Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder

Hello loves!

Having oily skin is not an easy thing. Your makeup doesn't last as long, there's a higher chance you get acne because dirt tend to stick to your skin because of the oil, you don't look "fresh" after just a few hours because your face looks shiny already. I could go on and on about this because I've dealt with this issue ever since I hit puberty. The thing that makes me feel better is convincing myself that I won't get wrinkles faster than those with drier skin (provided that I make sure I have proper skin care). Still, I try to find ways to prolong the time that my face looks like a disco ball.

One of the things I do is find the right product for my skin type. I look for skincare that addresses my skin concerns and makeup that doesn't add more oil to my face (like if it's water-based, I think that's better, but I still have to try it first. Not every product like it works on me). Another thing that I do is top off my makeup with powder. I find that it prolongs the time it takes for my skin to get all shiny.

The current product I'm using is...

Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder

It's PhP 260.00. Bought mine from Althea.

I bought it because I've been seeing different bloggers raving about this product. It also doesn't hurt that it's very affordable. Plus, I've been loving quite a number of products from the brand innisfree.

Before I go on with my short review, here's the product description from the website:

What it is

1. Sebum control powder that allows for non-greasy, downy baby skin 

Sebum absorption powder and mineral sebum control powder absorb excess sebum for a bright, downy skin as if presently putting on makeup. 

2. Jeju natural minerals and mint for refreshing control of oil and moisture 

Sebum absorption powder with Jeju natural minerals and mint restores an unhealthy balance of oil and moisture, leaving a refreshing finish. 

3. Absorbing excess sebum and oil for downy makeup and an even skin tone 

Absorbs excess sebum and oil to prevent makeup from becoming patchy, while correcting dull skin tone to keep the skin bright and radiant all day.

How to use

In the last stage of your daily skincare routine or makeup, use powder puff to gently apply onto entire face or sebum concentrated areas. 

Date manufactured / Shelf life after initial opening

use within 36 months

Contact us for faulty items

Livechat & Email: support_world@innisfree.co.kr

Quality guarantee notice

If you find any defects in your item, we will resolve the matter in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Korea.

Warning

1. If the following symptoms appear after using the product, stop using it. If the symptoms worsen, consult a dermatologist. 

1) Red blotches, swellings, itchiness or irritation while using the product. 

2) If the above symptoms appear when the skin is exposed to direct sunlight after using the product. 

2. Do not apply on a scar or any area of skin irritation, such as dermatitis and eczema. 

3. Cautions about handling and storing the product 

1) Keep the product closed after using it. 

2) Keep the product out of the reach of children/babies. If they swallow it, consult a doctor. 

3) Avoid extremely high and low temperatures and direct sunlight.

Ingredients: 

SILICA, CORN STARCH MODIF.IED, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, MICA, METHICONE

Errr... I think they should edit their description from the website. haha! But I guess you get the point by checking the key words in it. :P

To be honest, I thought that it was so affordable at PhP 260, thinking that the size would be like that of the Palgantong Theatrical powder. When my order arrived, I was disappointed that it was smaller... like half of it. 5g. But still, I would consider it fairly priced. 

It's in a tub. There's a division between the powder and where you place your applicator.

The division has tiny holes so you get to control the amount you dispense.

The powder is very fine... like cornstarch! It glides smoothly on skin and it feels soft when touched. 

It has a translucent effect. You may worry that it would leave a white cast, but it doesn't.

It just makes your skin matte! At first I find my skin looking too matte but just wait for it to set and the overall finish would look natural.

Some say that the mint properties give a cooling sensation, well, I don't feel that. It just feels like the regular dry powder for me. 

I use it as a finishing powder after I put on my liquid foundation or BB cream. I apply it using a brush because I find the puff that comes with it more time consuming to use. It also moves and absorbs some of my foundation and concealer so I'd rather use a brush.

It works great when you want to set your makeup and give your look a matte finish. It also gives a softer look, like the lines and pores are smaller. But does it control oil?

Here's me without blotting after an 8-hour work day. Still shiny as ever. 

To be honest, I don't see much difference. My face starts to get shiny after three to four hours, just as when I use other translucent powder. 

So to summarize, I think it's a good product. It's effective in giving a matte finish. It sets makeup nicely. It feels and makes your skin look soft and smooth. It didn't irritate my skin. Finally, it's somewhat affordable. I don't think I have anything bad to say about it except that I would have love a bigger-sized product.

But would I say that it's the best? No. I've tried others that I like more BUT if I consider the price, then I would say it's one of the better ones at this price range.

And those are my thoughts on the Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder. I hope this was helpful.

Cheers,
DAWN

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Lip and Cheek Duo Palette in Celebrity and Diva

Hey dearies!

Do you love cream blushes? Looking for a great bronzer and blush duo, which also happens to be a great lip product too? Then let me introduce to you this lovely product from Ellana Mineral Cosmetics...

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Lip and Cheek Duo Palette in Celebrity and Diva

This palette is worth Php 460.00.

It's housed in this beautiful compact with an illustration by Soleil Ignacio. This has a mirror and I like that it isn't bulky so it's easy to fit it in your vanity bag. And in case you are wondering, it doesn't come in an applicator.

Labels at the bottom of the packaging

I bought this because I've read some great reviews on this product and my sister, Trace, mentioned that she wants the Diva shade. She's still in Australia though but I'm planning on visiting her this year so I'll let her try this one first then I'll buy her a new one if she'll like it. :)

The cool, bold pink shade is Celebrity while the warm, metallic bronze is Diva.

The swatches

They are so vibrant and pigmented! I got those intense colors in just one swatch! They have a buttery smooth texture that is so easy to spread whether on the lips or on the cheeks. It feels light on skin too. I don't feel like I added any sticky creams on my cheeks which I encountered in some cream blushes I've tried before.

Celebrity on my lips

Diva on my lips

They look gorgeous as lip products. Celebrity would be great for an everyday wear. Pair it with a thick eye liner and you will look pretty and chic! Diva, on the other hand, would definitely help achieve that Bronze Goddess look! 

And here's how it looks like on my cheek. 

Left picture: Without any product

Right picture: Applied Diva as bronzer

I used Diva as contour to add definition to my face. It is sort of close to my color so it's not too visible and I don't really want to over-bronze myself, especially since the weather now is a bit cold. Anyway, you can still achieve a bronzier look because the shades are buildable and blending is uber easy too!

Applied Celebrity on the cheek

Celebrity gave my cheek a bright, rosy glow! You can also control the intensity of the shade very easily. You can use either your fingers of a stippling brush for these products. I find using the fingers easier though.

I love the finish of both shades. They give a dewy look which looks so natural on my face. My concern though is my oily face and that it doesn't last very long on me (Celebrity lasts longer compared to Diva but I think it is because the color is bolder). What I do is I tap a translucent powder on my cheeks with a Kabuki brush. Don't worry about caking because I haven't encountered any of that when I use them with powder on top. The powder will surely help with the lasting power of the product but it can take away the dewy finish. But it is a price I am willing to pay so that I can retain the rosy glow for a longer time. :)

And those are my thoughts on the Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Lip and Cheek Duo Palette in Celebrity and Diva. Let me know your thoughts on the palette!

For more info about Ellana, check out their:

Website
Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Ellana is available online and at the following branches:

The Ramp, 2nd Floor Glorietta 3, Makati City, The Ramp; 2nd Floor Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City; The Ramp, 1st Floor Trinoma Mall, Quezon City; Unit 203 La Fuerza Plaza 2, Chino Roces Ave. Corner Sabio St., Makati City

Disclaimer: If you click the Ellana links on this post (or the Ellana banner at the side bar), you get a discount when you buy online and I get a part of the money in return because I joined their affiliate program. Even though I benefit from this, rest assured that all I stated in my posts are honest reviews. :)

Cheers,

DAWN

Review : Ellana Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation in Hazelnut Latte

Hey loves!

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics has impressed the hell out of me when it comes to wearing mineral makeup. I used to avoid mineral makeup because I thought they're not good enough in concealing my acne marks and that they wouldn't last long on my oily face. But if you've read my review on their Smile Concealer/Foundation, then you know I became an instant fan after the first try!

One of my concerns though is that it's hard bringing loose powder for retouching. It gets very messy! So it's a great relief that Ellana has a pressed powder form which I can take with me wherever I go!

Ellana Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation in Hazelnut Latte

This is Php 650.00

(You can get a 15% discount if you click my affiliate banner)

So here are the details about the product from the website:

What it is:

Can’t take your sweet time applying loose powders? Do we have something for you!

Our Ultimate Pressed Powder foundation combines the convenience of traditional makeup and the skin-friendly benefits of minerals in one compact.

How to Use:

Swirl your kabuki or powder brush on the powder, then shake off the excess. Apply the foundation on your face in circular, motions to get the best coverage. Add more layers on problem areas as needed.

Tips and Tricks:

This pressed foundation is ideal for oily and troubled skin due to its superior coverage and oil-absorbing properties. It comes in a variety of carefully designed shades to match Asian complexions.

Ingredients:

Mica, C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphates, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Kaolin, Magnesium Stearate, Allantoin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silicone Dioxide, Yellow CI 77492, Red CI 77491, Black CI 77499, Green CI 77288, Blue 77007

So my shade is Hazelnut Latte and I'm happy to say that this foundation comes in many shades, around nine I think. You can find your shade by visiting their branches or ordering a free samples kit from their website!

The packaging is pretty much the same as some of their blushes and lip and cheek creams. It's a simple mirror compact that's non-bulky and the beautiful illustrations by Soleil Ignacio gives that artsy, glam, kikay vibe. The powder stains the white material of the packaging though. I have to use some makeup remover around it to clean it.

It has a fine texture, not buttery smooth but still very fine.

The impressive part is how pigmented it is. I just swirled my finger a couple of times and I get this much product!

It's so pigmented that when I retouch in the afternoon, my skin looks as beautiful as it was when I just left the house this morning!

Above are photos of my face before I put on the powder and after I applied it. I didn't use any concealers or other products underneath. It's all the pressed mineral powder goodness! At first, you may find your face kinda flat from the powder but give it some time and it will set on your skin like it's your second skin!

The coverage of the foundation/concealer is still better but this is a great back up when I'm out of the house. It's just pricier than the loose powder versions but I just use this for retouching so I don't use as much product as when I use the loose form so it will last me a while.

What I LIKE:

- Awesome coverage

- Beautiful packaging

- Available in many shades suited for Asian skin

- Locally available

- No irritations nor breakouts encountered

- Easy to carry around

What I'm NEUTRAL about:

- The price is higher than the loose form but I use more of the loose powders more so I'm not complaining! :P

What I DON'T LIKE:

- Nothing!

And that's my review! Hope that this was helpful! Let me know your thoughts on the comments below! :D

For more info about Ellana, check out their:

Website
Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Ellana is available online and at the following branches:

The Ramp, 2nd Floor Glorietta 3, Makati City, The Ramp; 2nd Floor Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City; The Ramp, 1st Floor Trinoma Mall, Quezon City; Unit 203 La Fuerza Plaza 2, Chino Roces Ave. Corner Sabio St., Makati City

Disclaimer: If you click the Ellana links on this post (or the Ellana banner at the side bar), you get a discount when you buy online and I get a part of the money in return because I joined their affiliate program. Even though I benefit from this, rest assured that all I stated in my posts are honest reviews. :)

Cheers,

DAWN

Ellana Pressed Mineral Blush Duo in Light Roast/Butter Rum Coffee

Hi loves!

Do you contour and highlight your face?

I absolutely do! Being a woman in the heavy side, I like seeing myself look smaller, even for just a bit. And makeup can do that to your face! Knowing the right way of contouring can make a huge difference on how you look for the better. It accentuates your face's bone structure and frames your face to highlight your features.

And that is why contouring is a must whenever I do my makeup. Right now I am using this product from Ellana...

Ellana Pressed Mineral Blush Duo in Light Roast/Butter Rum Coffee

Php 460.00

But before I continue on my review, let's get to know the product according to the packaging:

And more info from the website:

If you’re looking for cheeks that seem to glow-from-within, then you’ve come to the right place! Our Blush Duo Compact has an illuminating yet natural finish and comes in complementing color combinations. Get that beautiful, soft definition in just a few seconds Light Roast- matte deep cool caramel brown.

Because foundation evens out your skin tone, your face ends up looking very one-dimensional if you don't add the shadows and highlights back in with contour. 

How to use:

To blush: Apply on the apples of cheeks || To contour: Sweep
the darker shade under your cheekbones, blending up to the
temples and down the jawline.

Tips and Tricks:

Best for normal to oily skin.

Ingredients List:

Sericite, Silk Mica, Silica, Magnesium Stearate, Allantoin, Capric/Caprylic Triglycerides, Tocopherol Acetate, May contain +/- Iron Oxides

The packaging is very beautiful which is consistent in many products from Ellana. I just love the illustrations very much. The size of the compact is thin and it would fit easily in every vanity kit. My concern though is that the powder sticks to the material of the packaging. So right now, I have brown stains at the inside of the compact. But it can be cleaned with the help of some makeup remover.

What made me bought this is that the Butter Rum Coffee shade has just the right amount of brown in it that would not look like dirt on my face. It doesn't have the brick red tone too which is common in many bronzers and contour powders. It also gives a matte finish that creates a very natural finish. The Light Roast, on the other hand, is very pigmented but when blended, will really brighten the area you applied on. It gives a matte finish with a gold pearl-like shimmer that looks gorgeous when light touches it! Plus, these powders are super easy to blend! 

Here's a closeup of the duo.

Heavy swatches on my arm

And here's how my face look like before and after I add contour.

Left - my face looks flat from my heavy coverage makeup

Right - Added highlights and contour to add definition to my face

I tried to add more of the Light Roast because I thought it wouldn't be visible on camera that's why it's extra bright on the photos. But you can easily control the amount you apply. :)

The trick to putting contour and highlight is by imagining that the light source is somewhere  above your face. The places where light touches your skin (top of cheekbones, nose bridge, tip of lips, a little on the chin and maybe some on the forehead, and I also add some under my my cheekbones) are areas where you put the highlight, and the places where the shadows form (under the cheekbones, jaw area, sides of the forehead) are the places you put the contour (you can also put some at the sides of the nose to make it look smaller).

In between the highlighted and contoured areas of my cheeks, I apply the blush to blend them together, here's the result:

My face looks brighter and also a bit slimmer!

It can stay on my face for most of the day if I stay inside an air-conditioned room. But when I'm outside and I start to sweat and my oily skin kicks in, it starts to fade and reapplication maybe necessary.

And here's how I usually look before going to work with the rest of my makeup on:

So what do you think of the Ellana Pressed Mineral Blush Duo in Light Roast/Butter Rum Coffee? Do you also contour and highlight your face? :)

For more info about Ellana, check out their:

Website
Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Ellana is available online and at the following branches:

The Ramp, 2nd Floor Glorietta 3, Makati City, The Ramp; 2nd Floor Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City; The Ramp, 1st Floor Trinoma Mall, Quezon City; Unit 203 La Fuerza Plaza 2, Chino Roces Ave. Corner Sabio St., Makati City

Disclaimer: If you click the Ellana links on this post (or the Ellana banner at the side bar), you get a discount when you buy online and I get a small amount of money in return because I joined their affiliate program. But even though I benefit from this, rest assured that all I stated in my posts are honest reviews. :)

Cheers,

DAWN