Day 2 of my local beauty finds is truly unexpected. I have promised myself not to buy any lipstick because I seriously have tons sitting on my makeup stash. Most of them are just swatched. When my office mate (turned good friend) and I went out for lunch, we passed by at Crossings in Timog (tama be?!?). Anyways, there were a few makeup stalls and this new lipsticks from Fashion 21 caught my eye. Their packaging is a serious attempt to copy Mac's lippie tubes but these have a glossy finish. Also, the packaging is not black but dark gray. After reading ALL DAY MATTE printed on the boxes, I immediately began swatching every shade I could find on the rack. There were about seven colors available. I was saddened because most colors are the usual pinks and reds. Then, I chanced upon Russet! I immediately thought of Kylie Jenner's lipstick that has been creating a hell lot of buzz.
When I used Russet, I love it a lot! Seriously, one of the best local lipstick I have ever tried. Most lipsticks from local brands have that satin or glossy finish to them. After trying out the russet and seriously falling in love with. I knew I need to get other shades. When I came to Megamall, I learned that this line has actually 13 shades. I tried to control myself in buying more shades so I ended up getting bronze and sushi. Runners up goes to Mandarin and Burgundy but I think that I have the same colors in my stash so I was quick enough to let them go.
Sushi, Russet and Bronze
These lipsticks are quite a catch for 175 pesos. The pigmentation is great!! Two to three swipes can fully cover my lips without the use of a lip liner.This has a spot on full coverage lipstick. I was particularly thrilled with the shade russet and sushi! The texture is a bit waxy and some may find it hard to apply at first. The color selection is great. There are nudes, pinks and reds. I just wished that they have more brownish shades just because the 90's vibe is back! These lipsticks vary in texture and even in finish. Compared to other matte lipsticks that I tried, this takes hours because my lips start to dry out. I also find that it settles on the fine lines and it can heavily accentuate the dry and chapped areas of my lips. So, make sure your are well moisturized. The finish is slightly similar to the NYX SOFT Matte lipstick but this is a waxy version. It also does not bleed and I can use them alone without any lip liner. Longevity? Sans eating and drinking, this can last for hours on me. Even half day specially the shade Russet.
Here are the shade swatches with descriptions:
Russet is a beautiful deep reddish plum shade with hints of brown. It screams Kylie Jenner when I swipe it on my lips. What I love about it is that this is very long lasting and its texture feels very much lighter than the other two shades.
Sushi is a very pretty shade. It is a pinky coral shade that is very similar with my ultimate fave shade NYX ANTWERP.
Bronze is a nudish just my lips but better shade. This is the kind of nude that will not wash you out.
Overall, I really like this lipstick for its priceand pigmentation. The matte finish is an added plus because it is not drying as I expected it to be. The best one is the shade Russet (oo ako na ang paulit ulit ulit) hihi. Just make sure you apply lipbalm after the applying lipstick to moisturize your lips.
Hello guys!! Ok this has been a stressful day!! So here I am typing away this blog post to ease my frustrations. It was one of my countless dumb moments..tsk tsk. Ok.. moving on... I have always been a fan of affordable products even now that I can somehow afford trying high end products. I would always have that hesitation in mind. These are my top local products that I highly suggest to all of you!
FS Cosmetics 2 Way Foundation: I lost track of the pans I used up.. I have been using this for years now. I can't believe I found my perfect shade match in Chino. I always have a dilemma in choosing the right color of foundation either they make me look ghostly or muddy. Chino looks like my second skin. This foundation has a medium coverage which covers the redness and eye bags quite well even without a makeup base. It has a matte finish and lasts 3-4 hours on me sans retouching. Every Click here for my full review: http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2011/04/fanny-serrano-two-way-cake.html
San San Matte Finish Liquid Foundation: This is one of the first product I bought after the tragedy last Christmas. I figured that I needed a liquid foundation that has a good coverage but will definitely not break the bank. This immediately popped in my head. For a whopping 100 pesos, this foundation has a superb coverage. It applies smoothly and evens out my skin tone perfectly. I hope San San would release more shades. No. 3 is a tad bit lighter on my skintone.
FS Eyelash Curler: This lash curler gives a good grip and is very sturdy. Mine lasts for years. I just replace the rubber pads. This has never cut my lashes and creates a gorgeous curl out out of my sparse lashes.
Charm Brushes: I am truly proud of Filipino made products and if there is one brand that deserves a spotlight even in international markets, it would definitely be Charm Brushes. This set is a gift from the lovely Sophie of Beautynomics when tragedy hit my family. I never expected this one from her. I also received a Charm Travel Pro Brush Set from the ever gorgeous Phoebe! These brushes never shed and bled ever. It also feels so gentle on my sensitive skin. What I love about Charm Brushes is the amount of effort Sophie puts into each brush/brush set in conceptualizing them from the packaging, brush holder down to its bristles. Click here for a detailed review Vegan Brush Set: http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2013/02/charm-pretty-in-pink-14-pc-vegan-brush.html
Nichido Kohl Eyeliner: One of the most pigmented liners in the local market. This liner only costs 138 pesos. It glides on smoothly on my lids. It does not break easily when sharpened. I love using it for tightlining. More of my review here: http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2012/01/nichido-mineral-kohl-pencil-in-onyx.html
Nichido Lip Liner in Rosette: This is my ultimate life saver. I literally can't leave without this baby!! This is heaven sent to those with dark lip lines like me. This is one of the few makeup products that I discovered at the early stage of my makeup addiction. hihi I think I have been using one since college. I can skip the lipstick and I can go out using this alone because Rosette is quite close to my actual lip color. This also prevents my lipstick from bleeding. This is truly one of the unsung heroes in my makeup kit.
Nichido Mineral Concealer in Natural: When I saw that this was included in a promo makeup bundle of Nichido last few months ago, I immediately bought a back up out of fear that it would be phased out. This is my secret in achieving bigger eyes. I ran it around my lower lash line and it instantly make my eyes more awake.
Fashion 21 Double UP Mascara: Finally a local mascara that can live up to the hype!!! This lengthens my lashes and hold my curls for about 3-4 hours. I also love the fact that this is smudge proof. More of this mascara here:
San San Create Your Own Eyeshadow: Who does not love bargain finds???Would you believe that the above swatches are from eye shadows which only cost 50 pesos each. I love these two colors from CYO San San Eyeshadows a lot. Deep Earth Brown is a matte warm taupe that works well as a contour powder on the crease area and on the cheeks. Charcoal Brown looks like a perfect dupe of Pistol in the Naked Palette. I have been loving these shades for everyday wear. I highly recommend these two shades. More on the San San CYO Eyeshadows here: http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2013/08/san-san-create-your-own-eyeshadow_20.html Celeteque BB Cream: Finally a local bb cream that works as good as Korean ones!! Yes!! It does an amazing job of making my skin look fresh and flawless throughout the day. It did not break me out nor caused me rashes. It also does not feel greasy at all. This is an instant skin brightener that helped in evening out my skin tone. Check my full review with detailed before and after shots here: http://www.mylucidintervals.com/2013/06/celeteque-brightening-multi-benefit-bb.html What is your must try local product? Please let me know!! Godbless!!
I honestly can't believe that we are now on the second half of 2013. Younger, I would always pray for a fast forward button to November and December because the former is my birthday month while the latte, well I love Christmas. Now, that I am in my late twenties, I want a pause, replay and stop button. Whew!! Readers who are of the same age bracket as I am would clearly understand what I am feeling. Anyways, I have been trying a lot of new stuff these past two months. These are the few that stood out the most.
Dove Intense Repair Shampoo and Dove Whitening Deo I got these from the SM Beauty Box. Click here to learn more about this newest subscription that is available at SM starting tomorrow, August 1,2013. Ever since I underwent rebonding last year, it became limp and I had a hard time finding the right shampoo for my oily. Most shampoos would make my hair oilier. I even resorted to using men's shampoos because of this dilemma. I was really skeptical in trying out Dove's Intensive Repair Shampoo. We all know that Dove is known for incorporating moisturizing properties in their products. I am honestly surprised when this shampoo makes my hair soft and bouncy without losing my desired volume. It also smells super good but sadly the scent is not long lasting.
The Dove Deo keeps me free from sweat the whole day. Perfect for my very active lifestyle.
Nivea Baby Smooth Cream is one of the most affordable moisturizer in the market. It has been raved by Julia of Bless My Bag time and again. I was in search for it and I could not find one in Watsons or elsewhere. I saw from Liz o ProjectVanity that it is always out of stock. Luckily, I got mine in Landmark department store. It only costs 165 pesos. It has this subtle baby powdered scent. This moisturizer is one of the most affordable that I have ever tried. I use this on my face before applying makeup everyday. It feels light on the face and it is absorbed easily by my skin. One thing I noticed that it works well on me even though I am stricken with rashes. It also does a great job of smoothening the dry and rough areas of my face. I highly recommend this to all my readers even though with oily skin.
Ziaja Eye Cream I bought this eye cream because of my good blogger friend's suggestion. Hi Jes!! This does not help in lightening my dark circles but it moisturizes my under eyes really well. It prevents my concealer from settling on the fine lines. The best part is, it only cost 150 pesos. This is available in Beauty Bar.
Purederm Makeup Cleansing Tissues I got this from SM Beauty Box. This cleansing wipes do not sting my eyes nor sting my rashes whenever I have one. Its subtle cucumber scent smells so refreshing and it does not dry out fast despite carelessly leaving the lid open.
Fashion 21 Double Up Mascara: I love how it open up my eyes by holding my curled lashes or hours. This is definitely the best local mascara I have ever tried. You can click here for my detailed review.
Glory of New York Mineral Blush in No. 10 This blush lasts for hours on me. The color is a warm brownish peach that suits my medium skin tone really well. I thought that such color will not show up on my cheeks but surprisingly it delivers a very natural flush when worn.
K-Palette Real Lasting Tattoo Eyeliner Pencil K-Palette never fails to amaze me with their products. Their Eyeliner Pencils exceeded my expectation. They glide smoothly on my lid and waterline without tugging, the pigmentation is great (the brown shade is perfect for everyday look. THere are no red tones to it), it is smudge proof and long lasting. Unlike other retractable pencils I have tried, this one does not easily break.
Swatches of the K-Palette Eyeliner Pencil after trying to smudge it!! Truly budge proof!
Hayan Aqua Mineral Facial Mist I have been loving facial mists lately. This aqua mineral mist from Hayan has a fruity (apple) scent to it. I use this as finishing spray to set my makeup because I tend to over apply powder on my face. I also use this to wet my angled brush whenever I apply brow powder.
How about you, what product/s are you loving this month?
I have been hearing a lot of buzz about this local mascara. I was honestly hesitant in purchasing local mascaras because the ones I have tried before are no good at all. Also, I would rather add a few bucks and take home a mascara from my trusted brand, Maybelline. I bought this on a whim after realizing that my favorite Kpalette 1 Day Lash Perm Mascara has dried up after using it for more than three months. My risk appetite was a bit high that day so I bought the mascara without even looking at the formula. Haha!! Oh well, the red slim tube is something I fell in love with at the first time I saw it. It look so sleek that you will not even say that it is from a local brand.
The bristles is a made out of plastic/rubber. It one of the longest mascara brush that I have ever used.I find it very easy to use and maneuver. I can apply mascara even in the inner and outer corner of my eyes with a breeze. The slim brush also makes application on the lower lashes easy. The mascara delivers a very pigmented black shade once applied. This mascara has a wet formula which is quite disappointing. I prefer using mascaras with drier formulas because they work well with my short and sparse lashes.
With 2-3 coats of the mascara
I noticed that this mascara lengthens my lashes pretty well. It also separates my lashes with one - two coats, however, this mascara tends to clump when you apply more than two coats. As evidenced by the photo above, you can see that instead of adding volume to my lashes it created a spider leg like effect on my lashes.
The Good:
Very affordable for 225 pesos
Locally available
The black shade is very pigmented
The slim brush makes mascara application very easy on both upper and lower lashes. Due to its slim wand, I can apply mascara on hard to reach areas like the inner corners.
It lengthens my lashes (not 2x the length of my lashes as this mascara claims).
Despite its wet formula, it can hold my curl for 3-4 hours (not whole day) and it surprisingly does not weigh down my lashes
Smudge proof and water proof
It does not flake.
The Bad:
This mascara takes forever to dry because of its wet formula.
It clumps big time after the second coat.
I have a hard time removing it. Even my all time favorite Ponds cold cream can not remove this mascara easily.
It takes time to dry. I have to prevent myself from blinking until it dries or else, I would end up looking like a raccoon.
With Fashion 21 Mascara and tight line on the right eye
Can you see the difference?
Overall, this is is the best LOCAL mascara I have tried. Despite its tendency to clump my lashes , I actually like this product because it is very affordable, it holds my curl for hours and it lengthens my lashes well.
By now, you have figured out that I am a lipstick addict. There are more lippie posts in this blog than any other review posts combined, however, I am not fond of lipgloss. I do not normally wear glossy lippies because glosses tend to highlight my pouty lips and I feel uncomfortable wearing them. I attended the Nutmeg Event last month and I saw Monika of momgonevain.blogspot.com. She is my current favorite blogger because she loves budget finds like I do. I was ogling at her throughout the event. I was even surprised to learn that she is a mommy blogger and a reader of my blog. waahh Her makeup looks so perfect but I was particularly drawn to her lips. I can't help but ask what lipgloss was she wearing when she retouched. She candidly told me that it was just a chipipay one from Fashion 21. I tried my best to remember the packaging of the gloss because I got very shy to ask more details about it. The other day I saw this Marble Lip Gloss from Fashion 21 and if I am not mistaken this is the exact gloss Monika used. My heart even skipped a beat when I saw the tag price - 65 pesos!!! This gloss is on the small clearance portion of the Fashion 21 Stand. I got two shades and I am in love with it!
The packaging reminds me of Korean cosmetics like the ones from the face shop and VOV. For 65 pesos, this product is filled to the brim and can last me for months! It comes with a doe foot applicator. The lipgloss has a subtle vanilla scent to it which is very nice. It has a very smooth texture, not grainy at all. It feels light on the lips and sticky enough to last for hours. I did not experience dryness or chapped lips in using this product. I can put layers and layers of this gloss sans that heavy feel. It applies evenly and does not settle on the fine lines. . What impressed me the most are the pigmentation and coverage. These glosses has a semi-opaque finish to them. I can even use them alone or with a lipliner only. The shimmers of No. 2 or the pearl finish of No. 3 do not appear flashy at all rather they give the glosses that high end feel to them.
Here are the swatches at the back of my hand. If in any case you'll find No. 01 please tell me where you saw it. I like to complete all the shades of this gloss.
The Good:
Pigmentation is awesome.
Hydrating
It lasts for hours even after eating or drinking.
Glides smoothly and does not settle on the fine lines.
Affordable
Not grainy
Lightweight consistency
The Bad:
This gloss is now on clearance. ;(
Take a look at the lip swatches:
No. 2 is a richly pigmented shade that is very vibrant and gives off that fun vibe. It is a pretty berry pink with iridescent shimmers.
Finally found the perfect nude gloss! No. 3 is my ultimate favorite. I have never fallen madly in love with a gloss before. It was the same gloss that Monika wore, if I am not mistaken. The color is beautiful peachy nude with a pearl finish. This is perfect for everyday wear or a perfect match to smokey eyes.
Overall, I am impressed with this gloss especially the No. 3 shade. Hopefully, Fashion 21 will not totally phase this out but will just repackage it.
Hi everyone!!! Forgive the lack of posts this week. This is due to the lack of broadband connection at home. Sky Cable sucks. BIGTIME! After four months of utterly disappointing service, I finally asked for a termination of their services. Hopefully, they will act on my request soon. I applied for Globe connection and I am hoping it will deliver better and reliable services. I know you have missed my local product posts because I have been so engrossed with US products due to influence of my favorite Youtube Gurus. I chanced upon Andee of Ohitsandee of Youtube post a picture of this blush with swatch. It looks so pretty on the picture and I immediately asked what shade was it. The next thing I knew I was in landmark searching for this blush.This blush only costs 150 pesos. I think this is not a new product but merely a reformulation and repackaging of their old blush stick (that looks more of a deodorant than a blush!! haha).
The packaging reminds me a lot of the NYX blus stick and the Revlon Blush Stick.
Shade No. 3 is a beautiful matte peach color with hints of pink. When applied on the cheeks, it turns into a pretty blushing coral hue on me. The pigmentation is great/ The consistency is very creamy and blendable. It dries into a semi matte finish. The staying power is just ok. This can last 3-4 hrs on me. I experienced noticeable fading on the third or fourth hour. If you have oily skin, It is best to set this with powder or a powder blush of the same color. This blush also has a tendency to slide off your skin depending on the condition of the weather. It stayed put pretty well when I used it in an airconditioned room. I do not directly dab this blush on my cheeks. I first rub my fingers on the blush to melt the product. This will make the application easier. This blush has a strong scent which is comparable to Chinese creams which I really disliked. This also highlighted the dry areas and rashes on my cheeks. Thus, making the blush look very patchy or blotchy.
This is what it looks like on my cheeks. I am truly in love with the color and reminds me of MAC Fleur Power. (Ohhh forgive my sweaty forehead and harsh brows, I was not able to brush my brows before taking this picture).
Have you tried this blush?
Let me know your thoughts.
Congratulations to Maria Christina Pena for winning the Primp Pad Giveaway. Kindly email me your full shipping address on mylucidintervals@gmail.com
Hi everyone! I decided to do a hit list post which will feature the products that I am loving lately. I have even considered checking outa list of online cosmetology colleges to discover even more great makeup products from a cosmetology/ makeup class.
In no particular order, my fave products are: 1. Maybelline Baby Lips - Two of my readers commented on how good this product is. I have tried Carmex, Chapstick to Vaseline.. I think this one is the best. Thank you for your recommendation. It moisturizes my lips very well. The balm just don't sit on my lips like a gloss but it does a nice job of making my lips softer and more supple. I have dry lips and I have noticed that I rarely experience chapped lips now. I also love the scent. I think I got the raspberry one. This only costs 79 pesos. I will definitely repurchase.
2. Splash Hair Control Polish - I like this better than a leave on serum. This tames my tresses and baby hair without my hair looking oily. (The trick is not applying too much)
3. Sophia Eyelash Enhancing Kit - I posted an intro post for this product and a monthly update. I am very impressed with this one. A co-employee asked me last week if I my lashes are true or fake. Waahhh Nobody has ever took notice of my lashes before. Click here for more info about this product.
4. Revlon Lip Butters - I have been raving about this lip butters ever since I got them. I use it almost everyday to the office especially pink truffle which is my lips but way better shade. :D Review and Swatches here.
5. San San Rosy Blush - I expressed my profound love for the Peach blush before. I have been liking this blush because it looks similar with my ELF blush, the one in the Studioline blush/bronzer compact. The gold shimmer is not noticeable but gives my face that nice glow. Click here for review and swatches of the San San blushes.
5. Fashion 21 Loose Powder - I honestly did not like this when I bought it at first. I was even thinking of throwing it away but I just kept it inside my makeup drawer for about 2 or 3 months. Again, I was influenced by Filipina Youtube Gurus in buying this product. I find this great for touch ups but not for setting foundation or BB Cream. However, I use this to set my concealer to highlight my under eye because the shade is a bit lighter for my skin tone.
6. Saizen Face Massager - I do not actually know what you call this stuff. Is it a face massager or scrub? I saw a Youtube guru cleaning her face with a face brush (the one used in facials). Having sensitive skin, I have an inkling brushes will definitely not work for me since it will prick my skin. Then I saw this at watsons and I am using this to clean my face every other day (not everyday). I feel that my face becomes softer after using this. I never thought that cleaning one's face can be so relaxing. :D
The tiny bristles are very gentle. Just don't press this hard on your skin.
7. Marionnaud N32 Angled Brush - Fave brush for the moment. I use this for blush application and for contouring my cheeks. I think I should get a back up for this brush.
8. Neutrogena Fine Fairness Bb Cream - I am using this everyday! More about this product soon.
9. MAC Gingerly Blush - This is my go to blush as of the moment. I find the shade very versatile. I can use this with a pink, peach or red lipstick!! Also, JlovesMAC love this blush too. :D
The shade is a very warm peach blush with brownish red undertones.
10. Nichido Tru Lashes Eyelash Adhesive - I was very disappointed with Aido and I was in search for a nice lash adhesive. During one makeup gig with my sorority sister, I was amazed that she was wearing falsies since 8 am and it was still on her until I went home (around 7pm). I was surprised when she showed me a tiny bottle which is very familiar because I have been seeing it always at the Nichido Counters. I was also thrilled that it only costs 60 pesos!! This tiny bottle does a great job. It dries relatively fast(not super quick, I hope you get what I mean).
This bottle is very tiny and it is worth every penny. The only thing I hate about this is the packaging. The cap can be really hard to remove.
That's it. What are the products you are loving right now?I would love to hear from you. Godbless everyone.. :D
I was cleaning my makeup drawer this morning when I started swatching my lipsticks. I had the Mac Hug Me lipstick for quite but I barely use it. I find the color too light for my skintone. While swatching, I noticed that Fashion 21 Aqualicious Arctic stone is almost the same shade as MAC's Hug Me!! See my post hereabout Fashion 21 Aqualicious lipstick.
They look almost identical when worn on the lips!! Yey!!
When swatched, it is fairly noticeable that MAC Hug Me is sheerer and glossier than the Fashion 21. I used Fashion 21 more since it is more pigmented and covers my dark lips better. Do you know of any MAC dupes? Care to share? Have a nice day everyone.
Hi guys. I have been hearing a lot of raves from other filipina youtube gurus regarding the Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick which I loved and discovered years ago. Thanks to Aika of http://diaryofarecessionista.blogspot.com/. I am always intrigued with foreign drugstore brands when it comes to lipstick. I realized (just lately) that I should be trying lipsticks that are locally available. Here are what I found:
Fashion 21 Aqualicious Lipstick Warm Salmon This bright peach shade. I really find this shade very unique.It compliments my medium skintone and does not make my teeth too yellow.
Fashion 21 Aqualicious Lipstick in Arctic Stone
A neautral shade perfect for smokey eyes.
Without and With Lipstick Shot Comparion:
What to LOVE:
Affordable at 155 pesos only and available here in the Philippines.
Welcome to my blog! This is My Lucid Intervals where you will get a daily dose of my kakikayan and random life musings. My name is Donnarence and I am a full time lawyer, an eager beauty enthusiast, and a professional makeup artist (pag may time haha).
For PR/Blog Inquiries, kindly email me at mylucidintervals@gmail.com