The Power of Pink : Clinique

October has always been my favorite month of the whole year for many reasons. It's my birthday month. It's the month where I start to sense that the holiday season is approaching. And it's the month when I get to shop til I drop for a good cause. That's right, ladies. The Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here. Every year, major charities around the world come together to create the pink campaign for one purpose - to raise awareness of early detection and treatment for breast cancer, which affects millions of women around the globe.

For the next few weeks, I will be introducing many beauty brands that put in their shares in the pink campaign. You would be able to check out selected products from various brands that donate part of their sales to various charities.

The first brand up on our list is one of my all time favorite - Clinique. 

Make a dramatic difference. $10.00 from your purchase helps support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Limited-edition Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion ($35) comes with a collectible key ring with a pink ribbon heart and Clinique “C” charm.

Even if you have something else in mind to purchase, just remember that when you make any clinique.com purchase during October, you can donate to BCRF during the checkout process. 

For more information on the pink campaign and breast cancer, please visit :

http://www.nbcam.org/

http://www.komen.org/

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

http://www.cancer.org/

http://www.cdc.gov/features/breastcancerawareness/

read more "The Power of Pink : Clinique"

Read the full story

Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup Is Meds For Your Skin

I think I don't have to repeat myself again that I am a big fan of Clinique, especially its skincare products. If you read back any one of my reviews mentioning the brand, you would see my praise for it. Anytime Clinique releases a new product, I will be the first to jump in line for a try out. Well, of course then it didn't come as a surprise when I took home the newly launched Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup ($24.50) after taking a walk in Sephora.

More about the product: "A liquid makeup that neutralizes redness and blends away blemishes. It feels so fresh, and looks so natural! This non-irritating, oil-free makeup blends away blemishes and neutralizes redness. The medicated ingredients help treat existing breakouts and keep them from coming back."

Unfortunately, with only 8 shades, it is almost impossible and obviously very hard for anyone to get a good skin color match. I am about a MAC 20-25 (more on the 20 side), and #2 Fresh Ivory is pretty close for me but definitely not a perfect match. I guess we just have to make it work under limited choices.

The foundation has a medium coverage and is very buildable. The coverage is decent for me, but if you have many acne scars or other spots, then it probably can not cover them all. The foundation goes on very smoothly and is easy to blend. It covers blemishes well and has a very even finish.

I don't have any acnes right now so I can not comment on its effectiveness to get rid of pimples. But, I have been reading reviews that a lot of people found their pimples and acne problems decreasing after just a short term use of this product. If this is indeed true, then it is a very nice product to have in your vanity. However, my recommendation is that if you have severe acne problems and are looking for a solution, the best way is to see a dermatologist to get rid of them instead of covering them up with makeups, no matter how effective or how good of medications it contains.

Although the foundation gives very good coverage and finish, I did notice that it oxidizes a bit on me throughout the day, meaning that after a few hours, your face will start looking a bit dark and orange than when you first applied the foundation. However, the oxidization is not severe, at least when comparing to quite a few other high end ones I've tried. It is at a degree where I definitely noticed the oxidization but I wouldn't be rushing to do that retouch.

What even bothered me more is the fact that although this is an oil free foundation, it doesn't seem to be good at oil controlling. My face got very greasy after just a few hours, and it sure wasn't pretty. I always try out foundations first without any primers or setting powders so I can test out the oil control ability without interference of other products. On a scale of 1-5, with 1 being the worst, and 5 being the best for oily skin people, I would put this foundation at about 2. It can probably make a 3 or 4 with a very good primer and powder on top of it.

Overall, I would say that if you are troubled with acne or blemishes, then this is definitely worth a shot. But do watch out for those of you who have oily skin as I do. If you have many good foundations that you like, then I'd say to skip this one because it probably won't amaze you.

Pick It or Not ? 

• Quality: 30 (out of 50)  
• Packaging: 20 (out of 20)  
• Price: 20 (out of 20)   
• User Friendly: 5 (out of 5)   
• Availability: 5 (out of 5)

Angela's Ultimate Pick: B -

read more "Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup Is Meds For Your Skin"

Read the full story

Beauty Babble : One Beauty Product That You Can't Live Without

I like beauty blogging, and it is something that I truly enjoy. But as much as I love it, I also feel frustrated occasionally when I don't know what to blog about. This is when magazines and books come in handy. Often, I find inspirations from reading others' works.

Real Simple was launched in March 2000 with the goal to help and provide information to busy women who are looking to maintain easier life. The magazine offers a variety of contents, ranging anything from cooking recipes to fashion ideas. The latest issue of Real Simple, which hits newsstands on February 8, is all about affordable spring beauty. As soon as I got my hands on a copy, I flip through it immediately. This issue is very informative and interesting, so today's post is inspired by one of the articles in the magazine.

The articled entitles "What is the one beauty product that you can't live without? asks its readers to  reveal one stable product in their makeup bags. I am not surprised that some of my favorites made it onto the list.

Smith's Rosebud Salve ($6) : One of my stables. I double this as a lip balm and a night treatment for my dry lips. With such an inexpensive price, you really can't go wrong with this. You can find it on Sephora website or in stores (near the cash registers). If dipping your fingers into a tin sounds too nasty, the product also comes in a new tube packaging.

Aussie Sprunch Catch the Wave hair spray ($4.99) : I have recently started to used this Australian brand, and it has many high quality products at very affordable prices. If you are going for the natural curls, give this a try, and you won't be disappointed. 

Clinique facial soap bar ($11) : If you haven't tried its 3-steps system yet, you are missing out. Clinique offers 3 levels, extra mild, mild, oily, so anyone can find one that fits their skin. I recommend getting the 3 steps together for the maximum benefits.

Vaseline petroleum jelly : A product that every lady needs to have in their purse. This multi-purpose product will come in handy, and it won't hurt your wallet. It works wonders on dry skins and can be also used as a lip brush cleanser. Yes, you hear me right. I've talked about this in my makeup brush cleansing routine post. This can be found at different drug stores at various prices.

Bare Escentuals BareMinerals powder foundation ($25) : I love power foundations because they are easy to apply and save you lots of time on days when you are in a rush. Bare Minerals' original foundation has a great formula and gives you amazing coverage. The SPF 15 is perfect for indoor, although a bit lacking for the whole day. If you have oily skin like I do, I recommend you to try its matte formula. It is perfect to keep shine away and helps cover large pores so it is one of my favorites. See my review for more details.

It's good to know that some of the ladies out there have a similar taste for beauty as I do. The article obviously has a much longer list; I simply pointed out products that I personally have tried and love. If I have to answer the question, my pick for the one product that I can't live without (and I really mean it) will be face wash. I can go days without makeups or shower ( I really prefer not to though) but I can't stay not washing my face. My pick for a good face cleanser would either the Clinique Liquid Facial Soap ($15) or the Philosophy Purity Made Simple ($20 - 8 oz).

For more information on spring trends and bargain beauty deals, check out the Marsh issue of Real Simple. Now, I want to ask the same question to you. Comment below to let me know what is your one stable product.

Disclosure : This post contains products that were sent to Sparkle Midori by companies and PR agencies for blog consideration. Sparkle Midori does not receive money compensation and is not affiliated with any sponsors. Reviews are our honest opinions from personal experiences with the products and are not affected by any companies or PR agencies. For more information on this, please see our Review Policy.

read more "Beauty Babble : One Beauty Product That You Can't Live Without"

Read the full story

Don't Worry About Makeup Residues With Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

There has always been misconceptions that oil products should not be used on oily or acne prone skin. However, this is absolutely not true. Using an effective oil based product in the proper way should give you nothing but benefits to the skin. I have extremely oily skin but have always incorporated oil based skincare products in my maintenance routine. I have never had any problems with them. Recently, I picked up the Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm ($27) from one of my favorite cosmetic brands, Clinique. I decided to try this out because my regular cleansing oil tends to drip and make a mess.

More about the product : Lightweight cleansing balm quickly dissolves tenacious eye and face makeups, including those with sunscreen. Transforms from a solid balm to a silky, fluid oil upon application. Cleans thoroughly, rinses off completely. Non-greasy. Non-drying. For all skin types.

When I opened the jar, it literally looks like a giant lip balm. I usually wipe each of my hands once over the balm, and that should be enough for my whole face. The cleansing balm emulsifies extremely well, although still not as good as more premium brands such as the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Fresh ($28 ~ $62). As with other cleansing oil, the balm removes everything from my skin completely, and what I like about it more than regular cleansing oil is the fact that the solid texture is much more each to use and to control. However, the tub packaging is both unsanitary and hard to scope products out. Overall, I am very satisfies with this product as it is another winner from Clinique.

Pick It or Not ? 

• Quality: 50 (out of 50)  
• Packaging: 10 (out of 20)  
• Price: 20 (out of 20)   
• User Friendly: 5 (out of 5)   
• Availability: 5 (out of 5)

Angela's Ultimate Pick: A -

read more "Don't Worry About Makeup Residues With Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm"

Read the full story

Intro Guide To Basic Skincare

These are some of the essential skincare products that I currently use in my everyday skincare routine. Everyone's routine is different, but I believe these products should be the basic for everyone because they do amazing things to your skin

Face Wash: Philosophy Purity Made Simple ($20 - 8 oz)

Everyone needs a good face cleanser, and the Purity Made Simple by Philosophy is one of my favorites. It cleans your face and removes makeup (even waterproof). When I have really heavy makeup on, I still use a makeup remover before this. But, usually I just use the Purity Made Simple, and it gets everything off. It leaves a silky feeling afterward without making my face feeling oily. 

Eye Cream: Clinique All About Eyes ($28.50 - 0.5 oz)

Although I don't really see any huge difference in my eye area, it does keep my eye area well moisturized and has a light texture. It would be even better if it has spf because I like to use products with spf in the morning since sunlight can really damage our eye area skin.

Face Moisturizer: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel ($24 - 4.2 oz)

I have oily skin, and this product really moisturize my skin and keeps my skin from being too oily. 

Have you guys tried these skincare products before? What is your experience with them? Or may be you have other recommendations for me?

read more "Intro Guide To Basic Skincare"

Read the full story