First Makeup Blog Sale - Starting Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Hello, hello! It has been ages since I've posted anything on my makeup blog.
As many of you know, balancing being a mother for the first time as well as a demanding job, has not left me much time to make makeup videos or blog posts. That being said, I am going to start selling off a lot of the items that I don't currently use. I hope I will be able to find good homes for them. I will be listing new products weekly until everything is sold!
I am no novice to swapping, and can be found on Makeupalley as abfabjeanius.
As you can see, I have over 400 positive swap tokens.
Shipping:
- US Shipping prices listed (international to be determined on a case-by-case basis)

- I will charge $6 for the first item, and $1 for each additional item.
- This includes delivery confirmation, and standard packaging (ie. bubble wrap, padded envelope, etc.) Insurance, if you request it, will be extra.
Payment:
- I accept payment via Paypal (will provide you my information once we have finalized a sale.)
- I can provide an invoice via email if necessary. (It will not be done through Paypal, but will be generated by me.)
- Prices as listed.
- Usages as showm.
Other Fine Print:
- I do have one cat. She doesn't get into my makeup, but if you are extremely sensitive or allergic to cats, please note that my items will be coming from a home with a cat!
- Unfortunately, I cannot accommodate returns. ALL SALES FINAL! No returns or exchanges.
- I am not responsible if the post office damages/breaks/loses your package. I will make my best effort to package everything carefully to prevent damage, but cannot guarantee what happens to it afterwards.
- I can provide more detailed descriptions as well as closer/bigger photos upon request.
- Items are first come, first serve. If I do not receive payment within 24 hours after we finalize a sale, I will put it back up for sale.
Now For the Fun Stuff:
- Please contact me at: makejeanup@gmail.com to get started!

Dior 3-Couleurs Smoky Eyeshadow Trio Smoky Khaki #481 (left) - $32 - will include velvet pouch and box // Smoky Pink #051 (right) - $32 - will include velvet pouch and box

Dior 5-Couleur Eyeshadow Quint Grege #734 (left) - $45 - will include velvet pouch and box // Dolce and Gabbana Fabulous Eyeshadow Quad (right) - $44 - will include velvet pouch and box

Chanel Ombres Perlees Eyeshadow Palette (left) - $45 - will include velvet pouch and box // Chanel Stupendous Quad (right) - $42 - will include velvet pouch and box

Chanel Tweed Sienna #50 Tweed Blush (left) - $30 - will include velvet pouch and box // BeneFit Hervana box blush (right) - $20

Urban Decay Naked Foundation in 2.0 (left) - $25 // NARS Sheer Matte Foundation in Deauville (center) - $25 // NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Fiji (right) - $25



Thanks for checking out my sale!!!

Miranda Kerr's Makeup in Korean ELLE

It always amuses me when Asian editions of magazines fill their editorials with non-Asian models. I suppose I'm probably the only Asian person who wants to see fellow Asians in a magazine. One time, I bought Japanese VOGUE only to find that there was not one Asian model on any of the pages.

Regardless, I do enjoy this picture of supermodel Miranda Kerr from a spread in Korean ELLE magazine. The makeup was done by artist Troy Jensen, who has done the makeup of such femme fatales as Kim Kardashian, Megan Fox, and J.Lo. In this particular shoot, he uses exclusively products from Dior.

Since I'm a big Dior fan of my own, I decided to strive to re-create this look in my YouTube Video, using the same Dior eyeshadow quint (Ready-to-Glow) that he did, but substituting some other products of my own. Let me know what you think of the Asian version! :)

Shimmery Spring Clubbing Eye Makeup

Do you ever notice how ubiquitous the dark, smokey eye has become for a night out on the town? If you're looking for something a little more spring-centric, then check out my latest video tutorial!

The products that I feature in the video are:

NARS Nouveau Monde powder eyeshadow duo;

NARS Celebrate Soft Touch Shadow pencil;

BareMinerals Glisten High Shine Eyecolor;

Stila Color Wheel eyeshadow palette (currently only available in select Macy's stores);

Urban Decay Zero 24/7 Glide-On eye pencil;

Paul and Joe #04 Eye Gloss N.

I am also wearing:

Paul and Joe #101 Protective Fluid Foundation S (This just came out for spring, and is my new favorite foundation for summer);

Dior SkinFlash concealer in #002;

NARS Sex Appeal powder blush;

Illamasqua Obey lipstick;

BareMinerals Sprinkle 100% Natural lipgloss;

Giorgio Armani Megan Fox's Eyes to Kill Excess mascara.

Let me know what you think!

New Lipstick Launches for Spring 2011

In April 2011, the three big French cosmetic brands are offering new lipsticks, each promising weightless color and moisturization.

Chanel previewed its collection of Rouge Coco Shine with a limited-engagement offering in February, of the color Boy, a sheer mauve-pink. The full range of 18 colors, with advertisement featuring Vanessa Paradis, will be available at counters April 6.

Lancome displayed its collection of L'Absolu Nu lipsticks via its celebrity artists. Colors were used on Mila Kunis and other stars for events such as the Golden Globes and Academy Awards. This collection has launched in select department stores, but I have yet to see it on the Lancome site. There are 16 colors total, all very sheer and balmy. The ad features the lovely Kate Winslet, in the buff.

Dior first offered its renewed Dior Addict line of lipsticks at Sephora, offering a selection of pinks. The full line is now available in all department stores, and consists of 56 colors in a wide array of shades. The ad features the inimitable Kate Moss (pictured above), and Dior has also invested in a short film featuring the supermodel.

See my YouTube video for a full review!

Where There's Smoke...

While I was at Sephora yesterday, I picked up some new items that are out on the market. I am wearing all 3 of my new purchases here in the pic.

In this face of the day, I am wearing:

FACE

YSL Matt Touch Primer (which I have reviewed previously)

YSL Perfect Touch Foundation in #5

This is one of my holy grail foundations. It is on the expensive side (retail of $55USD for 1.3 ounces), but well worth it, in my opinion. I have purchased it 3 times already. I initially purchased it in the #4, which I found was a tad too pink and pale for me. I think if you're like NW20 in MAC, then #4 would work perfectly. For me, the #5 (light beige) works well, but I have also been able to use #6 (golden beige) when I have had a bit more sun exposure. This is available in a total of 14 colors, and those with very pale skin will be able to easily find a match.

One of the things that I appreciate most about this is the built-in brush. I know some people have had issues with it, but I find that if I squeeze a bit of the foundation on the back of my hand, and then dab the brush into the foundation and apply that way, it works really well. That way, you can control how much goes onto the face. The brush is wide, but flat, so you can turn it sideways to really get into the inner corners of the eyes or the sides of the nose. As for sanitary concerns, I usually wipe off the brush after each application, and then wash it once every two weeks. I've not had any problems that way.

As for the finish, it is a demi-matte... so not fully matte, but definitely not dewy or anything. If you're familiar with Touche Eclat, and the gentle light diffusing qualities of it, this foundation is meant to emulate it. There are no weird shimmers, but it has pigments that work to give you radiance. YSL calls it "baby skin" complex, and I have to agree that my skin looks flawless with this. The coverage is medium without being heavy. It will minimize any discolorations, scars, or undereye circles, but will not completely cover them, so you will still need concealer.

This does not have SPF that I'm aware of, though it does claim to give UVB filters, which I'm not sure how to validate, since I do not see key sunblock ingredients.

Perfect Touch would work well for those with normal to dry or normal to oily skintypes. If you're super oily, this won't control your oil. Also, for those who are sensitive to fragrance, this does have a very light, cucumber-y scent, but it does fade soon after application. It has never bothered my skin. This is a definite repurchase for me!

YSL Touche Eclat in #2, Luminous Ivory

Where do I start with this product? I have been using it for years and years, even when I couldn't afford it, and I just simply adore it. This is super pricey, currently at $40USD (it's increased about $1 each year since I've started using it!) for a 0.1 ounce click pen.

Through the years, many imitation products have come out from competitors, but I don't think there is anything that could supplant Touche Eclat's place in my makeup bag, and that is saying a lot. When it initially came out, it was only available in one color, #1, which had a pink undertone (meant to counteract dark blue undereye shadows), but it is now available in 4 colors to complement a wider array of skintones.

This is not meant as a high-coverage concealer. Even compared to my other holy grail product, Dior Skinflash (which I've reviewed earlier), it has far less coverage. Rather, it brightens and subtley highlights under the eyes, around the bow of the lips, on the bridge of the nose, etc. It really helps me to look like I got 8 hours of sleep (which I sure didn't in this picture!) and works so well in conjunction with the Perfect Touch foundation.

When used every day, I can stretch this out to about 6 months of use, which is not bad. Like the Dior Skinflash, however, the container is elegant, but is opaque, so you can't exactly tell when you're going to run out. That is the only con. Aside from that, I adore it!

Mally Beauty Shimmer Shape and Glow in In the Pink, Lighter

This was one of the first products that Mally Roncal introduced with the launch of her makeup line. It features a light tan contouring powder, a peachy-beige shimmer powder, and a light pink blush with some shimmer to it. This kit is available in 5 different shade variations which you can purchase based on your skintone and if you're looking for a pink or peach blush. It retails for $40USD, and you can purchase it on the Mally Beauty website or QVC.

Though the idea behind this kit is good, I don't think the actual quality of product is that great. I find the powders sort of hard and not that pigmented. I have to really rub my brush in to pick up enough to get it to show up on my face. But, aside from that, it does a decent job of helping to define the cheekbones, and it's convenient to have these items all in one compact.

EYES

MAC Shadestick in Beige-ing

I like these shadesticks to use as shadow bases. It really helps the shadow to adhere, and also brings out the pigment and adds longevity to the wearing time of the shadow.

Beige-ing is one of my staples, and is a light beige with golden undertones and shimmer. It works well one anyone with golden undertones, I think, because it kind of just blends into the skin. My only complaint with the Shadesticks is that they are sort of hard, and you have to soften them by warming in your hand in order to get them to apply to the lid.

Dior JazzClub - Total Eyelook Makeup Clutch

This was one of my purchases from yesterday's Sephora haul, and I love it! It is a limited-edition item introduced for Fall. I think it's perfect for travelling, because it contains everything you need for the perfect eye (except for mascara!), and when you're done with the products inside, you can actually pop out the compact and use the container as a wallet or mirror.

For $60USD, you get:

1. Black Cream Eyeliner -- this goes on very smoothly, and is quite long-lasting on the eyes. It dries to a powder effect, which means no smudges or racoon effect!

2. Taupe Brow Powder -- this works really well for me now that my hair is lighter, but I could see it working for anyone with blonde to medium brown hair.

3. Matte Dark Brown Eyeshadow -- great for lining, but also really good for defining the crease or creating that "V" in the outer corner. (I used in the outer corners here.)

4. Shimmery Khaki Eyeshadow -- this has olivey undertones, but is not green. I imagine it would really look hot on someone with green or hazel eyes, but it plays up my boring brown eyes, too. (I used it in the crease here.)

5. Shimmery Silvery-Taupe Eyeshadow -- if you like cool-toned taupes, then this would be a staple for you. It's neutral enough to wear to work, but the sparkles make it really special. (I used it on the lid here.)

6. Ultra-shimmery White Eyeshadow -- sounds scary, but on the browbones, or even patted over-top on the sockets of the eyelid, it really helps make the eyes pop. Also, this one has a creamy texture, which makes it unique from regular eyeshadows. (I used it on browbones and inner corners here.)

Also, I must note that this palette comes with a dual-ended sponge-tip applicator, as well as a dual-ended brush that has a slant tip (for eyeliner application or for use on the brows) and a smudgey brush tip.

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Mascara in #1 Extension Black

I'm a huge fan of the original Phenomen'Eyes mascara (which I will review under separate cover so I can go more into detail about application techniques, comparisons, etc.) -- so I just had to try this new version, since I am a mascara junkie. I was happy to find it at Sephora yesterday, for the lovely price of $28USD. Expensive for a mascara, but still cheaper than the Lauder Turbolash that I like.

This has the unique round ball brush which looks like a medieval torture instrument. Once you can get past the unconventional look, you'll find that the shape of the brush is actually quite useful. It can reach into the very inner and outer corners of the top and bottom lashes.

But, does it do its job? It does lengthen quite nicely, and also adds some volume, which I appreciate. It dries more quickly than its original sister, so if you want to add more than one coat, you have to do it back to back. It also fans out the lashes and makes them look fluttery. My only complaint with this version is that it does not curl as well as the original... which means that after I apply, I have to use my index finger to gently push up my lashes to create a curve. But, because the mascara formulation is so awesome (flexible polymer) - the curl holds - hooray!

No weird scent, no flaking, and the black is a deep, dark black. Just lovely!

Givenchy Gloss Interdit Ultra-Shiny Color Plumping Effect in #2 Impertinent Nude

Another Sephora purchase from yesterday. I wasn't looking for another lipgloss, but the display just looked so pretty, with every color in stock... and there is quite a color range! Fifteen (15) in total, ranging from pale to bright to dark. I didn't have time to play with all of the testers, but #2 caught my eye the most, since I love nude-pink lips.

This is a light, neutral pink with gorgeous pearl, glitter, and multi-dimensional shimmers. It reminds me a bit of Chanel's glossimer in Jaipur, but I actually like this Givenchy gloss a bit better.

It's pricey, at $24.50 for 0.21 ounce. The applicator is a stiff brush, which helps give precision (and hopefully, the firmness of the brush will keep it from splaying.) The scent is very special and pleasant, sort of fruity yet floral. Apparently, it is quite a special fragrance. If you are sensitive to scents, it does fade after an hour or so.

And yes, I did say after an hour or so... this gloss is super long-lasting, even though it is not at all tacky or sticky. I would say it lasts for a good 4 hours, even if you drink water. It does fade a bit and become less glossy, but it stays! So pretty!

As for the "plumping" effect, there is no tingling or burning, so if you're looking for something like Duwop Lip Venom, this isn't it. The plumping is more of a visual effect, because of the multi-faceted pigments. Very nice, and I must go check out more!!

Hump Day!

Once again, I didn't do any exciting looks, but here is what I am wearing in the picture:

FACE

Cle de Peau Concealer (reviewed before)

MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in C2.

I have a love-hate relationship with this one. Even though it is reasonably priced at $26USD, I don't really think it's the perfect product for me. It comes with a sponge, and applies quite thick and powdery, so you kind of have to wait for it to "settle" into your face and mesh with your skin. Additionally, I've never been able to find a perfect match in MAC, despite the numerous colors they offer. The C2 is a tad too light for me, but the C3 is too dark and yellow. I've also tried the NC20, NC25, NC30, and NC35 (depending on how tan I was), and for some reason, with the NC line, I had issues with it turning a bit orange on the skin as the day went on. Even when I tried it with the MAC Prep & Prime primer, I had this issue.

That being said, this is a decent powder foundation. It offers ample coverage, you can apply it quickly in the morning, and you can also use it to touch up during the day if necessary. It does not control oilies, so I still have to blot mid-day, but I didn't have issues with breakouts with this, which was good. Overall, I do prefer some of my higher-end powder foundations, but this is an acceptable alternative.

YSL Jaipur Highlighting Powder

This one is way old... I think it came out in like 2006 (can't remember exactly.) It was one of the limited edition highlighting/bronzing powders that was released. The base color is a peachy shimmery bronze, and then there is a paisley pattern of gold and pink interlaced. The overall color blended is a soft golden-peach. In this picture, it is hardly noticeable, but in person, it just gives the skin a subtle lift. It's not a must-have, and for a more dramatic effect, I do prefer the MAC Mineralize Skin Finishes, but the packaging and design of this compact is quite appealing.

EYES

Stila Browset (reviewed before)

DiorShow Blackout Mascara (reviewed before)

Bourjois Effet Duochrome Eyeliner Pencil - I forget the color, but it is a dark blue.

I got this eyeliner from my dear friend Aurelie, as it seems that we are no longer able to purchase Bourjois stateside, since Sephora US stopped carrying the brand. This is a really pretty eyeliner -- again, it's hard to see in the picture, but it's a dark blue with a violet-y duochrome to it. It's dark enough to define the eye, but colorful enough to give it some pop. I don't use it in the waterline or inner eye, because I'm not sure if it would irritate my eye, but along my lashline, this does last all day with minimal smudging, and it applies very smoothly. Overall, I really like this a lot and can't wait to use the plum one that Aurelie has given me also.

LIPS

MAC Lustreglass in Love Nectar

The MAC Lustreglasses are some of my favorite glosses. I like these better than the lipglasses because the consistency is thinner, and it has a brush applicator (vs. a doe foot) for more precise application. Love Nectar is a light, peachy-apricot color with some gold shimmer and glitter. It's quite sheer, so it lets your natural lip color shine through, and in my case, it warms the natural pink tone in my lip and blends to a nice peachy-pink color. I find the shine and shimmer also make my lips look sort of juicy and plump. It's great to wear on its own or over top a lipliner. For about $14USD, this is not a bad deal.

On a Monday Morning...

I decided to try a new format for my reviews. I think I'm going to create the look with the makeup, and then review the individual items below. I hope one day to become technically-savvy enough to be able to have a roll-over menu so if you hold the mouse over a certain part of my face, the item I used on it will pop up, along with the review. But, alas, we start where we start... and in my case, it's the middle ages!

I took this picture with my Blackberry, so it pretty much sucks. Between that and the ginormous bags under my eyes from only 3-hrs of sleep, I'm not looking the best, but I promise to put up some better pictures going forward!

On to the fun stuff...

FACE

Chanel Mat Lumiere liquid foundation in Ivoire 0.8.

This is a decent foundation, with medium coverage and a soft-matte finish. It is supposed to be long-lasting (according to Chanel, up to 12 hrs) and have a lightweight and natural look.

PROS: It offers SPF15, and has a sanitary pump dispenser. The finish is quite natural-looking, not at all heavy or cakey. This is offered in 11 colors, though I think the very, very fair-skinned or the very, very dark-skinned may have trouble finding a match. Everyone in-between should be able to find a decent match, as they offer both neutral and golden undertones.

CONS: Like all Chanel products, this is pricey... Mat Lumiere is $54USD. Additionally, it comes in a heavy glass bottle, which travellers may find cumbersome. If you are really oily, this probably will not help hold back the oilies on its own. For me, my nose gets shiny by lunchtime.

Cle de Peau Concealer in Ivoire (which I have reviewed previously.) I've obviously forgotten to put some on my pimple!

Dior Bronze Harmonie de Blush in #001 Rose Brazilia.

I like this a lot, since it is a blend of blush and bronzer, which you can use separately or blended together. The Rose Brazilia has a pretty, bright peach color in the center, a tan bronze at the edges, and is flanked by a light pink border and a plummy border. All of the colors have some fine shimmer, but nothing too shiny. When you initially buy this, it has a gold overlay on top, but after you use it for the first time, the gold goes away.

I use this with the MAC 187 brush, pick up all the colors, and then buff into the cheeks. It blends to a really pretty, glowy peach for me. I like the versatility of this because honestly, it's like several cheek/face products in one, so for the $42 price-tag, it's quite worth it.

EYES

Stila Browset

I have this powder duo in "Dark" for when I used to have dark hair, but it comes with a lighter taupe color that I use now. The powder is pretty easy to work with (not too dry, not too soft) - and goes on quite well. I use the MAC #209 brush (small angled) to apply.

Guerlain Ombre Eclat 4 Couleurs Fleur De Feu eyeshadow quad.

This is from a year ago, limited-edition, and has really pretty colors, all with subtle shimmer: a light pinkish ivory color, a warm pinky-rose, a light cool-toned gray with some blue to it (this is my favorite shade), and a deep plummy-purple.

Here, I am only wearing the light pink-ivory color all over, and then a little of the plummy-purple along the lashline. This quad is quite unique, but I have to say the colors are not as pigmented as I would like.

Diorshow BlackOut Mascara

I got this mascara for free as part of my Dior Diva VIP gift. I've purchased it before, but I wouldn't say that it is my favorite of the Diorshows. The formula is very wet, and it doesn't thicken or lengthen as well as the original or the Iconic. It features the giant brush that Diorshow usually has, but the bristles are shorter and more spiral-y than the original. My favorite thing about it is that it leaves the lashes soft, and the color truly is a beautiful, kohl black. But, for $24USD, it may not be worth it to purchase this.

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Pencil in Zero.

This is one of my favorite pencil eyeliners. The Zero color is a rich, dark black, and it glides onto the eyelid and lashline without tugging. Now, I do have to note that it does smudge on the lower lashline by the afternoon, so this pencil is by no means perfect. But, for a pencil liner, this is one my favorites. It retails for $16USD, is available at Sephora (which means if you hate it, you can return it, no questions asked!) -- and is also offered in 19 beautiful colors, ranging from brights to metallics, to deeps.

LIPS

NARS Lipgloss in Sweet Revenge.

The NARS color names crack me up! This is a really pretty, sheer mid-tone rose with no shimmer or pearl. On my pink-pigmented lips, it just accentuates my lip color and makes the lips look plumper. It's sort of a "no-fail, no mirror" gloss that I can just slap on on a lazy day. It is pretty pricey, at $24USD for a little tube, but I think of all my lipglosses, I reach for this the most frequently during the week just because it's so easy. Like all other NARS non-shimmery glosses, this is fairly slick and decently long-lasting, and doesn't leave that embarrassing white ring around your mouth when it gets dried up. It just sort of fades away. The shine is not over the top or plasticky at all. I like the doe-foot applicator as well. My only complaint (as with all NARS lip products) is the chemical smell of it. I don't think NARS adds any perfume or fragrance to their lip products, so they have a waxy smell and taste to them.

"Glowy" Lips with Dior Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm

Wow, I am surprised I love this product, but I do! This was released with the Summer 2009 collection. I've usually never had good luck with those color-changing lipsticks/glosses. (Remember those mood lipsticks from the 80's?). I find they typically turn a garish shade of pink or fuchsia on me, even the latest incarnations, like Smashbox's O Gloss, or even the Too Faced Smurfette gloss, which I otherwise like.

This looks like one of Dior Addict High Shine lipsticks, in terms of the slant-tip, and the size of the actual bullet. The actual product looks like a translucent baby pink, but once it is applied to the lips, it turns to the perfect "natural" lip color for you by working with your body's natural chemistry. (I think it's something to do with the pH levels in your skin, etc.) For me, it is a mid-tone warm-pink, basically like a rosier version of my natural lip color. The effect is quite natural.

The texture of this is quite balmy and moisturizing, and the finish is like a glossy lipstick. It makes the lips look juicy and healthy. I do find that the color lasts quite long, even after the product is wiped off, but the stain effect is sheer, so you can feel free to apply more without turning your lips a tacky color or risk having the color flake off your lips. It also looks very pretty with the Dior Lip Plumper on top, or a sheer gloss once the sheen of the balm goes away.

Also, this product has SPF 10, which, though it is low, is better than nothing. (Wish they could have done SPF 15 or 30.). I love this stuff, and will be using all of the time. I kind of wish I'd invented it myself! It retails for $28USD (pretty pricey!) -- but is well worth it!

Addicted to Dior Lippies

I remember when Dior first converted to the whole "Addict" concept about 10 or so years ago. I bought into the original Addict lipsticks, which I adored because of the flashy and unique packaging. Now, we have the latest incarnation, the Dior Addict Lipcolors, which promise high color payoff with a lightweight and shiny texture.

The new collection has a total of 24 colors, ranging from pales to brights, and even a few darker shades thrown in. I, of course, being the nude and pink aficionado, purchased 3 in: #223 - Beige Negligee, #219 - Undressed Pink, #319 - Beige Dandy, which are a shimmery peachy-pink with golden pearl, a creamy nude pink with no shimmer, and a shimmery peachy-beige with gold shimmer. They retail for $26USD each which is kind of a hefty investment, but well worth it.
Packaging is very cute and Dior, with an exterior silver-toned mirrored case that covers the whole tube and etched with "Dior." The actual tube is quite thin, but for some reason, the exterior case is thick and a tad bulky. (Please see pic above.)

The lippie does live up to its promise.. There s no waxiness at all, and it almost feels water-like on the lips. It just glides on. The finish is semi-gloss, so not too shiny. The density of the color, though, even in the lighter shades, is incredible. The lasting power is superior to most glossy or light lipsticks, and wears for a couple of hours without losing its sheen or luster. There is no scent (much improvement to the old school Dior lippies which have a perfumey-flower odor, or even compared to the Rouge Diors.)

I like these a lot and will repurchase in the shades that I bought (if I ever use them up!). I'm also open to trying other colors. I bet the brights in this line are gorgeous!

Oh, J'adore Dior Capture Totale!

I just celebrated another birthday, so I thought it would be an appropriate time to invest in some good skincare. I am definitely not a stranger to anti-again products or high-end items, but forking out lots of dough has, at times, seemed like a waste.

The Capture Totale Rituele Nuit comprises of 2 different parts: (1) An anti-aging peeling toner; (2) A gel-cream format night cream. They retail for $85USD and $125USD respectively, which is certainly a bit of an investment.

One of the toner's active ingredients is salicylic acid, though I'm not sure of the percentage. It is quite exfoliatory and helps get rid of the dead skin cells that are hanging out on the surface of the skin. There are also other ingredients to help it be more gentle, so you don't feel like you are applying astringent to your face or anything, and there is absolutely no burning, and I have pretty sensitive skin It also has a pleasant, flowery scent, and comes in a shiny plastic purple bottle, which helps with the illusion of prestige. As per the drections, you are to wet 2 cotton pads and apply from the throat up to the facial contours and cheeks and then swipe across the forehead and nose. It leaves the face feeling very sightly sticky, but only for a few minutes. The bottle contains 3.4 ounces, and so far, in the month I have been using it, I have gone through about 1/5 or so of it from using it every night.

Now, for the cream. It has a unique oil-cream consistency, which means it feels quite moisturizing without being thick or heavy. The application instructions recommend using just a small amount, and warming it in between the hands before applying. For me, I use about a pea-size for my face and then another pea-size dollop for my neck/throat/decollete. This cream comes in a jar, which some may find unsaitary, but it does come with a spatula. The cream is quite lightweight, has the same pleasant scent as the toner, and absorbs quickly into the skin. I have combo skin with a very oily t-zone, and I have not had any breakouts whatsoever. I do sometimes wake up oily in the t-zone, but that happens regardless of what I use. I don't now how this will fare in the dead cold of the Northeastern winter months, but for early spring weather (which is still quite chilly), it has rich enough. I do think this 1.7 ounce jar will last quite a while, as I've had it for a month and have barely made a dent in it.

As for visble effects? I do notice that I wake up with more radiant-looking skin, and my morning skincare and foundation/powders apply more smoothly. I also notice a reduction in the blackheads on/around my nose (undoubtably the results of the salicylic acid). I can't attest to any wrinkle reduction, as I didn't have any to begin with (I am more about prevention.). I am very pleased with these 2 purchases, and I imagine that I will continue purchasing, and probably add the serum and eye cream to my routine, too. (Currently, I use a non-Dior eye cream, and do not use serum.)