Jill Stuart Pure Lasting Makeup Base

Hello lovelies! Its the last day of January, I believe my last post was eleven days ago so let me make it up to you by posting my review for the Jill Stuart Pure Lasting Makeup Base. :)

Description from the box: Makeup base to refine the look of pores for a smooth, luminous complexion. Prevents shine and extends foundation wear.

Packaging is typical Jill Stuart, very cute and princessy. The bottle is small (3.75 inches tall), very light and comes with a screw cap which makes it very suitable for travel. Although the pink bottle seems opaque, it is sheer enough to see the remaining product inside the bottle. It contains 25mL of product.

Consistency is very light and liquid, making it very easy to spread and blend. It has the signature Jill Stuart floral scent which bothered me a bit. I think it has too much fragrance for a primer.

The slightly pinkish tint made my face look brighter instantly while the shimmer gave that soft-focus effect and glow. Staying effect and oil-control is good as I didn't feel the need to blot and retouch all-day. I also like that it has SPF 15/PA++, I know its quite low, but at least it can give some protection. 

I used it for 2 days and it was good... then this happened:

I was so shocked to see my skin react this badly to a product. Needless to say, I stopped using it. Such a shame because it really does what it promises. It can refine pores, give you a luminous complexion, etc. I think they should also put red bumps there as well! >.< Also, I dont think this primer will work as great on skin tones darker than NC30 as it will probably give you a white cast.

I'm currently treating the pesky red bumps with a corticosteroid cream and its getting better. 

OVERALL, I wouldn't recommend the Jill Stuart Pure Lasting Makeup Base to my friends, as cute as it may seem. Its toxic! :( There are better, cheaper and harmless products out there, so I suggest you stay away from this one especially if you have sensitive skin.

Now you know why I lost my blogging enthusiasm for a bit there. Hehe. I hope everyone is having a good start for the week. CNY is coming! What are you looking forward to?

Shu Fanatic Program + Review: Shu Uemura Nobara Cream Cover Stick 754

On Friday, I received an invite to attend Shu Uemura's Shu Fanatic, a privilege/reward system card where members receive invites to pre selling events, workshops and exclusive discounts.  I didn't really plan on going as I was being a good girl (trying!), but the Shu boutique was within the vicinity where we had my Papa's birthday dinner so I remembered to drop by before heading home. There were quite a lot of people perusing the displays when I entered but I was greeted by my sweet MUA/SA Cindy right after she spotted me. After a short chitchat she went to get something and I was surprised to get a new Shu Fanatic Card to replace the old one and lots of freebies. Yay! I'm glad I went. :)

there are 3 cards which has corresponding levels: white (Php7,000 single receipt or Php10,000 accumulated purchases), red (Php10,000 single receipt) and black (Php15,000 single receipt)

product rewards & partner establishments:

Cindy gave me lots of cleansing oils and a 30ml. UV Under Base which I was excited about

 this is how it looks like:

it's a lightweight mousse, this needs fast blending as it dries up quickly. It has SPF 17 PA++ which is nice, but to those who has allergic reactions to silicone, it has silica listed in its ingredients. 

after blending:

it makes the skin super smooth, glowy and bright (in a good way). It also evens out the skin tone and helps minimize the appearance of pores. It doesn't have shimmers (Shu Uemura also released a shimmery version but I believe it has been discontinued). This is the nicest gift with purchase I've ever received in my beauty blogger life. :)

now, onto the main purchase of the night, I must warn you, I really like this! Lemming prone zone! ^_~

The Nobara Cream Cover Stick in 754, a medium beige shade with a neutral under tone

 ingredients: dimethicone, neopentyl glycol dicaprate, isotridecyl isononanoate, synthetic wax, ceresin, talc, diisostearyl malate, sorbitan sesquioleate, phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, alumina, aluminum hydroxide, tocopherol, canola oil, may also contain i 77891 / titanium dioxide, ci 77491, ci 77499, ci 77492 / iron oxides & mica

Omigosh. Perfect match!

PRO's: 

✪ high coverage (concealer level)

✪ long wearing (even in humid conditions!)

✪ easy to blend with fingertips or as recommended, a foundation brush

✪ very creamy and soft to touch, it glides on like butter! (its like a foundation version of YSL's Rouge Volupte!)

✪ it feels very light on the face

✪ travel friendly packaging

✪ it did not break me out! 

✪ available in 13 shades (supposedly)

✪ a little goes (or should i say, blends) a long way

CON's: 

✪ some ladies have difficulty getting their shade right

✪ here in Manila, only 6 shades are available (734, 754, 764, 964, 974, 554)

✪ price: Php1,900 (approx. $42 USD) for 11grams of product

It's always a challenge to find a perfect match foundation but once you get it, you will be rewarded with a flawless face, free from break outs if you're lucky. Now I understand what the bloggers/MUA's/celebrity  raves are all about. I'm in love with this Nobara foundation reincarnation. Shu Uemura did it again, its another HG material for me!

Oh it's the last week of April! Have a great week ahead everyone! ^_^