Review + Coverage Test: Fashion21 Perfect Stick w/ Tea Tree Oil SPF50

I was searching for a new foundation and concealer. I wanted it to be from a local brand again. There are two products I found with good reviews. San San HD Pen Concealer and Fashion21’s Perfect Stick. San San has positive reviews when it comes to coverage and staying power…. But I’m a germ freak and it has a built in brush. So I decided to go for Fashion21. The brand is available in department stores.

Description:
Our already-Perfect Stick gets an extra boost of perfection with the addition of tea-tree oil to challenge facial blemishes. Goodbye, pimples and acne! This is aside from the existing benefits of SPF 50+. This stick is perfect for normal to oily skin, and comes in four tea-themed shades. It is best finished with Fashion 21 Loose Powder or the Pressed Powder with Cucumber Extract.

Ingredients:

Pros:
– Available in department stores
– Local brand
– Affordable, 195 pesos
– 11g of product
– Mild tea tree oil scent
– A little creamy
– Easy to blend
– Good coverage for redness
– Covers most of my spots
– Light to medium coverage

Cons:
– Doesn’t last long, make sure to prep and set your makeup!
– Has talc

Neutral:
– Has a slight powder finish

Fashion21 is a local brand but this product is made in Taiwan. Just putting it out there. This is one of the few foundations that’s close to my skin tone. Milk Tea is the lightest shade and with yellow undertone. It glides on smoothly and easy to blend. It has light coverage and can be built up to medium or full depending on how you apply it. Tea tree oil is the last ingredient which gives a mild scent. I don’t expect makeup with anti acne ingredients to heal blemishes. Makeup does not go deep inside the pores unlike skin care products.

It doesn’t last long but a primer and setting powder will fix the problem. I’m neutral about the powder finish. If you have dry skin, moisturize first because this can accentuate dry patches. Setting powder is a must for oily skin. Others use it as foundation for the whole face. I like to use it as concealer. It’s buildable to medium coverage so I just blend the edges and not touch the part where I need to cover. It’s not as good as my trusty ol Catrice Camouflage Cream but 11 grams of concealer? Why not? It doesn’t hurt my wallet since it’s 195 pesos only and easily accessible. I’ll explore this brand more.

Makeup Empties + Review Recap

I’m cleaning my makeup bag and I’m going to throw all used up and expired products. I dont know why I love to keep empty packagings. It’s like I’m attached to them. Is that weird? Haha. I decided to have a review recap just to see if my opinions change over time or I’d consider to repurchase them again.

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Essence Superfine Eyeliner Pen
I remember using this once or twice only because it’s dry. Yes, it was already dry from my first swatch. It was difficult for me to create sharp wings. I expect drugstore items to work just as good as other brands. I wont repurchase this although it’s affordable. Old review here

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Etude House Oh M Eye Line

My first ever liquid liner. I reviewed this last year. Good if you’re just practicing with ulzzang makeup. It crumbles and you wont have panda eyes if you made a mistake. I dont like the applicator. It’s like a thin sponge. Not a brush that’s why it’s also difficult to create sharp wings. I guess this is more for ulzzang liner. You know the one that isnt as sharp and doesn’t need much precise application. I wont repurchase this again simply because of its sponge applicator. Old review here

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Pink Sugar Our Lil Secret Concealer
Local beauty bloggers were raving about this last year. I tried this and I expected so much from this. It does give light to buildable medium coverage. I wont repurchase this. It breaks my heart but unfortunately there’s no shade for me. I’m in between the 01 and 02. I was planning to mix the two but I think it’s impossible since it’s water based and sets quickly. It oxidizes on me turning to orange. It’s so easy for me to find a good shade from korean brands. I guess I have to stick with them for face products. Old review here

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The Face Shop Lovely Me:Ex Design My Eyebrow

Bought this twice. This is definitely one of the best brow pencils in my opinion. It has triangular shape to help you draw and fill in sparse areas. It did not make my brows look drawn. It’s natural looking perfect for everyday use. The Face Shop has monthly promos. There are times that this item is on buy 1 take 1 promo. I will repurchase this once I’m done with my two pencils from other brands. Old review here

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The Face Shop Lovely Me:Ex Stick ConcealerI love using it on my undereye as it instantly brightens the area. It can be cakey though but it wont be a problem if you’ll use the right amount. It’s not oily and long lasting. I noticed its fragrance. It’s like lemon fresh scent. I’m exploring other brands so I wont repurchase this. Old review here

Finally, my bag has space again….. space for what? Maybe for new products. Excuses excuses. I’ll definitely visit a department store soon. I hope my wallet will allow me to have a little haul.😅

What’s the one makeup you would keep on repurchasing and one that you regret? Share your experience in the comments below.😊

Review + Swatch: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 25 Medium

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer is finally available in the Philippines. Raved by beauty gurus. They say it’s a dupe for Urban Demcay Naked Skin Concealer and NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. Pinays love it too even if it was only available online before. Finally, I got my hands on it in shade 25. I want to see what’s so good about it.

Description:
Fit Me® Concealer makeup for flawless, natural coverage. This oil-free concealer matches skin tones to deliver a more even complexion.

Ingredients from Maybelline’s website:

Swatch and color:

Pros:
-Affordable, 299 pesos
-Oil free, very important for me
-No scent
-Little goes a long way
-Lightweight
-Did not cause breakouts
-Doesn’t accentuate pores
-Doesnt oxidize
-Hides mild hyperpigmentation
-Effectively covers dark circles

Cons:
-Limited shades especially in the Philippines. I didnt even get the right color for covering dark spots
-Can settle in creases
-Cannot cover severe hyperpigmentation

My issues with oil free makeup are oxidization and pore enlargement. Luckily, this concealer didnt do any of those. Yes!! It’s great for dark circles. It’s a salmon shade again, known for covering undereye area. It’s creamy and thick but lightweight. It’s oil free but its finish is slightly dewy. Easy to blend and good for highlighting.

If you dont like dewy finish like me, let it set for a while and dab a tissue to remove shine before applying powder. As for hyperpigmentation, it can cover mild spots and redness. I couldnt fully test it since I got a shade that isnt for me. It stays long if you set it with powder. I recommend it. A good product to set standards for someone who’s starting with makeup.

What’s your favorite concealer?

April 2016 Favorites

A lot of things have happened this month. Stressful stuff but I still had time to switch products and use them all up. I’m going through my stash because I dont want to waste anything.

SKIN CARE

BELO Kojic + Tranexamic Acid
My skin got used to my holy grail cleanser. I took a break from it and tried this soap. My main problem is dark spots and I need to lighten them. I noticed this soap has Salicylic and Lactic acid for antibacterial and exfoliation. It’s too harsh for the whole face. I’m using it on breakouts only. Full review will be up soon!

COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
My current spot treatment. It’s effective to turn my cystic acne into a whitehead/that stage when it’s healing and about to dry out. I think its formulation is too strong so I dont use it for big areas on the face.

MAKE UP

THE FACE SHOP Lovely Me:Ex Stick Concealer
I lack sleep these past few weeks and my undereye area became darker. I’m reaching for TFS stick concealer to cover my dark circles. It does the job and it’s not cakey.

ETUDE HOUSE Oh M Eye Line
I think I need a liquid liner with thinner brush. I’m just using it all up. I’m practicing how to do winged liner on my monolid. I’m getting the hang of it. This liner is good for beginners because it’s easy to remove. It crumbles and doesnt smudge when you remove it.

BODY CARE

JERGENS Hydrating Coconut
I love to use this at night. It smells so good and the scent relaxes me. It’s sinks in the skin quickly and doesnt leave sticky/oily feeling.

ACCESSORIES

ETUDE HOUSE My Beauty Tool Lash Curler for Monolid
I didnt know there’s a curler specifically for monolid. It grabs the lashes easier and curls them up effectively.

BEAUTY BAR Compact Mirror
Im confident to use this mirror because my flaws are not prominent when I look at it. It has two sides, regular and a magnified one. Nope, it’s not like in the department stores. Those mirrors at makeup counters are too magnified that they just show flaws. Haha. It’s their strategy too, I guess.

MUSIC

SS501 – Love Ya
I watched Boys Before Flowers again and finished all episodes in 3 days. I was focused on Gu Jun Pyo before. This time, I was into the character of Kim Hyun Joong, Ji Hoo. I missed his group SS501 after watching the drama. Love Ya is my favorite song. I started listening to it again everyday. Seriously, it’s my LSS. I still support their group despite his issues. I’m glad their sub-group SS301 performed this year.

2NE1 songs
2NE1 is my one and only favorite girl group. They changed the Kpop game to fierce and badass in 2009. The whole fandom of blackjacks were devastated on YG Entertainment’s statement. Minzy didn’t renew her contract and she’s leaving the group. I kept on watching their last performance as 4 members at Mnet Asian Music Awards 2015. We’re waiting for their comeback for too long while the other members are doing side projects. Maknae was kinda left out. No, I’m not blaming the girls. The management should’ve done something. This is the negative side of being an artist/celebrity, income and projects are not fixed.

So that’s it. Sorry this post has too much text. I need to reduce my ramblings.😂

Review + Before & After: Pink Sugar Our Lil Secret Concealer in Light Medium

I wanted to get this concealer for so long. It’s raved by pinay bloggers. They said it’s full coverage and that’s I want. We all know that full coverage is my thing. I’d love any product that can cover my dark spots . And did I mention, Pink Sugar is a local/Philppine brand?

Description:
Delivers long-lasting full coverage; soothes and calms inflamed skin with cucumber fruit and chamomile extracts; nourishes with aloe vera and vitamins A, C, and E; applies smoothly and blends silkily

Ingredients:

Pros:
-Local brand
-Affordable, Php299 (approx. $6)
-Amount of product, 13ml
-Available in stores and online
-Simple packaging, reminds me of lipgloss tube
-Water-based & oil free
-Little goes a long way
-Doesn’t feel heavy on the skin
-Matte finish
-Lasts long
-Medium coverage for me

Cons:
-BHA in it bothered me. Not sure if it caused my recent breakout.
-Sets fast. I find it difficult to dab/blend
-Comes in 4 shades only
-Can be cakey especially on the undereye
-Can accentuate pores

Before & After:Oh parang tatlong maria lang no? Hahaha.😂

I’m sure it has only a little amount of BHA. I was bothered because I had purging/breakout before while using a BHA toner. Recently, I had a breakout. This concealer and the reformulated powder foundation were the only 2 things I’ve changed in my routine.

I got the 2nd lightest shade. It’s warm tone and realized later that it’s dark on me. Even the cool tone (01) is still dark on me. I didnt pick that because it’s not my undertone. This sets really fast so there’s no chance of mixing both colors.

Sorry if I had to put powder in the after photo. My powder fixes the color a little bit. I can only apply a thin second layer or else it’ll be obvious that it’s dark. So I can’t test it to its maximum coverage.

It’s thicker compared to usual tube concealers. I have oily skin and it can still look cakey on me. I dont use it on the undereye area. It can also accentuate pores. If you have big pores like me, apply a primer first on your forehead or sides of the nose before this. I won’t recommend it on the undereye area. It’s water-based so you might not like it if you have dry skin/patches.

Surprisingly, it doesn’t feel heavy and sticky at all. Looking at the ingredients, I’m assuming it’s oil-free and water based. This is a great concealer. It provides buildable coverage from medium to full. You’ll get 13ml for 299 pesos? I think it’s worth it. Sana lang damihan yung shades.😊

Oh btw, Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!😊❤️

Wish List: Makeup Edition

I browsed my wish list and most of the products are skin care. I guess I’m obsessed. I have other items on my list aside from that. I suck at many things including makeup. I depend on bloggers and youtubers especially for concealers. I like to see full coverage routine on people who have acne prone skin. They justify if a product gives medium to full coverage.😊

Enough of the ramblings, let’s start~

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BB Cream

HOLIKA HOLIKA Aqua Petit Jelly BB Cream – approx. P680
This doesn’t provide coverage. I’m planning to use this as my base since it’s feels light on the skin. BB cream gives dewy and glowing look even if it has matte finish. I need it underneath my concealer & foundation to have hint of glow. I have oily skin so I don’t like to overdo it.

CELETEQUE Brightening Multi-Benefit BB Cream – P325
I love Celeteque’s alcohol-free toner. I think it wouldn’t hurt to try their bb cream. It’s very affordable. I think you can get this at all department stores. It’s only in one shade though. I hope it’ll suit my skin tone.

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Powder Foundation

ELLANA MINERALS Radiant Concealer & Foundation – P499
I’ve never tried mineral makeup before. Ellana is a local brand. It sounds promising because of its dual function. I’m assuming that it will add more coverage. This is specifically for warm tone with dark spots/blemishes. Each tub weighs 6g. It’s quite expensive for me but I’m trying to look for makeup with few ingredients.

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Concealer

Pot/cream concealers usually give medium to full coverage while liquid & stick concealer usually give light to medium coverage.

NYX Concealer Jar – P360
I prefer to use cream/pot concealers because I need medium to full coverage for my dark spots. A blogger said this can be a dupe for MAC’s concealer aside from my all time favorite Tony Moly pot concealer.

KRYOLAN Dermacolor Camouflage Creme Trio Set – $23.30
Em Ford (mypaleskin on youtube) used this a lot in her videos when she still had breakouts. I’m surprised that it really covers her blemishes. This is also Wayne Goss’ best concealer for 2015. I wanted to get the full size pot but I doubt I’ll get my perfect shade. It’s freaking expensive if I get 2 pots. I thought a palette is great so I can mix colors to get my shade. Or I could just get the refills and look for a container. The refill is $5. 😛

COLLECTION Lasting Perfection Concealer – P299
Em Ford also used this a lot in her videos before she discovered Kryolan. It’s very affordable and the coverage is good too. I’ve seen a blogger’s swatch and it covers her dark spots. That convinced me.

INGLOT Cream Concealer – P895
I passed by Inglot’s shop before. I’ve never heard of it. I searched the brand and looked for their concealers. I found a swatch where this concealer can almost cover a tattoo. It’s 10ml for 895 pesos. I think it’s a good deal. They have wide shade selection to choose from.

PINK SUGAR Our Lil’ Secret Concealer – P299
Another local brand and I assume it’s promising. A lot of pinay bloggers are raving about this so it must be really good. One blogger said it sets like cement…. Cement, sounds good to my oily skin. I have to try it at their counter to know if I wont have a hard time applying it.

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I dont think too much about lips and brows. I can use anything for them. This wish list is full of face products. I focus on coverage because I have A LOT of dark spots. I wish I could go out without makeup but unfortunately I can’t. I would go out bare faced if our society isn’t messed up.

Review + Before & After Photos: Aritaum Full Cover Liquid Concealer in 02 Natural Beige

Good evening readers. It’s time for a makeup review. Now, you might be wondering why I got it in a small container. This is a repackaged version that I got from Korean Cosmetics-Philippines. Sellers are repackaging products so people could try them and see if it will work out before buying the full size.

Anyway let’s proceed. I got the Natural Beige 02. It’s darker than my skin right after applying it but it does blend afterwards especially with my powder foundation.

What is it:
Soft texture: Easy to apply. Perfect covering. Containing Rosehip fruit extracts: Moisturizing

Swatches
Covering my dark circles

Covering my dark spots from chickenpox

Pros:
– Full size (25 ml) will last for months
– Little goes a long way
– Thick consistency, close to pot/cream concealers
– Satin finish
– Long lasting
– Can be used as highlighter
– Great for covering redness
– Provides great coverage for dark circles
– Buildable coverage for dark spots & imperfections

Cons:
– Comes in 2 shades only
– Can settle in creases
– Can accentuate dry areas

The cons depend on your skin condition and how you apply it. I used this concealer in the morning and my eye area still looks lively. It has satin finish that can still give you subtle glow. 🙂

Overall, I like this concealer. It does its job pretty well and met my expectations. It provides the coverage that I want. I recommend this to those who are looking for a reasonably priced concealer. Just make sure your skin is well moisturized. 🙂

Review: Aida Cosmetic Wonder Pen Concealer SPF45

This is my third post this weekend about new stuff. Tonight’s review is about Aida Cosmetic Wonder Pen Concealer. I also have a surprise for you so please keep on reading. 🙂

At first, I thought this is just for covering dark circles. But Im also using this on my blemishes/dark spots since I like multifuctional products. Im also using this as a highlighter sometimes on my nose.

It’s not just for the eye area but also for covering blemishes which is stated in its description

Here’s the packaging:

The brush: Note that when you open a new one, the brush is white. 🙂

As eye concealer: