Review : Make Up Forever STEP 1 Skin Equalizer in Hydrating Primer - It has finally reached Malaysia's shores!

Gone were the days where primers are products that simply smoothen out those pesky pores and holes on our faces by filling them up. It's undeniable that when there's technology and science involved, there will be and always be something new, something revolutionary, something extraordinary. Make Up Forever has done just that.

Being a curious cat as usual, I literally stalked/swatched/compared Make Up Forever's products in one of the local Sephora outlets. I love studying the different textures, functions, and finishes various products and brands has to offer. Most of the time, I would silently scoff at highly-raved products from certain brands because there are other products offers the exact same or similar function with just a fraction of the price. But there will always be products that are just simply... irreplaceable.

Make Up Forever has made sure their products are up a notch or two compared to other brands. Just do a random google of any best makeup products, there you will see one or two Make Up Forever product in one of some beauty guru or youtuber's must-have list of products. #fact

What is Make Up Forever STEP 1 Skin Equalizer?

STEP1 is the range of skin equalizers developed to refine, smooth and even out. Our exclusive Equalizer Complex delivers 3 key actions:

- APPLICATION : makeup goes on seamlessly
- RESULT : optimized color & finish
- WEAR: longer staying power

*source

As you can see the picture below, MUFE's old primer packaging comes in plastic, transparent pump bottle with a black, plastic cap. Below that picture, is the all new revamped product and packaging of MUFE's STEP 1 Skin Equalizer. I managed to find swatches of every primer available from MUFE's STEP 1 Skin Eqaulizer line. Picture credits to pixiwoo. 

Make Up Forever STEP 1 Skin Equalizer comes in 10 different shades and textures. It is without a doubt there's something for everyone. Listed below are the description and provided by MUFE :

• MATTIFYING PRIMER *(BLACK/DARK GREY) is the answer to unwanted shine, fighting against excess oil to ensure a matte makeup result. Formulated with our specific Sebustop Vegetal Complex, this first step equalizer instantly reduces pore size and controls shine for a flawless makeup all day long.

• SMOOTHING PRIMER (LIGHT GREY) instantly fills in and blurs imperfections for silky soft skin. This satiny, non-oily formula evens out skin texture by minimizing pores, wrinkles and fine lines. Skin looks resurfaced and perfectly smooth for a flawless makeup all day long.

• HYDRATING PRIMER (LIGHT BLUE) instantly quenches skin's thirst by helping boost and refreshing tired skin. Formulated with our specific H₂O Complex, it provides moisture transforming dehydrated skin into a supple, healthy, plump surface for a flawless makeup all day long.

• NOURISHING PRIMER (WHITE) instantly replenishes dry and dehydrated skin with a moisture-rich soothing formula. Our specific Vegetal Complex feeds skin, hydrating and reviving it while antioxidants protect from the elements. Its rich and creamy texture melts on the skin to nourish and sooth. Restores elasticity and revitalizes skin to ensure a more uniform texture and a flawless makeup all day long.

• REDNESS CORRECTING PRIMER (GREEN) instantly neutralizes and evens out red tones for flawless foundation coverage. Green Spectraflex® pigments color correct redness and boost radiance while moisturizing agents provide hydration. Skin tone is evened out for a flawless makeup all day long.

• RADIANT PRIMERS instantly color correct according to skin tone giving what looks like new bare skin. These tailored equalizers transform radiance levels and bring more hydration and light to the face. Formulated with our blend of Spectraflex® pigments to neutralize imperfections and banish dullness, Radiant Primers give immediate radiance and even skin tone for a flawless makeup all day long.

Find your Radiant Primer color:
6. Cool Pink: for  yellow fair skin (PINK)
7. Blue: for yellow red fair skin (BLUE)
8. Peach: for  fair skin (PEACH)
9. Yellow: for tanned skin (YELLOW)
10. Caramel: for dark skin (BURNT ORANGE)
11. Mauve: for yellow dark skin (LAVENDER) -not in the pictures-

*The colours in the brackets is to identify the packaging not the content.

It really does look amazing (* ^ *)

Review : MUFE STEP 1 Skin Equalizer in Hydrating Primer

Alright, let's get down to business. I have been using the primer for almost two months - hence the delay in reviewing this product. I believe in really testing and experimenting with the product to be able to provide a solid review. Before I start, this product was given to me as gift with reviewing purposes by Make Up Forever Malaysia. I'm not paid nor sponsored. The review is based solely on my experience and not influenced by any parties. 

Now, those of you who knows me pretty well - I have an extremely oily skin with loads of imperfections. Primers are a must for me because anything and everything will slide off my face, with the contribution of the Malaysian humid weather. Since I have oily skin, why did I choose the Hydrating Primer instead of the Mattifying Primer?

It's simple. Quite a lot of my face products has mattifying properties and I was thinking about my hours spent in air-conditioned classrooms. I once paired a mattifying primer along with a mattifying bb cream and finishing powder and after a long day walking around in the shopping mall - BOOM. MY SKIN LOOKED LIKE A PALE PRUNE. I kid you not. It looked dry and really horrible. Since then, I realized that even my makeup products has to be used in moderation. 

Plus I also noticed that my skin is oily on the outside but dry on the inside. This condition is commonly known as dehydrated skin. Dehydrated, combination skin - not a great combo. There's only so much makeup can conceal. Hence, I decided to switch up my products here and there to achieve a happy balance.

I used the Hydrating Primer with a few products and found that it works very well with powder foundations. Here's quick review of products used with MUFE STEP 1 Skin Equalizer in Hydrating Primer : 

• ZA Perfect Fit Two-Way Foundation in OC10 :
  The powder went on smoothly. Only extremely big pores can still be seen but it's fine with me because the main functions of this primer is hydrating and providing a smooth canvas which it did on both accounts. Wear time lasted about 5 - 6 hours in a humid environment/moving about whereas if it was in an air-conditioning room, it lasted from 9am - 6.30pm. 
  
  I checked on and off throughout the 10 hours period, my powder foundation melted quite well and it began to look like my second skin. By the 8th or 9th hour, I can feel my cheeks and T-Zone feeling a little greasy but the glowy kind of oily. Not the frying pan oily-kind. 

• KATE Liquid Touch Powder Foundation in OC-B :
  The results were quite amazing. The powder went on smoothly and my pores were nowhere to be seen! The Kate powder might have helped a little in covering up the excess pores. I wore this combo throughout the Chinese New Year celebration back in Malacca. It was the best time to really put the primer to the test because of the hot, melting weather.
  
  My younger cousins (there's not much privacy when 4 families live under one roof. LOL!) watched as I put on my makeup and they were like "Wah!", "Omg. How did you do that?", "Your skin looks so smooth now!". Hahaha! Kids :) I must admit that I was quite impressed with how the primer performed. Okay, here's the honest part - this Hydrating Primer did not fare well with the heat and humidity. I had to use Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray to help my makeup last till late night. 

• Laneige Pore Control BB Cushion in shade 21 :
  This BB cushion had mattifying properties and it worked quite harmoniously with it. I set the combo with Wet n Wild Cover All pressed powder and dusted Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay pressed finishing powder. I applied at 12pm and had it on till 11pm. My makeup lasted the whole day! Not forgetting, my skin looked glowing and pretty flawless, I must say. #perasaan  

• MUFE Mat Velvet+ Mattifying Foundation in shade 30 :
  I tried this combo last because I had a breakout when I used the foundation. It seemed to clog my pores. I am not sure whether it is just me or there are ingredients in the foundation that doesn't go well my skin.
  
  Anyway, I closed one eye and applied. Being paranoid, I checked my makeup on and off and found that there were slight bumps on my left cheek and red bumps on my right eventhough my bf said there wasn't any. HMM. I must be going mad. Okay back to the combo, I observed that my skin looked all-glowy and smooth throughout the day as if I did not put on any foundation at all. My bf even commented that it looked good. HEHE. 
  
  I applied it at 7.30am and removed it at around 9pm. When I removed it, I noticed that there were new formations of pimples on my right cheek. I'm not sure whether it was coincidence or my skin is disagreeing with the foundation. Sigh :( I have to test and do some research on it again before I can confirm anything.

Left to Right : Bare face with moisturiser and freshly applied primer, 10 minutes after primer applied, and full make-up

I honestly do not know how to have that same perfect selfie everytime. I find it quite time consuming (><)'''

Hope this doesn't scare ya. 

Conclusion

Based on my experience and experiments, I would recommend MUFE STEP 1 Skin Equalizer in Hydrating Primer to :

• Ladies who sits in an air-conditioning room for super long hours 
• Ladies who finds their skin dehydrated 
• Ladies who wants a gentle primer for sensitive skin 
• Ladies who love that glowy look 

I won't recommend it to :

• Matte skin lovers 
• Ladies with extremely oily skin 
• Ladies who moves about a lot 
• Ladies who wants extreme pore coverage 
• Ladies who dislikes glowy finishes 

Please know that our skin types are different and what I have experienced may not be the same as you. So do drop by at MUFE counters to get the trained makeup sales assistants to help you choose the right primer for you. You can go bare faced to Sephora and try out a full makeup using the primer as your base to help you decide whether its for you or not. There's no harm in trying out ;)

Oops, silly me. I left out the most important information. It's priced at RM160 for 30ml tube. It's available at all MUFE counters in Sephora Malaysia.

Don't forget to follow them on social media to get latest news or launches -
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Makeupforevermy
Instagram : @makeupforevermy
Website : http://www.makeupforever.com/

Have you tried these brand new MUFE primers yet? 

If yes, how did it fare for you? 

If no, do you think you will give it a go?

I would love to hear from you in my comments below. 

Thank you for reading!

Love,

Sarah :)

Review : NEW Dettol Anti-Bacterial pH-Balance Body Wash

Germs.

They are everywhere.

The smudgy, oily screen that you tap and swipe about 50 times a day.
The greasy, dusty keyboard that you type on.
The money you received from the char kuey teow lady or mamak.
The chairs of all sizes that has received countless warm posterior and silent farts.
The awkward hugs or handshakes you receive from all walks of life.
The cute, cool silver buttons on ATM machines or elevator.
The black, sticky, endless-like escalator handrail you unknowingly hold on to.
The sweat that trickles down your back after a long day.
The weathered car door handles and god-knows when was the last time you cleaned your gear stick.
To the very last doorknob you touched.

source

Feeling exposed now? Ha. I do. It's like a sudden realization or awareness because we are so caught up with work, studies, friends, and families. My handphone, television remote, and laptop are my most used gadgets at home. Not realizing the germs and dirt we pick up or leave and it is a never-ending cycle. Since my car's air-conditioning system isn't working, I drive around with the windows open and with that, I am exposed to all sorts of pollution. You think it, you'd name it - dust, exhaust fumes, rain, and sweat. It's really no fun being in nature's hands - you'd either be sweating profusely under the mercy of the sun or completely drenched by the rain. 

My boyfriend, my siblings, and I are surrounded by pets. So imagine how many times do we have to sanitize ourselves after showing love to our furry pals??

Besides being exposed to pollution, I have a pet cat that I love to hug, cuddle, and smother her with kisses whenever I see her. Cats are like happy pills, I tell you. They melt your worries and problems away. It's magic weh. Anyway, back to the topic. I usually let my cat roam around, conquering the neighbourhood. Cat does what cat do. She would roll and sunbath on the cement floor, sharpen her claws on her favourite tree, stalk birds from under the car, squeeze her way through the drains, and etc. And, I still hug her. I can't help it. I must show my affection to my beloved cat. How not to be exposed?

That's why men created Dettol! To protect cat lovers such as myself from external factors. *cough cough*

Think about it, how much can you do or not do to protect yourself against something you cannot see, touch, or feel? Not knowing when it will strike or blow over. But are you really going to deny yourself or your family from all the freedom to have fun or create memories? As a child, I have seen quite a few Dettol ads and wondered what was so special about Dettol. Now as a woman, with hopes of having a family of my own, I have observed and seen young mothers stress and worry over their precious child's welfare. I understood that there's only so much you can do to protect them. You can protect them from bodily harm by taking extra precautions but what about protecting them from germs and bacterias? How many times can you stop your child from putting his or her hand in their mouth after crawling on the floor? How many times can you stop your child from running around, having fun with his or her friends? Think about it.

I am no science student and I must admit, it is and can be challenging trying to comprehend facts but nothing is impossible. Here's what I understand about pH balance, with special thanks to Kerry from Skin and Tonics who did some in depth research on the skin's natural barrier and acid mantle. After reading her article, I am determined to check every product I use to ensure my skin is receiving the right amount of pH.

What is pH? 

Things I do to help myself understand better. Hope this helps you too! 

source

What is the Moisture/Natural Barrier?

source

The epidermis is the visible part of our skin compromising of multiple layers. The outermost layer is called the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the protective layer, also known as the “moisture barrier” or “lipid barrier.” It compromises of dead, flattened cells called keratinocytes that continuously shed and replaced by newer keratinocytes, and held together by fatty acids, ceramides, and other lipids.

The lipids and keratinocytes act together as a waterproof barrier that effectively keeps water in the skin and prevents bacteria, irritants, allergens, and other microorganisms from penetrating the skin. The lipids also play a key role in encouraging acceleration of new cells in the deeper layers of the epidermis.

source

Left : A normal and healthy skin.
Right : Moisture is lost through unprotected cracks in the outermost layer of the skin and the skin is more prone to infections.
source : google 

What is the Acid Mantle?

The layer outside of our stratum corneum/moisture barrier has an acidic layer called “acid mantle/hydrolipid film” which is slightly acidic (pH 5.5). It is naturally secreted by the skin and pH levels that are considered healthy ranges from 4.5 to 6.2. The acid mantle is essential in supporting the barrier functions of the outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. 

The acid mantle’s low pH serves :

• to stop the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi, parasites, and other pathogens.  
• maintain the durability and structural integrity of the keratin proteins in our keratinocytes. 

What causes the acid mantle to disrupt?

• When using products with a high/alkaline pH. Alkaline products cause the keratin proteins to soften, and as they lose their structure, they also lose their protective qualities. 

What happens when the acid mantle is disrupted?

• Skin becomes prone to external factors such as allergens, irritations, weather, infection.
• Prone to internal factors such as stress, hormones, diseases
• Leads to sensitive and dry skin.
• Bottomline : skin inflammation.

How to care for your acid mantle?

• cleansing (with a slightly acidic cleanser) & moisturize for healthy skin
• antibacterial prodctection for germ free skin
• sunscreen for sun-protection (optional)
• targeted treatment for the damage - wrinkles, pigmentation (optional)
• treat your skin gently (optional)

Do you know? Once the acid mantle has been compromised, it takes somewhere between 14 and 20 hours for the pH to return to normal, assuming you’re vigilant about the pH of your skin care products throughout the healing process. During that time, your skin is more vulnerable to pathogens.

pH pen Demonstration

Items used in the experiment. I love experimenting! It makes me feel like a mad scientist :P

Previously, you may experience Dettol leaves your skin dry and tight but NOW - Dettol has a new pH balanced formula that not only protects your skin from germs and bacteria but also helps retain skin moisture, preserving the natural barrier of your skin. - True story. 

The Hydrion pH Pencil used to test pH levels of the skin or solution.

I grabbed every shower gel I could find in my house. Note, there're a total of 6 people living at home :)

The pH level results. 

Alright, let's talk about the pH results. 

In this pH level testing, I gathered shower gels from 5 different brands including Dettol's pH Balanced Body Wash. The brands were labelled as W, X, Y, Z, and D for Dettol. I started off by testing the pH level of my skin by applying about two drops of distilled water on my skin and used the Hydrion pH pencil on the dampened area. As you can see in the picture above, the result is shown on left side on my hand at the beginning of the strip. The pH pen reacted almost immediately when its tip touched the damp area. It around pH 4 to pH 5, which is good because our natural acid mantle is at the pH 5.5. 

Let's talk about shower gel X and shower gel Y. I am a fond user of these two shower gels, mainly because of its scent and claims. For shower gel X, I was using it for the past 4 years as an undergraduate on campus. To be honest, I was sincerely shocked and taken aback to see my staple shower gel has actually been harming my skin more than protecting it. As dramatic as it may sound, I felt betrayed. This explains the countless skin problems that sent me visiting the student clinic during my undergraduate years. On the pH scale, both pH levels of shower gel X and Y falls into the scale of pH 8 or 9. It's quite incredulous as they are quite well-known brands in the market. 

You may notice that shower gel W and shower gel Z showed the same results as Dettol. Before you jump into the conclusion thinking there are other brands that serves the same function as Dettol, you would want to think again. It is understandable that a shower gel's main purpose is to clean. But as the time changes, men have infused aesthetic purposes into the equation to meet various demands of the masses. Shower gel W, priced at RM18.90 for 490ml, does not have anti-bacterial properties whereas shower gel Z, priced at RM39.00 for 250ml does have anti-bacterial properties. If you compare all three products carefully, Dettol has value for money, protects our skin, and aids in maintaining the pH levels of our acid mantle. Talk about 3 in 1! 

Dettol pH Balanced shower gel :  

• 250ml, RM6.90 
• 650ml, RM15.90 
• 950ml + 550ml (while stock lasts), RM21.90 

Take the Dettol pH Challenge

Now you know what pH balance is all about. So take the Dettol pH Challenge now! 
Go to http://goo.gl/fJMpxS and get RM5 off any Dettol pH balanced 650ml shower gel variant, on top of instore discount from 1 Nov - 31 Dec at all participating Guardian outlets. 

Review

Let's talk about their packaging. After using it for more than two weeks, I found no fault in the packaging. I brought it along with me to my sister's place a few times and there was no leakage or spillage as the cap was shut tight and the overall packaging is really sturdy. I like how the bottle has a curved shape in the middle, like a perfect waistline. Easy to hold or grab in the shower without slipping from wet, and probably cold (mornings) hands.

Most importantly, I love how Dettol's pH balance shower gels leaves my skin feeling soft, supple, smelling and feeling super clean. Ironically, Dettol's pH Balance shower gel variant in Original appeals to me more than the other three variants which is Skincare, Fresh, and Re-energize. Please don't ask me why. There's nothing wrong with the other scents, it's just personal preference.

A selfie with Dettol!

There are a few variants to select from. My favourite Dettol pH Balance bodywash is Original! 

Back of the bottle.

But one thing I can vouch for is that the Original scent does not have that overpowering and sometimes nauseating medicinal scent. Nope, you won't step out of the shower smelling like you just came out of the hospital. After researching and reading up on how the pH balance works, I am more vigilant on what I use on my skin now. You bet I will be testing my shampoos and facial wash for their pH levels. I got the body covered, thanks to Dettol! At the end of the day, it all boils down to the price tag. Priced at RM6.90 for 250ml and RM15.90 for 650ml, I dare say it is bank account friendly. Especially if you are a university student! Affordable protection against germs for everyone.

You can purchase them at all pharmacies or hypermarkets near you. But don't forget, the RM5 voucher is only applicable at all GUARDIAN outlets from 1 Dec to 15 Dec. 

On the left, Dettol Healthy Fresh range comes in 3 variants to provide protection from germs and freshness that lasts for up to 12 hours : 

• Fresh 
• Re-energize 
• Cool

On the right column, Dettol Healthy Skin range comes in 3 variants to provide protection from germs and on top nourish your skin to keep it healthy and beautiful : 

• Skin Care 
• Radiance
• Nourishing 

RM6.90 for 250ml

RM15.90 for 625ml

Follow Dettol Malaysia for future updates!

Website : http://www.dettol.com.my/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DettolMalaysia

Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/dettolmalaysia

Which scent do you think you would go for? Comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Love,

Sarah :)

Disclaimer : This is a sponsored post but experience and thoughts on both brand and product remains unbaised. Blogged from the heart & mind. 

Review : Echisse Skincare Red Set Series

For starters, I would to make it clear that I'm no skin doctor or skin specialist. Mind you, having access to the internet with tons of information does not automatically make you a specialist or an expert. But I have done some read up on different types of skin, trying to understand the basics. Truth to be told, I am not so much of a skincare person.. maybe it is because I am not really a patient person when it comes to waiting for results to show. An area that needs improvement, that's for sure. Anyway, do read on if you are confused with dry skin and dehydrated skin. I have found interesting and digestible information that I want to share with you! 

Review/First Impression : Reacheer Herbal Selaginellae Hydrating Repairing Mask

Truth to be told, I am not much of a skincare person eventhough I do not have the perfect skin. My skin used to better that I needed only concealer to hide pesky pimples and dark circles. But ever since I entered university - the late nights, stress, food intake, lifestyle has took its toll on my skin and it went spiralling down ever since. 

Click on "Read More" for the review :)