also doesn't make my skin look dry. It can also be used wet, something which I have yet to try.

Click here to discover more about the White Plus HP range.

DISCLAIMER: All products in this entry were given to me by Clarins for consideration. I wasn't paid to do this and I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. Opinions expressed here are my own.

Clarins, the skin care specialist, has created the illusion of perfect skin. Using all their expertise and knowledge of nature, Clarins Laboratories have created Skin Illusion SPF10, the mineral and botanically based foundation with a lightweight feel, formulated with skin care benefits taken directly from nature.

Its secret?

• A unique, imperceptible texture which naturally enhances the complextion with a lightweight, barely-there feel
• An innovative formula, rich in trace elements, which continuously hydrates the skin, to ensure unrivalled comfort.

Day after day, the complexion is perfectly even and reveals a healthy-looking glow with a natural finish.

Anti-pollution and antioxidant protection

Clarins Laboratories have created an anti-pollution and antioxidant complex. Composed of white tea extracts, rich in flavonoids, and succory dock-cress extract that help support skin's natural defences, this complex re-inforces the skin care action while neutralizing free radicals.

Anti-UV protection

100% natural SPF 10 sun filters ensure a level of daily protection against UVA and UVB exposure.

Mineral and Plant extracts

At the heart of the formula is a unique combination of minerals and botanicals, exclusive to Clarins make-up:

• pink opal powder - a mineral silicon to even complexion and boost radiance
• pink algae extract - a plant silicon to hydrate, soften and stimulate cell renewal

(Silicon is a trace element that plays a key biological role in helping skin to appear replenished and even in tone. Levels of silicon in the skin drop with age and this is one of the main factors responsible for ageing).

Continuous hydration thanks to a plant micro-patch which helps to limit the evaporation of water from the skin's surface, and at the same time, continuously restores moisture needed by the epidermis.

Light-Optimizing+ Complex to maximize radiance and minimize the appearance of imperfections and fine lines by diffusing light in all directions.

Shades available locally:

• 104 Cream
• 105 Nude
• 110 Honey
• 112 Amber
• 114 Cappuccino

Already available at your nearest Clarins counter for $60 (30ml).

I have tried 110 honey and 112 amber. The shades look very different from the bottle and I was thinking that 112 amber would be too dark for me.

However I didn't notice much difference after blending them out. (They weren't mixed and blended together, these are separate swatches).

The texture of this foundation is what it promises to be: so light that you hardly know it's there. It is so smooth that it melts into the skin effortlessly, like a moisturizer that you spread on instead of a foundation that needs some time and effort to blend out.

I've been alternating both shades for the past 2 weeks, using my fingers to apply because it is so easy doing it this way, especially in the morning when I'm rushing for work. I think that I can wear both shades, although I'd say that 110 honey looks more natural on me.

The foundation lasts a typical workday (~8 hours). It has medium coverage and does a good job at evening out my skin. It has a certain fresh fragrance to it, which I'd classify as a "green" smell.

I foresee that I will be reaching out for this foundation very frequently  just because it gives me that my-skin-but-better finish.

LOTD with 110 honey

DISCLAIMER: All Clarins products in this entry were provided to me by Clarins for consideration. I wasn't paid to do this and I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. Opinions expressed here are my own.

I bought this Burberry set from Facesss at Harbour City. Truth be told, although it was my third time in Hong Kong, it was my first time visiting Harbour City in Tsimshatsui. It's a humongous mall and I don't know how I could have missed it. Well, I'm not a shopping expert in Hong Kong. Besides my previous trips in HK were not really shopping trips per se.

Well, that day, I had gone to Facesss on a mission (to find a nars eyeshadow duo for a certain someone, which turned out to be OOS). And as I was walking along, I was approached by the Burberry BA. OK, let's just say I made it easy for her to approach me cos I had stopped at the counter to look at the stuff. 15 minutes later, I was done getting matched and getting my credit card swiped.

This set consists of a Burberry pouch, very big and roomy with two zipped compartments and a handle on the side that makes it easy to carry (a bit like those shoe bags for the gym).

• Burberry Sheer Luminous Fluid Foundation in Trench No.03
• Burberry Sheer Luminous Pressed Powder in Porcelain No.01
• Burberry Brush No.03

Brush No. 3 (Made in France)

Description from Burberry.com

• Burberry Luminous Fluid Foundation gives the skin a natural fresh radiance
• The lightweight formula allows optimum light diffusion for a naturally luminous complexion
• Fluid foundation that hydrates the skin whilst providing long lasting coverage
• Gently shake the bottle before use
• Massage across the face like a moisturiser for simple application or for maximum, long lasting flawless coverage apply with a sponge

First, I had so much trouble with the pump the first time. Pumped more than 20 times and still nothing was coming out. So I unscrewed the pump and dished out some foundation with a brush. Later that night, after I came back home, I tried again, and to my relief, the pump finally worked. I would have been so annoyed if I had gotten a faulty pump.

But won't you agree that it's a gorgeous bottle?

The pump can be locked, a nice feature to have to avoid unexpected accidents.

I found the consistency of the foundation to be slightly thicker than most liquid foundations (see how it holds on its own and doesn't run), but I had no trouble blending it in with my fingers. It has a certain powdery floral scent to it, much like the Clarins Extra-Firming Foundation, but it doesn't really bother me and so, I don't pay attention to it after a while. The coverage is medium and it makes my face slightly matte at first (I do oil up after a few hours).

On my first day of wearing this, I looked into the mirror and had the same reaction as the first time I wore my Clarins Hydra Luminous Flawless Powder Foundation. My complexion looked brighter and glowy. It's as if it made my skin look better than it really is. It does however oxidize a little bit as the day goes by. Despite all the luminance it provided at first, I found myself looking slightly darker at the end of the day.

Description from Burberry.com

• Burberry Luminous Pressed Powder absorbs excess shine and gives a sheer satin finish
• Absorbent spherical polymers and micronised powders leave the skin feeling soft, supple and shine free
• To apply, lightly dust using the brush provided

The pressed powder compact comes in a Burberry check velvet pouch and a small brush. I almost didn't want to use the powder because of the embossed checked surface which would surely disappear after a few uses. Nevertheless, I gave it a try using the accompanying brush which I found to be very soft. It is wide enough to cover either side of my cheek and forehead with one swipe. The powder is very very fine and feels like silk on the skin. It has the same floral smell as the liquid foundation, and this might put off those of you who are allergic or who do not like scents in their products.

Just some preview pics of what I hauled last week when I was in Hong Kong for a quick break.

Makeup stuff:

Non makeup stuff:

About 2 weeks ago (19 Feb), a few of us onsugarettes met up for a very important mission: to raid the MUFE store at Tras Street. It was Sarah's (FacesBySarah) birthday and there was a special 30% off storewide sale going on for this occasion. Such good deals cannot be missed!

I came out of the store with the following:

• All Mat Face Matifying Primer
• Mat Velvet+ Matifying Foundation in #30
• Super Matte Loose Powder in #20

And just last week, there was a 20% storewide sale at Metro and guess what? I went ahead and bought another foundation, like as if I needed one!. Oh well! I've been dying to try this one out too, and would have gotten it sooner or later anyway.

And because of that, ahem...

About 2 weeks ago (19 Feb), a few of us onsugarettes met up for a very important mission: to raid the MUFE store at Tras Street. It was Sarah's (FacesBySarah) birthday and there was a special 30% off storewide sale going on for this occasion. Such good deals cannot be missed!

I came out of the store with the following:

• All Mat Face Matifying Primer
• Mat Velvet+ Matifying Foundation in #30
• Super Matte Loose Powder in #20

And just last week, there was a 20% storewide sale at Metro and guess what? I went ahead and bought another foundation, like as if I needed one!. Oh well! I've been dying to try this one out too, and would have gotten it sooner or later anyway.

And because of that, ahem...

Clarins Extra-Firming Foundation SPF15: A new foundation formulated with anti-aging benefits to enhance complexion as well as care for your skin.

This is my first encounter with a anti-aging foundation. Truthfully, I hadn't given much thought to foundations before this in terms of what they can do, apart from the obvious, which is to even out skin tones, conceal skin's imperfections, or create the illusion of flawless skin.

So I was slightly surprised to learn about foundations which can nourish, tone and care for the skin as well, which I guess makes sense since you typically could have foundation on your face for up to 8 hours a day.

Having said that, let's get to the awesome ingredients and properties of the Clarins Extra-Firming Foundation SPF15.

• "Light-Optimizing+" complex for a smoother and more even complexion

Microspheres present in the product reflect light, thus helping to blur out imperfections and minimize wrinkles and fine lines. At the same time, they also capture, diffuse and magnify light to deliver exceptional luminosity to the skin and this action makes the skin look more radiant.

• Oat sugars for a natural skin-firming effect

The natural ingredient in this product, oat sugars, help to tighten, smooth and define features without leaving skin feeling pulled.

• Greater plantain extract for optimal skin firming

This helps inhibit glycation (which in other words means the oxidation of skin cells) to deliver a younger-looking complexion.

• Plant micro-patch for ideal, time-release hydration

A Clarins exclusive, this micropatch forms a hydrofilm which provides both invisible protection against dehydration (like a shield on the skin surface to seal in essential moisture and reduce the risk of evaporation)  and a moisture reservoir (provides skin with the moisture it requires over time).

• White tea extract for protection against pollution and free radicals
• SPF 15 protection against UVA and UVB rays.

I received two shades of the foundation: 105 nude and 108 sand.

Nude seems to be pinker compared to Sand which leans towards yellow. I have worn both to work, meaning an average of 10-12 hours. It is long-wearing because at the end of the day when I'm cleaning my face, the foundation is still there. Initially I thought that nude would be a bit too pale for me, but I could not really tell the difference after a while. The formula settles pretty nicely on me. The texture is just right, not too thin nor too thick, and blends into the skin effortlessly (I normally use my fingers for fast application in the morning). It also makes my skin feel smooth and kinda velvety. It doesn't cover the darker spots on my face, but it gives me enough coverage for the day, and I usually don't apply a second layer. This foundation has a slight perfumy fragrance to it but it's not noticeable after application. I can't comment on the firming and anti-aging qualities given that I've only been using this for the past 2-3 weeks, but I can only believe that the foundation is working to that effect.

Shades available:

• 103 Ivory
• 104 Cream
• 105 Nude
• 108 Sand
• 110 Honey
• 112 Amber

Visit your nearest Clarins counter and get colour-matched! These have been available since mid-Feb together with the Neo Pastels makeup collection and retails for SGD55.

DISCLAIMER: All products in this entry were sent to me by Clarins for consideration. I wasn't paid to do this and I'm not affiliated to Clarins in any way. Opinions expressed here are my own.

So I mentioned 2 more hauls from my trip to Taipei and Hong Kong. Well, here they are! Looking at your comments in the previous entry, some of you guessed right! Yes I bought me some NARS! Totally unexpected actually. I didn't think I'd have time to drop by SOGO, but as fate would have it, one night, we travelled to some place to have beef and dumpling noodles and there was a SOGO nearby. OK, wait, rewind that. I think I should put it another way: we had planned to go eat at this small noodle shop which is just behind SOGO (alight at Zhongxiao Fuxing train station), and if there was still time, I wanted to drop by SOGO, even if just for a little while, to swatch nars' new blush Sex Appeal. Upon coming out of the station, I was so surprised to see crowds of people hanging around outside. I didn't know what was happening, but I thought to myself, there MUST be some kind of sale going on. I started getting excited and couldn't wait to get dinner over and done with. So later on after dinner, we walked to SOGO and I was overwhelmed by the crowd inside as well. From the entrance itself, there were promoters shoving pamphlets into my face, and others approaching me to ask me whether I wanted to check out this and that brand. It was insane! I did one round with the hubs looking around everywhere in amazement, and then he decided to give up and told me to meet him at a later time. Haha! So after that, I was on my own wandering about. I must have done a few rounds collecting pamphlets and looking at the deals that were being offered.

I first went to the nars counter to do some swatching. Saw the sheer glow foundation and asked someone to match my shade. A male BA recommended me Santa Fe which I must say matched me pretty well. But I didn't buy it then and walked on. I stopped by Laura Mercier where a rather attractive male BA attended to me. Asked him about loose powder etc, but after all the explanation, he didn't quite convince me to buy from him. haha. Too bad! I also checked out the MUFE counter, but nobody paid any attention to me. Bah! So I kept on walking around and ended up at nars once again. Swatched Sex Appeal and it didn't show up on my hand at all. Someone must have seen the frown on my face and this time round, a female BA approached me. I had seen her looking at me from the corner of my eye, and she eventually did come nearer to ask me if I needed help. So I asked for a match for sheer glow once more. She matched me to Ceylan. I told her that just now, I was matched to Santa Fe. She said that it would also suit me, but as it is pinker, it would make my face more "red", while Ceylan would lighten up my skintone cos of the yellow undertone. She asked me to trust her recommendation. How could I argue with that? And so she introduced me to the offer they had for the sheer glow foundation. Here's the snapshot from the pamphlet. You get a skin milk cleanser, a sheer glow foundation and a loose powder for TWD3350. I admit I didn't go into the details of how much each costs individually and whether it would make sense to buy the set there and then. I was all set to get it since I was there at the sale and all. And if all other reasons fail, there's always the "But-I'm-holiday" tagline!

Loose powder in Eden

Sheer Glow in Ceylan. Bummer! It doesn't come with a pump!

And oh did anybody notice an extra item in the first pic? Well I bought a blush called Crazed. I really thought I didn't have it in my stash and I remembered not ever seeing it online on beauty.com or narscosmetics.com. I remembered well.

This was not part of the set, but there was still a discount on it (10% I think).

And a free gift: a mirror!

My second big buy on this trip is from...KATE SPADE. Another unexpected buy this time at Citygate Outlets in Hong Kong. Went in to have a look and oops came out with this. I tried on the canvas version first, then the sales lady told me that it also came in the full leather version and that it cost slightly more only. So I sat there, not really wanting to buy, but also wanting to buy, that kinda feeling. The hubs was like, just get it if you like it. So be it. Maybe he was just tired of waiting...

The paper bag:

The interior and bottom of the bag:

And the bag in full glory! Sorry to disappoint, but it's a boring black bag. But I like bags that will go with anything I wear. It still smells of new leather. I love the smell! I haven't used it yet. Same goes for all the nars above. I do take a while to unpack. LOL!

Hope you enjoyed this entry. :)