Barenbliss Fine to Refine Compact powder and True Beauty Inside Cushion Review

Hello Shopcoholics! 

I’ve been a long time fan of Korean cosmetics and skincare ever since I remember. So far, all the products that I’ve tried never disappoint. When I saw this new brand on TikTok, I got so curious to try it.

I’ll review first the cushion and powder…

 

Barenbliss True Beauty Inside cushion (Light Petal Shower) - Php 774

Barenbliss Fine to Refine powder (Fair Light Petal) - Php 512

Review: Revlon Photoready Two Way Powder Foundation SPF 19

Product Info from box:

Photochromatic pigments bend, reflect and diffuse light to erase every flaw.
Silky smooth jet-milled powder for a soft matte finish.
Oil-free. Fragrance-free.

RETAIL PRICE: Will verify price. I think this costs between Php 800-900.

WEIGHT: 10.5 grams

SHADES: Will check.

PROS:
* i love products with SPF!
* Shell 004 matches my NC20 skintone.
* powder is finely milled similar to my KATE Mineral Powder Foundation.
* easy to apply using a damp/dry sponge or a brush.
* non-cakey; looks very natural in pictures and even in person.
* no whitish cast on photos
* medium to full buildable coverage - covers pores and slight imperfections.
* I love the finish, not too matte or dewy looking IMO.
* good oil-control

CONS:
* it has a slight weird smell but the scent goes away a few minutes after application.
* i still need to use concealer on my dark undereyes and some pimple marks.


TIPS:
* Always wash the sponge with a mild shampoo or anti-bacterial liquid to prevent breakouts.
* For a sheer coverage use a Kabuki brush to set BB cream or foundation.
* For a medium to full coverage, slightly damp the sponge and apply in thin layers.

I RECOMMEND THIS TO:
I highly recommend this to powder foundation lovers and to those who are too lazy to use liquid foundation.


OVERALL:
A very good, inexpensive powder foundation that is so easy to use! I really LOVE the Photoready line, but I only use their foundations during special occassions. On normal days, I just stick to BB Creams. Oh, I can't wait for the Photoready stick concealer to be available locally =)

More pics (click to enlarge)

Sleek black compact - looks so classy IMO!
I think the size is almost similar to the Photoready Compact Makeup.

Revlon Photoready Two Way Powder Foundation in 004 Shell

Ingredients (click photo to zoom)

Swatches


I love how natural it looks!


For my FOTD, check my previous post HERE.


Till next time,

Disclaimer: Products were sent for PR purposes.
This is not a paid review and is solely based on my honest opinions.

Review: Kanebo Kate Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15

Kanebo Kate Mineral Powder foundation in OC-B

Product Info from KATE:

Advanced mineral powder foundation that is gentle on the skin with reliable visible pore coverage. With the new double-effect mineral powder (skin protection & visible pore coverage), this advanced mineral foundation creates soft and smooth skin.

* With SPF 15 PA++
* Multiple moisturising ingredients (olive oil, jojoba oil & almond oil)
* Paraben (preservative) free
* Ultraviolet- absorber free
* Fragrance-free

Note: This foundation contains mineral powder coated with water-retentive seaweed-derived material.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 900.00 at Kanebo counters.

WEIGHT: 11 grams

SHADES : Available in 3 shades.
* OC-B
* OC-C
* OC-D

PROS:
* i love the minimalist white compact.

* powder is finely milled
* its mineral makeup and good for our skin
* OC-B matches my NC20 skintone
* looks like 2nd skin & does not cake even with frequent touch-ups
* feels lightweight
* unscented
* no allergies
* sponge included is soft.
* good oil control. I only retouch once during the day.
Note: I have normal skin with slightly oily t-zone.

CONS:
* KATE is not yet available here in Cebu city.
* coverage is sheer so it does not cover pimple marks etc. At first I was expecting a medium-full coverage coz this is labelled as a "Powder Foundation".


TIPS:
* use the protective plastic sheet as barrier to prevent the sponge from contaminating the powder foundation.
* always wash the sponge to avoid breakouts. I'm using Joy anti-bacterial dishwashing liquid for my powder puffs, sponges and brushes.
* you can also use a kabuki brush to apply this powder to set foundation/bb cream.

I RECOMMEND THIS TO:
Mineral makeup lovers or anyone who wants a sheer coverage powder. I think this suits ladies with dry, normal or combination skintypes.


OVERALL:
I love the oil control and how natural it looks but I need a medium coverage powder to cover my pimple marks. (see pic below)

More pics (click to enlarge)

Sorry its already empty, I got too excited I forgot to take pics before opening =P

Please don't mind my super dry hands haha

Left: My bare cheek
Right: with Kate Powder Foundation

See how sheer the coverage is?!
It evens out my skintone but my pimple marks are still visible.
I broke out really bad this past few weeks *sad*

Till next time,

Disclaimer: Products were sent for PR purposes.
This is not a paid review and is solely based on my honest opinions.

Review : Skinfood Salmon Darkcircle Brightening Powder

Product Info from Skinfood:

A dark circle concealing powder containing salmon oil and micro beads brightening powder to brighten tired eye area.

TO USE: Use after Salmon Darkcircle concealer cream using the enclosed puff, apply elaborately onto dark circles around the eyes.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 900+ at Skinfood stores. Bought it in Ebay for Php 470.

WEIGHT: 2.5 grams

SHADES : Available in only 1 shade.

PROS:
* cute packaging
* powder is finely milled
* i love the smell!
* a little amount goes a long way
* does not settle into fine lines
* puff is soft

CONS:

* expensive
* didn't really brighten my undereye area =(

TIPS:
After applying concealer, use provided puff or a fluffy eye brush to apply powder. Use only a little amount to prevent concealer from caking.


ADDICTION FACTOR:
I'm disappointed with this... a waste of money IMO. I prefer using Ben Nye's Banana Visage Poudre to set my concealer & foundation =P

My other favorite product is Ellana's Multi-purpose shadow in Hush (now on my 3rd pot). It is a matte beige shade that can be used as eyeshadow base to even out your lid color before using eyeshadow or as an undereye brightener.

RATING : 2/5

More pics (click to enlarge)

Close up of the powder

Skinfood Darkcircle Concealer cream and Darkcircle Powder

Swatches:

1. Skinfood Darkcircle Concealer Cream

2. Skinfood Darkcircle Concealer Powder

3. Skinfood Concealer cream set with concealer powder

You can also check out Pammy's review HERE... she loves this powder!

For my Skinfood Darkcircle Concealer review, click HERE.

Till next time,

Review : Clinique Almost Powder Makeup

Got this from swap from a fellow Girltalker.

Clinique Almost Powder Makeup in Fair

PRODUCT INFO from CLINIQUE:

More than minerals. Skin looks, acts happier. Long-wear formula helps keep pores out of trouble. Antioxidants and SPF protect skin. This natural, perfecting “no-makeup” makeup is so lightweight, you’ll never even feel it. So foolproof, you can apply it with a sponge, a brush-and almost with your eyes closed. For all skin types. Sheer to moderate coverage.

RETAIL PRICE: Around Php 1,500++. Will verify the price.

WEIGHT : 10 grams

SHADES : Available in 8 shades.
> Fair
> Neutral fair
> Light
> Neutral
> Medium
> Deep
> Deep honey
> Deep gold

WHAT I LIKE:
* love the green, thin compact!
* powder has a fine, smooth texture
* glides like silk on the skin
* feels lightweight
* its Clinique - guaranteed mild!
* unscented
* has SPF 15
* average oil control (3-4 hrs)

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* shade is a kinda light on me but this is also great as a highlight powder.
* ordinary powder puffs doesn't fit into the compact
* powder has sheer coverage. Does not cover imperfections.

TIPS:
Since the powder is a bit light for my skintone instead of using a puff, I just use my Everyday Minerals long handled Kabuki brush. I swirl the brush on the powder, tap the excess and apply sparingly on my face.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
Maybe I'll just finish this one up, but will not repurchase. There are other inexpensive powders that work just the same.

RATING :
3.5 / 5

Swatch - taken with flash

I didn't blend the powder so that you can see the color.

Till next time,

Review : Revlon Photoready Translucent Finisher

Here's the last part of my Revlon Photoready Collection review.

Revlon Photoready Translucent Finisher in Translucent

PRODUCT INFO from REVLON:

• For poreless airbrushed skin in any light
• Universal translucent shade
  
• Eliminates shine and sets makeup
  
• Photochromatic pigments bend, reflect and diffuse light
  
• Micro-refined, ultra-lightweight texture that's virtually undetectable
  
• Oil free, Fragrance Free

RETAIL PRICE: Php 975 or about $21

WEIGHT : 7.1 grams (0.25 oz)

SHADES : Available in only 1 shade - Translucent.

WHAT I LIKE:
* powder has fine shimmers to reflect light - no chunky glitters!
* sheer coverage powder perfect for touch ups and controlling shine
* no breakouts / allergies
* compact is thin with mirror and brush (same with the Photoready powder)
* good oil control - this reminds me of my MAC Blot powder.
* doesn't cake even if you re-apply it several times during the day
* powder is not chalky (texture)
* can be used as a highligher

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* has a slight weird scent on the compact- but it disappears once applied.
* brush included is kinda scratchy and small.
* no SPF
* comes only in 1 shade
* shade doesn't suit dark skintones - this may be too white on you, better test before purchasing.

TIPS:
Since the powder is almost white, apply sparingly if you plan to use this all over your face. I only use it on my T-zone area (forehead, nose and chin) to control oil and it also adds a slight shimmer too, perfect for highlighting. I don't apply it on my cheek area since its already dry =P

ADDICTION FACTOR:
Yes! IMO, this is a good alternative for MAC Blot powder.

RATING :
4 / 5

More pics - taken with flash

Revlon Photoready Powder in Light / Medium & Translucent Finisher

a closer look at the shades - taken without flash

Another FOTD using all 3 products from the Photoready Collection
Click image to zoom.

Also loving my LA Colors Moisturizing lipstick in Pink Parfait.
Review to follow! =)

Till next time,

Review : Revlon Photoready Powder

Revlon Photoready Powder in Fair /Light

PRODUCT INFO from REVLON:

• Delivers soft colour with a luminous air-brushed finish
• Reduces shine and evens out skin tone
• Sets makeup for a poreless appearance
• Micro-fine, ultra-lightweight, creamy pressed powder formula
• Oil free, Fragrance Free
• SPF 14
• Can be used alone or in combination with the PhotoReady Makeup

RETAIL PRICE: Php 975 or about $21

WEIGHT : 7.1 grams (0.25 oz)

SHADES : Available in 3 shades.
> Fair / Light
> Light / Medium
> Medium / Deep

WHAT I LIKE:
* powder has tiny shimmers to reflect light
* sheer to medium coverage perfect for setting the Photoready foundation. Tried it with a different brand of foundation and it still works great.
* doesn't cake on me
* no breakouts / allergies - didn't make my skin itch
* has SPF
* compact is thin with mirror and brush
* good oil control

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* has a slight weird scent on the compact- but it disappears once applied.
* brush included is kinda scratchy and small - you can use this as a highlighter brush. (Thanks Nikki for the tip!)


TIPS:
I prefer to use my Ecotools baby kabuki brush and swirl it onto the powder. Apply in light layers using a circular motion. Do not over apply.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
Yes! This is a good setting powder, not messy compared to loose powders.

RATING :
5 / 5

(click to enlarge pic)

The compact looks similar to the Revlon Photoready Finisher.
Will post comparison pics on my next review.

For my FOTD, click here.

Till next time,

Review : MAC Mineralized Skinfinish (MSF) in Gold Spill

Click to enlarge

PRODUCT INFO from MAC:

A luxurious velvet-soft powder with high-frost metallic finish. Smoothes on: adds buffed-up highlights to cheeks and brows, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face.

RETAIL PRICE: Around Php 1,500 (about $32) <- correct me if I'm wrong.
Bought this from Babyjap for a much cheaper price.

WEIGHT : 10 grams / 0.35 US oz.

SHADES : Available in several LE (limited edition) shades. Currently, MAC has 5:
> Sunny by nature - rich bronze w/ pink pearl
> Cheeky bronze - soft golden coral w/ bronze pearl
> Comfort - golden bronze
> Gold deposit - soft reflective golden-bronze
> Soft and Gentle - gilded peach bronze
> Gold Spill - Pink peach w/ warm brown and cream pearl (LE shade)

WHAT I LIKE:
* its multi-purpose! can be used as blush, bronzer and eyeshadow
* made of minerals
* love the dome shape (since this is baked)
* nice color pay-off; pigmented
* not too shimmery when applied
* MSF's are very lightweight on the face
* no allergies

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* MSF's are fragile! Do NOT drop this.
* messy - when I use a kabuki brush, the powder tends to scatter all over the compact.


TIPS:
Can be used alone or layered over blush (as contour powder). I always use this with NARS Orgasm blush. Thanks Babyjap for the tip! I prefer to use my Ecotools blush brush or angled blush brush to apply this.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
Yes, if the price is cheap.

RATING :
5 out of 5.

Swatch (click to enlarge)

MAC Mineralized Skinfinish in Gold Spill

Lovely peach-bronze color eh?!


Till next time,

Review : MAC Dsquared2 Sculpt and Shape Powder Duo

This Limited Edition Powder is part of the Dsquared2 Collection released last November 2009. Got this from a Hongkong based seller on Ebay for Php 1,200+ only including shipping. It arrived after a month coz of the holidays. Read on to find out if its worth the wait =)

MAC Dsquared2 Sculpt and Shape powder in Accentuate/Sculpt

PRODUCT INFO:

Sculpt and Shape Powder is a split-pan, two-in-one powder with the perfect level of pigment for creating a naturally sculpted look. The deeper shade is matte, making it perfect for contouring the face and body. The lighter shade has low-level pearlized pigments, making it ideal for highlighting the high planes of the face. This non-acnegenic formula has jet-milled pigments to allow for smooth, even, silky application. Sculpt and Shape Powder contains skin conditioning agents like Wheat and Barley Extracts and is dermatologist and ophthalomologist-tested.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 1,500 in MAC stores.

WEIGHT : 11.5 grams / 0.40 oz.

SHADES :
Accentuate/Sculpt (Pale peach highlighter and cool matte brown contour powder)
Bone Beige/Emphasize (Pale cream shimmer higlighter and reddish brown contouring powder)

WHAT I LIKE:
* finely milled texture
* long lasting - after swatching, I washed my hands 2x and the color didn't budge!
* contour powder is natural looking compared to using bronzers, doesn't create a harsh line when applied.
* easy to blend (compared to using bronzers to contour in my experience)
* pan holds a lot of product - will last me a long time!
* no weird smell

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* this is Limited Edition. Not sure if MAC have this in their permanent line.
* expensive
* wish the compact has a mirror included

TIPS:
I use the dark shade to contour my nose bridge (using Sansan's angled eyeshadow brush) and the hollow of my cheeks using Everyday Minerals Angled brush or MAC 168 brush.

For the light shade I use it to highlight my T-zone (forehead, chin, nose) and my cheekbones.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
Really worth it.. Will definitely repurchase!

RATING :
5 out of 5.

Swatch

MAC Dsquared2 Sculpt and Shape powder in Accentuate/Sculpt

The contour powder looks very natural on my skintone.

*image from Temptalia.com*

Left - Bone Beige / Emphasize
Right - Accentuate / Sculpt

I think Bone Beige/Emphasize is for light skintones and Accentuate/Sculpt for light to medium skintones.

See ya next time,

Review : MAC Mineralized Skinfinish Duo

Got this from swap. Thanks Tracy!

This product is part of the MAC New View Collection which was released last July 2008. Since its Limited Edition (LE) , this product is already discontinued. But I'll review this anyway =P

PRODUCT INFO FROM MAC & SPECKTRA:

Natural and Shimmer. The split personality of powder to sheerly and subtly perfect skin with dimensionality and mineralized starshine. These Mineralize Skinfinish duos are state-of-the-art simplicity, high-resolution finish

The Natural portion of the duo will provide a dimensional yet natural matte-finish, while the shimmer portion will add buffed-up highlights to cheeks and brows, or an overall ultra-deluxe polish to the face. This unique powder contains vitamin A and E derivatives, which help buffer the skin from environmental aggression and jojoba oil, which calms and soothes the skin. This product can be used on face or body and is appropriate for all skin types.

PRICE: $26 or about Php 1,200

WEIGHT : 9 grams or 0.31 US Oz.

SHADES: Available in 5 shades.
Light Medium - Pale golden beige/Warm yellow beige
Medium - Soft creamy beige/Light peachy pink
Medium Dark - Caramel/Light tan
Dark - Deep caramel/Mid-tone yellow gold
Deep Dark - Rich golden bronze/Deep copper bronze


WHAT I LIKE:
* multi-purpose! its a setting powder & highlighter in one compact!
* doesn't change the shade of my foundation
* matte side- offers natural coverage
* doesn't cake even when you retouch several times
* shimmery side - not glittery at all! very fine shimmer
* can be used separately or blended together

WHAT I DON'T LIKE:
* compact doesn't have a mirror
* expensive for a setting powder
* matte side doesn't control oil - to think my face is not that oily
* since this powder is baked, be careful not to drop this!





TIPS:
MAC recommended to use a MAC 189 Face brush in applying this product. See pic above. It looks like a foundation brush made with synthetic bristles that has a flat surface with rounded edges. You can use it for pressed powders or cream products. This was launched together with the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Duo. Retails for $40.

Since I find the 189 brush expensive, I use this brushes:

For the Natural side of the compact, I prefer to use a Kabuki brush from Ecotools to lightly buff the product on my face.

For the shimmery part, I use a fan brush to apply the product on my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose.

Since this is a Setting powder, don't expect it to control oil. You can use MAC Blot Powder to touch up.

ADDICTION FACTOR:
This product is nice, but I wanna try their Mineralized Blushes.

RATING :
4 out of 5!

MAC Mineralized Skinfinish in Light Medium/Natural and Shimmer
(Pale golden beige/Warm yellow beige)

Bare Naturals Stippling Brush - will review this soon..