thebalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen Review

thebalm Stainiac is currently my top contender for lip and cheek stains. Read on and you'll know why.

Pardon the faded markings. :P

Stainiac comes in an aloe-infused gel-based formula, and doesn't dry my lips out. The doe foot applicator also makes for easier application.

Beauty Queen is a blue-based, cherry red.

It provides more pigmentation unlike its thinner, water-based counterparts such as the Benetint. It wouldn't streak either. And since it's gel-based, there's no need to rush blending because it won't set immediately.

Once blended, it dries down to a very natural finish. But it can be layered for a pop of color.

Stainiac lasts a pretty long time. And it lasts especially longer on the lips when layered on top with lipstick.

I ordered this online from Nordstrom, but it's available locally at Beauty Bar stores for PHP 650.00.

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Review Roundup: thebalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen

Pros:
non-drying

great pigmentation
doesn't streak
long-wearing
doesn't set immediately

Cons:
--

Overall:

4/5

Would I repurchase? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes

Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly Watery Cheek Review

Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly Watery Cheek, as the name implies, is a watery cream blush.

I got it in shade 04 Orange Coral which is purrrfect for summer!

It is watery, but well-pigmented.

Blended

Once blended, it dries down to a moist, natural finish. Nothing too dewy.

Lightly washed with soap and water

And the lasting power is great! How amazing would this be on outings or vacation trips -- under the scorching summer heat or against the ocean waves.

Review Roundup: Holika Holika Aqua Petit Jelly Watery Cheek

Pros:
natural finish

great pigmentation
long-wearing
affordable

Cons:
--

Overall:

5/5

Would I repurchase? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes

Online shopping at Nordstrom

These days I have really been into online shopping. It's my birthday month, so, you can guess the reason for that. There are a lot of secure websites for online shopping now, but sadly, not all of them offer international shipping still, cough Sephora cough. Enter Nordstrom - a US based site that carries countless brands under clothing, shoes, accessories, and my favorite of them all - beauty. Numerous luxury brands such as Christian Dior, Clarins, Yves Saint Laurent are available. However, few ones such as Estee Lauder, Mac, Clinique and Chanel are not available for international shipping, at least to my country. Boo!

Anyway, having spent a looooot of time browsing throught the internet, reading reviews and looking at swatches, (you can guess how hard it is to shop for makeup online) I found a couple of items to my liking.

The process. I fill my bag, then check out (the subtotal is displayed). I then proceed to the last page where I fill in required information for shipping and payment. The total is then shown (includes additional taxes and shipping). Their taxes and shipping fees can be quite steep, but I found this to be better than paying for the importation fee at my country's customs office. Having a very corrupt customs bureau, that was waaayy better! Anyways, submit order and it's done!

That same day, I received an email from Borderfree (Nordstrom) about them receiving my order. Then an order confirmation. Three days later, they emailed me saying that my order has already been shipped. They also gave me my package number so I can track my parcel whenever. (:

Four days later, and voila! My parcel has arrived. It was surprisingly fast. And it was a joy to open my box. Even though it's generally a pain for an impulsive and compulsive gal like me to do online shopping, the best part is still that feeling after having to wait for endless days and next thing you know, your package is in front of you. My mom said I was crazy. Hell yeah. Crazy happy kid here!

Thank you Nordstrom!

What's in the box:

Sunbum lip balm SPF 30 in Pomegranate

Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Tonkin

thebalm Stainiac in Beauty Queen

Christian Dior Diorblush in New Red

Overall it was a great shopping experience. Thank you Nordstrom! I just wish you'd let me order Estee Lauder, Chanel, Clinique and other brands next time. *weep* *grin*