Jill Stuart Pure Lasting Make-Up Base

After several weeks of using Jill Stuart Pure Lasting Make-up Base, it is about time to make a good review for this primer. ^.^

Like most Jill Stuart products, their primer also carries Jill Stuart's signature floral scent which is pretty tolerable on my skin and olfactory senses because the scent is very light on this one. 

The bottle looks disappointingly small but when I used this almost everyday, I realized it's more than enough because the texture is very light and yet it spreads on my skin easily. The small bottle can carry 25ml of primer which is enough ^.^ 

I love the "J" logo <3

Here's how Jill Stuart Pure Lasting Make-up Base looks like uncapped.

It just puzzles me why it's not a pump tube, it's a bit hard to squeeze or pinch the bottle but thank goodness the formula is light and watery enough that's easy to ooze out. 

It has a light pink tint that seemingly disappears when spread out but it gives you a natural glowing overall look.

As for oil control, I think Jill Stuart Pure Lasting Make-up Base is more effective than MAC blot powder, it keeps me oil free from 6am to 12nn ^.^ 

Nevertheless, I still like to use the two in tandem to keep my oil at bay.

As for primer to primer comparison, Pure Lasting Make-up Base wins on the oil control round if compared with the Day Care Essence. With Day Care Essence I oil up after 2-3 hours but that's not a surprise since Day Care Essence is under the skincare category but Jill Stuart SAs often tell their customers Day Care Essence can also be used as a primer. 

Here's the list of ingredients ^.^ 

Jill Stuart Smooth Silk Powder Foundation N in 202 Ivory

At last I am blogging tonight! ^.^ 

Oh I really miss blogging! I'm still on my adjusting period; I'm still trying to adjust my body to the working condition, it's not that stressful but the traveling and commuting is because of the bottleneck traffic and rush hour in the Philippines' business district.

Tonight's blog would be the much anticipated review on the Jill Stuart Smooth Silk Powder Foundation N in 202 Ivory. When I was doing my 'research' on this foundation, I couldn't really find much info and actual photos except for two helpful blogs, I decided to post a lot of photos and comparison so I hope this could help Jill Stuart fanatics and makeup lovers out there who are also doing their 'research' before buying/investing on a makeup =p

Once again, Jill Stuart doesn't fail when it comes to details. I really love paying attention to details and that's why I love brands that do. When you open the box, a small dainty floral accent will greet you <3

This is how the case looks like

This costs NT$450 

What makes this compact different from the previous compacts is the hygienic separator from the sponge to the actual powder.

Here's the refill

It's interesting to take note that the plastic case is very very sturdy! If you don't have the budget to buy the case, you can opt to buy this first and buy the case later since I believe the clear temporary plastic case is sturdy enough.

This retails at NT$1050 which is pricey but I got this on a promo so it's definitely a good bargain for me!

I was surprised to see a clear plastic film with Jill Stuart print laced on top included below the plastic case!
Once again- Jill Stuart pays attention to details
You can use the clear plastic film to cover the pan for added hygiene if you are OC-like me =p

At the back, you must strip the white paper off to reveal the adhesive

On the compact's box, there's an instruction in Japanese telling you to also peel off the stub on the lower left side of the the sticker. I'm no expert in Nihonggo but common sense tells me it's telling us to also peel the '202 Ivory' just in case we ran out of the powder and we totally forgot our shade, we can always refer to the stub.

Here's how it looks like on my palm, a big gem eh?
If you have this, try to swirl it around and look at the pretty kaleidoscope like pattern emerging on your compact =p The prettier and colorful environment, the better!

Here's the comparison to my MAC blot powder
On the outside it looks pretty much the same but side by side, Jill Stuart is a lot bulkier and MAC is slim thin

Here's how it looks when opened

Taddah! Jill Stuart actually only has 10 grams as opposed to MAC's 12 grams 

Here's how it looks on my skin

I only applied Pure Lasting Make-Up Base and Smooth Silk Powder Foundation N so you could see the real coverage without any concealer hiding my eye bags.

Coverage is actually sheer! No matter how much you try to pile up it doesn't look cakey although this could be a con too because it won't hide your imperfections effectively- but of course that's concealer's work =p

This is great for the no makeup makeup look because you could see your skin, the foundation just creates a thin veil of foundation on your face to lightly improve the overall look and texture of your skin. This is great if you have healthy and flawless skin but if you're looking for a heavier coverage it's advisable to use their liquid foundations.

Here's how I tested it, I used the foundation along with Jill Stuart primers(Day Care Essence and Pure Lasting Make-up Base) on two separate days to check which is more effective in oil control which will keep the makeup last long- I didn't have the luxury of time to apply a lot of eye makeup these days because I'm always in a rush actually =p

Foundation + Day Care Essence

My skin became oily after a few hours although Smooth Silk Foundation's oil control did help control the oil for a couple of hours. Day Care Essence is really on the skin care line but SAs are also marketing this as a primer for those who don't like the heavy silicone feel.

Foundation + Pure Lasting Make-up Base

My skin was shine free for almost the whole day! I was surprised! My face was an oil rig for the past couple of months and I was surprised to experience an almost oil free day for once this summer.

I actually like Pure Lasting Make-up Base even if it seems like it's an unknown Jill Stuart product- I think this primer and Smooth Silk Powder Foundation N will work better in the Philippine sun.

Hope this review helps! ^.^ 

Jill Stuart Pouch & Happy Mama's Day!

Oops! Pardon me, I forgot to include this sweet Jill Stuart Pouch Bon included for me on my Jill Stuart promo set order! <3 I'm not sure though, Jill Stuart was having another promo along with the promo set before, if I buy something worth NT$3000 above they give me a limited edition Jill Stuart cellphone charm but it ran out quickly so I guess this is the replacement.

Thanks so much to Bon! We really really have to meet soon ^.^

Here's a close up of the floral details

The fabric is made of smooth satin-y fabric that feels luxurious to hold, very dainty- just the way I like it!

I love lace and I felt giddy to see the pouch with lace trimmings! <3

I thought a freebie pouch from Jill Stuart was good enough, they really pay good attention when it comes to details that they included a Jill Stuart logo inside <3

********
Happy mother's day to all the mothers out there!!! ^.^
Make sure to call your favorite restaurant for a reservation and give your mom a break from cooking your meals, restaurants are usually jam packed during these occasions... 

FOTD: Simply Primped and Polished

This would be one of the rarest times Maquillage Lover puts up an FOTD! 

After doing this makeup I felt it looks simple and yet pretty so I'd like to share this with you.

Japanese make up makes the prettiest sheer color;

it gives an illusion as if you're wearing almost nothing at all but you look so primp and polish with just a light touch of color here and there.

Just the way I like my makeup! Not too over done with shocking colors but not too bare that my eye bags are saying hello to the world!

I made this FOTD last Sunday before going out.

Here's the product lineup:

Shiseido eyelash curler, Taiwan version

Shu Uemura Pro Concealer 

UDPP in Eden

Majolica Majorca Lash Expander Frame Plus

Jill Stuart Jewel Crystal Eyes in Princess Sapphire

Jill Stuart Eye Jelly in Midnight Shine

Jill Stuart lipstick in Baby Coral

Shiseido PN Primalise Gloss

Kiehl's lip balm #1

Jill Stuart Moist Silk Liquid Foundation 

Benefit 10

Jill Stuart Mix Blush in Fresh Apricot

Jill Stuart Mix Blush in Fresh Apricot Review and Swatch

As a follow up to my previous Jill Stuart Mix Blush in Fresh Apricot post, I'd be writing the review on this post and let's proceed with the swatches.

Here's a swatch of the Jill Stuart Mix Blush in Fresh Apricot

Colors are labelled carefully and it matches the exact numerical label on the first photo showing the mix blush pan.

If you'll notice there's no evident glitter on the pan itself but when swatched, you'll see some shimmers sparkling <3

The color is very sheer and it's fool proof to use. I used this when I was in Taiwan hurrying up every morning; whenever I hurry up I tend to use more force when applying blush but the result is always a nice barely there pink flush.

Jill Stuart sales attendants usually recommend Little Bouquet over Fresh Apricot because Lil Bouquet is more pigmented than Fresh Apricot but in my case Fresh Apricot is just right. Fresh Apricot is more of a light pink blush with a slight hint of peachiness thanks to the light orange shade.

My cheeks are already rosy on their own way, I just need a light blush to even out the rosiness (nature and genes ain't always perfect =p but rosy cheeks is still a gift from God)

Here's how Jill Stuart Mix Blush in Fresh Apricot looks on the white brush

You'll see how it looks like when mixed together

I can't do a cheek swatch because it provides a natural rosy cheeks look and the camera washes the color out- it doesn't appear much on the camera so to speak. 

It lasts well the whole day and there's a hint of Jill Stuart's trademark floral scent- it's just a hint and unlike other JS products where the scent is stronger. I guess Jill Stuart takes into account that this is brushed on the cheek area which is very near to our olfactory senses and we wouldn't want an overpowering floral scent near our nose.

The brush itself is so soft! This is the first makeup brand whose built in brush applicator is at par with other expensive brushes. It's very soft and dense at the same time; this is perfect to be used with the mix blush formula. I tried using my own blush brush but the result isn't the same so I recommend use the brush <3

I'm loving it! <3 

Oh by the way, if you're lemming for JS you might want to hurry up and ask Bon about JS before it's too late!

I'm drawing up my last Jill Stuart order, it might be my last Jill Stuart purchase from Bon =( 

What's Inside Sweet Magazine April 2010

I also got this from Taiwan, I think it's on sale for NT$275 because May 2010 already came out and it retails for NT$299.

These are the magazines I got from Taiwan with a freebie Jill Stuart Cafe bag

Sweet is really really thick compared to VoCE if you'll check the comparison

here's my little thumb also for comparison

So far this is my heaviest magazine with a whopping 470 pages (not including the cover flaps)

Sweet is mainly a fashion magazine with a bit of makeup laced on the sides

This is one of the few makeup section

Sheer dresses seem to be all the rage now in Taiwan, I heard dresses are accumulated in China, Korea and Hong Kong, of course you're better off to buy clothings from Korea and Hong Kong but China dresses aren't that bad if there's quality control.

I'm loving the white wedding dress with a delicate ribbon tied on the waist!

Footwear! I love the elf boots

MAC Lightful powder compact-

it's exclusively available in Asia, you won't even find this in maccosmetics.com!

I'm just not sure if MAC Philippines carries this permanent line (I think)

I haven't seen this yet but I'm sure it's not fake, it's in Sweet Magazine! ^.^

I love lace blouses and tunics

Floral prints seem to be the rage also

This might be my favorite tunic in the magazine

More bootsies! I love boots

The provide the comfort of rubber shoes but it looks more fashionable

More lace tunics

Has lace tunics and floral blouses arrived in our tiangges?

Tiangge is Philippine's version of night market-only that it operates whole day and night 

My cute Jill Stuart Cafe bag!<3

Jill Cafe has opened in Daimaru Department Store in Osaka, Japan

Here's the interior- it's not cushioned but it's okay 

There's a divider flap also so you could place small nifty things in.

The bag feels like towel cloth though =/ 

but what the heck, the magazine itself is a bargain at NT$275 considering how thick it is

Beauty Dilemma III: Jill Stuart Smooth Silk Powder Foundation N or MAC Blot Powder?

Okay gals, welcome to another edition of Beauty Dilemma! Haha

Seriously I don't know who to turn to or ask for advice anymore

I'm going a bit looney thinking which powder compact I'm gonna buy.

What I want:

A good oil absorbing powder

Powder for setting makeup

Natural looking

Won't cake

Won't change my Jill Stuart Moist Silk Liquid Foundation's color 

An instant foundation I could use on emergencies when I have to dash out of the door a bare face

Am I asking too much? =p

Basically I will just use the powder most of the time for setting my makeup and absorbing oil since it's like summer all through out the year in the Philippines and I ALWAYS oil up on my T-zone.

I will only use the powder as a foundation at rare occasions when I'm in a such hurry that I will just have to do my makeup while on the road

I found two powder compacts that might be worthy looking at:

Jill Stuart Smooth Silk Powder Foundation N 

Pros:

• It has exactly my shade in Ivory
• Claims to be light, airy and non-cakey
• Claims to be have oil control properties while being moisturizing
• Other review say this makes the skin glow 
• Jill Stuart's liquid foundation does make my skin glow and there's a big chance it's the same with the powder one
• Handy in cases of emergencies where I have to rush without putting on any makeup
• Cutest powder compact I've seen
• Hygienic; puff is separated from the pan

Cons:

• Super expensive considering I'm just gonna use this as a setting powder, don't get me wrong, Bon sells this for Php2400 which is very cheap considering the retail price is already a whopping NT$1500.
• Silver compact's design is fingerprint magnet; needs cleaning every now and then
• It has a light floral scent, I use a lot of Jill Stuart products and the scent may pile up 
• Only has 10 grams
• This is a foundation and not a light pressed powder. Would light dusting make it look cakey? 

 

MAC Blot Powder

Pros:

• Drastically cheaper and reasonable price for a setting powder, retails for Php1200
• Claims to be translucent which makes choosing shades easier
• Sleek professional black packaging makes it low maintenance to clean
• Has 12 grams (that's 2 grams more than JS)
• Has a lot of good reviews in terms of oil control
• Unscented

Cons:

• Can be drying and flaky if you have dry skin areas
• Other reviews say this is starchy but makes it a great oil absorber
• Powder's MAC logo and other writings will fade easily- that's what I usually see with the other MAC compacts
• Puff is placed on top of the pan, not so hygienic but that can be easily resolved

Another fact for me to consider is that powders lasts me a year because I only use it for light dusting and setting. 

Oh I forgot to include that Bon's gonna go backpacking trip to Aussie soon so this might be my last chance to get Jill Stuart! Jill Stuart's pretty hard to come by to the Philippines and I don't know any other importer already while MAC is just a car ride away.

Watcha think gals?