AMPM C12 Line Reducing set

As I am running low on my existing Naruko Appleseed serum, I was looking for the next skincare item for replacement: AMPM's C12 Line Reducing set.

I remembered that Fuzkittie didn't like this product as much because it balls up on her. But regardless, i want to give it a try.

Ingredients and product description on the packaging:

Similar with the day cream I am using from the Naruko line, this set comes in 2 toothpaste like squeeze tube with clear indication of step 1 and 2:

Step 1 is the C12 ultimate line reducer, 30ml.

Description:

The product is a yellow colored gel like texture that actually smells quite citrus like (lemons?)

It's a tad greasy but it can be easily spread around and easily absorbed. When applied to my face, it is absorbed into my skin within minutes:

Step 2 is the vitamin C serum enhancer, 30ml:

Description:

This cream has a slightly paler yellow color and thicker consistency, still I can smell some lemon-y scent to it:

It's not greasy at all compared to its Step 1 counterpart, quite easy to spread around and no balling up.

So far I have only started this C12 Line Reducing set for only a couple days. As far as the line reducing effect goes, I can't tell the difference as I don't really have any fine lines on my face, and the only fine line is around my eye area... But I will keep trying to see if this stuff will work on my one and only fine line... but as everyone knows, treating fine lines is a life-long battle and a lot of patience and hard work is required on my end.

As these 2 creams have high concentration of vitamin C, it will also help brighten and even out skintone. So far I have noticed my skin has brighten up a little with my acne scars lightened up a bit after a few day's use. So far I am happy with the results and I will continue to use it until I run out. For its slightly greasy formula, I guess I am ok with it as I generally put a layer of Ettusais powder to seal in the moisture so it doesn't bother me much. In fact, I find this not as greasy as the AMPM day time cream "Indoor Ecological Defense Cream" that I use daily when I am indoors in an AC environment. I may hold on to the Defense Cream until winter time is here and switch temporarily to the C12 set after my skin has adapted to the new treatment. The instructions mentioned that after 2 weeks of use, you can apply the C12 treatment both day and night time.

Hope it helps!

Nicole... SPOTTED! - Nicole by OPI

It all began with Ulta's summer exclusive OPI launch "Shimmer into Summer."

The day it was launched I was tied up with my gig so I just couldn't spare time to pay Ulta a visit, and plus Ulta had a buy 2 OPI, get a free base/top coat or any of the "Shimmer into Summer" collection, so this collection sell out FAST...

You can view the 4 shades from "Shimmer into Summer" at the polish ahol's blog.

The color that I really wanted to get was "Sparkle Teal Sunrise" which is a nice aqua with plently of shimmers. A photo from the polish ahol:

As with most OPI's chunky sparkly shades, Sparkle Teal Sunrise is no exception with a thick consistency and being very sheer. (3 coats for the picture above from the polish ahol)

But sadly after a few trips to Ulta, there were no restock.

Just when I about to give up with the search, I found a dupe of Sparkle Teal Sunrise and that is Nicole... Spotted made by Nicole by OPI.

You can read more about this dupe alert here at the trace face philes:

Very similar right?

I found this bottle of Nicole by OPI sitting at a corner at the clearance section. I thought I was going to pay full price for this, but when I took this to the check out, the total came out to be $1.99 only! And plus an additional 20% off coupon I had! WOA, now that is a beauty deal...

(Speaking of the original OPI Sparkle Teal Sunrise, I have seen it for sale for $40+ on Ebay... total madness!)

A total of 4 colors are used for this gradation look:

Nicole by OPI: Nicole... Spotted!
OPI: I'm an Aqua-holic (the deep navy), Coney Island Cotton Candy (nude base), and I Juggle... Men (shimmery top overcoat)

AUBE marble dome cheek Beige

Most of my blushers are in the orange or reddish-pink range, and I have always wanted something in the beige range for a more natural look.

I came across this AUBE marble dome cheek in Beige. I believe it's from their earlier collection.

Interestingly, the shape of this blusher just look like a mushroom:

And it also reminded me of a giant pacifier candy back in those days:

When you unscrew the cap, you can apply this cream blush on your apples and then blend, blend, and blend"

One swipe at the back of my hand:

Then blend, blend, and blend:

The colors come out very natural and the texture of this creamer blush is very airy, I love it!

Comparing to my Canmake cream cheek blushers, I think this AUBE cream blusher is definitely better and last much longer that the Canmake one! But since this item has been discountinued, I will treasure this blusher while it lasts...

I also found these helpful reviews of the product....

"It looks like a strange mushroom - but this is one of the best blushes I have tried. It is a true mousse-cream to powder that sets really naturally. Will definitely repurchase"

AND

"This is a fantastic mousse/powder blush that is a dream to apply & wears beautifully all day & the best thing is that it is different to Nars, Stila and all other blushes I've tried in that it gives the wearer a gorgeously luminous glow- no extra products required!
The packaging is quite clever, the packaged product looks like a ... mushroom! The product is in the 'head' of the mushroom, making application very easy as the user can either hold the stalk in one hand and easily rub fingers into the product on top, or hold the stalk and rub the head of the mushroom gently over cheeks.
The product itself is really very good. I find that I prefer applying it straight from the product (and using my fingers to blend) Once applied the product dries powder-light so it feels like I've got no makeup on- so we get the look of makeup without the weight or feel. But again love the glow that this product gives!