Empties - October 2014

I'm pretty sure I've broken my record of most products used in a month. I thought my empties post was going to be longer than usual about halfway through the month, but didn't quite realise it was going to be this big (that's what she said). In hind sight, I probably could have split this into two smaller posts. Without going on and making excuses for not splitting this up, I'd get started with my empties this month!

Collection: Lancome

It's time for another collection post! I didn't quite realise exactly how big of a Lancome fan I was till I gathered all of these products together. I absolutely adore their macaras, and tend to purchase them when I feel like splurging on mascaras (in case you were wondering, Maybelline is my brand of choice when it comes to drugstore/affordable mascaras).

Celebrating 1000 Bloglovin Followers Giveaway Winner!

Thank you all so much for celebrating 1000 Bloglovin' followers with me and entering my giveaway. I'm pleased to announce the giveaway winner...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations! Please send me an email (shrinkingwallet@hotmail.com) within 48 hours with your postal details to claim your prize! Thanks again to all that have entered. Please stay tuned, as I do have another giveaway up my sleeve. ;)

Review: Rimmel London Wonder'Full Mascara

I'm sure we all know how amazing Argan Oil is, so much so that it's also been called "liquid gold". Originating from Morocco, it is a fantastic moisturizing and conditioning oil that also has anti-oxidants that help with anti-ageing and aid in healing irritated and damaged skin.   I was intrigued and desperately wanted to try the Rimmel Wonder'Full mascara when I learnt that it contained the magical Argan Oil.

Giveaway Reminder: Celebrating 1000 Bloglovin' Followers

Yikes! Less than 3 days left to enter my giveaway to win a limited edition NARS Wicked Attraction set! You got to be in it to win it! :)
Click here to enter!

Collection: Chanel

This is part 3 of my non-MAC makeup collection. I must say preparing and writing these makeup collection posts have really opened my eyes to how much I've accumulated over the years. Having said that, I'm more aware of what I'm seriously lacking in each collection. So I'm not sure whether doing these makeup collection posts is really a good thing or a bad one.

Review: Lancome Grandiose Mascara

Lancome Grandiose Mascara has got to be the most unique mascara on the market. I absolutely adore the packaging, especially the suspension of the Lancome rose in the transparent mascara handle.

Wantable - October 2014

It's been a long time since I last purchased a Wantable box. Wantable is a monthly subscription box with four different variants - Makeup. Intimates, Accessories and Fitness. I've only ever purchased the Makeup one, as it appeals to me the most. What sets Wantable apart from other subscription boxes on the market is that they literally handpick products according to your preferences, which is conveyed through a survey that you complete prior to subscribing. You get 4-5 full-sized products in the Makeup subscription box. It costs USD$36.00 plus postage or USD$40.00 for a one-time only purchase. However, I'm not sure why you would pay the extra $4, as you can unsubscribe so easily.

Postage is free to US addresses, and costs $6.00 to Canadian addresses, $7.00 to UK and $10.00 to Australia.

Collection: Christian Dior

Continuing on from my makeup collection posts, today I bring you my Christian Dior collection. I definitely think there's room to grow in this collection. In case you were wondering, most of these products were purchased from the states or at duty free, where prices are significantly cheaper than the prices here in Australia.

L-R: Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup; Diorblush Glowing Color Powder Blush; Dior Night Diamond Allover Diamond Dust

I can't believe I only have ONE foundation and ONE blush from Dior. I love the Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup. The shade I purchased is 031 Sable/Sand. This is my second bottle, but it is currently sitting in my foundation drawer unused, as I've got so many other bottles of foundation to use up.

The Diorblush Glowing Color Powder Blush in 553 Peechy Keen is a gorgeous coral peach shade. I do not know what is wrong with me, as I rarely reach for this blush. I think it's the fact that it's just so pretty and I can't bare to use it.

Dior Night Diamond Allover Diamond Dust in 002 Pink Diamond was given to me by an extended family member a few years ago. It is so gorgeous, I absolutely cannot bear to use it. It's got diamond dust for pete's sake! As such, it's still brand new despite it's age. 

T-B, L-R; Dior Addict Fluid Stick in 269; Dior Addict Fluid Stick in 338; Diorshow Maximizer Lash Primer; Creme de Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm; Rouge Dior Nude in 169; Dior Addict Extreme in 366

I've done a review of Dior Addict Fluid Stick in 338 Mirage (read here). It's a great not-quite-a-lipstick-not-quite-a-lipgloss-hybrid-thing. Mirage is a warm beige that has a hint of coral. I also have the shade in 269 Tiny Pink, which is a medium pink. I wish these leave a stain like the YSL glossy stains.

I have used the Diorshow Maximizer Lash Primer before (the one in the picture above is a brand new tube), and I absolutely loved it. I wish it didn't have such an extravagant price tag, as it's a brilliant lash primer. I am waiting to finish all my other lash primers before I start using this one.

Creme De Rose Smoothing Plumping Lip Balm is another brilliant product by Dior. It's raved about on youtube, and it's definitely worth the hype in my opinion. It is hydrating and moisturizing, and it doesn't feel uncomfortable on the lips. The delicate rose scent is an added bonus! The only thing I'm not keen about is that it's in a pot for hygienic reasons.

Rouge Dior Nude in 169 Grege is another one of those products I have that is brand new and neglected. I really don't know how other beauty bloggers do it, but I cannot bring myself to use a new product when I've got so many used ones open! For now, this lipstick is sitting in my lipstick drawer in it's box until I can grow a pair and use it.

Dior Addict Extreme in 366 Pink Icon is a sheer warm pink that looks really natural on the lips. It is quite moisturizing and provides a lovely shine. I will definitely be looking in purchasing more lipsticks in the Dior Addict Extreme range (despite my problem with not being able to use brand new things).

L-R: Dior Addict Fluid Stick in 269 Tiny Pink; Dior Addict Fluid Stick in 338 Mirage; Dior Addict Extreme in 366 Pink Icon

That's all I have for my Christian Dior collection. Have you any Christian Dior products that you love and can recommend?  P.S. Have you entered my giveaway to win a NARS Wicked Attraction set? Click on the image below to enter!

The Parcel - Spring Edit

I can't believe I received The Parcel by Marie Claire on a Saturday! The Parcel is a quarterly subscription box, containing deluxe samples and new releases. It retails for $25 including delivery. Unfortunately, the Spring Edit has sold out, and the next box - Summer Edit - will be shipped early December. 

There are a total of 8 products in the Spring Edit, which includes two bonus products and is a mix of deluxe and full sized products.

I really like how the packaging and even the information card is personalized - my name and address are printed on both the outer packaging, and my name is printed in the info card.

1. L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Purse-size Hairspray - 55g/75ml (RRP: $4.95)

"Since 1960, this gold can has been a firm favourite of hairstylists, editors and consumers alike. The reason for its lasting success? An undetectable, ultra-fine mist that provides long-lasting hold with movement. We also love that it can be simply brushed out at the end of the day without leaving any crunchiness."

I normally just throw my hair into a bun or if I feel a little bit fancy, I fish tail braid my hair. It's only once in a blue moon where I dust the cobwebs off my hair curler and curl my hair. As such, I probably won't be using this hairspray too often, as my rather fashionable everyday hairdos do not require a hulk-grip to stay beautiful. However, it is nice to have one that doesn't leave any crunchiness, as that's one of the things I hate about some hairsprays.

2. BONUS: Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo & Conditioner - 40ml x 2 (RRP: $7.99 for 350ml)

"This new formulation offers intense hydration while working to repair and revitalise damaged strands."

I actually have another set of these travel-friendly Pantene shampoo & conditioners that I haven't used. Although I'm not a fan of Pantene, as they used to make my scalp itchy (I have yet to try it after they have re-formulated their products), I will throw this in my box of travel friendly haircare for my next holiday.

3. Lancome Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector - 7ml (RRP: $97 for 30ml)

"This second-gen skin-perfecting serum from Lancome promises even better results than the award-winning original. It claims to visibly correct wrinkles, pores and the skin's texture in six weeks. For best result, apply morning and night after cleansing."

I'm really hoping I hate this. $97 for 30ml makes me want to cry.

4. Gwen Stefani by OPI Nail Lacquer in Desperately Seeking Sequins - full size - 15ml (RRP: $19.95) "When it comes to rock chic, no-one nails the look quite like the queen of pop. She's teamed up with OPI to create a range of limited-edition heavy metals and classic punk shades - perfect for adding a touch of glamour grunge to your spring wardrobe." If you ask my husband what I like in a nail polish, he'll probably say "pink and sparkly". It's no surprise that I love this polish! To avoid having to remove the pesky glitter, I like wearing it a few days before I go to the nail salon to get infills, so I don't have to remove it myself. :P
5. Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stains in 40 Shanghai Sizzle - full size - 8ml (RRP: $25.95) "Not quite a lipstick nor a gloss, you'll love the versatility and longevity of this hydrating lip colour. Dab it on with your fingertip for an on-trend stain, or apply liberally with the applicator for a glossy pout." I really wanted to try this product, but it's not in a colour I would wear! #firstworldproblems I feel like doing a sneaky exchange with a company, but I don't know who would do it without a receipt. :(
6. Benefit They're Real Mascara - 3g (RRP: $35 for 8.5g) I always appreciate receiving Benefit makeup in subscription boxes, as I'm a huge fan. This will definitely be used! 7. Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner - 0.1g (RRP: $38 for 1.4g) "Gel liner has never been easier to apply than with this innovative pen applicator. Simple twist the base and wipe off the excess. Place tip on lash base and slowly guide along lash line to create desired effect. For added eye definition, finish with the cult mascara." I did a review on this liner (read here), and I wasn't impressed with the formula. It was too dry, and I ended up getting clumps of eyeliner stuck in between my lashes. Not sure what I'll do with this. I might throw it in the next giveaway prize or the next time someone purchases something from me.
Judging from the first "The Parcel" box, I think it's worth the $25. I can't wait to see what Marie Claire has got installed for the Summer Edit. 
Did you get the Spring Edit? What are your thoughts? P.S. Have you entered my giveaway to win a NARS Wicked Attraction set? Click on the image below to enter!

Memebox - Princess Edition #1 Snow White

As mentioned in my previous blog post, which was a review of the Memebox Princess Edition #3 Rapunzel (read here), I managed to talk myself out of purchasing of the third princess edition box - Sleeping Beauty. I still wish that it had some "disney"ish products in these boxes, but I guess the products included do relate to the Disney princesses the boxes are named after. There are 6 full-sized products included in this box, all of which claim to whiten/brighten the skin. I paid USD$53.99 for both princess boxes including express postage.

1. Daltokki Whitening Essence - 100ml ($35)

"All you need is a single drop of Daltokki's Whitening Essence mixed with a facial cream for a whitening & moisturizing effect, with a sunblock for creating the naturally brightened skin tone, and with a BB cream or a foundation for creating the fully covered and perfectly toned up complexion.

How to use: Mix in a drop of the Whitening Essence with a cream, a sunblock or a BB cream for the effect you desire. Suitable for both facial and body application."

I cannot get over the "rabbit" face thing on the bottle. It's just so... freaky... It's like half human, half rabbit. 

2. Nella Fantasia Oneday Whitener - 120ml ($29)

"This is a magically whitening body lotion that instantly moisturizes and brightens up dry, coarse, and darkened skin tone for a lasting glow all day long. It's also non-stick and strong against water and sweat.

How to use: Apply an adequate amount of the lotion evenly over areas of your body you wish to moisturize and brighten up. Make sure to massage it in until all's absorbed into the skin."

I wonder if this works for scars. I have a heap of scars, particularly on my legs from my allergy reaction to fake self-tanners (I get a nasty rash). I shall put this to the test!

3. original raw First Essence - Vitamin Essence - 110ml ($26)

"Both the Red Essence and the Vitamin Essence are combinations of a skin toner, an essence, and a lotion all in one. Also, they're both enriched with various vitamin nutrients and dragon's blood extracts from the dragon tree and work to instantly rejuvenate and brighten up the damaged or sagging skin.

How to use: After cleansing, wet a cotton pad with 2-3 drops of First Essence and gently pat it all over your face."

I obviously received the Vitamin Essence. I love multi purpose products, as I do get quite lazy. This product sounds quite unique, as I have never seen a product that acts as a toner, essence and lotion. It will definitely be interesting to see if it's moisturizing enough to not have to use a moiturizing lotion. 

4. Morningtree Revitalizing Whitening Deep Spot - 20ml ($34)

"Excessive melanic pigmentation is responsible for darkened spots over your body - face, hands, arm pits, busts, elbows, knees, heels, and even the Y-zone. This high concentrate, gel-type essence will soothe, cool, brighten, and repair such dry and darkened spots, and it's suitable for all skin types and for both men and women.

How to use: Apply an adequate amount of the Revitalizing Whitening Deep Spot over dark spots and massage it in for full absorbance. You can also store it in a refrigerator, and then apply it over puffy eyes for soothing and whitening effects."

The only dark spots I really have on my face are scars from acne that I had years ago. I have pretty much lost all hope of finding a product that will get rid of those scars.  I also have been blessed, as I do not have puffy under eyes, neither are they dark enough for me to worry about eye creams. As such, I probably will give this product away.

5. Ipsennature 5 Seeds Apple Water Brightening Scrub - 80ml ($26)

"Made from apple water, apricot, raspberry, walnut, rice and corn seed powders, this Brightening Scrub is a cleansing scrub which works to gently peel away all dead skin cells and skin impurities and deliver skin replenishing and brightening effects all in one!

How to use: Spread out the scrub evenly over your wet face and massage with your hands for 5 minutes. Rinse off with warm water."

I love scrubs! Although, my standards are pretty high after finding my HG scrub (Clinique Mens Face Scrub, in case you were wondering). I am quite excited to see how this compares!

6. Faceflux Anti-Wrinkle Revitalizing Cream - 30g ($38) "Enriched with ceramide, hyaluronic acid, lemon verbana extracts, shea butter and portulaca extracts, the Anti-Wrinkle Revitalizing Cream works to brighten up dulled complexion, to relieve stimulated or sensitive skin, and to treat signs of fine lines and wrinkles for a younger and healthier-looking complexion overall. How to use: Apply the cream evenly over your face and pat it in for full absorbance."
Wrinkles are the least of my worries. I know prevention is better than cure, but I'd rather use products that treat my current skin problems (i.e. combating oily and dehydrated skin). As such, I'll most likely give this away too. Out of the two princess boxes that I purchased, I prefer the Rapunzel one, as I am more likely to use all the products in that box compared to this Snow White one. As mentioned in the Rapunzel memebox review, both boxes are sold out. However, there are plenty more boxes available. Sign up to Memebox now to get a $3 credit. Furthermore, use my coupon GR7T to get $5 off any box! P.S. Have you entered my giveaway to win a NARS Wicked Attraction set? Click on the image below to enter!

Memebox - Princess Edition #3 Rapunzel

I'm a sucker for anything disney, and I only managed to refrain myself (barely) from purchasing all three princess Memebox editions and settled for just two. The one that I managed to talk myself out of purchasing was the Sleeping Beauty. The two boxes set me back USD$53.99 including express delivery. Both boxes contain 6 full sized products each.

Having received both the Rapunzel and Snow White boxes, I am glad I didn't splurge on the Sleeping Beauty one. I was a bit disappointed that there weren't any "disney" products included in either boxes. 

Furthermore, one of the bottles in my Rapunzel box leaked, as the cap wasn't screwed on tight enough. I have sent an email to memebox with pictures, and am quite interested to test their customer service and see what they will do about this. I am not expecting much, as the leak did not affect other products and it wasn't a huge leak.

 1. L'Cret Hair Color Keeper Treatment Shampoo - 300ml ($42)

"The Hair Color Keeper Treatment Shampoo is carefully formulated with naturally derived ingredients like sunflower seed oil, argan oil, and babassu seed oil and works not only to moisturize and nourish dry hair but also to protect hair from the UV and from de-coloring. Plus it's scented with a lovely citrus & green tea aroma.
How to use: Massage the shampoo all over your hair and scalp, and rinse off with warm water (just like any other shampoo)."

This shampoo has got quite a herbally smell. It's not a favourite but it's not unpleasant either. It seems easy enough to use, and am quite interested to see if it lives up to its moisturizing and nourishing claims.

2. ProYou Scalp Nutrition Calming Moisture Fluid - 150ml ($48)

"The various soothing agents - hyaluronic acid, chamomile, pomegranate, allantoin, rosemary, centella asiatica, portulaca, etc - infused in the Scalp Nutrition Calming Moisture Fluid work not only to soothe and nourish but also to alleviate the scalp of possible itching and dandruffs.
How to use: Morning and night, apply this hair essence by massaging it onto the scalp with your fingers. Do not rinse off."

As I do get an itchy scalp at times, I am hoping this is the answer to my problems. I do use Nizoral 2% shampoo 1-2 times a week to combat this issue, but it is quite an expensive shampoo. So hopefully this essence works too!

3. Boutique Bebe Hair Salon Vita-Clinic Mist - 60ml ($24)

"Boutique Bebe's Hair Salon Vita-Clinic Mist carries rich concentrates of argania spinosa kernel oil, lavender extracts, peppermint extracts, chamomile extracts, rosemary extracts, and royal jelly extracts. Its nutritious formula provides an intense moisture and protein recharge to dry, damaged hair cuticles and protect your hair from any further damage.
How to use: Spray the Vita-Clinic Mist evenly over your hair as often as possible."

I sprayed this on my hair last night after my shower before hair drying and it left my hands feeling a little bit sticky. Thankfully my hair doesn't feel sticky today, but instead feels surprisingly healthy and smooth.

4. Elizavecca Collagen Ceramide Coating Protein Treatment - 100ml ($34)

"Packed with nutritious collagen, bean protein extracts, ceramide complex, allantoin, hydro-wheat protein, and various vegetable extracts, this Collagen Ceramide Coating Protein Treatment is a hair pack that literally coats over dry, damaged hair ends with rich nourishment, thus delivering a lasting moisture level and a healthy glow to your hair.
How to use: After rinsing off shampoo, apply the treatment thoroughly over your hair, especially the damaged, split ends. Rest from 5 minutes up to 20 minutes depending on the level of hair damage, and rinse off with warm water."

I think I'll be struggling waiting 5 minutes for this to sit in my hair, let alone 20! This has come at a great time, as I have just finished one of my hair masks. 

5. Sally's box Friendly Argan Hair Mask [Step 1 18g + Step 2 5ml] ($4)

"Rich in Vitamin E, argan oil is your hair's best friend. Bring back shine to your hair with this hair mask infused with tocopherol and argan oil to nourish damaged, dry hair with essential vitamins.

How to use: Lightly towel dry clean, wet hair. Massage Step 1. Hair treatment all over. Wear Step 2. Hair essence mask and massage scalp with fingers. Take off after 10-15 minutes and thoroughly wash hair with lukewarm water."

I dislike using hair products that require you to shampoo your hair, rinse and towel dry before using. Ain't nobody got time for that! I think I'll have to cheat and just use it as a mask without towel drying. I don't know if I'll be able to wait 10-15 minutes though.

6. Tosowoong 10 Hours - 25ml ($12)

"There is absolutely no need for an expensive protein care at a hair salon with Tosowoong's sensational 10 Hours protein ampoule. All you need is a minute to squeeze out the ampoule and apply it throughout your hair. No rinsing needed at all! Then, the rich protein nutrients from the ampoule will gradually and continuously absorb deep down into your hair and scalp within the next 10 hours, for a visibly healthier-looking shine and silkiness. How to use: In the morning or before going to bed at night, apply the 10 Hours protein ampoule thoroughly all over your hair. Do not rinse afterwards."
I thought about using this before work today, but I was worried that it might aggravate my scalp and I won't be able to wash it off till I get home. So I decided to wait till either tonight or tomorrow to try this out. Am very interested to see if this will work.
So that's it for the Memebox Princess Edition #3 Rapunzel box. Unfortunately, this box is sold out. However, there are heaps of other boxes available, including a hair salon memebox (see here) for USD$29 excluding shipping. Memebox currently has a "special" on, where if you sign up, you get a $3 credit. Furthermore, if you use my coupon GR7T, you can get $5 off any box. P.S. Have you entered my giveaway to win a NARS Wicked Attraction set? Click on the image below to enter!

Collection: Yves Saint Laurent

I thought I'd continue on from my MAC collection post with my higher end makeup collection. I thought I'd share my Yves Saint Laurent makeup collection first for no particular reason.

L-R: Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation; Fusion Ink Foundation; 2x Matt Touch Foundation

I have to say that YSL makes fantastic foundations. The Le Teint Touche Eclat Illuminating Foundation in BD 30 is my second bottle. Although, I have yet to crack this one open and use it as I'm obsessed with the Le Teint Encre De Peau (Fusion Ink) Foundation in B 30, which I've recently reviewed yesterday (read here). 
I was obsessed with YSL's Matt Touch Foundation in 4 Sand for quite a while a few years ago, when I was sort of in between houses. I was spending weekends with Michael and weekdays with my parents. This gave me an excuse to purchase two of these foundations. I'm not sure when or why I stopped using them. I don't remember getting any reactions, I guess it may be due to moving houses and forgetting about them. But I'm going to make a promise to myself to use these again soon and hope they haven't gone off.

T-B: Teint Compact Hydra Feel Fresh and Matt Complexion; Touche Eclat Radiant Touch

I'm not sure what shade this Teint Compact Hydra Feel Fresh and Matt Complexion SPF10 is, but what I do know is that I don't like it. I'm not a fan of cream compact foundations, as I feel like they're too oily for my skin. It's just such a waste to throw it out, so it's been sitting in my drawer.
I use the Touche Eclat Radiant Touch in 1 Luminous Radiance almost everyday for under my eyes. I have been blessed to not have dark eye bags, but I like using the Touche Eclat to brighten up my under eye area for a "more awake" look.

L-R: Golden Gloss in 19; Glossy Stain in 18; Rouge Pur Couture in 17; Volupte Sheer Candy in 4; Volupte Sheer Candy in 9; Rouge Volupte Shine in 15

The coolest thing about YSL Golden Gloss in 19 Golden Pink is that it contains 24 carat gold flecks (0.2%). It is such a gorgeous warm pink shade. I'm ashamed to admit that I have yet to actually wear this on my lips. 
I was obsessed with YSL Glossy Stains. In fact, the YSL Glossy Stains have made me overcome my dislike of lip products (I used to hate the feeling of them on my lips). I have since sold most of my Glossy Stains, as I do not wear them as much as I should. I only have one left, which is 18 Rose Pastelle.
The YSL Rouge Pur Couture range is inspired by three colours - red, fuchsia and orange. Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks are highly pigmented, giving medium to full coverage with a satin finish. I have the shade 17 Rose Dahlia, which is a bright reddish pink colour.
On the other hand, the YSL Volupte Sheer Candy range basically consists of  tinted lip balms - i.e. sheer shades with moisturizing properties. Although they are not the most moisturizing lip balms, I still love them. I currently have two from this range (and will most likely purchase more) - 4 Succulent Pomegranate, which comes up as a medium pink on me and 9 Cool Guava, which is a baby pink.   YSL Rouge Volupte Shine also has moisturizing properties and is a bit more pigmented that the sheer candy range. It also provides a luminous shine. I only have one shade (and will also be looking at adding more to my collection in the future), and that is 15 Corail Intuitive, which is soft coral.

L-R: Golden Gloss in 19; Glossy Stain in 18; Rouge Pur Couture in 17; Volupte Sheer Candy in 4; Volupte Sheer Candy in 9; Rouge Volupte Shine in 15

I have realized after writing this blog post that I'm seriously lacking in the YSL blush/eyeliner/mascara department. I will be definitely looking at expanding my collection in those areas in the near future. Have you got any YSL recommendations? P.S. Have you entered my giveaway to win a NARS Wicked Attraction set? Click on the image below to enter!

Review: YSL Fusion Ink Foundation

As you may already know if you follow me on twitter/instagram/facebook, I've been wanting to try the YSL Fusion Ink Foundation since it was released in the states, and I finally managed to get my hands on it via harrods.com about 2 weeks ago. Needless to say, I've been using it ever since I got it and I think it's time for a review!

A unique feature of the Fusion Ink foundation is the applicator wand. Apparently, one "dip" in the foundation bottle is enough for one application. I find that I need to go in for a second dip and only use one side of the applicator wand - i.e. I need 1.5 dips. I'm not sold on the whole applicator wand. Although it is made of plastic and not like the felt-like material that most lipglosses come with, I find it a bit unhygienic, as you have to smear the wand on your face or back of your hand, picking up germs and then putting the wand back into the bottle. Having said that, if you practice good hygiene, I guess you wouldn't have that many germs on the back of your hand or face. 

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation offers a light coverage and has a matte finish. It is a buildable foundation, but only to a certain extent. I would say that it has enough coverage to even out skintone and mask acne and scars. However, my acne scars still do peek through but it's nothing a concealer can't fix.

It is very weightless and comfortable on the skin. Like most YSL foundations (and other high-end foundations), it is heavily perfumed. It doesn't bother me though, as I love the smell of it. 

I normally set my foundations with a powder, but I thought I'd break my habit and go without yesterday. I was amazed at how long it lasted on my skin without setting it. However, my sunglasses rubbed the tops of my cheeks and the foundation did transfer to my sunglasses (as expected). The finish was phenomenal. My skin stayed matte for a few hours before my nose started to get shiny and I felt the urge to either blot or remove my makeup.

I think the YSL Fusion Ink foundation is most suited to those with normal-oily skin, as it did cling to my dry patches when I did not moisturise my skin properly after using Retin-A. It emphasized the drier areas, where my skin was slightly flaky. 

Whilst YSL does cost a fortune (USD$60.00/£30.50 for 25ml) and has one or two cons, I think it's a fantastic lightweight foundation. If you can pick up a sample, definitely give it a try!


P.S. Have you entered my giveaway to win a NARS Wicked Attraction set? Click on the image below to enter!