SPEND VS. SAVE: PRESSED POWDERS

For this edition of spend vs. save, let's look at Pressed Powders.

I have two pressed powders in my stash

STILA SHEER PRESSED POWDER- 795PHP

SKINFOOD MOIST FITTING CAKE SPF 25+++- 2150PHP

Pressed powders are best used for touch- ups when you're wearing foundation so as to prevent your make- up from looking thick. 

Let's start with the overall casing

Skinfood has a plastic glass base that separates the sponge from the powder while Stila only has a thin plastic film that separates the powder from the sponge. Skinfood's effective powder case proves to be better than Stila's. It's not only hygienic, but it protects the whole powder from elements that can crack or damage the powder.

Stila's silver casing looks very nice and sophisticated, while Skinfood's black and brown casing looks exquisite as well.

Skinfood's sponge is a rubber sponge while Stila is made of soft cotton puff. I hate how rubber sponges smell like rubber and face oil after prolonged usage so cotton sponges are my best bet. Also, the black cloth with the STILA logo is cute and classy.

Let's now criticize to the actual product

Skinfood's powder feels buttery on the pan but once applied, it is actually starchy. Maybe because it's mineral- based that's why it's kinda' loose when applied.

Stila's powder feels buttery and when applied, it gives a sheer finish that doesn't look streaky.

HERE'S A PICTURE COMPARISON OF THE TWO PRODUCTS

MY LEFT FACE WITH STILA

- COVERAGE IS MUCH BETTER AND IT COVERS THE PORES WITHOUT MAKING THE LOOK STREAKY

MY RIGHT FACE WITH SKINFOOD

- SEE HOW IT MADE THE DRY PATCHES ON MY SKIN MORE VISIBLE

MY FINAL VERDICT:

While Skinfood has and advantage because it has SPF, Stila coverage proves to be much better. Even if some may find Stila a bit too sheer or not good at all, at least it's not as expensive as Skinfood. Skinfood is way too overpriced but unfortunately, they are not impressive for me. One con for the Stila powder is their limited shade selection. Nothing seems to match the color of my neck so I'm afraid my face will look too white.

If you want something with SPF, I suggest you wear a separate SPF. The 1355php that you'll be able to save from buying Skinfood can actually get you a decent sunblock for the face. Don't sweat it. Don't waste your money.

SO FOR THIS EDITION, I SUGGEST YOU:

SAVE. STILA IS BETTER AND THE WISEST BET

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: SKINFOOD GOLD CAVIAR MOIST FITTING CAKE

Here's my initial review on SKINFOOD GOLD CAVIAR MOIST FITTING CAKE WITH SPF25 PA+++

PRICE: 2150PHP

PLACE BOGUHT: SKINFOOD, SM MALL OF ASIA

OTHER LOCATIONS: ALABANG TOWN CENTER; ESSENCES, RUSTANS

Skinfood's newest Gold Caviar line is infused with 24k gold that helps in making skin illuminate by giving it a glow from within. The caviar, one of the most expensive delicacies in the world is used to infuse this line that aids in making skin luxuriously smooth and evidently healthy.

THE VERDICT:

Okay, so this is my most expensive make- up to date. I bought this simply because I was so intrigued with the line and I love the packaging. I got tons of freebies including tons of sachet samples, gold caviar emulsion and toner samples, eyeliner and a clutch bag for this purchase. Well, I deserve the freebies for what I paid! :D

Let's start with the case. It's an exquisite looking case from the outside.

On the inside, there is a plastic glass base that separates the sponge from the powder making it more hygienic.

Overall, the powder case is compact and not heavy. So I give it a 10.

Let's delve into the product, shall we? Mademosielle? :D

It is called a moist fitting cake. Truth be told, it's just a more sophisticated term for good ol' FACE POWDER. :D

So this powder is infused with Gold and Caviar. It's mineral- based, so it's good for the skin. It is also a lightly- scented powder, so those who are not into scented powders will love this.

Skin swatch

But the actual product didn't really impress me. The powder texture is quite starchy, so based on the swatch above, you could see that it fills the lines on my skin in a bad kind of way. The texture made a great impact on the coverage that's why it resulted to that kind of coverage. Plus, whenever I'm wearing this, I feel like I'm wearing starch and it makes my dry patches more visible. Staying power ain't impressive too. It lasts on me for 2 hours. No more, no less. :/

It breaks my heart realizing that I wasted 2150php whenever I see this in my make- up stash. I could've bought more interesting make- ups for Karl with the money I spent for this one. I ended up giving this to my mom. She doesn't mind, as long as she has a new make- up. You could see that she's already hit the pan. At least, I'm glad to know that someone actually liked this and this made sense to someone. 

I didn't mean to discourage all those who would like to try Skinfood nor I meant to rain on the Skinfood lovers' parade. It's just that this product didn't work on me. And it added to the burden and guilt that I wasted my hard- earned money. I must admit I'm loving Skinfood's skin care line, though I still believe that every product of the brand is just overrated.

Well, this somehow marked the end of my purchasing from Skinfood. Well, I'm still open to the brand, especially if they have a sale. :D

As of the moment, I don't want to buy anything from this brand. Of course unless someone gives me anything from Skinfood as a gift.

Lesson learned, Caviar is meant to be eaten and Gold is an accessory. Though I will spend much for Gold and Caviar on a different time, space, setting and context, at least I know I'll be 100% satisfied.

MY HUMBLE NAIL POLISH COLLECTION

I really don't have tons of Nail Polishes. I'd rather just go to a salon and get a pedicure and get me my shade of choice. What I hate about buying nail polishes is that I don't get to use everything so much so they end up hard and sticky in the long run. The reason why I bought some of the polishes in my collection is that I find the colors cute. But I'm no nail polish afficionado.

I was actually planning to get my hands on some Orly, Opi, China Glaze or Essie but I'm afraid these would only go to waste because It's not that I change my polish every single day. But lately, I've been stumbling on Nail Polish blogs and I'm lemming now for some imported nail polishes. 

So here's my small and humble nail polish collection. Take note that these polishes are with me since time immemorial. 

MY SKIN FOOD COLLECTION

L-R: NAIL VITA POLISHES OR306, RE101, VL405; PEDICURE VITA POLISH 05

MY THE FACE SHOP COLLECTION

L- R: PP406, BR802, RD303, RD304

*That's it for my nail polish collection. How about you guys? Do you collect nail polishes?