REVIEW: SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence

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Hello everyone!

Age is just a number, or is it? While it is easy to work out someone’s chronological age from their birth year, it does not necessarily reflect the true biological age of their skin. Hence, some people tend to look older than they are and vice versa. It’s no secret to anyone that the key to having youthful and radiant skin is to eat well and lead a healthy lifestyle. But very often, we would also need the help of anti-aging products to give our skin that extra boost to stay young.

Call me paranoid but as I inch closer to my 30th birthday, I’m beginning to pay very close attention to the every single detail of my body. Lately, I have noticed the loss of elasticity in my skin. Although not very visible from a distance, I could feel the weight of my cheeks when my face is at rest. To top it off, I would also see the outer corner of my eyes crinkling into little crow’s feet as I practise my smile in the mirror. As a result, I had tried not to smile too excessively lest more wrinkles developed (perhaps that’s why Victoria Beckham doesn’t smile?). Furthermore, to make the matter worse, I was called “auntie” (a term of respect for any older women in Singapore, but can be a derogatory one for those not that old) on several occasions by young kids 😥 I’m barely 25 goddammit!

So instead of letting nature take its course and allowing age to ravage my youthful looks, I decided I had to do something before it gets costlier to reverse the damage (with botox and whatnot). And honestly, when it comes to combating and repairing aging skin, no brand does it better than SK-II.

Introducing the all-new SK-II R.N.A. Power line!

Introducing the all-new SK-II R.N.A. Power line!

Evolving from stempower technology to the latest innovation in anti-aging technology, SK-II ushers in a new generation of anti-aging skincare with the Pitera x R.N.A. (Radical New Age) Power boutique. It targets the multi-controller of firmness to achieve lengthwise-crosswise firmness by rejuvenating skin cells and promoting structural protein synthesis in every cell, all layers of the skin.

This new lineup sees the reformulation of the brand’s best-selling moisturiser (which will be covered on the next post) and essence (toner) to better cater to the beauty needs of consumers.

SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence (50g, S$149)

SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence (50g, S$149)

SK-II R.N.A. POWER Radical New Age Essence

SK-II R.N.A. POWER Radical New Age Essence

SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence

SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence

SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence

SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence

SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence

SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence

For weeks I had been experiencing enlarged pores on my nose and cheeks due to hormonal changes partially caused by my menstruation. These large pores caused a lot of inconvenience to my makeup regimen because the bumpy surface made it much more difficult for foundation to be applied evenly. The problem persisted for a while even after my period had ended and it would usually take days for my face to recover.

Read more: Tighten Pores with the Right Tips and Products!

But after using the R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence for the first time, I instantly felt my skin almost reverting back to its original state. The change may not be obvious to the naked eye but you can definitely feel the difference! Apart from the reduction of the pore visibility, my skin had also become smoother after application, allowing makeup to be applied with greater ease. I noticed my hyperpigmentation had somehow lightened a bit as well.

SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence

SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence

Using the provided dropper dispenser, release 2 full droppers of the essence into the palm and smooth over the entire face after cleansing. However, I like to dot my face with the essence and then smear it with my fingers out of habit but it is definitely advisable to use your palms instead so that more product would be absorbed into more parts of the face at the same time. You can also add extra drops onto specific areas of concern, such as on the outer corners of each eye or laugh lines. Otherwise, 2 drops should be more than enough for the whole face.

The essence has a rather milky and lightweight texture with a semi-thick consistency. It has a mellow scent of plant fragrance (can’t quite figure out what but it really smells awesome and calming) and it absorbs into the skin quickly without leaving a sticky residue behind. You know how some cream comes off like sweat or dirt-like playdough when you rub against your skin? Well, this certainly does not! This essence gives my skin a soft healthy-looking glow (even at the T-zone) rather than an awful greasy shine. Therefore, I was truly impressed with the results! 🙂

Essence spreads evenly across the skin, leaving no unsightly residue. Picture depicts first-time use

#NOFILTER: Essence spreads evenly across the skin, leaving no unsightly residue. Picture depicts first-time use

Application

Application

In order to experience the full effect of the product, I had tried it for at least a week (alongside the R.N.A. Power cream) before penning down this review. By the end of the trial, my face felt a lot firmer and looked – dare I say – flawless with a bouncy resilience. It actually regained my confidence in heading to school without makeup (which is a big deal considering how I had never gone to school with a bare face since my first year, even if it was only for a 1-hour lecture). This product is definitely a worthwhile investment despite the cost.

Skin isn't as rough as before after very first application

Skin isn’t as rough as before after very first application

What say you, ladies? Is this something you would lay your hands on? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Read more: Learn how you can better utilize your SK-II products in this Japanese skincare routine.

Thanks for reading!

The SK-II R.N.A. Power Radical New Age Essence is now available nationwide at SK-II counters at S$156 (30ml), S$224 (50ml) and S$308 (75ml). You can read more about this product here.

REVIEW: Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipsticks – Dirty Money, Masochist, Dominatrix

Hello everyone!

With so many up-and-coming new makeup brands emerging in the beauty industry, it can be hard to keep up but on the bright side (*cough*in denial*cough*), it allows me to explore more options which may be less damaging to my bank account as compared to the likes of MAC. ColourPop, for instance, is one makeup brand that is gradually gaining a foothold in my makeup stash with their dirt cheap liquid lipsticks. Also joining the ranks of beauty brands on my radar is Jeffree Star Cosmetics, a relatively new brand that is only turning a year old in three days’ time!

jeffreestar

Founded by Jeffree Star, an American singer-songwriter, make-up artist, fashion designer and model from Orange County, his eponymous cosmetics line carries merely lip products (no regular lipsticks, strangely) and is widely known for his flamboyant and unorthodox liquid lipstick shades (100% vegan and cruelty-free too!). When I first learnt about his existence, I hadn’t really caught up in the liquid lipstick craze yet. But the more I looked at those perfectly filled lips on his Instagram account, the more I felt compiled to lay my hands on his products! However, the prices aren’t exactly affordable for an indie brand like Jeffree Star so I had to shelve that idea. Then, one day he decided to sell 3 of his newest shades at a bundle price of US$48 (savings of US$6, no longer available)! Ok lah, not a huge discount but at least it’s enough to cover the shipping fee of US$5.95!

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipsticks

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipsticks

Most lipsticks are limited to 2 per customer since it’s a new set-up (and this also makes me wonder how ColourPop, also a new brand in the market, is able to meet the high demands for their products?). Shipping speed was average and comparable to that of ColourPop. My order was received by my forwarder after 7 days it was shipped out although I had gotten the delivery confirmation on the same day I made my purchase.

(from left) Dirty Money, Dominatrix & Masochist

(from left) Dirty Money, Dominatrix & Masochist

Size

Size

But Jeffree Star definitely does better in terms of packaging. The thick glass-like plastic container that holds the liquid lipstick certainly feels a lot sturdier, more expensive and luxurious. I don’t really like the tiny gap between the cap and the lower part of the tube, though, because it always makes me think that the cap is not securely tightened.

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipsticks (swatches)

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipsticks (swatches)

And clearly, these liquid lipsticks dry down a lot faster than ColourPop! That alone already deserves a bonus point in their scorecards. But do the products live up to expectations? Let’s find out!

#1 Dirty Money

Dirty Money is a dusty green with matte finish (US$18)

Dirty Money is a dusty green with matte finish (US$18)

Dirty Money

Dirty Money

Dirty Money

Dirty Money

Dirty Money

Dirty Money

Dirty Money

Dirty Money (ok, I’m a little trypophobic so this picture kinda grosses me out. Sorry if you feel likewise)

Dirty Money

Dirty Money

Dirty Money

Dirty Money

Dirty Money

Dirty Money

The highlight (newly released at that point in time) of the trio, Dirty Money is a funky shade of green inspired by the colour of American banknotes that would go well with all skin tones (if you’re daring enough to wear it). It goes on the lips opaque and smoothly and wears very evenly.

I did not exfoliate my lips before application (don’t have the habit, but of course you’re encourage to do so) so there were very obvious flakes of dead skin on the bottom lip. Interestingly, Dirty Money accentuates the fine lines on my upper lip more than the lower when it’s usually the opposite. It is slightly drying (just a teeny weeny bit) but felt like it could last for hours. I don’t think I’m gutsy enough to parade in public with this unusual shade (my boyfriend would kill me if I do) but it’s a unique colour to own as a memento. This is the only greenish lipstick I have so no swatch comparison is available for this.

Dirty Money is currently sold out on site but will return at the end of February 2016.

#2 Masochist

Masochist is a dark pink with matte finish (US$18)

Masochist is a dark pink with matte finish (US$18)

Masochist

Masochist

Masochist

Masochist

Masochist

Masochist

Masochist

Masochist

Masochist

Masochist

Masochist

Masochist

Masochist

Masochist

Another sellout from this trio (and probably not going to get a restock anytime soon), Masochist is more accurately described as a cool-toned berry, somewhat like a liquid lipstick version of MAC’s Heaux. Perfect for fall, this bold shade instantly brightens up my face but took a little longer to set on the lips. It has an ultra-matte finish with uh-mazing colour coverage that went on my lips smoothly without a fuss. It didn’t emphasise my lip lines and the applicator was very easy to maneuver around the outline of the lips. The lipstick is neither drying nor hydrating.

Swatch comparison against other similar liquid lipstick shades

Swatch comparison against other similar liquid lipstick shades. Masochist looks wetter because it was applied last!

Masochist is a lot brighter and more opaque than the other pink shades I own.

#3 Dominatrix

Dominatrix is a chocolate brown with matte finish (US$18)

Dominatrix is a chocolate brown with matte finish (US$18)

Dominatrix

Dominatrix

Dominatrix

Dominatrix

Dominatrix

Dominatrix

Dominatrix

Dominatrix

Dominatrix

Dominatrix

Dominatrix

Dominatrix

Dominatrix

Dominatrix

Dominatrix is intensely pigmented, but tends to “crack” when it dries down completely. You can clearly see those fine lip lines in the picture of me not smiling. Extremely matte in texture, it has a thick and heavy (like chocolate, really) consistency that will make your lips more defined with a single stroke. In fact, it’s so much so that the product appeared in clumps when I lifted the applicator off the tube, thus making it more difficult for me to apply on the lips. I had to be really careful in the application lest my lips look like a monkey’s butt (a very sexy one, that is).

Swatch comparison against similar liquid lipstick shades

Swatch comparison against similar liquid lipstick shades

Dominatrix is darker than ColourPop’s Limbo and also a lot more opaque and even.

In conclusion, my first purchase from Jeffree Star was a very gratifying one. You’re literally paying for the quality – their liquid lipstick formula is way more superior than that of ColourPop (I know it’s unfair to compare the two since the price difference is so great, but it’s the only other liquid lipstick brand I own) because it has gives colour payoff and opacity. When Jeffree Star says “matte”, he really means it!

What are your thoughts about the finish? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading! (And yes there’s another batch of Jeffree Stars comin’ to me soon, so do subscribe or follow my Instagram for more first-hand updates! 😉 )

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick is available at jeffreestarcosmetics.com and BEAUTYLISH for US$18 each. international shipping is free for orders above US$100 and US$35 on jeffreecosmestics.com and beautylish respectively.

REVIEW: ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip Liquid Lipsticks – Instigator, Chilly Chili, First Class, Bad Habit & More Better

Hello everyone!

The brand that more or less amplified the fad of liquid lipsticks with their pocket-friendly prices has got me reached into my wallet once again with 5 new strikingly beautiful shades!

Economically priced at US$6 each, these limited-edition Ultra Matte Lip shades which were released in early October mirror the warm, rich and aesthetically-attractive colours of fall and hence automatically making them a crowd pleaser. In fact, they were so sought after that the sudden spike in traffic had caused the ColourPop website to crash for several hours on launch day! Luckily for me, it was up and running again with not a single shade sold out when I awoke from my slumber (because ColourPop launches always coincide with my bedtime pfft).

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip (October 2015)

ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip (October 2015)

From left: Bad Habit, Chilly Chili, Instigator, More Better & First Class

From left: Bad Habit, Chilly Chili, Instigator, More Better & First Class

Swatches (from left): Instigator, Chilly Chili, First Class, Bad Habit, More Better

Swatches (from left): Instigator, Chilly Chili, First Class, Bad Habit, More Better

First Class wasn’t on my shopping list but I carted it out eventually to qualify for free shipping. Sales tactics like this are meant to entice shoppers to spend more and I unwittingly fell for it *sigh* But thankfully, I managed to save US$5 (that’s S$7 okay, equivalent to a plate of Ayam Penyet and a can of jasmine green tea from the coffee shop below my block) with a discount code which I didn’t expect would still work!

I know you guys are very eager to see more swatches so I shall cut the crap. Without further ado, let’s now find out how these five newcomers fare in the quality department!

#1 Instigator

Instigator is a mid-tone peachy nude with matte finish (US$6)

Instigator is a mid-tone peachy nude with matte finish (US$6)

Instigator

Instigator

Instigator

Instigator

Instigator

Instigator

Instigator

Instigator

Instigator

Instigator

Instigator

Instigator

A very cheery salmon pink, Instigator is extremely flattering on light to medium skin tone. It gives your lips a fuller and plumper look with its even and velvety coverage. It dries down rather quickly (in under a minute) and it does not emphasise the lip lines as long as you don’t stretch the corners of your lips laterally to the sides. If you’re looking for an affordable MLBB liquid lipstick, this would be right up your alley! Unfortunately, Instigator is already sold out on site and I doubt there will be another restock for it.

Swatch comparison with other ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip shades

Swatch comparison with other ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip shades

Bumble and Instigator would make a gorgeous ombre together!

#2 Chilly Chili

Chilly Chili is a muted plummy brown with matte finish (US$6)

Chilly Chili is a muted plummy brown with matte finish (US$6)

Chilly Chili

Chilly Chili

Chilly Chili

Chilly Chili

Chilly Chili

Chilly Chili

Chilly Chili

Chilly Chili

Chilly Chili

Chilly Chili

Chilly Chili

Chilly Chili

The best performer among the all the shades here, Chilly Chili doubles as a lipstick and a lip liner because it actually lines the lips – especially at the cupid’s bow -perfectly! The lips crumple minimally with this (only at the sides) and it is also one of the rare Ultra Matte Lip shades that doesn’t deviate much from its intended colour. If there’s anything I have to nitpick on, it would be the time it took to to fully dry down. Even so, it didn’t pose much problem while it was still damp. ColourPop might have hit the bull’s eye with this formula if it varies from the rest.

Swatch comparison with other ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip shades

Swatch comparison with other ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip shades

I had thought it would be very similar to Limbo as both looked equally dark to me but Chilly Chili turned out to be a lot lighter.

#3 First Class

First Class is a vivid orange red with matte finish (US$6)

First Class is a vivid orange red with matte finish (US$6)

First Class

First Class

First Class

First Class

First Class

First Class

First Class

First Class

First Class

First Class

First Class

First Class

I should have gone with my initial selection and forgone this shade because the finish is just… appalling. Not only did First Class fail at providing an evenly opaque coverage with one swipe, it also left a clumpy and grainy texture. It was terribly drying, like you could literally feel the moisture of your lips getting guzzled by that vile lipstick. Furthermore, my lips almost tore in the removal process because residue of the lipstick refused to go away! I had to apply tons of petroleum jelly to get my natural lip colour back. It’s a huge disappointment because I really liked the colour!

Swatch comparison with similar orange-hued lipsticks

No similar Ultra Matte Lip shades to compare with, but I thought you might be interested in some orange-hued lipsticks

Perhaps you guys should stick to regular lipsticks for now if you like orange hues.

#4 Bad Habit

Bad Habit is a dusty mauve pink with matte finish (US$6)

Bad Habit is a dusty mauve pink with matte finish (US$6)

Bad Habit

Bad Habit

Bad Habit

Bad Habit

Bad Habit

Bad Habit

Bad Habit

Bad Habit

Bad Habit

Bad Habit

Bad Habit

Bad Habit

Seeing Bad Habit settle and dry on the lips is akin to watching a live magic show – the change in colour is so drastic! It was supposed to be some sort of a pink variant but then it oxidises into a pale burgundy. People living in Singapore must be receiving a special form of air, huh?

Jokes aside,  Bad Habit is opaque but drying and it is not as lightweight as I liked it to be because I could feel the product weighing down my lips. Also, this leaves a tacky finish so the lips tend to stick to each other when they open. I noticed that this shade in particular takes a longer time to dry down completely so you will probably need to manually dry your lips in front of a blowing fan. But do it when no one is looking because you’re gonna look silly for sure 😉

#5 More Better

More Better is a deep violet wine with matte finish (US$6)

More Better is a deep violet wine with matte finish (US$6)

More Better

More Better

More Better

More Better

More Better

More Better

More Better

More Better

More Better

More Better

More Better

More Better

I’ve got nothing against creative (or rather, weird) names that are totally irrelevant to the products themselves but as an amateur educator, I do have a beef with the terrible grammar in “More Better”. As you know, no two comparatives can be paired together (both “More” and “Better” are comparatives) but I guess as long as it stands out, what are rules, right? Besides, this strategy worked because it had obviously gotten my attention! And I’m sure it did for many of you grammar nazis as well 😉

Among the five shades here, More Better definitely has a more vibrant and eye-catching colour payoff and it is, without a doubt, one of my favourites from ColourPop thus far. It is in such gorgeous shade of berry which leans towards the dark spectrum. The lipstick wrinkled my lips but it wasn’t visible from afar. There were also uneven coverage on some parts (darker and more opaque on certain areas) but then again, it would only be noticeable if you scrutinise your lips. However, that would also mean more frequent touch-ups since the lighter areas are probably going to fade faster than the rest (especially after meals).

More Better and Bad Habit against Clueless, another Ultra Matte Lip shade

More Better and Bad Habit against Clueless, another Ultra Matte Lip shade reviewed here

All in all, ColourPop seems to be doing a darn good job at being MAC for the money-conscious. Although there were a few misses in this collection, the choice of colours were interesting and atmospheric. I could also see slight improvements in the formula in terms of the staying power and the extent to which the colour changes when the lipstick dries completely. Just a little tweak and it’d be perfect! (And the lipsticks probably won’t be US$6 already LOL)

What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading! 🙂

COLOURPOP ULTRA MATTE LIP IS NOW AVAILABLE ON COLOURPOP.COM FOR A LIMITED TIME. SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S. IS FREE FOR ORDERS OVER US$30. QUOTE “THANKSBABE” UPON CHECKOUT TO ENJOY A US$5 DISCOUNT WITH NO MINIMUM SPENDING.