Product Review: Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Stay in Place Makeup

In my book, Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup is the most long lasting foundation I've ever had and the one that does not budge at all. If you check out my review last year, I thought that it already felt light, but that was before I met Japanese liquid foundations which feels unbelievably light on the skin. That was when I realized how ELDW felt too heavy, at least for me, so I gave it up. It was when I started reading raves about the lighter version of it which is the Estee Lauder Double Wear Light that I became curious with that brand's foundations. Some said it was like tinted moisturizer while some claimed that it has coverage but feels so much lighter than the original. When I was able to score a tube of this foundation online, I was so excited that I started wearing it straight for days. Anyway, here is my review of this product.

Estee Lauder says:

BENEFITS
15-hour wear. Controls oil
COVERAGE
Sheer to Medium; SPF 10
FINISH
Natural

PRODUCT DETAILS
15-hour wear, light as air-long-wear makeup is now lightweight makeup.

Makeup That Keeps Up
Fresh, natural, comfortable.
Goes on sheer, leaves skin free to breathe all day.
Controls oil.
Resists smudging and won't "melt" off through heat and humidity.

For a look that stays vibrant and fresh whether it's a workday, a workout or a weekend. Smooth it on once and don't think twice about it.

FORMULA FACTS
Oil-free
Dermatologist-tested
Non-acnegenic
Won't clog pores

What I like:

• It definitely does feel lighter than the regular Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup.
• I like the sleek tube packaging. It is much more sanitary and hygienic than the bottled, regular ones.
• It stays on my face for at least 5 hours.
• Gives a natural finish and definitely not flat matte.
• No white cast on photos.
• Has SPF 10. Though it isn't enough, I'm glad Estee Lauder made an effort to add sunscreen to this foundation.
• Locally available at Estee Lauder counters at Rustan's.

What I don't like:

• While it feels lighter than the regular Double Wear Stay in Place foundation, it still feels heavy and mask-like for me. It is nowhere near like a tinted moisturizer. Please.
• It oxidizes so bad that I look like a lighter version of Oompa Loompa.
• It clogs my pores and dries out my skin really bad. Well, it does control oil.
• Even the lightest shade, Intensity 1.0, has pink tones in it. Not yellow enough for me.
• Kinda pricey for Php 1900/tube (roughly $45).

Overall rating: 2.5/5

Will I buy again? Definitely not. Sorry Estee Lauder, this product was a disappointment for me though I tried to like it. I really tried.

Swatch

Swatches: YSL Matt Tough 2, ELDW Light 1.0, Shu FA 974

Have you tried this foundation? How do you find it?

Happy 2012, everyone! :)

Cheers,

Product Review: Paul & Joe Lipstick in 070 Chantilly

Happy Holidays, guys! I've still been pretty busy these past couple of weeks that this post has been sitting on my drafts for that period. I'm glad, though, that I'm finally able to post this just because I called in sick today as I've been sick since last Christmas. Bummer. Anyway, here is my review for the Paul & Joe Lipstick in 070 Chantilly which I have acquired a couple of months ago.

The product up close.

What I like:

• The packaging's design is cute. I am not usually  fan of such designs but I like the combination of pink and purple on this one.
• The shade is a lovely pale peach-pink with a very slight hint of blue tones in it.
• Applies sheer but can be built up for the intensity of the colour to show up more.
• Glossy and applies smoothly.
• Pretty moisturizing for a lipstick. It somewhat reminds me of a tinted lip balm in a tube.
• Does not cause any allergic reaction or irritation on my lips.

What I don't like:

• If applied more than thrice, it makes me look mighty pale and sick.
• Staying power is poor since it is very sheer and glossy.
• I don't dig the packaging. It looks cheaply made if you ask me. It is made of sturdy cardboard. Sturdy but still, it's cardboard.
• Pretty expensive for a lipstick that has poor staying power for Php 1300/tube. For the price, I can add a hundred bucks and go for a Dior lipstick instead.
• Paul & Joe lipsticks are locally available but since this is part of a collection or a limited edition lipstick, it might no longer be available.

Overall rating: 2.5/5 While it is very pretty, it isn't something I reach for and it just sits pretty on my traincase after I used it just a few times.

Will I buy again? No.

Arm swatch

Lip swatch

Have you tried this lipstick or any other lipstick from Paul & Joe?

Have a happy year-ender, everyone! :)

Cheers,

Back with a Product Review: Shu Uemura Aya Takano Reindeer Kiss xxxx Palette

Hey guys! I hope you're all doing fab this holiday season. It has been a month and a half since I have last updated this blog. Busy isn't quite enough to describe how my previous weeks were plus dealing with personal stuff that are great, actually, but I'm glad that I finally had the time to make a post again. I was supposed to go malling with my family for a little Christmas shopping but since I barely even stay home due to work, I decided to skip going out and stay home instead for a little R&R. Rock & Roll? Nah. Just Rest & Rest or perhaps Rest & Read or Review & Read or Review & Rest. Whichever of the four my Sunday leads to, I'll make the most out of it. Anyway, here's a review of the cutest makeup piece in my stash and that is the Shu Uemura Aya Takano Reindeer Kiss xxxx Palette. I received this as a birthday gift last August. If I'm not mistaken, this was part of Shu Uemura's Holiday Collection from 2010. So without further ado, I present to you the Reindeer Kiss Palette.

Oh jeez, I don't know how to start this review. I'm searching for the right words. It has been that long, huh. I'm still giving this a shot even though I think I lost my blogging mojo.

What I like:

• The package is unbelievably cute! It's such a swell to see this inside my traincase. Even my niece, who loves looking at and playing with my make up always grabs this and says, "Look oh, so cute". And that is simply adorable. Even though I have no idea how it would feel to kiss a reindeer, it's still uber cute for me as there is something quite "magical" about how this palette was presented and packaged.
• The well-coordinated colours are so pretty to look at. I kept myself from using it for a week or so but when I received and used my "Tessa Prieto-ish lashes a couple of months ago for my Fairytopia FOTD, I knew this palette would be perfect for those lashes.
• The K2 silver eyeshadow  is so creamy and smooth that it's so easy to blend and applies wonderfully on the lids. 
• Texture is still wonderful even though it is now made in Korea. There is a slight difference on the quality but it's not something that would keep me from buying Shu makeup again.
• K4 or the brown cream color is an eyeliner though I prefer using it on my brows but it still works as a liner.
• K5 or the gold cream highlighter is gorgeous! Pretty on the cheekbones and brow bones and cupid's bow.
• The K6 glow on is a medium pink blush with a bit of blue tones in it. There is something about it that gives a certain glow on the cheeks. 
• It also does not hurt that I get a full-sized eyeshadow and blush in this palette too!
• Still locally available at some Shu Uemura counters.

What I don't like:

• K1 and K3 are not as pigmented and opaque as the K2 silver eyeshadow. 
• Creams and powders should never ever be together in one palette. Powders get in the cream products and when that happens, it's not usually a pretty sight.
• Pretty expensive for a palette as this costs Php 4000. But if you are a sucker for packaging and is into collecting such things, or a Shu Uemura devout, then I think this would prove as something you must absobloodylutely have.

Overall rating: 4.25/5

Will I buy again? I would like to say I would but I honestly won't. Even though I love it and it is gorgeous and the packaging is outrageously cute, these are not enough reasons for me to purchase it. With 4k, I can purchase a customized palette from Shu with my choice of colors. Super glad I got this as a gift from a very nice lad though who has proven his uncanny gift-giving skill. :)

The palette up-close - K1, K2, K3, K4

Swatches

I have a lot of reviews coming up. And hopefully, I can continue blogging again. Have a happy and blessed Sunday, everyone! :)

Cheers,

P.S. Thanks to all who left comments and emailed me asking how I am and if everything's alright. It warmed my heart, promise.

Coming up: Purbasari Lulur Scrub