BB Cream that Covers and Delivers Skin Care Benefits

Yesterday I posted about essence, an essential skincare item in Asia. Today I am bringing your way a BB cream that's also essential but in an Asian makeup routine.  I have gone through tubes of this BB cream and it always has a place in my makeup bag. I am referring to the Lioele Triple The Solution BB Cream SPF 30 PA++.

Lioele Triple The Solution BB Cream SPF 30 PA++

Lioele is a Korean makeup and skin care brand. It has an extensive range of products. I haven't tried anything but the BB creams. However, I have been considering branching out and seeing if there's something else that intrigues me. This BB cream promises to whiten, prevent wrinkles, nourish and moisturise the skin as well as protect from UVA/UVB rays. Key active ingredients are: ylang ylang flower, liquorice, strawberry, fermented yogurt, arbutin and adenosine. It comes in one shade and a 50ml tube.

Let's start with the consistency. It's quite thick compared to the BB creams available in the European market. In my opinion it has a similar texture to a foundation. It offers a fantastic coverage. To be fair it will not completely cover scarring and pigmentation, those will pick a little bit through but nothing major. If you want you can build up the coverage by applying extra to the areas that require it. It blends easily into the skin with both brushes and fingers. It does come in one shade but don't be alarmed. It actually adopts to your skin tone. However, if you have medium to deep skin I am afraid it will be too light for you. It has a slight scent to it but I don't mind it. It's quite pleasant and refreshing. I can't stress enough how much I appreciate that it has a pump! The packing in general is sleek and pleasing to the eye.

Lioele Triple the Solution BB Cream Packaging

Lioele Triple The Solution BB Cream Shade

This product performs great. I have been using it as a replacement for a foundation. I can't recall the last time I used a foundation. This BB cream is moisturising, offers good coverage, has a proper SPF factor and is packed with ingredients that nourish your skin. I don't necessarily care too much about the whitening properties but it's a good bonus. This product leaves your skin with a dewy finish, as expected. In Korea it's all about radiant and glowing complexion. If you are not a fan of that I suggest setting it with a powder. It lasts well through the day but I need to touch up the T-zone. I have to do it with any makeup base since my skin is combination. My sister who has dry skin and uses this product as well, she really appreciates the dewiness and leaves it as is. The obvious downside is of course the lack of shades, which is a shame for those ladies and gents with deeper skin tones. It's also not readily available in Europe. You can purchase it from Amazon or eBay. 

Overall I am very content with this product. As said it's a staple in my makeup. Every time I decide to be adventurous and try something else, I always come back to this one. It's also surprisingly affordable. Depends where you buy it but on average it's about 15,00€. If you have been wondering what's all the fuss about BB creams or have tried a few and were left disappointed, I recommend giving this one a shot. It's what I expected the ones offered in Europe to be like. Lioele also carries a version called Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream that has no SPF. I tried it and it's equally good. It's great for bridal or if you know you will be photographed. 

Let me know if you have tried Asian BB creams and would you recommend any!

Cheers,
Muffy

Kiehl's Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence

Kiehl's Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence has caught my attention about six months ago. I have been waiting for a moment when there will be finally a product along the lines of essence that is so popular in Asia. I am sure you have heard of SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, which is one of the most known in the skincare industry. Asians incorporate essence as part of their everyday skincare routine. I have given it a fair test and to find out if it's a marketing gimmick or something worth looking into then keep on reading!

Let's start with defining essence. It is not a toner nor a cleanser. Due to its high doses of active ingredients it's meant to sink deep into the skin when it has already been properly prepped. However, it shouldn't be confused with serums that come in smaller jars with an even higher concentration of ingredients. Kiehl's Iris Essence comes in a 200ml plastic bottle. Traditionally essence is stored in glass bottles, but I don't really mind the plastic. It means that it's that much lighter to carry if I take it with me whilst travelling. It is paraben and oil free. As with all essences the texture is very similar to water. It's runny and velvety. You need just a few drops to cover your entire face. Do not put this product onto a cotton pad, rather squeeze a few drops directly into your palms. I suggest patting the product into the skin instead of rubbing.

The key ingredient as the name suggests is the Iris Florentina Root Extract. It also contains Lipo Hydroxy Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate. It claims to visibly improve the appearance of fine lines, dullness and rough texture over time. It's suitable for all skin types. I have been using this product since March, so for a good 5 months. I apply it in the morning and evening. This product should be added as an extra step in your skincare routine after toning and before serum. It helps prime the skin and ensures that whatever you put afterwards sinks in faster, penetrating the deeper layers of your skin. I have been really enjoying this product and I noticed somewhat of a difference in my skin. I like it mostly for its hydrating properties. My skin is extremely dehydrated while being combination. Therefore I really look for a product that will add moisture back to my skin without leaving it feeling greasy. And I see this one ticking all the boxes. In terms of fine lines and rough texture I haven't noticed a massive difference. However, I think that my skin looks more radiant and plumped. I haven't gotten any new breakouts either. I also noticed that the serums and masks absorb more rapidly after I incorporated this product into my regime. 

Is this a must have product? It depends. I personally like it. I enjoy having that extra step in my routine and it works in terms of keeping my breakouts at bay and providing hydration to my skin. That being said if you are used to products that deliver over night results this is not it. With this product you have to use it consistently over a course of weeks in order to notice a difference. Regarding its anti-aging properties I can't really comment either. I would say if anti-aging is your main concern maybe look for something more potent. 

As with all Kiehl's products you can ask for a sample prior to purchasing a full size product. I suggest asking for a couple of sachets, those will last you for a good week or so. You can get this product at your nearest Kiehl's counter or online.

Let me know if you have tried similar products and what your thoughts are!

Cheers,
Muffy

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate Is It That Good?

I am sure you have heard about the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate in one way or another. I have been using Midnight Recovery Concentrate consistently for about two years now, and I can say with confidence - it's that good! But let's start from the beginning.

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate 

Kiehl's Mignight Recovery Concentrate, as the name implies, is a serum/facial oil you apply in the evening before going to bed. It can be used on its own or under a moisturiser. I typically use it on its own since I feel it doubles nicely as a moisturiser. The key ingredients are: evening primrose oil, lavender essential oil, jojoba seed oil and squalane (botanical lipid that helps restore skin's natural moisture balance). It's paraben, fragrance and mineral oil free. It claims to regenerate, replenish and repair for a smoother, healthier looking skin. It comes in a 30ml and 50ml glass bottle, which in my opinion is a good amount of product. I have mine in 30ml and it lasts me for a year. It has a dropper applicator and I apply around 3 drops of the product on my face. It doesn't absorb immediately but within about 10-15 min. It doesn't feel greasy or slippery on the face, which is a big plus. It has a slight scent of lavender but I don't find it too overpowering.

With this product I actually see the difference in my skin. Every time I use it, in the morning my skin looks glowy, plumped and redness is diminished. I have combination skin and it works wonders. It soothes aggravated breakouts and helps heal them. It's also effective for getting rid of dry patches. I would imagine this product to be suitable for all skin types. For instance my sister has dry skin and she has been enjoying it as well. It hasn't caused any sort of allergic reaction or irritation on my skin and I have a pretty sensitive one. As with all Kiehl's products they are generous at giving samples, so if unsure I highly recommend trying it out before committing to the full size product. 

Tip: Even though this product is targeted for the face it can be used for multiple purposes. If you have dry hands, cuticles or dry areas on your body you can add a few drops to your hand cream or lotion. This would intensify the nourishment. It can also be used as a bath oil, if you want to treat yourself to a calming, relaxing bath. Lavender is very good for relieving stress.

I am not one to rave about the skincare product unless I have given it a proper long-term test. Therefore, I am comfortable in saying that if you are looking for a new face oil, give this one a go. It's paraben and mineral oil free and is 99.8% naturally-derived. It does what it says on the tin. I am not sure how effective it's in terms of anti-aging, since I am still in my 20s but we shall see in ten years. A 30ml bottle retails for 42,00€ and you can purchase it at your nearest Kiehl's counter.

What is your tried and true serum/face oil/treatment? I'd love know!

Cheers,
Muffy

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 vs Lush Honey Trap

Nobody likes the look and feel of dry lips. Lip balm is an essential product in anybody's everyday routine. Despite being such a staple, it is difficult to find one that actually works. Now I became even more picky as I want it to be cruelty free, paraben free and do it's job. Lately I have been testing out Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 and Lush's Honey Trap lip balm. If you want to hear my thoughts, then keep on reading!

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 and Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm

Kiehl's lip balm comes in a squeeze tube which I think is a big plus, as you don't have to dip your finger to get the product out. You get 15ml of product, and it retails for 8,00€, which is reasonable. It doesn't have any distinguishable fragrance, but to me it is very reminiscent of vaseline scent. My biggest problem with this lip balm is the consistency. It is very slippery, it doesn't absorb into my lips and just pretty much sits on top of them. Hence, you are left with a glossy finish on your lips. The list of ingredients is not too impressive either. At the very top you get Petrolatum and a few natural ingredients appear at the end like the Aloe Leaf Extract. Kiehl's is considered a brand that tests on animals since its products are sold in China, which requires imported cosmetics be tested on animals.

Lush Honey Trap Lip Balm and Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 Packaging

Next up is the Honey Trap lip balm from Lush. Unlike Kiehl's lip balm it comes in a pot so you have to scoop the product out, which I am a little bit iffy about. It comes with 8g of product and is sold for 11,50€. I really like the consistency, it is very moisturising without feeling greasy. It gives your lips a slight sheen but nothing too glossy. I personally really like the scent, I can definitely pick up the notes of honey and vanilla. In term of ingredients it is packed with nourishing goodies like shea butter, almond oil, honey and extra virgin olive oil. It does contain Beeswax, so it is not suitable for vegans. But don't you despair, Lush also has a vegan version called None of Your Beesewax. It replaces beeswax with an extra virgin coconut oil and shea butter to give it a light texture and a slip. Among other ingredients are exotic mandarin oil, murumuru and cupuaçu butters. I don't own this one but I tried it at the store and I think I will be picking it up when I run out of the Honey Trap.

Overall my verdict is that Kiehl's lip balm #1 is an overrated vaseline with not so good ingredients. Honey Trap on the other hand
ticks all the boxes for me: it is cruelty free, paraben free and helps my dry lips. If you are looking to try a new lip balm, I say skip Kiehl's and check out Lush's Honey Trap instead! You can get it at your nearest Lush store or online. 

If you know of a good cruelty free, paraben free lip balm with an spf, let me know!

Cheers,
Muffy