Over Labor Day weekend, my best friend came to visit me in the Bay Area, where I am currently traveling for work. We spent quite a lot of time playing with my makeup, and she fell in love with this lip crayon from Mally Beauty that I received a few months back.
Read MoreOld vs. New: Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation
You may know that Koh Gen Do's Aqua Foundation is one of my favorite products ever, and I've finally managed to stop by a counter and pick up a sample of their new formula to try out.
Their new formula has perhaps one or two new shades for those in the light to medium skin tone ranges. I thought that they had released a darker variation, but it appears that shade 143, the sample I have, is the darkest shade. (I'd say I am pretty square in the "Medium" category right now after a bit of sun, perhaps somewhere between NC35-40.)
Koh Gen Do foundations have been my absolute favorites since I discovered them, so I have been wondering for the last year how the new formula compares. Those of you who are fans of the old formula, don't despair. I'm hard pressed to find any differences between the two.
Like the original, the Aqua Foundation formula is best applied in a patting motion for maximum coverage. Both the Aqua and Moisture Foundations are very long wearing on my normal to dry skin, and perfectly natural in finish. I've mentioned it before, but whenever I wear Koh Gen Do Foundations, I always notice how nice my skin looks... until I remember that I am indeed wearing makeup!
I have the shade OC-2 in the original formula, and while I thought that the new shade 123 would work for me, it actually doesn't at this point in the summer. (I have the Moisture Foundation in 123 however, so I'm curious how the shades in the two formulas compare.) The sample I have is of 143 in the new formula, and I believe it is just a smidge more yellow and very slightly darker than my OC-2.
Take a look at my video, where you can see both formulas in action. If I had to choose, I would probably pick the old formula over the new, though I don't think I'll be needing to buy any foundations anytime soon!
*Affiliate Links
Koh Gen Do is available through their own website as well as Barneys, Sephora, Beauty.com, and now Nordstrom!
What do you think of Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation? Have you tried either formula? I'd love to know!
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Bite Cashmere Lip Cream in Sancerre
Last year, I remember falling for Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream in Sancerre shortly after it came out. The color was to die for, but I held off and eventually decided I didn't really need to buy another bright lip product I wouldn't wear very often...
A few months back though, I definitely changed my mind. After having success with their Agave Lip Mask and loving my custom lipstick, I decided I just had to get Sancerre.
The Sephora site describes Sancerre as a pinky red, and I think it is my perfect pinky red shade! Like the other Bite products I've tried, the formula is quite brilliant. It is light, but long wearing, slightly hydrating and scent free - all qualities I LOVE in my lip products.
I have to note that EVERY time I have worn this, I get tons of compliments on the color. The color lasts on me for at least 4-5 hours even with light snacking and drinking water. It can even make it through meals decently, though I typically wipe off as much as I can prior to eating out of habit. I do have to mention that it took me 10 swipes with makeup remover to remove that swatch off my arm...
When my friend Gummy posted her review of Sancerre and another shade from the range, she mentioned that the applicator was really a deal breaker for her. I do have to agree that the applicator makes it difficult to apply with a clean edge, but I'm not terribly opposed to using a lip brush or cleaning it up afterwards.
For those of you who can't deal with the applicator, I recommend taking a look at the shade Quince in their Luminous Creme Lipstick or High Pigment Pencil. Based on swatching, the two shades are very similar!
I love the concept of Bite Beauty - ingredients that you can eat - and can't wait to try more of the brand. What do you think of Bite Sancerre? Have you tried this or any other product from Bite? I'd love to know!
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Marcelle BB Cream
A few years ago during a trip to Toronto, I decided I absolutely needed to buy Marcelle BB Cream. Unfortunately, all the stores I managed to stop in we're sold out of my shade, and I never wanted to pay higher shipping to have it shipped to the US.
Last year, I discovered that Birchbox started carrying a selection of Marcelle products, and I jumped to purchase this from them. Sadly, I never really used it until this past spring.
I selected the shade Medium-Dark, though there are a few more shade varieties and types of BB cream now.
Long story short, l quite like it! This would definitely be my pick for a midrange price base product. I've done a video showing how it applies, and my skin was acting up after a few nights of not washing my face (oops). Hopefully the video is helpful!
Have you tried Marcelle BB Cream? What are your favorite affordable bases?