2016 @COSME BEST COSME AWARD (PART 4)

The last part - base makeup.

Today is the last day of 2016, and also the last part to the @cosme 2016 ranking series.

Part 4 consist of the best base makeup products, some are long time favourites, some are newer products. As always, the ranking are meant to serve as a guide - a starting point if you may - to aid you in your own exploration of the myriad of beauty products.

Without further ado.

BEST PRIMER

1ST | PAUL AND JOE BEAUTY | MOISTURIZIN FOUNDATION PRIMER S

Keeps your skin bright and moisturized, perfect for achieving the dewy skin look.

2ND | CANMAKE | LASTING MULTI BASE WP

3RD | MAQUILLAGE | DRAMATIC SKIN SENSOR BASE UV

BEST POWDER FOUNDATION

1ST | MAQUILLAGE | DRAMATIC POWDERY UV

A light weight foundation that leaves your skin looking like bare skin, only without any flaws.

2ND | LUNASOL | SKIN MODELING POWDER FOUNDATION

3RD | ESPRIQUE | BEAUTIFUL STAY PACT UV

BEST LIQUID FOUNDATION

1ST | ADDICTION | SKIN CARE FOUNDATION

Easy to use even without a primer or powder. Creates a high shine finish.

2ND | NARS | VELVET MATTE SKIN TINT SPF30 PA+++

3RD | IPSA | LIQUID FOUNDATION

BEST CUSHION FOUNDATION

1ST | LANCOME | BLANC EXPERT CUSHION COMPACT 50

Covers any signs of blemishes completely with a ultra-thin finish, still retaining the look of bare skin.

2ND | YSL BEAUTY | LE CUSHION ENCRE DE PEAU

3RD | CLINIQUE | SUPER STAY BLOCK BB CUSHION COMPACT 50

BEST CREAM FOUNDATION

1ST | RMK | CREAMY FOUNDATION N

A perfect blend of dewy, translucency, and coverage to create the perfect canvas.

2ND | ETVOS | MINERAL HIGHLIGHT CREAM

3RD | ALBION | SMART SKIN VERY RARE

BEST FINISHING POWDER

1ST | COSME DECORTE | AQ MW FACE POWDER

The soft and ultra fine powder adds the perfect finishing touch to your makeup.

2ND | CANMAKE | MARSHMALLOW FINISH POWDER

3RD | CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE | LUMINIZING FACE ENHANCER

BEST CONCEALER

1ST | NARS | RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER

Moisturizing formula that can stay crease free and tidy.

2ND | SUHADA KINENBI | FAKE NUDE CONCEALER

3RD | CHANEL | LE BLANC LIGHT CREATOR WHITENING CONCEALER

BEST BB CREAM

1ST | DIOR | DIORSKIN NUDE BB

Freshens up your skin with a delicate luster that only adds to what you already have.

2ND | ESPRIQUE | ECLAT LIQUID BB UV

3RD | TWANY | LIPID WEAR BB

BEST CC CREAM

1ST | SK II | AURA ACTIVATOR CC CREAM

Adjusts skin texture and brightens and evens out the skin tone that approaches smooth flawless looking skin.

2ND | SEKKISEI | WHITE CC CREAM

3RD | JILL STUART | AIRY TINT WATERY CC CREAM

To see more of the rankings (there are more!!!), visit their global website here.

Ending note:
Thank you for visiting my little blog, reading what I have to share. 

It's not been an easy year for me, but I believe it's equally difficult for everyone else. I hope everyone remembers to stay strong because life isn't a bed of roses! There are happy moments, and unhappy ones. Yet we need the unhappy moments just as much as the happy ones, because it's the darkness that brings out the brightness of light.

I'm just hoping that in 2017, I can be healthy enough to get back to sharing personal reviews of products, instead of merely sharing information that's already out there. I can't wait to have healthy skin again so I can be my own guinea pig, sharing honest opinions and thoughts, information and knowledge. Because that's the kind of value I want to offer you.

It's silly to wish for an easy time, because it just won't happen. Moreover, an easy time benefits no one. Instead, I wish for everyone to be able to face challenges with the right mindset - that difficult times are merely gym sessions for your mind to make it stronger. With a stronger mind, no challenge will faze you. With the right mindset, you can take anything in your stride. And that makes you impervious to any storms ahead.

xoxo
Karman.

2016 @COSME BEST COSME AWARD (PART 3)

All the eye, cheek, and lip products!

After posting about the hall of fame, and best skin care products, I accidentally skipped foundation products and went head on into the land of colour makeup - namely eyes, cheek and lip makeup.

You won't mind the slip up, do you? Ah I hear you! Thanks for understanding :D Part 3 will be about point makeup products then! The next part will be about foundation stuff!

EYE MAKEUP

BEST EYE SHADOW

1ST | ADDICTION | THE EYE SHADOW

Carefully curated colours are vibrant and shimmery, can be used on its own, or to create gradations.

2ND | EXCEL | SKINNY RICH SHADOW

3RD | ESPRIQUE | SELECT EYE COLOR

BEST EYE LINER

1ST | HEROINE MAKE | SMOOTH LIQUID EYE LINER SUPER KEEP

Comes off easily with warm water, but is strongly resistant to sweat and water! Even beginners can get good lines with its super fine tip!

2ND | D-UP | SILKY LIQUID EYE LINER WP

3RD | KATE | DOUBLE LINE FAKER

BEST EYEBROW PRODUCT

1ST | IPSA | EYEBROW CREATIVE PALETTE

The powder quintet allows you to shape, contour, and even colour your eyebrows to your hearts' content!

2ND | KATE | EYEBROW COLOR N

3RD | ETTUSAIS | CHIFFON EYEBROW

BEST MASCARA

1ST | MAJOLICA MAJORCA | LASH EXPANDER EDGE MEISTER

Special one-by-one lenghtening effect makes your lashes look long, luxurious, and fluttery.

2ND | HELENA RUBENSTEIN | LASH QUEEN COBRA BLACK WP

3RD | DIOR | MASCARA DIORSHOW DESIGNER

BEST LASH BASE/TOP COAT

1ST | KATE | LASH MAXIMISER

A popular choice, it comes in two types (black or white).

2ND | ETTUSAIS | LASH VERSION UP

3RD | DIOR | DIORSHOW MAXIMISER 3D

LIPS, CHEEK, NAIL

BEST LIPSTICK

1ST | YSL BEAUTY | ROUGE VOLUPTE SHINE

Highly pigmented, it is also infused with hydrating ingredients and imparts a sheer glossiness that make your pout look ultra plump.

2ND | COSME DECORTE | AQ MW ROUGE GLOW

3RD | MAQUILLAGE | DRAMATIC ROUGE

BEST LIPGLOSS

1ST | RMK | LIP JELLY GLOSS

A thick gel with sheer colours, it visibly plumps your lips.

2ND | DIOR | DIOR ADDICT GLOSS

3RD | YSL BEAUTY | VOLUPTE TINT IN OIL

BEST BLUSHER

1ST | MAC | MINERALIZE SKIN FINISH

A sheer glow that exudes glamour, it adds dimension to faces.

2ND | NARS | BLUSH

3RD | CHANEL | JOUES CONTRASTE

BEST NAIL POLISH

1ST | ADDICTION | NAIL POLISH

Smooth, glossy, and vivid colours, but that's not all! It applies evenly, which makes a world of a difference!

2ND | NAILHOLIC | NAILHOLIC

3RD | INTEGRATE | NAIL COLOR

If you'd like to look at the rest of the rankings (there are so many!), you can visit their global site. It's in english!

2016 @COSME BEST COSME AWARD (PART 2)

Skin care and other stuff..

After last week's entry on the Grand Prize, Hall of Fame, and Best New Buy, we now enter the individual categories, starting off with Basic Skin Care, and Special Skin care.

The brief comment about the 1st place product is translated from the official @cosme website, but I might have added some salt and pepper to tie up loose ends because my non existent Japanese knowledge is shit.

BASIC SKIN CARE

BEST MAKEUP REMOVER

1ST | ATTENIR | SKIN CLEAR CLEANSE OIL AROMA TYPE

The solution to change dull skin to clear skin.

2ND | BIFESTA | EYE MAKEUP REMOVER

3RD | SHU UEMURA | ULTIME8 SUBLIME BEAUTY CLEANSING OIL

BEST FACE WASH

1ST | COW BRAND MUTENKA FACE CARE SERIES | COW BRAND MUTENKA MOISTURIZING FACE WASH

Lathers up into a thick cushion-like foam that cleans your face and leave it moisturized at the same time. (Note: Mutenka means the product is formulated without unnecessary ingredients that might irritate skin. But it's kinda like how food like to say they are gluten-free/fat-free/sugar-free for marketing purpose.)

2ND | D PROGRAM | CONDITIONING WASH

3RD | BIFESTA | FOAMING WHIP (BRIGHT UP)

BEST TONER

1ST | SK II | FACIAL TREATMENT ESSENCE

A toner functioning like an essence, it hydrates and supports the skin to improve its integrity.

2ND | MUJI | LIGHT TONING WATER (HIGH MOISTURE TYPE)

3RD | COSME DECORTE | LIPOSOME TREATMENT LIQUID

BEST SERUM/ESSENCE

1ST | ALBION | ECLAFUTUR

Attracts and locks in moisture, keeping your skin plump and refined.

2ND | NATURIE | SKIN CONDITIONING GEL (JOB'S TEARS MOISTURIZING GEL)

3RD | IPSA | THE TIME R DAY ESSENCE STICK

BEST LOTION

1ST | MINON | AMINO MOIST MOISTURE MILK

Deeply moisturizes skin with its smooth and gentle formula.

2ND | EXAGE | EXAGE WHITE PURE WHITE MILK II

3RD | EXAGE | ACTIVATION MOISTURE MILK III

BEST CREAM

1ST | NIVEA | NIVEA SOFT SKIN CARE CREAM

Long lasting moisture and smoothness. Can be used on the entire body (and face)!

2ND | ELIXIR | ELIXIR SUPERIEUR ENRICHED CREAM CB

3RD | ELIXIR | ELIXIR SUPERIEUR SLEEPING GEL PACK W

BEST SUNSCREEN

1ST | BIORE | AQUA RICH WATERY ESSENCE SPF 50+ PA ++++

One of the highest SPF protection, it's surprisingly refreshing and light weight!

2ND | ANESSA | PERFECT UV AQUA BOOSTER SPF 50+ PA ++++

3RD | COSME DECORTE | SUN SHELTER AG SPF 50+ PA ++++

SPECIAL SKIN CARE

BEST LIP CARE

1ST | DIOR | DIOR ADDICT LIP GLOW

Brings out your original lip colour by enhancing it with a little more vibrancy, while nourishing your lips.

2ND | NIVEA | NIVEA CREME CARE LIP BALM (HONEY FLAVOUR)

3RD | NIVEA | NIVEA CREME CARE LIP BALM (UNSCENTED)

BEST OIL

1ST | KNEIPP

An oil that can be use for the face and body, it smoothens your skin in one single step.

2ND | SUN WHITE | SUN WHITE P-1

3RD | TRILOGY | ROSEHIP OIL

BEST EYE CARE

1ST | BA | THE EYE CREAM

Brightens your eyes with its special anti aging formula.

2ND | ATTENIR | EYE EXTRA SERUM

3RD | ASTALIFT | EYE CREAM

BEST SHEET MASK

1ST | MINON | AMINO MOIST MOIST SKIN MASK

Beautifying serum penetrates deep into the skin.

2ND | SABOLINO | MEZAMA SHEET

3RD | SK II | FACIAL TREATMENT MASK

BEST EXFOLIATOR

1ST | LUSH | MASK OF MAGNANIMITY

A natural scrub and clay combo that leave your skin squeaky clean.

2ND | ROSETTE | ROSETTE GOMMAGE PEELING GEL

3RD | HOLLYWOOD | ORCHID PICKUP MASK A

BEST EYELASH SERUM

1ST | SHISEIDO PROFESSIONAL | ADENOVITAL EYELASH SERUM

Repairs damaged lashes, revitalizing its length and volume.

2ND | COSME DECORTE | AQ MW LASH REVOLUTION

3RD | DHC | EXTRA BEAUTY EYE LASH TONIC

BEST SKIN CARE POWDER

1ST | MAQUILLAGE | SNOW BEAUTY III

This dual functioning powder whitens your skin at night, but can be used during day time as well.

2ND | PIGEON | MEDICATED BABY POWDER

3RD | SHISEIDO | WHITE LUCENT BRIGHTENING SKIN CARE POWDER N

BEST MASSAGING PRODUCTS

1ST | LUSH | FULL OF GRACE

When heated to body temperature, the luxuriously moisturizing bar melts a little and glides over your skin to hydrates it.

2ND | EST | ACTIVATE CIRCULATOR

3RD | COSME DECORTE | CELLGENIE LIPID OIL MASK

2016 @COSME BEST COSME AWARD (PART 1)

Here we go again~

It's the time of the year again! @cosme has recently released the winners of the Best Cosmetics Award of 2016.

It just seems as though the categories breed new ones after every year. In part 1, I'm sharing the Grand Prize category, Hall of Fame category, and the Best New Buy category.

Case in point, for a product to be eligible in the Best New Buy category, it must be released between May 2016 and end October 2016.

GRAND PRIZE

1ST: ADDICTION | THE EYESHADOW

With more than 90 shades to choose from, you can exercise your creativity. With its strong pigment and long wearing formula, you'll fall in love with it.

2ND: YSL | ROUGE VOLUPE SHINE

3RD: COSME DECORTE | AQ MW FACE POWDER

HALL OF FAME

FANCL | MILD CLEANSING OIL

No more rubbing required! It removes your make up while leaving your skin moisturized.

Past winner (1st place) of the 2014 and 2015 Best Cleanser category.

CUREL | INTENSIVE MOISTURE CREAM

Deeply moisturizing but not sticky!

Past winner (1st place) of the 2015 and 2015 Best Cream category.

HABA | SQUALANE

With a impressive following for the past 3 decades, this oil is a perfect match for your skin as it absorbs very quickly.

Past winner (1st place) of the 2012 Oil/Balm category, and 2015 Best Oil category.

EXCEL | POWDER AND PENCIL EYEBROW EX

Anyone can get their brows on fleek (fuller, beautiful, and perfect) brows with this 3 in 1 pencil.

LANCOME | VIRTUOSE DOLL EYE

Delicate and natural looking lashes that maintains its length and curl.

Past winner (1st place) of the 2012 an 2013 Best Mascara category.

DAISO | SILICON MOISTURIZING FACE MASK

Something you won't regret buying, not only does it work, but also because it only cost a dollar after all!

MTG | REFA CARAT

Relax and tone your body (and face) with this deep massage.

Past winner (1st place) of the Best Beauty Appliance category.

LAURIER | SHIAWASE SUHADA F

Better absorbance and gentle on your skin, it can take away the discomfort during your shark week!

Past winner (1st place) of the 2014 Best Sanitary Napkin category, and 2015 Best Sanitary Product category.

BEST NEW BUY

MAKE UP

MAQUILLAGE | ESSENCE GEL ROUGE

How to get a pillowy pout? With this lip gel that is infused with moisturizing ingredients and essence of course!

BASE MAKEUP/FOUNDATION

ALBION | SMART SKIN VERY RARE

With a souffle texture, this foundation gives you a natural and airy finish.

SKIN CARE

NIVEA | RICH CARE AND COLOR LIP

Moisturizes your lips with a translucent pop of colour and a sheer gloss.

HAIR CARE

LOREAL PARIS | EXTRADORDINARY OIL LA CREME LAVANTE CLEANSING CREAM (MOISTURIZING)

A one step cleansing and conditioning product that leaves your hair and scalp clean and conditioned.

BODY CARE

ATRIX | HAND MILK

Apply to your wet hands and wash it off, it'll leave your hands supple and soft.

FRAGRANCE

DIOR | MISS DIOR ABSOLUTELY BLOOMING

A blend of bright and fresh floral scents.

SOFLAN | QUEEN'S SILK BRILLIANT ROSE AROMA SOFTENER

This turns your clothes and fabrics into a rose scented silky veil.

If you're impatient and wants to look at the entire list of rankings, you can visit their global site for the ranking here!

ETUDE HOUSE 2016 HOLIDAY COLLECTION: MY LITTLE NUT

Try not to laugh at the series name.

Christmas time is almost around the corner, and some of the brands out there already have plans for your money. They have pushed out a variety of gift sets that are pretty good value in my opinion!

The rest of the collection is beautiful, just take a look!



The Etude House online store is currently (as of day this entry goes live) having a promotion, and some of the items are already out of stock, so I'll not leave individual links to the products. Just trying to protect you from a heart break, you know what I mean? ;)

MY LITTLE NUT PLAY 101 PENCIL | 6000 WON

Two new colours for the holidays - 85 is a wine brown black with pink pearl, while 86 is a silver and black with teal pearl.

click to enlarge!

MY LITTLE NUT PLAY 101 BLENDING PENCIL | 7500 WON

Basically an eyeshadow stick (but you can use it for some highlighting/bronzing if you want to).

All three shades are shimmery (the 'JEWEL' denotes its finish).

click to enlarge!

MY LITTLE NUT FANTASTIC COLORS EYES | 14000 WON

Eyeshadow palette consisting for 6 eyeshadow shades, each colour is 0.7g.

click to enlarge!

The colour variation is pink toned (LUCKY RED LITTLE NUT), and blue toned (WISH BLUE LITTLE NUT).

click to enlarge!

I've seen reviews where bloggers praised their pink skull eyeshadow palette for the better quality eyeshadows, which is different from their usual single eyeshadows. I don't know if these take after the pink skull formula, or the usual. From the swatches they look alright - looks sheer but even.

Most of the time I find the eyeshadow look better in the palette than on actual skin. The selection of colours is beautiful! That I think everyone can agree on!

MY LITTLE NUT KISSFUL LIP CARE SET OF 3 | 12000 WON

A set of 3 3.5g lip balm for moisturized and soft lips.

I think they're fruit flavoured, looking at their names.

MY LITTLE NUT COLORFUL SCENT PERFUME HOLIDAY SET | 23000 WON

This holiday set contains one 50ml perfume, and a 25ml hand cream.

The notes of the perfume are as follows:

TOP: sugary peach and bergamot

MIDDLE: muguet, rose, jasmin

BASE: white musk, rich amber

MY LITTLE NUT COLORFUL SCENT PERFUME HAND CREAM SET OF 3 | 15000 WON

A set of 3 50ml hand creams, in three scents.

MY LITTLE NUT COLORFUL SCENT PERFUME ROLL ON SET OF 3 | 14500 WON

A set of 3 7ml roll on perfume, each having a different scent.

MY LITTLE NUT ANY CUSHION CREAM FILTER | 18000 WON

The new formula is designed to give you a glowy complexion while hydrating your skin. Coverage is buildable for a full coverage effect.

Comes in three shades.

MY LITTLE NUT MY BEAUTIFUL SLIM AIR PUFF | 4000 WON

Replacement air puff for your cushion compact.

MY LITTLE NUT LUCKY CHEEK BEAM | 7000 WON

A liquid illuminator with a pearly finish meant to be used on the high points of the face to highlight it.

click to enlarge!

Comes in two shades, CASHEW NUT BEIGE is lighter in shade and will work better as a highlighter for people with fair skin, while COCONUT CORAL is more bronzy, making it an awesome bronzer for fair skin, or a highlighter for darker skin tones.

MY LITTLE NUT LASH PERM CURL FIX MASCARA LONG LASH | 12000 WON

A lengthening mascara that holds your curl all day long.

click to enlarge!

MY LITTLE NUT LASH PERM CURL FIX MASCARA VOLUME | 12000 WON

A voluminizing mascara with a special wand that can fit both the upper and lower lashes with ease.

click to enlarge!

The smaller comb will coat your lower lashes evenly without fear of dirtying your lids like bigger mascara wands usually do. Also promises long lasting curled lashes.

MY LITTLE NUT DEAR MY ENAMEL LIPSTICK | 10500 WON

For moisturized lips with a healthy sheen, this lipstick is packed with a translucent yet intense colour that will satisfy your need for the perfect lipstick.

click to enlarge!

PK009 is a pearl top coat that works best when paired with other lip colours. It seems to have the best effect when applied to darker lips (as seen from the swatches), giving it a metallic look. But my first thought is: wouldn't the lipstick rub off what's already on the lips when applying the top coat?

ENDING THOUGHTS:
Now, I'm not usually a fan of pearly lipsticks, but the pearly top coat did catch my eye after I saw it being paired with the darker shade BE103. 

What can I say, I have some Niffler (a Fantastic Beast reference) within me, being attracted to shiny things :P The shimmer of the pearl is amplified when contrasted against a darker shade.

Other than that, the liquid highlight interested me as well, seeing how it gave a highlighted the model's cheeks. It's also interesting to see them creating a slightly deeper shade for bronzing purpose, since bronzing isn't really a trend in the Korea beauty scene.

And yea, I wanna say it again - the eyeshadow colours look great in the palette, but not so much on the skin. The harmony between the different shades, especially the cool toned greyish blue, is awesome. I mean, I'd probably frame it up as art just to admire the colours, just not on my skin.

Lastly, if you didn't think "my little nut" is funny, good on you. Please preserve your innocence in this world fill with a plethora of dirty innuendoes. The world needs people like you!