Zoom In On: Stila All Dolled Up Eyeshadow Palette

An online friend texted me two weeks ago and excitedly informed me that the widely-popular Stilla All Dolled Up Eyeshadow Palette is now in Manila. She asked me if I wanted her to get one for me. I initially hesitate because then, I did not know much about Stila and about this palette. I’ve heard of the brand but I was not really that interested to try it out. My friend said that these palettes will be limited edition and that it was expected that before the week would end, all of the palettes would have been sold. Her enthusiasm bowled me over and so I decided to get one and see for myself what the fuss was about.

When I had this in my hands, I was so ecstatic. Imagine spending only Php 1,250 and getting 12 highly-pigmented colors that are very easy to blend? Another high point for me is the fact that I have the exact same palette that Temptalia raved about and the forever-OOS item that a million of girls worldwide have searched high and low to buy. I consider this one of my make-up best buys indeed. The colors are varied. Some can be worn during the day while the others are more appropriate for night outs making this a truly versatile palette. Most, if not all, shades are shimmery so if you’re a gal who prefers matte shadows, this is not for you. Personally, I don’t mind since there are some shades that have low-intensity shimmers and I can get away with wearing them even in broad daylight. The pink hologram Barbie cover is also very attractive and appealed greatly to my typical “girly-girl” self. The shadows tend to crumble easily though so it is a must to handle this item with utmost care.   

Ciao!

Zoom In On: Nyx Round Lipsticks

(WARNING: PICTURE HEAVY POST)

I knew I was going to get the Nyx Round Lipsticks the first time I read the glowing reviews from many beauty bloggers. I’m not very particular about lippies in general but I just found these irresistible. I even contemplated on purchasing some of these online since apparently, nobody from the Philippines was selling it middle part of last year. I pondered on ordering from Makeup Masala but frustratingly, I discovered that the Nyx shades I was interested in were always OOS. I did not lose hope however, because I knew sooner or later, some enterprising Filipina kikay would start selling these babies. I was not mistaken since I was able to buy 5 of these babies from two local Ebay sellers. Their prices were also reasonable at Php 215 to Php 220. The ones I got were Louisiana (which I assume is one of Sis Khymm’s favorites), Tea Rose ( which is often featured by Sis Nikki in her FOTDs), Indian Pink (a favourite of Sis Shen), Narcissus, and Thalia.

Apologies for my unkempt appearance in the photos. I was sans makeup in these except for the Nyx lippies I'm featuring. (I'm even donning one of my rattiest house shirts when I took these pics.)

When I got the items, I was surprised that the packaging of the Nyx lippies I got from one seller was not the usual one that I saw on online pics. Hers came in a squarish purely black casings. Anyway, I gave Indian Pink and Narcissus to my friends because I did not like how they looked on me. I’m loving Tea Rose, Louisiana and Thalia however and I usually wear them to work. Last month, I scoured White Gold, a local department store since I learned that Nyx is sold there. I was not able to locate it the first time I went there but I struck gold during my second visit. Nyx round lipsticks is only Php 100 a pop in White Gold. The eyeshadow trios are priced at Php 250 while the round glosses cost Php 150. These prices are significantly cheaper than that of many online Nyx sellers. But then again, the selections in the store are limited and some of the items on display have minor damages. When I went there, I was not able to help myself and so I got a Fig round lipstick, an eyeshadow trio, and a round lip gloss in Mauve. ( My Fig lippie as you can see got broken. I did not notice that when I bought it because I thought that the item was sealed. When I saw it, I was already home and it was already too much of a hassle to go back again to White Gold. Now, I have to use a lip brush to apply it.) 

All in all, I love Nyx lipsticks as they are cheap yet very highly pigmented. It also moisturizes to some extent. But since I was scared of having cracked lips as many reviews revealed, I always make it a point to apply a lip balm on my lips first before the Nyx lippies. Its staying power is not that awesome but I don’t really mind retouching since these items are not costly. So, I would highly recommend this brand to every kikay who want an inexpensive yet quality lippie in her stash.

Zoom In On: Cargo Catalina Blush

As what had been made obvious by my previous posts, I am so in love with blushes. Cargo blush in Catalina is one of my serious blush loves. The photos of my Catalina will show you just how much I love it. I used it almost every day during the months after its purchase. I remembered feeling so happy when I hit pan on it. ( I usually feel this way for all of my makeup items. Maybe because “hitting pan” is an affirmation that the money I spent did not go to waste as I was able to use the product a lot of times.) I sort of neglected Catalina since I was buying new blushes almost every month this year.

Catalina is a matte bubblegum pink shade that is perfect during those days when you just want a barely there makeup and a natural light pinkish flush on your face. This shade is always likened to Nars Desire although many said in reviews that the latter is brighter and a lot warmer than the former. Nevertheless, I love Catalina because it flatters my skin tone so well and its staying power is also superb.

 

 

I also like Catalina for the following reasons:

• The blush is so finely milled and it seemed to be packed so tight on its container that you don’t see a lot of powdery left-over when a brush is used for application.
•  I LOVE its utilitarian tin containers as it is very unique. It is also easy to ply it open. Because the case is made of tin, it is sturdier compared to that of Everyday Minerals pressed blushes. The product also adheres well to the casing even if I have hit pan on the middle.
•  Very pigmented and because of its staying power, there is no need to retouch very often.
•  It contains more product at 8.9 grams which is a lot bigger than other high-end brands.
  

It does have limitations however. These are:

• It is not locally available. Some online stores sell it but it is not always available.
• Pricey. Retails around Php 1,400 – Php 1,600.
• Its casing tends to rust or discolor as is evidenced by the pics I included. This happens however, to the exterior part of the packaging only.
• It isn't travel-friendly. The packaging does not include a mirror and a brush. When you use this, you would have to bring a separate brush and mirror with you.
• The shade, in particular, may not show up easily on some skin tones as its shade intensity is very light.
• The shade is very “dupeable” ( if such a word exists lol).             
• It turns a little “peachy” on my oil mine of a face especially during really humid days.

Despite these limitations, I love Cargo blushes to bits. I would be collecting these blushes if only it has a distributor here in the Phils.

Thanks ladies!

Zoom In On: Loreal Blush Delice in Fresh Papaya

Before I knew of MAC, Nars, and other mainline makeup brands, I thought that drugstore brands like Loreal, Revlon, etc. were the cream of the crop. After all, they are more expensive than other readily available brands say, Avon. I particularly remember saving up for a Loreal blush delice blush. I wanted to own one because that time, it was hailed by Cosmopolitan Phils. magazine during its annual beauty awards as the best among the tons that they have tried. It was not exactly cheap ( I remember it was around Php 700++ then) and it is the last thing that you would expect a fresh graduate to prioritize. When I finally got one, I remember being so impressed with it. After all, I was not able to try that many blushes then. And the ones I’ve tried were so inferior in quality. I used it almost every day and I felt that it was a part of my arsenal as I faced the challenges of my first job. It was the first makeup item that I finished till I hit pan.

I only have one Loreal blush in my stash now. I have it in “Fresh Papaya” variant. I noticed that Loreal had made some changes in the packaging. Though their current blush is in the same size as before, there had been some modifications in the product that I observed. Anyhoo, despite the fact that I have found better blushes in terms of quality, this brand would always have a special place in my heart.

Swatches: Loreal Blush Delice in Fresh Papaya

What I like:

• Just a few swipes of this blush on your cheeks will make you look instantly perky and radiant. With proper application, its shimmer can be very eye-catching.
•  Its compact packaging makes it travel-friendly. 
• It comes with a mirror and a brush so it can be used even when you are on the go.
• Easily available in major department stores in key cities.
• This would really work as a highlighter.

What I don’t like:

• I noted changes in the packaging as mentioned earlier. Now, there is a transparent layer that encloses the layer with the casing. The shade of the blush variant is reflected through the color of the casing. While I think Loreal is doing this to make the item more secure, it has now made this blush very difficult to open. In fact, if my friends would want to use its mirror, they would always let me open it because they just can’t seem to.
•  Its staying power is not much. So if you’d expect to be on field work the entire day, this is not the best blush to use.
• IMO, this is expensive. It now retails around Php 975 if I’m not mistaken. For a drugstore blush, I think that is too much. A few hundreds more and I could already afford a MAC or Nars blush which are way better in quality.
• I noticed in the product label that the item is made in China. I don’t want to come off as a snob and I don’t want to disparage China but there had been many lapses in the standard of quality that they observe ( melamine scare, etc.)

Thanks! Hope you would find this review useful.

NARS Love

I am addicted to NARS blushes. If I'd win the lottery, the first items that I would buy would be all of this brand's blushes. It was the extremely popular "Orgasm" that got me hooked. I recently acquired three more of these blushes namely; Super Orgasm, Matahari and Luster. Should be posting reviews soon. For the meantime, i'll leave u with teaser pics of my new babies.

 

Ciao ladies!

Stash Staple: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Compete UV Wateright Lotion

I used to be a non-user ( and a non-believer) of sunscreens. I’m not used to wearing one in all of my more than two decades on earth. The only time that I would be compelled to apply some is when I’m beachbound. Other than that, nada! Just plain moisturizer on my face. I was convinced that applying one is just another tedious process that would make my primping sessions all the more lengthy.

However, gone are those days. The turning point was when I saw a high school friend with age spots slowly appearing on her face. She said that she was advised by her derma to use sunblock regularly as her job is field-based. From then on, I had been slathering sunscreen all over my face and neck a good thirty to forty five minutes before going out. I browsed the GT forum and several blogs to help me decide which sunscreen to buy. I’m fortunate to have stumbled upon the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Compete UV Waterlight Lotion. I am liking this over the Nivea Facial Sunblock that I first used. I prefer this because unlike typical sunscreens, it does not make my face sweat like crazy. It does not feel heavy on the face too. In fact, I’d often forget that I’m wearing a sunscreen. It is also very easy to spread because of its watery texture that does not take too long to dry. Its finish is velvety making it ideal for daily usage. More importantly, it offers a broad spectrum coverage which makes it very effective against both UVA and UVB. It also makes use of its patented Helioplex technology which I understand would make it stable enough to protect against UV rays. For more about the benefits of using Neutrogena, read this.

Notice the sorta watery texture of this SB.

How it looks like after spreading

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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Compete UV Wateright Lotion with Helioplex SPF 50+ PA+++ . 30 mL. 

Approximately Php 460.00 Available in leading dept. stores nationwide.

Directions: Use at the end of your skincare routine after moisturizer as a superior daily blocker. Suitable for use as a makeup base. Shake well Before use.

The only problem I have with using this ( well, for all sunblocks, in general) is that I would sometimes rub it on my eyes causing me to become teary-eyed. When I do, I’d end up rubbing my eyes all the more, removing also my eye makeup. But then again, this does not happen too often so it’s not a biggie. I am now about to finish my second bottle of Neutrogena Waterlight. And while I am pretty satisfied with this, I would very much like to try other brands as well. Care to give me any suggestions?  

Tata!

Spotlight : Benefit Coralista

This is my first attempt at reviewing any makeup item. Therefore, my descriptions and POVs may leave so much to be desired. But hey, there is always this learning curve to consider ( when everything seems so difficult during the first few tries but becomes a breeze when we get the hang of what we do). Any suggestions would be very welcome though J I would also like to apologize if you may find the photos lacking in quality. I’m digicam-less as of this time so I had to utilize my decrepit camera phone. Among my makeup hauls for this month is Benefit’s Coralista. I first learned of this particular blush from ShadesofU. After reading her review, I was hooked. I swore I will do anything to get one for myself. So, I asked my US-based friend to buy this for me. You could only imagine my excitement when I got this after what seemed like 48-years lol. When I unwrapped this from its shipping wrapper, I was initially disappointed. I expected it to be bigger than its actual size based on the photos I saw in several blog reviews. 

Benefit Coralista

Benefit Coralista ( when opened )

Item Blurb ( from Benefit’s official website):

Why we love it: Our warm coral-pink cheek powder is your "coral blush for a tropical flush"! This shade cheers up every skin tone in seconds. What else you need to know: Complete with soft, natural-bristle blush brush.

Product details: 

12.0g Net wt. 0.42 oz.

Swatches of Benefit Coralista:

I tried to take decent photos of the swatches I made of Coralista. I’m not sure though if you can see it clearly. The color was actually evident when I swatched it, proof of this blush’s superb pigmentation. These photos did not really do justice to the beauty which is Coralista. It might have had something to do with my phone’s inferior camera settings and the poor lighting. I took these photos while aboard a fastcraft to an undisclosed destination.

Benefit Coralista on my right cheek. Don’t mind the lines under my eye and the unwaxed upper lip lol.

Notice the incredulous look of the passenger seated behind me when he saw me camwhoring lol. My face seemed shiny in this pic. Must be the lighting. I was seated in the front part of the vessel.

Close-up of yours truly sporting Benefit’s Coralista.

Thumbs UP:

• Staying power is superb as compared to many blushes that I’ve tried. Based on experience, this stayed put for as long as 6 hours.
• Cost-effective in the long-run because of its staying power and pigmentation.
• The shade flatters my skin tone. ( I’m quite fair with predominantly yellow undertone.) IMO, I find this shade rather unique and distinct from the other blush shades that I have. The perfect combination of pink and peach.
• Larger in size compared to its equally expensive counterpart, Nars.
• As is characteristic of Benefit items, this comes in a very cute and refreshing packaging.
• It has a scent that is rather distinct yet unoffensive.
• While it lends a subtle shimmer to the face, it is so unlike OTT shimmer blushes that will make you look like you've been decorating the gym for a party with gold and silver 
  dusts on your face.   

Thumbs DOWN:

• The accompanying brush is TOTALLY USELESS. Sometimes, I don’t bring the brush and its plastic compartment anymore as I don’t like using the former.
• It’s packaging (box) is rather bulky therefore, inconvenient to bring along.
• Not locally available.
• Expensivo in terms of initial cash-out. Typically costs $25 to $28 ( around Php 1,200 – Php 1,600) exclusive of shipping.

Verdict:
I don’t see myself buying another Benefit Coralista in the near future despite the fact that I love it. Why? Because I’m sure it would take forever before I hit pan on this. By then, I'm sure Benefit would already come out with better blush offerings. As cited earlier, this is unavailable locally and I’m quite unwilling to shell out more moolah for another one. But then again, I’ll gladly accept if somebody decides to give me one pro bono lol.
Ciao! Thank you and I hope you'd find this review helpful.