Gwendolyn Marshmallow | Beauty & Lifestyle: beauty

Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation

March 02, 2020

I’ve previously reviewed the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation VS Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation. And these are the only foundation which I’ve repetitively re-purchased in the past 10 years.

Then, Bobbi Brown released their Skin Long Wear Foundation, which is a combination of the Skin Foundation and the Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation. How amazing is that? The two holy-grail combined together.

But wait.. Is it too good to be true?

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation is one of the best dewy light-medium coverage foundation in the market (my opinion), while the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation is one of the best medium-full coverage matte foundation in the market (also my opinion).

A combination of the two best foundations for the in-betweens who wants the best of both worlds seems too good to be true.

16-hour, medium-full buildable matte formula

Bobbi Brown explains it as…

16-hour wear, medium-full, buildable coverage foundation with a natural, multidimensional matte finish that’s comfortable, breathable, and weightless. Available in 42 shades that are expertly calibrated to your undertone to even out and correct the complexion in one simple step.

Created through a high-speed cold fusion process, this ultra-silky emulsion features a perfectly balanced blend of skin-loving ingredients, oil controlling actives and skin-true pigments. Incredibly smooth and blendable, it glides on with a second-skin feel and multidimensional matte finish. Pigments are precisely balanced through artistry expertise to skin’s top tones and undertones to deliver the most natural-looking shade range for all skin tones.

Bobbi Brown claims it as…

MULTIDIMENSIONAL MATTE COVERAGE: Treated skin-true pigments suspended in an emollient gel base float on skin, reflecting light to enhance skin’s natural contours and dimension. Instantly conceals redness, discolouration and pores with full yet natural coverage.

This is the first I’ve ever seen a foundation that calls it a “Multidimensional Coverage” which is really interesting!

A research was also done with 101 participants in a 4-week consumer study according to Bobbi Brown.

– 96% said it immediately left their skin looking shine-free
– 93% felt it immediately minimised the look of pores
– 92% said their skin looked more even-toned throughout the day
– 91% said their skin looked fresh throughout the day
– 84% felt it left their skin feeling hydrated
– 81% said the foundation stood up to all their activities

Now.. Nuff of what Bobbi Brown has to say and what do I have to say about it?

I was really excited when this foundation released over 2 years ago and it took me a really long time to write this review because … Lots of things have happened and I’ve been slacking on my blogs and reviews. #imsorry

The first thing that I have to say, I’m impressed with the range of shades that is available. There are 43 shades released in this foundation! I am a Alabaster/Porcelain shade – and it’s really rare for a foundation to be available in such a fair shade. Which was why when I fell in love with Bobbi Brown’s foundation 13 years ago, it was really difficult for me to move away as they weren’t many foundations and brands that come with such a variety of shade range.

But of course, not all stores and country carry all shades.

I have to state that I’m really happy that this foundation is Paraben-free; phthalate-free; sulphate-free; sulphite-free; gluten-free; vegan.

Ingredients are; Octinoxate 3.0%, Titanium Dioxide 1.6%, Water\Aqua\Eau, Dimethicone , Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol , Glycerin , Disteardimonium Hectorite , Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate , Sodium Chloride , Laminaria Saccharina Extract , Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) , Fragrance (Parfum) , Ascorbyl Palmitate , Tocopherol , Dimethicone Crosspolymer , Methicone , Stearic Acid , Tocopheryl Acetate , Glyceryl Oleate , Lecithin , Glyceryl Stearate , Citric Acid , Aluminum Hydroxide , Talc , Disodium Edta , Linalool , Sodium Dehydroacetate , Phenoxyethanol , [+/- Mica , Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891) , Iron Oxides (Ci 77492) , Iron Oxides (Ci 77491) , Iron Oxides (Ci 77499)]

This foundation comes in SPF 15 which isn’t enough to protect you from the sun! (Don’t forget your sunscreens!) I’ve got nothing against foundation with sunscreens – I do know many people who try to avoid foundation with sunscreen due to the texture, scent and how it gives a white flashback under flash photography. In some foundations with sunscreen, I do notice they tend to get oilier as the day goes by. But not for this.

In the past 2 years, I have repurchased 2 bottles (one in Porcelain, one in Alabaster) and it will continue to be in my go-to shelf. And to stay on the go-to shelf says a lot about how much I love this foundation.

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beauty

7 WAYS TO PREP YOUR SKIN FOR WINTER

June 13, 2019

“The temperature is cooling down and winter is around the corner. Just like you change your wardrobe when the weather turns chilly, now is the time to change your skin care routine."

During the winter months the skin is often forgotten about and left unprotected. This can cause significant dryness, itching and redness. While we can’t stop winter from coming, we can counteract the effects that this season has on our skin with a little preventative care. This can go a long way in helping keep our complexion glowing and healthy.

Check out top tips to help you keep your skin soft and supple this winter:

Step 1: Moisturise

It is important to change your light weight moisturiser for thicker products that quench your skin’s thirst and rehydrate your skin. Moisturisers are a critical component of a skin care routine, as they help keep skin dryness at bay. Add a protective layer to your skin today.

Step 2: Exfoliate

Regularly exfoliate your face and body to remove dead skin cells and allow moisture to absorb into the skin quicker and more effectively. Use an exfoliant that is non-abrasive to ensure that it feels comfortable on your skin.

Step 3: Use a hydrating mask

To bring back radiance and softness to your face, use a soothing hydrating mask. Use this twice a week before you go to bed, and let it do its magic for 10 to 20 minutes.

Step 4: Apply lip balm

To get rid of the dead skin that’s messing with your lip look, try using a lip balm to add moisture. This will help protect against chapping and rejuvenate the delicate skin. After using a moisturising lip balm your lips will look and feel smooth. Get yours today!

Step 5: Protect your hands from the cold

Some parts of our body are more sensitive to the weather than others. During winter our hands get chapped, cracked and irritated because we are using them for every task, all day. Our hands are so important; however, we often forget that they need the most care. To prevent ageing and dryness of your hands it is important to use a moisturiser every morning and night.

Step 6: Have cooler showers

While hot showers are a welcome relief in winter, they tend to dry out skin and hair. It is important to reduce the temperature of your showers and apply a rich moisturiser after.

Step 7: Wear Sunscreen

It is important to always protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun, even during the winter months. Sunscreen should be used for all seasons, so make sure you apply it every day as part of your skin care routine

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beauty

Vitamin C in Your Skincare

May 29, 2019

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beauty

Sumusu Beauty

May 28, 2019

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beauty

Powerlips Fluid - Ultra-long Lasting Lip Color

February 10, 2019

Finally, you CAN have it all! Give your lips the attention and care they deserve with Powerlips Fluid. This ultra-long-lasting lip colour contains a special blend of good-for-you, skin-nourishing ingredients to help soothe, smooth, and prevent dry-out over time. And infused with our Sueded Comfort Cushion, Powerlips Fluid’s high-performance, weightless formula cushions your lips, leaving them feeling soft for hours. Plus, with its easy, one-step application, it’s virtually foolproof and won’t feather or bleed.
Enjoy intense, long-wearing lip colour that won’t smudge or budge all day—through work and play.

Seriously powerful. Simply wow! Powerlips Fluid.

Four shades including Determined, Persistence, Confidence and Unbreakable will launch on 11 December, plus three limited-edition shades (Roar, Maven and Breadwinner) are available on Monday 11th December 2017! Purchase individually or enjoy all seven shades in The Powerlips Fluid Powerful Pack.

Vitamin E—nourishes, softens, and moisturises the skin while delivering anti-aging and antioxidant benefits.
Beeswax—calms, soothes, and conditions skin while helping protect against irritants.
Avocado Oil—hydrates and softens skin.
Kaolin—natural clay base that supports rich, long-lasting colour.
Silicones—help maintain moisture and soften skin.

Creates a Sueded Comfort Cushion, a flexible film layer on the skin, that cushions your lips and leaves them feeling soft for hours.
Comfortable on lips; does not sting or burn when applied.
Has a light and silky, non-sticky consistency.
Does not contain a harsh alcohol smell or taste.
Is non-separating and does not require shaking to evenly distribute product prior to application.
Won’t feather or bleed into lines around or above lips.
The weightless formula contains a blend of skin-nourishing ingredients, like avocado oil, beeswax, and vitamin E to hydrate, nourish, and prevent damage.
Is smudge-resistant, drink-resistant, and kiss-resistant.

Apply to clean, bare lips anytime you want a splash of long-lasting, powerful lip colour. Line lips with an applicator and then fill in colour. For best wear, use alone and avoid glosses and balms.

LIP TIPS

For longest wear, avoid oily foods and glosses.
For a sheer effect, try applying colours with a makeup brush.
Contour and shape lips by applying a darker base layer and letting it dry. Then, apply a lighter or more metallic colour on top for a round, plump-lip look.

Get your hands now on the new Powerlips fluid!

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beauty

Bioderma - The Rumors Are True

January 01, 2019

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beauty

GWENBEAUTY | ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCE NIGHT MICRO CLEANSING BALM & CLEANSING FOAM, RADIANT ENERGY MIST

June 10, 2018

Harsh weather, sunny days, air-conditioner and rainy days, we’ve all been through it. Many of us don’t take into consideration how our skin reacts to the weather and we would just go about our days.

When I’ve gotten the chance to try out some of the Estee Lauder products I’ve been wanting to get my hands on I was thrilled!

I managed to grab hold of the Estee Lauder Advance Night Micro Cleansing Balm & Cleansing Foam.

When Estee Lauder came out with their Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion, I was really happy and managed to try it out in the 75ml and I could say this was a very promising product. Then when le-sis started on the Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair Synchornized Recovery Complex and let me try some, I had to get my very own too! (Currently on the second bottle. #holygrail)

So when they came out with the Advance Night Micro Cleansing Balm and Cleansing Foam, I figured, what a great combination to add into my skincare routine! And now, I have them in my hands all thanks to #sephoraSG and #EsteeLauder

I’ve also gotten the Estee Lauder Nutritious Vitality8 Radiant Energy Mist. Now Nutritious is another range which is my love and my favourite. So much to talk and rave about them, but i’ll only be talking about the Mist today.

First I’ll start with the Estee Lauder Advance Night Micro Cleansing Balm.

Kudos to packaging!

I know I’ve always hated tubs/jars as I would need to stick my finger in and my germ-phobia would start kicking in and thoughts running wild in my mind on how i’ve just contaminated my product and now bacteria and germs are going to grow in it. BUT, I also understand jars can be quite handy and pretty AND, not to mention, quite sturdy. A solution to this? A spatula..

Cleansing balms are not new and they have been around for quite some time, in fact, I’ve tried a few hence I’m excited to see how this fairs.

Cleansers have been a huge part of my regime and I hope everyone takes this seriously. LOL

“Removes makeup and impurities, including pollution, as it purifies deep within skin’s surface to improve your overall healty look.”

The Micro Cleansing Balm has a very sturdy packaging and it looks pretty classy on my vanity table.

According to Estee Lauder, these cleanser are formulated without stripping your natural oils and protective barriers. Micro-purying and Micro-revitalizing they say.

What I love about this is that the light weight balm melts into a silky cleansing oil as your massage over your skin. Then added with water, it turns into a milky emulsion that rinses off easily.

Even with the thickest, heaviest, waterproof makeup. This has proven it.

You don’t get a tight feeling out of it and as someone who suffers from Rosacea and sensitive skin, I can say that this thing definitely calms my skin down and eases the redness.

* * * *

Next would be the Advance Night Micro Cleansing Foam,

Most people wouldn’t judge or evaluate much on Cleanser, they will just grab whatever they can see or feel like. Some may even buy according to what they feel is cleaner. I’ve got a few friends who buys deep cleansing cleansers just so they can feel their face is tight and the tighter they feel, they cleaner they think it is. - Please remember that means you are stripping your natural oils off and it’s too dry.

This Micro Cleansing Foam is creamy and although it doesn’t lather up into soap and bubbles like many other cleanser do, it has a minimal foam and cleanses well. Removing any toxin, impurities and makeup residue. This also helps to prepare for your next skincare step regime - Advance Night Repair, which would absorb into your skin better.

Tube cleansers are the easiest and it’s a creamy white cleanser, rinses easy and leaving your skin feeling clean, soft and refreshed.

I’ve only been using this during the night time and I love how Camomile and Lavender is in this cleanser which makes skincare much pleasant and aromatic blend just takes it to another level.

The scent for both Advance Night Micro Cleansing Balm and Micro Cleansing Foam has been very mild and pleasant. It’s not strong and it sort of has a milky baby powdery scent to it.

Finally, a mist I’ve been enjoying and carrying around.

I’ve been using the Radiant Creme for the past 6 months and it’s my favourite night cream so far. So the mist was something that I was looking forward wondering what this would do.

This is a lightweight mist that can refresh or hydrate your skin. Similar to the entire Nutritious Vitality8 range, the mist is infused with Poemgranate8 Complex to give that extra hydration and radiant.

It comes with a standard mist head that sprays evenly on the face. I’ve been carrying this in my bag and if i need a boost of hydration I’d give it a go. It’s a fairy small size at 30ml which is handy and can fit into any bag/clutch easily.

This is perfect and can be used under or over makeup. #triedandtested

There’s many more to come and for now I can say Estee Lauder has not disappointed me and has once again impressed me.

If there’s any other products you would like me to review or try out, let me know!

You can now also shop your favourite Estee Lauder products here and collect your Sephora points as well!

Till then, Remember! You’re never ugly, only if you’re lazy! :)

*This post is sponsored by #sephoraSG

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beauty

Maintaining Healthy Looking Skin

February 11, 2018

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beauty

MONTHLY FAVOURITES - MAY 2016 | GWENBEAUTY

June 06, 2016

Another month has passed and here we are again for another monthly favourites. Some of the products you might have seen it on my snapchat/instagram throughout the months as well.

So let's see what do we have...

1. Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette

When UD just launched the smoky palette last year in August, I had to grab my hands on it, despite me having the palette 1 and 3. And I was lucky to be able to grab it the first week it was launched in Malaysia. #luckyMe
As usual, I always loved UD's eyeshadow because it's so creamy and pigmented.

2. Biotherm Life Plankton Essence

I cannot love this enough and cannot believe how not many people know about this product. With the heat and crazy weather, my rosacea has been flaring up and this product is one of the very few that has not only calm my skin down but provided the moisture and protection I need.

3. Biotherm Blanc Therapy CC Cream - anti redness

I was introduced to Biotherm this month, with the life plankton collection and the whole Blanc Therapy CC creams. What i love about this the most is that it contains SPF50 (yay protection!) Anyone who knows me will know how i see the importance of sunscreen. The anti-redness one comes in a green tint and you should know by now that green is the contrast for red. Hence why many anti-redness products have a green tint.

4. Shuumera Skin Purifier Cleansing Oil

Shuumera has always been famous for their cleansing oil and so far i've used the anti/oxi skin refining anti-dullness cleansing oil (green color) when Carol bought the travel size and I've loved it then. This time, we were given a free travel size for Skin Purifier (brown one) and it's amazing. I expected it to be the same as the anti-oxi but surprisingly it wasn't - this was much lighter in terms of texture and it wasn't as oily as the anti-oxi.

5. B.Liv Submerge Me - Moisturizing Booster

I cannot get enough of this moisturiser. I feel that it's so underrated and not many people know about it. May has been a very hot weather and my Rosacea has flared up, and whenever it does, my skin would become dry and this is the B.Liv submerge me is the only thing that doesn't agitate my skin, provides me that layer of moisturising protection. Apparently this has antioxidant and anti-aging. But we shall see.

6. Mustela Hydrabebe Body Lotion

Best Body Lotion ever. period. LOL This is like my holy grail body lotion. I look up to this so much that any other body lotion that I review will be now compared to this already. This shows how much I love this.

7. Mustela PhysiObebe Cleansing Fluid

To be honest I was a little skeptical in the beginning about this. But after using it, OMG. I cannot say enough about it. Wiping hands have never felt cleaner. LOL. Hand sanitiser that doesn't smell like alcohol? This is the one for you too! Asides that, I've used it as a makeup instant anti-bacterial clean right before i use it.

8. Jill Stuart Treatment Hair Mist

Weeks ago Carol brought me to a clearance sale in Pavilion and the one thing that caught my attention was the Jill Stuart corner. (OMG! How can you not fall in love with any of the Jill Stuart packagings? They make your dressing table feel so princess-sy). Asides the pretty packaging, this Hair Mist has also been the one item that I found myself grabbing often throughout the month. I've recently bleached my hair again in April, therefore my entire hair care routine has switched around and this is not just moisturising, it doesn't weight my damaged hair down, not greasy and my roots are not oily as well. On top of everything, the scent is just amazing.

9. YSL Touche Eclat Foundation in shade B10

If you follow me on snapchat you would have realised that i've been grabbing this foundation throughout the month. Well, good things are meant to be shared right? Some people say that the price is a little overrated but then the finishing is very different. I would say that the dupe for this and the closest is the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation but then only difference is that this doesn't transfer as much as that, it gives a dewy finishing and doesn't not cake up. The only problem with the Bobbi Brown skin Foundation is that you need setting powder to set it in, the YSL Touche Eclat Foundation does not need that.

10. Chloe Parfum - Eau De Toilette

I was never a fan of the rose scent. It has always reminded me of Lovely Lace and I didn't like the overwhelming scent of it. But, when I was given the sample of this, I fell in love with it. Funny how things work out isn't it? And if you know me, you would know that I have quite a number/collection of scents on my table which I would pick and use according to occasions and everything else. The Chloe Parfum is the one that I have been grabbing mostly the past few months especially seeing the boy.