PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: STILA SHINE LIP COLOR IN PAM+THANK YOU SOL!

Here's an initial review on STILA SHINE LIP COLOR IN PAM

PRICE: GOT IT AS A GIFT, YAY! (BUT PROLLY, IT IS AROUND 500PHP+)

PLACE BOUGHT: GOT IT AS A GIFT

OTHER LOCATIONS: RUSTANS BOUTIQUES

I got this package last Thursday. I was really thinking hard whom I've purchased from since I can't remember any transactions I've made for the past week.

To my surprise, this loot was inside.

I was thinking who it was from. Until I opened the card inside.

YAY! My heart literally skipped a beat when I learned that it is a holiday gift from one of my mates from the BI Squad (A group of hopeless spendaholics who can't get enough of make- up even though they tell themselves that they already have more than enough. Much worse, their disease rubs on everyone else in Girltalk!:p) 

Suuuuuper thanks Sol. This really made my day! (Along with the Sephora hauls too :))

And this gift from Sol is...

A Stila Shine Lip Color in Pam!

Actually, the box said Anna, but the sticker at the bottom of the tube says Pam. So let's settle for Pam. :)

THE VERDICT:

It actually looks pretty dark and scary here in the tube but fear not, It is indeed a wearable color.

So before we go to the actual product, let's first take a look at the packaging.

I love that they use recycled materials for the cartons so Stila is indeed, environment- friendly, so we should support 'em more because they care for the Earth. The tube is very nice. It exudes the theme and concept of Stila: Freshness, Simplicity, Beauty. It even reminded me of the old Stila lipstick packaging, where the cover and base are made of recycled carton!

Pam is a tomato- red color. Gives your face a nice pop of color on dress- down days, where you don't wanna look too laid back. It does pack on a huge amount of shine to keep your puckers moisturized all day.

Regarding the staying power, since this is too wet, it gets wiped off easily. But if you don't use your lips often, it holds up for 2 hours.

And here's a warm thank you to Sol. :)

I hope you like my gift sis! :)

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: STILA SHINE LIP COLOR IN PAM+THANK YOU SOL!

Here's an initial review on STILA SHINE LIP COLOR IN PAM

PRICE: GOT IT AS A GIFT, YAY! (BUT PROLLY, IT IS AROUND 500PHP+)

PLACE BOUGHT: GOT IT AS A GIFT

OTHER LOCATIONS: RUSTANS BOUTIQUES

I got this package last Thursday. I was really thinking hard whom I've purchased from since I can't remember any transactions I've made for the past week.

To my surprise, this loot was inside.

I was thinking who it was from. Until I opened the card inside.

YAY! My heart literally skipped a beat when I learned that it is a holiday gift from one of my mates from the BI Squad (A group of hopeless spendaholics who can't get enough of make- up even though they tell themselves that they already have more than enough. Much worse, their disease rubs on everyone else in Girltalk!:p) 

Suuuuuper thanks Sol. This really made my day! (Along with the Sephora hauls too :))

And this gift from Sol is...

A Stila Shine Lip Color in Pam!

Actually, the box said Anna, but the sticker at the bottom of the tube says Pam. So let's settle for Pam. :)

THE VERDICT:

It actually looks pretty dark and scary here in the tube but fear not, It is indeed a wearable color.

So before we go to the actual product, let's first take a look at the packaging.

I love that they use recycled materials for the cartons so Stila is indeed, environment- friendly, so we should support 'em more because they care for the Earth. The tube is very nice. It exudes the theme and concept of Stila: Freshness, Simplicity, Beauty. It even reminded me of the old Stila lipstick packaging, where the cover and base are made of recycled carton!

Pam is a tomato- red color. Gives your face a nice pop of color on dress- down days, where you don't wanna look too laid back. It does pack on a huge amount of shine to keep your puckers moisturized all day.

Regarding the staying power, since this is too wet, it gets wiped off easily. But if you don't use your lips often, it holds up for 2 hours.

And here's a warm thank you to Sol. :)

I hope you like my gift sis! :)

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: STILA EYESHADOW (KITTEN)

Here's an initial review on STILA EYESHADOW IN KITTEN

PRICE: $14

PLACE BOUGHT: SEPHORA

OTHER LOCATIONS RUSTAN'S (PHILIPPINES)

THE VERDICT:

I became curious on this eyeshadow since it garnered so many raves in Girltalk's Stila thread. And I asked hubby for this as a pasalubong. I only wanted the eyeshadow but hubby was so kind to throw in an empty eyeshadow pan to secure this eyeshadow! :) I love you bubee! :)

Kitten is a champagne peach eyeshadow with a slight pink undertone that's quite unnoticeable at all, not unless you apply this heavily. 

Here's a swatch of the Kitten e/s. It's uber pigmented! For a detailed review on the quality of this eyeshadow, please do check my review on Stila eyeshadow in Diamond Lil'. I just swatched this twice and look how incredibly pigmented this eyeshadow is! 

I hope you see the slight pink undertone because I can see it! (Look closely and inspect thoroughly) Sorry if some may not see it because my camera may not be performing that well during this photo shoot. :)

And here's an individual eyeshadow pan for my Kitten e/s!

LOVE YOU HUBBY! :)

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: STILA EYESHADOW (KITTEN)

Here's an initial review on STILA EYESHADOW IN KITTEN

PRICE: $14

PLACE BOUGHT: SEPHORA

OTHER LOCATIONS RUSTAN'S (PHILIPPINES)

THE VERDICT:

I became curious on this eyeshadow since it garnered so many raves in Girltalk's Stila thread. And I asked hubby for this as a pasalubong. I only wanted the eyeshadow but hubby was so kind to throw in an empty eyeshadow pan to secure this eyeshadow! :) I love you bubee! :)

Kitten is a champagne peach eyeshadow with a slight pink undertone that's quite unnoticeable at all, not unless you apply this heavily. 

Here's a swatch of the Kitten e/s. It's uber pigmented! For a detailed review on the quality of this eyeshadow, please do check my review on Stila eyeshadow in Diamond Lil'. I just swatched this twice and look how incredibly pigmented this eyeshadow is! 

I hope you see the slight pink undertone because I can see it! (Look closely and inspect thoroughly) Sorry if some may not see it because my camera may not be performing that well during this photo shoot. :)

And here's an individual eyeshadow pan for my Kitten e/s!

LOVE YOU HUBBY! :)

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: STILA EYESHADOW (DIAMOND LIL')

Here's an initial review on STILA EYESHADOW (DIAMOND LIL')

PRICE: $14

PLACE BOUGHT: SEPHORA

OTHER LOCATIONS: RUSTAN'S (PHILIPPINES)

THE VERDICT:

Here's another item off of Hubby's US trip pasalubong loot. :) It's also one of my much- awaited purchases since I'm revamping my eyeshadow collection. It's Stila's eyeshadow in Diamond Lil'

Diamond Lil' is a mushroom taupe eyeshadow. It has a slight gold shimmer. For color familiarity, it's a gray taupe eyeshadow with gold shimmer. Stila's eyeshadow pans are quite big so I'm sure this pan will last me long, not to mention that it's UBER pigmented. One swipe already gives your peepers a surge of color. Stila's eyeshadows are so silky, it's like applying cashmere on your lids. It blends easily and it doesn't cake, crease nor streak. It is also not chalky so you get 100% pure color. Upon blending, the powder doesn't fall on your cheeks due to the fantastic formulation.

And here's my Diamond Lil' along with Stila's empty eyeshadow pan. This pan has a magnet which holds the eyeshadow refill securely. It's easy to remove as well. I love how the pan is so convenient so i give the packaging 10 stars. :)

Here's a post courtesy of pinksith.com. MAC's Smoke and Diamonds is currently one of MAC's famous eyeshadow. And unfortunately, it's unavailable here. The reason why I got diamond lil' is because of this post. But primarily, I'm on the look out for a nice gray eyeshadow as well to compliment my black eyeshadow. Check that it duped MAC's S&D by 98%! It's cheaper and the pan is bigger so get more out of your cash. Check also that Stila's more pigmented than MAC! :)

Will I purchase this again? Of course I will! I just hope that this color is available here in the Philippines. :)

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: STILA EYESHADOW (DIAMOND LIL')

Here's an initial review on STILA EYESHADOW (DIAMOND LIL')

PRICE: $14

PLACE BOUGHT: SEPHORA

OTHER LOCATIONS: RUSTAN'S (PHILIPPINES)

THE VERDICT:

Here's another item off of Hubby's US trip pasalubong loot. :) It's also one of my much- awaited purchases since I'm revamping my eyeshadow collection. It's Stila's eyeshadow in Diamond Lil'

Diamond Lil' is a mushroom taupe eyeshadow. It has a slight gold shimmer. For color familiarity, it's a gray taupe eyeshadow with gold shimmer. Stila's eyeshadow pans are quite big so I'm sure this pan will last me long, not to mention that it's UBER pigmented. One swipe already gives your peepers a surge of color. Stila's eyeshadows are so silky, it's like applying cashmere on your lids. It blends easily and it doesn't cake, crease nor streak. It is also not chalky so you get 100% pure color. Upon blending, the powder doesn't fall on your cheeks due to the fantastic formulation.

And here's my Diamond Lil' along with Stila's empty eyeshadow pan. This pan has a magnet which holds the eyeshadow refill securely. It's easy to remove as well. I love how the pan is so convenient so i give the packaging 10 stars. :)

Here's a post courtesy of pinksith.com. MAC's Smoke and Diamonds is currently one of MAC's famous eyeshadow. And unfortunately, it's unavailable here. The reason why I got diamond lil' is because of this post. But primarily, I'm on the look out for a nice gray eyeshadow as well to compliment my black eyeshadow. Check that it duped MAC's S&D by 98%! It's cheaper and the pan is bigger so get more out of your cash. Check also that Stila's more pigmented than MAC! :)

Will I purchase this again? Of course I will! I just hope that this color is available here in the Philippines. :)

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: STILA EYESHADOW PALETTE REFILL IN GOLIGHTLY

Here's my initial review on STILA EYESHADOW IN GOLIGHTLY

PRICE: 495PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: STILA, ESSENCES RUSTANS, MAKATI CITY

Stila's eyeshadows come in refill packages that you can put in different palettes. Mix and matching is best recommended. Stila also offers an array of bold and neutral colors for that fresh, natural and simple make- up.

Shade

THE VERDICT:

Stila's eyeshadows are quite cheap, which I love. I got the shade in Golightly because it's sort of a dupe for MAC's Amber Lights Eyeshadow. 

Skin swatch

When applied on the skin, it gives off an impressive pigmentation. The eyeshadows are buttery- smooth. It's also easy to apply and blend

Eye swatch

When I tried the eyeshadow on my eyes, it's less pigmented as it was when I swatched this on my skin. It didn't impress me quite at all. But this goes to show that their eyeshadows are best for everyday because of it's sheer pay- off. But don't fret, if you build it, you could get pretty much a dash of color on your lids.

Overall, it's a good buy for those who love wearing eyeshadow on a daily basis. It looks very natural on the lids so you won't look too made up. 

The thing I hate about it is it doesn't have a pot though it's a refill. Instead of purchasing just one, I have to purchase three eyeshadows plus a pan. :/

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: STILA FACE POWDER IN LIGHT

Here's an initial review on STILA PRESSED POWDER IN LIGHT

PRICE: 795PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: STILA, ESSENCES RUSTANS, MAKATI CITY

THE VERDICT:

Nice packaging! :D

THE VERDICT:

Okay, I have one stupidity. The shade I bought is too light for me. But mom ended up having it anyway. I didn't have it changed because I already used the sponge! Besides, mom asked for it as well.

Okay, so I love the packaging and it's cheap, as compared to MAC and other expensive branded cosmetics out there. Another plus is the sleek and cute sponge. :D

The consistency of the powder is smooth and buttery, just like MAC's powders. It also has a good pigment pay- off and it naturally conceals some light skin discolorations. I also like the staying power. Good enough to keep you oil- free for at least 3- 4 hours. 

Once I empty my Prestige powder, I'm gonna try this, This product looks promising! :D

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: STILA LIP ROUGE LIP STAIN IN BEAM

Here's my initial review on STILA LIP ROUGE IN BEAM.

PRICE: 595PHP

PLACE BOUGHT: STILA, ESSENCES, RUSTANS

Lip Rouge is a lip stain in pen form. It's a faster and more convenient way of applying lip stain without staining your skin and fingers.

Slanted felt- tip pen

THE VERDICT:

The lip rouge I bought is in the shade Beam, a hot pink color. When applied lightly, it gives a light pink tinge on your lips. For a more dramatic red with a tinge of pink look, apply a heavy amount on your lips. Top with gloss for a sexy look.

I chose this over the red lip tint, it's main contender for me. I love how the red lip stain gives my lips a lovely blood- red tinge but I decided to get the hot pink one because I want to sport a dewy pink make- up as of the moment nowadays.

Staying power is awesome! I swatched it on my skin and when it dried, the color is kinda' tough to remove, unless if you remove it with water. I also like that it dries easily and it really gives your lips a lovely pink hue.

The Lip Rouge comes in a range of colors (around 6-7) I also tried this on my cheeks and it delivered. But you have to smudge it right after applying it because it will leave a pink streak on your cheeks once it dries. But I'm happy with my powder blushes so I'd rather use this on my lips. :D

Lip Rouge applied lightly on my lips

Make sure you always cover it right after using so the pen won't dry up. Prevent it from being exposed in front of airconditioners or electric fans to make it last longer.

For 595php, it's really a good buy, as compared to Bloom's lip stain pen priced at 795php. I'm sure both will deliver but I have compared both and I conclude that in terms of color pay- off, Stila is the winner. 

I'm definitely getting this one again once I empty this. I'm also going to try their face powders. It's priced at 795php. It ain't bad. It's still cheaper than MAC. :D