Hall of Fame: Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre 24 Hour Miracle Cream

$16     1 oz / 30 ml

$28     2.6 oz / 80 ml

Ingredients: Aqua, Paraffinum Liquidum, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Triethanolamine, Cera Alba, Cetyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii, Steareth-10, Polyacrylamide C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Propylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Aloe Barbadensis, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tropolone, Parfum

Availability: Amazon.com, Dermstore.com

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre is a makeup artist favorite. I purchase mine under the influence of Samantha Chapman and Lisa Eldridge. It's highly recommended as under makeup moisturizer. As you would assume by the title of this post, I love it!

In terms of skincare benefits, I'm not sure if it really delivers. Personally I don't believe day time skincare can improve the skin much because the skin is exposed to a lot more damages during the day than at night. So this is not for you if you're looking for something that would actually improve the skin.

A day cream serves a few purpose for me:

1. Release the tightness and any discomfort after cleansing.
2. Act as a barrier between my skin and makeup or potential external damages if I'm not wearing makeup.
3. Act as the "glue" if I'm wearing powder foundation.

Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre delivers all of the above. The best thing about this cream is that it's rich and moisturizing without being greasy. In other words, it's a hydrating matte moisturizer. It will not make your makeup look oily. It will help your powder foundation go on smoothly. It's also perfect for mixing in your foundation to create tinted moisturizers.

If I really have to pick a flaw, it would be that it's slightly fragranted. However, my sensitive skin reacts fine with it. It's not a bad smell but it's not something that I would die for, either.

The only people that I would not recommend it for is those who are extremely sensitive to fragrance or, of course, any specific ingredients in this cream. But other than that, I can recommend this to almost everyone because it's such a versatile product and everyone can use it for something. Here are my recommendation:

• For oily, normal, and combination-oily skin: day cream, night cream, making tinted moisturizer
• For dry, dehydrated, and combination-dry skin: day cream, making tinted moisturizer

Have you tried the Lait Creme Concentre? What's your favorite day cream? Please share!

Steal the Deal: Guerlain Mineral Bronzing Powder $29.99

These loose mineral bronzers retail for $66 and now on sale for $30 on Groupon. I personally don't own them but if you're interested, click the picture above or this link for more details. The deal ends tomorrow!

Steal the Deal: $10 Sephora Gift Card for $5

Sephora is running a promotion of $10 gift card for $5 on Groupon. Click the the picture or this link for more details. Hurry because it ends tomorrow!

Empties #2

REN Micro Polish Cleanser (sample - 0.17 oz / 5 ml)
Full Size - $30   5.1 oz / 150 ml
I got this little sample size from Sephora and this only lasted a few washes for me. I like that it's a gentle physical exfoliant. The granules are fine and mixed in the foamy cleanser. I'm trying to steer away from foamy cleansers as it makes my face really dry. But I actually prefer it when it's in a scrub form because I want the granules to be rinsed off easily. Wiping it off with a washcloth might be a little too abrasive. I really like this cleanser, especially paired with chemical exfoliating products (masks, toners, moisturizers) because it gets off the residual dead skin without being too harsh. I don't use it everyday, only once or twice a week. If you have this sample or the full size, when you think you have run out of it, cut open the tube because there'll be much more than you think that's inside.
I recommend it and would definitely purchase the full size.

Melvita Rose Floral Water (sample - 0.96 oz / 28 ml)

Full size - $22   6.76 oz / 200 ml

I got this sample from a Birchbox long time ago. The thing that I love the most about it is the scent. It's lovely and natural without being overpowering. It's very gentle on my sensitive skin. The consistency is just like water. It's doesn't do much in terms of moisturizing. It will release some of the tightness after cleansing but not completely. But overall it's a lovely product and I would have purchased the full size if it was available. Apparently Melvita doesn't carry it anymore and a lot of other sites are listing it as out of stock. However, there is the Damask Rose Floral Water, which ingredients are just a bit different than the original rose water. But I would love to try it.

Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream (sample - 0.03 oz / 1 ml)

Full size - $98   0.5 oz / 15 ml

I remember when I got this sample from Sephora I was really disappointed because it's such a small sample. But after using it for the first time I was so glad that I picked it because it's such a nice eye cream. It's really rich and moisturizing without being greasy. I know a lot of people like the cooling eye gels or the ones with thinner consistencies like Origins Ginzing Eye Cream. I personally like my eye creams to be rich and almost balmy like Clinique All About Eyes Rich. I love that this Caudalie eye cream doesn't feel as greasy as the Clinique one and is perfectly fine worn under makeup.

I discovered the ridiculously high price when I was just thinking about purchasing the full size. I would definitely purchase the full size if $98 wasn't too much of a burden for me. Until then, I would just keep an eye out for the samples!

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil (travel size - $14   0.5 oz / 15 ml)

Full size - $48   1.7 oz / 50 ml

Jumbo size - $96   4 oz / 120 ml

This is one of my holy grail products that I've raved over and over again ever since I got it. It's definitely worth the hype and if you wonder why, see this post. I've been repurchasing the travel size and just recently picked up a full size. I definitely recommend getting the travel size because it's a really nice bottle that's perfect for both travelling and using at home. It's doesn't take up much space in your skincare routine and the smaller dropper is much easier to use. I've already filled this little bottle up from my full size one.

It's definitely worth the hype and the money and I will definitely keep repurchasing this!

L'Oreal Ever Curl Sulfate-Free Hydracharge Shampoo      $7.29   8.5 oz / 251 ml

I've been using the L'Oreal Sulfate-Free line nonstop for about a year and I love it. The thing about most sulfate-free shampoos is that they don't lather well and I end up running out much quicker. This line of shampoo lathers just like other normal shampoos. I've noticed that my scalp doesn't get itchy and irritated and my hair doesn't get greasy as fast. There are different kinds of shampoo in the Sulfate-Free line. I have perm in my hair and honestly I didn't notice this Ever Curl one made any difference in the curl department. I don't really mind the different "functions." To me the different kinds mean different scents.

I would recommend it to everyone and I'll forever repurchase the Sulfate-Free line!

Hall of Fame: Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Three

$13     10.14 oz / 300 ml

Ingredients: Water (Eau, Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Urea, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Thiosulfate, Bisamino PEG/PPG 41/3 Aminoethyl PG Propyl Dimethicone, Glutamine, Tyrosine (L-Tyrosine), Leucine, Cysteine HCl, Glycine, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey Root), Plantago Major, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Germ) Protein, PEG 12 Dimethicone, Sodium Borate, Sulfated Castor Oil, Magnesium Carbonate (CI 77713), Tetrasodium EDTA, Trisodium EDTA, Disodium EDTA (Copper), Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Magnesium Nitrate, Fragrance (Parfum), Limonene

Availability: drugstores, Drugstore.com

This shampoo is, as the name suggests, a clarifying shampoo. I got it because I noticed that my hair gets really weighed down after constantly using nourishing hair products such as sulfate free shampoos, rich conditioners and hair masks.

Normally a cheap drugstore shampoo with sulfate would take care of the problem as it strips everything off of your scalp. But at the same time it leaves my sensitive scalp very itchy.

Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Three does the job better without making my scalp uncomfortable, which to me is surprising because its ingredients aren't the best/ healthiest for the scalp and hair. It really gets all the gunk off to the point where my hair will feel a bit like straws, without making my scalp irritated. However, because it gets everything off of your hair, I suggest putting conditioner or hair mask on afterwards, otherwise the hair would get tangled really easily.

The packaging is marvelous. It doesn't waste any product. I didn't have to open the bottle to scrape out the last bit. When nothing's coming out when you squeeze it, there is really nothing in the bottle.

How I use it
I use it about once a week to get any product buildup off of my scalp. This is also when I use my hair mask because it will clean the hair really well so there's not much barrier between the hair and the mask. I always follow up with a conditioner or hair mask to help untangle the hair.
I mainly focus on my scalp so I don't need a lot. It lathers up and then I bring it down to my hair.

Recommendation
I highly recommend it to athletes, models, people who need to deep cleanse their scalp or hair regularly. I've read good reviews from swimmers. I would also highly recommend it to people who use a lot of nourishing hair products.
I don't have color-treated hair so I'm not sure if it would strip the dyes off. So I cannot recommend it to those who have color-treated hair. But I do have perm in my hair and it doesn't seem to ruin the perm.

I've been using this shampoo for about 10 months and have repurchased it. I definitely see myself continue using it for a really long time.

Have you tried Paul Mitchell Clarifying Shampoo Three? What's your favorite clarifying shampoo?

Today's Makeup: Subtle Neutral Look with MAC Soba

I've been in love with MAC Soba and have been using it whenever I'm doing an easy everyday makeup. It's one of those eyeshadow that looks nothing special in the pan or swatched. But it looks so nice on the eyes. It's something that you just have to try it to love it. It looks really nice on the bottom lash line, too.
I just love how minimal it looks. It gives a little bit of brightness but at the same time create some depth. Everything is so subtle and almost like "no makeup makeup."

Eyes

• Eyelids & bottom lash lines: MAC Eyeshadow in Soba
• Crease: MAC Eyeshadow in Cork
• Eyebrows: MAC Eyeshadow in Brun
• Lash curler: Shiseido Eye Lash Curler
• Mascara: Cover Girl Lash Blast 24HR
• Undereye: It Costmetics Bye Bye Undereye in Natural Medium

Face

• Kanebo Freshel BB Cream in Medium Beige
• NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard
• MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC20
• NARS Bronzer in Laguna
• NARS Blush in Lustre
• MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle

Lips

• MAC Lipstick in See Sheer

ELF Studio Flawless Finish Foundation

$6     0.8 oz/ 24 ml

Ingredients: (Active) Octyl Salicylate 2%, Titanium Dioxide 5.5%, (Inactive) Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Butylene Glycol, Talc, Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Synthetic Beeswax, Potassium Sorbate, Propylene Carbonate, Boron Nitride, Barium Sulfate, Caprylyl Glycol May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)

Shades: Porcelain, Sand, Buff, Caramel, Almond, Coco

Availability: ELF, Drugstore.com

Color
There are 6 shades, all different complexion and skin tones. Sand is much more yellow tone than Porcelain, but it's a tiny bit too dark for me so I have to mix it with Porcelain. The mixture turns a little pink because Porcelain is very pink based. One of the cons of this foundation is that it may be hard to get the exact shade with the exact tone matched to your skin. It can be slightly corrected with a yellow or pink setting powder.

Porcelain | Sand  | Buff | Caramel | Almond | Coco

Porcelain | Sand  | Buff | Caramel | Almond | Coco

Formula
I really like the consistency of this foundation. Even though it's a liquid foundation, it's a little creamier than most. It's really easy to blend and it does set to a satin finish, which I find is more natural looking than a dewy finish. The formula doesn't feel powdery and it doesn't accentuate dry patches a ton. However, there is a noticeable floral/powdery fragrance when you first put it on. But by the time I finish the rest of the makeup I don't smell it anymore. Based on EWG's rating, this foundation isn't that bad for the skin (score 3-4), but personally my skin finds it a little less gentle than my other foundation. Not that it breaks me out a lot, but I just find my skin isn't accepting it completely. It doesn't feel particularly lightweight or heavyweight. It's very average.

Coverage
It has light to medium coverage. If you keep layering it, it can possibly be built to a medium-full coverage. It's a very buildable foundation. 2 layers is enough for me when I have some minor breakout spots or hyperpigmentation.

No makeup

1 layer

2 layers

Wear
The lasting power of this foundation is not good. I get the most oily on my nose and it did not pass 3-hour mark there. However, it wears off very beautifully, even with a powder. It wears off evenly and doesn't get patchy. If you have oily skin, it would not last on you for more than 2 or 3 hours.

How I Wear It
Because of its color and the lasting power, I don't wear it for nights out or events. I wear it when I'm home and just feel like putting on some makeup, or errands days.

Overall, I think this foundation is an okay product. Would I recommend it? It depends. If you're starting out makeup and want something that works as a foundation supposed to, get this because it's cheap, it works, and even if it wears off it does so beautifully so you don't have to worry about fixing it. If you're just looking for something that looks nice on the skin but you don't really mind the staying power, it's a good one to get if the color(s) matches you. If you're looking for a long lasting foundation, don't even bother with it. The lasting power is definitely below average.

For me, I don't love this foundation but I like it. It really did surprise me a little because I didn't expect much out of it considering how cheap it is. It's something that I don't regret buying it because it works for me, but I wouldn't repurchase it because it's nothing overwhelmingly fantastic.