Product Review: Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal

The time for me to review this beauty has finally arrived!


Yaass! Right after taking pictures of my last haul, I couldn't contain my excitement and immediately played with this baby! Becca's Opal Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed (Powder).


Becca Opal Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed ($38.00 for 0.28 oz.) is described as a “golden opal pearl.” It’s a light-medium, golden champagne with a frosted, reflective finish. -www.temptalia.com

I had to remind myself to use it sparingly, savor it and make it last as the pan is quite small and costly, compared to my other highlighters. In the end, I'm glad I went with the powder version instead of the liquid (spotlight) one, as not only does it have better reviews for oily skin, upon checking the box, the expiration of the pressed version is actually longer. It expires after 24 months from opening whereas the liquid version is good for 9 months only.


Although I did hear there is a slight difference between the two in terms of color, both have the same undertone. With the exception of the pressed version being a tad more golden compared to the spotlight.

To be honest, I didn't really need another highlighter and I was worried it would be too similar to E.L.F.'s Pinktastic, which I already have, but I couldn't pass up such a great deal!
Left: Opal      Right: Pinktastic

As you can see from the swatches above, they are still a bit different from each other. Opal (pressed) has more gold while Pinktastic is more champagne. I'm thinking, Pinktastic would be more similar to the liquid version of Opal. Now, let's talk about how different it is from (my) other highlighters.

1st: Celeteque from Blush and Face Contour Kit, 2nd: theBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer, 3rd: Becca's Opal, 4th: Makeup Revolution's Inhale, and 5th: ELF's Pinktastic

Some of you may say, they all look the same, and at first that was what I thought too, but after swatching them side by side, although similar, there are still subtle variations to these highlighters. I'm glad I didn't end up getting the exact same color/s of highlighters.

So aside from the color, being different, I feel Opal appears more glittery on the skin than my other highlighters. Don't get me wrong, the glitters are so fine, you can barely see them, plus the glitters/shimmers didn't really affect the product as it is still super fine and smooth to the touch! It is so finely-milled and soft, it almost feels creamy. And that's what I think, contributes to the "luminous" factor.

What sets this apart is it's longevity. This lasts all day! I can wear it in the morning and still see it by the time I get home at night, which is something none of my other highlighters do. The only downside is, you would have to clean up the rest of your face on the 6th hour mark as some of the glitters transfer.

A word of caution, however, since this is highly-pigment, it may emphasize your pores if applied too much. I suggest using a light hand and a fan/stippling brush or a moderately dense brush. Start with a little product and just lightly dust it on top of the cheekbones, tip of the nose and cupid's bow. Then go back and build it up if needed.

The verdict: definitely a must-have! Especially now that strobing is the new contouring! Eventhough it's on the more expensive side, you won't really be using too much of it and it can last a long time. It's of great quality, so you'd get your money's worth. Although, I still don't see myself spending almost 3k (pesos) for the full-size, this got me thinking about looking at their other shades (in deluxe sizes, lol!).

'Till the next post. You glow, girl!

Xoxo,
Missus C 💋

This Just In: Freedom Makeup, Beauty MNL & Sample Room Hauls and Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector

In the last couple of months, maybe weeks, I've been a very good girl and have limited my makeup purchases (with the exception of one or 2 beauty boxes).

That's why it's pretty exciting for me to receive packages in the mail again! Let's start with the free items I got. I received 5 Freedom Makeup lipsticks and 5 liquid lipsticks from Filipino YouTuber Xanapea (you should watch her videos and subscribe, she's really talented! I found out about her when she won Beauty Bound Asia with Kris Lumagui last year), for joining and winning her 5k subscribers giveaway.


From the founders of Makeup Revolution, Freedom Makeup is a professional makeup brand, aimed at makeup artists - aspiring or established. Our range of affordable products are made with the highest quality, professional formulas to help you perfect your skills. At Freedom Makeup you will find the staple iconic products that every artist should have in their kit, as well as on-trend star formulas. -From Freedom Makeup's website/www.tambeauty.com & www.iamfreedomawards.com.

I also got a few beauty products from Sample Room using my points (they were even nice and thoughtful enough to throw in a sachet of Head & Shoulders Shampoo to use with the hair dye). I only paid shipping for these items. I will be trying these out for a week and then post reviews on their site to get my points back to use on future purchases. You can click here to view my previous post about Sample Room.

1. Shades Cream Hair Dye in Light Brown Php 120

Introducing an affordable and safe solution to getting non-damaging, full coverage, long-lasting hair color in just 30 minutes! With its #SureAndSafe formula, you can be sure that every coloring process is free from harmful Parabens and heavy metals to color both virgin and dyed hair with care! It is also infused with Built-In Conditioning Actives like Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein to give your hair the moisture it needs during the entire hair coloring process.
The Shades® Cream Hair Dye Sure & Safe Formula is:
- Sure  to give long-lasting, vibrant color
- Safe and free from hair-damaging chemicals*
- Infused with Built-In Conditioning Actives for healthy hair color
*Free from Parabens and Heavy Metals like Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, and Cadmium 

Your Shades® Cream Hair Dye kit contains:  
- 50g Cream Colorant Tube
- 50mL Cream Developer Bottle
- Shades Protective Gloves
- Instruction Leaflet
-From www.sampleroom.ph

2. Cathy Doll L-Glutathione Magic Cream Php 299

This cream from Cathy Doll guarantees that your skin will be bright and spot-free. Containing L-Glutathione and SPF50 PA+++, its high-definition UV protection and whitening ingredients immediately brightens your skin and penetrates skin layers fast to minimize dryness, ward off heat and deliver an intense cooling sensation.

- L-Glutathione and Whitening + Pore tightening ingredients
- SPF50 PA+++
- Made in South Korea
- 60ml
www.sampleroom.ph

3. Silka Whitening Soap with Shea Butter (90g) Php 32

Silka Whitening soap with Shea Butter is the brand’s scientific soap variant. It is blended with active whitening ingredients plus Shea Butter for a more nourished skin. Priced lower than competitors, thus sticking to what we’ve always known for - offering more for less  

-New Whitening Soap variant of Silka
-Replaces existing Silka Whitening Soap
-Active ingredients: Shea Butter
-Claims: Whitens in 14 days
-Scent: Mild butter
-Works on all skin types
www.sampleroom.ph

And then came the items I ordered from Beauty MNL's website. They are currently celebrating their 2nd year and they had a lot of products on sale (until October 15, 2016) that's why I gave in to temptation and bought random items that are somewhat beauty related.


1. Orange & Vanilla Dry Shampoo Made by David Organics Php 179 (Orig. Price Php 250)

WHAT TO LOVE: Get gorgeously bouncy, sweet-smelling and healthy-looking hair in an instant. Perfect for days when you’re always on-the-go, Made by David Organics’ super convenient Orange and Vanilla Dry Shampoo absorbs excess oil and grease, increases volume and adds lustrous shine… fast.

HOW TO USEShake out a small amount onto scalp. Massage into hair to absorb dirt and oil. Use as often as needed.

About the brand: Made by David Organics is all about providing carefully crafted products that are naturally healthy, generously nourishing, and sweet little pleasures to use. Everything they make is created with a lot of love, tons of passion, and a fair conscience. This is it right here, your new favorite part of your beauty and wellness regimen! -From Beauty MNL's website www.beautymnl.com

2. Bonni Makeup Sponge Php 300

CLAIM TO FAME: A unique sponge that creates a flawless foundation finish

FAST FACTS: Seamlessly blends and buffs foundation into skin; features a 1.25’’ sponge head with a rounded base and pointed tip; delivers quick and easy coverage to all areas of the face; can be used wet or dry; part of Morphe’s Studio PRO collection

PERFECT FOR: Professional-worthy makeup base

About the brand: Bonni is a proudly local beauty brand that offers professional tools for makeup artists and amateurs alike. Shop its hero product, the Bonni Makeup Sponge, right here on BeautyMNL! -From Beauty MNL's website www.beautymnl.com

2. Farmstay Grape Stem Cell Whitening Ample Php 590 (Orig. Price Php 690)

CLAIM TO FAME: A concentrated whitening and anti-aging facial serum

FAST FACTS: Lightens dark spots and blemishes with niacinamide; hydrates, nourishes, and strengthens skin with grape callus extract that’s rich in vitamins and minerals; reveals clearer, smoother, radiant, more elastic skin

PERFECT FOR: Refining skin tone and texture

How to Use: After washing with cleanser and applying toner, apply over the entire face or to targeted dark spots.

About the brand: Farmstay is a Korean beauty brand that offers innovative skincare and makeup. Each product contains active ingredients derived from natural and organic sources to ensure every cream, cleanser, and essence is good for your skin. Experience nature’s way to a healthier, more beautiful complexion with Farmstay! -From Beauty MNL's website www.beautymnl.com



And the star of this haul, the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Opal (travel size 2.40g) Php 700 + Php 100 shipping fee


I ordered this from IG reseller usmadefashion. The transaction went quickly and smoothly. I originally ordered the Spotlight wand or liquid version of this, but after reading some comments about how the powder version works better on oily skin, I opted to go with this instead, and she was nice enough to let me. She even gave me a sachet/sample (1.5ml) of Smashbox's Photofinish Foundation Primer, which I haven't tried before and am excited to use! Check her Instagram account.

About
Enhance your features wherever you go with the radiance of Opal On The Go, a duo of travel-size luminizers in BECCA’s bestelling Opal shade.
Set contains:
  • Shimmering Skin Perfector® Pressed Opal (deluxe size): a creamy, luminizing powder highlighter that veils skin in a soft, pearlized glow with a high-shine finish.
  • Shimmering Skin Perfector® Opal: a lustrous liquid highlighter that perfects the skin with light-reflecting pearls for a dewy, natural-looking finish.
Benefits

  • Free of sulfates, phthalates and fragrance.
  • Travel size. 

What it is: 
A creamy, luminizing powder highlighter to light up the features you love with a high-shine finish. 

What it does: 
Achieve a refined glow in any light with this bestselling highlighter. Shimmering Skin Perfector™ Pressed is enriched with ultrafine luminescent pearls that absorb, reflect, and refract light to amplify your natural radiance. Like a compact full of crushed gemstones, the multi-toned pigment pearls adjust to your skin’s natural undertones. They’re perfect for intense highlighting or layering to create a truly unique glow. Unlike traditional methods, the one-of-a-kind formula blends pigments with liquids, providing an unparalleled, creamy application with balanced color coverage. The result is a high-shine, elegant shimmer finish that doesn’t look glittery. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
- Parabens 


HOW TO USE

Suggested Usage:
-Sweep across the face or apply to targeted areas, including cheekbones, browbones, and the bridge of the nose.
-From www.sephora.ph/becca and m.sephora.com

It's so pretty, it looks like unicorn tears collected and pressed into a compact! 😂 I will be using this for a few days/weeks to see if everything they're saying is true and then I'll keep you posted.

And that's all for this week's haul! Remember: With geat eyebrows, come great responsibility! 😉

Xoxo,

Missus C 💋