I wanted to share an update on how Project Make a Dent was going but realized many of the products don't look much different from my first post since it's only been two months. The next best option was to show how I have been incorporating the chosen items into my makeup routine during this time period.
Dusty rose was a trending makeup look a while back on YouTube. I was always a little apprehensive towards one-color trends because it felt kind of tacky, like wearing head-to-toe in one color and becoming a walking crayon sans the costume. It might look chic if white, gray, or black; anything else takes someone more fashionable than me to pull off. Throw a pink shade into the mix and it could easily make my face look blotchy instead of put-together.
Somehow, one day I played around with the colors I forced upon myself this year and the monochrome theme didn't look as bad as I imagined it to be.
There hasn't been a big change in the steps of my morning routine. The biggest changes from December's "Daily Look" post is a few product removals and a bunch of color swaps.
On this particular day, I still started with a light layer of Clio Kill Cover Pro Artist Liquid Concealer in Green. I followed with a layer of just the foundation in the VDL MULE Ultimate Cover Palette in A03 that was set with a dusting of Kate Lasting High Coverage Powder Foundation in OC-C, focusing mostly on the eye area and T-zone. Afterward, I applied the bronzer shade from MAC Cosmetics Mineralize Skinfinish in Pink Power under my cheekbones and temples of my forehead. I used the Milani Minerals Blush in Sweet Rose on top of my cheeks and lightly over my eyelids. For highlight, I opted to use Urban Decay in Virgin.
I applied Urban Decay in Toasted all over the lid as well to add a bit of shimmer and textural contrast to the eyes. It is barely noticeable but I swept the Hustle shade close to the lash line on the outer corner of the lids, to give my eyes more depth...I think? Then I curled my lashes and applied Clio Hitch Eye-King Mascara in Volume, lined my eyes with L'Oreal Paris Infallible Matte-Matic Waterproof Eyeliner in Deep Brown, and filled in my brows with JUNGSAEMMOOL Refining Color-Bony Brow in Smoky Bony. The finishing touch is always a light coating of Maybelline Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Lover on the innermost part of the lips.
What do you think? Not bad or tacky? Should I continue this series when I change up my look for the warmer months?
I try to keep my makeup simple. Instagram makeup isn't my thing. While I would love to look perfectly flawless, achieving that no-makeup, great-skin do is time-consuming and undeniably high-maintenance.
I don't typically care to do much extra for my base routine; a pat of cushion, a dab of power, and done. This was especially the case when I had pimples everywhere all the time. The bumps, flakes, and discoloration just don't look good with a ton of makeup on top. When the breakouts got to a minimum (knock of wood) the residual cheek redness and scar discoloration had me curious; are those color correctors worth the extra time spent?
Having tried some lower-end/affordable green correctors that were easily available at American drugstores—many years ago—I was weary. My memory of it is negative: pasty, dry, cakey, too pale, low-coverage, etc. Naturally, I turned to a cheaper alternative from the other side of the world (Korea).
Clio's Kill Cover Pro Artist Liquid Color Concealer seems to be popular amongst Korean YouTubers. It looks to work well with their flushed cheeks. It appears lightweight and highly spreadable, which are at the top of my checklist. The brand promises skin soothing and moisturizing properties too. The little tube of color couldn't sound any better!
Clio's Description:
Color-Correcting Shades for Flawless Coverage
Instantly conceal imperfections, leaving you with a beautifully even skin tone.
Customized Skin Tone Corrector
Designed to target specific skin concerns, color-correcting pigments combined with nourishing ingredients even out skin tone while giving skin a healthy glow.
Highly Adhesive & Long-Wearing Formula
The Flexible Film Formula seamlessly adheres to skin and provides buildable coverage for the look of a smooth surface which remains lightweight even after applying layers of makeup.
02 Green
For red, sensitive areas.
Active ingredients: eight herbs including ylang-ylang, chamomile, and hibiscus to soothe and moisturize skin.
Directions
1. Spread 02 Green over red cheeks and troublesome spots.
2. Finish by tapping with a puff for a seamless, natural finish.
Ingredients
02 Green
PURIFIED WATER, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE, DIPHENYLSILOXY PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, GLYCERIN, METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, CANANGA ODORATA (YLANG YLANG) FLOWER EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (MATRICARIA) FLOWER WATER, HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA FLOWER EXTRACT, JASMINE FLOWER WATER, LAVENDER FLOWER WATER, MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT) LEAF WATER, MENTHA ROTUNDIFOLIA (APPLE MINT) LEAF EXTRACT, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF WATER, JASMINUM OFFICINALE (JASMINE) FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT, NELUMBIUM SPECIOSUM (LOTUS) FLOWER EXTRACT, FREESIA REFRACTA FLOWER EXTRACT, IRIS SANGUINEA FLOWER EXTRACT, LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM (EDELWEISS) FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT, LILIUM CANDIDUM (MADONNA LILY) STEM EXTRACT, NARCISSUS PSEUDO (NARCISSUS) FLOWER EXTRACT, ROSE EXTRACT, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, PEG-8 DIMETHICONE, TRIBEHENIN, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, DIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, ACRYLATES/DIMETHICONE COPOLYMER, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL ISOSTEARATE, DISODIUM EDTA, PHENOXYETHANOL, FRAGRANCE, CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS (CI 77288), YELLOW IRON OXIDE (CI 77492)
Corrector 6 g / 0.21 oz
Club Clio (Korean retail): ₩15,000
RoseRoseShop: ₩15,000
YesStyle: USD $16.90
Amazon: USD ~$12.00
Packaging
A slanted doe-foot applicator in a twist-to-open tube. The bottom portion that holds the corrector is frosted durable thick plastic or glass, hard to tell. While it is nearly impossible to see how much of the product is left in the tube because the product likes to adhere to the sides of the packaging, the angled tip makes it easier to scrape the sides.
A small detail, but something I like, is the small notch which stops anyone from over tightening the cap.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Very pale mint in color. The consistency isn't runny; liquid enough to spread easily yet still holds its shape wherever and however it is applied. Once blended the green is matte and barely noticeable. It does make my skin look brighter (or on darker skin tones even whiter)—which makes sense since Titanium Dioxide pigment, white, is the third ingredient whereas green and yellow are dead last. There is a faint floral scent but also unnoticeable when applied.
How I Apply
No matter the tool I choose to ultimately blend out the corrector, I prefer to evenly spread a thin layer of green over the entire central region of my face because it does lighten my skin-tone a bit. If I only apply it on my cheeks and chin my forehead usually looks too dark after applying foundation in comparison.
Patting and dabbing with any method is better than wiping or rubbing.
Fingers // The easiest method. My least favorite method. Blending can be uneven since fingers aren't perfectly flat.
Damp sponge // Requires the most work (have to wet and then wring dry the sponge). My most used method of late just because I've been applying foundation with a sponge as well. Blends evenly but also sheers out the coverage even more. Best for those going for a natural translucent makeup look.
Cushion puff // Takes little effort and is quick. My preferred method when trying to be as low-maintenance as I can. Blends well and gives thicker coverage but makes me look extra bright/pale.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I believe in the above photos I blended the Clio green corrector with a damp sponge.
When looking at a comparison of the corrector on my bare face, the color correction and brightening effects are obvious. As soon as I do a closeup side-by-side view (sans foundation), I start to question the correcting abilities. When I put a light-to-medium coverage foundation over top, the work the corrector does seem even more minimal. Corrector side is brighter but I want redness cancellation, not tone-up.
It looks to work okay on slightly pinkish patches of skin. In any spots where the red color concentration is higher, the corrector doesn't seem to work well. I would attribute this to the thin consistency and (lack of) green pigment.
I had been wary of the pastel green from the beginning. But found some saving grace in how blendable and lightweight the Clio Kill Cover concealer is formulated. With that said, I think that is precisely where the downfall is especially in a low-pigment corrector format. It blends into something overly sheer and all I am left with is a white cast that evens out my skin a teensy bit.
The corrector formulation doesn't settle into fine lines or pores. It isn't overly drying for something with a matte finish. But if there are any dry patches and flakes the product will like to latch onto those.
Before even considering the more expensive color correctors available, I'm glad I gave the Clio Kill Cover Liquid Color Concealer a shot. It was about a third, for some even half, the price of ones listed on Sephora. Even though this particular one didn't work miracles on me I now have a comparison on hand to help weed out what could be better formulation or to see if it is worth the money.
I won't recommend this particular color because the pigmentation is rather weak. The formulation is worth checking out, at the least, and Clio does offer an orange (peachy/salmon) color and skin tone variety concealers that from others' swatches look eons more pigmented.
JUNGSAEMMOOL's High Color Lipstick in High Matt seemed too good to be true on paper: high color, matte shades that aren't drying. If it truly lives up to its claims where has this magical formulation been all this time? Why didn't anyone come up with it sooner?
A lippie junkie I am not. In fact, I almost have an aversion to lip products. I prefer my lips to be naked and free. The feeling of having something slippery on my lips is just too uncomfortable when I am conscious and aware. The marks it leaves on bottles and cups also irk my inner neat-freak tendencies.
Lip tints and stains were a nice compromise though—residue-free and long-lasting color, brilliant! It's just the formulas typically dry unforgivingly fast and colors too sheer.
When the matte look gained traction, I was intrigued—promises of non-sticky formulas that are far more blendable called my name. The dryness factor that inevitably comes with matte things held me back for sure. Constantly flaky lips don't really pair well with dry colors now does it?
JUNGSAEMMOOL's Description:
High-pigmented and high-stain lipstick that defines the perfect color with single-stroke as if done by an artist.
High Chroma Color
Expresses vivid and refined color without being dusky by mixing minimum base material to increase color purity.
Cashmere Formula
Used the new cashmere formula that creates perfectly blendable and silky texture.
New Matt Texture
The new type of matte lipstick that stays on matte-finish comfortably without drying out made by a thin and even spreading process.
Directions
Evenly apply proper amount on lips.
Ingredients
Burgundy
VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER, DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, DIMETHICONE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, BEESWAX, POLYETHYLENE, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, OZOKERITE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, POLYHYDROXYSTEARIC ACID, ASTROCARYUM MURUMURU SEED BUTTER, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE), PARAFFIN WAX, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, MACADAMIA INTEGRIFOLIA SEED OIL, +/-CI 15850, CI 15850:1, CI 45410, CI 17200, CI 45380, CI 19140, CI 15985, CI 47005, CI 42090, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDE BLACK (CI 77499), IRON OXIDE RED (CI 77491), MICA (CI 77019)
Lipstick tube 4.7 g
JSM Beauty (Korean retail): ₩27,000
JSM Beauty (USA retail): USD $29.74
Peach & Lily: USD $29.00
Packaging
Lipsticks in this line come in a twist up bullet "tubing". The outer plastic is boxy but the lipstick itself is a slender circular shape. The tip isn't shaped in any unique way, just flat and barely angled. I found it difficult to achieve nice define edges when directly applying; a small tipped brush would be the way to go. I don't know about you but my lips aren't that flat. I guess I could have tried to create the lines with the edge of the lipstick but I prefer to keep those clean cut.
I very much appreciate the thought that went into all the packaging. The box makes use of all its small real estate while maintaining negative space. The safety seal is the actual functional labels instead of separate plastic wrap or some arbitrary sticker. The cap is mostly clear so I could spot the shade no matter if I stand the tube up or lay it down flat. I could also tell what color it is even if placed label side up as the name, albeit in Korean only, is printed rather large in comparison to the other information on the label. Even the color of the label is practically a near perfect match of the color of the lipstick, which can be surprisingly rare to find.
The one thing that is missing though is an officially printed ingredients list...even if it has to be in Korean. The photo above shows an English ingredient list on the box, but that is one printed and placed on by Peach & Lily (I am guessing done Stateside) to comply with USA's cosmetic selling standards.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Describing a color that is named burgundy is difficult. Burgundy is burgundy! The best I can do is give some associating terms to help make it more relatable. Blood, ox-blood red, wine, deep red, vampy, etc. I think all of those trendy beauty/fashion keywords are fitting. It is a very textbook sample of what "burgundy" would be. Very dark red that leans somewhat magenta-blue. When applied sheer, it gives a cherry-stained (innocent?) effect; when applied in a thicker manner, it changes to a much edgier vibe.
The lipstick isn't too creamy. Just emollient enough to glide over lips and apply well without too much tugging and pulling. It is also creamy enough to be able to blend just by slightly running over it...which, of course, translates to it wiping away and transferring incredibly easily. Somehow though the lipstick does "stain" a little and I am usually left with a nice cherry-, wine-stained color after.
While it doesn't dry my lips out, the formula also isn't super moisturizing either. My lips don't have to be slathered in lip balm beforehand but it looks better on softened lips. Product doesn't settle into the fine lip wrinkles; it does catch onto dry patches, flakes, and deeper lines/cuts. I found dabbing the product on via the tube OR lightly brushing it on with a lip brush helps avoid streaking and irritating any dry skin.
I didn't think cashmere could be a good description for a lipstick finish but now it seems to fit the High Color Lipstick well in the sense that a fresh application of the lipstick looks matte yet still somehow soft. I guess it helps that it doesn't make my lips look desert dry or crackly. I can freely move them every which way and it never feels constricted.
Added fragrance isn't on the ingredients list I found on the JSM Beauty Korea website. There isn't any noticeable scent either when taking a whiff of the lipstick by itself. Just neutral.
How I Apply
Gradient // Lightly dab the lipstick on the inner portions of my lips in multiple light layers depending on what color intensity I feel. Use a brush, finger, or cotton swab to feather out the outer edges to blend with my lip color.
Full color // Either directly swipe the lipstick all across my lips and then fix any streaks and patches with a brush OR slowly build up to the full color intensity with multiple layers via brush.
Thoughts & Recommendations
I honestly didn't think I would like the High Matt Burgundy lipstick as much as I do now. I love how versatile the pigmentation is with just one tube of color. The above photo was taken the same day with the same base and eye makeup. I appreciate how it isn't overly drying just for the sake of achieving the matte look. Even though some might find it too smudgy, I enjoyed the fact that the lipstick is easy to blend, even if it means it can easily smear and wipe off, without feeling like it is tacky or slippery.
JUNGSAEMMOOL doesn't offer a bajillion lipstick shades: 7 in each the High Matt and High Glow variety and 6 in the High Master grouping. A handful are more daring (violets, deep purples, mints), a few are for color mixing/concealing (white, black, brown, and beige), and everything else offered are incredible wearable and/or classic shades (nudes, pinks, and reds).
Pricing-wise these seem to be on par with higher-end brands (over USD $20 but under $50). While the packaging itself doesn't state how many grams of product it has, visually it looks to be similar to your typical bullet of rouge. It was quite the splurge for me considering how little lip product I wear on the daily, even with the Peach & Lily holiday discount. But I may have had a change of heart since, solely because of how many checkmarks it ticked off on my lipstick preference wish list.
It would save a lot of time, effort, and money to continue stick to this line of product. I may consider purchasing another shade in the High Matt range—specifically Nude, Ginger Brown, and/or Real Red. Thinking of repurchasing Burgundy isn't even an option considering how long this current tube may last me. When that day comes and the stars align (i.e. I am still in love with the deep dark reds and JUNGSAEMMOOL still makes this item) then yes I would buy the High Color Lipstick in a heartbeat.
Typically when I spend too much time mulling over a product, I ultimately tend to find it to be just average overall. The time spent is usually to try and find more ways to justify the money spent despite knowing it didn't work out well. But the longer I used the JUNGSAEMMOOL Artist Concealer Palette in Blend the more I liked and reached for the palette. It is rare for something to first fell into the unsure bunch, then moved into the regrets pile, before discovering the specific conditions to finally graduate it to the love group. It's been a whirlwind relationship with this one.
JUNGSAEMMOOL's Description:
Exclusive concealer palette for professional makeup artists that allows to cover any type of skin imperfection.
Professional Color Shade
Broad spectrum for various skin colors suggested by professional makeup artists.
Full Coverage with One-Stroke
Provides full-coveraged infused with One-Touch Covering Powders.
One-Touch Covering Powder
Infused with plate powders that have high-adhesion to skin, it provides full coverage with only a single stroke. It also has perfectly buildable texture that allows to adjust the level of coverage by layering.
Customizable Blending
Customizable colors of concealer enable to create variety of skin imperfection by blending in together.
Long-lasting
Skin Barrier Paste System protects the skin from getting dried while Marsh Mallow Powders absorb the oil and make the skin stay clean and smooth for a long time.
Skin Barrier Paste System
It creates a skin barrier after using to protect the moisture inside skin from getting evaporated.
Marsh Mallow Powder
Soft and bouncy powders selectively and quickly absorb the oil from skin and provide refreshing feeling without dryness.
Directions
Stroke with a brush or fingertip and lightly tap around it for blending.
Ingredients
Blend White
TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE TRIETHYLHEXANOATE, POLYBUTENE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), MICA (CI 77019), ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CERESIN, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, TALC, POLYETHYLENE, METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, SILICA, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, VP/HEXADECENE COPOLYMER, ADANSONIA DIGITATA FRUIT EXTRACT, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, SILICA SILYLATE, METHICONE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, WATER, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, TIN OXIDE (CI 77861), PHENOXYETHANOL, IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499)
Blend Orange
TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE TRIETHYLHEXANOATE, POLYBUTENE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), MICA (CI 77019), ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CERESIN, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, TALC, POLYETHYLENE, METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, SILICA, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, VP/HEXADECENE COPOLYMER, YELLOW 6 LAKE (CI 15985), IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), ADANSONIA DIGITATA FRUIT EXTRACT, SILICA SILYLATE, METHICONE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, WATER, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, TIN OXIDE (CI 77861), PHENOXYETHANOL, IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499)
Blend Pink
POLYBUTENE, TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE TRIETHYLHEXANOATE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), MICA (CI 77019), ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CERESIN, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, TALC, POLYETHYLENE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), SILICA, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, VP/HEXADECENE COPOLYMER, ADANSONIA DIGITATA FRUIT EXTRACT, SILICA SILYLATE, METHICONE, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, WATER, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, TIN OXIDE (CI 77861), PHENOXYETHANOL, IRON OXIDES (CI 77499)
Blend Green
POLYBUTENE, TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE TRIETHYLHEXANOATE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), MICA (CI 77019), ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CERESIN, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, TALC, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, POLYETHYLENE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, SILICA, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, VP/HEXADECENE COPOLYMER, ADANSONIA DIGITATA FRUIT EXTRACT, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, SILICA SILYLATE, METHICONE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, WATER, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, TIN OXIDE (CI 77861), PHENOXYETHANOL, IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), BLUE 1 LAKE (CI 42090)
Blend Lavender
POLYBUTENE, TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE TRIETHYLHEXANOATE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), MICA (CI 77019), ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CERESIN, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, TALC, POLYETHYLENE, METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, SILICA, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, VP/HEXADECENE COPOLYMER, ADANSONIA DIGITATA FRUIT EXTRACT, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, SILICA SILYLATE, METHICONE, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIISOSTEARATE, WATER, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, TIN OXIDE (CI 77861), PHENOXYETHANOL, BLUE 1 LAKE (CI 42090), IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), RED 7 (CI 15850:1), IRON OXIDES (CI 77499)
Blend Yellow
POLYBUTENE, TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE TRIETHYLHEXANOATE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), MICA (CI 77019), ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, CERESIN, BIS-DIGLYCERYL POLYACYLADIPATE-2, TALC, POLYETHYLENE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE, METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), SILICA, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX, SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE, VP/HEXADECENE COPOLYMER, ADANSONIA DIGITATA FRUIT EXTRACT, DIISOSTEARYL MALATE, SILICA SILYLATE, METHICONE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, WATER, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, TIN OXIDE (CI 77861), PHENOXYETHANOL, IRON OXIDES (CI 77491)
Correctors - Largest pans 1.6 g // Mid-sized pans 1.1 g // Smallest pans 0.6 g
JSM Beauty (Korean retail): ₩35,000
JSM Beauty (USA retail): USD $44.06
Peach & Lily: USD $45.00
Packaging
Six colors of correctors in various sized pans, housed in a thin lightweight plastic palette with a generously sized mirror and dual-ended concealer brush. The lid closes shut with a click-lock mechanism.
Color usage recommendations
Blend White
Highlighting, Tone-up blending. (For covering dark spot or expressing soft color. Can be blended with other colors.)
Blend Orange
For covering brown dark circle and using as blush.
Blend Pink
For covering deep brown dark circle and using as blush.
Blend Green
For correcting the redness of dark circle and blemish, and correcting flush.
Blend Lavender
For correcting the yellowish skin tone and reddish blemish.
Blend Yellow
For covering bluish dark circle and correcting the redness and discoloration.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
At first touch, the correctors feel quite dry. Give it a few seconds with some body heat and it becomes a whole lot creamier. But the correctors have a tacky/balmy quality to them, especially when applying via fingertips. Instead of being creamy in the sense that it'll slip and smooth easily, the JUNGSAEMMOOL correctors apply better when tapped onto the skin or swiped on with short and light brush strokes.
The colors in the palette are very pigmented. None of the correctors are thick in texture; all of them blend and adhere thinly as if it was like second-skin. Coverage, therefore, is light to medium at best. However, since it applies on in such a light layer the concealers are all highly buildable for more coverage—just never full.
Once blended, the concealers don't feel wet or tacky. It has a satin-like finish and in my opinion, doesn't require setting powder or a very minimal dusting. Fragrance isn't listed in any of the ingredients lists nor do the correctors have any scent to them.
How I Apply
Fingers // Using either my ring or middle finger, I warm up and soften the correctors before dabbing and tapping the colored concealers all throughout my face. Offers the smoothest and most natural application.
Concealer brush // Use a flat concealer brush or flat/paddle-shaped foundation brush to dab and tap the concealers onto my face. Offers higher coverage with fewer layers but is more difficult to blend.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Why I was initially unsure. Of all the concealers I have tried so far, this palette has the most unique texture. It is creamy with body heat but blends into something incredibly thin and dry. The product is the most natural-looking concealer type product I have ever used. Once the creaminess is blended in, all I am left with is the pigmentation of the correctors. While the finish is skin-like and transparent, it means coverage is also on the sheer side. I guess I expected it to work too much like a concealer instead of thinking it as a corrector.
Why I almost regretted. Due to the drier nature of the formulation, it clings onto dry patches and flaky dead skin like no other. I made the mistake of patting on the corrections over top poorly exfoliated areas and many pimples that were in the midst of recovery (i.e. shriveled and flaky). I also over powdered my face just a tad with translucent powder since the weather was warm at the time. The combination of all three led to arid makeup and scaliness.
Why I have grown to love. Mattifying powders, begone. Highly hydrating moisturizers, welcome! Once I had my skin balanced and textural issues fixed, the correctors apply so beautifully. They still have high adhesion and longevity despite the lack of setting powder. While the coverage is lacking, my skin tone is well balanced, not cakey, and still looks skin-like just with splotches of absurd colors—allowing me to go over with a lighter layer of foundation or cushion for the needed coverage. I love that my dark circles look brighter and livelier. The redness on my cheeks and around my nose isn't completely counteracted but it seems less severe.
The pigment is highly concentrated and shows up very evidently on light to medium skin. I only use Blend Orange and Blend Pink alone for the under eye area if I apply foundation or cushion overtop. Otherwise, I prefer to mix a bit of Blend Orange/Pink with Blend White for a pastel-peachy/salmon shade. Blend Green is my most used color and a favorite in terms of green correctors, in general, —it leans quite warm and has a muted-yellow undertone, which is quite rare in the realm of green correcting products (that all tend to have a white base). I reach for Blend Lavender and Blend Yellow the least. When I do they, typically go in areas that need a bit of brightening: corners of the mouth, corners of the eyes, and other highlight points.
What I would like differently. I have finally gotten used to the formulation and figured out the specific conditions my skin has to be in for the correctors to work well: well moisturized and well exfoliated. Now all I wish for is if JUNGSAEMMOOL made all the pan sizes more balanced or possibly release the green shade separately. I barely reach for the purple and yellow shades. Contrastingly, I use Blend Green just as much as, if not more than the two dark circle correctors, yet it has the smallest pan in the palette. It has only been a few months since I have incorporated it into my makeup routine and the bottom pan is already peeking through. I would gladly hoard Blend Green if she sold it individually. Refill pan maybe?
The palette would work great for those interested in color correctors but hate the thick and cakey makeup look. I am currently torn on whether I would repurchase the palette in the immediate future. There is still a ton of Blend White, Orange, Pink, Lavender, and Yellow left. The only color I see running out soon would be Blend Green but it isn't quite worth the $40+ dollars for the entire palette when I only want the one specific color. With that said, however, if I were to see more pan for a few of the colors I would 100% repurchase the Artist Concealer Palette in Blend.
Brows were never a priority when I ventured into all things beauty. I was more willing to figure out eyeliner before I went near the tiny strands of hairs above my lids. The thought of plucking one too many hairs or wrongly shaving a portion was too stressful. At least with other areas of makeup, I could remove it if anything went wrong. Brows? That requires a wait for it to regrow. Now that I mustered up enough trust in myself to tackle my eyebrows, I am slowly getting the hang of all things eyebrow related.
When I had the chance to shop shu uemura in person during one of the many layover stops in Hong Kong, I couldn't pass on the chance to try their brow products. The brand is best known for their cleansing oils and brow products (more precisely the hard formula pencil). While I love to try coveted items, I hated the idea of having to manual shave the tip with a knife—which led me to the shu uemura's brow:sword .
I would be lying if I said this was my first eyebrow product, this was actually number 2. First place went to Anatasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz. I don't remember what shade I purchased or if it was even a good match or not. I walked into Sephora and trusted the experts to help me with my first brow item. After a few months of sparing usage, I thought the product itself was just ok; the pencil and spoolie broke off a little too easily and the tip was too thin for my liking. The main feature I liked was its retractability.
brow:sword is the complete opposite of Brow Wiz. One is thick, the other is thin. One has a slanted edge, the other a fine point. One is very sturdy, the other quite flimsy. All that I didn't like about Anatasia's bestseller, I found were fixed with shu uemura's underdog star.
shu uemura's description:
1st pre-shaped naginata brow pencil. easy and soft, yet precise and defined. the beautiful smooth texture allows for easy drawing and with a pre-set sharpener precision that comes naturally. the convenient brush tip also helps blending for a beautiful, perfectly finish brow look.
Directions
how to use brush
pull the bottom cap off to reveal the brush. hold the brush flat against the brow and brush outwards to comb brow hair.
how to use sharpener
twist the bottom cap to reveal the sharpener. hold the sharpener on notch at the bottom, twist the pencil to reveal 7 mm lead and gently slide the pencil along the groove at a 30 degree angle.
Ingredients
STEARIC ACID, RHUS SUCCEDANEA FRUIT CERA, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, SUCROSE TETRASTEARATE TRIACETATE, C1-30 CHOLESTEROL/LANOSTEROL ESTERS, TRIETHYLHEXANOIN, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, TOCOPHEROL, [+/- MICA CI77499, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77891]
Pencil catridge 0.3 g
shu uemura (Japanese retail): ¥ 4,000
shu uemura - refill cartridge (Japanese retail): ¥ 2,000
shu uemura (American retail): USD $35
shu uemura - refill cartridge (American retail): USD $25
Packaging
A double-ended eyebrow product with a replaceable retractable pencil on one end and a spoolie/sharpener combo on the other. The pencil cartridge is easily removed with a gentle tug. Twisting the spoolie end will reveal the sharpener to help achieve the unique sword shape.
I love the design of this. The tube is thick and long enough to hold comfortably while not straining my hands. The spoolie is on the stubbier side but it is sturdy, none of that thin and flimsy stuff. I have never used the sharpener despite it coming with the pencil. I don't find myself ever needing the tip to be blade sharp.
Color, Texture, Finish, & Scent
Seal brown is a very cool-toned ashy brown. This is the shade the sales associate in Hong Kong recommended me. Again, I made up my mind to trust her; c'mon it is Hong Kong! They help loads of people with dark black hair and with my similar skin tone. Seal brown seems to be a good match. The brown helps give a softer look and the cool undertones make my brows look more filled-in/shadowy versus drawn on.
The pencil seems waxy in its formulation and gives a matte finish. There isn't any scent. I love that it is is a harder type eyebrow pencil. I've used it for almost 2 years (albeit it was nearly untouched for the first year) with varying degrees of pressure and it never broke or crumbled on me. A light swipe only gives a faint line—but that is just the way I like my eyebrow pencils. Put a tad more pressure and the line gets exponentially deeper. This lets me build up the intensity to however I want. If a pencil is too soft and creamy I would over apply way too quickly.
How I Apply
On most days I draw an outline around my existing brows, giving it a sharper shape, and proceed to fill in the gaps. Then I take the spoolie, brush out my hairs, and blend away at the harsh edges I drew in for natural-softer brows.
Thoughts & Recommendations
Once the product is on my face it is very easy to blend with a spoolie; therefore, it is just as easy to rub off. With that said, my filled-in brows stay on for a long time on combination skin. The only time it is disturbed is if I scratch an itch or rub it accidentally (say against clothes or a hat).
Other than loving the color and formulation of the brow:sword, I didn't know how much I prefer the thicker slanted brow pencil tips until I started to use this product. The diagonal shape helps speed up the brow process a ton. I don't have to worry about whether my hand will draw a straight line with a tiny precision pencil or have to stroke individual hairs. If I did want to make hair-like strokes I could easily use the tippy-end of the sword to make the same defined lines as a precision pointed pencil would.
I almost forgot how expensive the shu uemura brow:sword is. Even compared to similarly shaped brow pencils available at Sephora, it is on the pricier end. Granted, one cartridge of the pencil is lasting me a very long time and I would give the brand bonus points for selling refill cartridges. Unfortunately, it seems like most shades of the brow:sword and refills are regularly out of stock (or never restocked) and shu uemura only officially sells via their website in the USA.
My experience with brow pencils is limited. But I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this product and shade to anyone else with darker hair, especially those with naturally black locks. Ashy browns aren't as harsh nor as strong as gray or black could be (unless that is the preferred look). Having a retractable slanted tip also makes this great for eyebrow newbies and lower-maintenance types since application is quick and pencil maintenance is virtually non-existent. For now, this will go on my wishlist for whenever I, or any family or close friends, touch-down in Asian airports or even visit Canada.
Hold on...I know...it isn't 2015 anymore. We are so far into 2016 now but I just don't feel right sharing the new Project Make a Dent edition without concluding the last. Plus, everyone likes to see empties right? Especially makeup ones!
I mentioned last post that I had a makeup tossing spree. After seeing so many BB Creams go in the trash, I was so excited to actually see at least one be completely used up (nanoce BB moist cream). The Canmake Cover & Stretch Concealer wasn't completed finished but close enough. I can't say I really enjoyed using it but I didn't hate it either. It was a nice consistency to mix into BB creams to boost coverage.
In the end the Hada Labo BB Moist Emulsion got practically no love. I spent most of the year using the nanoce tube and an IOPE BB cushion that I decided to use up before it dried out. At the end of the year I also decided it was time to toss the Hada Labo BB Cream. I purchased that back in 2011...2011! (The good thing about my past haul posts is being able to track the general length of time I've had products for. Note to self to continue those in the future.) Benefit's Highbeam also didn't get used at all last year. I found myself reaching more towards powder highlighters instead.
Ahh, makeup pans... The things that we always hear others talk about but never get to see ourselves. Let me tell you, if you want to pan out a makeup product, it takes more or less a whole year's worth of dedicated use to reach it. So all those blushes that I showed in my collection post will probably take me a couple decades worth of time to finish.
The first item that I completely panned out, mark Powder Buff Natural Skin Foundation in Powder Buff. This one didn't take quite take the whole year, maybe around 9 months? But do consider I had already hit a little pan when this PMAD first began.
Makeup item #2 to pan out. I believe I finished this also around the 9 month mark. This was a surprise but in reality as more pan started to show and the less product there was, it became more delicate and crumbly. On a day where I was a little too hurried and I swirled my makeup brush a little too haphazardly, the rest of the Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher in 5 Lovely Pink just fell apart onto the floor.
By the end of 2015, I wasn't able to completely empty out this powder makeup product. Etude House Model Face Color in 2 Model Shade came a long way though. It went from barely touched in 2014 to about 40-50% used. Not bad though, right?
I put my whole focus on finishing the powder blush in my PMAD stash that the MAC Cream Colour Base in Virgin Isle received no attention. Plus, it is much quicker to swirl and apply a barely-there powder blush than to have to carefully put on this really potent cream color base.
Halfway through this project, the Maquillage Face Creator wasn't getting my attention except for the highlight colors. However, when I had to travel for a few months this palette became my makeup friend. When space is limited and time to make myself up in the morning is questionable, a palette with highlight, blush, and contour/shading all-in-one is a lifesaver! The one thing that bothered me was the all the little makeup brushes I had to use in order to pick up the right colors without accidentally mixing. White highlight and brown sparkly contour doesn't exactly blend well together!
I know I've said that if things are out in plain sight to see I would more likely reach for it. Well eye makeup (especially eyeshadows) and lip products are the exception. When I think natural makeup, I think "skin looks nice and clear" and sans eye & lip products (even if the colors are as natural-looking as can be). The next edition of PMAD would definitely require much more proactive usage of eye and lip makeup.
What do you think, mission accomplished? Kind of? Sort of? Halfsies?
