Product Review: Meowliner by Skinpotions

At this time and age, convenience is something everyone is looking for.

In comes the stamping craze, from eyeshadow to eyebrows, people in the makeup industry has sought innovative ways to save girls (and boys) time and make their lives easier.

I have always been too intimidated by statement winged eyeliners/cat eyes and have opted to go small, almost imperceptible (wings), for my everyday makeup look. This is so I can minimize the possibilities of lopsided wings. So when I saw this winged eyeliner stamp, I got excited!

ABOUT THE BRAND

Skinpotions is a Filipino beauty brand that offers organic skincare and cosmetics at wallet-friendly prices. Made with natural ingredients, each Skinpotions product aims to enhance your skin and care for your complexion. Expect a soft, radiant, and flawless look.

WHAT TO LOVE

CLAIM TO FAME: An innovative dual-ended stamp eyeliner that’s smudge-proof and water-resistant

FAST FACTS: Stamping tip on one end quickly imprints a winged look onto outer corner; fine-tipped liner on opposite end completes the look by connecting thin to thick lines on the lash line; easily lets you perfect your cat eye game

PERFECT FOR: Eyeliner newbies

HOW TO USE

Stamp the winged part of the eyeliner on your outer eye. Using the same eyeliner, connect it on the rest of your lid by using the other side.

From www.beautymnl.com

It has a dual-ended tip with one having a traditional (which is slighty bigger/fatter than the standard pen eyeliners and is reminiscent of markers - it even smells, albeit faintly, like one) felt tip end that has a nice bend to it and is great at making thin and thick lines, while the other, has a perfectly-sized winged tip that is meant to be used by pressing/stamping on to the corners of the eyelids.

It is very easy to use, one just has to make sure it is aligned by placing across each other carefully to ensure even wings. It took me a couple of attempts to get used to it, but after getting more comfortable with it, the results I got were amazing!

I wasn't expecting much from it, to be honest. For P350, it was moderately priced. I was thinking it wouldn't be as pigmented as my other eyeliners and will probably smudge and run on me (the formula, is a little on the liquidy side). I wasn't really bothered as I only intended to use it as a stencil and layer on my preferred/usual eyeliner if worse comes to worst.

But, I was in for a pleasant surprise! Not only did it perform well in terms of making wings, it was also really black and matte, which is exactly what I want my eyeliner to be! Plus, it was pretty long lasting/smudge proof to boot!

Now, I can make perfect cat eyes in a jiffy! Definitely recommending this to those who don't want to spend too much time doing their eyeliners and to those who are struggling creating even wings.

P.S. If you're still on the fence about getting this, local beauty blogger, Martha Sta. Barbara a.k.a. the Beauty Junkee, has this on her list of top/best eyeliner for 2017 plus, local YouTube sensation, Anne Clutz, gave this a thumbs up/stellar review!

And that is it for today, makeup lovers, see yah next time!

Xoxo,

Missus C

Product Review: L'Oreal's False Lash Butterfly Waterproof Mascara

For thousands of years (think Ancient Egypt), women (and apparently men), have sought innovative ways to make their eyelashes appear long and luscious. They applied different things they can get their hands on to help them with this, including kohl and malachite. Fast forward to today, I'm glad I don't have to crush stones and minerals to get thick and fluttery lashes. Which leads me to today's product review, L'Oreal's False Lash Butterfly Waterproof Mascara.

Stretch and extend your lashes like wings! Introducing Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, one of L'Oréal Paris most-exciting mascara innovations, yet. ... The unique Cocoon Fibers instantly wrap lashes in a soft, delicate veil to create silky, spectacular lashes that flutter.

A tube costs about Php 600 but I got mine on sale at SM Megamall for Php299.

CLAIM TO FAME: A waterproof, volumizing mascara that creates the fanned-out lash effect

FAST FACTS: Give you volumized lashes at the root; optimizes your lashline’s length, thickness, and texture with a dark, defining formula; unique asymmetrical brush helps lift and stretch your lashes for a dramatic falsies effect

PERFECT FOR: Wide-awake doll eyes
From www.beautymnl.com

This mascara boasts of a unique wand that is shaped like a butterfly wing. This promises longer looking lashes that would give you the look of falsies.

It has rubber bristles that tapers at the end helping you get to hard to reach places.

I like the wand a lot as it was easy to maneuver around and wasn't very stiff and pointy. It also did a good job of keeping my lashes' curl and was indeed waterproof.

The formula is on the drier side, which is how I like my mascaras, but for some reason, this didn't do it for me.

Yes, it made my lashes dark, but I don't really see the "false lashes" claim. Sadly, it fell short in terms of volumizing and lengthening. If you put false lashes on the tube, then I expect to see my lashes from a mile away!

Another downside was, it was a pain to remove. Even if I use an oil-based make up remover, it still would not come off  completely so I ended up not wearing it everyday. And on days I do wear them, I found myself using a volumizing and lenghtening mascara first and then topping it off with this one to keep the curl and seal it in to make it waterproof.

So would I repurchase this? No, I won't, even if it's on sale. But I would definitely check out L'Oreal's other mascaras, yes I am looking at you, Lash Paradise!

'Till next time.

Xoxo,

Missus C

Beauty Haul: YouTube Made Me Buy It!

Happy Monday, makeup junkies! It seems my love for makeup and all things pretty is insatiable. After my long hiatus and coming home to a pile of makeup packages, and getting backups for backups, I promised myself I will no longer be buying any (more) makeup unless I've ran out of them or they need to be replaced. But I guess, after destashing several palettes and with parties to attend coming up, I kinda gave in. Mind you, I exercised control (with great difficulty) and only got things I feel I would really be able to use. So I only purchased 4 items...

Okay, I lied, there's more than 4, but these are the ones I want to talk about today. Lol!

I purchased these online from an IG seller usmadefashion (she now has her own website http://usmfashion.com/).

For quite some time, I have been lusting after Becca's Backlight Priming Filter, and YouTubers have been raving about it for years, but I can't, even for the love of makeup, get myself to buy a 2k Php worth primer, so after seeing it on sale for the holidays, I quickly grabbed the opportunity to get one.

A makeup primer to help blur imperfections and impart a radiant glow.

More than just a primer, it's the secret behind the iconic BECCA glow. Infused with three unique Filtering Luminescent Pearls, each one adds a different drop of diffused light. Blended together, they result in a first of its kind, lightweight, whipped fluid that creates a smooth canvas and acts as an instant filter. Blurs imperfections and give skin a healthy, luminescent glow.

From www.ulta.com

Moving on to recently released products, last year Wet n' Wild took YouTube land by storm when they released these Photo Focus foundation and pressed/setting powder. In fact, up to now, they've been reformulating and releasing new products that are making such a buzz, it's exciting to see what else they have in store for us. And I hope they release it in the Philippines as well soon. By the way, I got these on sale too, they're normally priced at 500Php each but I was able to nab both of them for just 600php (300Php each).

Wet n' Wild Photo Focus Liquid Foundation

Description:

Your skin, only better. Our new high performing, skin-perfecting foundation underwent major road testing under seven different photo lighting conditions to deliver flawless camera-ready makeup every time. Specially made with a matte, light-diffusing complex to give your skin #nofilter perfection.

• High-performing, breakthough formula
• Featuring light-adjusting complex to help prevent white cast in photos
• Tested under 7 light comditions with and wothout the use of flash

Wet n' Wild Photo Focus Pressed Powder

Description:

Your smartphone just met its makeup match. Pack this genius pressed powder in your bag for endlessly amazing photos every time. Light-diffusing pigments give your skin a veil of ailky natural looking perfection in photos and IRL. Wear it alone, on bare skin or over Photo Focus foundation for a flawless finish.

• Sets makeup with an unbelievably soft, satin finish
• Reduces shine throughout the day
• Each shade covers a range of skin tones

From www.wetnwildbeauty.com

And finally, the deal breaker and the primary reason why I temporarily suspended my no-buy status, Colourpop's Yes, Please! Pressed Powder Eyeshadow Palette (1200Php). I have seen pictures and reviews of this palette left and right and finally caved in.

The original fixed 12 pan palette is all about that golden hour glow - the hottest shades inspired by our fave time of the day.

I'll probably be doing a review of this palette soon. I just started using it and would need a few more days to come to a final verdict.

I'm excited to try all of these and see how good these products are myself. I'm sure just like the YouTubers who raved about them, I'll soon be loving them as well.

Xoxo,

Missus C  💄

Product Review: Nyx's Lip Lingerie in Exotic

Hello again, makeup junkies! Since I was MIA for more than six months, I am making up for it by bombarding you with posts before 2017 ends. Lol!

Today, I will be doing a review of Nyx's Lip Lingerie liquid lipstick. Just a disclaimer, this is not a new lip product, in fact, this came sometime late last year when everyone was all about nude/brown lips.

They released new shades since then and are now offering 24 shades (not all 24 are available in the Philippines). But since it looks like the nude lip trend is staying for a while, I thought, I might as well do this review late than never.

Anyway, let's go back to the review. There is indeed a nude shade for everyone.

NUDES FOR ALL

Slip into something seductive with Lip Lingerie, our new weightless liquid lipstick with a plush matte finish. Each stunning shade is also enriched with vitamin E to help lips look and feel ultra-soft.

Description:
Slip into something seductive with Lip Lingerie, our luxurious liquid lipstick with a plush, Matte finish. Available in the color-kissed hues you know and love—from cinnamon pink and chocolate brown, to warm mahogany red and classic nude beige—plus, 12 brand-new nudes! Each sultry shade will coat the curves of your lips with irresistibly creamy color.

Ingredients:
Isododecane, Mineral Oil/Paraffinum Liquidum/Huile Minérale, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polycyclopentadiene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Alumina, Barium Sulfate (CI 77120), Phenoxyethanol. MAY CONTAIN / PEUT CONTENIR (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 (CI 15850), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090). From www.nyxcosmetics.com

Image of the first 12 shades released from www.beautymnl.com

These liquid lipsticks are very reminiscent of their soft matte lip creams. It has the same soft, creamy/moussey formula that does not dry the lips out. The only major difference is the smell. Their lip creams smell amazing, like vanilla, while these lip lingeries smell slightly of paint, although it goes away pretty quickly as soon as you apply it. It also dries down to a true matte, dries faster and lasts longer than the lip creams. It comes in a long clear sturdy plastic tube with a black cap and the standard doe foot applicator albeit flatter. By now, you probably have heard of Nyx coming out with yet another liquid lipstick line called Liquid Suedes, but I have yet to try them. For this review, we're going to talk about the shade, Exotic.

This shade is a muted red (on Nyx's website they refer to it as a mahogany red) and is not something I would really consider as a nude shade, but, hey it's a lovely color, so who am I to complain. In fact, one can wear it everyday or at work without it being too loud, perfect for those who can't or don't want to wear bright reds at work but still want to look polished.

Aside from the items already mentioned above, I feel these lip lingeries tend to settle on the lines  or dry patches on my lips, accentuating them more. But, the plus side is, it stays put for about 5 hours (unless you eat something greasy or oily) and it fades evenly.

Priced at Php 460-490, this may be slightly more expensive than your average drugstore lipstick, however, I'd still say it is a good buy as eventhough it costs more, you don't have to reapply as much as you would a regular lipstick.

My final verdict, a must buy and something I would repurchase! In fact, I ordered two other shades, Embellishment and Ruffle Trim and I am set to get a new tube of Exotic as I am almost out. Looks like I'll be rocking this shade until next year!

Happy New Year and may your 2018 be as merry and bright as your ruby red lipsticks and sparkling glittery eyeshadows!

Xoxo 💄,

Missus C

Unboxing: Althea Korea's Holiday Edition Gold Sparkling Box #38 (2017)

Hello, makeup junkies, yes I am back... Just in time before the new year starts. We are ending 2017 with a bang!

And today, we are unboxing, you guessed it, one of Althea Korea's holiday boxes. I have been dying to try (ordering from) Althea Korea's (website) for the longest time but haven't really found justification for the delivery/shipping fee, until I saw their holiday boxes.

This year, they went all out and came out with 3 boxes: red, black, and gold. And of course, I had to go with the gold one. :)

ALTHEA

No. 1 digital destination for all things K-beauty - shopping, lifestyle, and trends

The box contains a mix of skincare and makeup products that retails for a total of Php 5460. But the box was only Php 1330!

By subscribing to this box, not only was I able to save Php 4130, I also got to try different Korean brands.

The other 2 boxes have different items included, but this gold one got my attention because of the eye patch, and c'mon, if you're going sparkly, you gotta go big! So I went with the gold one. 😜

The box contains 6 items plus a trial pack/sample kit from Missha.

1. Chica-Y-Chico
One Shot Eyeshadow Palette
Price: Php 1490

They included 2 eyeshadow palettes (day and night) in this box, perfect for those who want to start a makeup stash and for those who are eyeshadow hoarders. Each eyeshadow palette costs Php 1490 but is currently on sale for Php590.

2. Leaguertox
Gold Foil Seethrough Illumination Mask
Price: Php 160

This mask according to the website is good for people with dry and dull skin and those who are concerned with wrinkles.

It involves 2 steps:

3. Petitfee
Gold & EGF Eye Spot Patch
Price: Php 1080

Althea Says: Can’t get the recommended amount of 8 hours of sleep a night? That’s alright, with Petitfee’s Gold & EGF Eye Spot Patch, you can fake it till you look it! Made with black pearl collagen and gold powder, this luxurious eye mask is full of amino acids to help regeneration and purification to make the skin more plump and radiant, as well as provide anti-oxidizing and anti-aging effects to these delicate areas. Panda eyes, be gone!

Size: 1.6g x 60 pieces

Type: All skin types

Color: -

How To Use: After cleansing and toning face, apply patches under eyes and allow to sit for 30 minutes before removing and patting remaining essence into the skin very gently.

4. Onsaemeein
Lumiere Gold Daily Cream
Price: Php 730

Its 5 main ingredients are: Gold, Propolis Extract, Shea Butter, Niacinamide, and Adenosine.

5. Nakeup Face
C-Cup Lip Tox-tick
Price: Php 1200

Say No to Fillers!
High-color Formula
Kiss proof
Lip Plumper+Lip Balm+Lip Tint+Lipstick+Lip Treatment

6. Missha
Gold Line Skincare Sample Kit

And there you have it! I haven't really gotten around using and testing any of the products as I just received the box a couple of weeks ago. By the way, it took about two weeks for the box to arrive I've almost forgotten it. What I do like about it is I didn't have to pay extra for customs even though it came from Korea, since Althea has partnered with a local courier to ship the boxes. Oh and I also liked that it came in a Christmas themed box! (What can I say, I'm a sucker for cute packaging) 😊. As of this writing, the gold box is sold out, but great news, the black and red boxes are still available! So if you want to check them out just visit their website www.althea.kr

Xoxo,

Missus C 💄

Product Review: BH Cosmetics x Carli Bybel's Eyeshadow and Highlighter Palette

Are you looking for a relatively cheap palette that would give you great everyday looks?

Your prayers have been answered, makeup junkies. Presenting, the palette I've been obssessed with for the last couple of months: Carli Bybel's palette in collaboration with BH Cosmetics!

This baby includes 10 eyeshadows (5 mattes plus 5 shimmers/satin) and 4 highlighters!

If you like watching YouTube videos of makeup gurus, you've probably come across Carli Bybel. She is one of the prettiest and nicest makeup enthusiasts in the YouTube community and I'm happy that she was given the opportunity to collaborate with a good brand like BH Cosmetics. When she created this palette, she said she wanted it to be affordable, but still of good quality. 

And boy, did she make sure to follow through with that vision...

I love how the glossy cardboard (with a magnetic closure) packaging is sleek, sturdy and easy to clean. Plus points for the mirror! I also love the details she included, from the adorable penguin on the side, and the cute flowers embossed on the highlighters, to the quote "Aspire to Inspire".

All the shadows are really easy to work with, pigmented and creamy. Even the matte ones. But, since they are soft and creamy they tend to kick up a lot of powder or have fall outs but that can be easily resolved by just tapping off the excess. I mean, for Php 1,100, this palette delivers more than I could ever dream of.

The first row has 4 matte shades that are mostly shades of pink or lilac.

I love the first row! And even though some of the shades are very similar on the eyes, I still use them almost every single day.

The second row has a lot of golden/copper colors and are mostly shimmers.

Since I already have several palettes with golds, coppers,  bronzes, and browns, I rarely use this row, but when I do, the looks I create always turn out really well.

The last row which is for the highlighters is my favorite! I mix the first two shades, go crazy, and put them everywhere! While the third and last one I use as a bronzer or eyeshadows.

Here's a look I created using the palette. I am not angry, the sun was just bright. Lol!

The transition shade I used on my crease is not part of the palette. I used my Bahama Mama bronzer from theBalm.

The verdict, this is an awesome palette! The only cons I see are, it's limited edition, there are shades that look really similar, the matte shades have fall out/kick up, and the lack of a brown matte transition shade, otherwise this is the perfect palette for me.

Xoxo,

Missus C 💋

Unboxing: Saladbox x Benefit's Better Together February 2017 Box

February a.k.a the Love Month may have already ended but just before it did, Saladbox in collaboration with Benefit decided to show us how much love they have to give 💓! Presenting: February 2017's Better Together box.

This would be my second box and I'm a bit sad my three-month subscription is about to end. I really liked their Mary Kay January 2017 box and it looks like I will like this month's box as well. Are you makeup junkies excited to see what's inside? Let's take a look, shall we?

The items inside didn't really come as a surprise as Saladbox has been revealing the items that may be included in the boxes even before they started shipping.

What surprised me was on the Sample Select e-mail they sent, I chose Box B which includes the They're Real Mascara and the Porefessional Pore Minimizing Makeup, instead of their Benetint and Porefessional Primer, but I still got Box A. Oh well, they did say it is first come first serve, it's a good thing still ended up liking what I got.

1. They're Real! Double the Lip in Lusty Rose

Full lips that keep it real

Get fuller-looking lips in one easy stroke with they’re real! double the lip. This lip liner & lipstick in one features a Custom Teardrop Tip that grabs and defines your lip line and fills in lips with complementing color for the appearance of volume and dimension. This semi-matte lipstick comes in neutral to bright shades for visibly fuller, sexier lips.

• 91% said lips look visibly fuller & sexier*
• 92% said it grabs & defines the lip line*
• 8-hour longwear lipstick**

2. The POREfessional Face Primer

Pores...now you see ‘em, now you don’t!

Quickly minimize the appearance of pores & fine lines for smoother-than-smooth skin! Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. The translucent formula contains a vitamin E derivative known to protect skin from free radicals.

• Oil-free
• Complements all skintones
• Helps makeup stay put

3. Goof Proof Brow Pencil

Good-proof brows...really!

Presto…everyone’s an expert with this super easy filling & shaping eyebrow pencil. It features a custom, non-sharpen “goof-proof” tip, soft color and a glide-on formula for easy & fast brow filling. Comes complete with built-in blending spoolie-brush and signature Tips & Tricks!

• 12-hour* waterproof** formula
• 95% said it was easy to fill & shape brows***
• 94% said it gives beautiful brows on the first try***

4. POREfessional Matte Rescue Gel

Your secret weapon against pores

Matte rescue instantly minimizes pore appearance. The lightweight, water-based gel overpowers shine and absorbs excess surface oil, leaving a natural-looking matte finish. Skin feels smooth and refreshed. Contains diamond powder known for its soft-focus pore-blurring effect.

• 92% said it mattifies shine instantly*
• 92% said skin feels clean, refreshed*
• 89% said it absorbs excess surface oil instantly*

5. Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain

The sexiest flush you can get from a bottle!

Our original rose-tinted stain is kiss-proof, see-through color for lips & cheeks that lasts for hours. Originally created for an exotic dancer in the 1970s, benetint has soared to cult fave status. It's loved by celebs, makeup artists and gals around the world.

• Sheer & sexy on all complexions
• Innocent yet provocative
• Long-lasting wear

Product description from https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/ph/en

I also would like to show you what they had in store for the guys in their Saladbox Man January-February 2017 Reboot Box.

I only got a a month's worth of subscription (Php 600) as a gift for my husband. Unfortunately, I didn't get it in time for Valntine's Day, although he did like the contents. I hope I don't end up having him hooked on subscription boxes too. Lol!

Xoxo,

Missus C 💋