Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette Review

This review has been a long time coming! I purchased this palette back in June as I felt I needed more  variety in my eyeshadows. I had both cools and mattes, but strangely not enough warm colours, which compliment my skin tone very well. After a long period of indecision, I settled on the Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette, which got a lot of praise with its launch last year.

It's housed in a very slim cardboard palette with a magnetic close, something I thought I wouldn't buy for myself but here we are! I do find that because of its size, its easy to slot in, making it (hold your eye rolls, I know you hear this all the time) "perfect for travel". 

The palette itself contains 10 shades that lean warm. It has a good range of lights and darks, and includes 6 shimmery shades and 4 matte shades. Honestly, I would definitely wear all the shades save for the last two (Infusion and Delicate Acidity) only because I don't know how to incorporate them into a look I would wear daily. The rest however, have already been used numerous times!

As soon as I swatched them, I was blown away by the quality of the shadows. It came out pigmented, buttery, and very even, something not even my best Urban Decay eyeshadows can manage (yep, I said it). Its not overly pigmented that its hard to work with, but you're not constantly building colour just to achieve opacity, either.

I find that there is little fallout on the pan and on the skin, which is a huge plus in my book. I do keep the transparent guard that comes with it which helps keep the palette clean, which might explain why my palette still looks almost unused. I like my things very clean, what can I say?

I find that these last for a good 5-6 hours before they begin to fade, but take note that this is in humidity. I tried these on when I was in Ireland and I found they lasted for about 2 hours more. It creases around the 7 hour mark, which isn't too bad considering my oily eyelids! I do always wear primer, though I'd imagine that this would wear better on drier lids.

This cost me around 1106 PHP when I purchased it at Sephora PH. It retails for 21.80 EUR on the Zoeva website. It may not be available in offline stores but it is widely available online; you would just have to pick the site depending on your location.

This is easily one of the best eyeshadow palette purchases I've made (which is a bold statement considering how much I loved my Naked 2 and Too Faced Natural Matte Palette) and I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for warm eyeshadows on a budget! 

Friday, September 09, 2016

Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette Review

By Pauline Read More

Etude House Chiffon Lipstick (109) Review

For the beauty post! 

I wasn't alerted to the release of this product until my best friend raved to me about how amazing the formula and colour of their nude lipstick was. Since I do vouch for the quality of Korean cosmetics, I knew I had to give the Etude House Dear My Lips Talk Chiffon Lipstick in BE109 (what a mouthful) a go.

Packaging-wise, its different from Etude House's usual design where they have a bow in the middle where the lipstick opens. Instead the tube is lighter, sleeker, and more minimalistic, though it is still in the usual colour pink outside. It's nothing too special, but you do have to admit that its really cute.

I've also been on the hunt for a decent nude lipstick myself, but I wasn't so willing to splurge on MAC Hug Me, which was the one I've been eyeing for a good few years now. I took a chance with this colour and I do have to say that I am pleasantly surprised. The colour is a browny nude that leans a little dark, but not too dark that it looks unnatural or too stark. There aren't any hints of peachiness or pinkness to it, which is why I think it doesn't wash me out. 

Formula-wise, its definitely a cross between a satin and a matte. Its definitely not a drying matte at all, but if you rub the lipstick between the lips, you can feel a very slight graininess to the texture. It definitely doesn't have that shine as most nude lipsticks do, but its not flat like liquid lipsticks. The dryness peaks at about 3-4 hours, by which I would recommend a lip balm just to make the wear more comfortable. It is very lightweight, so much that I do forget I'm wearing it from time to time.

There is a light, candy scent upon application, but its pleasant and fades after 20 minutes or so. It lasts 3-4 hours on me without eating or drinking, and leaves a very light stain. I didn't expect it to last for hours anyway, but those looking for a long-lasting nude lipstick should take note.

I will say that I'm slightly pissed that this broke from the base (pictures to follow). I'm pretty sure I didn't drop it, but its something that has happened to lipsticks that I did drop, so do be careful when handling this so you don't have to struggle repairing it like I did. 

It cost 12000 KRW, which is roughly around 500 PHP. If my memory serves me right, this is a little more expensive than Etude House's usual lipsticks even with the change in formula, so I can't really say that the price hike is justifiable. I got this during my stopover in Seoul, but you can purchase this at your local Etude House, or on online stores such as ibuybeauti.com. 

Overall, I like this enough and would recommend it for people who want to get into the browny nude trend, and are looking for an affordable lipstick that is neither too glossy or too drying. 

Friday, September 02, 2016

Etude House Chiffon Lipstick (109) Review

By Pauline Read More

L'oreal Infallible Sculpt (Medium/Dark) Review

Finally, a Friday post!

I wasn't originally intending to purchase this product, but the L'oreal Infallible Sculpt was something that looked too interesting to pass up. I've seen YouTube personalities like Suzie from Hello October rave on about this and with my Too Cool for School Createur du contour running out, I figured it was time to try another contouring product. 

The packaging is slim and very compact. Its only slightly thicker and a smaller in height to my iPhone 5s, which makes it every easy to take around. I don't find that the compact is flimsy in any way, though I will say that the chances of it breaking when dropped is quite high. 

It comes with a mirror, the highlight and contour, and a small instruction pamphlet. I would say the mirror is pretty good if you're using this on the go, but I prefer using larger mirrors and fixing my make-up at home. 

This comes in two shades - Light/Medium and Medium/Dark. I went for the latter as when swatched, the contour for the L/M was too light for me. I wasn't initially drawn to it considering the colour is quite warm, until I realized that slightly warmer contours can work on my skin tone. I find that the colours appear just fine on my skin. The highlight shade isn't too light and the contour is neither too dark nor too light. If you have cooler tone skin, this will definitely come off as a bronzer so you might want to check out the lighter shade. 

The formula isn't a cream as I initially thought. It is instead a lightweight cream-to-powder formula that blends very easily and doesn't slide around too much. It has enough silicone for it to apply smoothly to the skin (though maybe not over a powder) but not too much that it makes the base underneath ball up. 

Built up with two layers.

The product is matte and also came out a bit sheerer than I thought it to be, but it is still very build-able. Having the product not overly pigmented makes it great for beginners, or for those new to cream products as you will not have the tendency to over-apply and mess up your make-up. The highlight, I would say, is much sheerer than the contour, so you will need to layer the highlight up more for it to show up on your skin. 

The end result is something that is not too pronounced, but not too subtle either. As the product is build-able, you can make it more noticeable or not depending on your preference. 

It sets within a decent amount of time, giving you more than enough opportunity to blend the product. I personally wait for the product to set before blending it out with a Beauty Blender, as I find that blending it right away can cause the product to disappear completely. If you were to use a brush, I would recommend those specifically targeted for contouring and are quite slim, as the product does disperse a lot before setting. You want your contour to be in a very specific place, not all over your cheek and forehead, after all!

                      

 

When set with a powder, I find that this product lasts for about 4-5 hours before it begins to fade. This is the case in hotter, more humid weather, so I expect those of you living in more temperate climates to have this last longer, maybe about 6-8 hours. This is pretty decent wear time given my circumstances, though I'm definitely still on the look out for cream products that will last longer. 

This cost me 14.99 EUR, which roughly converts to around 16.90 USD or 785.25 PHP. Its a little more pricey considering that L'oreal is a drugstore brand, but I observed that L'oreal products were in this range anyway. I purchased this from Boots, and they had a 3 for 2 offer at the time which made the other products I purchased with it much cheaper. This product is not available in the Philippines (yet?), though you might want to try your luck in online stores if they do sell this. 

Overall I think this product is pretty great though not excellent. Its great for its purpose, though the lasting power could definitely be improved. I would recommend it to people who are new to the concept of contouring, or who would like to try an affordable cream contour palette!

Friday, August 26, 2016

L'oreal Infallible Sculpt (Medium/Dark) Review

By Pauline Read More

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips (Secret Salma) Review

By now you've probably heard of Charlotte Tilbury, a makeup brand created by a makeup artist of the same name who has been in the industry for decades. Bloggers and YouTubers alike have sung their high praises for her products, and I figured that since i had the opportunity, I should try at least one product to see what all the hype is about.

I was initially going to get one of her original Matte Revolution Lipsticks but found most of the shades to be too light on my skin or too different compared to the swatches online! Luckily, the new Hot Lips Collection was just released around a month prior my trip to Europe, so I immediately searched for a shade in the collection that would best suit me.

I settled on the shade Secret Salma easily, as I now gravitate towards shades within its spectrum. It's official description is a 'deep rose plum', which I find to be accurate once worn on the lips. Its a very  pretty, sophisticated colour that is not too garish or too plain, and can be easily paired with a very simple or a very elaborate look. Its also very unique as it doesn't have any brown tones to it as most lipsticks in this shade range usually do. It swatches lighter on the skin, so do take note if you're trying this out in stores.

It applies very easily onto the lips, without any tugging or extra effort to get the full colour. The formula is pigmented without being too opaque, making it a little easier to wear and handle. Two layers will be enough to get the full colour. It feels very lightweight and non-drying within the first hour, but becomes slightly drying afterwards. It is however, significantly less than normal matte lipsticks, so if you like matte formulations, you might even find this hydrating.

The lipstick bullet is an interesting one with its square shape, as it does help in making the edges of the lips more crisp and clean without the need for a lip liner. Though I do say I did have to make minuscule adjustments in learning to apply with it as I'm used to the teardrop shape.

I find that this lasts for about 4-5 hours, which is pretty standard for any lipstick. It will definitely last longer if layered or if a lip liner is used underneath. Its kind of disappointing, as many have said that this tends to last for much longer. Perhaps because its not a red or a dark lipstick? It does leave a small stain, though not enough for it to be noticeable.

This cost be 30 EUR, which is about 1560 PHP. Its within the same price range as other high end brands such as Chanel (Rouge Coco is 1650 PHP) and NARS (Audacious is 1450). Quite expensive, but it is a nice treat if ever you have the extra cash.

I purchased this in Brown Thomas on Grafton Street (Ireland), but its available in her flagship store in Covent Garden, Selfridges, Harrods, and Fenwich if you live in London. It is also available in Nordstrom in the US. Its currently not available in the Philippines but few online stores have begun stocking this, though the markup is extremely high! I would recommend just waiting for a relative to go to the UK or US if you intend on trying this out.

Overall, while I do agree that it is a fantastic lipstick in formulation, colour selection, and packaging, it is not as revolutionary as the bloggers make it seem. Its very good, but slightly overhyped. I would recommend it if you want something new in your lipstick collection, but maybe not if you're looking for the perfect lipstick (that still belongs to Chanel for me).

Have you tried Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks before? Do you have any favourite shades? 

Friday, August 12, 2016

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips (Secret Salma) Review

By Pauline Read More

Innisfree No Sebum Powder Review

This review is long overdue and I finally got around to finishing it. I've heard almost every K-blogger or Asian blogger rave about the Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder, and since I was looking for a loose, more mattifying alternative to my NARS Translucent Crystal Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder (which still hasn't run out, btw), this was definitely a must-try.

For those who aren't familiar with the brand, Innisfree is one of the many Korean roadshop cosmetic brands that is eco-friendly (their packaging is recycled and printed using soy ink), uses natural ingredients, but is still very affordable. My experience with the brand has been pretty good, though none of what I've purchased have attained the 'Holy Grail' status. 

For reference, I have combination to oily skin that is fairly red (not rosy unfortunately), averaged-sized pores, and around NC25-30. 

Packaging

Getting right down to it, the powder is housed in a small, light green plastic container with another plastic inside holding the powder down. It does come with a puff, though I've never used it. I find that it just collects product more than anything else. The holed plastic inside is sealed upon purchase, and I'd recommend opening it halfway so as to gain more control in dispensing the powder. 

Though loose powder is less than ideal for taking around for touch-ups, I do find that the lid closes tightly enough so as not to cause a powder spill in your bag. 

Consistency

The powder is silky in feel and disappears into my skin when I swatch it on my hand. On my face however, I find that it can make my complexion look quite flat, even when I apply this with a damp sponge. I do notice the mattifying effect, but it sacrifices dimension to the face as a result. I also find that it emphasizes my pores greatly. It also is very detectable when used under the eyes, and highlights any lines and bumps in that area. 

I would say the powder smells fairly medicinal. I'm not irritated by the scent but if you're someone who is sensitive to any form of fragrance, keep this in mind.

Left - unblended power | Right - blended

Lasting Power

The disappointment continues here, I'm afraid! I find that this powder can only keep my skin matte for around 2 hours, even less when I'm not in an air-conditioned room. It's quite disappointing considering that the long-lasting mattifying effect is the primary claim of this product. 

I found that reapplication isn't ideal either as building the product (no matter what tool I use) leads to a very flat complexion with emphasized pores even more than it did upon first application, especially on the nose and cheeks. 

Price and Availability

Alex kindly purchased this for me in Hong Kong for around 98 HKD. I remember paying around 350 PHP for it, which isn't too bad for the amount. Sadly, Innisfree still isn't available in the Philippines, so you will have to rely on online shops (make sure they're authentic!) and family and friends travelling to Korea, Hong Kong, or Singapore to get your hands on this. 

Summary:

(+) No nonsense packaging      

(+) Affordable                         

(+) No breakouts                      

(-) Lightly scented; may cause allergies
(-) Dismal lasting power
(-) Flat complexion
(-) Emphasizes pores
(-) Not finely milled
(-) Not available in the Philippines

Maybe it was wrong for me to expect too much, but the hype around this is definitely misleading as it made it seem like the perfect powder at such a good price! While I am disappointed, I don't feel too bummed considering it was cheap. I wouldn't recommend it however, if you've been spoilt for choice with finely milled powders.

What about you - have you tried this cult classic? What are your thoughts? 

Friday, June 10, 2016

Innisfree No Sebum Powder Review

By Pauline Read More

REVIEW: Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara

Long time no see everyone! Now that I'm on Christmas break, I thought I'd celebrate with a little review! I acquired the Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara in September after my Fairydrops Platinum/Scandal Queen Mascara (review here) dried out. I knew it wasn't going to be the same as the Fairydrops (nothing will be, to be honest!) but I hoped it would be a suitable replacement. It's a multi-awarded mascara in Japan by Cosme, and has been for three years! Knowing this, I had high expectations for this mascara.

Packaging & Wand

While not as cute as packaging for Fairydrops, the Heroine Make Mascara comes in a slim plastic tube with a magenta body and a black cap. I highly appreciate that the cap shuts tightly as it prevents the mascara from drying out faster. Its very lightweight and could be easily taken around in your purse or for travel.

The wand is a bristle brush, with a slight curve. I find the curve quite helpful as it fits the shape of the eye. I do wish there were more bristles on the brush, just so it would get more lashes in one swipe. It doesn't require a lot of coats, however, so this is a very minor issue. I will say though that product tends to gather at the tip of the brush, which could make lashes clumpy if you don't take away the excess. Trust me, this has happened more times that I can count.

Formulation

The formula itself is not too wet that it weighs lashes down, or too dry that it doesn't last long. I find it to be in a happy middle. As it is supposed to function more to lengthen and curl rather than to volumize, you will find little volume here. I will say, that it lengthens very well and separates lashes cleanly for the first few passes. I must mention that it does get clumpy and spidery with too many layers, which I attribute more to the brush and the stopper than to the formula. It's a shame, as I did want a mascara that would give definition, length, and curl to my very short, stick-straight lashes.

Left eye with mascara, right eye without

Final result! Lets ignore my eyebrows for now haha. You can see that the look is pretty natural

Lasting Power

The mascara dries within a considerable amount of time - enough to let you build but fast so it doesn't run everywhere. I find that it lasts all day without clumping or flaking, which is a big factor in my book and I am very happy with this. It takes a heavy duty make-up remover to get this off, and is 100% waterproof. Great if you're going to go swimming or watch a movie that will make you cry, haha! I find that I don't worry much about my lashes when I'm wearing this.

Price and Availability

I purchased this for 595 PHP at Watsons. Might be a little expensive, but that's just me who expects mascaras to be under 500 PHP. Its definitely cheaper than say, Max Factor (which is my next brand to try). This is widely available in most SM Department Stores that I've checked, and some of the newer Watsons stores. Otherwise, you can buy this in Japan - it's widely available in the drugstore!

Summary:

(+) Cap shuts tight

(+) Very waterproof

(+) Curved brush

(+) Holds a curl

(+) No flaking or smudging

(+/-) Price

(+/-) Availability

(-) Gets clumpy

(-) Stopper doesn't remove enough product

Recommended for: those looking for a waterproof, lengthening mascara | the weekend mascara

Repurchase: Yes, but not immediately. I want to try other mascaras first, but this is definitely a good back-up in case those don't work out.

That's it for my review! If you guys have any mascara recommendations of your own, or if you've tried this, feel free to leave me a comment below!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

REVIEW: Heroine Make Long and Curl Mascara

By Pauline Read More

REVIEW: Innisfree Mineral Single Cream Eyeshadow (04 Romance Burgundy)

I want to apologize for the weird posting schedule lately :( As I mentioned before it is my final year at uni, and the workload and stress is too erratic for me to maintain my weekly Friday posts. I can't say for sure when things will go back to normal, but do know that I sorely miss blogging. ;__;

Anyway, this review has been delayed long enough! I got the Innisfree Mineral Single Cream Shadow when my friends Tari and Leya went to Seoul in May. I really wanted a burgundy eyeshadow after seeing swatches of eyeshadows like the Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pomegranate Punk and MAC Cranberry. I was also interested in trying cream eyeshadows from a Korean brand, as the last time I tried a Korean eyeshadow was far too long ago. 

Packaging

Compared to other cream shadows that I own (Benefit and Maybelline respectively), this feels the lightest and is made of hard plastic rather than glass. The cap is also plastic but shuts tightly, which is essential to prevent any cream shadow from drying out. Not the most luxurious or creative, but it is understandable given its price point. 

Left - Built with two layers | Right - One swipe, sheered out

Texture & Pigmentation

This category is where you can tell if a cream shadow (or even powder eyeshadows, for that matter) is good or not. Some tend to be too mousse-like or too hard; in terms of pigmentation, some tend to be too sheer or way too pigmented. 

This has a semi-soft texture that becomes more pliable once you begin spreading it with your finger. I wouldn't recommend using a brush as you would get uneven, patchy pigmentation that way. I find this the case with most cream eyeshadows, except the Benefit ones. It has good pigmentation but not the best, though it is buildable. I will say that the eyeshadow can clump together if not spread out well, so do take note if this is a deal breaker for you. Other than that, it feels very soft and is easier to work with than those with harder textures (I mean you, Maybelline Color Tattoos). 

You can't see it too well because of my hooded eyes, but the colour is definitely not your usual burgundy! Also, my hair isn't this long anymore. I strangely do not miss it!

Lasting Power

I find that this lasts all day on me, with or without primer, with or without eyeshadow packed on top.  I notice fading only around the 5-6 hour mark, but even then it is only at the edges and without any creasing visible. I consider this to be very good in my book, as some drugstore eyeshadows tend to fade considerably within this time frame. I'd imagine this would last all day with a primer or topped with eyeshadow, though!

Price and Availability

This was purchased for 6000W in Seoul, which translated to roughly 250PHP. This is really inexpensive for an eyeshadow of this quality and colour, which is why I was so interested in purchasing this and acquiring it. It is, however, only available where Innisfree stores are (Seoul, Hong Kong, and Singapore, from my knowledge - feel free to correct me if there are more places!) so it is a little difficult to get if you're from Manila like me. 

Summary:
(+) Pot shuts tightly
(+) Unique colour
(+) Decent pigmentation
(+) Buildable
(+) Easy to work with
(+) Decent lasting power
(+) Very affordable
(-) Clumps
(-) Can be patchy
(-) Hard to find

Recommended for: those who want to start using cream eyeshadows | want a burgundy eyeshadow in their collection

This would be great if you're not too fussy about the clumping and want a burgundy eyeshadow that can be sheered out or amped up depending on the occasion (or mood). Its super pretty and would be lovely to use for upcoming Christmas parties.

Have you guys tried this eyeshadow, or something similar? Have any other cream eyeshadow recommendations? Let me know in the comments section down below! 

Thursday, November 12, 2015

REVIEW: Innisfree Mineral Single Cream Eyeshadow (04 Romance Burgundy)

By Pauline Read More

REVIEW: Too Cool for School Art Class by Rodin Createur du contour

Life update: I'm sorry for missing another weekly post! :( My laptop has been under repair for about a week now and might continue to be for another week or two. My battery has finally given out on me plus my internal hard drive died as well. Rest assured, all my blog pictures are safe, but things will be a little erratic for a while. Please bear with my irregular posting schedule for now! Hopefully things will go back to normal once the repairs are over.

Back to normal blogging!

*

Finally a review for this!

The Too Cool for School Art Class by Rodin Createur du contour is a three-coloured 'shading' powder used for defining the face. I used the term shading instead of contouring as Korea does a softer, much more natural version. I've heard and read that this powder is often sold out in Seoul, so that was an indicator for me that it was going to be good!

Packaging

What made me interested in this initially was the packaging. It is not only very slim and compact, which makes it great for travel, but it also is such a pretty design. For reference, Rodin is an artist, which is why TCFS made the packaging extra pretty. I really like it when brands put in a bit more effort into their packaging, because it makes the product more fun to have and use.

Pigmentation and Blendability

I find the pigmentation for this to be just right - not to pigmented that it would be hard for beginners to use, but it won't take ages to build up either. Its enough for beginners (like me!) to experiment with, but I would still recommend a light hand for the first few applications. 

It is also very buildable and blendable if you want to really get more definition, or if you've applied too much. Having three colours is also a perk as it allows for you to create a gradient of colour that I find looks more natural. Mixing the three colours together will give a very subtle contour that is great for warmer skintones as it looks more natural versus ashy contour powders.

I will say though that there is significant fall out in the pan when you get product with your brush. Its nothing a little extra taps of the brush can't fix, but those who are very particular about fall out will have to take note of this. 

It works especially well after a setting powder, as it just glides over the skin and can be buffed in if needed. If on bare skin, I find that more buffing and blending is needed. I don't go out without setting my makeup with a powder anyway, so this isn't a problem for me. It also doesn't go on patchy which is something I've experienced with a lot of cheaper cheek products in the past. 

Lasting Power

I would say this lasts about 5 hours at the least. After this, you will still see the colour, though it has already begun to fade. I find that it doesn't wear off badly after a hot day which is great considering I live somewhere very hot and humid. I think it will last longer if you use a setting spray on top. Do take into consideration that this is if I use a setting powder under. I tried it without and the wear time was much less.

  

Before any shading - just base makeup (Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation + NARS Translucent Crystal Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder) and curled lashes

With shading - slightly amped up to show on camera, but otherwise gives a very blended, soft shadow to the face

Price and Availability

I purchased this for 895PHP at Too Cool for School in SM Megamall. In Korea, it retails for 16000W, I believe, which is a little more expensive than brands like Etude House and The Saem. I do find that this is of higher quality than the aforementioned brands, and is still much cheaper than a lot of contour powders and bronzers from midrange to high-end Western brands.

Summary:
(+) Compact, pretty packaging
(+) Good pigmentation
(+) Buildable
(+) Blendable with setting powder under
(+) Decent wear time
(+/-) Reasonably priced, depending on your budget
(-) Fall out in pan
(-) Need light hand if inexperienced
(-) Needs extra buffing without powder under
(-) Only available in TCFS branches and in Korea

Recommended for: Anyone interested in face-defining products!

All in all, I'm really happy with this product! As someone with a round face, a shading/contour powder is very much appreciated in order to give definition to my face.

That's all from me for now! Have you guys tried this powder before? Do you have a favourite contour/shading powder? Let me know in the comments below!

Friday, September 11, 2015

REVIEW: Too Cool for School Art Class by Rodin Createur du contour

By Pauline Read More

REVIEW: Too Faced Natural Matte Palette

Probably the biggest splurge I have for this year is this palette. I knew I wanted it as soon as I saw it on Instagram and waited for any of the local online shops to stock it or to be open for pre-orders. It also made me realize that I have a weakness for good quality, warm-toned eyeshadows! They cannot be resisted!

The Too Faced Natural Matte Palette is a new release from Too Faced for 2015. It is really just the matte version of their best-selling Natural Eyes Palette, and a great alternative both for neutral matte eyeshadow lovers or those who would like to diversify their current eyeshadow collection. I said I wouldn't buy a palette after receiving the 1028 Visual Therapy Brownie Eyes Palette but I was lacking in warm matte shades that the Urban Decay Naked 2 just didn't have. 

Packaging

Like all new Too Faced 9-pan palettes, this comes in a metal tin with a magnetic closure. Its only slightly bigger than an iPhone 5s so I find it really travel-friendly and fits in most make-up bags. It feels very sturdy because of the metal casing and not cheap in any way as a cardboard case tends to feel. The pretty lace pattern on the front of the palette make it look very classy and elegant, which reflects the sophistication that comes with matte eyshadows, I think. I saw reviews saying that this was smaller than their previous palettes, and I do not find this to be true. It's the same size as my  mom's Boudoir Eyes Palette in packaging and shadow size.

Texture

I've swatched matte shadows from MAC before and found the ones I was eyeing to be quite hard or chalky. I can say the same for Tease from my Naked 2 Palette. This however has the smoothest texture and is in no way chalky or overly powdery. I find that the darkest shades are the most buttery (Strapless and Chocolate Cookie especially) but you will have no problem with the lighter shades. They are very easy to blend and build up if desired, and do not go patchy on the lids at all. This makes it so easy to use, even for beginners like me.

I will say that there is little fallout in the pan, but only when you swipe with your brush. It's definitely much less than the Boudoir Eyes (which is why I don't borrow it often) but it might annoy some of you who are expecting 0 fall out. Two ways to avoid this: either you use a dense brush or you press your brush on the pan. I find that you get more product with the later, anyway!

Pigmentation

For a matte palette, the eyeshadows are pigmented, especially with the darker colours. With the swatch above, I only had to run my finger through the darker colours once. They are buildable though so if you want more or less pigment, you just have to adjust your application technique accordingly.  I do wear them with an eye primer though so do take note of that. Here are my individual reviews for the eyeshadows:

1st row (Day)
Heaven: Light cream eyeshadow good for evening out the eyelids | Can look powdery if not applied well
Cashmere Bunny: Light slightly taupe brown | Good transition shade or daytime crease colour | Even pigmentation but slightly hard to blend
Sexpresso: Cool dark brown, also the darkest shade in the palette | Evenly pigmented and good for smoking an eye out

2nd row (Classic)**
Lace Teddy: Light peach that's good for warmer skintones as an overall lid shade | Can be slightly powdery and patchy
Strapless: Warm midtone brown with slight red undertones | Best shade out of the entire palette due to even pigmentation, blendability, and lack of fallout
Risqué: Dark brown with purple undertones | Hard texture and slightly hard to blend

3rd row (Fashion)
Nudie: Warmer version of Cashmere Bunny | Good as a transition shade or for subtle crease definition | Has significant amount of fall out | Easy to blend
Honey Butter**: Warmer midtone peach with orange undertones | Slightly patchy | Probably the shade I won't get much use out of
Chocolate Cookie**: Orangey brown version of Strapless | Very blendable and pigmented | Ever so slightly patchy but this rarely happens

** Palette-exclusive shades, the rest are also in the Natural Eyes Palette

I would say thought that I would have loved to have a matte black eyeshadow in this palette, but because it would be so useful. Other than that, I think the colour selection is really good!

Price and Availability

I purchased this for P1500 at Make Up Pro along with three other items. If I add in shipping, this palette costs about P1550, which is not bad for a matte eyeshadow palette of this quality! Too Faced isn't available in the Philippines so you do have to rely on online sellers or relatives going to a Sephora or Ulta to get this palette.

At the Too Faced website, Ulta (where it was first made available) and Sephora, this retails for 36 USD. This means that its readily available for you guys on the other side of the Pacific, so give this a swatch if you can!

Summary:
(+) Sturdy packaging
(+) Travel-friendly
(+) Pigmented shades (Especially darker ones)
(+) Blendable and buildable
(+) Easy to use
(+) Smooth texture
(+) Minimal to no fallout
(+) Reasonably priced
(+/-) Lacks a matte black
(+/-) More warm-toned so might not suit all
(-) Repeated shades from the Natural Eyes Palette
(-) Not available in the Philippines

Recommended for: Anyone lacking or interested in matte eyeshadows!

Overall, I would highly recommend this palette for its quality and shade range! I'm so happy with this palette and have been wearing either on its own or complementary with eyeshadows I already own. I'd recommend to at least give it a swatch if its readily available to you just to see if you like it or not.

What about you guys? Have you tried this palette? Do you have any matte eyeshadow recommendations? Let me know in the comments section below!

Friday, July 03, 2015

REVIEW: Too Faced Natural Matte Palette

By Pauline Read More

REVIEW: Maybelline Master Conceal (30 Light-Medium)

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will know that I have a love affair with base products, and concealer is no exception. I have a lot of acne scars that need covering and sometimes a tinted moisturizer or foundation isn't going to cover it. You all know that I have purchased and loved my NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (mentioned numerous times on my blog) but felt that I needed to try something new. 

The Maybelline Master Conceal is one of the newer concealers from the brand, which was released December last year along with several other base products by FaceStudio. Maybelline is a brand that has a lot of concealers that have been raved about time and time again (such as the Age Rewind and Fit Me Concealers) so I thought that this new product would be just as good.

It claims to be lightweight, full coverage, and multi-purpose. Not only would it be great for acne scars and darkness under the eyes, but it would also be great for travel, which is something that I do put into consideration when purchasing products nowadays.

Packaging

Unlike their previous concealers, this is the first that comes in a squeeze tube, which is very hygienic but not too good for travel. I say this because a lot of the tubed products I have tend to explode whenever I travel. The best way to avoid this is to squeeze as much air out of the tube as possible, and sealing the opening with tape for good measure. 

The tube is opaque, so you cannot see the product inside the tube. This does bother me as I won't be able to see how much concealer I have left as I continue to use it, which makes repurchasing difficult to estimate. I do find that it was a nice touch to have the shades of the concealers correspond to the colour of the tube, but I would have liked it better if there was at least a stripe on the side that would indicate the amount of product inside.

Before - Swatch plus eyebrow pencil lines

After - Blended swatch plus concealer layered on eyebrow pencil marks

Consistency and Pigmentation

The product itself is quite fluid, but not runny. This helps in spreading and blending the concealer out both under the eyes and on spots and redness. Its fluid enough not to cake or gather in fine lines when applied under the eyes, but not too fluid that it easily rubs off. I find that applying with fingers is the best way rather than using a brush, as it warms up the product and helps give a more skin-like finish. 

Despite the products' claim, I wouldn't say the product is full coverage; instead I would gauge it to be more medium to full. It can definitely be built up to full if desired, but the best you're going to get is medium. I also find that despite several layers, the product never becomes cakey, which is a huge plus. 

Finish and Lasting Power

At first I do find the concealer to be noticeable even with blended edges, but once set with powder or on its own, it blends into a very natural finish. Its undetectable except when the mirror is 2 inches in front of you, but even then it is not very noticeable. As time wears on I find that it does not cake or disappear, but rather it fades evenly, something I've grown to appreciate about this concealer.

I do find that this can emphasize dry patches, so I wouldn't recommend applying this concealer over those portions of the face. I haven't found a concealer that can glide over dry patches anyway and I rarely have them, so this is not a big problem for me. I can see this being quite problematic on those with very dry to dry skin.

On me, I find that this lasts 4-5 hours in non-airconditioned places, and 5-6 in airconditioned places. I didn't expect this to wear all day as it isn't oil-free and waterproof, anyway. Take note that I always set my concealer with powder, so I presume that this helps with the lasting power. This wear time may seem short, but also take note that I have oily skin and live in a very humid place, so everything does tend to fade on my skin at a faster rate. If you have drier skin or live in a cooler climate, wear time will probably increase by 2-3 hours. 

Price and Availability

I got this for P330 from Bon Marche, a local online seller. In stores in the US, I believe it retails for 8.99USD for 12mL or 0.4 fluid ounces. Its easily the cheapest concealer that I know of, as drugstore concealers in the Philippines are at least 500+ PHP. This is twice the amount of product than my NARS concealer for nearly a third of the price. As far as I know, this is only available in the US so far, but there are several online stores that stock this in the Philippines.

Summary:

(+) Hygienic packaging

(+) Lightweight

(+) Medium to full coverage

(+) Buildable

(+) Not cakey
(+) Natural finish

(+) Reasonably priced
(+) Multi-purpose
(+/-) Average lasting power
(+/-) Not oil-free

(-) Cannot see product in tube
(-) Can emphasize dry patches
(-) Transfers if not set with powder

(-) Not available in the Philippines

Best for: dry to combination skin | multi-purpose concealing (spots, redness, dark circles)

Repurchase? Yes! This is such a good drugstore concealer that I can see myself buying again once I run out.

I hope you all found this review helpful. Let me know what you think of this concealer (if you've tried it) or if you know of other great concealers in the comments section below!

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Friday, June 12, 2015

REVIEW: Maybelline Master Conceal (30 Light-Medium)

By Pauline Read More

REVIEW: K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Lasting 2 Way Eyebrow Pencil

I'm not sure if you can tell, but unlike many other bloggers out there I ignore doing my eyebrows. It has been my insecurity and complex for the longest time! I've always wanted slightly thinner eyebrows rather than the hairy slugs I deem them to be. XD Fast forward to now, I'm growing to accept (or tolerate) my eyebrows, and I can see how they really make one look more polished. 

That aside, I thought I'd share with you a relatively new product - the K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo  Lasting 2 Way Eyebrow Pencil. Longest name ever! I don't understand what it is with new products and horrendously long names. K-Palette is a Japanese brand known for their eye products, and is a brand I frequently see when I enter Beauty Bar (think along the lines of a mini-Sephora). As someone new to the eyebrow world, I thought this product would be great as an addition to my 1 man army of pencils.

This product has three other colours, which are lighter, so check those out if your brows are lighter coloured than mine!

Friday, May 15, 2015

REVIEW: K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Lasting 2 Way Eyebrow Pencil

By Pauline Read More