In the Limelight: Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup in I'm Pure 4 Sure Ivory Product Review

Wow, that was quite a long name for a foundation; makes me wonder why companies do that, actually. Anyway, I am not a huge fan of Benefit products, to be honest, though I have tried quite a few - blushes, tints, primer. I wasn't even one of the eager beavers when Benefit launched this foundation but the reviews about it being light and natural on the skin made me decide to finally try it out this year as I was looking for a foundation that is lighter than NARS Sheer Glow (although I was kinda okay with that foundation, y'know). I have had this Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup for a couple of months now and the shade I have is I'm Pure 4 Sure Ivory. I'm not sure if this is the lightest or the second lightest shade but I decided this was the perfect shade for me, knowing that this will be a tad light for my complexion, because I am acidic and almost everything oxidizes on me, which I'm sure you know as I have been complaining a lot about it lately. So on this post, I shall be reviewing this foundation and I will be using my new system of reviewing for the first time on this product. I thought a little revamping won't hurt as to how I do my reviews so here goes.

What Benefit says about this product...

Why we love it!

Hello...it's flawless time! Our new oil-free brightening liquid foundation builds from light to medium coverage for a natural complexion you can believe in. It's you...just more luminous & healthy looking.

Find your flawless match with the hello flawless oxygen wow shade guide in Beauty School.

WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW:

broad-spectrum SPF 25 PA+++ protection**

oil-free formula

natural finish

hydrating benefits

light-diffusing properties

 available in 9 shades

**What does PA+++ mean? SPF stands for the protection grade of the UVB filter. PA stands for the protection grade of the UVA filter. The highest standard of sun protection rating is the three-star PA rating. Our foundation has three stars, which translates to the highest protection.

Who else loves it!

2012 SELF Healthy Beauty Award, best brightening foundation

How to apply

Blend on face with brush or fingertips.

Details

30.0 mL, 1.0 US fl oz.

Beauty tip

Start with the POREfessional to get an unbelievably even application, quickly minimize the appearance of pores and help makeup stay put.

What I say about this product...

Texture & Consistency: 

This foundation is kinda watery though not excessively runny. Despite its consistency, this feels surprisingly creamy as I spread this all over my skin. It also feels moist which is good for those who dig the dewy look.

Coverage:

Light to medium but can be built up, only adding a little amount on areas that need more coverage.

Longevity:

It lasts for a few hours to a little over half a day. This could be due to my skin type which is combination-oily and add to that the heat and humidity in Manila. Those who have combination or oily skin may not expect this to last until you remove your makeup before hitting the sack, while those with dry to normal may find this to last longer on them.

Price & Availability in the local market:

This is locally available at Benefit counters and stores in Manila for Php 1,900.00.

Thumbs up:

• Definitely feels lighter than NARS Sheer Glow and is perfect for everyday use.
• Has not caused irritation on my skin, no break outs either.
• This shade initially applies lighter on my skin tone but I was right when I decided that this is the right shade for me because it does oxidize and ends up matching my skin tone.
• It definitely brightens up my face.
• Perfect for the dewy look. It makes my skin look bouncy, softer and smoother though it does not blur the imperfections or blemishes.
• It has SPF25.
• It does not dry out my skin and it actually makes me feel like my skin can breathe.
• It blends well with the skin and does not sit on top of it; definitely does not feel like I have a mask on.
• The pump! On my last two foundation reviews, I sorta complained about those not having pumps. And yes, this one does have a pump that actually works and allows me to have control on how much product I get to use.
• The packaging, while not super stylish, is practical. You can actually see how much product you have left. Plus, when you run out of it, you can re-use the bottle and put lotions or creams in it, perhaps another foundation that does not come with a pump.
• Locally available.

Thumbs down:

• It takes a minute or two to dry as it really is moist. So I refrain from using this when I am running late but when I have the extra time to spare, I don't see a reason why I shouldn't use this.
• Can be quite pricey with Benefit being a mid-range brand but priced competitively against high end foundations but I find the price worth it because of everything listed on "Thumbs up".

Who might like this?

Those who prefer light-medium coverage and likes the dewy look. Those who have dry to normal skin might find this suitable for their skin type.

Who might not?

Those who prefer matte or satin finishes. Combination-oily skin types.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Wearing Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow

Have you tried Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Makeup?

Have a wonderful Thursday, everyone! :)

Cheers,

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In the Limelight: Sleek Gloss Me Colour Intense Supreme Shine Lip Gloss in 442 Fool's Gold Product Review

TGIF, everyone! The problem if you go on blogging hiatus is that the products you have to review piles up and when you finally get back to it, it can be confusing which one to review first and which one goes next. Making a list doesn't work for me. But today, I decided to review another lip product from Sleek Makeup and that is the Gloss Me Colour Intense Supreme Shine Lip Gloss in 442 Fool's Gold. I admit, I was initially hesitant to use this as it is not something that would catch my attention when it comes to lip products. I am normally a coral-pink lippy girl and just starting to get a little bolder with red. But after giving this gloss a chance and used it several times, I'm ready to give it a review.

Sleek Makeup describes Gloss Me Fool's Gold as...

Gloss Me provides you with maximum coverage for long lasting colour with shimmer that ensures a dazzling pout all day long. Fools Gold is a sparkling champagne shade that can be worn alone for a light neutral lip or team with True Colour Lipstick in Succumb for a dazzling pout.

Gloss Me’s ultra intense, long lasting colour doesn’t stray, drenching lips in a full coat of gloss in just one single application.

What I like:

• Highly pigmented. One coat is enough to show its true color.
• Sleek nailed it with the shade description. It is indeed a sparkling champagne shade. It is pretty and would look good on bold eye colours or a smokey eye with mostly matte shades.
• It does not feel super sticky but I feel that it adheres on the lips.
• Does not dry out my lips.
• There is a scent to it which can be detected only if you sniff closely to the tube. Almost goes undetected.
• I like the packaging which is a simple clear tube with matte cap.
• No irritation on my lips and the surrounding skin.
• Can be used on top of a matte lip product to add more ooomph to it.
• Has a shelf life of 36 months or 3 years.
• Locally available at www.beautycornerph.com for Php 450.00 / 6mL of product.

What I don't like:

• It tends to look frosty because of the abundance of shimmers in it which might not look too good on those with pouty or full lips as it will further make the lips fuller. Those with think lips might benefit from it though, if shimmers or frost are your thing.

Overall rating: 4/5 The gloss is nice but the shimmers' a little too much for me. Though I would certainly use this when I go for black smokey eyes. I think that combination will look dazzling.

Will I buy again? I actually like the gloss, and that is from someone who prefers tinted lip balms and sheer lipsticks over gloss, but I'd probably go for a different shade - Kiss & Tell.

Swatch - one swipe

On me. Wearing Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow I'm Pure for Sure Ivory;
Garnier BB Eye Roll On; Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre; MAC Browset
Beguile; Essence Stay All Day Eyeshadow Glammy Goes To; Urban Decay
24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil Zero; Kiss Me Heroine Make Impact Frame and
Curl Mascara; Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder;
Sleek Gloss Me Fool's Gold

Have you tried Sleek Gloss Me?

Have a wonderful Friday, everyone!

Cheers,

Disclaimer: Product received for review purposes but does not in any way affect my opinion on the said product.

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In the Limelight: Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in 120 Vanilla Product Review

As I have mentioned on my NARS Sheer Glow Foundation review, I prefer sheer-light coverage foundations that also feel light on the skin. Admittedly, I was never a fan of Revlon's foundations. When I was able to try the Colorstay foundation a couple of years ago, I found it a little too strong for my skin and felt like my skin couldn't breathe. Now that there are newer foundations made available in the Philippine market, I was seeing reviews of the Nearly Naked and the Colorstay Whipped Creme here and there and I was on the hunt for a new foundation. It has been a long time since I have used a foundation from a drugstore brand so I thought it wouldn't hurt to try again. I was deciding between the two but the word "Naked" won me over as it gave me the impression that it would look and feel like second skin, which is exactly what I want in a foundation. So I purchased a bottle online as it is so much cheaper compared to mall prices and used it for a while. Here is my review.

 Revlon describes Nearly Naked as...

Makeup so refreshingly light, it melts right in, creating a fresh even look. So the only one that knows you are wearing makeup is you. Blends seamlessly, buildable coverage.

What I like:

• Compared to Colorstay, it is definitely lighter. 
• Consistency is not too thick. It is a bit watery but does not take too long to dry on the skin and it is not even that hard to blend at all.
• Although it is not totally unscented, I was able to detect some scent but it's not too strong and overwhelming.
• It is has a nice matte finish that does not look flat. I have to say it looks nice on the skin too.
• The formulation isn't quite as strong as Colorstay.
• No breakouts, no irritation on my skin.
• I do not get greasy on this foundation but looks rather dewy which is nice.
• Locally available at Revlon counters on most department stores and some drugstores nationwide. I am not sure of the price as I got mine online but it is probably twice its USD price.
• The packaging is quite nice - foundation housed in a sleek glass bottle with a white cap. Nothing too fancy but it does the job.

What I don't like:

• Although lighter that Colorstay, this still feels a little heavy for me. Me and my freakin' preference.
• Those with acne and blemishes might still need to use concealer depending on the severity of the blemishes. Personally though, I do not conceal and cover my blemishes but I still needed to use concealer on my undereyes.
• Does not come with a pump. So I just transferred some on an airless pump bottle from Beabi.
• It turns a little peach on me when it oxidizes. I got the shade Vanilla thinking that once it oxidizes, it will eventually match. It almost did, only it was a little too peach.\
• For some reason, I still feel like I have a very thin mask on my face. I don't feel like my skin could breathe.

Overall rating: 3/5 Turning peach was the deal breaker for me. Plus it still feels a little heavy for me despite being described as refreshingly light.

Will I buy again? No. It's still not as light as I prefer my foundations to be.

Have you tried the Revlon Nearly Naked foundation?

Cheers,

P.S. Stay safe, everyone!

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In the Limelight: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Fiji Product Review

I've only known NARS for their blushes but I have never tried any of their foundations before. Even though I've read good reviews about their Sheer Matte and Sheer Glow Foundations, I was very happy with my foundations from Japanese brands that I never bothered trying them out. I received a sample of NARS Sheer Matte before but I thought there wasn't anything fantastic about it and went about my business. It was only July this year that I was able to get myself a full size of the NARS Sheer Glow when I was running out of liquid foundations. And here is my review.

NARS describes Sheer Glow as...

A glowing, natural radiant finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage that immaculately evens skin tone. Replete with skincare benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, it leaves skin hydrated, more luminous, softer and smoother. Used daily, Sheer Glow Foundation improves the skin’s brightness and texture

• For normal, normal-to-dry, dry skin types
• Hydrates for softer and smoother skin
• Contains powerful anti-oxidants to protect against damaging free radicals and turmeric extract to improve skin's radiance and tone
• Dermatologist-tested. Non-comedogenic. Fragrance-free.

What I like:

• Although this foundation is marketed as for those with normal, normal-to-dry, and dry skin types which my skin is not, I found that this works great for my skin despite being combination-oily. It does not make my skin feel greasy at all although oiling up is something that does not surprise me. I'm used to it.
• Provides medium coverage with a satin finish. Although I would normally go for foundations with sheer-light coverage, I am able to sheer this out by mixing it with my daily moisturizer, otherwise, it will feel a tad heavy for my liking.
• This is buildable so for those who prefer full coverage, you might get your desired coverage through layering. I think two layers would give you that coverage. Anything beyond that might give you a cakey finish.
• The packaging is really nice and sleek. The foundation is housed in a sturdy glass bottle with the NARS logo on it. The cap, though, is matte black which is really part of their signature packaging. I am not a fan of it; just saying.
• The foundation is indeed fragrance-free, much to my nose's delight.
• I have never experienced any skin irritation not break outs from this foundation despite this being a little too rich for my skin - but that's just me.
• A little goes a long way. I only need one pump to cover my face and neck.
• This is easy to spread and blend on the skin.
• The consistency is creamy and not watery nor runny as compared to Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup which is a current favorite of mine. It doesn't droop as quick as the latter does.
• When I start to oil up, particularly on my t-zone, it does not make me look like a grease ball. It makes my skin look rather dewy which is nice. Nothing that a touch up powder or an oil blotting sheer cannot solve.
• My skin never felt dry which is good. I never saw any dry patches so I guess those with dry skins with patches would really benefit from this foundation as it is non-drying.
• Lasts for more than half a day.
• Locally available at NARS counters in Rustan's for Php 2,450 per bottle.

What I don't like:

• First off, this does not come with a pump. Not even a spatula or a dropper or whatever. Not that I have seen any foundation that comes with a dropper but you get my drift. For that price, it would have been nice if a pump was included and didn't have to be purchased separately for Php 400 bucks. I just bought an empty airless pump bottle from Beabi and transferred some in it.
• The shade I have is Fiji which I thought is right for my skin tone. I am NC25 in MAC and those who wear NC20 are usually matched to Deauville, which is the shade that comes before Fiji. Now after seeing swatches of Ceylan, I wondered why it looks lighter than Fiji. Anyway, this oxidizes on me too so it ends up looking darker than it already is. It was a tad darker upon application but after oxidizing, it becomes really darker.
• It feels heavy for me though much lighter than, say, Estee Lauder Double Wear and the Light version. As I already mentioned on this post, I prefer sheer-light coverage.
• It transfers even though I've already set it with loose or pressed powder!
• The bottle is kinda heavy so it is not entirely ideal for travelling.

Overall rating: 3.75/5. The pump is rather a minor issue; I should've researched a bit more about the shades and swatched the shades prior to purchasing online; the coverage is more of a personal preference, and the bittle is another minor issue. The transfer issue is more "serious" to ponder on though. 

Will I buy again? I'd have to say no. In as much as I really liked this foundation, I really prefer foundations that give lighter coverage and feels like second skin as if I'm not wearing it on my face at all.

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

Cheers,

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