Happy Monday! And long time no "Makeup Menu"!
Since moving to Korea, I have been tempted to buy anything and everything in sight. But I am proud to say that I have practiced some self-restraint and not done so. I had a major clean-out of my makeup stash, chucking things that were way past their expiration dates and purchased a few new things after much research and browsing through product reviews. Glad to say they're in my daily makeup rotation.
IOPE Air Cushion XP (C23) - This is a recent purchase. Since using the Laneige BB Cushion (Review here) I have become a proponent for the cushion compact. It's easy to apply and easy to touch up throughout the day. But since coming to Korea, I was not able to find a good color match (I am significantly darker than the majority of Korean women.) After using up my Laneige compact, I was wading through all makeup stores here desperately trying to find one that would suit my skin tone, I used my friend M's IOPE air cushion. I loved the coverage, color and staying power. I tracked it down and purchased it within that week. Similar to the Laneige, it has SPF 50+/PA+++, making it a great companion during these humid, hot summer days here in Korea.
Best part? It was on 30% discount when I went to the store!
Anastasia Brow Wiz (in Medium Brown) - One of the usual suspects. I'm glad I bought a back-up of this before leaving the States. It's my absolute favorite brow product! I'm on my third one!
The Face Shop Single Shadow (in BR01 Real Ginger) - I had heard about this eyeshadow color for a few Korean YouTubers and thought I would try it. It's a matte eyeshadown. A subtle, everyday muted brown.
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler - Another usual suspect - an everyday must-have.
Etude House Dr. Mascara Fixer (in Volume Up) - This is a mascara primer. I apply it to my lashes after curling. It adds volume and length and keeps a curl, without weighing your lashes down.
Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara by Lashblast (in Very Black) - I recently ran out of my usual Covergirl Lashblast Volume mascara, in the orange tube. I have repurchased that countless times and thought I would try something new. I immediately regretted it when I got home and used this Clump Crusher one. I realized there is a difference between "waterproof" and "water-resistant" mascara. I learned the hard way: this one is "water-resistant" and did not hold a curl. The only reason it is included in today's Makeup Menu is because it works well in conjuction with the Dr. Mascara Fixer.
Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher (in #6 Grapefruit Jelly) - A popular YouTuber here in Korea, Pony raved about this blusher as her favorite blusher on her instagram and so when I saw it on sale, I snatched one up for myself. It's a beautiful light pink that adds a subtle flush, but can also be built up for more color.
Smith's Rosebud Salve - It's no secret I love this lip balm (post on favorite lip balms here). It moisturizes my lips instantly and adds a nice glossy look to them.