Product Review: Chanel Glossimer 48 Jean Rose

I like lipglosses because they add color and shine on the lips. Better if it is moisturizing because it becomes a multipurpose product - lip color, lip shine, lip conditioner, and lip prettifier. If there is one thing I hate about these products, it's the stickiness. I cannot stand wearing anything sticky on my lips as it makes me feel uneasy and really uncomfortable. I know some girls prefer stickier ones over those that are not because they seem to last longer but I don't. I like licking and biting my lips and I end up eating that gooey lip gloss and its taste is the least appetizing. Plus, don't you just hate it when your hair gets on your face and a couple of strands get some glosses on them and you end up with streaks of gloss on your cheeks? That's why I have given up on MAC lip glasses. I really can't wear them for a long time and end up removing them and settle for lip balm instead. Of course, not all lip glosses are like that. I have found love with NARS and Stila and yes, Styli-Style because they are not as sticky as MAC. ***Sorry MAC, I love some of your products but I can never bring myself to love your lip gloss.*** And here is another addition to the exception - Chanel Glossimer in 48 Jean Rose. I saw this brand new lip gloss for sale and did a little research on it only to find out that it has been discontinued. That's really sad because I might end up liking this shade and I'm left with the task of finding a substitute for this when I run out. But heck, I still purchased it and now I am reviewing it.

Of course, it comes in a classic Chanel packaging. Simple yet classy.

The Chanel logo

What I like:
- This is a lovely medium-bright shade of pink with a hint of rose in it. There are flecks and sparkles of different colors, somewhat like rainbow reflects when light hits it.
- Pigmented. I find it best to apply this as a lip tint rather than as a straight on gloss as it will look too loud and bright for my liking. I dot a little on each lip then spread them evenly on my lips using my pinkie.
- Not drying at all. I can apply this directly on my lips without the fear of having dry and flaky lips right after.
- A little goes a long way and staying power is really good. Even though I applied only a little amount, it stayed on my lips for 4 hours even after eating, drinking, and even puffing.
- The stickiness is just right. Nothing overly sticky like those from MAC. :D
- It does not settle on the lines of my lips.
- Can be layered to build intensity of the color.
- No annoying glitters that make it feel gritty.
- The packaging is really simple yet it has a hint of sophistication.
- No annoying sweet and fruity scent.


What I don't like:
- This particular shade has been discontinued so there is no hope to get another one.
- Although it does not settle on the lines of my lips, it emphasizes them so wearing a lip balm under it is a must.
- Glossimers are expensive and cost PHP1450. Glad to have gotten this for less than half the price. :)


Overall rating: 4/5

Will I buy again? Yes but not any time soon. I would like to try another shade though. :)

Swatch

Lip swatches - applied sheerly

What do you think of Glossimers? :)

Happy Sunday, super awesome peeps! :P
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Top 5 Picks: Blushes

I decided to do another Top 5 Picks post today and this time, it will be blushes. You might think, "blushes again?!" but my preference in blushes have changed from wanting pigmented ones to sheer ones. So I basically have new favorites. :)

My Top 5 Picks

In no particular order - Chanel Joues Contraste Tea Rose, Chanel Irreelle Blush In Love, NARS Deep Throat, Shu Uemura Glow On P Pink 30, Shu Uemura Glow On M Pink 30

Chanel Joues Contraste Tea Rose - I did a Revisited and Reviewed post for this blush a couple of months ago. I like how smooth and velvety and silky this blush feels on the skin. It is a very pretty sheer pink-peach shade which turns rosy pink on the skin (at least mine). What's great about this blush is that even though it isn't as pigmented as NARS or MAC blushes, it gives that lit from within look.

Chanel Irreelle Blush In Love - a very lovely coral-pink blush which imparts a natural looking flush (at least on my skin tone). It is more pigmented as compared to Chanel JC Tea Rose. I have swatched the JC version of this shade (because Irreelle has been discontinued) and this is much more pigmented with very fine glitters. This has to be very carefully applied as it can look overdone and you'll look sunburned.

NARS Deep Throat - a pretty peach-pink shade with more peach tones than pink. This has very fine shimmers and pigmented. This is the only peach blush that works for me and does not oxidize and look muddy. I like this better than NARS Orgasm on me as I find this a little less shimmery.

Shu Uemura Glow On P Pink 30 - the Pearl version of Shu Uemura Glow Ons; however, this is far from being shimmery. It gives a very pearlescent and iridescent glow, thus the variant - pearl. A very nice shade of pink without a hint of peach, as far as I can tell. 

Shu Uemura Glow On M Pink 30 - the matte version of Pink 30 but this is far from the P one. This has a very slight hint of peach on it. At first, I thought of this as being too chalky on me like I have chalk on my cheeks. I learned the trick in using this blush and that is finding a brush that works with it. Next thing I know, this is now my go-to blush. I use this almost every day, especially on days when I am not sure which blush to wear or when I want a barely there makeup look.

Swatches

Among these Top 5, I really cannot decide which one I like the most as I like them all, I really do. It's just hard to choose just one as each is unique in its own way.

And here is another shot of my niece, Reese, while she was hugging me. :)

What are your favorite blushes?

Happy Friday, super awesome peeps! :P
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Make your Eye Bags Instantly Disappear (a concealer trick)

Eye bags and dark under eye circles are two of our worst enemies aside from acne and wrinkles so we do our best to lessen and to conceal them. But when it is hereditary, your best friend will be the concealer. I grew up without that problem and I didn't have dark circles back then. It was just the puffiness of my eyes (as if they were bulging out) and that creates that nasty shadow.

Having insomnia and having an average of 2-3 hours of sleep every day (more if I take my medicines), I now have both problems - dark circles and puffiness. It is just frustrating to be dealing with something I did not have to deal with before. It came to a point that I was seriously considering having botox done on my under eyes so the puffiness will be gone. But I am mighty scared of needles and knowing that it will be done on my under eyes and seeing it actually going to that direction, I might just pass out or smack the dermatologist or whoever will perform it. So instead, I am relying heavily on concealers, I think I have 6 now. I use them mostly on my under eyes and not on blemishes. But it's such a hit or miss and quite tricky. Sometimes, they cover it well but ends up being cakey, and sometimes, they just don't work at all. I am testing out an eye cream right now and I will be reviewing it once I've used up the product so I am now left with trying out different tips and tricks I come across with.

Thank God my favorite YouTube guru did a video that IS the answer to my problems - gossmakeupartist. I love this guru! His videos are super helpful aside from the fact that I love how sexy his accent is. :P Since I have tried one particular tip from him, I would like to share it with you guys and attest to its effectivity.

                       

The trick is to basically apply a lighter shade of concealer ON THE SHADOWS that the eye bags create and not on the eye bags themselves. I saw him work his magic on his very own eyes and seeing the results was enticing enough for me try it and ALAS! It works! I realized that I have been doing it wrong all along. I was applying concealers in the wrong places. I agree that it can be quite tricky at first and needs a little getting used to. I still make mistakes just like on the picture and the biggest mistake is that I was not able to blend it properly and you can still see the unblended concealer. For those of you who would like to see the video, I have embedded it.

                           

I am still practicing and haven't mastered it yet. I don't know if you can see the difference it made but I certainly do! I used the Maybelline Mineral Powder Natural Perfecting Concealer in Ivory which is a tad light for my skin tone. I honestly hope you can see the difference. And my mom who has been telling me how bad my under eyes are told me they looked better. I would love for you guys to also try it and see for yourselves. I can only do so much as to just keep on raving about this trick.

Happy Thursday, super awesome peeps! :)

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Top 5 Picks: Lipsticks

We all have favorites when it comes to makeup (and almost any other things) and I would like to share my Top 5 Picks among my lipsticks. This is a little picture-heavy, gals. :)

My Top 5 Picks

L-R: Clinique Long Last Lipstick in Berry Freeze, Bourjois Docteur Glamour Lipstick in Rose Toubib, Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in BG949, MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Cosmo, Kanebo Coffret D'Or Lipstick in RD-167

Clinique Long Last Lipstick in Berry Freeze

A buttery brick red shade that glides on smoothly on the lips. Pigmented and not drying. You can swipe some on the lips then carefully pat on tissue for a lip stained look.

Bourjois Docteur Glamour Lipstick in Rose Toubib

A rose shade lipstick that turns to a classic pink on the lips. Applies smoothly on the lips. Pigmented with no shimmers.Apply gloss on top for prettier pink lips.

Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in BG 949

A cool-toned pink-beige nude lipstick. Perfect for smokey eyes and neutral lips. Texture is smooth and pigmented. Use a warm-toned lip gloss on top to add warmth on the lips.

MAC Amplified Creme Lipstick in Cosmo

A beautiful coco pink shade (with a hint of brown and blue) that is definitely  the MLBB (my-lips-but-better) pink. Goes on with almost any look and perfect for everyday wear. Creamy and pigmented.

Kanebo Coffret D'Or Lipstick in RD-167

It's supposed to be a shade of red but turns out to be a verly lovely pink with a very slight hint of red on the lips. Goes on really sheer. Never drying and really moisturizing. However, staying power isn't good due to its creaminess and glossiness.

Swatches - Clinique Berry Freeze, Bourjois Rose Toubib, Shu Uemura BG 949, MAC Cosmo, Kanebo Coffret D'Or RD-167

I just had to include these two pictures of my niece.

Acting as if she's talking to her grandma on my spare phone.

Smiling at me as she's getting my wallet from my bag. You cute sneaky little devil. :P

So these are my Top 5 Picks. If you noticed, they are all wearable and more on the pink/subtle/neutral shades. I can't bring myself to go out wearing bright and bold colors as I think I would look too weird. :)

What are your favorite lipsticks? :)

Happy Thursday, super awesome peeps! :P
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Product Review: ELF Brightening Eyecolor Quad in Ivy

Here's another ELF makeup review, this time, it's the Brightening Eyecolor Quad in Ivy (Greens). I only use drugstore eyeshadows because I'm obviously a newbie when it comes to eyeshadow and I can't bring myself to spend a lot .just for something I don't often use.

What I like:
- The color combination is great. All four colors work together.
- Pigmentation is pretty decent. Not super pigmented (which may be a con to some) and can still be used for a natural look.
- Texture is creamy for a powder eyeshadow.
- Not chalky though some complained about it being chalky but this one isn't.
- Did not experience having fall outs.
- Inexpensive at only PHP129.75 (around $3 which could already be the Studio Line in the US).
- Locally available at selected Watson's branches and department stores nationwide.

What I don't like:
- Lasting power is kinda poor if used without primer especially for those with oily lids (like mine).
- Packaging is pretty flimsy and tacky. There is a small mirror where the applicator compartment is, designed for touch ups but kinda useless since it's too small.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Will I buy again? I would like to try the other quads. :)

Swatch. Each shade swiped just once.

On my eyes.  Applied lightly with no primer.

(See the concealer settling on the line under my eyes? Bad.)

Have you used cheap drugstore eyeshadow? What do you think of them? :)

Happy Wednesday, super awesome peeps! :P
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Product Review: Boots Botanics Complexion Refining Pressed Powder

Before I go ahead and review this product, let me share an exchange of thoughts I had with my mom last night while watching WWE Wrestlemania 26 on TV - the match between the Undertaker and Shawn Michaels aka HBK (I miss HBK :(! Boohoo!).

Me: Mommy, paano kaya kung si Undertaker daddy ko? (Mommy, what if Undertaker is my dad?)
Mommy: Tatandang dalaga ka, anak. Matatakot lahat ng lalake sa kanya. (You will be an old maid, my child. All the guys will get scared of him.)

I was not able to say anything for a moment. I wasn't expecting that from her. My mom and her sense of humour... :P

Anyway, going back to the review. As you probably know by now, I like light-medium coverage makeup. I like to keep it as close to natural looking as possible so i don't like putting a lot of makeup on my face. So I recently started using just pressed or finishing powders after BB cream. Or if I use a powder foundation, I will apply it as lightly as possible so it won't feel heavy. The two things I have been alternately using on my face are Prestige Perfectly Matte Translucent Powder in Oatmeal and Kryolan Anti Shine Powder as they keep the oilies at bay for hours. Since I ran out of MAC Blot, I am always on the lookout for mattifying powders so whenever I chance upon something that seems promising, I give it a try. And the latest product is Boots Botanics Complexion Refining Pressed Powder in Sweet Ginger. And here are my thoughts on this product.

Packaging is not made of plastic, some kind of metal-ish so you can be sure it is sturdy but it is prone to scratches and a little heavy. The lock is quite different from most of the compacts I have seen.

What I like:
- Packaging is quite unique and not cheap and tacky looking  (except for the sticker indicating the shade which I will remove soon) plus it is quite sturdy.
- Provides light coverage (that can be built to get medium coverage) which is good for a natural look or perfect for lazy days when you don't feel like wearing a lot of makeup.
- Powder feels silky and velvety.
- No breakouts.
- Provides decent oil control.
- Can cover minor blemishes.
- Does not contain any parabens - see ingredients list.
- No annoying scent.
- Since it is from the Botanics line with the "The Power of Plants" label, I assume this is as natural as they can get in making this product. It contains rosemary and burdock.
- Has a shelf life of 24 months or two years so this can be used on and off like when you want to try out a different product.

What I don't like:
- Even though it feels silky and velvety, powder is not finely milled and has the tendency to be a little chalky.
- Not locally available.
- Only 3 shades to choose from.
- The sponge is useless. It has a leather-rubber-like cover and a really ugly sponge.
- No separate compartment for the sponge but if you use brushes instead of sponges, you won't really mind it.
- Compact is a little heavier than my other compacts and is prone to scratches.

Overall rating: 4/5 The things I don't like are minor and do not totally affect the overall performance of the product.


Will I buy again? Yes, if I see this again on eBay. :)

This is paraben free. States it contains rosemary and burdock. I did a little research as to what those two herbs do for the skin and I found these information.

Rosemary is used as a fragrant additive in soaps and other cosmetics. An infusion can also be used as an invigorating toner and astringent. Rosemary added to a bath strengthens and refreshes, especially when used following an illness. Considered to stimulate blood circulation and to restore elasticity to the skin, Rosemary is also effective for lifeless and oily skin, for blackheads and spots (antibacterial).

Burdock is organically grown in Croatia. Is a diuretic, and one of the best blood purifiers. Good for treating skin diseases e.g. eczema & psoriasis. Make as decoction. Also good for treating boils.

So these must be really good for the skin and that's probably why I never experienced breaking out with it even though it has talc.

Swatch. Almost a perfect match. Only a tad dark on my face but eventually blends well with my skin tone,

What's your favorite pressed powder? :)
Happy Tuesday, super awesome peeps!
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Product Review: Charm Luxe Mini Kabuki

I love soft and fluffy brushes and pink is my favorite color. What else can be the perfect mix of both the things I love other than Charm brushes? I have been seeing reviews of these brushes everywhere and haven't brought myself to buying one but seeing Tara's post about the Charm Luxe Mini Kabuki made me want to get myself one on Christmas. I go back and forth her post then finally ordered on impulse and I was a happy girl. I was even happier when I finally received it and I never knew such a small little cute pink brush will bring such a huge smile on my face. I kept playing with it and looking at it because it was the cutest thing ever! The cutest brush I have ever had! :) Okay, I am once again blabbing so I should stop now and go on with the review.

It comes with a cute little pink pouch too. I store my Kryolan Anti Shine Powder on this pouch together with the brush which is perfect for touch ups.

I can't get over the cuteness of this pretty little thing! :P

What I like:
- The color. It is suuuuuper cute. :)
- The bristles are really soft and fluffy and not in any way scratchy. Using this on the face is a lot of fun because I find it kinda relaxing. :P
- It comes with a cute pink storage pouch that you can easily put in your purse and won't eat a lot of space. Perfect for touch ups.
- It has not shed on me and it did not bleed either.
- Dries easily when washed.
- Bristles are synthetic, thus, no animals became baldies when these brushes were made.
- Inexpensive at only PHP300. Locally available and can be bought from Beauty and Minerals.

What I don't like:
- Picks up a lesser amount of powder as compared to my Ecotools Mini Kabuki so it takes a little more time to completely buff in the powder on my entire face.

***Those who do not like pink may find the color a con.***

Overall rating: 4/5

Will I buy again? I'm hoping this will last for years but if I have to, I will definitely buy again. But I have my eyes set on the bigger one though. :)

Ecotools Mini Kabuki and Charm Luxe Mini Kabuki looking so comfy and happy together. What a cute couple. :P

Kryolan Anti Shine Powder snuggling inside the storage pouch with the baby buki. :P

 

See how small this is? :P

Have you tried this brush? If not, you better try it and prepare to be Charmed!
Happy Manic Monday, super awesome peeps! :P

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Product Review: Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Fresh (Pink)

They say that oil combats oil and is very effective in removing makeup and other dirt and impurities on the face. Cleansing oils made its way in the market and more and more companies are coming up with their own versions and variants. The most popular brand, I must say, that made cleansing oils popular is Shu Uemura, which is a high end Japanese brand so you definitely cannot expect these products to come in cheap. They are expensive and can cost almost PHP5000  for the big bottles (of couse, having high mark ups in the Philippines is something that no longer surprises me). I cannot bring myself to spend that much on, well, oil. So I decided to buy sample sizes for myself to try and see if they will work for me. I got the Fresh variant - the pink one - as they say it works best for oily skinned individuals. I bought samples from a Hong Kong-based seller and they were reasonably priced. Anyway, I was able to use them several times and I think it's time to give it a review.

Description on the website:

A lightweight cleansing oil that leaves the skin clean, fresh and refined. ideal for normal to oily skin types and acne-prone skin.

What I like:
- It is very effective in removing makeup especially waterproof ones like mascara and gel liners.
- Does not sting my eyes.
- A little goes a long way. I don't need a handful to remove all the makeup on my face.
- Not as oily as extra virgin olive oil and cooking oils! :P
- Can be easily washed off with water.

What I don't like:
- My skin feels greasy after using this so using facial wash after this is a must.
- Gave me 4 pimples overnight! Thank God spot treatment using ACV saved me!
- The scent bothers me a bit. I can't describe the smell.
- Expensive if you buy this locally.

Overall rating: 2/5

Will I buy again? No. I tried the Missha Perfect BB Deep Cleansing Oil last year and it works just the same, if not better since I did not break out with it. If I will use cleansing oil again, it will be the one from Missha. But then again, maybe cleansing oils aren't for me. I'm sticking with Shu Uemura's blushes instead. :P

Do you use cleansing oil? What's your favorite?

Happy Sunday, super awesome peeps! :)

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