3.31.2016

Cushion Compacts Hitting the American Market

Hey Subbies,

School in full swing however, there has been a hot buzz in the makeup community for Compact Cushions. You're are probably already aware of Asian BB, CC, and DD foundation bases. Basically, BB for Blemishes, CC for color correction, and DD for all of the above plus anti-aging lol. I was wondering when they'll become popular, but the shade limitation is what most women into makeup are concerned about. I was going to do a post on Supermodels all over the world and their skin tones to be universal shades for companies reference because we actually have diverse shades of models to base off on for consumers. I literally went hunting for supermodels because I was sick and tired of  Cosmetic brands skimping out on people of color (looking at you Physician Formula). Don't get me wrong, I use to love buying products from these brands like their eyeliner but you know that saying "Taxation without Representation" that can be applied here.


However, we all were probably taught about the Color Wheel right either at school, on the job or from YT? Well, the Color Wheel has been updated to include all its true multifaceted hues (base color), tone (+grey), tints (+white), and shade (+black). But in the makeup world there 3 things important bases that need be addressed: Warms, Neutrals and Cools. Everyone on this Planet can be classified into one of these. So, when we say "Shade or Hue," which incompasses the construct of adding a dark base color, it becomes a shade/tone. And this is the goal is to get the right color for everyone's Skin Tone. Warm tones adds a Red, Cool tones adds a Blue, and a Primary plus a B/W for Neutrals combinations. People usually do the vein test to find out but it kind a binary way of finding out what works. For example, I look like I would look good in Gold but I don't because my skintone is more on the cool side however, I can still rock a Rose Gold color because also have red undertones. Color is limitless especially when it comes to skin tones.

One more point to make is that makeup with SPF 15 is for Darker skin tones to SPF50 with very light skin tones because people of color need the sun much more for vitamin D production than people who lack Melanin pigmentation. My mom use to be and some YTers I have watched lacked vitamin D and this can be very detrimental to a person's health. So, makeup companies skimp on the SPF products unless it's trying to brighten/color correcting (vitamin C, titanium oxide, hydroquinone-still sold in the US btw) the skin.

Asian Models



Black Models






 Latin Models




 European Models






This what our makeup lines should look like. Moving on to the US Cushions and newest releases into the North American Cosmetic Market. I will only be including brands that are available in-store but also online. In addition, most brands that are online are usually some Korean brands that haven't cross over into the American Markets yet. However, reading and watching some reviews on some the new cushions that most people love but they don't compare the Asian counterparts in terms of packaging,  sponge, lack of Skincare/SPF properties, and "watery" product that can be light yet buildable. So for now, Asian cushions in American Market have more pros than cons for consumers. If I forgot to mention one please leave me a comment or tell what's your favorite crossover Asian influenced brand? Okay, Let's begin our list!

3LAB Aqua BB SPF 40
(3- Light Shades) 
Barneys New York
Nordstrom
3LAB 
A uniquely formulated color treatment designed to provide long-lasting hydration, and color correcting coverage. Aqua BB helps regenerate skin cells, while illuminating and protecting the skin with lightweight coverage. Easy to apply at home or on-the-go. Contains one refill pack and an extra sponge applicator.
Dr. Jart+ BB Bounce Beauty Balm 
(2-Light shades) 
Sephora
A unique bouncing-textured beauty balm formula with rich moisturizing and brightening properties.
- Features an exceptional texture that gives skin instant firmness while concealing and correcting uneven 
skin tone, blemishes, enlarged pores, and dehydrated skin 
- Features SPF 30 sun protection - Comes in two shades - Parabens- Sulfates - Phthalates This BB cream is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and dermatologist tested
IT COSMETICS CC+ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation SPF 50
 (4-Light to Medium Shades) 
UTLA 

IT’s the first cushion compact to market by an American Brand! Introducing CC+™ Veil Beauty Fluid Foundation SPF 50+, coverage & serum, clinically shown to brighten your complexion, improve skin tone evenness and minimize pores & fine lines! This first-of-its-kind true innovative breakthrough is an Anti-Aging serum & SPF 50+ infused with pure coverage pigments. This revolutionary beauty fluid will change the way you think of foundation. CC+™ Veil has an ultra-lightweight, breathable beauty fluid formula that is infused with pure color pigments for buildable coverage that lasts! Drops of Light Technology® is infused with liquid crystals, brightens and color corrects your skin to provide a hydrating, luminous finish and SPF 50+ UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Physical Only, Non- Chemical Sunscreen protects your skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays.
L'ORÉAL True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation 
(8-Light to Dark Shades ) 

UTLA
Walgreens 
Target 
 

Liquid Foundation revolutionized – build luminous coverage in a tap. Introducing new True Match™ Lumi Cushion, a liquid foundation infused in an innovative sponge that delivers the perfect amount of makeup. Our luminous refreshing formula creates sheer to medium coverage. Tap a little for a fresh natural glow, tap on more to build a new level of luminous coverage. Liquid foundation + tap on applicator puff gives you convenient on-the-go coverage. 

Formulated with Precise Match™Technology to match your skin’s tone and undertone. 
Available in 12 true-to-skin shadesFinish: Fresh, Natural & LuminousCoverage: Sheer to medium, buildable coverage Skin Type: For all skin types. Safe for sensitive skin. Does not clog pores.
LANCÔME Miracle Cushion Liquid Cushion Compact Foundation 
(11-Light to Dark)
LANCOME 
A foundation revolution has arrived—liquid makeup in a cushion. Finally, a liquid foundation you can take anywhere. A cushion releases the perfect amount of makeup for effortless application, creating a dewy, fresh glow in just seconds. This lightweight and refreshing formula contains hydrating and brightening benefits. Available in 11 skin-perfecting shades.
Laneige BB Cushion 
(6-Light to Dark Shades )
Laneige 

A revolutionary five-in-one BB cream in a convenient compact for all-day flawless skin, plus a full-size refill 
- Perfect your complexion in seconds while delivering skin care benefits of hydration, brightening, and protection - Comes in four shades Go beyond regular BB creams. Optimal mineral water cools and hydrates upon application while Melacrusher™ brightens skin by visibly reducing dark spots. Protect and prevent shine for long-lasting coverage. The synergy of exclusive cushion form technology and unique application distributes just the right amount of product to perfect skin in seconds for an all-day luminous finish. Apply whenever and wherever—with no buildup. - Parabens- Phthalates This product comes with a full-size refill. It is dermatologist tested and noncomedogenic. LANEIGE does not test ingredients or products on animals.
AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
(5-Light to Medium Shades) $60.00
Sephora 

    For flawless coverage that’s lighter than air, set yourself free with COLOR CONTROL CUSHION COMPACT Broad Spectrum SPF 50. 
  • SPF 50+ protects against both harmful UVA and UVB rays 
  • Fills micro lines and ensures color builds into fine even layers
  • Brightens and prevents skin irritation while providing superior antioxidant protection
  • Hydrating Bamboo Sap Formula replaces traditional water in oil base for deep moisturization
  • Dynamic Fluid Capture System Technology transforms liquid into a refined emulsion. Non-absorbing Air Cell puff applicator cools and soothes the skin
MISSHA Signature BB Cake SPF50+ PA+++ No. 13 30g 
(4-shades Light to Medium) $28.50

Target 
BB cream in compact form for easy application and touch-ups throughout the day. Perfectly covers blemishes and pores for long-lasting coverage. Adheres lightly to the skin for comfortable wear and natural look.Helps promote a glowing and radiant complexion, and maintain moist and supple skin. Wrinkle care + brightening + UV blocking cosmetic. 

Dream Cushion™ Fresh Face Liquid Foundation
(6-Light to Dark)
Maybelline

Dream Cushion™ Fresh Face Liquid Foundation delivers complete luminous coverage for fresh-faced perfection.
Maybelline's increased color pigments deliver complete luminous coverage for fresh-faced perfection.
Dior Dreamskin Cushion
DREAM SKIN - PERFECT SKIN CUSHION BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50 
(4-Light to Dark) 
Dior
Sephora
Nordstrom
Bloomingdale's
Macy's
Saks Fifth Avenu
Cosme de
Lord + Taylor
 
THE SKIN OF YOUR DREAMS. INSTANTLY. ANYTIME. ANYWHERE.
DESCRIPTION
Dreamskin Perfect Skin Cushion is a new perfecting skincare in a compact.
All the correcting and skin-perfecting power of Dreamskin within a portable compact to treat, enhance and protect your skin on the go.
Upon application, its lightweight texture perfectly fuses with the skin to reduce the appearance of redness, shine and pores. The complexion is naturally fresh, radiant and luminous under all circumstances. Day after day, the skin and complexion are naturally and beautifully enhanced.
* By Dior
BENEFITS
Skin appears fresh, radiant and revived.
Spots are faded and pores are tightened
Skin is protected all day long

THE BODY SHOP
FRESH NUDE CUSHION FOUNDATION
(5-Light to Dark)
The Body Shop  
Our multi-tasking Fresh Nude Cushion Foundation is packed with beneficial skin care ingredients in a portable and innovative design. Discover buildable semi-matte coverage for instantly smoother, shine-free skin and 24 hours of fresh moisture. Experience the freshness of a liquid foundation and the on-the-go practicality of a compact all with mess-free application.
Suitable for sensitive skin
Non-pore clogging
Designed with a built in mirror and pad applicator for easy on-the-go application
Formulated with mineral pigments for lasting color
Made with Community Trade Aloe Vera from Mexico
Made with Community Trade Marula Oil from Namibia

Estee Lauder Double Wear Cushion BB
All Day Wear Liquid Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50
(4-Light to Medium)
Estee Lauder 

Lasts all day, no touch-ups needed.
A long-wearing cushion compact makeup with 8-hour lasting power. Protects with high level SPF.
The lightweight, BB fresh, moisture-infused formula is comfortable and so lightweight, it’s easy to build coverage and keep a natural radiant look.
The appearance of pores, fine lines and imperfections is minimized. Skin looks smooth, hydrated, flawless.
For all skintypes. Oil-free. Controls oil and shine.
Included sponge applicator.
Queendom Cushion 9-light to Dark
Dibawssette

QUEENDOM Cushion Foundations have your tones and undertones covered! From tan to deep skin tones and warm golden tones to olive and deep neutral tones, QUEENDOM Cushion Foundation has your match! Our mission
DIBA BY DIBAWSSETTE  has been delivering innovative, affordable and customized cosmetics to identified markets, since we opened in 2018. Our goal is to provide both a superior product and customer experience for our customers.
I hope this helps on your next purchase.
Perfecting Cushion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Sunscreen
(6-Light to Medium)
Sulwhasoo 

A lightweight liquid foundation, housed in a special sponge for on-the-go portability, is designed to create the perfect canvas, cover imperfections, protect against UV rays and boosts radiance without caking.
Perfecting Cushion Brightening
Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Sunscreen
(6-Light)
An illuminating formula with magnolia extract and pearlescent complex that blurs away dark circles, pores, and blemishes effortlessly while evening tone, protecting against harmful UV rays, and leaving skin radiant.


Honey Jarret Clean Cover Cushion Foundation
(4-Light to Medium)

Amazing coverage with a superfood complex to nourish your skin. Inspired by nature, the Honey Jarret Cushion Foundation provides impressive coverage as well as nourishment. Buildable and super blendable, it covers everything from blemishes and redness to dark circles. Containing adaptable mineral pigments, the end result is dewy and glowing skin that’s beautifully clear and healthy.

Honey Jarret Clean Cover Cushion Foundation contains our Jarret Tea formula - our superfood complex with anti-aging and antibacterial properties for super healthy skin that glows is developed to enhance and brighten the skin.

M Magic Cushion
(4-Light)

Easily take your foundation on the go with our compact M Magic Cushion that delivers light, buildable,
and long-lasting coverage.
 
Conceals blemishes and discoloration, evens skin tone, protects from sun damage, moisturizes skin,
makes touch-ups on the go easier.
 
Recommended for all skin types.
EM Cosmetics 
DAYDREAM CUSHION

(6 light - Dark)

https://www.emcosmetics.com/

With Daydream Cushion, your skin will look fresh & refined.

Perfect & protect your complexion with this serum-infused tinted cushion. Sheer, buildable formula provides a hint of color to enhance skin tone & diffuse imperfections. Refreshing micronutrient complex enriched with Niacinamide, Snow Mushroom Extract, Green Papaya Fruit Extract, Green Tea Extract, Rice Water, & Goji Berry Extract to help hydrate and refine skin’s texture.

Dr. Gio Cushion
(6 medium - light)
https://drgiocosmetics.com/

We made History in Korea.

We are the first Korean Beauty Brand to be owned by a Black Woman and made specifically for People of Color

Making K-Beauty Inclusive and Diverse
MOISTURIZING
BRIGHTENING
ANTI-AGING
Packed with moisturizing agents, Dr. GIO cosmetics formula covers blemishes while staying light-weight. It is buildable for a dewy-but-never-cakey-looking skin!

Dr. Gio cosmetics long-lasting formula allows a flawless look that lasts 48 hours.

The angled puff helps you apply concealer or contour shades with precision.

Application tip: Use the pointed tip to conceal and the wide section to buff the foundation in.

Future Skin Cushion Skincare Foundation
(8-Light to Deep)
https://chantecaille.com/products/future-skin-cushion-foundation

A fresh, water-based foundation formula with smoothing and anti-pollution skincare ingredients that blur imperfections and leave skin looking flawless. Lightweight and instantly perfecting, the refillable soft cushion compact makes building coverage beautifully simple. Apply with the puff for a natural, fresh finish or apply with your fingers for even more ease.

Every cushion feeds an orphan baby elephant rescued by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
1 cushion = 1 bottle of milk formula
Each compact contains one inserted cushion and one refill.

Shades That Stretch
What makes this formula so unique is its flexibility. One shade has the versatility to work with multiple skin tones, making it our most inclusive foundation to date.

Use our Foundation Finder or Complexion Chart to select your custom coverage.

Each compact contains one inserted cushion and one refill cushion in a sealed pouch. Do not open refill until ready to insert into the compact.


~Seeya


3.20.2016

Spring Break Whoop!!

Hey...Subbies,

I'm over the whole "Hey guys" so I'me switching it up. It's been awhile hasn't it? Spring is finally here and I'm loving it because if guys don't know my university is still on quarter system and this semester was brutal. I had my hours at work cut so I could just focus on school, but on days where I had to work and attend class(es) plus a 40 minute drive for only three hours of pay..."omomo stress." This happened to me before but my supervisor was like "Just come in four hours because three isn't really logically." Now, I feel super lazy and my job isn't really that hard they just want some there to keep it open. So, for those of you still in a semester good luck. Also, don't take a language course during your Junior/Senior because you will die unless, your like my Chinese friend, she was taking Spanish and Japanese. If you have a son or daughter or sibling in high school I totally recommend getting them into AP classes because when they get to college they don't have to worry about taking certain GE requirements. This year for AX2016 I won't be in same department as before because I guess they've filled their quota but there had been a lot of changes recently so, I don't know if I'll be even going this year. If your planing on being a volunteer there is an upcoming open house, it is imperative that you have a Facebook account if your do decide to volunteer. Anyways, I had the so much fun and I did things that I've never really was able to do when I was just regular attendee. So, thank you SPJA for the great experience and I hope to volunteer again this year.



Anyways, this Spring and early Summer months there is a lot of events are going on. As always, I will be attending KTMF and I feel like crying because I finally get to see Red Velvet, AOA, F.T. Island, Tasha, Bizzy, Tiger JK, and Wheesung perform. F.T. Island was an amazing surprise to the lineup this year because they usually have their own concerts held here in LA almost every year so, I am glad they decided to grace this stage finally. [Playlist] It's going to be lit! Anyways, the night before I will be attending the Hatsune Miku concert featuring Anamanaguchi as the opening act.


Also, I will be attending the AOMG concert so, I'll get to see Jay Park and Loco my two favorites rappers plus, it's going to be in K-Town so, I'll be able to visit my childhood stomping grounds.




In addition, KCON has been announced for late July so, get ready to be broke but at least this time there is a fair warning. I wasn't able to attend KCON last year because I was attending another event that same day which was the first Moshi Moshi Nippon for LA. I hope that in the near future that KCON can also be held in Texas too because I know a lot fans fly to LA or NY just so they can attend.  Maybe later this year or next year?



And, Teen Top is doing a  US tour as well. I really loved Teen Top when they first debuted and they've been doing amazing job touring the States almost every year. I don't know if my wallet can handle this.


Breaking news GOT7 Flight tour and B.A.P Live on Earth tour will also be touring the states too. However, B.A.P will in touring in two cities here in the States this time around. I was able to see GOT7 last year when they prompting their new album Just Right so, this is amazing that they'll be coming back again...will this be regular thing for them, I hope. Mark your calendars guys and again there will be event calendar for Summer/Fall by June so come back for that.



I almost forgot to add this but if you are going to be in the LA area in June and love Korean food and Entertainment then visit the K-Town Night Market. There are still free tickets available so get them while there are hot.



~Seeya

1.18.2016

Primary 2016 S/S Fashion Trends [Spring/Summer]



Before I start this post, I just want take a minute out of this post to talk about David Bowie and his wife Iman. David is an inspiration to many of us and uniquely cool for his time. Fun fact: because of his stardom he was very closed off until he met his wife supermodel Iman. David even for his last album was really inspired by today's music, especially from Kendrick Lamar's newest album. I was really happy to hear he was coming back to music which is literally his life's blood. So, let's take a moment of silents to him...

Today, I wanted to talked a little more about Iman, who a few years ago was pushing hard for more diversity in the fashion world. After the conspiracies surrounding some fashion houses from third party news sites the truth has come light. Netizen had blame others (groups) for lack of common sense or plain stupidity for what, I don't know. Some say it is up to the fashion houses and we should be okay with their decisions however, when there is no drop of melanin representation from those houses it a bit of an issue. When I heard about rumors about the supposed remarks from certain designers I was bit sadden to say the least because celebrities of color had promoted the brand of which I use to where when I was younger and it left a dirty taste in my month. However, the truth is the truth, now free, yet, we are only human, so we need to learn from our mistakes and punish those who seek lies and dollar signs instead of justice. And for Netizens, please educate ignorance with facts.

 I think to sum up what Iman and her daughter had to say to fashion + cosmetic houses and specifically to consumers, if you want change, then use your dollars, it's that simple. Also, don't buy into the hype, which I've become more aware of as time comes with age, and this also includes the reason why we have those YouTube (Tag) videos of "What YT has made me buy." Also, we need to learn from our history/mistakes from Colonialism, Imperialism, and even the history Racism. Many say the designer's "vision" seems to be uni-formally white; my design teachers would call that limiting yourself as artist(s). On that note, note to designers everywhere: Please get people who know how to deal all kinds of people from hair to make up.

Fashion Trends

This season seems to be very playful and classical but I'm looking for something different and I found it in this fashion collection under the name of Ashish, also the name of the designer. Ashish Gupta's 2016 collection is definitely a head turner that Barbie would be proud of. Can you taste those rainbow candy dots? This collection is ready for whatever and chill, and watch Netflix written all over it with a 70's flare of of course.



Next up, is Kenzo with more 70s inspired looks. However, this season was all about capturing their main inspiration of the summer sunsets of Italy. And you all probably heard that small bags are thing now too. Well, don't worry this collection is all about the pouch which was inspired by the 90s fannypack. All in all, the use of primary colors and geometric shapes are refreshing to see.The ankle-strappy-gladiator scandals are my cup of tea too.



 Lastly, Zac Posen and ZAC Zac Posen lines, who has Cali fever with his light weight business-esque attires while the ZAC has a satin, over-sized, and red carpet ready with an 60s flare. Textures and patterns are really pleasing to to eye especially the lace. Also, primary colors show up as accents again here with black and white as staples.




Makeup Trends

Moving on, instead of having one color this year we have to colors this year:
Rose Quartz and Serenity


"No Makeup Makeup" will follow us into the new year and make sure your eyebrow stay boldly on fleek.


Candy Apple Red Lipstick | Blue Statement


Bronze for the Summer | Lash with a Flash

Vamp Around | Pink and Peach


Line Away | Sprinkle Sparkles

Hair Trends


The Big Chop | 20th Century Bob


Cool Bangs | 80s Blow Out 


 Braids (plaits) for Days | Pony Style


 Copper Auburn (Rozen) | Crimp Away


 Sleek and Wet | Sleek and Polished



Chibi Moon | Serenity

~Seeya

1.03.2016

Reflecting on 2015


I wish I had more time to reflect on 2015 and what it has brought me but 2016 is here and if it ain't broke don't fix it. I feel like I've been in such a slump this past few years but I'm glad that their is light at end of the tunnel. A little before the New Years I turned into a "PMS  Zombie" literally with the time change and all so, during New Years "Aunt Flow" decided to come around again "so, productive I was not" (Yoda speak). Well, I did go out to see Star Wars episode 7 and The Hateful Eight which I have to say is one of my top favorite movies of this year. And during my free time while in school I did finishing watching all of the Fate series but I barely went into two episodes in of the season two (2wei) of the spin off series Fate Kaleid Liner Prisma Illya because the over use of anime tropes that are being shoved in my face which I've probably talked about before and their in talks to make a 4th season the only thing good about the show is the art, sound, and action. With that being said their has been a lot high school shoujo romance slice of life magna/shows becoming live action dramas these pass few years which is great but I have say Kare Kano is what I think started it all and surprised there isn't live action for it because I've watch it like 5x and it never gets old maybe because Gainax produced it. Hopefully, this will spark some interest in the getting it become live action.


When I was stuck at home in Zombie mode I watched Netflix's Originals Series: Marvel's Jessica Jones and Fuji Television's Atelier. If you like the Marvel Universe than you'll like Jessica Jones played by Krysten Ritter and David Tennant, who I love is playing the "Gifted" antagonist This well written  and a straight laced show I have to say. Also, I brought in the New Year with Atelier which is like if Paradise Kiss Anime/Live Action and The Devil Wears Prada had baby it would be the this show. I went to find out more about it online and 'Underwear' as the came up since it's alternative title but doesn't Atelier means someone/place who Alters clothing/fabric but the real meaning is workshop/studio which in this case specializes in undergarments. Atelier sound a lot better honestly which it directly links it to high fashion aspirations of its main characters.



Moving on, tomorrow like many you it's back school again for winter semester so, good luck to all of you. Also, I finally donated to Theloveify or some of you might know her as Crystal's Capstone Senior Project, her percentage went up to 43% , now it 45% and there is only a few days left. I know people shame others who asking for a helping hand but there is saying "It never hurts to ask." If you have gracious hands I'm also doing my fundraising via YouCaring for school for next fall because were changing to semesters and that mean prices will be going up but now that I think about that it will be also my senior year and I will have to start thinking about my capstone project as well.