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.

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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.

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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

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 Faux

Today's post will be a MAC product review (yet again). This time it's MAC lipstick in Faux. MAC describes Faux as a muted mauve-pink, it has a satin finish.

Faux is a perfect mlbb (my-lips-but-better) shade on me. The first time I swiped it on, I literally gasped in astonishment as it erased my dark lip lines and perfectly mimicked my natural lip color! Woohoo.

MAC Faux - outdoors, natural lighting

Faux looks very mauve-y on the tube, but don't let it scare fool you.

...Because when swatched, it is actually pink with just slight hints of mauve and brown. It had semi to almost full opaque coverage, with MAC's signature lovely vanilla scent. Faux wore well for 2 hours until it started to fade.

Ladies out there who have not-so-rosy lips (like me. boohoo!) rather a bit mauve-y, try MAC Faux. This might just be your perfect MLBB lipstick!

Review Roundup: MAC Faux

Pros:
non-drying
great coverage
lovely mlbb shade

Cons:
Not long wearing

Overall:
4/5

Would I repurchase? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes

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

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

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

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-hour Primer ~ Swatches + Review (Updated!)

Hurray for a huge ☑ on one of my wishlist items~ I just got my Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-hour Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 in shades Light and Medium. ;) Having the two shades was sort of a mishap, well... onto the review!

Tarte says:

Indulge and nourish your skin with our BB tinted treatment 12-hour primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen which offers multiple skincare and makeup benefits in one eco-chic tube. This powerfully pure formula serves as your:

• healthy treatment
• 12-hour primer
• buildable coverage
• oil-free moisturizer
• pore minimizer
• skin brightener
• chemical-free sun protector 

Tarte cosmetics are formulated without: parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic fragrance. And they're cruelty-free. (:

Love the eco-chic tube!

This BB is available in four shades: Fair, Light, Medium and Tan. Not so many shades to choose from... Then again, this is a bb cream.

Light and Medium

As you can see, Light is a little light for me, while Medium is slightly too dark. Luckily I can mix those two to achieve my perfect shade. If I could just pick one though, I'd choose the latter.

Well blended

I am in love with this bb's texture. It's mousse-like silky. The texture is almost the same as MUFE Mat Velvet Plus'. It leaves a semi-matte to matte finish, while still looking natural. I was really, pleasantly surprised with its coverage. It provided an almost-medium with just one layer. I didn't have to use concealer on this one. Acne and acne scars were almost gone.

The first second I saw this on my face, I was pretty disappointed. It covered pretty well, but accentuated my pores and dry patches. I gave it a 3/5. Off I went to do grocery shopping, and when I came back, lo and behold. My face looked flawless! I was in front of the mirror, smiling. How crazy cool is that. So I figured that if you just wait a few minutes and let it set, it'll then you show you its real awesomeness.

Since I wasn't able to use this for long hours, I can only comment on the short time I wore this baby. Oil control was great. No traces of oil for the two hours I was out running down the aisles of the supermarket.

I also didn't breakout from this. I'm super glad.

**Update**

Okay, so I've worn this for a couple times now. Once I wore this from 3pm to 1am, and when I got back home... my gawd!!! My face still looked great! I only blotted my face (nose) with a blotting paper and at the end of the day there was minimal shine on my nose. I also didn't set the bb with any finishing powder or spray. Amazing. This is HG material. I looooove!

Review Summary: Tarte BB tinted treatment 12-hour primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Pros:

Oil-free

Great coverage

Controls oil

Doesn't cause breakouts

Cons:

The only con I can think of is Tarte cosmetics aren't available locally. Boohoo. But for the product itself, none. (:

Overall:

5/5

Would I repurchase? Yes
Would I recommend this? Yes