Product Review: Althea Petal Velvet Powder

     It's been ages since the last time I used a translucent powder to set my bb cream. I'm a fan of powder foundation because of extra coverage and finish. Last July, Althea Korea secretly selected bloggers to get the first dibs on their Althea Petal Velvet Powder. This finishing powder was launched early this month and upon reaching our doorstep, I've decided to use it immediately.

     So what is Althea Petal Velvet Powder? According to their website, it is Althea's very own product range and the Petal Velvet Powder is the first from the line. This is a translucent powder that sets makeup and leaves behind a silky finish to the touch. Infused with oil from Althea seeds, this powder works to keep sebum production at bay without drying out the skin for a radiant, fresh look, all while giving out a gentle scent. After using it for a week, read my thoughts after the jump :)

Product Review: Althea Petal Velvet Powder

Feature: Cathy Doll Nude Me Collection Photos and Swatches

     Hello, dearies! Cathy Doll Philippines celebrated their first year anniversary last May with the launch of their newest collection- Nude Me! I was not able to attend the event but Cathy Doll Philippines sent me the products in this new collection that will excite the girls who love to sport the 'no makeup' makeup look.

     The new collection features Cathy Doll’s Eyebrow Cara, Nude Me Liquid Lipstick, Nude Me Eyeshadow and the Sculpting Highlight and Shading Cushion SPF50 PA+++. Cathy Doll has won the hearts of Filipinas who are in pursuit of only the best in beauty trend with its wide range of cosmetics, facial and body care, beauty accessories and skin care products. So without further ado, let me show you Cathy Doll's Nude Me Collection after the jump!

Feature: Cathy Doll Nude Me Collection Photos and Swatches

Product Review: Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Lie Lip Crayon (New Shades)

     I know, I know! The tongue twister title makes you wanna try this lipstick. Pink Sugar collaborated with one of the country's top beauty bloggers- Liz Lanuzo of Project Vanity to give you flattering shades and complete your lipstick arsenal.

     Lipstick in crayon-like form arrived in Philippine shore a few years ago and brands like Revlon and Clinique started the trend. From then on, foreign and local brands are producing their own formulas and shades too. So according to Liz, it was a huge milestone for her when the founders of Pink Sugar asked her to collab and produce this kind of lipstick. If you're a self-confessed lipstick junkie, a crayon or two of Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Lie Lip Crayon is a must. Why? Read more below!

Product Review: Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Lie Lip Crayon

Product Review: Nicole Cosmetics Lipstick

     I believe that a girl can really never have too many lipsticks. There are so many formulations to choose from, so many shades to sport every occasion, and promising brands that are not only from international market but from ours as well. 

     Let me introduce to you Nicole Cosmetics- a brand where you can find the most flattering and wearable makeup specially formulated for Filipina skin. The brand currently offers cruelty-free lipsticks, made from natural ingredients. One of the owners, Ms. Arlette Alvarado sent me the complete shades of Nicole Cosmetics Lipstick. Photos, swatches, and my thought below :)

Product Review: Nicole Cosmetics Lipstick

Product Review: Saemmul Real Tint

     I'm going gaga over lip and cheek tints right now hence rekindling my love to the first kind of blush that I was using when I was in college. Tints are becoming a staple in every girls makeup stash because the 'no makeup' makeup look is trending. The key to this is a natural flush on cheeks, natural brows and bb or cc cushion on face.

     The simplest and easiest way to achieve a natural flush on your cheeks is by using cheek tint. Did you know that there are different formulas of cheek tint available? I've tried a few of them like liquid tint, gel stain, and balm or stick type. My latest discovery is from the Korean brand The Saem. Their Saemmul Real Tint is a lip tint but I'm using it more often as a cheek tint. Intrigued? See my full review below :)

Product Review: Saemmul Real Tint

Product Review: W.Lab Clear Finish Gel Liner

     I always find myself in makeup haven every time I visit altheakorea.ph website. When it was launched last year, I did some makeup shopping and bought products that's not available locally. It was a great experience because the products I bought did not fail and made into my makeup must-haves list.

     One of the brands that I swear when it comes to quality and performance is my W.Lab Clear Finish Gel Liner. Despite the hefty price tag, I still find it worth every peso because it's the only eyeliner that lasted more than 10 hours on my not so oily but panda eyelids without smudging and smearing. I've tested this product last summer and it's true to their claims. See more of W.Lab Clear Finish Gel Liner in Matt Black below :)

Product Review: W.Lab Clear Finish Gel Liner

Product Review: Mischka Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain

     Before I learned how to use blush powders and creams on my cheeks, lip & cheek tints are my best friend. I was in college back then when a Thai brand of makeup sells cheap but effective products and one of them was my favorite cheek tint. I will not name it and I presume that if you're a cheek tint gal, you have tried it too.

     Anyhoo, late last year I decided to rekindle my love for lip & cheek tints when I saw photos of Korean stars on my Facebook feed. Most of them are sporting the no makeup look with only flushed cheeks, bitten lips, and natural looking brows. I want to try that look and good thing Mischka Derma Secrets now rebranded to Mischka Nature Essentials sent me two shades of their Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain. Will this product be a mainstay in my makeup essentials? Find out my thoughts below :)

Product Review: Mischka Just Kissed Lip & Cheek Stain

Product Review: Pink Sugar Nude Lipsticks

     Since nude lippies are so in today, (because of Kylie Jenner) let me share with you another set of nude lipsticks and for this post they're from Pink Sugar Cosmetics. I'm pretty sure that if you're a makeup enthusiast and a self-confessed lipstick junkie you've already seen Pink Sugar Cosmetics kiosk. Prolly you have a product or two from Pink Sugar in your makeup kit.

     Pink Sugar Cosmetics is a homegrown brand. They had a grand launch last year and everyone who attended the event were impressed with their products- the packaging, pigmentation, and price are awesome! They launched Pink Sugar HD and Creamy Matte lipsticks last year with 14 and 10 shades respectively. Now, they're adding more shades and got three of them which are all under creamy mattes namely XOXO, Hot Mess, and Girl Next Door. Sugar on the other hand is included in the first batch of HD lipsticks. If you're looking for cheap dupe of the Kylie lip kit, read more below :)

Product Review: Pink Sugar Nude Lipsticks

Product Review: Dolly Wink Pencil Eyeliner in Black

     Hello dearies! Sharing with you a quick review of my current fave eyeliner- Dolly Wink Pencil Eyeliner in Black. I got this as a token from Row101 Summer Pop Up Bazaar launch last April. Dolly Wink is a famous make-up brand in Japan. According to Pinky Paradise website:

This range contains everything you could ever need to make your new circle lenses really shine! Perfect to achieve that Gyaru style, we have everything from eyebrow mascara to liquid eyeliner, false eyelashes to eyelash fix to give that perfect bold effect to emphasize your stunning new look eyes. Endorsed by the beautiful Japanese model Tsubasa Masuwaka who is synonymous with the Gyaru trend.

     This brand is not new to me because I've seen their false eyelashes in my Hong Kong trip years ago. I'm only familiar with their falsies and never knew that they have eyeliners in different colors and textures too. I'm happy that I took this pencil eyeliner home, actually it's my first pencil eyeliner review to date (the one that needs to be sharpened). So without further ado, my honest to goodness review of Dolly Wink Pencil Eyeliner in Black :)

Product Review: Dolly Wink Pencil Eyeliner in Black

Dolly Wink Pencil Eyeliner (information from http://www.koji-honpo.co.jp/)

• Produced by Tsubasa Masuwaka.
• Big, beautiful, doll-like eyes are guaranteed with this soft-on pencil eyeliner.
• A soft pencil type for velvety smooth lines. 

Product Review: Dolly Wink Pencil Eyeliner in Black

Product claims:

Color

• Rich, deep black to dramatically highlight the eyes.

Super quick-drying

• Quick to dry, with no stickiness. Rub resistant. 

Waterproof type

• With a long-lasting formulation that‘s resistant to sweat, water and running once applied. 
• The liner stays perfectly in place for a just-applied look all day long. 

Soft crayon tip

• This crayon-like liner is velvety soft and creamy to apply. 
• Create elegant and fluid lines with no need to press down or drag across the skin. 

Pencil type

• Pencil type liner with a creamy soft touch. Break-resistant and so easy to apply.

     

     This is a limited edition product from Dolly Wink. It comes with a liquid eyeliner plus the pencil eyeliner that I'm currently using. I'm not into liquid eyeliner pens as of the moment so I'll just reserve my review for that in the future but for now, let's take a look at the pencil eyeliner. I've included the liquid eyeliner pen in some of the photos below for comparison but the review will be more focused on the pencil eyeliner.

Product Review: Dolly Wink Pencil Eyeliner in Black

size: 0.3 oz / 7 g

price: 699.75 for both (Around $15.00+)

place bought: Free

Got this from Row101 Summer Pop Up Bazaar

instructions for use: Apply the eyeliner on lash line or under eyes. No need to warm up. 

ingredients: to be updated

Product Review: Dolly Wink Pencil Eyeliner in Black
took a photo of both products for comparison

Product Review: Dolly Wink Pencil Eyeliner in Black
Swatch both products for comparison

   

     In the swatch above, the pencil eyeliner is matte while the liquid pen is glossy. If you're into liquid eyeliner and likes to draw thin sharp lines, I think the latter one is for you. I have shaky hands and using liquid eyeliner is challenging.

Product Review: Dolly Wink Pencil Eyeliner in Black
Line my upper lash line with the pencil eyeliner, pardon the not so good line here

What I like:

• The packaging is super cute. I like the color and design of this eyeliner pencil.
• The price is very affordable considering the quality of the product.
• No need to warm up this eyeliner because the texture is velvety soft and creamy that's why it's easy to apply.
• Easy to use. I have no issues in drawing thin or thick lines.
• The color pay-off is good. 
• It has a matte finish.
• Last up to 12 hours or longer. 
• No smudging on my not so oily eyelids even in hot and humid weather.
• Doesn't wear off easily and no bleeding.
• I can control the intensity of the lines that I'm doing on my eyelids.
• Even though it's waterproof, it is easy to remove using my eye makeup remover.
• It's easy to sharpen, the lead doesn't break while sharpening.
• Sealed upon purchase.
• It's a steal if you buy this limited edition because for only 699, you'll get two eyeliners.
• Batch, manufacturing and expiry date printed on the label.
• Easily accessible.

What I don't like:

• None

Will I repurchase? A big fat YES!!!

Recommendation:

     I give this a 5/5 rating. First impressions last! So for my first pencil eyeliner (kohl) review, it's a keeper in my makeup stash. I use it almost every day. I think I've found my HG pencil eyeliner in Dolly Wink so no need to search for a new brand to try for now. You can also buy this separately, it's available in select Watsons and SM Beauty sections plus I've seen a stall of Dolly Wink in Landmark Trinoma and Makati.

I highly recommend this brand if you're into pencil eyeliners. Have you tried Dolly Wink Eyeliners?

Good Times!~

L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks - Velvet Pinks and Matte Reds Review, Photos, and Swatches

     Red and pink lipsticks will always be a staple lip color in every girl's lipstick collection. For me, pink is perfect for everyday makeup look. On the other hand, I always sport red lipstick for special occasions. I presume that you've seen your favorite beauty bloggers rave this collection from L'Oreal Paris- Color Riche Lipsticks Velvet Pinks and Matte Reds.

     This collection also made into the limelight because Maine 'Yaya Dub' Mendoza is one of the endorser of L'Oreal Color Riche Matte Reds. Her favorite shade is Pure Rouge. For this review, I'll be sharing with you photos, swatches, and my thoughts on the shades that I have in my makeup stash- L'Oreal Color Riche Velvet Pinks “ La Vie En Rose” in Nymphea and Rose Lotus with L'Oreal Color Riche Matte Reds in Pure Rogue and Pure Garnet. So without further ado, presenting the L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks - Velvet Pinks and Matte Reds below :)

L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks - Velvet Pinks and Matte Reds Review, Photos, and Swatches

L'Oreal Color Riche Velvet Pinks “ La Vie En Rose”

• Discover the perfect pink for your skin tone and achieve a sophisticated youthful look with the 7 delicate shades of Color Riche Velvet Pinks. 
• With the newest pink collection, Filipinas can finally have a selection of wearable velvet-matte pink lipstick shades that brings a light and fresh effect to anyone’s look. 
• Each shade is custom-made to fit every Filipina skin tone to complement the natural pink shade of their lips.

L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks - Velvet Pinks and Matte Reds Review, Photos, and Swatches
L'Oreal Color Riche Matte Reds in Pure Rogue and Pure Garnet
L'Oreal Color Riche Velvet Pinks “ La Vie En Rose” in Rose Lotus and Nymphea

L'Oreal Color Riche Matte Reds 

• In the first-ever Cosmo.ph Lippie Awards, L’Oréal Makeup Designer/Paris bagged two prestigious awards with Color Riche Matte Reds in Pure Garnet and Pure Rouge. 
• In the Best Dark Colors category, Color Riche Matte Reds in Pure Garnet, the bestselling lipstick of L’Oréal Paris, was declared a winner. As described by Cosmo.ph, “this deep wine color was a favorite from the get-go. It’s a beautiful plum with strong red undertones that somehow looks so flattering on all skin tones.” 
• In the Best Reds category, Color Riche Matte Reds in Pure Rouge was selected by Cosmo.ph as one of the best red lipsticks. “This neutral matte red works for any skin tone. It’s the perfect red that you can wear during the day. For a more dramatic look, you can build it up and get a vampy lip. It’s ultra-comfortable on your puckers and literally lasts all day long,” says Cosmo.ph. 

L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks - Velvet Pinks and Matte Reds Review, Photos, and Swatches
L'Oreal Color Riche Matte Reds in Pure Rogue and Pure Garnet
L'Oreal Color Riche Velvet Pinks “ La Vie En Rose” in Rose Lotus and Nymphea

size: 4.2 g

price: 400 php (Around $8.63+)

place bought: Free

Available at all L'Oreal Paris Counters nationwide

instructions for use: Apply starting in the center of your upper lip. Work from the center to outer edges of your lips, following the contour of your mouth. Then glide across the entire bottom lip.

ingredients: Dimethicone, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phenyl Trimethicone, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Ozokerite, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isostearyl Isostearate, Kaolin, Isohexadecane, Vinyl, Dimethicone /Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Alumina, Nylon-12, Polyethylene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Geraniol, Bht, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Benzyl Alcohol, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Magnesium Silicate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Silica, Tin Oxide, Methyl-2-Octynoate, Parfum/Fragrance

L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks - Velvet Pinks and Matte Reds Review, Photos, and Swatches
L'Oreal Color Riche Matte Reds Pure Garnet, Pure Rouge, L'Oreal Color Riche Velvet Pinks “ La Vie En Rose” in Nymphea and Rose Lotus

L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks - Velvet Pinks and Matte Reds Review, Photos, and Swatches
L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks Matte Red in Pure Rouge

L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks - Velvet Pinks and Matte Reds Review, Photos, and Swatches
L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks Matte Reds in Pure Garnet

L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks - Velvet Pinks and Matte Reds Review, Photos, and Swatches
L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks Velvet Pinks in Rose Lotus

L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks - Velvet Pinks and Matte Reds Review, Photos, and Swatches
L'Oreal Color Riche Lipsticks Velvet Pinks in Nymphea

What I like:

• The price is affordable.
• There's no funky or weird scent.
• Each lipstick is housed in a classy black tube.
• It's easy to apply. Glides smoothly on my lips.
• The texture is creamy. For the velvet pinks, I can say it has a buttery texture. 
• For matte reds- both gives a full coverage after one swipe. I can say that color pay-off is opaque upon application.
• For velvet pinks- gives a sheer color at first but buildable on the following swipe.
• The velvet pink shades are wearable, perfect for everyday lip color.
• There are 7 shades for the velvet pinks while 8 shades for the reds to choose from.
• It's easily accessible. Available in all L'Oreal Paris counters nationwide.
• The staying power is great. It leaves a beautiful stain even if I eat greasy and oily food.
• It's not drying on my lips but I still apply my favorite lip balm prior to application.

What I don't like:

• The shade indicator doesn't match the color of the lipstick inside the tube but it's no biggie for me.

Will I repurchase? Yes! I also want to try other shades that's perfect for colder months. 

Recommendation:

    I give this a 5/5 rating. Perfect because the pinks are perfect for everyday makeup and there's a perfect pink shade for every skin tone. The matte reds are also a good investment for those who like to wear different shades of red- from warm to cool tones. There are 8 shades to choose from so I guess you will find the red color that your lipstick loving heart desires.

What are your favorite shades from both collection? Share your thoughts below :)

Good Times!~