MAC Cosmo

MAC describes Cosmo as pink coco. It has an amplified creme finish.

Under fairly clouded natural lighting

Cosmo is a lovely mlbb (my-lips-but-better) shade, flattering on almost all skintones. It's a warm, mid-tone pink that's perfect for everyday use or anytime you want a subdued/minimal makeup.

Warmer, natural lighting

Review Roundup: MAC Cosmo

Pros:
non-drying
great coverage

Cons:
Not long wearing

Overall:
4/5

Would I repurchase? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes

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.

-----

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

Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Calypso

Hey guys! Here's another lipstick review. It's the Creamy Matte Lip Color in shade Calypso. Read reviews of Lip Color here and Rich Lip Color here.

Bobbi Brown describes Calypso as a pink coral.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Calypso - Outdoors, natural lighting

Indoor, natural lighting

Indeed, it is a hot pink with coral undertones.

I find its texture to be quite unforgiving on my lips, even with lip balm underneath. Ironic, because it's supposed to be a creamy matte. But it's not creamy at all. It is lightweight, but it tugs on my lips during application. It does, however, leave a pretty hot pink stain on my lips once it wears off -- while also leaving them dry.

I'd say the only thing I really like about this lipstick is the color. I'm a sucker for pretty watermelon pinks especially during summer. Even though they don't suit me. (I think.)

Pardon the ngarag face

Review Roundup: Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color in Calypso

Pros:
Long wearing
Lovely color!

Cons:
Drying

Overall:
3/5

Would I repurchase? No
Would I recommend? Maybe not

MAC MLBB Lipstick Comparison ~ Swatches

Hi everyone! This is a quick comparison swatch post on my current MAC my-lips-but-better lipstick shades! They are Kinda Sexy, Faux and Cosmo.

M.A.C says:

Kinda Sexy: Neutral pinky-rose (Matte finish)
Faux: Muted mauve-pink (Satin finish)
Cosmo: Pink coco (Amplified creme finish)

Here are the swatches:

Kinda Sexy, Faux, Cosmo

Kinda Sexy, Faux, Cosmo

Under direct clouded sunlight

MAC Please Me

Hi everyone! I'm quite giddy about today's post, which is my review on one of MAC's bestselling lipsticks of all time, Please Me. And no, I'm not excited for the reason that I finally got my hands on a cult favorite, but because of its color that is very unique to me. Really, it pleased me.

MAC Please Me - outdoors, natural lighting

Please Me is a matte lipstick that is described by MAC as a muted-rosy-tinted pink. I definitely see cool undertones in it so I personally describe it as a muted-raspberry pink.

Frankly, I was skeptical when I first got Please Me. Basing on the swatches online, I expected it to be warmer. Alas when I opened the box (this was mailed to me, purchased at MAC Trinoma) and ze eyes first saw the hints of berry in it, I was like, insert "oh." here with a disappointed happy face. imagine: (´・⌣ ・`)

I have strong yellow undertones, so I veer away from lip colors that has even the slightest cool tone to it. I guess I was traumatized by Bikini Pink from Bobbi Brown, a light blue-based pink recommended by the SA and my cousin who was there makeup shopping with me. I wasn't into lipsticks that time and didn't know the term "washing out" yet, but I knew I never looked good in it. Ugh. Nicki Minaj moments.

Anyway, when I swatched it on the back of my hand, the blue tones became less apparent.

And when I swiped it on my lips, it was just an "oh god" moment. I was pleasantly surprised by how good it looked and that it didn't wash me out. The blue tones were very, very minimal. It's a super pretty pink that makes you feel really feminine without being over-the-top barbie. Plus it's a bright color that's not too bold, something that's missing in my arsenal because I always tend to gravitate towards subtle pinks or MLBB's. I felt giddy after seeing myself on this and couldn't wait to go outside to do my errands. There was just so much excitement!

For a matte finish, this isn't drying at all. Apply lip balm beforehand and you're good to go. It had full coverage, and withstood my Infinitea milktea. Heheh. No retouch necessary, just had to press my lips together.

Overall, I'm extremely happy with this purchase, and Please Me really did please me!

Ciao!

Review Roundup: MAC Please Me

Pros:
non-drying

full coverage
long wearing

Cons:
(:

Overall:

5/5

Would I repurchase? YES YES YEEESSS! <3
Would I recommend? Yes

New MAC Lippies: Please Me and Faux

On my previous MAC Kinda Sexy post, I mentioned setting my eyes on more MAC lipsticks. Today I'll share with you guys my two new MAC lipstick purchases (YAAAYY!!!). They are Please Me and Faux.

Faux is described by MAC as a muted mauve-pink, which is quite spot on. It has a satin formulation. Please Me, on the other hand, is said to be a muted-rosy-tinted pink. I would personally describe it as a muted-raspberry pink. It is of matte formulation.

(L) Faux, Please Me (R)

I'll be posting the full review of Faux soon, while you can read Please Me's review here. :D These lipsticks are currently Php 1000 each here in the Philippines. I got these specifically at MAC Trinoma.

Ciao!

Feeling Sexy in MAC Kinda Sexy

Hiiiii theeeere! Feels great to be posting here, it's been a while, no? And it's been a VERY long while since my laptop got damaged, so when I went back to Manila, I couldn't post anything. I only had my smartphone with me and my Blogger app for android didn't really do -any- help with my posts. Haha anyway! I'm here at my home province again, probably for quite a looong time, or for good. I may be opening my own café soon (details on its way!!!) ehehe. Also, a lot has come up lately - really, really big news. Like, life-changing. Haha. Soooo my personal life kwentos later and beauty updates now. (:

Ladies, I have never owned a MAC lipstick before. I've owned a couple of MAC products here and there. But with lipsticks, I used to believe that theirs were too commercial. I think runway when I see their shades. I think crazy, loud colors. I've been to MAC counters and I've never been attracted to any of their shades. Also, I had this notion (influenced by the online community)  that their formulation wasn't great  for everyday use  (read: drying, hence unhealthy). And that was a deal breaker for me because I already have particularly dry lips to start with.

But anyway, fast forward to 2014. When I have already been lurking in Girltalk enough to realize that maybe, I have underestimated this brand's lipstick archive after all. Later I saw Solenn Heusaff's lipcolor on A & A Tonight and immediately fell in love with it. It was nude-ish, but could still look great even without the heavy eyes. It's sweet and innocent, yet sexy and sophisticated. I knew I had to have that color, though I never learned what its name or brand was.

Then I saw a swatch of Kinda Sexy online, and knew I have found the one. It wasn't available on our local counters though, so I had to preorder it. When the package came, I literally squealed in excitement. Amaaazeballs! It was exactly how I wanted it to be. The color on me was more than just nude... A nude that's full of color (oxymoron, yeah?). Pinky, peachy beige that made my lips look, errr, sexy? Hahaha. No kidding, I feel sexy when I wear this on. LOL.

A match made in heaven.

It's a matte formulation, but the great news is, it's non-drying. (yayay!) Provided you have to exfoliate and moisturize your lips prior to application. I have not worn this long enough to say it's that much long lasting, but I did have the chance of testing its mealproofness (LOL.) After some heavy afternoon snack at Hap Chan, there was only a little need for touchup.

My first MAC lipstick experience was overall so enjoyable that I can't wait for my next MAC lipstick purchase. I won't name my prospects yet but I'll introduce them once they're here. Heehee. <3

My last package has finally arrived!

Thank you, Beauty Bay! Or perhaps, thank you Philippine post office? For finally sending out my package!!! I must admit, out of all the packages I've ordered (I was on an online shopping spree last December) this one stressed me out the MOST. Well, aside from one of my Strawberrynet packages where I had to pay customs almost Php 2000! Gah. Anyway, it's here!

I ordered this from Beautybay.com on December 1, 2013 and got an sms from my local post office just this January 10, 2014. (IT TOOK A YEAR. lololol.) How ironic, when this was actually the order where I availed of their Premier service. Overall, I had four consecutive orders from the site, this was my 2nd and it actually came in last, that's why I was so nervous about this one.

I got four items: RMK liquid foundation, Urban Decay complexion spray, Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in Demolition and Stila complexion brush.

Oh, and a freebie! Beautybay gave me their Blending sponge. Hmm, so it was probably THEIR fault why my package was delayed, that's why they're giving me this bribe. lol.

And you're welcome.