PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ELF CREAM EYELINER IN BLACK

Here's an initial review on ELF CREAM EYELINER IN BLACK

PRICE: 249.75PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: FIRST AID, GREENBELT

OTHER LOCATIONS: MALLS NATIONWIDE

THE VERDICT:

First of all, I am very sorry for the lack of posts this past week. I am currently starting my thesis production, and you know how busy it gets when you're doing your thesis. This may be long overdue, but I can't wait to share this amazing find with my dear readers.

I love using cream liners because:

1. The finish is matte

2. Looks more natural

3. Defines the eyes better

4. Non- sticky

5. Non- sting (unless you poke your eye with the brush with the cream liner)

Other swear by Shu Uemura and Bobbi Brown's gel liner. But we all know that cream eye liners are very prone to drying. I'm sure you won't be able to finish a pot in a year, not unless you use it for face or body painting.

So before you dry out your thousand bucks by purchasing an expensive cream eyeliner, let me tell (and convince) you that you are better off with ELF's Cream eye liner.

It's cheap. So is the brush and the plastic jar packaging. But heck! You're after the product! But mind you, the brush applicator might fall off of the handle. Just be sure to have a super glue in handy. I love the brush so much because it perfectly applies the liner on my eyes!

Jar is small, which means it won't eat up too much space in your make up kit. And as you can see, there's just a small amount of the product. But since we're talking about drying cream eyeliners, who needs a tub?

top shot. :)

Here's a swatch of the eyeliner. On the left part, I smudged the liner, and I didn't on the right one. As you can see, the liner is pigmented!

Here's the product on my eyes. Can I just commend myself for a perfect winged line here? HAHAHAHA. :)

For reference, I have oily lids, and I didn't put any eye primers.

Anyway, you have to be careful when applying cream eyeliners. One wrong stroke, and you're off to reapplying your make- up. So be sure to have a steady hand, open your mouth a bit, and concentrate. DON'T RUSH!

Now you see the reason why I love cream eyeliners so much? It defines the eyes naturally, and it's easier to paint with cream than liquid or pencil!

Here's moi wearing the eyeliner to a date with hubby.

AFTER 6 HOURS....

Holy guacamole! The liner is still intact! There's subtle fading, but it's not very evident at all in actual! As you can see on the arch of my lids, there's a faint smudging, but I assure you, you won't mind it! The smudge- proof claim is a promise! It even withstood my oily lids! And IMO, it's even better than Maybelline's lasting drama gel liner which retails at around 500- 700 bucks.

So there goes my verdict for the cream eyeliner by elf. It's cheap, economical, and it delivers. Save yourself from spending a thousand bucks! Run to your nearest ELF counter and grab one now!

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ELF CREAM EYELINER IN BLACK

Here's an initial review on ELF CREAM EYELINER IN BLACK

PRICE: 249.75PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: FIRST AID, GREENBELT

OTHER LOCATIONS: MALLS NATIONWIDE

THE VERDICT:

First of all, I am very sorry for the lack of posts this past week. I am currently starting my thesis production, and you know how busy it gets when you're doing your thesis. This may be long overdue, but I can't wait to share this amazing find with my dear readers.

I love using cream liners because:

1. The finish is matte

2. Looks more natural

3. Defines the eyes better

4. Non- sticky

5. Non- sting (unless you poke your eye with the brush with the cream liner)

Other swear by Shu Uemura and Bobbi Brown's gel liner. But we all know that cream eye liners are very prone to drying. I'm sure you won't be able to finish a pot in a year, not unless you use it for face or body painting.

So before you dry out your thousand bucks by purchasing an expensive cream eyeliner, let me tell (and convince) you that you are better off with ELF's Cream eye liner.

It's cheap. So is the brush and the plastic jar packaging. But heck! You're after the product! But mind you, the brush applicator might fall off of the handle. Just be sure to have a super glue in handy. I love the brush so much because it perfectly applies the liner on my eyes!

Jar is small, which means it won't eat up too much space in your make up kit. And as you can see, there's just a small amount of the product. But since we're talking about drying cream eyeliners, who needs a tub?

top shot. :)

Here's a swatch of the eyeliner. On the left part, I smudged the liner, and I didn't on the right one. As you can see, the liner is pigmented!

Here's the product on my eyes. Can I just commend myself for a perfect winged line here? HAHAHAHA. :)

For reference, I have oily lids, and I didn't put any eye primers.

Anyway, you have to be careful when applying cream eyeliners. One wrong stroke, and you're off to reapplying your make- up. So be sure to have a steady hand, open your mouth a bit, and concentrate. DON'T RUSH!

Now you see the reason why I love cream eyeliners so much? It defines the eyes naturally, and it's easier to paint with cream than liquid or pencil!

Here's moi wearing the eyeliner to a date with hubby.

AFTER 6 HOURS....

Holy guacamole! The liner is still intact! There's subtle fading, but it's not very evident at all in actual! As you can see on the arch of my lids, there's a faint smudging, but I assure you, you won't mind it! The smudge- proof claim is a promise! It even withstood my oily lids! And IMO, it's even better than Maybelline's lasting drama gel liner which retails at around 500- 700 bucks.

So there goes my verdict for the cream eyeliner by elf. It's cheap, economical, and it delivers. Save yourself from spending a thousand bucks! Run to your nearest ELF counter and grab one now!

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MAC SHEERTONE SHIMMER BLUSH IN PEACHYKEEN

Here's an initial review on MAC SHEERTONE SHIMMER BLUSH IN PEACHYKEEN

PRICE: 1150PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: EBAY.PH

OTHER LOCATIONS: MAC STORES (ONLINE AND LOCALLY)

THE VERDICT:

I was on the verge of buying another Nars Orgasm because I realized that I don't have a peach blush. But I'm afraid I'll get tired of it again so I decided to buy MAC's Peachykeen

Peachykeen is a peach blush with hints of gold shimmer. It is VERY pigmented. So if you have a heavy hand, be sure to dust the excess off, and apply on your cheeks in light strokes (unless you want to look sun burned).

Moi wearing Peachykeen

Nars' Orgasm is more on the pink side, which is why I sold it. I thought it would look more peach, but it turned out pink on my skin tone.

MAC's Peachykeen is PEACH. No undertones whatsoever. The slight gold shimmer makes this a perfect summer blush. If you want to soften the shimmer a bit, dab powder on top of the blush. I like the fact that this blush enhances my skin tone, and it goes very well with my beige and brown lippies.

And if you're looking for a peach blush, check Peachykeen first before you shell out dough on an Orgasm.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MAC SHEERTONE SHIMMER BLUSH IN PEACHYKEEN

Here's an initial review on MAC SHEERTONE SHIMMER BLUSH IN PEACHYKEEN

PRICE: 1150PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: EBAY.PH

OTHER LOCATIONS: MAC STORES (ONLINE AND LOCALLY)

THE VERDICT:

I was on the verge of buying another Nars Orgasm because I realized that I don't have a peach blush. But I'm afraid I'll get tired of it again so I decided to buy MAC's Peachykeen

Peachykeen is a peach blush with hints of gold shimmer. It is VERY pigmented. So if you have a heavy hand, be sure to dust the excess off, and apply on your cheeks in light strokes (unless you want to look sun burned).

Moi wearing Peachykeen

Nars' Orgasm is more on the pink side, which is why I sold it. I thought it would look more peach, but it turned out pink on my skin tone.

MAC's Peachykeen is PEACH. No undertones whatsoever. The slight gold shimmer makes this a perfect summer blush. If you want to soften the shimmer a bit, dab powder on top of the blush. I like the fact that this blush enhances my skin tone, and it goes very well with my beige and brown lippies.

And if you're looking for a peach blush, check Peachykeen first before you shell out dough on an Orgasm.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MAC LIPSTICK IN TOXIC TALE (DISNEY VENOMOUS VILLAINS COLLECTION)

Here's an initial review on MAC LIPSTICK IN TOXIC TALE FROM THE DISNEY VENOMOUS VILLAINS COLLECTION

PRICE: 1000PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: MAC, GLORIETTA 4, MAKATI CITY

OTHER LOCATIONS: MAC SHANGRI- LA, MANDALUYONG CITY; MAC POWERPLANT MALL, ROCKWELL; MAC DUTY FREE PHILIPPINES, PARANAQUE CITY; MAC MARIONNAUD, SM MALL OF ASIA, PASAY CITY

THE VERDICT:

Of all of my lemmings from the VV collection by MAC, this is what I only got. This shade of lipstick is so unique, that I'll regret it if I pass up on it.

Toxic Tale is part of the collection featuring the Evil Stepmother from Snow White.

The Disney collection's price per product was hiked up just a bit. So instead of paying for the usual 950php for a lippie, I paid 1000php. I guess we have to pay for the Disney rights too, huh? :)))

Moving on.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" Oh, Evil Stepmother, you're my most favorite villain of all time! The meanest and the vainest villain I've encountered. She should've started her own beauty blog too (if blogging existed in their kingdom). LOL!

I just love the simple picture of the Evil Stepmother on the cheap shiny plastic tube (I didn't like the look of the tube!). It also makes this easier to spot in my make- up train case because her picture serves as a marker.

Toxic Tale's intensity and shade varies, depending on the color of the skin tone of the person wearing it. I've noticed that, it looked red/coral on girls with fair complexion, and it looked bright coral on girls with medium to dark complexion. So I can't really say that it's just a plain bright coral lipstick with no undertones whatsoever (because that's how the shade came out on me).

Regarding the consistency, Toxic Tale provides a smooth, opaque finish that lasts long. It even leaves a hint of coral on the lips even if the lipstick is completely wiped off. Staying power is very good. Albeit, some girls may need to apply lip balm underneath the lipstick, as this lipstick can be a bit drying.

Here's moi wearing the lipstick. I am sorry for the informal sleeping clothes! I was about to sleep, but I jumped out of bed and decided to play with my new lipstick. :)

This color will definitely brighten up a dull face, and will definitely add a pop of color to an almost bare- looking face. And I can also see myself wearing this more often in the summer months during beach time! And this shade of coral also makes teeth look white!

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MAC LIPSTICK IN TOXIC TALE (DISNEY VENOMOUS VILLAINS COLLECTION)

Here's an initial review on MAC LIPSTICK IN TOXIC TALE FROM THE DISNEY VENOMOUS VILLAINS COLLECTION

PRICE: 1000PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: MAC, GLORIETTA 4, MAKATI CITY

OTHER LOCATIONS: MAC SHANGRI- LA, MANDALUYONG CITY; MAC POWERPLANT MALL, ROCKWELL; MAC DUTY FREE PHILIPPINES, PARANAQUE CITY; MAC MARIONNAUD, SM MALL OF ASIA, PASAY CITY

THE VERDICT:

Of all of my lemmings from the VV collection by MAC, this is what I only got. This shade of lipstick is so unique, that I'll regret it if I pass up on it.

Toxic Tale is part of the collection featuring the Evil Stepmother from Snow White.

The Disney collection's price per product was hiked up just a bit. So instead of paying for the usual 950php for a lippie, I paid 1000php. I guess we have to pay for the Disney rights too, huh? :)))

Moving on.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" Oh, Evil Stepmother, you're my most favorite villain of all time! The meanest and the vainest villain I've encountered. She should've started her own beauty blog too (if blogging existed in their kingdom). LOL!

I just love the simple picture of the Evil Stepmother on the cheap shiny plastic tube (I didn't like the look of the tube!). It also makes this easier to spot in my make- up train case because her picture serves as a marker.

Toxic Tale's intensity and shade varies, depending on the color of the skin tone of the person wearing it. I've noticed that, it looked red/coral on girls with fair complexion, and it looked bright coral on girls with medium to dark complexion. So I can't really say that it's just a plain bright coral lipstick with no undertones whatsoever (because that's how the shade came out on me).

Regarding the consistency, Toxic Tale provides a smooth, opaque finish that lasts long. It even leaves a hint of coral on the lips even if the lipstick is completely wiped off. Staying power is very good. Albeit, some girls may need to apply lip balm underneath the lipstick, as this lipstick can be a bit drying.

Here's moi wearing the lipstick. I am sorry for the informal sleeping clothes! I was about to sleep, but I jumped out of bed and decided to play with my new lipstick. :)

This color will definitely brighten up a dull face, and will definitely add a pop of color to an almost bare- looking face. And I can also see myself wearing this more often in the summer months during beach time! And this shade of coral also makes teeth look white!

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MAYBELLINE CAT EYES+HELLO KITTY MASCARA

Here’s an initial review on MAYBELLINE HELLO KITTY+CAT EYES VOLUMIZING MASCARA

PRICE: 549PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: SM DEPARTMENT STORE, SM MALL OF ASIA

OTHER LOCATIONS: MAYBELLINE COUNTERS IN ALL MALLS NATIONWIDE

THE VERDICT:

Maybelline Cat Eyes has found a profitable collaboration with the most fabulous feline of all time, Hello Kitty.

I’ve been obsessed with Hello Kitty ever since I was young. So when I spotted this on the Maybelline counters, I immediately bought one!

Maybelline’s Cat Eyes mascara gets Kitty-fied. The tube’s colour was changed to metallic pink, and Hello Kitty graphics are drawn all over the tube making it Sanrio- worthy!

Nothing has actually changed with regard to the formula .The wand still comes in the comb- type, which is perfect for fan styling so you can achieve wonderful kitty eyes. The mascara formula is still waterproof, and the mascara colour comes only in black.

Here’s my lashes without mascara.

Here’s my lashes with CK+HK. And the result, CAT-ASTROPHIC LASHES! Lush falsies- looking lashes sans the false eyelashes. And this mascara won’t budge!

Cat Eyes is the next best thing since Maybelline’s Great Lash. Formula is great, and the mascara wand is such a wonderful innovation. A wonderful formulation and a great mascara wand make great music together. Even if you’re a newbie to mascara, and you have a great product like Cat Eyes, it just makes mascara application easier than you can imagine.

If you love cats, a Hello Kitty fanatic, a mascara lover, or simply someone who loves unique stuff, Maybelline’s Hello Kitty Mascara is definitely a worthy buy!

*Check out my entries on Maybelline products for an in- depth review of the Cat Eyes mascara

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MAYBELLINE CAT EYES+HELLO KITTY MASCARA

Here’s an initial review on MAYBELLINE HELLO KITTY+CAT EYES VOLUMIZING MASCARA

PRICE: 549PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: SM DEPARTMENT STORE, SM MALL OF ASIA

OTHER LOCATIONS: MAYBELLINE COUNTERS IN ALL MALLS NATIONWIDE

THE VERDICT:

Maybelline Cat Eyes has found a profitable collaboration with the most fabulous feline of all time, Hello Kitty.

I’ve been obsessed with Hello Kitty ever since I was young. So when I spotted this on the Maybelline counters, I immediately bought one!

Maybelline’s Cat Eyes mascara gets Kitty-fied. The tube’s colour was changed to metallic pink, and Hello Kitty graphics are drawn all over the tube making it Sanrio- worthy!

Nothing has actually changed with regard to the formula .The wand still comes in the comb- type, which is perfect for fan styling so you can achieve wonderful kitty eyes. The mascara formula is still waterproof, and the mascara colour comes only in black.

Here’s my lashes without mascara.

Here’s my lashes with CK+HK. And the result, CAT-ASTROPHIC LASHES! Lush falsies- looking lashes sans the false eyelashes. And this mascara won’t budge!

Cat Eyes is the next best thing since Maybelline’s Great Lash. Formula is great, and the mascara wand is such a wonderful innovation. A wonderful formulation and a great mascara wand make great music together. Even if you’re a newbie to mascara, and you have a great product like Cat Eyes, it just makes mascara application easier than you can imagine.

If you love cats, a Hello Kitty fanatic, a mascara lover, or simply someone who loves unique stuff, Maybelline’s Hello Kitty Mascara is definitely a worthy buy!

*Check out my entries on Maybelline products for an in- depth review of the Cat Eyes mascara

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: LAURA MERCIER OIL- FREE FOUNDATION PRIMER

Here’s an initial review on LAURA MERCIER OIL- FREE FOUNDATION PRIMER

PRICE: ? (ROUGHLY AROUND 900- 1K)

PLACE BOUGHT: FROM A SWAP IN GIRLTALK

OTHER LOCATIONS: LAURA MERCIER COUNTERS (RUSTANS MAKATI; SHANGRI- LA MALL, ORTIGAS, MANDALUYONG CITY)

THE VERDICT:

I got this from a swap with Sis enkybaby of Girltalk months ago. Didn’t get to review this early on because I’ve been getting a lot of products and it’s really taking me time reviewing ‘em all. So before this product falls into obscurity, I’m going to review it now.

Laura Mercier’s comes in a tube that’s like the brand’s Tinted Moisturizer. This is the full size already, and it’s quite small IMO.

Consistency is like moisturizer. The product is unscented, which is good because there’s no perfume in it to clog your pores. But it has a weird chemical- ish scent that might be quite a turn- off to some. The smell makes me feel light- headed before, but eventually, I got used to it.

The product is spreadable, and is absorbed quickly into the skin. After a few seconds, your face starts to mattify. It provides a dry base for foundation.

But in terms of keeping oil at bay, this is not your best bet. It just mattifies your skin as preparation for foundation application. But throughout the day, my oilies persist to come out of my pores.

It’s pretty steep for a small tube of primer, not to mention that there’s just a little amount inside the tube. I’m better off with Leyende Face Canvass or my HG, Kryolan Invisible Matt.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: LAURA MERCIER OIL- FREE FOUNDATION PRIMER

Here’s an initial review on LAURA MERCIER OIL- FREE FOUNDATION PRIMER

PRICE: ? (ROUGHLY AROUND 900- 1K)

PLACE BOUGHT: FROM A SWAP IN GIRLTALK

OTHER LOCATIONS: LAURA MERCIER COUNTERS (RUSTANS MAKATI; SHANGRI- LA MALL, ORTIGAS, MANDALUYONG CITY)

THE VERDICT:

I got this from a swap with Sis enkybaby of Girltalk months ago. Didn’t get to review this early on because I’ve been getting a lot of products and it’s really taking me time reviewing ‘em all. So before this product falls into obscurity, I’m going to review it now.

Laura Mercier’s comes in a tube that’s like the brand’s Tinted Moisturizer. This is the full size already, and it’s quite small IMO.

Consistency is like moisturizer. The product is unscented, which is good because there’s no perfume in it to clog your pores. But it has a weird chemical- ish scent that might be quite a turn- off to some. The smell makes me feel light- headed before, but eventually, I got used to it.

The product is spreadable, and is absorbed quickly into the skin. After a few seconds, your face starts to mattify. It provides a dry base for foundation.

But in terms of keeping oil at bay, this is not your best bet. It just mattifies your skin as preparation for foundation application. But throughout the day, my oilies persist to come out of my pores.

It’s pretty steep for a small tube of primer, not to mention that there’s just a little amount inside the tube. I’m better off with Leyende Face Canvass or my HG, Kryolan Invisible Matt.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MAC EYESHADOW IN WOODWINKED

Here's an initial review on MAC EYESHADOW IN WOODWINKED

PRICE: AROUND 600PHP+

PLACE BOUGHT: MAC, DUTY FREE PHILIPPINES

OTHER LOCATIONS: MAC ONLINE; MAC STORES

THE VERDICT:

Woodwinked is one of the popular brown eyeshadows from MAC. It has garnered high ratings from makeupalley.com, and is much appreciated by international and local beauty blogs.

It is described as a warm antique gold eyeshadow by maccosmetics.com.

True enough, this eyeshadow has a strong gold color. But ultimately, the shade can be categorized under browns/neutrals, so you really can't call this a gold eyeshadow.

Please check my MAC eyeshadows review for the texture of the eyeshadows. The review here is mainly for the color. :)

Skin swatch. The shade might look too frosted and could be mistaken as a highlighter. But you can wear this eyeshadow on its own. Do you recall those fashion ads with models just wearing a nice warm wash of foil brown eyeshadow on their lids? Get those eye make- up looks with Woodwinked!

Here's an eyelid swatch. It gives my face a warm vibe. Even if you're too lazy to put eye make- up, but still can't go out without eyeshadow, just spread this over your lids to emphasize your eyes. It gives your eyes a deep and natural look. And if you want to create deep set eyes, add chocolate brown or dark brown eyeshadows on your outer creases.

Woodwinked is highly recommended by The Beauty Junkee!