Summer Must-Have: thebalm Stainiac in Homecoming Queen

It's summer, ladies! Now's a good time to update our makeup essentials and be summer-ready with sheers, waterproofs, and naturals. One great product to have is a lip and cheek tint. And one of my favorite tints is thebalm Stainiac.

The shade Homecoming Queen is sooo perfect for summer!

The mango-coral tint dries down to a warmer, peachier color so it looks more natural and doesn't give you orange popsicle lips, or cheeks. 

Its gel-based formula doesn't dry lips out, and provides more pigmentation unlike other watery lip and cheek tints. It doesn't streak. And there's no need to rush blending because it won't set immediately.

It lasts a fairly long time, this is just perfect for picnics, outings or adventures under the scorching summer heat. (:

thebalm Stainiacs are available at Beauty Bar for PHP 650.00.

----
Review Roundup: thebalm Stainiac in Homecoming Queen

Pros:
non-drying

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

Cons:
--

Overall:

4.5/5

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

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Soft Coral

Hi lovelies! Let me tell you something about my current favorite coral lipstick, Bobbi Brown rich lip color in Soft Coral. I was on a bit of a coral phase last summer, and this was one that really got me in.

Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Soft Coral 27 - outdoors, under natural lighting

Indoor, natural lighting

Soft Coral is a very pretty light coral shade. It's actually more of a muted, milky orange with just a little bit of pink.

The lightweight texture is creamy and non-drying. It isn't fully opaque, as when I wear this I find that my natural lip color somehow still peeks through. It has a pleasant vanilla smell, much like MAC lipsticks. This wears for a decently long period, it can last about 4-5 hours before it starts to fade off. It leaves a light stain after eating, though drinking doesn't require much touch up. Its texture is quite powdery, so unlike other lipsticks with stickier formulas, this doesn't cling much to straws or cups.

I'm not a fan of bright or bold colors because I don't think they look good on me, but this really goes well with my NC25 skintone. It's perfect for summer or days when you just feel like oozing a vibrant, feminine aura.

Overall, I'm pleased with this purchase and am looking forward to my next Rich Lip Color purchases. Thanks for reading, see you guys!

P.S This wasn't my first lipstick from the Rich Lip Color line, my first was Bikini Pink. Well it unfortunately washed me out, err it had too much blue in it which was against my warm skin tone, so I sent it away.

Review Roundup: Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Color in Soft Coral

Pros:
non-drying

lightweight
long wearing

Cons:
....

Overall:
4.5/5

Would I repurchase? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes