I notice I always have a love and hate relationship with each of my beauty products. Sometimes I hate it and sometimes I love it. But Ronasutra 2-in-1 Mineral Foundation & Powder #03 Natural Buff is a different story. I don’t like it at first, then I found the correct way to use it so I love it and before you know it I bought a backup!

Ronasutra started off with just the mineral foundation and powder. That is also their best seller which made them well-known till to date. If I’m not mistaken it is also the first mineral foundation + powder in powder form made available in the market. How often do you find foundation in powder right?

I had the rare opportunity to sit down with Audri Zin; Product and Brand Development Director of Miliyasutra Industries Sdn Bhd about Ronasutra a few months back. It is an eye opening meeting for me as I learnt so much about the history of Ronasutra that not many people get to. Audri is also the R&D person who came up with the formula of the mineral foundation and powder as we know today.

The ingredients in Ronasutra 2-in-1 Mineral Foundation & Powder will shock you cause it did to me. Unlike other makeup product in the market that is made from 30-40 ingredients, there is only FIVE ingredients in Ronasutra 2-in-1 Mineral Foundation & Powder which is Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Boron Nitride, Yellow Iron Oxide (CI 77491) and Red Iron Oxide (CI 77492). Did you notice there is no talc in it? Talc is known to clog pores and contributed to congested skin which many people develop an allergy from using it. If you are wondering about the clog pores on the face perhaps it’s time to look into the powder that you put on. That’s not all. It is 100% natural mineral that doesn’t contain oil, preservatives, synthetic ingredients, fragrances and dyes.

The case is housed in a simple but brilliant box packaging. I can easily look at the actual powder shade and color thanks to a die-cut window on one side of the box. On another hand I wish there’s at least instruction on how to use the powder as I couldn’t find any of it on the box and on the case.

The mineral foundation and powder is packaged in a good quality peach opaque lid with clear bottom case. It doesn’t look that particularly big although the content is at a whopping 8g. If you are used to luxury packaging and look you might get a bit disappointed with this. As for me hey I’m not bothered by it.

Putting look aside, I totally buy the quality of the case. I’m very clumsy and I drop everything to the floor which is why good quality casing is important to me lol.

I gotten the product from Wonderbox January 2013 edition so there is no way I can choose the right shade for my skin tone. I was given the shade 03 Natural Buff which is more suitable for yellowish and medium skin tone. The shade suits most Malaysian skin tone but I’m too fair for Natural Buff.

The powder is very very finely milled. I said earlier that the case may look small for a 8g content because of the powder’s fine texture. It took me a while to get a proper swatch of the powder. It is too fine to appear so I just turn the case upside down directly onto my hand for more powder. I messed up my photograph scene by doing that but I managed to get a combination of the powder on it’s own and after spreaded evenly.

I like that it is soft to touch but I was also quite worried if it will stay on my skin since no foundation is needed if I’m using this.

I’m always wondering why and how to stop the powder from coming out from the base as mine is quite messy. Everytime when I open the case I saw lots of powder all over the lid and inside the case. Silly me only saw the “star” like small holes on my second use of the powder. I’m not aware at all that the separator is actually rotatable! Now I can open and close the holes as needed. Love the idea y’all.

I had received a few enquiries on Ronasutra 2-in-1 Mineral Foundation & Powder asking me if it is good. I’ve tried it on my face a few months ago during my meeting with Ronasutra in my office and it’s superb. For some reason I couldn’t get it to work for the first time at home 3 weeks ago. I used brush and it doesn’t work. I used my MAC Kabuki Brush which is a dense brush and I’m shocked I still couldn’t get the powder to stick on my face. The powder was so fine that it appear really sheer on me. Then I took out the Ronasutra Anti-Bacterial NBR Sponge which I’ve gotten from the same Wonderbox too. The sponge is rubbery type which I never used before that I couldn’t get the sponge to work too. The powder stay on and not into the sponge so I tried swiping the powder on my face and the sponge just don’t glide. It’s rubber remember? I have no absolute idea how to use a rubber sponge LOL!

On a desperate attempt I washed my face again with cleansing milk and tried another method. This time I applied some Marula Oil, applied some concealer on my acne scars and the powder stay on my face nicely. However it felt a bit oily but the outcome is dewy and gorgeous. You can see it at Make Up Tips – Pencil Eyeliner as Base post.

One day I happen to stumbled upon a YouTube video on how to use Ronasutra 2-in-1 Mineral Foundation & Powder (03 Natural Buff). I clicked on the video and watched it. Then I found out the actual and correct way to use the powder. It’s actually quite simple. Just that I didn’t know it which is why it doesn’t work for me at first. Excitedly I tried it on again the next day and below is the result. With just skin care and sunblock, I applied Ronasutra 2-in-1 Mineral Foundation & Powder #03 Natural Buff using the recommended dabbing method with Ronasutra Anti-Bacterial NBR Sponge. I add on more powder on certain area that needed extra coverage especially on my acne scars. The coverage is excellent! It is very natural and smooth on my face as if I didn’t had any powder on.

Here’s the video on how to properly apply Ronasutra 2-in-1 Mineral Foundation & Powder.

Ronasutra 2-in-1 Mineral Foundation & Powder is formulated for all skin types, particularly to problematic, sensitive and acne-prone skin. It also contain healing properties so on long term use face is more clearer and free from blemishes. It is so safe that you can sleep with the powder on. In fact Audri suggest to apply this powder before sleep for problematic skin user. What makes the mineral foundation and powder different from others is that it’s formulated without the use of blue pigments to suit Asian skin tones. So there’s no white cast on the face. Sounds good right?

Immediately after I dab it on my face, the powder turns white. After the powder set it turns back to it’s original color; which in my case is 1-2 tone darker than my skin tone. And when my face starts to oil up a bit the powder turns lighter and natural. Like magic. It is said that if you want more coverage just re-dab as many layer as you want. I find that doesn’t work for me in terms of covering my acne marks. I dab quite a few layers on my jaw line (that’s where my acne marks is) but all the marks is still very much visible. I would suggest for those who have the same problem as me to apply concealer in advance. I’ve tried that before and it’s much more better. The good news is the pores on my nose are covered without putting much effort in application. Just dab and it’s covered!

It is true that the powder is INDEED good in terms of oil control. My face stay shine free for the first half of the day while a slight shine is noticeable but not oily on the second half of the day. However there’s a downside of that. Because of it’s superb oil control it only control the oil from coming out to the surface of my face but it doesn’t stop or minimize my face oil secretion. The oil secreted was build-up and accumulated below the powder so I do notice that the powder I had on become cakey on the second half of the day. That is when my face turned from “as if not having any powder on” to clearly having powder on. I just need to fine tune the application, amount and so on.

Nonetheless I love this Ronasutra 2-in-1 Mineral Foundation & Powder #03 Natural Buff very much that I had bought a backup yesterday. This is a product that is not only beneficial for problematic skin but also I can skip liquid foundation. The application method – dabbing with sponge can be time consuming though.

Disclaimer: Product was from Wonderbox January 2013 beauty box.This doesn’t affect my judgement in the review in any way.

The post Review: Ronasutra 2-in-1 Mineral Foundation & Powder #03 Natural Buff – I don’t like it, then I love it and I bought a backup! appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

When I saw Crabtree & Evelyn GWP for the purchase of RM250 a few weeks ago is the angpow pouch set, I wanted that! The only problem is I don’t have anything to buy from Crabtree & Evelyn. I do have the thought of impulse purchase something from the store just to get this set. Then I remember Jenny; the eBay seller that I deal with from time to time. So I begin stalking her selling page a few times a day. Hey I’m not a stalker but just don’t want to let this set grab by other people

On Tuesday morning I reached office late due to a massive jam. I only have half an hour to enjoy my coffee before rushing off for a back-to-back meeting outside. While sipping my coffee I decided to take a look at Jenny’s eBay selling page. To my delight she listed the Crabtree & Evelyn Red Packet Holder + Red Packet Set! That’s not all. Here’s what was in my parcel.

Ahhh the Crabtree & Evelyn Red Packet Holder + Red Packet Set (RM20). It comes with a holder and it’s HUGE. I didn’t expect the holder to be as huge as a clutch size. It’s made from suede material on the outside while satin lining on the inside. Absolutely love the “chinese” feel of the pouch. The flower embroidery on one side of the pouch is exquisite. I love the chinese frog button on both sides. Here is what I learnt from google on chinese frog button. Hmmm interesting.

Chinese frog buttons, also know as Huaniu, are the necessity to mostly all cheongsam. The knotted head is regarded as male and the pair with an eye, female. Huaniu represent the soul of the cheongsam and provide a distinctive Chinese character. They are the product of thousands of years of traditional knotting craft and the designs and compositions vary from the plain to intricate.Traditional designs include floral, animal and insect motifs, and auspicious symbols, such as pomegranates and the Chinese character ‘shou’ , signifying fertility and longevity. Most Huaniu on cheongsam are designed to match the pattern of the fabric and the color of the braided trim on the collar cuff and hem.

In the set there’s also 10 pieces of red packet included. It’s very pretty and thick too. I love red packet. I’m a collector so every year I’d go crazy with it. But my collection is too huge and too much so this year I cut down quite a lot. I only choose those that I like to keep

Another item that I’m happy to spot is Ronasutra 2-in-1 Mineral Foundation & Powder (RM28). I’ve just get the hang of using this powder. It’s alright and affordable too. This one would be my backup. Oh and keep an eye on the blog cause my review on this powder would be up on Tuesday

Since I’m doing my makeup in the office nowadays I tried not to bring too many makeup with me to work. I prefer trial size mascara instead of full size so that I don’t have to take it out from the pouch I brought to work. Dior Diorsnow New Look Mascara (RM20) is said to delivers infinite volume and an unparalleled lash-multiplying effect with the new exclusive nano-brush. I haven’t have good experience with Dior mascara so hope this is better than the previous.

Yay!! I was given 2 pieces of Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Brightening Mask. Jenny is so generous. Thank you Jenny *hugs*

That’s not all. I was also given a Mid Valley MegaMall 2013 Ang Pows 13 pieces c/w Ang Pow Holder. So preeettyyy. My picture doesn’t justify the prettiness of the holder. There’s flowery print on the pouch actually. Just that the sunlight sort of glare my camera from capturing the print :(. Love it.

I knew you girls would be asking how to find Jenny in eBay. Here is her seller ID again – jjj*2008. It’s hyperlinked so either you click on the hyperlink as given or search in eBay. Meanwhile I’m going to save some moos (money) as I wanted to buy the SK-II Skin Signature Eye Cream set. The eye cream is retailing at RM339 at SK-II counter and Jenny is only selling it for RM228 with LOADS of SK-II freebies. And those Dior Capture Totale full size skin care is tempting!

The post eBay Purchase – Crabtree & Evelyn Red Packet Set, Ronasutra, Dior + Freebies! appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona

Since CNY is just around the corner and I’m already on leave so I thought I’d wake up earlier to do this makeup tips post. I have been wanting to post this up months ago but just didn’t have the time. This is a tips from Adrian Sin; Burberry and RMK Beauty Trainer which I picked up at RMK makeover last year. It is simple and yet useful and versatile for everyday wear that I’ve been implementing to my daily makeup myself.

Before I start I must mention a disclaimer in advance as I know some of you can be quite judgmental and harsh. I’m no makeup expert, this is a tips that I picked up personally from a makeup guru which I think is worth to be share to you guys as I had the privilege to meet and had my makeup done by Adrian not once but twice. And during numerous encounter with Adrian I managed to get some pointers, tips and tricks from him.

Ready?

I’m not going to talk about prep-ing your face with skin care or base makeup. I assume you guys are expert now. I’m just going to jump directly to the main topic which is using pencil eyeliner as eye makeup base.

Prior before that I prep my lid with Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP in short). I’ve been using this since last year and a tube really last long. Normally I would dust some loose powder on top of UDPP as I find that eyeshadow will crease-free longer. UDPP is not that effective for me by the way. Totally up to you if you want to dust with loose powder or not. I need it and you may not.

(1) Take your favorite pencil eyeliner. I used to use Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil #01 Onyx which is a dark crayon eye pencil. But today I decided to use Guerlain Eye-Liner & Kohl which I bought a few months ago.
Just apply pencil eyeliner on the lid. Crayon eye pencil are easier to smudge so totally up to you how high you want to apply. For me I just need to line a thick line. Don’t worry about unevenness or if it’s not perfect.

P/S: Look at how smooth my under eye after StriVectin-TL™ 360° Tightening Eye Serum!

(2) After that smudge the eyeliner with a pencil brush or whichever brush that works for you. I’m using Ecotools Smudge brush. It’s small but not too small. Smudge the eyeliner upwards towards the crease. Once again don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect.

(3) Apply eyeshadow over the lid like usual. Here I’m using Burberry Beauty Complete Eye Palette # Pink Taupe No.07. All the unperfected eyeliner will automatically become natural and doesn’t look crooked as before. Don’t worry about applying the shadow on top of the eyeliner. You’re suppose to apply over the eyeliner.

(4) This step is not necessary but I did it anyway to show you how intensify it will do to your eyes with this step. Plus it’s easier to do eyeliner after Step 1-3 as it doesn’t have to be perfect lol. In this step I did the usual 1-line eyeliner using the same Guerlain Eye-Liner & Kohl.
After that continue to do tightlining, line your lower eyelash and apply some pearl white eyeshadow to the inner corner of the eyes follow by mascara on both upper and lower eyelashes.

The end result. My eyelid are the hidden type cause I think I have huge round eyeball haha! I know you can’t see properly here but fret not. I’ve include more pictures below.

Here is the 3-view look. Click on the image for larger version. From this 3-view photo you can see that the black base is actually a lot darker than the Step 1-4 picture. It’s the lighting

I absolutely like this tips from Adrian. Not only that I can skip eyeliner when I’m feeling lazy or when I don’t have enough time to properly do an eyeliner, this simple step also makes my eyes larger and intensify the look of it. I notice that as the hours went by the black base became more natural as if it’s more blended with the eyeshadow.

The products used for the look above.

Face
Concealer – Estee Lauder Ideal Light Brush-on Illuminator #02 Light Medium (Not available in Malaysia)
Powder – Ronasutra 2-in-1 Foundation & Powder #03 Natural Buff (Not my shade, it’s dark on me. Review soon)

Eyes
Eyebrow – Kanebo Coffret D’or W Styling Eyebrow Pencil #BR-38 (OV)
Eyeshadow – Burberry Beauty Complete Eye Palette # Pink Taupe No.07
Eyeliner – Guerlain Eye-Liner & Kohl
Highlighter – Kanebo Lunasol Lighting Eyes #01 Shiny White
Mascara – RMK Extra Deep W Mascara #01 Black

Blusher
Shiseido The Makeup Accentuating Powder Blush #B2 Rosy Beige

Lips
Paul & Joe “Manhattan” Autumn 2011 Lipstick C #073 Uptown Girl

Hope you like this simple tips of using pencil eyeliner as eye makeup base! Try it and wow your relatives this coming Chinese New Year !

The post Make Up Tips – Pencil Eyeliner as Base; Perfect for Everyday Wear appeared first on Street Love. by Fiona