A good friend of mine gifted me with a pair of Exuviance HA100 Micro-Filler patches for my birthday.  Maybe because I look like trash in the morning and am always super tired.  At any rate, the gift was very much appreciated!

EXUVIANCE
HA100 Micro-Filler Patches Review

Is it worth the price?

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Exuviance
Product:  HA100 Micro-Filler
Scent:  None
Price:  $88.00 for Four Pairs and Serum or $15.00 for One Pair without Serum
Where to Buy:  ULTA

This product is a little unconventional as far as eye patches are concerned.  The pouch contains the typical tray which holds the patches.  However, what is different about the Exuviance HA100 Micro-Filler patches it is the ingredient delivery system.  The patches have these little "micro-cones" which are applied rough side down and worn over night.  You can see how these cones look below.

It looks and feels like a cat's tongue!

The package says that the patches can fall off over night, but as long as they are worn for at least three hours then that should be enough time for the micro-cones to dissolve into the skin. The instructions recommend using the Exuviance Age Reverse Total Correct + Sculpt Serum prior to application.  However, since I do not have this serum, this review will be solely based on the performance of the eye patches.  They are already expensive enough as it is...

INGREDIENTS

I am usually hesitant to use masks because my skin is highly reactive to nearly everything I try.  Patch testing is a LONG process for me and since I can't patch tests masks, I don't use them.  However, when I reviewed the ingredients list for the Exuviance HA100 Micro-Filler I realized that my skin should be able to handle it as there was only one ingredient listed:  Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid.


Notable Ingredients:

• Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid - Lower molecular weight version of Hyaluronic Acid that allows for deeper penetration into this skin.  This allows for better moisture retention that is not removed by cleansing.  

COSDNA ALERTS

BEFORE AND AFTER

There are a few things to note regarding this product.  Only the center area of the patch contains product.  It is surrounded by a .125" thick adhesive lip meaning that you won't be able to position it close to the eye.  The Exuviance HA100 Micro-Filler eye patches are also kind of rigid as far as eye patches are concerned.  It feels like you're wearing a stiff piece of clear tape with little spikes on it - so I was wondering if they would affect my ability to fall asleep (it didn't).  I tried to position the patch closer to my eye since the lip was in the way, but had to reposition the patch because the stiff plastic bothered me.  Luckily repositioning the patch did not prevent it from sticking again.  They did not budge at all as I slept and were still in place when I woke up.

Another thing that I did not expect was that it was a bit painful to peel them off.  It felt kind of like ripping off a bandaid very VERY slowly.  The Exuviance HA100 Micro-Filler eye patches left a very defined outline on my face, which took about 40 minutes to dissipate.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I'm really not sure what to think about the Exuviance HA100 Micro-Filler eye patches... I really like the concept but it just leaves something to be desired.  They are also expensive.  My undereye doesn't feel as hydrated as when I used the TonyMoly My Little Pet Eye Patch (review here), and it also has been several hours now and my undereye is still a little sore after peeling them off this morning.  I peeled them off very slowly too...

The concept is that the Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid penetrates deeper into the skin so it lasts longer, but at this price point can't you just buy a pack of 30 pairs of Berrisom Placenta Firming Hydrogel Eye Patches and use them more often?  And even then the Berrisom patches are still more affordable.

Perhaps they are only to be used with the serum, but let's be honest here.  The ingredients listed on the serum are not unique.

So what is good about this product?  I like how it is only one ingredient so I don't have to worry about my skin having a negative reaction to outliers.  I also believe that the seal the patches create over the undereye area and left on over night is helpful.  Imagine how soft your hands would be if you went to bed wearing gloves with lotion inside?  Maybe that's the answer - the fact that you are applying a source of stable hydration over night is what gives you the result, and not the product itself.  Of course any added serum or eye cream would be more effective under those conditions, right?  So perhaps if you get it with the serum it will be better (and maybe peel off easier). 

It has become increasingly difficult to find K-Beauty Cushions for darker skin tones.  My favorite cushion (IOPE Air Cushion in N31) now only offers the typical 21 and 23 shades.  The U.S. release of Laneige and Mamonde cushions do not include shade 31, and jump from shade 23 to 33 (ridiculous).  I just need a cushion for NC37 that can be reliably purchased.

YSL Touche Éclat Cushion
Compact Foundation

The YSL Touche Éclat  Cushion case is beautiful.

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Yves Saint Laurent (YSL)
Product:  Touche Éclat Cushion Compact Foundation
Shade:  B50 Honey
Coverage:  Sheer
Dewiness:  Semi
Scent:  Cucumber
Oxidation:  None
Price:  $48.00 (Does NOT come with a Refill)
Availability:  Limited (see Where to Buy below)

When you first open the YSL Touche Éclat Cushion Compact Foundation box you are greeted with a gorgeous gold cushion compact case.  This lovely little square case is lightweight which is good for people on the go.  It even has a good sized mirror inside as well.

The YSL cushion uses a mesh well instead of a sponge well.

Upon closing the compact you do not hear that audible *snap* sound we are all accustomed to.  It is easy to accidentally leave open which isn't fun.  I think if you do carry this cushion around with you, place it flat on the bottom of your purse since it doesn't feel like it closes securely.

SWATCH

The YSL cushion looks darker on NC37 but blends beautifully.

BEFORE AND AFTER

No primers or concealers were used for this performance test.

First off, the puff sucks.  It is supposed to be a dual purpose puff where you can pat using one end and swipe using the other.  It does neither of these effectively and seems to just absorb product.  I quickly switched it out for a Rubycell puff (from IOPE) and the application is far better.  The Rubycell puff fits nicely into the YSL cushion case as well.  I get my puffs from Jolse for like $4, but they are easy to find online. 

When I first swatched it I was a little worried that the B50 Honey shade was slightly too dark, but then I realized that it is similar to the IOPE Air Cushion N31 shade.  The YSL Touche Éclat cushion blends very nicely on NC37 skin and looks natural.  I have also taken a swatch comparison of the YSL Cushion against the Laneige Pore Control Cushion in shade 31 for reference:
*Note:  Laneige Pore Control Shade 31 is lighter than IOPE Air Cushion N31

The YSL cushion in shade B50 is a little darker than Laneige Shade 31.

The formula has a similar consistency to Philosophy's Renewed Hope in a Jar Skin Tint.  It is very smooth and sheer.  The coverage is not very buildable, and if you already have good skin it will give you a nice healthy glow.  I would say that it gives a satiney finish as opposed to dewy.

HOW DOES THE YSL CUSHION COMPARE TO KOREAN CUSHIONS?

Most Korean Cushion foundations utilize a sponge to hold the product, but with the YSL cushion the product is pushed through a decorative mesh.  The mesh releases just the right amount of product for application and doesn't spill out.  The YSL Touche Éclat cushion also contains nearly the same amount of product as most Korean cushions coming in at 0.53oz.

This cushion does not contain SPF like most Korean cushions do.  However, if you already use Korean products then you most likely already use a stand alone sunscreen.  It is important to note that SPF from makeup does not provide enough sun protection and is practically a sales gimmick.  I like to refer to this video of Wayne Goss demonstrating how much foundation is actually needed in order to achieve the amount of SPF protection listed on the packaging.  It's ridiculous :).

One of my biggest pet peeves about Korean cushions is the serious lack of shade range and / or availability.  For instance, the Mamonde Cushion is available for purchase in the U.S. but for some reason the shade range jumps from 23 to 33.  Okay, let's just skip everyone in the NC25 - NC42 shade range.  The YSL Touche Éclat cushion comes in 7 shades from B10 Porcelain to B60 Amber.  Still not a large variety but still better than most.  I just like how the YSL cushion is easier to purchase so I don't have to worry about where to source it from when I am running low.

The downside about the YSL cushion is that it DOES. NOT. COME. with a refill.  This means that you are getting significantly less for your money.  The cushion + case is $48.00 USD, and the refills are $38.00 USD each.

Aside from the price, if you are a fan of Korean cushions then the YSL Touche Éclat cushion will be an easy transition.

No - the refill does not fit into any Korean cushion compact.  Just thought I'd throw that out there!

FINAL THOUGHTS

I really like this product, but it is expensive.  However, I do prefer sheer coverage and find that the quality of the formula is excellent.  It does not pill and looks natural.  I would say that this product is ideal for those who do not have any skin issues and are looking to enhance their skin, rather than covering it up.  Blemishes, acne, and rosacea WILL absolutely show through!

I would repurchase the YSL Touche Éclat cushion because of the quality of the formula, the ease of purchase, and the fact that it matches my NC37 skintone.  The price, case, and puff are not a big deal to me but I can see how it might be an issue to some.

In the end, if you love Korean cushions and also have trouble finding one that matches your skin tone then I would give this one a try!  Just keep in mind that the coverage is sheer!

WHERE TO BUY

Nordstrom - Shop Now 💕

Rating

Master Swatch List

This list is going to be an ongoing accumulation of all of the foundations (Asian Beauty and Western) I have tried on my NC37 skintone.  The purpose is to give consumers an idea of how dark a product is compared to other products they may have access to as a reference point.

MISAKINO's
Master Swatch List

Continuously Updating!

THE PROCESS

I swatch the product on my NC37 arm and take a photo of it using indoor lighting.  I try to always take it in the same lighting.  Once I have the photo I throw it into Photoshop, crop and blur it in order to get an "average" color.  Then I solidify the color and throw it on the template in the appropriate order.

Sometimes I have to make a few adjustments for lighting.  For example, I KNOW Laneige Pore Control # 31 is slightly lighter than Laneige Anti-Aging # 31, but the lighting made it appear to be darker in the swatch; so an adjustment was made to correct it.  I will do my best to make sure everything is listed in order from lightest to darkest.

I wouldn't focus on the actual color of the swatch since everyone's skin is different, but the guide should be helpful by showing if a product might be too dark or too light on you.  I will also provide mini reviews (if I can) for the products below.

THE SWATCHES

This list will be continuously updated.  Stay tuned!

MINI REVIEWS

Amore Pacific  |  Color Control Cushion Compact

Shade:  204 Light / Medium Yellow
Coverage:  Medium
Finish:  Semi-Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $60.00

Too light for NC37.  May be better suited for NC30 to NC35.  Nice formula.  Oily skinned ones might end up too shiny by the end of the day.

Amore Pacific  |  Color Control Cushion Compact

Shade:  208 Medium Yellow
Coverage:  Medium
Finish:  Semi-Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $60.00

A bit too dark for NC37.  Might be better after a summer tan.  Too warm toned for me.  Formula is good but the color just didn't match.  Not good for Oily skin.

Etude House  |  Real Powder Cushion

Shade:  W24 Honey Beige
Coverage:  Light to Medium
Finish:  Matte
Oxidizes?:  No
Price:  $21.60 + Shipping

Too light for NC37.  Might be better for NC25 to NC30.  Formula pilled and shifted around face due to oily skin.  Does not seem to be good for Combination / Oily skin even though it is marketed as such.  Didn't like.  Read the review here!

Innisfree  |  Longwear

Shade:  31 Deep Beige
Coverage:  Medium
Finish:  Matte
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $12.00

Very yellow.  Slightly dark for NC37.   Okay for Combination / Oily skin.  Didn't like the matte finish as it can feel cakey.  Just felt that it wasn't the best quality... but was only $12.00.

IOPE  |  Air Cushion XP

Shade:  N31
Coverage:  Light to Medium
Finish:  Semi-Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Slightly
Price:  $??

I loved this cushion but shade was discontinued.  Great for NC37.  I miss it.

Laneige  |  Anti-Aging BB Cushion

Shade:  31 Brown
Coverage:  Light to Medium
Finish:  Semi-Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $50.00

Good for NC35.  Applies dewy but dries to a satin finish.  Very difficult to find / ship to the United States.  Read the review here!

Laneige  |  BB Cushion (U.S. Target Edition)

Shade:  Medium
Coverage:  Light to Medium
Finish:  Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Slightly
Price:  $34.00

Discontinued.  Good for NC37.  Very dewy.  Not good for Combination / Oily skin.  Read the review here!

Laneige  |  Pore Control BB Cushion

Shade:  31 Brown
Coverage:  Light to Medium
Finish:  Semi-Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $50.00

Just a bit too light for NC37.  Might be better for NC35.  Good for Combination / Oily skin.  Very difficult to find / ship to the United States.  Read the review here!

Philosophy  |  Renewed Hope in a Jar Skin Tint

Shade:  5.5 Beige
Coverage:  Sheer to Light
Finish:  Semi-Dewy
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $39.00

Good for NC37.  Feels like a tinted moisturizer.  May not be good for oily skin.  Pretty nice formula!  Read the review here!

The Face Shop  |  Oil Control Water Cushion

Shade:  V205
Coverage:  Medium to High
Finish:  Matte
Oxidizes?:  Yes
Price:  $??

My least favorite cushion.  It's orange!  I looked like an Oompa Loompa.  Matte to the degree of being uncomfortable.  It turned me off from the brand.  May be good for very warm toned, oily skin.

Yves Saint Laurent (YSL)  |  Touche Éclat Cushion 

Shade:  B50 Honey
Coverage:  Sheer
Finish:  Satin
Oxidizes?:  No
Price:  $48.00 (+ $38.00 per refill)

Good match for NC37.  I like this cushion a lot - Good quality.  Puff sucks so use a Rubycell one (will fit in the case).  Sheer coverage so imperfections will show.  It does not come with a refill as they are sold separately.  Read the review here!

I'm always on the hunt for the perfect brow.  Call it an obsession of mine.  I keep buying the latest and greatest of brow products with the hope of finding my HG.  I've tried DiorShow, ABH, Make Up Forever, NYX, Benefit and now Urban Decay's Brow Blade!

Urban Decay
Brow Blade Review

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Urban Decay
Product:  Brow Blade
Shade:  Dark Drapes
Color Payoff:  Highly Pigmented
Price:  $26.00
Where to Buy:  Amazon, Nordstrom

Urban Decay's Brow Blade boasts that it "creates flawless, defined brows without the permanence of microblading." Microblading has always interested me, but due to my combo-oily skin I decided that it would not be a good investment.  When I swatched Brow Blade on my hand at the store, I was very impressed with the precision of the brush.  I just had to have it.

SWATCH

Urban Decay Brow Blade - Dark Drapes Swatch

One end of Brow Blade has a Waterproof Pencil and the other End is the Ink Stain Brush.

I chose the Dark Drapes shade because my brow hairs are black.  I do prefer to go slightly lighter but all of the other color options seemed to be too warm.  I would like to have a dark ashy brown, but not this dark if that makes sense.  One thing that I did like about this product is that it is dual ended.  This really sets it apart from the competition (as far as precision pencils are concerned) because you get more product.  For example, both the DiorShow Brow Styler Pencil and Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz contains 0.003oz of product whereas Urban Decay's Brow Blade contains 0.01oz.  This means Urban Decay's Brow Blade contains 30% more product at a mid-range price point.  

BEFORE AND AFTER

Brow Blade seems to break down after a few hours on combo-oily skin.

The Ink Stain portion of Brow Blade has a brush tipped applicator as opposed to a felt tipped applicator.  This allows for very fine lines to be drawn.  It is great for filling in the beginning and ends of the brow.  The downside to this is that the brush is very flexible so it is hard to control.  It takes some practice to be able to produce precise lines similar to microblading.  I found that the Ink Stain formula can also feather so not all of the lines will be as fine.  However, from a distance this is not very noticeable.  I used the Waterproof Pencil side to address the larger patchy areas of my brows.  To me this was just as good, if not better than my DiorShow pencil.

After running some errands for a few hours I returned home and took another photo.  The day photoed was not one of my oiliest of days but you can see that the product still feathered and faded.

I continued to use the product throughout the week and found that it can fade significantly due to sweat.  It is summer here with the temperature rising to about 106° Fahrenheit.  I don't sweat a lot, but when I got home I saw that the areas where Brow Blade was used was much lighter than the rest of my brow due to feathering.  So if you have skin that can get a bit oily or sweaty then product might not perform very well.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I like the product but I feel that people with dry to normal skin will love it.  For my combo-oily skin, it did not feather to a terrible degree so repurchasing will depend on the shelf life.  I heard that the tip can dry out pretty quickly and I will update this post as soon as it does so.

As for the oily skinned folk - the precise lines will just not be as crisp as the day goes on and it will feather and fade.  Therefore, if you are looking to redraw large patches of missing eyebrow one hair at a time you may be disappointed. You might be better off using Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow (since you get a lot) with a fine brush and setting it with the Jamsu Diving Method.

I do like the direction that brow products are moving in order to attain a more refined look and am looking forward to seeing how the brow pen formulas evolve over time.  If Urban Decay can come up with a more robust formula for oily skinned ones then I would be all over it!  Otherwise, I am on the fence.

Pricing & Availability

AmazonNordstrom

Rating