Tuesday, August 30, 2016

BEAUTY BLENDER vs. REAL TECHNIQUES

Beauty Blender (BB)
Real Techniques
miracle complexion (RTM) sponge















Hi all the pretty ladies out there. As we all know that nowadays any make-up is incomplete without the use of  Beauty Blender (BB). These days, a lot of girls are on the verge of getting a Beauty blender as they are aware that it's a very good applicator for getting a flawless air-brush finish make-up look.  Today I will therefore be sharing a review of the two prominent make-up sponges, original 'Beauty Blender' & it's closest dupe 'Real Techniques Miracle Complexion (RTM) Sponge'.

Note: The Beauty Blender I used is an original one that I got from US as here in Nepal I just found the same Beauty Blender alike the original one which was dense in texture and less costly.

Product Description:



         BEAUTY BLENDER                                REAL TECHNIQUES MIRACLE SPONGE
-  Precision tip for smaller areas                       - Precision tip for covering imperfection & spot correcting                
-  Round area for larger areas of face and        - Sides area for blending larger areas of face & flat 
    used to stipple and dab product on skin           edge for contouring around eyes and nose             

-  It comes with cleanser & small booklet         - Instruction given itself at the back of the box
   that gives instruction on how to use BB.        


Price:

-  Price $20 (Imported from USA)                            - Price NRs. 1,075                                                           

My Experience with both the products:

Since we always crave for fresh flawless make-up that looks as if no make-up is used, the basis of a great complexion is based on the beauty products used and how it is applied. With the use of BB, you will actually feel the difference in the outcome of your make-up. As I've been so much interested in make-up, i've seen a lot of make-up tutorials given by various make-up gurus on YouTube. They always have a BB in their make-up kit and always recommend that it's a very essential tool for getting a smooth professional salon finish make-up and that's how I came to know about these products.

I was so much destined on how to get a BB and searched it all over the internet and the local market. But I couldn't find an original BB as I came across different dupes of BB. I was not satisfied with the dupes, so i requested my sister in the US to send it and finally, I got my original BB. As the original Beauty Blender costs a lot and of its rare availability, I investigated on the dupes which are easily available in Nepal and the closest match to the BB. When i continued my search on the internet, I came across the RTM sponge that costs half the price than original BB that provides the same smooth air-brush finish.

After having both the products in my hand, I tested them on my skin and will therefore be sharing my honest review to you all. As far as what I've experienced, i'm pretty happy with replacing BB with RTM sponge and saving myself some money and BB availability issue. It looks like the RTM sponge is worth it if you are looking to save some money and get same comparable results to using a BB.


COMPARISON:

For comparison, I will need to give you a detailed information so as to give you a more clear perception about the product (BB or RTM) that would best fit in your make-up kit.

1. Application:
There wasn't much difference that I found when it comes in applying foundation. The results from both BB and RTM sponge is quite similar and gives a dewy seamless coverage. But during application, the RTM sponge seems to absorb more foundation itself in the sponge than in the face when applying make-up. 

2. Size & Shape:
In comparing the sizes, RTM sponge is slightly bigger than BB in both conditions dry and wet. The BB is egg-shaped at the top sponge with a rounded bottom area whereas the RTM sponge which is also egg-shaped at the top and has a flat edge with a pointed bottom.

3. Texture:
Original BB is a sure-shot winner in this case as it is extremely comfortable to use. Texture wise, the BB has bigger pores whereas the RTM sponge has smaller pores which makes the BB more spongy. During application in wet condition, the BB bounces back immediately on the skin  which seems to lack in the RTM sponge as it stays a bit wet.

4. Ease of Use:
Both the products can be used for any skin types and are easy to use, but with the advantage of the egg-shaped with pointed bottom & flat edge, RTM sponge is easier to use around the eyes as well as to contour and highlight. Since the BB just has a rounded side with a pointed top, it is easy to apply foundation / concealer only around the eyes.   

5. Maintenance:
In regards to the maintenance of the BB & RTM sponge, the BB is easier to clean as it comes with a solid cleanser that cleans out the stains instantly and you just need to squeeze it a fewer times to get the dirt out. On the other, RTM sponge doesn't come with a cleanser so you need to use your own mild cleanser to clean and since the RTM sponge absorbs more foundation, the stains do not get easily washed away. As what I prefer, I use the mild Johnson Baby Shampoo and Olive Oil to clean my RTM sponge and would recommend you the same. After every time you use these products, you have to be very careful in storing them in an airy place to avoid any fungus or bacteria due to its moisture. I would suggest you not to store your BB or RTM sponge in a closed closet. While travelling, you need to have your BB or RTM sponge properly in ventilated pouches rather than storing it in a zip-lock or a make-up bag as it locks the moisture and air flow.

Since both BB and RTM sponge is very delicate, you need to use very light hands else you might end up tearing the sponge with your nails. With my first experience in cleaning BB, I didn't take much precaution and ended up tearing few spots in BB with my nails.

VERDICT:

No matter what people use or say, BB always wins for me in the battle against all the available make-up sponges. I think the texture of BB is unbeatable and a lot easier to maintain and to clean in comparison to RT. But without paying a higher price if I can get flawless sheer complexion then I would rather go for RTM sponge. It is easier to get RTM sponges here in Nepal as well as it's inexpensive for price and value.But if you want to get the extra comfort of application plus easier maintenance, in my opinion nothing compares to the original BB.

RATE:

Beauty Blender: 5/5
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge: 4/5

WOULD I REPURCHASE / RECOMMEND THE PRODUCT:

Yes...Yes...Yes....I would definitely repurchase the products and already have an additional backup of it. Please try these sponges once and you will never regret it as you would rather stay away from using your make-up brushes.

For your ease of purchase, you can get original RTM sponge in Xpress Nepal Store at Rising Mall, Durbarmarg and Beauty Hub Store, Durbarmarg.

Thanks for your precious time in reading this review. Have your say in the comments below.

Friday, August 26, 2016

NYX Wonder Stick Highlight & Contour Stick - WS04 (Universal Shade) Review


Hello ladies..today I will be doing a product review on the NYX Wonder Stick (Universal Shade). Nowadays contouring has been spreading rapidly over Instagram and YouTube and since I'm a crazy make-up lover, I also wanted to try a cream contour. which is in trend nowadays I was super excited when I found NYX Wonder Stick in online site here in Nepal. I was confused on the shade that would suit on my fair skin and after going over the internet & watching a lot of tutorial videos, I finally decided in purchasing the Universal Shade which is suitable for any skin tone.
NOTE:This product can be easily found at cosmetic stores in Malls.





As per the description of the product, it claims:

Amplifies your looks with NYX cosmetics Wonder Stick that has a creamy finish that conceals, highlights and contours with ease. With this easy 2-step wonder product, highlighting and contouring has never been easier. The wonder stick is available in 4 shades Light, Medium, Tan and Universal.

Ingredients:


HIGHLIGHT:

CONTOURING:

Product Price:

Market Price NPR 2,200 (Lucky me!!! I got it on a discounted rate of NPR 1,800)

Application & Experience:

STEP 1 (Highlight):
Apply the highlight stick on the cheek bone, middle of forehead, under eyes, down the center of the nose, on the brow bone and under the jawline. 

STEP 2 (Contouring):
Apply contour stick to top of forehead and along hairline, under cheekbones, down both side of your nose and under the jawline and chin.

STEP 3:
Blend....Blend....Blend

I'm a newbie in contouring and as far as my experience is concerned, I bought this product in Universal shade after reading some positive reviews. As soon as I got this, to be honest I simply fell in love with the product. It's super easy to apply and the shape of the contour side makes it easier especially to contour your nose. I'm really happy with this product as it gets the job done. It's build-able and not too intense. The only problem is that the highlight portion on the Universal is super shimmery. It provides a sheer color pay-off even when blended with my Beauty Blender and disappeared into a bored shimmer. The contour part pretty fades to nothing unless you apply a lot and my face felt a bit sticky in the areas that I applied the stick on for hours. 
This is a cream based contour stick and it tends to run a bit greasy and fades quickly so I have to apply my powder bronzer over it to make it long lasting. I feel that using it with my liquid concealer and powder highlighter was much more easier and long-lasting than this wonder stick. 

PROS:

  • Easy to use
  • Light weight
  • Good for the beginners
  • Build-able color

CONS:

  • Poor color pigmentation
  • Expensive
  • Poor texture
  • Not effective


VERDICT:


On the whole, the Wonder Stick isn't bad for the beginners as blending takes only a minute and it is really easy to use. I recommend in using a damp Beauty Blender to get a complete finish but Sponge would work too. For contouring, it is not too orangy so who are struggling with finding a good contouring shade can try this wonder stick. As I ordered the Universal shade, the highlighter portion was too shimmery so whoever doesn't like it can try the other available shades of NYX Wonder Stick.

WOULD I REPURCHASE / RECOMMEND THE PRODUCT:

Yes of course! I would definitely recommend this product for anyone who's a beginner and who loves contouring as this stick is extremely easy to blend out.

RATE THIS PRODUCT:

3.5 / 5


Thanks for your precious time in reading this review. Have your say in the comments below.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

CETAPHIL Moisturizing Lotion Review

The product that i've selected for review is the Cetaphil moisturizing lotion. Since i've got a very dry skin, I have tried on many moisturizing creams, herbal products but neither of them gave me the desired outcome. I searched over good moisturizing lotions in the internet and came across this product, which had a very good hype in the overseas market, social medias and international blogs. I therefore had the curiosity in getting this lotion at any cost and searched over it but unfortunately I couldn't get this product in the local market. I got this product imported from the United States, tried it on and would like to give my honest review.


As per the description on the product, it claims:

  • Non-comedogenic / fragrance free
  • Dermatologist recommended
  • Non-greasy formula

Key Ingredients:

  • Glycerin (to moisturize)
  • Vitamin E
  • Acrylates (to prevent moisturize loss)

Product Price:

$ 13.99      

Note: I'm unaware of the availability of this product here in Nepal and if anyone knows the price in NPR do let me know.

Volume / Quantity:

16 FL OZ (473 ml)

Application & Experience:

After thoroughly cleansing, pump a small quantity from the container and gently apply this lotion immediately over your wet skin. 

I use this moisturizer every day in the morning after taking a shower and before bed every night. I apply the lotion on my face, hands and over my legs. As per what I've experienced, my skin absorbs this moisturizer quickly and doesn't leave my face oily but leaves a sort of greasiness on my skin. I continuously used it for 2 months and until now I feel there's no breakout in my skin which is good aspect as I have a very sensitive and dry skin.

I've also used it before putting on foundation and since it contains Glycerin, it sticks on your face and keeps it moisturized. Therefore this lotion can also be applied before everyday make-up.

PROS:

  1. Light weight lotion absorbs easily into skin
  2. As claimed, the product is non-comedogenic (it won't clog pores and leads to no breakout)
  3. Easily dispensed from its pump style bottle
  4. Moisturizes well and doesn't irritate skin
  5. For all skin types
  6. Paraben free

CONS:

  1. Leaves greasiness
  2. Too expensive
  3. Not long lasting
  4. Not completely fragrance-free as claimed
  5. Contains alcohol which is not good for sensitive skin

VERDICT:

As it is a dermatologist recommended, people (male/female) with all skin types can use this lotion once without any doubt. It's a basic lotion that softens skin from head to toe. I think it'd be the best lotion during winter when skin is very dry. It's a very good product but since it doesn't suit my skin well, my search is on.........

RATE THIS PRODUCT: 

3.5 / 5

 Thanks for your precious time in reading this review. Have your say in the comments below.