everyone would agree that this foundation was the talk of 2022. like everyone, every youtubers, every beauty influencers, talked about this foundation back then. obviously, i became curious. but at that time, mask is still mandatory here where i live, so i wasn't sure about replenishing my expired makeup stash. plus this foundation wasn't available here, the closest that i could get it from was from singapore. anyway, my husband went to singapore so i asked him to get the sample since i wasn't sure which shades to get, but he misread my message and bought it instantly! luckily, the shade is okay-ish for me, so pheww...  

the description from their website: this innovative blend of makeup and skincare instantly blurs imperfections, smooths the look of textured skin, and helps conceal blemishes, dark spots, and redness. visibly improves skin's clarity ingredients that help defend against environmental aggressors and blue light, it immediately strengthens skin's barrier to help maintain its moisture. suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. medium, buildable coverage with a natural finish. breathable, all-day wear. 36 shades. vegan formula. non-acnegenic, won't clog pores.

gobi L3 - light with neutral undertones.

the packaging: it comes in usual NARS black box with the big NARS text at front. there's description on the side and back of the box in english and french as well as the ingredients list. they put a sticker to indicate the shade code and name on top of the box. the foundation itself comes in transparent glass bottle with black plastic cap. there's a black pump to dispense the foundation, which is an upgrade since nars previous foundation didn't come with a pump. you have to buy the pump head separately. however, i think the pump is a bit faulty as mine started to wobble after a few use. it might get broken before i even finish the foundation at this rate. it comes in 30 ml which is the regular size of a foundation.

the shade: there are 32 shades to choose from, ranging from very light to very deep. however, if you look at the color chart, you can see that there's barely much difference on the medium shades. it seems to jump to the deepest one. mine is L3, which is a light with neutral undertones. NARS website provides instant matching as long as you agree to turn your camera on, and somehow, i always end up with punjab, which is too dark and too yellow in my opinion. anyway, even though i can get away with this shade, i think it's a tad too light. maybe i should try L4, deaville next time.

the product: the foundation is on the runny side so it's easy to spread around. i use one pump for my whole face and it's enough. anyway, even though it's runny, it's not as runny as my syca face tint, so obviously it has more coverage on first swipe. 

the result: again, with this one, i've tried several method. with brush, sponge, and even with a cushion puff. the brush, just like the skin tint, it leaves some streak marks, so i don't use brush if i have other options. i prefer sponge since it's easier and faster to blend the foundation with it, but the sponge absorbs too much foundation. as for the cushion puff, i think it's okay to blend with it, but maybe use other method first before blending it at the end with the puff. for the coverage, this one gives light to medium coverage. even though i think it's buildable, i usually only use one layer of foundation. however, it still won't cover my acne scars. it will cover the redness on my face and evens out my skin tone. i still need to use my concealer to cover my acne spots. as for longevity, i use this while i went to singapore and the weather at that time is quite various. it will be hot in the morning to afternoon and then pouring rain around 5 PM onwards. i use this in the morning and since it's still mandatory to use mask on public transportation, usually the area around my nose and the one that gets in touch with my mask vanish earlier. and then usually the area around my mouth and jaw next. but the area on my upper cheeks to my forehead will intact until 8 hours or so. at first, it gives satin finish, but then it gets oily easily when the weather is hot, so perhaps a mattifying primer will be needed if you have oily skin.

i have to say that i'm not quite fond of this foundation. yeah sure, it looks great and okay for the first few hours after being applied. it looks natural, like second skin, but then, it gets oily and it vanishes after being in contact with my mask. it doesn't hold well under hot weather either, so i don't think it's suitable for the place where i live in. i've brought this with me to finland as well and i find it more long-wearing there, so if you live in cold weather, then it will work for you. honestly, since this is quite pricey, i suggest you ask for a sample first before committing to buy this. as for me, i don't think i'll repurchase as i have a long list of base products that i want to try next. 

this is the description from their website: skintific 4D hyaluronic acid barrier essence toner. formulated with hymagic 4D technology which combines 4 types of hyaluronic acid with different purposes and benefits to hydrates even the deepest layer of the skin. combined with ceramides and centella asiatica, this essence toner strengthens the skin barrier, protects the skin from external factors that can damage skin health and can also soothe the skin. provides intensive and instant moisture to the skin in as fas as 10 seconds. relief skin problems such as dehydration, tight skin, and skin redness effectively. very light texture that able to absorbs into skin without leaving any sticky and greasy feeling. 

hero ingedients: 

- 4D hyaluronic acid - 4 different kinds of hyaluronic acid that repair, deliver and locks the moisture intensively into the skin. 

- ceramides: repair and create protective skin barrier.

- centella asiatica: hydrates and calm the skin.

the packaging: it comes in light blue box with the label at front so you can see what kind of product it is. there's description at the back in in english as well as the ingredients list on the side. the toner itself comes in a light blue plastic bottle with the same light blue plastic screw cap. the bottle is see through so you can see the remaining product inside. the toner comes in 100 ml which is quite usual for a toner, but somehow the bottle looks short so it doesn't look much. the opening is just enough to pour the toner without using too much exert.

the scent: i don't think this one has a distinctive scent so it's a good thing. as long as it doesn't smell foul, then it would be fine.

the product: the toner is a transparent watery type toner so it looks and feels like water. since it's watery, it's easy to spread it around and it doesn't take long to be absorbed. it doesn't feel tacky as promised so i can layer other skincare products on top of this.

the result: once it's spread around, i can feel a slick feeling. like if i'm using a product that contains silicone, this feels the same. like there's a layer of slick film on top of my skin, thus my finger glides easily on top of my face when i touch it. luckily, this one doesn't clog my pores.

this one is okay. just mediocre, considering the hype that this brand receives. however, i do like this one slightly better than the ceramide one. this is hydrating and even though i can layer this, i never feel the need to use more than a layer every time. so i think this will cater to all skin types. skintific is on the rise right now so it's easy to get their products almost from anywhere, from their official marketplaces to resellers like sociolla. 

this is the description from their website: good genes deeply exfoliates the dull surface of the skin for instant glow and radiance. as dull, dead surface cells are removed, clarity and smoothness are restored. good genes visibly brightens the appearance of dark spots and discolorations and instantly plumps the look of fine lines and wrinkles in 3 minutes. this multi-tasking, targeted lactic acid treatment rapidly exfoliates and boosts naturally youthful radiance, while visibly reducing the look of lines, wrinkles and dark spots. high potency, purified grade lactic acid exfoliates dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, to instantly clarify and reveal smoother, clearer skin. together with skin brightening licorice, this super-concentrated treatment visually reduces the look of dark spots and discoloration caused by exposure to the sun, for naturally brighter, even-toned skin. clinically proven to immediately and significantly plump the look of fine lines and boost radiance in just 3 minutes.

key ingredients:

- purified lactic acid: one of the most hydrating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), lactic acid exfoliates the surface layers of the skin, revealing a more clarified, fresher, smoother, younger-looking complexion. helps fight a build-up of dead skin cells and excess sebum, which can lead to skin bumps, dullness, skin congestion, blackheads, and eventually, acne. helps diminish the look of discolorations and dark spots.

- licorice: naturally brightening properties, licorice helps improve skin radiance.

- lemongrass: astringent and skin refreshing for a toned complexion.

- arnica: soothes the skin, reducing the feeling of skin discomfort.

- prickly pear extract: rare desert cactus extract that instantly soothes skin.

- aloe: soothes and moisturizes, without greasiness.  

the packaging: since i bought this in a set, it comes in a white box with magnetic clasp. there's a cardboard sleeve where you can see all the products inside pictured at front. there's descriptions of everything at the back as well as the ingredients list. the serum itself comes in a white glass bottle with metallic plastic cap. it uses a pump to dispense the product. the sample size is 15 ml which is quite decent since usually a full size serum is 30 ml. there's another description at the back of the bottle as well. oh, i forget to mention that there are TWO AHA serums from this brand and both of them looks identical. just look at the name, lactic acid or glycolic acid to make sure you use the correct one. 

the scent: ugh, this is the part where i hate this. this serum doesn't have any added fragrance. however, sadly this one smells foul or a bit acid. luckily, i get used to the scent as time goes by. but still.. if only they smells better.

the product: the serum is ivory lotion-like serum. almost similar to the a+ retinol so it's easy to spread around. this one is also easy to absorbed. afterward, it doesn't feel tacky. again, it layers well with other skincare products that i use.

the result: geez, this one is quite gentle, however.. don't ever accidentally apply it on wounded skin. if your acne popped, or you accidentally scratch yourself, then don't put this serum around that area because it will sting. it stings like hell. for a few seconds, that is. but it's still hurt. anyway, once or twice i accidentally swipe it over a popped acne, so yeah.. when i say it hurts, it hurts. okay, now let's look at the claims. this is exfoliating so i never skip my moisturizing serum afterward. they say it helps with congestion, blackheads and even dark spots. however, i don't think it helps much. i use vitamin c and other exfoliating serum (but a very mild one) in addition to this serum, so i don't think this affects my skin much (especially after i finish this one), i don't see the difference from using the serum and not using it. however, i do agree that if you notice bumps on your skin, it will help getting rid of those almost instantly. but for other claims...meh?

honestly, i'm a bit confused with this serum. sometimes i think it's working because it helps with bumps. but i don't see other effects that they claim. and this one is expensive as hell, so i don't think i'll repurchase the full size one. as for you who's interested in this serum, i suggest you try the smaller size first if you have the budget. there are many people who worships this serum, so even though it doesn't work for me, it might work for you. anyway, you can get sunday riley from sephora. 

as i've said in my other post, i decided to buy a sunday riley set. i was ecstatic to find it since i've been dying to try their products. i was especially excited because this set contains their best-sellers, like the good genes and the luna oil. those two are the reason why i decided to buy the set. anyway, there are two sets, one for in the morning that has the vitamin c serum and one for the night which has the high dose retinoid serum. the rest is the same. i was so excited that i decided to crack this open when i finished my previous retinoid serum. actually i never heard of this one, so let's see how it goes.

this is the description from their website: an advanced-strength retinoid serum delivers a 6,5% solution of stabilized retinoid blends and botanical, retinol-alternative extracts into the skin. combining 5% retinoid ester blend, 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol blend, and 0,5% blue-green algae with natural, retinoid-alternative activity, this serum fights the signs of aging and improves the look of congested and UV damaged skin. encapsulated coQ10 helps to improve the appearance of aging or damaged skin, while rare, hawaiian white honey, bisabolol, cactus extract, and ginger balance and soothe the skin for the appearance of a calmer, even-toned complexion. 

key ingredients:

- retinoid ester blend 5% + liposome-encapsulated retinol blend 1% + 0.5% blue-green algae: helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines and encourages signs of clearer skin.

- coq10: improves the appearance of aging or uv-exposed skin, for a healthier-looking, balanced complexion.

balanced by hawaiian white honey: pro skin humectant, rich in phytonutrients.

the packaging: like i've said before, since i bought this in a set, it comes in a white hard box with magnetic clasp. the box is covered by a light blue cardboard sleeve with the picture of all products in the set. at the back there's description of everything inside. the products are placed on a plastic tray so everything is secure inside. the serum itself comes in a dark blue glass bottle with pump head that's covered with white plastic cap. there's description on the back of the bottle as well. the size is 15 ml which is half the full size one. quite decent for a mini, isn't it? anyway, there are 3 sizes of this serum, 15 ml, 30 ml and 50 ml. 

the scent: this one definitely has a foul scent, which is typical for a retinol serum. if i remember correctly, the drunk elephant retinol also has similar scent. however, it's still bearable so i managed to finish it.

the product: the serum is a yellowish lotion-like serum that's quite runny so i can spread it around easily. it doesn't take long to be absorbed. once absorbed, it gives slightly glow to my skin. it layers well over and under other skincare products that i use and doesn't pill.

the result: when i read the percentage, i was afraid that i might be jumping to this one too soon. after all, lately i've only been using 1% retinoid. but then, as i read more carefully, it's 6.5% of retinol alternative extract, so it's not the real retinoid/its derivative, but just a blend of extract that has similar component or effect as retinol. that being said, it might not be as strong as the real retinoid. i didn't take progress pictures because when i used this serum, i used it on and off so it might not reflect the real result. honestly, i'm quite excited trying this one. however, somehow i didn't notice any difference at all. somehow it doesn't seem to be working. my skin conditions were not getting better nor worse. it feels like i don't use any retinol at all.

so yeah, you can guess that i won't repurchase this one. i don't know whether i should recommend this or not. for the price, i think you'd better try the sample if you can. so if you don't have the budget, i don't think you'll miss anything if you skip this. 

some time ago, runa beauty released two moisturizers. one is a regular moisturizer with cream texture, and the other one is a sleeping mask with a gel texture. it's quite interesting as they use cream for their regular moisturizer but pick gel texture for the sleeping mask. however, they add exfoliating ingredients for the sleeping mask, which is unusual. i'm more interested in trying the sleeping mask, so i only bought the lunar gelée. 

this is the description from their website: if you're dealing with clogged pores, rough patches, or bumps, this mask is for you. the result? dramatically smoother texture with drastically minimize appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. the lightweight gel texture goes on clear and cools skin instantly while optimizing turnover of your skin cells overnight. with 2% n-acetylglucosamine to gently exfoliates and soothes for brighter, smoother complexion, without the irritation. chlorella vulgaris extract, neem leaf extract, turmeric extract, and aloe, to soothe and hydrate sensitive skin.

featured ingredients:

- 2% n-acetylglucosamine: an amino sugar that has skin exfoliating properties similar to AHA and BHA without the irritation. NAG has been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten complexion.

- chlorella vulgaris extract: a rich source of antioxidant and carotenoids to increase the skin's firmness and protect from harmful effects of UV rays.

- neem leef extract: an antioxidant-rich herb that helps soothe the skin and visibly repair and hydrate skin appearance.

ingredients list: water, butylene glycol, glycerin, dipropylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, pentylene glycol, PEG-240/HDI copolymer bis-decyltetradeceth-20 ether, glycosyl trehalose, glucose, n-acetylglucosamine, chlorella vulgaris extract, carbomer, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, fructose, fructooligosaccharides, octyldodeceth-16, caprlyl glycol, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, aminomethyl propanol, dimethicone, ethylhexylglycerin, fragrance (parfum), melia azadirachta leaf extract, lecithin, sodium phytate, melia azadirachta flower extract, coccinia indica fruit extract, solanum melanogena (eggplant) fruit extract, aloe barbadensis flower extract, ocimum sanctum leaf extract, curcuma longa (turmeric) root extract, corallina officinalis extract, potassium laurate, BHT, tocopherol, centella asiatica leaf extract, hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract.

the packaging: it comes in a dark blue box that's intricately designed so they don't need a tape to secure it. the box itself made of recycled material so it's very environmental friendly. there's description at the back of the box in both english and indonesian. the sleeping mask comes in a dark blue squeeze tube with rounded screw cap. the tube is made from compostable sugarcane tube so again, very environmental friendly. the sleeping mask comes in 50 ml. the tube is matte so it becomes a nuisance after some time because my finger prints are everywhere on the tube after i pick it up.

the scent: lately, all local brands have been adorning scentless products, however, i'm glad that this one is mildly scented. this has mild floral scent in it, which makes it enjoyable to use.

the product: the sleeping mask really comes in gel texture. it's a transparent light blue gel. even though it's viscous, it's easy to spread around. however, it does feel a bit tacky after i spread it around. 

the result: it gives glowy finish to my face every time i use this sleeping mask. even though this comes in gel texture, it's still moisturizing and it's enough throughout the night. even if i sleep with my AC on. they claim that if you have clogged pores and bumps, then you should use this mask. i have to agree. usually around my period, i get bumps and breakouts. this mask will help get rid of the bumps. however, if the skin is broken (like the skin from a popped acne), then you should avoid this area because it will sting a bit. still bearable though because i've accidentally put it on when my acne just popped so i know how it feels. 

unfortunately, even though i've used this for quite some time, i can't make up my mind about this product because i've only used it for once a week since i have other exfoliating products that i regularly used throughout the week. however, i started to use this more often and so far there's no problem. no dryness whatsoever. however, don't think that this will instantly makes your skin smoother and clearer. it just helps a bit. it's that kind of products that works slowly but after awhile you start to see the result. anyway, i think it's suitable for all skin types as long as you can get over the tackiness at the end. even though it's mild, i still recommend you to properly hydrates and moisturizes your skin afterward. you can get runa beauty products from their official website/marketplace as well as other places like sociolla and other beauty stores.