Review: Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly BB Cream

For my first product review here, let's talk about the Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly BB Cream.  I know I haven't reviewed much Asian brands/products in the past mainly because I don't particularly indulge in them but after watching Michelle Phan's January 2013 Favorites video (here) awhile back, I thought why not give it a try. After all, we had a few Holika Holika stores in town.

For those unfamiliar with the brand, Holika Holika is a South Korean brand of skincare and cosmetics established in 2010 with a magical theme attached to the brand. Holika Holika is also supposed to mean beauty-holic.

PACKAGING

The product's outer packaging/box is a pretty sea green colour with mostly Korean descriptions and information. It's nice that they also had a panel with the product info and ingredients list in English as well for us non-Korean proficient beauty lovers.

As for the actual product packaging/bottle, it's a sturdy glass bottle in the shape of a jelly cup with a sea green cap that comes with a spatula applicator attached. The bottle itself isn't quite travel friendly and I'd love if they had a travel version of this for sale as well. Alternatively, I suppose I could just transfer a little bit into a small jar for that purpose.

I've had mine for a little while and they've recently changed the packaging design so if you're thinking of getting it, it might not be in the exact same packaging as the one I have here.

Make Up Basics: Foundation, Oh Foundation

Foundation is pretty much a staple product in a make up collection.  There are so many different variations and formulations in stores (drugstore/high street, mid-range, high end) today and the many types can get a little overwhelming at times, especially for anyone who has just begun treading the beauty scene.  Here is a basic overview of what's out there:

Let's start with the most commonly sold type of foundation. Pretty much every make up counter or display will have their version of the liquid foundation.  As the name suggests, it has a liquid-like consistency and depending on the formulation, some can be slightly thicker than others.  These are normally packaged in bottles (glass/plastic/acrylic) with or without a pump or in squeeze tubes.  Liquid foundations are available in forms specifically for oily/combination skin types as well as normal/dry skin options.  Coverage offered varies depending on the product itself but you can expect sheer to medium coverage in general and is normally buildable.  The finish also varies based on the product formulation ranging from matte, demi matte to satin and dewy.

$10 Beauty Boxes: Birchbox vs Ipsy

For only $10/month with the promise to receive 4-5 deluxe beauty samples, the offer is enticing.  Add to that all the rave reviews from the online beauty community and beauty guru endorsements, it's a winning formula!

Make Up Basics: Face Primers and Bases

Hi guys! Let's get started with the series with an introduction to face primers or also commonly referred to as make up base.  Basically what it does is help prep your face for make up application.  Some sunscreens have also been formulated to act as a make up base but since these contain SPF, they are best suited for day wear.