The Hit List: The Best Face Products of 2013
Hello 2014!! 2013 has got to be the busiest year for the beauty industry especially in our country. There are quite a bunch of new brands that entered in the market. Some are delightfully affordable!Hooray!! I have been updated with the new products at the drugstore arena (Thanks Youtube!) but I have also been trying to catch up with the high end ones. Well, I always end up brushing the expensive ones aside out of my frugality or kakuriputan? haha
Just sharing my New Year's Resolution - try out more high end products!
The 2013 Hit List consists of my yearly round up of the best products that I have tried this year. Honestly, I have tried quite a lot (as in.. I was afraid that changing products from one to another will break me out.. Praise God! none of my fears happened). I luckily found great ones that I will definitely be repurchasing when I ran out. I will start with the best face products of 2013 (just beacuse I am a foundation addict!).
Best BB Cream: Holika Holika Essential Petit BB Cream
This is one of the first products I bought this year. I love the Clearing Version of this BB Cream and I never thought that I will be falling in love with the Essential Version as well. The Essential version is creamy and very easy to blend. I have tried 9 or 10 bb creams this year and I kept going back to baby. Despite the fact that it looked way lighter than my skin tone, I love how it evens out my skin tone in a jiffy and makes it look more flawless and poreless! It also gives my skin a matte effect the whole day! I know I have dry skin but my base makeup would usually melt by mid day because of the heat and humidity in Manila. This BB Cream keep my oilies at bay especially on my t zone area for hours. This BB Cream costs only 300 plus pesos and Holika Holika is now available in Manila particularly at SM Fairview. I am almost through with my first tube.
Best Liquid Foundation (High End): Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup
This year I veered away from my HG MAC Studiofix and decided to give this high end foundie a try. I have heard tons of raves about this and truth be told, it is indeed a great foundation! I got the shade 3w1 (Tawny) which is a tad bit lighter than my skin tone. The coverage is divine. It creates that flawless canvass but it is insanely light on the skin! It feels nothing like the heavy Mac Studiofix. It also stays put like what it claims to be despite the humid weather. I seldom retouch whenever I use this foundation and I usually get compliments whenever I wear this one.
Best Liquid Foundation (Drugstore): Revlon Colorstay
Finally!!! I have been trying to find my match, golden beige in online stores and thanks to Bon Marche for giving me one. I love how affordable this foundation is. It only cost 500 pesos at Bon Marche! The coverage and feel is close to my Mac Studiofix. I can not remember which one is heavier or more runny than the other because I do not have my studiofix any more with me. The coverage is in close competition with Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation. I love the fact that this particular foundation is very blendable with my other liquid foundation, creme foundations and even bb creams. Despite having dry skin, this foundation worked well on my skin and it does not create dry patches at all (of course, as long as I prep my skin accordingly).
Best Face Primer: Ellana Let's Make It Last Primer
This primer came in late this year. I never thought I would love it much more than my ELF Mineral Infused Primer. I immediately noticed how it made my base foundation last longer. The first time I put this primer to a test was during the Inglot Launch. I wore my base makeup prior to putting eyeshadow and lipstick before going to Glorietta 5. I only commuted so I rode an fx, walked all the way from Robinsons Galleria to MRT Station and walked a few more minutes from MRT Station to Glorietta 5. To my amazement, my foundation did not budge and withstand the heat and sweat! From that moment, I knew this primer will be an absolute fave. I have tried using this for everyday but I ended up with zits on the most unlikely place of my face - my cheeks. Thus, I learned that this is not meant for everyday use. Oh well, every other day na lang? hehe
Just sharing my New Year's Resolution - try out more high end products!
The 2013 Hit List consists of my yearly round up of the best products that I have tried this year. Honestly, I have tried quite a lot (as in.. I was afraid that changing products from one to another will break me out.. Praise God! none of my fears happened). I luckily found great ones that I will definitely be repurchasing when I ran out. I will start with the best face products of 2013 (just beacuse I am a foundation addict!).
Best BB Cream: Holika Holika Essential Petit BB Cream
This is one of the first products I bought this year. I love the Clearing Version of this BB Cream and I never thought that I will be falling in love with the Essential Version as well. The Essential version is creamy and very easy to blend. I have tried 9 or 10 bb creams this year and I kept going back to baby. Despite the fact that it looked way lighter than my skin tone, I love how it evens out my skin tone in a jiffy and makes it look more flawless and poreless! It also gives my skin a matte effect the whole day! I know I have dry skin but my base makeup would usually melt by mid day because of the heat and humidity in Manila. This BB Cream keep my oilies at bay especially on my t zone area for hours. This BB Cream costs only 300 plus pesos and Holika Holika is now available in Manila particularly at SM Fairview. I am almost through with my first tube.
Best Liquid Foundation (High End): Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup
This year I veered away from my HG MAC Studiofix and decided to give this high end foundie a try. I have heard tons of raves about this and truth be told, it is indeed a great foundation! I got the shade 3w1 (Tawny) which is a tad bit lighter than my skin tone. The coverage is divine. It creates that flawless canvass but it is insanely light on the skin! It feels nothing like the heavy Mac Studiofix. It also stays put like what it claims to be despite the humid weather. I seldom retouch whenever I use this foundation and I usually get compliments whenever I wear this one.
Best Liquid Foundation (Drugstore): Revlon Colorstay
Finally!!! I have been trying to find my match, golden beige in online stores and thanks to Bon Marche for giving me one. I love how affordable this foundation is. It only cost 500 pesos at Bon Marche! The coverage and feel is close to my Mac Studiofix. I can not remember which one is heavier or more runny than the other because I do not have my studiofix any more with me. The coverage is in close competition with Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation. I love the fact that this particular foundation is very blendable with my other liquid foundation, creme foundations and even bb creams. Despite having dry skin, this foundation worked well on my skin and it does not create dry patches at all (of course, as long as I prep my skin accordingly).
Best Face Primer: Ellana Let's Make It Last Primer
This primer came in late this year. I never thought I would love it much more than my ELF Mineral Infused Primer. I immediately noticed how it made my base foundation last longer. The first time I put this primer to a test was during the Inglot Launch. I wore my base makeup prior to putting eyeshadow and lipstick before going to Glorietta 5. I only commuted so I rode an fx, walked all the way from Robinsons Galleria to MRT Station and walked a few more minutes from MRT Station to Glorietta 5. To my amazement, my foundation did not budge and withstand the heat and sweat! From that moment, I knew this primer will be an absolute fave. I have tried using this for everyday but I ended up with zits on the most unlikely place of my face - my cheeks. Thus, I learned that this is not meant for everyday use. Oh well, every other day na lang? hehe
Best Concealer (Drugstore) :Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer
This concealer must be dubbed as a the ultimate drugstore gem!! One of the best concealers I have ever tried and for 299 pesos, I honestly wanted to hoard after learning how great this product is!! The only downside - it does not have a lot of shades to choose from. This concealer is long lasting, has great coverage and crease proof. Full and detailed review can be found here:
http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2013/08/collection-cosmetics-lasting-perfection.html
Best Concealer (High End): MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
This is probably the "most worth it" purchase of the year. This concealer makes dark under eye concealing very easy. Before buying this concealer, I would undergo the tedious process of applying an orange corrector to offset the dark bluish tone under my eye. Now, I just need this concealer and my dark circles are instantly hidden. Btw, I got the shade NW25. I honestly can not stop using this concealer and I am almost down to 3/4 of the bottle because I have been using this everyday. Now, all I need is this concealer and I am good to go. Here is detailed review of this concealer:
http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2013/11/review-mac-pro-longwear-concealer.html
Best Touch Up Powder: Holika Holika Oil Queen Cotton Pact
This zaps the oil in my tzone like a laser gun!! Gotta believe me MLI Readers on this! If you have oily skin, this baby is definitely for you! :) I never knew I will love this powder. This kind of powder would usually make my skin look dry and patchy but the technique is patting the powder on areas where you need to mattify (never sweep!! or else you'll get noticeable unblended whitish cast). ohh It also has SPF 30 PA ++ for added sun protection.
Best Powder Foundation: ZA Perfect Fit Two Way Foundation
I took a leap of faith when I got this foundation or should I say I got carried away with the promo of a free refill if you buy this limited edition ZA Casing. I love the Perfect Fit Foundation to bits. It feels so light on the skin (as if I have nothing on) and goes on smooth. The powder is more refined compared to the FS two way. It does not cake at all and it does make my skin look poreless and flawless without my skin looking too made up or powdery. Sad news, I have not been seeing stocks of refill in our local counters for months now.
This concealer must be dubbed as a the ultimate drugstore gem!! One of the best concealers I have ever tried and for 299 pesos, I honestly wanted to hoard after learning how great this product is!! The only downside - it does not have a lot of shades to choose from. This concealer is long lasting, has great coverage and crease proof. Full and detailed review can be found here:
http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2013/08/collection-cosmetics-lasting-perfection.html
Best Concealer (High End): MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
This is probably the "most worth it" purchase of the year. This concealer makes dark under eye concealing very easy. Before buying this concealer, I would undergo the tedious process of applying an orange corrector to offset the dark bluish tone under my eye. Now, I just need this concealer and my dark circles are instantly hidden. Btw, I got the shade NW25. I honestly can not stop using this concealer and I am almost down to 3/4 of the bottle because I have been using this everyday. Now, all I need is this concealer and I am good to go. Here is detailed review of this concealer:
http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2013/11/review-mac-pro-longwear-concealer.html
Best Touch Up Powder: Holika Holika Oil Queen Cotton Pact
This zaps the oil in my tzone like a laser gun!! Gotta believe me MLI Readers on this! If you have oily skin, this baby is definitely for you! :) I never knew I will love this powder. This kind of powder would usually make my skin look dry and patchy but the technique is patting the powder on areas where you need to mattify (never sweep!! or else you'll get noticeable unblended whitish cast). ohh It also has SPF 30 PA ++ for added sun protection.
Best Powder Foundation: ZA Perfect Fit Two Way Foundation
I took a leap of faith when I got this foundation or should I say I got carried away with the promo of a free refill if you buy this limited edition ZA Casing. I love the Perfect Fit Foundation to bits. It feels so light on the skin (as if I have nothing on) and goes on smooth. The powder is more refined compared to the FS two way. It does not cake at all and it does make my skin look poreless and flawless without my skin looking too made up or powdery. Sad news, I have not been seeing stocks of refill in our local counters for months now.
 |
| Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer/ MAC Pro Longwear Now let's go to blushes and bronzers. |
Best Blush: Sleek Blush by 3 in Lace and Sugar
This palette is one of my much coveted products in 2012 but I never had the chance to buy one. Oh boy, having this blush palette is such an awesome idea. This palette is very travel friendly and the colors in every palette is super pretty. I have yet to purchase the other shades. Here is my complete review on it:
http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2013/12/in-blush-sleek-blush-by-three-swatches.html
Best multi functional product (lip and cheek): Etude House Sweet Recipe Cupcake All Over Color in Raspberry Mousse Cake
This product is my most loved product of 2013. Yes, it is not a foundation or concealer but a lip and cheek product!!! I can't live the house without this in my kit. (No joke!) I have been reaching for this product all year round and it is my quick magic fix! It gives my lips a just bitten shade and my cheeks that beautiful flush of color. Would you believe that two of my friends bought this product in the same shade because they were amazed when they saw me use this. haha This product also made me forget that I have other lippies in my collection. I have not even hit pan on this one even though I have been using it almost daily. Yay!! It also has that mouth watering candy scent that I love. It smells so pleasant and simply addicting.
Best Bronzer: NYX Matte Bronzer in Deep
My fascination with bronzers and contouring reached its zenith this year. This bronzer has been my go to face shaper and I even used this in makeup school. It looks so good in photos and it looks so natural on almost all skin tone. Read my full review of this product here:
http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2013/06/nyx-matte-bronzer-in-deep-review-and.html
This palette is one of my much coveted products in 2012 but I never had the chance to buy one. Oh boy, having this blush palette is such an awesome idea. This palette is very travel friendly and the colors in every palette is super pretty. I have yet to purchase the other shades. Here is my complete review on it:
http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2013/12/in-blush-sleek-blush-by-three-swatches.html
Best multi functional product (lip and cheek): Etude House Sweet Recipe Cupcake All Over Color in Raspberry Mousse Cake
This product is my most loved product of 2013. Yes, it is not a foundation or concealer but a lip and cheek product!!! I can't live the house without this in my kit. (No joke!) I have been reaching for this product all year round and it is my quick magic fix! It gives my lips a just bitten shade and my cheeks that beautiful flush of color. Would you believe that two of my friends bought this product in the same shade because they were amazed when they saw me use this. haha This product also made me forget that I have other lippies in my collection. I have not even hit pan on this one even though I have been using it almost daily. Yay!! It also has that mouth watering candy scent that I love. It smells so pleasant and simply addicting.
Best Bronzer: NYX Matte Bronzer in Deep
My fascination with bronzers and contouring reached its zenith this year. This bronzer has been my go to face shaper and I even used this in makeup school. It looks so good in photos and it looks so natural on almost all skin tone. Read my full review of this product here:
http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2013/06/nyx-matte-bronzer-in-deep-review-and.html
Look!! My first time to hit pan on a bronzer!!! Now, can you tell how much I love this?
What 2013 Hit List would you love to see next? Lips? Tools? Skincare?
Does any of the aforementioned products landed on your hit list as well?
Let me know on the comments box please!!
Share your 2013 fave face products too!! I would really love to hear them. :)
(Ohh I read comments promise.. I just have problems answering queries due to busy schedule.. :) )
Godbless!
What 2013 Hit List would you love to see next? Lips? Tools? Skincare?
Does any of the aforementioned products landed on your hit list as well?
Let me know on the comments box please!!
Share your 2013 fave face products too!! I would really love to hear them. :)
(Ohh I read comments promise.. I just have problems answering queries due to busy schedule.. :) )
Godbless!
Got questions? Ask Here.
For product reviews, advertisement inquiry email me at mylucidintervals@gmail.com
A blog of young Filipina lawyer and Professional Makeup Artist who found interest in makeup and blogging during her law school life. Peek into her blog to get a dose of ramblings about life, beauty and everything in between.
20 comments
I love this post sooo much!!! :D So many awesome products to try and raved by one of the top beauty bloggers in the Phil. Thank you. May I ask where collection concealer is available here in Manila?
ReplyDeleteI love how comprehensive this list is! definitely trying out that ZA Perfect Fit Two Way Cake when I get my hands on one!
ReplyDeleteMy eyes focused on that cute case of ZA foundation. That Holika holika BB cream is affordable! Must look for that brand here.
ReplyDeleteGreat list of cosmetics. Are all of these non-allergenic?
ReplyDeleteOh dear, this post make me want to buy all those products. :) I will sure be getting the Ellana powder, the Collection concealer, the ZA foundation and the NYX bronzer. I need to think twice on the high end ones. You know naman how kuripot I am and how low-maintenance my skin is. hehe. :) Misyew!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! I just subscribed to yours! I hope you have time to spare. Please visit and follow my blog at beautynme14.blogspot.com! Thanks! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendations! I would like to try the Holika products and the Sleek blushes. Glad to see they are not that expensive.
ReplyDeleteI subscribe to your blog already but I can't find your updates on my email.. :((( Anyways, I'll just subscribe again. :) I like your blog. You post products from cheap to expensive ones. Most blogs that I visit reviews high end ones I cannot afford. Thanks to your blog. :)))) Keep rockin' Atty. :))))
ReplyDeleteLove all the picks.I am huge fan of revlon color stay but it looks whitish in day light so now i am going to try MAC studio fix.
ReplyDeleteFollowing you dear
www.prettypeachyandpink.blogspot.com
I also like the revlon colorstay cause it does stay for long hours :) Aside from the revlon colorstay I don't own any of yur list but I found it so interestig. esp. the primer cause I don't have any primer yet. :) Thanks for sharing this...
ReplyDeleteHi Donna. I've been a reader of your blog for quite sometime now. I'm drawn to it because you review local products. So I'm not sure about your newyear's resolution though. Anyway, more power to you and to all kikays!
ReplyDeleteJust like you, I think im also a qualified foundation drinker. Haha. I would love to try the holika bb cream next time when I ran out of my hg etude house bright fit.
ReplyDeleteHi Donna.. can I ask how much is the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay? Thanks
ReplyDelete2000 + in our local stores :)
DeleteRevlon Colorstay is also my HG drugstore foundation and Estee Lauder Double Wear is my favorite high-end liquid foundation too! What CC cream can you reco as a primer/base with SPF?
ReplyDelete@Donna - Estee Double Wear is P2100 at Rustan's
Hi!!! :)) yay we're the same!! Apir!! ANyways... the only cc cream I have tried is from holika holika but its really really good! I want to buy the full size!!! I used the sample size for a week and I loved it!!! As in!!:))
DeleteThanks! Will try it out!
Deletehi donna. love your blog. can you review the holika holika bb cream? i also have the bb cream however yes it' waay too light for me. how do you
ReplyDeleteset it to match your shade? thanks!
love your blog about beauty products ^_^
ReplyDeleteEstee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup is a bit pricey but I highly recommend it! :D
ReplyDeletexo,
~Pauline @ MAC Philippines
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