REVIEW: Lancôme Juicy Shaker in #381 Mangoes Wild & #301 Meli Melon

Hello everyone!

Liquid and ombre lipsticks, BB and CC creams and blending sponges. These are just some examples of the breakthroughs in the beauty realm we have seen in the last few decades and are now part and parcel of our daily beauty routine. For centuries, new and innovative beauty products keep being developed and this doesn’t seem to be slowing down (oh, our poor wallets). Remember the frenzy surrounding Lancôme’s Juicy Tubes which sparked the lip gloss phenomenon in the early 2000s? Just when you thought the lip gloss craze is dying, we are presented with yet another trendsetter which will certainly reignite your love for gloss because something similar but EVEN BETTER  is hitting shores!

lancome-juicy-shaker-4

This time, the creator of the lovely Juicy Tubes has revolutionised the cosmetics world once again with Juicy Shaker, a bi-phase lip oil that combines comfort with the colour impact of perfectly dosed pigments in a multitude of vibrant shades with an adjustable finish.

Paying homage to its predecessors – the Shaker and Juicy Tube, the Juicy Shaker marries an impressive range of flattering and wearable colours with zesty and fruity fragrances. The impeccable pairing of pigments and lipcare oils promises an incredibly soft and lightweight finish and a healthy shine on the lips – qualities of your regular gloss improved by a multitude of notches.

Shake it up!

Shake it up!

Most of the time when I review beauty products, I struggle finding their unique (and noteworthy) selling points to balance out their negative aspects (when I bash, I bash with grace) because whether we like it or not, everything is about the same. But I can go on and on about Juicy Shaker because everything about it is so distinctive. Besides the interesting packaging that’s molded after a cocktail shaker (complete with metal balls to mimic the effect of ice cubes hitting both ends of the mixer when you shake up the contents, no less), this product has also attained a couple of firsts. It comes with a sensorial, conical-shape cushion applicator to absorb just the right dose of formula for ultra-simple and intuitive application while to ensure the quintessence of gentleness. I swear my lips had never felt so pampered before.

Juicy Shaker cushion applicator

Juicy Shaker cushion applicator

The Juicy Shaker is also endowed with four precious oils with complementary properties which instantly offer lips with a smooth and plumped-up look. Peach kernel oil, for instance, provides the softening and nourishing effect while sweet almond oil leaves the lips supple and re-structured. Cranberry oil is an anti-oxidant which protects and promotes the restoration of the skin’s protective barrier with its richness in Omega 3 and 6. Musk rose oil, on the other hand, soothes the lips while helping to regenerate the skin and speed up any healing process (Hear ye, hear ye! People with lip picking habits!).

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “HOLY, THAT’S A LOT OF OIL! Isn’t it going to be super tacky?” Truth be told, that was my initial concern as well. In fact, tackiness is one of my biggest reasons for avoiding gloss because grrrrrr don’t you just hate it when strands of your hair get shrouded in sticky goo whenever you get hit by a sudden gust of wind? Gross. But my worries proved to be completely unfounded because not only does it lend a dazzling shine, there is absolutely no sticky sensation at all. OH JOY! You can try rubbing your lips together and they will literally glide off each other.

Swatches

Swatches

The texture of Juicy Shaker has definitely shone on my quality indicators for lip products but what about their application? I will be sharing my views based on the two shades I was given as press samples.

#381 in Mangoes Wild

Lancôme Juicy Shaker in #381 Mangoes Wild

Lancôme Juicy Shaker in #381 Mangoes Wild

Juicy Shaker #381 in Mangoes Wild

Juicy Shaker #381 in Mangoes Wild

Juicy Shaker #381 in Mangoes Wild

Juicy Shaker #381 in Mangoes Wild

Juicy Shaker #381 in Mangoes Wild

Juicy Shaker #381 in Mangoes Wild

Juicy Shaker #381 in Mangoes Wild

Juicy Shaker #381 in Mangoes Wild

Juicy Shaker #381 in Mangoes Wild

Juicy Shaker #381 in Mangoes Wild

Juicy Shaker #381 in Mangoes Wild

Juicy Shaker #381 in Mangoes Wild

Mangoes Wild, a favourite of Lily Collin and also mine, is described as an orange-pink with a sweet and intense scent of mango… and watermelon. I would say it leans more to the pink side with very negligible amount of orange undertones. It is sheer, emollient and it hugs to the lips. Perhaps due to its darker pigmentation, it feels thicker than Meli Melon upon application.

With oil as the main ingredient, however, comes an unsurprising downside: the lip oil would not be able to withstand eating, drinking and even more so, a little lip-locking (but I can guarantee that your partner would be tempted for more because those lips smell alluring and orgasmic *wink*). But the Juicy Shakers are packaged in such a way that they won’t occupy a lot space in your handbag so that you can bring yours along wherever you go and touch up whenever necessary.

#301 in Meli Melon

Lancôme Juicy Shaker in #301 Meli Melon

Lancôme Juicy Shaker in #301 Meli Melon

Juicy Shaker #301 in Meli Melon

Juicy Shaker #301 in Meli Melon

Juicy Shaker #301 in Meli Melon

Juicy Shaker #301 in Meli Melon

Juicy Shaker #301 in Meli Melon

Juicy Shaker #301 in Meli Melon

Juicy Shaker #301 in Meli Melon

Juicy Shaker #301 in Meli Melon

Juicy Shaker #301 in Meli Melon

Juicy Shaker #301 in Meli Melon

Juicy Shaker #301 in Meli Melon

Juicy Shaker #301 in Meli Melon

Meli Melon is described as a smooth and juicy pink with a perfectly-ripe melon scent. The lustrous texture (more so than Mangoes Wild) creates a natural pout effect to make the lips look fuller. It is sheer but conceals fine lines very well. But because it’s so sheer, I had to apply several times to achieve the light pink above or it would be almost unnoticeable on my lips. Fair skin would probably bring out the soft tone better.

Due to the thinner texture of the Juicy Shaker coupled with the thickness of the applicator, the product tends to bleed slightly especially at the corners of the mouth. Still, despite the minor drawback, these nourishing lip oils contain a truck load of pigment that intensifies with each application.

You can even do an ombre with two or more Juicy Shaker shades! Check out my subtle ombre - Mangoes Wild on the inner lips and Meli Melon on the outer!

You can even do an ombre with two or more Juicy Shaker shades! Check out my subtle ombre – Mangoes Wild on the inner lips and Meli Melon on the outer!

Lancôme proves themselves yet again to be ahead of the game by releasing 20 irresistible shades for the conventional and bold, all further characterised by their own scent so pronounced that you can get a whiff of the tropical fragrance the moment you uncap the bottle. God probably designed the nose above the lips for moments like this, where you to be enjoy the pleasure of smelling the delectable scent of food for as long as thirty minutes before it wanes.

All 20 shades with their complementing fragrance
(S$36 each)

Mango Wild (381) – mango-scented orange-pink*
Berry in Love (283) – blackberry-scented pinkish-purple*
Cherry Symphony (151) – cherry-scented bright red*
Apri-cute (102) – apricot-scented orange*
Lemon Explosion (300) – energy drink-scented rose (limited edition)*
Mint to Be (400) – mint-scented blue
Walk the Lime (166) – lime-scented orange 
It’s My Jam (172) – strawberry jam-scented intense red
Piece of Cake (201) – almond-scented tea brown
Good Kara-Mel (271) – caramel-scented praline brown
Berry Tale (372) – blackcurrant-scented berry pink
Great-Fruit (154) – grapefruit-scented orange
Wonder Melon (352) – watermelon-scented fuchsia
Show Me the Honey (112) – honey-scented syrupy golden
Vanilla Pop (252) – vanilla-scented rosewood red
Bohemian Raspberry (341) – raspberry-scented bluish-pink
Boom-Meringue (313) – lemon meringue-scented orange-pink
Spice It Up (240) – gingerbread-scented cinnamon brown
Meli-Melon (301) – melon-scented pink
Freedom of Peach (142) – peach-scented orange

*star shades

[COMPLIMENTARY MAKEOVER]

Want to have a look and feel of Juicy Shaker before committing to a purchase? Sign up for a complimentary Juicy Shakeover (makeover) here!

Don’t you just love the pun-intended names of the shades?

[CONTEST]
Pucker up for a showdown

Ready to #bantheboring? Take part in a beauty pageant just for lips with Lancôme!
Create your Shake Tape wearing a Juicy Shaker shade and hash tagging #juicyshakersg #lancomesg #bantheboring. You could be one of the six winners to walk away with three shades of the Juicy Shaker! The contest will end on 29 June.

For a chance to win THREE shades of Juicy Shaker, follow these steps:

1. Do the Shake Tape at dv.sg/shaketape-fiona
2. Upload to Facebook and Instagram (optional)
3. Use the 4th pose of your Shake Tape as the thumbnail
4. Hashtag your video with #juicyshakersg #lancomesg #bantheboring

The Shake Tape with the most likes each week, wins!

Thanks for reading!

The Juicy Shaker IS available at all Singapore Lancôme counters for S$36 each.
Disclaimer: ALL Products featured are press samples but opinions, as always, are my own.

REVIEW: Hwajin Cosmetics Homme Terrior All-In-One & Dynamic BB Cream

Move over, ladies!

Getting dolled up is no longer restricted to females, rather it has already extended to men as well with the rise of metrosexuality around the world. This cultural trend, largely intensified by the growing popularity of Korean pop culture, sees an increase in heterosexual men investing more interest in their appearance, so much so that sales of men’s grooming products in Singapore (yes, I kid you not, it’s happening right here in Singapore) have soared over the past three years! Who would have known that our men would be so into eyebrow pencils and BB cushions? Wow, just wow. Maybe that explains why I’ve been seeing so many guys with enviable complexion on the streets lately – it’s the makeup! It definitely is! *sulks away in jealousy*

With more men turning to makeup to enhance their looks, it’s no surprise that cosmetics companies are tapping into this emerging market by offering beauty lines exclusively for men. Many of you may know South Korean beauty brands like Laneige and Etude House, but have you heard of Hwajin? No? Well, then you may want to consider adding it to your radar.

Be sure to check out my reviews on other Korean beauty products here!

Be sure to check out my reviews on other Korean beauty products here!

Having been in the cosmetics industry for 34 years, Hwajin has a vast array of beauty products for both men and women and has continuously been developing functional cosmetic products made from selective ingredients. Most recently, its men’s range Homme Terrior bagged the Superior Skin Care Brand award at the 2016 Beyond Beauty Awards in Shanghai for its international performance and potential leadership of the future of Asian beauty trend.

Hwajin Homme Terrior

Hwajin Homme Terrior

Hwajin Homme Terrior

Hwajin Homme Terrior

The star products that contributed to the brand’s victory are the All-In-One and Dynamic BB Cream which BNTNews had sent me for my review. Fitted in a high-quality and luxurious black textured box with a magnetic flip cover, the overall packaging is a clear indication of the brand’s opulence and splendour. Just one glance at it and you’d know that Homme Terrior is an upmarket beauty brand. The gorgeous design of the packaging makes this set an ideal gift for your vain male friend.

Homme Terrior All-In-One

Homme Terrior All-In-One (120g)

Homme Terrior All-In-One (120g)

Look how chic the packaging is! It is made of glass and feels just like Giorgio Armani cologne bottle. I just couldn’t bring myself to use it (not on myself, but my boyfriend who had the honour of being my *cough* model) even though this product isn’t intended for me. The moment I removed the cap, a sharp, manly yet pleasant citrusy fragrance escaped from the bottle and drifted around my nose. It smelled so goddamn good, you wouldn’t even need to apply any cologne on your neck. Hence, I would highly discourage those with sensitive or acne-prone skin from using it due to the possibility that it contains synthetic fragrance (it honestly smells too heavenly to be natural) which may aggravate your skin condition. But for the rest of you who are blessed with near-flawless complexion, I’m sure you’re gonna love this product!

Kick-off your morning beauty regimen with this all-in-one facial serum that not only moisturises your skin but also firms, nourishes and balances its oiliness and moisture levels. When shaving, the layer of lipids that governs the moisture in the facial tissues can be compromised (source), thereby causing dehydration to the skin. This product offers the needed nutrients and moisture to your disheveled or rough skin after wash and shave to ensure that it stays hydrated. It also protects the skin from irritation and inflammation, which may cause premature skin aging (i.e. wrinkles).

The nutrients are plant-derived compounds from resurrection plants, herbs, apricot kernels and others plant extracts to give the skin a fresh, cool and clean feeling while the humectant ingredients come from patented extract mixture from herbs and licorice.

Other major ingredients:

• Lemon extract: the rich vitamin C and citric acid exfoliates and cleanses the skin

• Bamboo extract: the antibacterial and antioxidant effect of the bamboo sap make the skin moist and healthy

• Herb extract: the mixture of extracts from rosemary, chamomile, green tea leaf, licorice, polygonum cuspidatum, centella asiatica and scutellaria

• Iceberg water: the ultrapure water collected from Newfoundland, Canada, is used for the softest and cleanest quality.

Homme Terrior All-In-One (application)

Homme Terrior All-In-One (application)

The fluidity of this colourless serum leans more towards the runny side, hence it can be easily spread all over the face. Using both hands to massage the serum into the skin, the face appears visibly smoother and calmer after the product has been fully absorbed.

Homme Terrior Dynamic BB Cream

Homme Terrior Dynamic BB Cream (40g)

Homme Terrior Dynamic BB Cream (40g)

Homme Terrior Dynamic BB Cream

Homme Terrior Dynamic BB Cream

The information pamphlet that came with these Homme Terrior products claims that this multi-functional BB cream can improve the skin tone with its natural and healthy colour while vitalising the skin at the same time. It is also purported to take care of any skin problems with just a single application of the BB cream. Sounds very ambitious but is it really?

The BB cream contains Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, or Botox-like Peptide, which is known to have a strong firming effect. It has the minimum side-effects of Botox but keeps its function at maximum level.  The small molecule of the peptide penetrates the skin more easily and directly increases the elasticity of the muscular tissues.

Homme Terrior Dynamic BB Cream

Homme Terrior Dynamic BB Cream

For a start, the shade of the BB cream seems a tad too pale for a typical Singaporean male’s skin tone which falls somewhere in the medium range (blame it on our tropical climite). It has an opaque coverage, hence it does leave an apparent veil of colour on the skin. I was unable to tell from the sea of Korean words on the back of the tube if there were other shades available. But judging from the English information that came with these press samples, it doesn’t seem like it. For a cosmetics company to create a one-size-fits-all product like BB cream is absolutely absurd, if that is really the case. The strange chemical smell the product emits is also a put-off for the user.

Homme Terrior Dynamic BB Cream (application)

Homme Terrior Dynamic BB Cream (application)

Petty faults aside, the BB cream does it job well in concealing skin imperfections such as large pores and acne pits. I was amazed by how effectively it can fill up those holes on the skin surface to give it a smoother appearance. If only it was in the right shade, though.

So what are your views about this brand? Would you recommend these products to your male friends? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading! 🙂

the homme terrior collection has yet to be made available for sale. i will update here as soon as i get hold of its release information. in the meantime, please check out hwajin cosmetics website for more men’s beauty products.
DISCLAIMER: PRODUCTS FEATURED ARE PRESS SAMPLES BUT OPINIONS, AS ALWAYS, ARE MY OWN.

REVIEW: WELLAGE White Aqua Roll Mask Pack

Hello everyone!

Residing in a city with tropical climate like Singapore has its ups and downs. I, for one, have been on the receiving end of the negative effects of high humidity ever since puberty hit me. As a result of my dehydrated skin (aggravated by my lack of water-drinking habit), moisturisers and other products that help to restore my skin’s natural moisture balance have become an intrinsic part of my skincare routine. The latter includes facial masks which I have a love-hate relationship with because they can get very messy during application.

But I was recently introduced to one which is not only idiot-proof, but also does not leave my bed or the lower half of my body wet. That’s none other than the White Aqua Roll Mask by WELLAGE, a skincare company based in South Korea that prides themselves on formulating “bio cosmetics with NeuroScience”.

WELLAGE White Aqua Roll Mask Pack

WELLAGE White Aqua Roll Mask Pack

Description in Korean

Description in Korean

Anyone who had seen me unbox my beauty samples from BNTNews would have been equally intrigued by the way the masks are presented. Individually packed in aluminium sachet, the masks are securely kept in a plastic cylindrical tube with Korean instructions on how to use the mask printed on it. Illustrations are also provided for those who don’t understand a single word of Korean. Each tube contains 10 sachets.

Packed in individual sachets

Packed in individual sachets

No scissors required - these travel-friendly sachets open up nicely when you rip both sides apart.

No scissors required – these travel-friendly sachets open up nicely when you rip both sides apart.

Facial sheets are rolled up using a thick straw-like stick as the spine

Facial sheets are rolled up using a thick straw-like stick as the spine

Made of quality Cupra fabric, these WELLAGE masks are able to hold moisture for a longer time due to its strong cohesiveness and elasticity and therefore, do not dry out easily. Suitable for sensitive skin, these properties enable the mask to supply nutrients to the facial skin without causing irritation. Furthermore, the mask uses a special technology known as semi-microsome – a finer version of liposome (tiny bubbles that are capable of encapsulating material beneficial to the skin) – to stabilise its 25 functional ingredients and help them penetrate into the skin for longer-lasting moisture.

Illustrations are also printed on the sachets for convenience sake

Illustrations are also printed on the sachets for convenience sake

Unlike typical sheet masks that come in flat, rectangular bags, these ones from WELLAGE remove from the sachets fast with minimal to no drippage of mask gunk because all the serum are settled at the bottom of the packaging. Placing the mask on my forehead with its top edge aligned along the hairline (as depicted in the illustrations above), I gently pulled down the stick on which it is coiled, towards my chin. This minimises unnecessary contact with the mask and thus ensuring the hygiene and purity of the product at all times. At the same time, it also prevents accidental tears which has happened to me too many times during the unfolding process of facial masks I used previously.

Application

Application

Application

Application

The mask surprisingly fits on my face perfectly without the need for much adjustments. I had to pour out some of the serum from the packaging onto my palm to dab it on the mask because it was feeling a little stiff and dry from the lack of serum in it. It is an additional step, but a necessary one, I feel, which could modify the “wetness” of the mask according to my preference. No wet spot was observed on my bed and my neck remained dry throughout the 20-minute experience. And the end result? A dewy and more refreshed appearance of the face.

This product is not quite readily available outside of South Korea so perhaps you guys could keep a lookout for it if you’re travelling because from what I understand, WELLAGE does have stores/counters in certain Seoul shopping malls. There is also a black version of this mask pack presumably for men, though. Korean readers who have tried this brand of facial mask, what do you think of it? Share your thoughts with me in the comments below! 🙂

Thanks for reading!

WELLAGE White aqua roll mask pack IS AVAILABLE ON WeLLAGE.CO.KR FOR 35,000 WON but is currently on sale for 24,000 won for a limited time only.
DISCLAIMER: PRODUCT FEATURED IS A PRESS SAMPLE BUT OPINIONS, AS ALWAYS, ARE MY OWN.