Product Comparison (Spend vs. Save): Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited BG949 vs. Maybelline Color Sensational Totally Toffee

As I've mentioned on my review on Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Totally Toffee, I find it quite similar to Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in BG949. In fact, they are so similar that I thought they can pass as spend vs. save lippies. Let me first discuss the similarities and differences then I'll later show you the swatches.


Both lipsticks are on the pink-beige family that can pass as nude lippies but are not totally nude. Doesn't sound right but depending on your skintone and how pigmented your lips are, these can be used as beige-pink nude lippies.

Similarities:
- Both glide smoothly on the lips.
- Texture is nice.
- Creamy.
- Pigmented.
- Both are scented though I am not a huge fan of Shu's scent but I can tolerate Maybelline's scent.
- Same shade family.
- Leaning towards being cool toned.

Differences:
- Shu lasts longer than Maybelline.
- PRICE. I got the Shu lipstick for PHP1350 and PHP175 (not super sure but it's definitely less than 200 bucks) for Maybelline.
- Availability. The Shu lippy is available on Shu counters whereas this US version of Maybelline Color Sensational is not locally available.

To further show you how similar both lippies are and to somewhat justify that they can be spend vs. save lippies, here are the swatches.

Under natural light:

Taken under different lighting:

Can you tell them apart? Which one is the Shu lippy and which one is the Maybelline lippy? Any guesses? They look awfully similar, right?

The one on the left is from Shu and the one on the right is the Maybelline lippy. :)

Anyway, I'll let you decide and be the judge if these two are indeed spend vs. save lippies. Have a great Friday, everyone! :P

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Product Review: Biore Pore Perfect Shine Control Moisturizer

I started religiously using moisturizers only this year and liked how my oiliness lessened even with it on my face. My powder foundation glides smoothly on my skin and doesn't look too matte which I like. So on my quest to finding a better moisturizer, I saw a fellow girltalker selling this Biore Pore Perfect Shine Control Moisturizer and immediately contacted her about this product. After a week, we were able to finally meet and she was really nice and had a smile on her face. Anyway, time for the review.


What I like:
- First of all, I like packaging. It's in a pump bottle and the color is really cute. It is hygienic too as I don't have to use a spatula just to get product from it unlike with moisturizers in tubs. I'll re-use this bottle for other products once I'm done with this.
- Easily absorbed by the skin, dries to a matte finish. Dries in as quick as a minute.
- Consistency is somewhat similar to SkinMD which is cool with me.
- Formulated for those with oily skin.
- Blends with the skin really well.
- I only need less than a pea size for my entire face.
- Oil-free
- Non-greasy
- Controls oil indeed. I don't need to blot until after 4 or 5 hours which is already good given that I have combination-oily skin.
- Smell is somewhat cocomilk-ish and cucumber melon-ish. Smells pleasant but gone in a minute or two.
- Did not break me out

What I don't like:
- Already discontinued.
- No SPF (which is okay with me since I use foundation with SPF)

Overall rating: 4.75/5

Will I buy again? Well, since this has been discontinued, I'll try the other Biore variants once I use up all my other moisturizers. :)

Here's how it looks like:

Happy Wednesday! :P Have to get back to work.
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Product Review: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Totally Toffee

I'm going to review the US Version of this Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Totally Toffee. I really like this lipstick but since I found it quite similar with my Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in BG 949, it's no longer with me. My mom's loving this lippie. But I just thought of sharing with you guys what I thought of this lipstick.

Totally Toffee is a nude brown with a little pink/peach tone. Quite frankly, I thought this is the best nude MLBB I've tried before I had the Shu one.

What I like:
- Creamy and glides smoothly on the lips.
- Pigmented as I only need a swipe on each lip to get the desired color.
- Glossy but not over the top glossy. No need to even put a lipgloss on top. The glossy finish is really nice.
- The one I had doesn't have the scent that some girls have complained about. It became friends with my nose. :P
- The packaging is quite nice. I like this better than the usual packaging that we have in Manila.
- It was kinda moisturizing but not moisturizing enough for me.
- Cheap. Got it on eBay for less than 200 bucks.
- Lasts a bit longer than I expected it to.

What I don't like:

- After a couple of hours, it tends to settle on the lines on my lips which isn't a good thing.
- This shade is not locally available. We have a different version here in Asia/Manila.

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Will I buy again? Maybe if I found another shade I want to try. But this is good for make up newbies and those exploring the world of lippies.

Swatch

Lip swatch

Happy Tuesday! :)
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Product Review: ELF Candy Shop Lip Gloss in Cherry Bomb

I'm almost out of my favorite MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner in Gentle Coral. I've had it for a year now and I think it will all be gone in just a few more uses. So I decided to try several other lippies that may serve as tinted lip balms just like MAC TLC but failed miserably. In an attempt to find a substitute good, I was able to try ELF Candy Shop Lip Gloss in Cherry Bomb. I've been kind of intrigued with these lippies in flat tin cans but never actually dared try them until that day when I purchased it. But hey, here are a couple of pictures first.

I actually like the color on the pan.

What I like:
- The color is a pretty red berry shade.
- Cheap for PHP129.75 or so (which is still double the price of ELF in the US as this is a little less than $3) here in the PH and locally available at most department stores nationwide.

What I don't like:
Almost everything about it!
- The scent. It's too sweet that it smells like something which I can't point my finger to. Not vanilla sweet but more on blech.
- The texture is greasy and oily and feels like there are tiny granules in the gloss itself and I dunno what the heck those granule-like thingies are.
- I knew it was going to be sheer but I never expected it to be so sheer that I had to pile on a lot on my lips for the color to show up.
- The packaging. See, I don't mind having lippies in pots but this one's just not easy to work with. The cover doesn't slide smoothly. It just sucks.

Overall rating: 1/5

Will I buy again? Most certainly not! I feel like I've wasted almost 130 bucks for something which I won't get to use at all.

Lip swatch

Happy start of the week, everyone. :)


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Product Review: Marionnaud N38 Slanted Eyeline & Eyebrows Double Side Brush

Here's another brush from Marionnaud that is a keeper, in my opinion. The N32 slanted eyeliner brush with a spoolie on the other end. I got it for a little less than PHP60 (around $1.30). This is a dual ended brush that I find myself liking a lot enough to finally make a review.

The angled eyeliner brush

The spoolie

I use this brush for my eyebrows. I use the spoolie to brush and groom my sparse eyebrows and the angled eyeliner brush to fill my brows. In fact, I haven't tried this in lining my eyes but I think it will work as it can create thin and thick lines when I tried it at the back of my hand. I like that the bristles are firm yet not scratchy enough to hurt the skin. I find that this works best with my In2It Eyebrow Shadow and Styli-Style Brow Liner. I use the spoolie to spread the Styli-Style liner as it has wax and then use the angled liner brush with the brow powder.


This is another inexpensive but effective and a good find when it comes to brushes. C'mon, it's not everyday that I come across a brush that costs only 60 bucks and works perfectly even though it wasn't intended for that purpose.

Tip: If you don't have a liner with wax, you can wet the angled liner then apply it on your brows to make the color more vibrant and intense. You can also use the spoolie to clean and fix the brows to make it look more groomed.

Where to buy? Watson's and mostly SM department stores

Overall rating: 5/5

Will I buy again? Yes. Will buy a back up soon, just like with my N32 slanted blush brush.

Happy Saturday! :)
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Blush: La Pensee Multi Face Color - Pink

Here's another addition to my Japanese blushes - La Pensee Multi Face Color in Pink. It's a pretty blush which reminds me of The Body Shop's waves thingie. Only difference is this is not shimmery, smaller, looks delicate, and pretty pink!



I love how this isn't shimmery at all but I still get that glow on my cheeks. It sort of reminds me of Shu Uemura Glow On M Pink 30. Color is sheer baby pink but you can add more color to make it more intense. Looks kinda chalky upon application but after a few minutes, it has blended well with the skin and the glow is there. I got this at a bargain on eBay for only PHP69 ($1.50). Nice deal, right? I Googled this brand but it seems like it's not as big as Shu, Kanebo, Shiseido, and Kose. But still, the quality is there. It goes on silky, I find it finely milled and texture is also great. My only beef about this product is the flimsy packaging. But for the price, I can't complain. :P

Swatch

I am diggin' Japanese brands! I don't think it's impossible for me to make a 360 degree turn and turn my back on Western brands for Japanese brands. I used to like pigmented blushes but now, I like 'em sheer.

Anyway, weekend's here! Time goes by really quick. Have a fun and safe Friday night gimmick, everyone. :)
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Product Review: Celeteque Facial Moisturizer

After getting impressed by SkinMD Natural Shielding Lotion as a moisturizer, I decided to look for a good alternative that is locally available and not quite pricey. I wanted something that is easily absorbed by the skin, non-greasy, and is water-based. I was checking out the moisturizers thread in girltalk when I saw a post about Celeteque Facial Moisturizer and got interested. Before I actually bought it, I purchased Garnier Light Complete in the hopes that Garnier might no longer break me out but boy I was wrong! I decided to finally buy the 50mL size to be able to test it first. And after 2 months of using it, here's my review.



What I like:
- Water-based and oil-free.
- Not greasy when applied.
- Easily absorbed by the skin.
- My skin feels smooth, soft, and supple.
- I like the minimalist and hygienic packaging. The squeeze out tube gives me control on how much product I get.
- I noticed that my face does not oil up that much when I use it under make up.
- Does not feel heavy and feels like I have nothing on.
- Non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic, did not break me out.
- Fragrance-free.
- Locally available (a local brand too) at all department stores.
- Inexpensive but effective moisturizer. 50mL costs less than PHP130.

What I don't like:
- Doesn't have SPF which I can deal with since I use foundation with SPF.

Overall rating: 4.9/5

Will I buy again? Definitely! But after I use this up and the Biore Pore Perfection Shine Control Moisturizer I got from a fellow girltalker. :)

On a personal note: I actually like this better than SkinMD. It controls my oilies more and hydrates my skin the way SkinMD does. And I like that it is transparent and somewhat in gel-water form. Plus it's waaay cheaper. :)

Glad the storm's over. I hope you're all doing great. :)
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Product Review: GOSH Cosmetics Natural Blush in 39 Electric Pink

GOSH Cosmetics is a Denmark-based cosmetics brand. Upon checking their website, there seems to only be 3 blush shades (someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) - Natural Brown, Electric Pink, and Rose Whisper. I am reviewing Electric Pink.


According to the website:

GOSH NATURAL BLUSH has a very soft consistency, stays nice and is easy to work with. It gives glow and life to the face. It contains synthetically made shark oil and is fragrance free.

Let's see if I agree.

A closer look at the blush.

What I like:
- Pigmented. A little goes a long way.
- Applies smoothly and it is easy to blend.
- Texture is fine and it's not chalky.
- It looks a bit matte but it has some sort of a sheen. If I look closely at the blush, I'll see very, very fine shimmers.
- The packaging doesn't look cheap even though it's like a drugstore brand.
- Has a shelf life of 36 months! Which means I don't have to rush myself in using this. :P
- Said it's unscented. I sense a little scent but it's not bothersome.
- Gives some sort of a glow on the face. It looks boring upon application but after a few minutes, it gives you that glow.
- Did not break me out nor clogged my pores.
- Staying power is pretty decent given that I have oily skin.

What I don't like:
- Not locally available.
- It's not totally pink. It has a a bit of plum and plums don't work for me. Good thing the pink tone is stronger so I can still wear it.

Overall rating: 4/5

Will I buy again? Probably not. I have 3 years to finish this and I'm sure it'll take me more than that period to even finish up this compact. And I have other blushes to use as well. Plus it's not locally available.

Swatches:

Weekend's almost over. Work again. :P Have a blessed Sunday, folks. :)
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Rant: Revlon Colorburst Lipstick

After having it for a month or so, I never thought this would also happen to my Revlon lippy. Some girls at GT complained about it being too creamy and it sort of melted in such a way that it sticks to one side, thus, ruining its shape and becoming messy. I thought I was lucky that it has not happened to mine but guess what? It did/ And I'm not happy about it. Good thing I have a lip brush but having to apply it that way every time I use this lippy will eat up time so I dunno. I might use this lipstick only on days that I'm not in a rush. Disappointing, yes. Changed my mind on getting another tube from this range. Look at the pictures to see what I'm talking, uh, ranting about. :(

Doesn't look like there's something wrong on the first photo, right?


Wait til you see these.

See what I mean? Disappointing. Too bad I like this lipstick. Oh well.

Happy weekend, everyone! :)
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A Dog of Flanders

Yeah, this is a non-beauty related post. I'm just wondering if you guys remember the cartoons shown in ABS-CBN in the early 1990's, A Dog of Flanders? Nello and his dog Patrasche?





I do. I remember crying over the show and be embarassed when my mom and dad sees my crying because of it. I cried watching this show more than I did with Princess Sarah, Cedie, and Remi: Nobody's Boy/Girl. Well, I just thought of watching it a couple of hours ago thinking that it'd be nice to watch a show I loved when I was still a kid. Oh boy. I spent the night crying my eyes out while watching this really sad and heartbreaking yet beautiful movie. I think I used up a pack of Kleenex while watching it and hugging my pillow tight. It's just nice to once again watch this movie. It was full of emotions and fantastic. I won't get tired of watching it and in the future, I'll definitely have my kids watch this as well. May be dramatic but I'm sure it'll help them learn a thing or two about love and loyalty. Gah! I want a dog! :P

If you're wondering where you can watch it, just search for it in YouTube. It may be chopped in parts but it's definitely worth watching. There's also another version with real people in the movie that had a happy ending. Nello became a successful artist. But nothing beats the emotions shown in the original version.

Happy Monday, girlies. :)


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Saizen Pearl in Eyeshadow (Purples)

I know we all love finding good bargains. And this time, I found another item at Saizen. I was in Gateway Mall when I remembered that Saizen has opened in Ali Mall so I went there to check out the items. After getting a little lost, I finally found Saizen and was once again thrilled upon seeing it. I only grabbed 2 items - a Pearl in Eyeshadow (purples) and a mini stand where I now put my lippies. And this morning, I used the eyeshadow when I had brunch with a couple of friends. Here's the eyshadow.

The darkest shade is my absolute fave! It's somewhat grayish-black which I like a lot. :P

Pretty swatches

For PHP85, I'm quite pleased with it. It's pigmented and can easily be blended. It's not as smooth and finely milled as those from branded ones but this will do for eyeshadow noobs like me. I don't wear eyeshadow that much because I'd like to keep my make up to a minimum. My only worry about this shadow is it's made in China. :(

On my eyes

I wasn't able to capture the true color of the shadows but I assure you, they're pretty. See the bad winged line on my eyes? Hehe. :D

Half face

What I used:
Celeteque Facial Moisturizer
Kryolan DC Camo Creme D2
Shisieso Supplist Poreless Powder Foundation O00
Kryolan Anti Shine Powder
In2It Eyebrow Shadow
Eyeshadow Quad from Saizen
Maybelline Gel Liner
Covergirl Lashblast
Shu Uemura Glow On P Pink 30
MAC TLC Gentle Coral
Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick BG 949

Anyway, weekend's almost over. Have a great week ahead of you. :P
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Product Review: Kanebo Coffret D'or Full Styling Rouge (Glow) in RD 167

Lately, I've been getting hooked on Japanese brands when it comes to make up. And the lipstick I've been using quite often these past few days is Kanebo Coffret D'or Full Styling Rouge in RD-167. I think it's a tester as it looked just like a refill. But for PHP350, it isn't bad at all.

The shade is RD-167, which I assumed is supposed to be somewhat on the red side. But it's more of a pretty pink shade that doesn't scream RED!

What I like:
- Moisturizing. My lips do not chap and flake.
- Sheer but color is buildable.
- Really pretty pink lips is what this lipstick gives.
- Glides on the lips so smoothly, it actually feels like butter.
- Shine is just right and it is creamy.
- I think it's locally available at Rustan's, no idea about the SRP though but I'm pretty sure it's more than a thousand bucks.

What I don't like:
- Since it's creamy, it wears off pretty easily like it's gone in an hour or after a drink, it's pretty much gone.

Overall rating: 3/5

Will I buy again? No. I just scored this on girltalk and I don't think I would buy again due to its poor staying power. Although the shade is really pretty, it is dupe-able as when I first swatched it, it reminded me of a lipstick from Maybelline. And I can't seem to find this shade on the Coffret D'or site so I assume it's no longer available?

Swatched at the back of my hand

Lip swatch

Happy weekend! :P

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