When Brown Meets Cushion

Time passes so quickly... Now that Spring season is coming, I seriously can't wait to have myself dressed in pastel colors and see all those flowers in full bloom. Speaking of pastels, I made my first guest post just a week ago at Steph's blog, check it out to see my stylebook to welcome Spring :D

Back to the true purpose of this blogpost. I'm about to review another cute thing from the K-beauty world. It's just recently released in South Korea, a product collaboration between Missha and Line Friends. I have to admit that Koreans are expert in creating cute design when it comes to cosmetics. In the end, they're successfully making all the K-beauty junkies difficult to refuse such impulsive buying. It's like they know the market so well! This Missha x Line Friends are sold out everywhere and surely it takes effort to get this (especially when I'm an Indonesian based blogger). So here you go!

Missha M Magic Cushion Line Friends Edition.

Description: Magic cushion with perfect coverage to help achieve flawless skin and long lasting makeup without darkening. Micro cover pigment delivers flawless coverage to skin and silica-bead powder effectively absorbs sweat and sebum, leaving makeup last longer with sun protection benefits with SPF50+/PA+++.

What it promises:

• Perfect coverage
• Long-wearing
• Lightweight
• Smooth, dewy finish

Got myself shade #23.

There are actually two versions of this cushion, I got myself the Brown one, M Magic Cushion which is made for oily-combination skin, whereas the other one, Sally in M Magic Cushion Moisture is made for people with dry skin. My skin type is oily on the T-zone area and normal on the other part. Moreover, I like Brown more than Sally. Even if this Brown edition is marketed for people with dry skin, I would still buy it. Sorry, Sally... T^T If there's a hierarchy, I'd put Jessica on the first place (because she is so me), Cony on the second place, Brown on the third place, then Sally and their other friends (Moon, Leonard or Edward doesn't matter).

The first edition came with 2 refills with no extra puff, so I'll either buy a new puff later or just wash it regularly with my Etude House Puff & Brush Cleaning Mist. However, Missha has changed the bundle, so if you order now you'll get 1 refill and 1 extra puff instead, but with the same price! *sigh*

Brown face all over the packaging, super adorable!

Told ya I'm a fool for cute packaging. Anyway, despite the cute design and being a Line Friends' fan, I find the packaging and the puff are not in the greatest quality. I haven't seen the original M Magic Cushion in person, but based on the photo, it must feel like the Laneige one? This Brown edition looks so plastic and also feels like plastic, which can be also a good point because it's not as heavy as my Laneige BB Cushion. Hence, those who want to have a more elegant look while touching up, might not like this. Obviously people who would buy this are either a fan of Line Friends or just adore anything cute. I guess, so?

The swatch on my skin.

I was confused whether to get myself shade #21 or #23 because I've always been using shade #21 in my whole life, but based on the YouTube reviews I saw, #21 looks too pale! Then I asked the reseller which one should I get if I normally use #21 for Laneige BB cushion, they replied Missha shade is a bit lighter and #23 would be right for me. I trusted them and seriously loved the result. I have been using this cushion for a week and will definitely bring this to the States because the coverage and oil control is just great. Though I'll be bringing my Laneige too just in case the weather is still cold.

All in all, for people with oily combination skin like me and live in such humid climate, I think they will like this version more than the M Magic Cushion Moisture one. Besides, it still gives me that semi-matte finish, not dewy as it promises, but fairly glowing looking, I suppose.

Anyway, if you're interested to buy this cushion and live in Indonesia, just feel free to email me and I'd recommend you the reseller, they're so kind to me and also trustworthy. I bought their Eye Color Studio Mini Line Friends Edition too as a gift for my friend and personally asked them to wrap it neatly for me, and they really did it without hesitation. Have I mentioned I'd appreciate it when people want to go extra mile for their customers?

Price: IDR 249k

Lucky Holiday

Merry Christmas, dear bumblebees! Perhaps if you haven't heard, I'm currently holding a mini giveaway. Go click the link because the deadline is only a couple of days away :P So now the festive season is here, you know I can't help but getting myself a treat of limited edition thingy such as this BB cushion from Laneige. It's my second BB cushion after purchasing Too Cool For School Dinoplatz U.F.O Multibox that was actually a spontaneous buying because back than I should've bought their Sparkling Party edition. Anyway, I'm finally trying this out!

Laneige BB Cushion Lucky Holiday Edition.

Description: A new concept cushion-type BB with five active ingredients for whitening + sunscreen + sweat-proof + soothing + makeup contained in the cushion to maximize the refreshing and soothing sensation.

As expected from Laneige, sleek design on the outside yet informative in the inside.

I bought the #21 in natural beige, I noticed there is another #21 shade called pink beige and though I have neutral undertone, I just don't want to risk it. Yup.. Talking about playing on the safe side. Then, moving on to the packaging, I like this year's holiday collection compared to their PLAYNOMORE or pushBUTTON collaboration. The design is not as simple as Sparkling Party nor the original. It has clubs pattern in red and transparent with accent of gold that adds classy impression I suppose. The mirror inside is very useful too, especially when my touchup time reaching.

Excellent theme for year-end holiday.

Based on the leaflet, the puff that comes altogether with the BB cushion is designed to deliver refreshing cooling sensation as it absorbs moisture less than ordinary puff. Usually I press down the cushion two times to get the desirable amount, application is quick because it blends right away as I repeatedly pat the puff on my face. Although I might have to disagree with the statement it has cooling sensation.

The swatch on my skin.

This BB cushion somehow has similar scent to Tony Moly BCDation that makes me wonder, do they belong in the same parent company? Apparently Tony Moly isn't under AmorePacific corporation. The scent has a hint of floral and powder, but nothing too exaggerated.

I'm glad I picked this shade as it compliments my skin tone once it oxidizes. True that it leaves white cast because of its SPF 50 PA+++, but I'll be neutral here because on the other hand, I need high SPF in my life. If it's going to be a picture day, I'd rather grab my Bourjois foundation. It has dewy finish and one notable thing is it might be leaving sticky feeling, but putting on translucent powder will do the trick. Coverage wise, it can cover some spots, therefore evens out my skin tone. I like how it brighten my complexion, plus it's also sweat-proof! I once tested it during my gym session which included 30 minutes treadmill and cycling, and all I could see my complexion was still fab. LOL.

Frankly speaking, the only downside of having a cushion is that I need to invest either time or money on the puff. If you think washing a beauty blender is a pain in the neck, wait until you meet a cushion puff like this ;)

Price: KRW 37,000

Not Another Beauty Tool

On some lazy days when I don't feel like using brushes, I'd always opt for either cushion or sponge. Not only it makes your foundation look completely flawless, it also saves time. However, there are two downsides I've encountered so far, one: probably because it's not as durable as brushes, therefore you spend more money on it, and two: cleaning brushes is a way easier task than cushion or sponge.

Masami Shouko Beauty Blender.

Well well, as a Beauty Blender dupe, I can say they're proud to name the product exactly just like its original. I don't hesitate to buy Masami Shouko product because it's been very familiar to me and their brush quality is amazing in such affordable price. This isn't my first Beauty Blender dupes I've ever tried, my first dupe was also from Masami Shouko, back then they didn't have it in this shape. Now it looks like they offer in 2 different shape, and it's kind of questionable whether they're the same because this one definitely has a different feel or probably they make an improvement. The second one was from Too Cool For School, I wasn't happy about it, the quality was bad, it smelled weird and didn't perform well. What a waste of money!

Product description and how-to.

It comes in two different color; pink like mine and black, plus two different shape (like I said earlier); teardrop and hourglass. I picked the teardrop one in pink just because my previous ones are hourglass model in black and white.

Size differences: dry VS damp.

Performance wise, this sponge is so much better than the older hourglass version, I like how it bounces so easily and feels soft when I dab it on my skin. It doesn't absorb much foundation making my face looks flawless just like an airbrush finish. Moreover, washing beauty blender is no longer a pain in the ass anymore. I'm using my Etude House Puff & Brush Cleaning Mist, soak it into a pool of water, and squeeze it gently to get the foundation out of the sponge. Yes, basically you've got to squeeze and rinse until there's no makeup residue on the surface. I've heard some people soak their sponges with alcohol, but is it recommended? Do you have any other way to sanitize it? Lemme know the trick!

Price: IDR 88,900

Clean Makeup Brushes 101

It's a new month! Summer is coming real soon! I can't wait for the long happy holidays :P Anyway, let's get to the point, shall we? I'm going to share my own guide and also a little review of these things that have helped me cleaning my go-to makeup tool.

As I have to do makeup (almost) everyday, my go-to makeup tool for applying liquid base on my face has changed from a beauty blender to brushes and a cushion puff. Hence, they are in need of cleaning. Although brushes don't harvest bacteria as much as sponges do, I still believe it's best to clean them at least every week.

Etude House Puff & Brush Cleaning Mist and

Etude House My Beauty Tool Brush.

Description: This is a mist type puff & brush cleanser that removes dirt and gently melts away makeup residue without the use of water. Useful for maintaining a clean and hygienic puff and brush.

Directions:

1. Spray sufficient amount onto puff or brush you wish to clean and wipe off with dry or wet tissue.
2. Gently pat while wiping until no residue remains on tissue.
3. Use puff or brush after completely drying off cleansed puff and brush in cool area.

Product description and directions. Can't find the ingredients anyways, maybe it's the Hangul.

Unlike what it's named of, this mist can hardly clean my cushion puff. Oh, I'm using this technique from Laneige to clean my cushion puff, I find it more delicate to clean it that way. For that reason, even though it's said "no-wash", I don't recommend using this product without washing the brush afterwards because it can't completely clean the residual makeup that way.

So here you go, my guide to clean the brush using Etude House Puff & Brush Cleaning Mist:

Spray the mist on both sides, wipe the brushes on tissues until the makeup residue melts.
Avoid the part of the brush where the handle meets the head as it can break down the glue over time.

Fill a cup with lukewarm water and gently swirl the brush tips in the water.
Repeat this step until the water runs clear from the brush.

Voilà! Now your brushes are clean, squeeze any excess water and lay them flat to dry.

Price: KRW 4,500

By any chance, is there anyone who has tried Etude House Brush Shower Cleaner? I've been wondering if it performs well because back then it was such a hard decision whether purchasing this one over the Brush Shower Cleaner since it comes in a huge bottle (5 times the amount, to be precise) and only priced twice as much. Too bad there were no tester for both products on the store or else I might be picking the one that smells more divine. So bumblebees... Let me know please in the comment section down below ;)

Dreaming Swan

Bumblebee-ya~ Anyong haseyo! This month surely flies so fast. June is coming so soon and therefore, summer season will start. Told ya I've got so many things from Seoul, but laziness pervades me and I've used up most of the cosmetics I bought. HA! However this one that I'm going to review is one of the stuffs that I asked my friend to get me when she was visiting South Korea. She visited the country all way to the south, well I mean, Busan. I'm so jealous and happy for her I mean, because when I went to South Korea, I could only visit Seoul as I was on tour and the Busan or even Jeju package wasn't available back then. This gives me another good reason to visit South Korea, I'd love to travel on Spring or Fall mainly because of the weather, not too cold nor too hot.

So yeah, this one I'll be reviewing is one of the Etude House's latest releases. As a fan of the brand, I surely can't skip this collection called Dreaming Swan which was inspired by the ballet. It's a collaboration between Etude House and Kerrie Hess, an illustrator from Australia. Honestly though, I've never heard of her before, but apparently she has worked for Chanel, Kate Spade, Lancome, Ladurée, etc. Just wow, isn't it?!

Etude House Dreaming Swan Shine Volumer.

Description: A pearl-cream multi shadow that absorbed smoothly on every area that needs dazzling shimmer.

What it promises:

• Transparently and delicately shiny pearl that makes moisturized lovely eyes.
• Powerful instant fitting system keeps pearl not to fall out for delicate and clear pearl expression.
• Bounce-up gel type texture to express 3D-effect volume.
• Non-sticky and moisturising texture to provide shiny volume on broad area.

Product's description, directions and ingredients.

Personal thought of mine about the packaging. As any other usual Etude House's packaging, it's prettier on the box rather than the actual product. Thankfully there are prints of ballerina's shoes and bow on the lid. I got mine in shade #3 twinkling tutu.

Texture wise, it's more like creamy liquid with tons of gold glitter that glides very easily and dries instantly too, so make sure to blend it nicely before it dries. While it's said on the direction that it can be used for the bridge of the nose, I seriously don't recommend you to use it on that area. It will look too glittery and you'll end up looking unnatural.

Swatch on my hand using the wand and blended afterwards.

It's not an easy product for the eye area either, though it's meant to be a highlighter. The promotional photo makes it looks as if it's practical to work with, when in fact it takes me loads of trial and error. I think the problem is on the wand. Its diameter is too thick for an eye makeup product, since it picks so many liquid and it'll look messy if you directly apply it to your eye area.

The trick of using this product is to make sure you only pick a little, apply it first on the hand (to reassure you really pick only a little of it), and now you're safe to put it on bottom lash line area. However, that's too complicated! Nowadays I use it as a highlighter for my eyebrow bone because that way it's easier to blend.

Price: KRW 7,500

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K-drama updates anyone? I'm currently watching School 2015, Kim SooHyun is def my most favorite child actress, she stars as a lead in there. I think it's a cute mystery teen drama, dunno why the rating is low. Hopefully the rating will climb up until its finale. Who's with me here that agrees BTOB's SungJae is a noona killer? LOLOL. He's adorable on that drama, but nay in a variety show. Because I like Jackson much better in Big Byung. Anyways, this drama produces only great OST until now.

Tiger JK feat. Jinsil Of Mad Soul Child - Reset.

Baechigi feat. Punch - Fly With The Wind.

Dinoplatz U.F.O Multibox

Well hey, bumblebees... May Day! May Day! And that's a reason why I have time to post a review. Lately I've been busy but not really with my work, thus blogging seems like a difficult thing to do. However, I sneak some of my leisure time to write something because I like writing especially when it comes to beauty!

This... is a product that I've used since I came back from Seoul, bought it fresh from their road shop in Dongdaemun and I thought the name of the brand says it all; Too Cool For School. I fell in love completely with the warm reception. The sales girl couldn't talk in English yet tried her best to explain me about the special promo going on. I was so glad that she suggested it to me because it's such a great save!

I heard about this brand before because my friend told me their beauty blender is just one of the best she's ever tried, but back then Too Cool For School was closed down in Jakarta (which anyway they've recently reopen in Taman Anggrek Mall, with a different distributor though).

Too Cool For School Dinoplatz U.F.O Multibox.

Description: Dinoplatz U.F.O Multibox is a wacky square type of package, in addition to the cushion BB foundation, there is a built-in pore balm, concealer, and makeup palette of lip & cheek. When you slide from under the case, it's as if an alien is coming down (the makeup palette). The BB foundation finish is shiny and able to adjust unevenness of the skin for us to achieve a smooth pottery skin.

Dem feels of a brand new puff.

Apparently cushion puff is just unusually soft and smooth.

You can tell now, I was unfamiliar with cushion type of makeup. I thought it wasn't hygienic so I hesitated to try but I WAS WRONG! This is just the greatest beauty invention yet! Whoever came up with this idea, I thank you for now I don't have to bring a tube of my BB or CC cream in my makeup pouch as I do my makeup at my office (sleeping time is precious when you work 8 hours a day y'all know). Moreover, touch-ups could be done as easy as 1 2 3.

BB foundation cushion is on the top.

It looks nasty, but should I care?

My bad, it was perfect when I first unboxed the packaging.

I got mine shade #23 Janna, but those with fairer skin and cool tone can pick the #21 Pola because it's more pink in color. Nothing I dislike about their concept, it's so practical, compact, and everything works like a charm. They gave you mirror too inside and it's very usable. 

Swatches on my hand.

Being so rich in SPF, it kinda give me a white cast though it's not in a moderate amount which is a great thing for SPF 50. The coverage is just awesome, especially the creamy concealer. For the lip & cheek, I can say it's great for subtle blush, but it's not recommended for lip as it's drying (or maybe just my poor lips). Pore balm is barely visible on my swatch, I don't actually use it too because big pores ain't my thing xP

Last but not least, this was the special promo that I told you before. The sales girl tried to explain me what would I get inside this box. I was so stupid too for thinking I'll get two multibox, not the refill one like this. Eventually I got what she meant, but I insisted to get the cushion puff separately, so then perhaps she told me (in Korean language that I don't even understand) that I'll get the puff inside the refill. I think I finally surrendered to her as she didn't give me the cushion puff by telling me "no need". HAHA. Yes, we'll get that cushion puff inside the refill, I double checked their website.

Gotta save this for my summer trip.

Overall I'm impressed with this product, it lives up to my expectation. Not a downside, but it's a bit pricey for the size (12g for only the BB foundation). I've used it up in two months, but I'm happy that packaging idea looks so cool, the shade suits my skin tone, and more importantly the formula doesn't break me out.

Price: KRW 38,000

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Miss A - Only You.

Guilty pleasure; I've been raping the replay button for this song. I watched all their live show too. Pssh!

Gift Guide: Beauty Freaks

Hello my beautiful bumblebees! Forgive me for being extremely late for this #BLOGMAS series. I've been thinking to feature my wish list as Christmas wish list (because I have a lot that I want for Christmas LOL) but then when I think about it again, my wish list, can be a gift guide as well actually. With Christmas right around the corner, there are so many new released products that are especially made for Christmas gift. How exciting!

And so for this first #BLOGMAS, I'll be sharing my own beauty wish list. Tomorrow (or maybe the day after tomorrow HA) I'm gonna list down the other gift guides for moms, dads, and him. Who knows it can help you to find a christmas gift for your loved ones?

1. Too Faced Under The Mistletoe
2. Too Faced La Belle Carousel
3. Clarisonic Mia 3 Makeup Removal Expert
4. Hera × Au Jour Le Jour UV Mist Cushion 
5. Laneige Sparkling Party Makeup Collection 
6. Urban Decay Naked on the Run Palette
7. Etude House Pink Wish Tree Hand Bouquet Set

This is a very last minute gift guide I know and so these very cute Too Faced Christmas collection are being sold out everywhere. However, who knows maybe you can find some last stocks on the net. Not only offering three different shades of shimmer lipsticks, Under The Mistletoe wraps it all inside a sparkling pink glitter bag. It looks like a great deal, doesn't it? If it doesn't, La belle Carousel is there for you, because it is a set that can be distributed to five people. It consists of five pretty palettes of eye shadows, blushes and bronzers plus the best-selling Better Than Sex Mascara.

As someone who takes care of my face crazily, Clarisonic has been on my wish list for the longest time. It is known expensive, but seeing how great it is for the skin, I am sure it will be worth the money. Moreover, this exclusive Nordstorm's packaging is amazingly feminine and you probably want to own it too just because of it.

BB Cushion trend is not dead yet, I've heard lots of other brands that sell this compact cheaper than Hera. However, who can resist this packaging? Or is it just me who couldn't say no to these irresistible eyes and lips doodles?

In this festive season, you need all the glitters to look more fab. Laneige's Sparkling Party Makeup Palette features glitter nails and eyeshadows in neutral shades and the ever popular Water Drop Tint in two different pink shade.

Another Urban Decay's Naked must-have palette. Looks like this palette alone will be enough for all the travelers, yes?

Lastly, here's for the beauty gift on the budget, but still useful for us and others in need. Etude House has just recently started a new campaign called Pink Wish Tree. Though I'm not so sure how many percent of the profit will go to the foundation, I still believe it's made of good deeds. Besides, in dry winter season, a hand cream is something that we definitely need.

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The Piano Guys feat. David Archuleta - Angels We Have Heard On High.

Can I say this is my MOST favorite Christmas song? I still remember back then when I was a little kid, as one of the choir members, I enjoyed singing this song more than the other Christmas songs. I bet that's because this song has such catchy tune and refrain. How about you, bumblebees? What is your most fave Christmas song?

Kindly stay tuned for more #BLOGMAS!

Princess Happy Ending

“I'm like a shooting star. I've come so far, I can't go back to where I used to be.”

So who is your favorite Disney princess, dear bumblebees? I can't choose my most favorite, but surely Princess Jasmine is one of my favorites! Not only she taught me to love beyond class or status, she's also independent and knows exactly what she needs. Oh, moreover, their OST A Whole New World is my all time favorite karaoke duet song :D

Etude House Jasmine Lash Perm Proof Shockara.

As it first came out, I've been eyeing on their Princess Happy Ending collection. The packaging are 'unusually' cuter than any other Etude House collection. There are three other princesses makeup to collect; Snow White, Cinderella, and Belle. At first I was so into the Belle lipstick because it was so pretty for A/W season, yet this mascara packaging attracts me more than the lipstick and I did run out of mascara. Argh.. decision, decision...

Well, so I ended up buying a mascara in spite of the fact that I don't actually love wearing it. My eyelashes are sparse, short and... straight. You see I do actually NEED a mascara, but I've never invested a high end branded one. I'd rather invest more falsies because they're more dependable and the difference is more apparent. Additionally, there's no weird sticky feeling every time I blink my eyes. Kinda out of topic, but I just want to describe the reason why :D

Isn't the packaging too gorgeous?

English description, directions, and list of ingredients.

Kudos to the designers who created the detail on this book packaging! I don't ever think to throw this box because it sits beautifully on my book shelf right now. LOL. Oh, just a little reminder, the mascara will expire in 6 months after you open it.

(L) curled + one coat (R) not curled + one coat

Review: The mascara promises to give you perm and waterproof result judging from the name of the product. Formula wise, yes it is very waterproof, it doesn't smudge either. I am a contact lens user so my eyes get dries and I need to use some eyedrops, but this mascara doesn't flake at all. There is no such unpleasant smell too, which is a big plus point for me. As I have naturally straight lashes, I find this mascara doesn't help in curling (see the result picture above). However, when it's curled beforehand, the waterproof formula really helps in holding the curl. It gives me enough length in one coat, but I don't see if it gives me volume. Because of the non-buildable formula, it will get clumpy if I apply more than one coat, especially when it dries between coat.

What I like:

• cute packaging
• lengthen my lashes
• holds my curls
• no chemical odor
• smudgeproof
• waterproof
• one coat is enough for natural look

What I dislike:

• the curvy brush is rather tricky to use and can cause unevenness
• non-buildable formula

Price: IDR 110k

Circle lenses from Geocolouredlenses - Geo Tri Color in brown.

It's been awhile since the last time I listed all makeup products that I'm using, huh? So here you go!
Face:

• Etude House Face Conditioning Cream Light
• Tony Moly BCDation in #2
• Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer
• The Body Shop Baked-To-Last Blush
• Diorskin Nude Compact in #30

Eyes:

• Geo Tri Color in brown
• Etude House Drawing Eyebrow in #3
• Za Perfect Fit Concealer in #1
  
• Urban Decay NAKED Basics
• Etude House Dear Girls Cute Eye Maker
• Etude House Oh~ m'Eye Line in brown
• Etude House Jasmine Lash Perm Proof Shockara

Lips:

• The Body Shop Lip Butter in chocomania
• The Face Shop My Lips Eat Cherry Aqua Tint in bloody red
• Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain in rendezvous

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Tiger JK Feat. Punch - First Love.

I am obsessed with this new drama that stars Park ShinHye and Lee JongSuk; Pinocchio! Never been a fan of Lee JongSuk, and not that I don't like him, it's just that his recent dramas didn't appeal to me that much. However, idk maybe because there's Park ShinHye in it this time? So I gave this drama a chance, and well, I am loving it! Korean dramas lately are boring, even the Wednesday - Thursday slots. Therefore, I was only watching old Japanese dramas during these past three months. Anyway, click here to find out more about the dramas, do check out their Soompi forum too if you're as obsessed as I am ;)

Enjoy your weekend, my bumblebees!

My Beauty Tips

Hello my bumblebees! Let's greet November too! I'm about to share my own beauty advices to you right now. Actually it's been a long thought indeed to share these tips, so I hope you like this kind of post. Before we begin this post, I'll explain my skin type and condition first, therefore if you have similar skin type or condition with me, I hope you'll find these tips helpful. Also, kindly do understand we all have different skin reaction to certain ingredients, meaning what works on me, might not work on you at all. Let's get it started!

The model in the picture above is Park SoRa, she's the face of Korean fashion line Stylenanda as well as the cosmetic line, 3CE. I'm going to put her in every illustration for this post because, umm, she's like the Korean beauty goddess! LOL. I mean her skin is flawless already, and that explains why every 3CE product she wears is just convincing! Instead of me (like whoaaa), I'm just going to use her image as the illustration in every tip I'll share.

Well well.. Moving on to my skin type and condition~ I have an oily combination skin, oily on the T-zone, but the rest are normal. My main skin problems are whiteheads, blackheads and acne marks. And here are my own beauty tips, including the products that I use with the budget-friendly alternatives:

1. Cleanse your face thoroughly

By cleansing your face, I mean double-cleanse! Especially when you're wearing makeup, yes including those CC and BB creams, because your facial wash can't cleanse makeup 100%. I use cleansing milk and cleansing water for the first stage, and if I'm wearing eye makeup, I'll definitely erase it with a makeup remover too.

Splurge: Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser, Lancome Galatéis Douceur
Save: Bioderma Sébium H2O, Maybelline Clean Express Eye & Lip Makeup Remover

The second stage of double-cleanse is to wash your face. I wash my face with the help of Etude House Wonder Pore Brush, because it will help to clean the clogged pores too. After washing my face, I would just wipe it dry with tissue instead of rubbing it with towel.

Splurge: Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Save: Etude House Wonder Pore Whipping Foaming

Finally, this is an optional step. However, this step is totally essential for me, it's called exfoliating. I find that my skin has been better because of exfoliating. I do this every once a week at night. Before exfoliating, I steam my face with hot water. Just pour the water into a large bowl and place a towel over your head and lean over the steaming water. Let it be for 5-10 minutes. I'd usually listen to some relaxing songs instead of putting it on timer.

Splurge: Clarins Gentle Refiner
Save: Biore Double Scrub Bright

Both of the exfoliators are very gentle to my skin so I recommend it to those who have oily combination skin like me, though I'm not sure how it'll react to sensitive skin. After exfoliating my face, I'd followed it with facial mask. This step is necessary to close the open pores from the steaming treatment.

Splurge: Mizon Pore Clearing Volcanic Mask
Save: Bedak Saripohatji

2. Tone and hydrate your face

Oh so many products that I've mentioned. Now moving on to the second tip, it's to tone and moisturize your face. I can't stress it anymore that toner and essence might look unessential, but IT IS VERY ESSENTIAL as it benefits my skin so much. First of all, toner will help you to close the pore. Second of all, it helps to remove makeup residue. Lastly, it will also help you to restore the skin's pH balance. Use a cotton pad for this step.

Splurge: Avène Eau Thermale Spring Water
Save: Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner

For my skin hydration, I use an essence right after the toner. What I notice the most after religiously using a face essence is that my skin is brighter than ever!

Splurge: Laneige Original Essence White Plus Renew
Save: Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence

There has been a confusion on how to apply an essence, for me it depends on the texture. If it's watery and runny like the Secret Key, I'd use a cotton pad. However, if it's watery but not runny like the Laneige one, I'd just apply it with my bare hands and dab it until it absorbs to the skin.

3. Moisturize your face

For moisturizer, I use different type moisturizer during the day and the night. Mainly because each moisturizer has different function. It's honestly difficult for me to compare the splurges and saves, because you get what you pay, you know, so the results are incomparable. While I use Clarins for the day, it really saves my day, you can just read my full review on the link and the Kiehl's cream is just magically effective to reduce wrinkle! I just turned 23 so I obviously don't develop facial wrinkle yet, but I swear it helps to fade my neck wrinkle! The only downside of this product is the smell, but it's okay for me as long as it benefits my skin.

Splurge: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, Kiehl's Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream
Save: Mizon Snail Recovery Gel Cream

4. Protect your skin from UV rays

I think I've talked about sunscreen quite a lot, such as the usage, the types, and the importance of it. I can't skip this step and I even don't want to walk out from my house if I don't wear them. I even wear sunscreen when I'm home because UVA can penetrate glass, you know! So especially after my routine chemical peeling treatment, it is more than necessary to wear sunscreen for me. Oh, btw, yes I do facial and chemical peeling treatments once or twice a month in order to keep my skin clear. I find that these treatments are the key to my smoother face since my main issues are whiteheads, blackheads and acne marks. However, I don't recommend you to follow this too. Please ask a doctor first, as chemical peeling is only performed by the doctors.

Splurge: L'Occitane The Immortelle Brightening Shield
Save: Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun

5. Use light makeup

Here's the funny fact about my skin. Whenever I use heavy makeup, my skin tends to breakout, I guess it's true that the skin needs to breathe? So that's why I don't use face primer unless it's extremely needed! I don't use foundation as well, about this one I guess it's because I just don't own a foundation? LOL... I have been thinking of buying foundation because I think I need coverage for my dark circles and acne marks, but then again, that's what concealers are for. So I hesitate...

Splurge: Laneige Water Base CC Cream, Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer

Save: Tony Moly BCDation, Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer

Alright then, those are the five beauty tips that I have for you bumblebees! Feel free to email me if you have further questions that you don't want to disclose on the comment box. Hopefully you find these informations useful ;)

P.S: I've tried all the products that I mentioned above. Thus, I only share the ones that I thought worth every penny.