Sugao Review: Cheek & Lip, Air Fit CC Cream Smooth SPF23 PA+++

Sugao (スガオ) - meaning bare, natural face - is a Japanese makeup series that draws on naturality, sheer lightness and softness in achieving natural beauty. The star of the show for me is, without a doubt, the Cheek & Lip (RM 59.90 for 6.5 g). It has a light, fluffy mousse-like formula that blends easily.

Available in 3 colours - Natural Red, Active Orange and Brilliant Pink - this 2-in-1 hybrid product is best applied with the most underutilised makeup tool: fingers. I work a small dot onto the apples of my cheeks (or the centre of my lips) and use tapping motions to blend out.

The soft lustre of colour that Brilliant Pink lends my cheeks is nothing short of flattering, but it doesn't quite work as a lip colour for me (anything this pale just doesn't show up on my lips). Instead, I use it as a primer, and it provides a matte surface to enhance the colour of any lip product that goes on top of it.

Formulated with Rohto's patented Air-Fit Technology, a tiny blob of Air Fit CC Cream Smooth SPF23 PA+++ (RM 69.90 for 25 g) covers a surprising amount of ground with the breathable airy formula blending seamlessly with my skin.

At the risk of spoiling the party, I do think the claims are stretching the truth a little (minimising imperfections, blurring pores and absorbing excess sebum), but it is marvellous at brightening the complexion (I am using 02 Pure Ochre), evening out redness and creating that pulled-together look.

It relies on a good canvas to work with because it will sit on flakes, pool into dry areas, and highlight dry patches. If you have PIH or dark circles, you will require a separate, heavy duty concealer. But if you are going for the au naturel look, then the Air Fit CC Cream Smooth SPF23 PA+++ is the man for the job!

Shop for Sugao at selected Watsons outlets as well as watsons.com.my.

From left: Brilliant Pink - 02 Pure Ochre

The full ingredient list for Cheek & Lip Brilliant Pink:
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethylhexanoin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mineral Oil, Vinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Hydrogen Dimethicone, BHT, Aluminum/Calcium/Manganese Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Red 6 CI 15850, Red 7 CI 15850, Yellow 5 CI 19140, Aluminium Hydroxide.

The full ingredient list for Air Fit CC Cream Smooth SPF23 PA+++:
Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Triethylhexanoin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Triethylhexyl Trimellitate, Mineral Oil, Vinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Iron Oxides, Lauryl Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Aluminium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Hydrated Silica, Aluminum/Calcium/Manganese Oxide, Methicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT.

Disclosure: Press samples.

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Etude House Dreaming Swan Overview

Celebrated Australian illustrator, Kerrie Hess, joined hands with Etude House for the Dreaming Swan collection. It centers upon the ballerina fantasy we all had when we were little girls, twirling around on pointe with our tutus flared out.

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Dreaming Swan 드리밍 스완
Made in: Korea

If you only plan to buy one thing, then go for the Eye & Cheek 아이 앤 치크. The powder formula is so incredibly blendable to the point where it goes unnoticed on my skin. This will be amazing on lighter skin tones and I may even crack 02 Pointe Coral 포인 코랄 (a beautiful peach shade) out to add some warmth to my skin. To make it ten times dreamier, the puff applicator comes with a bow and a tutu.

You may want to head straight to Dear My Blooming Lips-Talk 디어 마이 블루밍 립스 톡 if cheek products aren't your thing. Granted, the formula isn't the best... OR225 Dream Pointe Coral 꿈꿔왔던 포인 코랄, an apricot, is dry and will emphasize lip lines and flakes so moisturise well before use. I wish the Etude team repackaged Dear My Wish Lips-Talks instead; now those are awesome lipsticks!

Something I can't quite pinpoint as a must buy is the Any Cushion Case 애니 쿠션 케이스. If you already own their cushion foundations, purchasing this may border on the excessive side because you only need the refill (which you are able to buy separately). Nonetheless, the limited edition 01 Dreaming Swan 꿈꾸는백조 is scarily pretty so we will fall down that rabbit hole no matter what our minds may tell us, haha!

The Dreaming Swan collection even has this adorable Mini Pouch 미니 파우치. As indicated by the name, it is an itty bitty thing, measuring in at H6.8×D10.2cm. It doesn't fit much - I am only able to get a couple of my daily essentials in (about 12 lipsticks or so?). It is not something that I would necessarily buy for myself, but it is nice having it around to beautify my dresser cum work table.

Go to etudehouse.com for a detailed look at the whole collection! I have only featured four, there are plenty more on the site!

Disclosure: Pink Bird samples.

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Etude House Princess Happy Ending Review: Fairy Glitter Shadow, Rose Cheek Blusher, Apple Red Lips, Jasmine Nail Kit

The Princess Happy Ending collection literally blew my socks off. How could it not, when it whisks the whimsy of Disney and the creativity of Etude House in one breath?

ღ Princess Happy Ending Fairy Glitter Shadow

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Princess Happy Ending Fairy Glitter Shadow 프린세스 해피엔딩 페어리 글리터 섀도우 #1 Pink Glass Heels 핑크유리구두
Price: ₩ 8,000 for 4.5 g
Made in: Korea

#1 Pink Glass Heels 핑크유리구두 is a vibrant muted fuchsia. The pigmentation is great and it almost looks metallic when I apply it. To its credit, it is easily blended out for a more subtle look.

If it was toned down slightly (aka less glittery), I would be all over it. That said, the neutral shades are calling my name because the formulation is to die for. And if I may say so myself, the product brings L'Oréal's Infallible Eyeshadows to mind. Would anyone who has tried them both kindly make a comparison?

ღ Princess Happy Ending Rose Cheek Blusher

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Princess Happy Ending Rose Cheek Blusher 프린세스 해피엔딩 로즈 치크 블러셔
Price: ₩ 9,000 for 4.8 g
Made in: Korea

#1 Pink Shine Rose 핑크빛 로즈 gives a natural, impossible to overdo, cute pink iridescent flush. It is maddeningly sheer, just like its predecessor, the Lock'n Summer Cushion Blusher.

Given the fancy box, I thought that the Etude House team would also place an emphasis on the packaging for the product itself. The wholly plastic ensemble lowered the heft and also made the compact feel cheap (sorry, not sorry). If a mirror was added, the situation could have been salvaged slightly. Slightly being the key word here.

ღ Princess Happy Ending Apple Red Lips

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Princess Happy Ending Apple Red Lips 프린세스 해피엔딩 애플레드 립스
Price: ₩ 9,000 for 3.5 g
Made in: Korea

Despite what your eyes are telling you, Apple Red Lips is a rosy red, much like a Pacific Rose apple (below) instead of the pictured Red Delicious (above). So sorry for this, my camera refuses to work with reds!

It feels light, moisturising and gives the lips a juicy shine. It does all these without compromising on colour payoff because the pigment shows up very well. If you are on my wavelength lipstick wise then please do ensure that you give it a look. I will most definitely pick up more of this and perhaps Purple Rose Lips as well?

ღ Princess Happy Ending Jasmine Nail Kit

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Princess Happy Ending Jasmine Nail Kit 프린세스 해피엔딩 쟈스민 네일키트
Price: ₩ 6,500 for 1 box (8 ml ×2)
Made in: Korea

The Jasmine Nail Kit is equipped with a gorgeous dark teal polish (#1 Antique Mint 앤틱민트) and a glittery bronze polish (#2 Magic Lamp 매직램프).

Their quality is consistent with Etude House's regular nail polish lineup, in which one is able to achieve maximum opacity with three coats. They are accompanied by a nail sticker sheet featuring charming configurations of golden lamps and swirls.

Like? You can buy them from the newly launched etudehouse.com!

(Source: Promotional images are from etude.co.kr/)

Disclosure: Pink Bird samples.

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Etude House Lock'n Summer Review: Precious Mineral Proof Any Cushion SPF50+ PA+++, Proof 10 Cushion Lock'n Liner, Lock'n Summer Cushion Blusher, Face Conditioning Fixer

What comes to mind when you think of summer? Shaping an hourglass silhouette? Battling the soaring temperatures? Makeup melting off your face in a matter of minutes? Well, Etude House is able to tick off one of your summer woes with its waterproof Lock'n Summer collection.

ღ Precious Mineral Proof Any Cushion SPF50+ PA+++

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Precious Mineral Proof Any Cushion 진주알 맑은 프루프 애니 쿠션 SPF50+ PA+++
Price: ₩ 18,000 for 15 g
Made in: Korea

Precious Mineral Proof Any Cushion has a matte formula and gives a slight cooling sensation upon application. It helps to reduce the appearance of pores and provides substantial coverage that borders on medium (even without packing it on). Having said that, it is unforgiving on dry patches and only caters to a select few because the shades run light. One has practically got to be Snow White in order to wear the lighter N02 Light Beige 라이트 베이지! W13 Natural Beige 내추럴 베이지, the darker shade, leans on the ochre side and may look dark in the pan, but it lightens tremendously once it goes on the skin.

W13 Natural Beige 내추럴 베이지

If possible, get a match at the stores. I would not recommend buying blind.

ღ Proof 10 Cushion Lock'n Liner

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Proof 10 Cushion Lock'n Liner 프루프10 쿠션 락 앤 라이너
Price: ₩ 9,500 for 2 g
Made in: Korea

If you are used to the traditional gel liners that come in pots, I am sure you can see the appeal in cushion liners, or to be more precise, Proof 10 Cushion Lock'n Liner. It dries really quickly, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Pros? It does not budge once it sets. Cons? The brush is not able to deliver product continuously, which means constant re-dipping is necessary. The compact comes packaged with its own brush, so you do not have to purchase one, but you may already own a brush that you are comfortable working with already. It is still an appreciable gesture though!

BR401 Peace Brown 피스 브라운 is the one in my possession; there are four other colours in the collection:

ღ Lock'n Summer Cushion Blusher

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Lock'n Summer Cushion Blusher 락 앤 썸머 쿠션 블러셔
Price: ₩ 9,000 for 5 g
Made in: Korea

If I was not the one whacking OR201 Let's Go! Coral 렛츠 고! 코랄 on, I would not even know it was there. It can be a good thing because it is impossible to overdo. On the other hand, since it barely leaves a hint of colour (disappears on the skin really), I wondered whether there is a point in applying it? You may have better luck with it - the apricot shade might not be tailored for my skin tone...

Only two shades are available, and I am raring to give PK001 Hey Yo! Pink 헤이 요! 핑크 a look when it comes to my shores!

ღ Face Conditioning Fixer

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Face Conditioning Fixer 페이스 컨디셔닝 픽서
Contents: 20 ml
Made in: Korea

The 20 ml bottle pictured is a miniature that is available as a gift with purchase on etudehouse.com. It shares the same formula as the Lock'n Summer Face Conditioning Fixer that retails for ₩ 10,000 (80 ml). I would have liked for it to come in an aerosol can because the current spray mechanism dispenses large, rain like droplets that is more likely to mess makeup rather than to lock it in. I have not noticed a difference in the longevity of my carefully painted face; thankfully it works well as a regular mist!

Without - With

And that ends this image heavy post! Any thoughts you would like to share regarding this collection?

(Source: Promotional images are from etude.co.kr/)

Disclosure: Pink Bird samples.

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Etude House Play 101 Pencil 1, 6, 8, 11, 43 & 44

No more bulging makeup pouches! Enliven your zombified appearance before you step off the plane! The Play 101 Pencils can be used on all areas of the face.

Name: Etude House 에뛰드하우스 Play 101 Pencil 플레이 101 펜슬
Price: ₩ 6,000 for 0.5 g
Made in: Korea

These multi purpose mechanical pencils are equipped with their own sharpeners and are waterproof (except for the ones with glossy finishes). Naturally you would only use specific colours for certain purposes (unless you are able to get your creative juices flowing?).

It would be a little dull if all fifty shades were to share the same finish, hence the variety in textures. There are five altogether:

Creamy 크리미 smooth adhesion with vivid colouring in just one touch
Matte 매트 soft application with a powdery finish (used for eye shadow, eyebrow and concealer)
Glossy 글로시 moist glossy type that effectively fills in lip wrinkles and suitable for wide smudging such as blush (lip and blush)
Shimmering 쉬머링 contains fine pearly particles for a shimmering glow
Glitter 글리터 contains large glittery pearl particles for a glamorous finish

I own 1, 6, 8, 11, 43 and 44. 1, 6, 43 and 44 have great creamy consistencies whereas 8 and 11 are drier and require more care.

1 (Creamy) is a black prone to smudging. You would think it would not budge after a couple of minutes but I guess it is no match against my oily lids.

6 (Shimmering) a champagne and 43 (Glitter) a rose gold are great as bases over the lids. 6 can be used as a highlighter too as long as the glitter particles are diffused first.

8 (Matte) light beige lacks the pigmentation needed to conceal dark circles plus the dry texture tugs on the delicate undereye area. It is better off as a brow bone highlighter.

11 (Creamy) tangerine works a treat as a blush. On the lips, the texture leaves much to be desired seeing that it clings to lines and dry patches.

44 (Glitter) is a golden brown. It is not too warm that it would be a concern (I prefer the cooler spectrum) and is a foolproof way of adding definition to the lids.

1 - 6 - 8 - 11 - 43 - 44

These colours in particular can be used to create a chic, smokey look, as shown on Pony, a Korean beauty guru. She has created many a tutorial on the behalf of major Korean brands!

Play 101 Pencil is certainly a line worth investigating. I am thinking of expanding my collection with 22 (Glossy) and 49 (Creamy). Any thoughts? Perhaps you have others to recommend?

(Source: Promotional images are from etude.co.kr/)

Disclosure: Pink Bird samples.

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