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

Product Review: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

As I have mentioned a lot of times on my previous posts, water-based or gel moisturizers work best for my combination-oily skin. While I fell in love with Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, I have been cheating on it with another moisturizer that pretty much does the same for me and that is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. I luckily won this jar from The Beauty Bin's giveaway a few months ago and I thought it would be best to wait for a few months before finally giving it a review. When it comes to skin care products, I think a day or two or even a week won't be enough to test it, thus, the long wait. Anyway, here is my review now.

What I like:

• I like how "watery" the color of the packaging is. The jar is also pretty sturdy as I've dropped it a few times and it never cracked or shattered.
• This is a non-greasy and lightweight moisturizer. It definitely doesn't make my skin oilier than it is.
• It gets easily absorbed by the skin.
• It doesn't just moisturize my skin - it hydrates it. 
• Texture is a bit more runny than Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief and a bit more gel-like as compared to Celeteque Facial Moisturizer. It's just right - not too thick and not too runny or watery either.
• It leaves a semi-matte finish on the skin which makes it a good makeup base, helping my primer and/or foundation glide smoothly.
• The scent initially worried me as it is quite strong but I'm glad that the fragrance in it did not cause any allergic reaction. No break outs either.
• A little goes a long way. A pea-sized amount is enough to cover my entire face and neck.
• I apply this at night and I wake up to a smoother, softer, and more supple skin.
• Works super awesome with Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. These two made my skin so much better.
• Since it keeps my skin balanced, it no longer oils up as much as it used to.
• The manufacture and expiry date are visible on the jar.
• Locally available at major department stores and drugstores nationwide.

What I don't like:

• The scent could've been a little less strong or they can simply do away with it. I always apply it in front of a fan so the fragrance would be gone in just a matter of seconds.
• Since the product is in a jar, you'll definitely need a spatula or transfer it to an airless pump bottle for more hygienic ways to use it.
• Does not relieve itch just like the Clinique one does for me but I'm still cool with it as a moisturizer.

Overall rating: 4/5 If the scent isn't that strong, it certainly would've gotten a higher rating from me.

Will I buy again? Yes! It works just like Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (I know! I gotta stop comparing!) as a moisturizer for me and it is cheaper by a few hundreds so I guess this is a cheaper alternative for me. I will repurchase as long as it doesn't stop working for me and if budget permits.

A closer look

Manufacture and Expiry dates

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

Happy November, everyone! :)

Cheers,

A Pre-Halloween Story

Halloween is almost here, everyone! I hope you're all doing great. It has been a week since I've last made a post. Anyway, as the title suggests, I will be telling a story, or maybe two, that I experienced just this week. But before I do, I'd like to share the makeup I did on one of the participants for our group's Halloween presentation at work. That was the first time I did such makeup on someone so please bear with my being a newbie.

Ate M played the role of a mother whose very own child killed her by burning her alive, thus, the makeup. She won the best in costume and makeup for women! And the guy who played the role of her husband, whose makeup I also did with stitches and all, also won the same category for men. Yey!

Practicing on myself. I got one of the committee members fooled for thinking this was real. Said she had goosebumps when she saw my hand and kept asking what happened to me.

This, on the other hand, looked so fake but I still managed to fool a couple more to think that this was real. XD

Anyway, on to the stories.

The first one happened last Thursday night while we were rehearsing for the first and last time for our presentation. The story is about a girl who played with the Ouija board but I won't tell the rest of the story. Anyway, part of the story was calling on to spirits on a makeshift Ouija board. Although I was getting uncomfortable about it (even though I wrote the story and the script), we went on with the scene. Then a maintenance man (who was part of our group since their department is also under the HR) suddenly told me that there are a few spirits walking towards us. I remember someone telling me that that man's third eye is open. I shrugged it off at first until I felt something cold on my shoulders and my head started getting numb. I moved away and sat somewhere else. As Mang L and I were talking about it, I felt something really cold that I shivered for a while as I was having goosebumps. He then told me that there is a little boy.

Fast forward to us being taken home by the company driver. I felt weird and uneasy the whole time which was kinda strange. The maintenance man was at the back of the van and he suddenly transferred beside me and sort of tried to amuse me and made me laugh. When I was finally home, I went straight to the rest room but I got out as fast as I can for some reason. Before that, I was limping because my foot is injured and bandaged but I totally ignored the pain and moved really quick.

I went to my room and my mom was there playing on my laptop and we were talking about random stuff when my aunt knocked and went inside, almost in tears. When asked why, she started telling us that there are a lot of "people" walking around in her room and one was even touching her and caressing her arm. She already had a lot of encounters with spirits before but she said that was the first time she ever felt that scared. So she asked if she can sleep in my room (which my mom also did) and I decided to get the slanted chair in her room so she can sleep on it. The lights were off and I couldn't go inside so I just slowly reached for the light switch and switched it on. That room has never felt so creepy before. My mom didn't want me to go in alone so she decided to go with me. I felt my hair raising, goosebumps all over me. Same thing happened to my mom. It felt unusually cold in that room. When we were back in my room, my aunt told me that the only time she felt the spirits was when she heard me going up the stairs. Then we slept.

The following day, I was at work and I told Mang L, the man from the night before, about it, he only said "Sabi ko na nga ba eh" (I knew it). He knew that a few spirits came with me on our house. Anyway, we rehearsed at 6pm on the stage after work. The same thing happened, calling on the spirits on the Ouija board and the same eerie feeling was once again there. I went to the bathroom alone and as I was zipping my pants, a female voice whispered something in my ear, which once again made me walk fast, ignoring my injury again and told Mang L about it. He just said that it's one of those that came the night before.

When I had to do their makeup, I had to wash my hands every once in a while and each time I went to the bathroom, I keep glancing on the mirror because it felt like someone was there, watching me. I shrugged it off again. When everyone was gone, Mang L remained sitting on a chair. I asked why he doesn't want to leave me alone and he simply smiled. I then asked if someone was following me around, and he said yes. I asked if it was a man, and he agreed again. When I asked if that man wanted to harm me, he said no. He said that man was just amused with me so he decided to follow me around.

After our presentation, I was sitting on a chair while watching other groups present when I once again had goosebumps and the numb feeling on my head. After about half an hour, Mang L told me that the man was gone and it was now an old man who stood behind me but he eventually went away. Good thing is I went home without any companions. :D

Anyway, I hope there won't be any more "stories" after these two for now as I don't think I can manage to walk as fast as I did before. :D

On a lighter note, I got a couple more goodies.

Wedge shoes

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie Pore Cover
Celeteque DermoScience Hydration Make Up Remover Cleansing Facial Wipes
L'Oreal TR5 Daily Repair Treatment

And more books! :P

Have you had any "stories" lately?

Happy Halloween, everyone! :)

Cheers,

P.S. The stories I shared are based on my real experience as I don't think such things should be made up.

Random Goodies

Hola! I hope you're all having a fantastic weekend. Mine was still pretty busy because I was working earlier today and this week has been stressful. Stressful is the understatement of the year! Anyway, I think this week was still pretty good because of the goodies I received and purchased and for this quick post, I'm sharing some of them. Please do note that I am not bragging or anything. I haven't done a goodies post for a couple of months now, I think, so I decided to do one tonight. And it was the easiest thing to post because my brain's too tired (and so I am) to do a review or do an EOTD/FOTD. I badly need to recharge. :D Well, here are the goodies. These aren't much but they were enough to cheer me up after a  few long and tiring days.

1. Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Stay in Place Makeup Intensity 1.0
2. Kiss Me Heroine Make Impact Frame and Curl Mascara
3. Kanebo Kate Eyebrow Gel in BR-3
4. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector in 710 Light

5. Tony Moly Berry Berry Magic Lip Tint in Strawberry
6. Tony Moly Cherry Pink tint

7. Bath & Body Works Pocketbac in Fresh Lemon
8. Bath & Body Works Pocketbac in Island Margarita

Goodies from Genson:
9. Vitacreme B12 Regenerative Cream
10. Purederm Exfoliating Foot Mask
11. Purbasari Lulur Scrub (I read a review where the blogger claimed that she likes this better than Asian Secrets Lulur Scrub. Now I'm curious.)
12. Nanomed Finale Whitening Cream

That's pretty much all. I no longer included the shampoos and conditioners and Cetaphil. Reviews coming up.

How about you? Any goodies recently? :P

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Cheers,

Product Review: Kiehl's Scented Lip Balm 1 in Coconut

I love lip balms and they are products I cannot leave the house without. I have to have a lip balm with me wherever I go as my lips tend to get dry easily so keeping them moisturized is a must. Although I love tinted ones, I wear non-tinted or regular lip balms before hitting the sack and I alternate between three regular ones at the moment - Mentholatum Lip Ice Lemon, Vaseline Lip Therapy, and Kiehl's Lip Balm 1. Tonight, I am reviewing the one from Kiehl's.

Product Description taken from Kiehl's website:

Protects against the elements and helps relieves chapped or cracked lips. Enriched with Cotton Seed Oil and contains Octinoxate, a mild sunscreen of SPF 4.

Key Ingredients:
1. KAH –tuhn seed OY-il
Cotton seed oil is a pale yellow, odorless liquid expressed from various varieties of cotton. It is widely used in skin care as a formula softener.

2. OCT-in-OX-sate
Octinoxate, also known as Octylmethoxycinnamate or Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, is a popular chemical sunscreen ingredient. An excellent UVB ray absorber, it helps prevent skin from burning in the sun.

Product Details:
Temporarily protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked lips. Helps protect lips from the drying effects of wind and cold weather. Apply liberally to lips and allow an excess of the balm to be absorbed.

Now available in 6 scents: Coconut, Vanilla, Mango, Pear, Cranberry, and Mint

What I like:
- It comes in a tube, thus, making it more hygienic. Not that lip products in jars is a big issue for me. It just makes reapplication easier.
- It can double as a lip gloss as it is glossy on its own.
- It has SPF which is something that is not always present on lip balms.
- When I use this at night, my lips does not dry or crack while I am asleep.
- This tube contains 15mL of product which definitely isn't bad at all.
- Locally available at Kiehl's in Greenbelt. Feel free to let me know if there are other branches.

What I don't like:
- When you're using it as a lip gloss, make sure that you're applying it sparingly as it can get really greasy which is pretty nasty as your lips will look like you just ate something drenched in oil.
- Not as moisturizing as the other lip balms I have tried so it has become my least favorite. Yes, it keeps my lips from getting dry at night but that's just about it.
- It sits on top of the lips which bothers me so I don't wear this during daytime.
- Pretty expensive for a lip balm so I'd rather invest in a nice tinted lip balm. :)
- The scent bothers me. It reminds me so much of virgin coconut oil and I am not a fan of coconuts.
- The hole of the tube is too big so you get way more than what you need if you don't squeeze too carefully.

Overall rating: 2/5 There really isn't anything remarkable or spectacular about this lip balm.

Will I buy again? No. I'm glad I didn't have to purchase this tube for myself; I would've otherwise kicked myself if I did. I'm sticking to Mentholatum for regular lip balms.

Have you tried lip balms from Kiehl's? How do you find 'em?

Happy Monday, everyone!

Cheers,

P.S. I'd like to thank Sugarpaopao for giving me this tube of lip balm. I initially liked it a lot but later on found out that it just doesn't work for me. Sorry, dear. :(

Reader Question: Do you use drugstore makeup?

Happy Saturday, everyone! Earlier today, I received an email from Freedback with a question from a reader, Mitch, asking if I use drugstore makeup. The answer is "Yes, I do use drugstore makeup." That being said, I thought of sharing the drugstore products that I use. :)

1. Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara
2. Revlon Brow Fantasy in Brunette
3. Natasha Glam & Glide Lip Gloss in Better Bare
4. ELF Eyebrow Treat & Tame in Ash
5. Skinfood Choco Powder Eyebrow Wood Pencil
6. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector
7. NYC Lip Slider in Sugar Angel
8. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Light 4-5 Cream
9. Wet n Wild ColorIcon Single Eyeshadow in Envy
10. Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner in Black
11. Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Cream
12. Palladio Herbal Lip Slix in Rosewood
13. PureDerm 3 in 1 Beauty Magic BB Cream
14. Maybelline The Magnum Volume Express Mascara
15. Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express Mascara
16. Sleek Makeup iDivine Eyeshadow Palette in Bad Girl
17. ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer

And if Tony Moly and Skinfood are indeed drugstore brands in Korea, I am including these three products:

1. Skinfood Salmon Dark Circle Powder
2. Tony Moly Cherry Pink tint
3. Toy Moly Berry Berry Magic Lip Tint in Strawberry
* Skinfood Choco Powder Eyebrow Wood Pencil no longer included as it has already been included on the first list.*

That's all, dearies! I hope this has answered Mitch's question. :)

How about you? Do you also use drugstore brands?

Have a fantabulous weekend, everyone! :)

Cheers,

EOTD/FOTD: UAAP Series - DLSU

I finally had the time to blog on a week night! Yey! Anyway, here's the third installment on my UAAP Series and this time, it's DLSU. I've always loved the sound of Animo La Salle! I don't think it'll sound great with any other school - Animo USTE! Animo Ateneo! Animo UP! Animo San Beda (okay, may naligaw na taga-NCAA), Animo Assumption! Animo FEU! and so on and so forth but you get the drift, right? :P For a random story like I did with the first two, here it is. I didn't like it when a couple of Lasallians broke my heart that I swore I'll never date someone from that school again, ever! I think I made that swear a few times but I always end up eating my words. Maybe I'm cursed. Haha! It may just be pure coincidence but then again, maybe it's a curse. :D Oh well, here's the EOTD/FOTD.

First off, I am aware of the two pimples on my right brow area. I gotta hand it to MUFE Mat Velvet + for giving me three pimples just by wearing it once. Hell yeah! :P

Of course, I used the same ol' Sleek Bad Girl Palette, like it's the only one I own. I used Innocence on the inner corners, brow bones, and inner lower lash lines. Applied Intoxicated on the the outer part, crease, and outer lower lash lines. I used Envy to line my upper lash lines, applied a coat of mascara and that's it!

My half-FOTD

Products I used:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
- Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer
- Kanebo Coffret D'Or Beauty Lasting Pact
- Skinfood Choco Powder Eyebrow Wood Pencil
- Sleek Bad Girl Palette
- Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara
- Chanel Joues Contraste Tea Rose
- Korres Lip Butter Pomegranate
- Guerlain Kiss Kiss Stick Gloss Corail des Mers

I hope I did their school colours a little justice. There is definitely no bitterness when I made this eye look. :P

Happy Tuesday, super awesome peeps! :P

Cheers,

Product Review: Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Liquid Foundation

Hello, guys! I hope you're all having a blast this weekend. So sad that it's almost over in just a few hours and it's the start of another work week again. Anyway, I'm reviewing a foundation today, which I've had for over a month now and that is the Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Foundation. It received raves and had its share of rants from users but most of those who raved about it had combination-oily and oily skin types so mine fits the bill. Here's the review.

Product Description taken from the MUFE website:

MAT VELVET + Matifying Foundation
The Mat Velvet + foundation conceals skin imperfections, evens out the complexion and matifies with a non-oily powdery finish. The result is flawless and lasts for hours long. Its smooth, fluid texture is very stable, water-resistant and long-lasting. While it has a good coverage, it is also easy to apply. The end result can be fitted to your needs. Applied lightly, Mat Velvet + provides a natural, matte look to the complexion. Using several layers to help conceal blemishes creates a supple and elastic velvety finish. This new oil-free and non comedogenic formula is suited to sensitive skins.

How to Apply:
Pour a small amount of foundation onto a clean spatula and spread with the fingers, a dry sponge or our 8N Nylon Brush. Apply powder to set the foundation and increase both the wear time and matte effect on oily skins.

Formula:

Oil-free texture
Organic polymer
Amino acid coated pigments
Mica composite
Glycerine
Oil-free
Dermatologist tested

What I like:
- This foundation feels light on the skin. Not as light as Shu Uemura Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation but it does feel light. Definitely not as heavy as Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place.
- This feels velvety and smooth as it glides on the skin but you do have to blend it fast because it easily dries - could be due to its being oil-free.
- It is indeed matte but definitely not flat. It does look natural which is what I like about the finish.
- The shade I got is 40 Natural Beige. It is a tad dark upon application since I have gotten lighter and 30 would seem to be a better match but I am glad that it eventually blends very well with the skin and it then matches with it.
- It does not oxidize so I need not worry about looking like an oompa loompa.
- It stays on for hours. Even though I mostly stay inside an air-conditioned office with the a/c hitting my back, I still walk around a lot due to the nature of my job and even though my face sweats a bit, this foundation does not budge and stays.
- It provides medium coverage but can be built up and sheered depending on your preference. I prefer sheer and light though.
- A little goes a long way. I only need half (or probably a little more) a pea-sized amount for my entire face and part of my neck.
- I like the squeeze out bottle and the fact that it is made of plastic because once I run out, I can just use razor-sharp scissors and cut it in half to get the remaining foundation that I won't be able to get just by squeezing it.
- It has a shelf-life of 12 months.
- There are 16 shades to choose from based on the website. I'm just not sure how many are available or how frequent the stores restock. MUFE in Manila is notorious when it comes to not having stocks.
- Locally available. Just better call the branches first before coming over since a lot of products are almost always out of stock. I only know of 2 branches - EDSA Shang and Bonifacio High Street.

What I don't like:
- It dries easily. So the moment I dot the foundation on my face, I have to quickly blend it so I won't end up with dots and streaks.
- If I use it continuously for more than 3 days, I break out with it. I think I can use it just once or twice a week.
- It dries out my cheeks and I see dry patches I never knew I had.
- A bit pricey for Php 2250 but not bad if you really like it.

Will I buy again? Still on the fence since I break out with it but I'd like to try shade 30 Porcelain.

Overall rating: 4/5 I still gave it a 4 because I like the foundation in general and its performance. If only it does not break me out, then it would've gotten a higher rating. Comparing to the HD Foundation I had in 2009, this is soooo much better. It photographs well too though HD has a bit of edge when it comes to that.

EDIT: I used the foundation earlier for this review and now, I have a budding pimple on my nose. Boo!

Swatch

On me - just the foundation and under eye concealer. No setting powder so you can see how it looks on my combination-oily skin.

Have you tried this foundation?

Happy Sunday, super awesome peeps! :P

Cheers,

P.S. I would like to thank you guys for still visiting my blog and leaving comments even though I haven't done the same for you. I've been really preoccupied with work lately and a few realizations here and there and that is why makeup has totally taken the backseat for now. Will still do my best to keep this blog updated.

Current Favorites

Hello! I'm squeezing in a quick post and I know I've been slacking off with blogging. I've still been busy since Monday and I'm only able to blog today because I called in sick. I haven't been feeling well since last night so before I go back to sleep, I thought I'd share my current favorites. Makeup is something that has been taking the backseat at the moment for three reasons - 1. Almost everyone I work with do not wear makeup. I'd be the odd man out if I wear bold makeup; 2. I've been lazy and tired that I'd rather sleep the few minutes I would dedicate for makeup application; and 3. My skin has never been better since I started religiously using Cetaphil as my cleanser and I can do away with a very sheer application of liquid foundation or just pressed powder. I was in Watson's last Sunday with my mom and I was about to pick up a new cleanser when she stopped me and told me to just stick to Cetaphil and repurchase that instead. That was the first time she did that so that means it's really doing a wonderful job for my skin. Here I go again with my babbling skills so before I talk about nonsense stuff any further, here are my favorite products at the moment:

Makeup:
1. Shu Uemura Face Architect Smoothing Fluid Foundation in 974 - On days when I have a few minutes to spare, I apply a sheer layer of this foundation just to even out my skin tone. I am once again falling in love with it.

2. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder - I am now on my third pan. I'm so glad that I can wear this alone and I'm good to go.

3. Shu Uemura Glow On P Pink 30 - I have already made a dent on M Pink 30 so I started to use P Pink 30 a lot. I love how it brightens my face and brings life to it especially on days when I look pale.

4. Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer - Works great on my under eyes. Covers the dark circles with just a little amount.

5. Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate - I haven't been wearing lipsticks lately so this has become my favorite lip product at the moment. Keeps my lips smooth and supple while making it look pretty with a touch of coral-pink.

6. Revlon Brow Fantasy in Brunette - I apply the gel product on my brows and that's it. :)

7. Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara - I like how this adds a bit of volume on my lashes while still managing to make them look natural. It makes my eyelashes visible under my eye glasses too.

8. Benefit Posietint - I use this when I am in a hurry. I just dot a few on my fingers and then spread and blend them on my cheeks. Lasts the whole day on me too.

Skincare:

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel - I think this works great with Cetaphil. It has become my daily and nightly moisturizer.

2. Celeteque Dermo Science Brightening Eye Tuck plus Dark Circles Lightener - I can see results, though minimal and gradual.

3. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Concentrated Cream - My dry skin's favorite.

4. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (not on the picture) - My current super favorite cleanser. My skin has been at its best state so far ever since I've given this cleanser a chance to work its magic on me. :)

Others:

1. Marionnaud Premium N3 Slanted Blusher Brush - This brush is awesome! :)

2. DKNY Be Delicious - This yummy and fruity scent works well with my body chemistry.

And my favorite bag at the moment. I don't want to strain my back so I no longer bring a lot of things. Whatever I can fit in this bag, that's all I'm bringing.

What are your current favorites? :)

Happy Thursday, everyone. :P

Cheers,