September 2017 - Reviews and Other Stuff

Month: September 2017

Glossier Cloud Paint, Balm Dotcom, Generation G, Priming Moisturizer & Milk Jelly Cleanser Review

September 28, 2017 / FASHION & BEAUTY / 0 comments

There’s something about Glossier products that makes me so curious and excited. I don’t really know what it is, but seeing their products just brightens up my day. Perhaps it’s their minimalist sleek packaging. Perhaps it’s that functional and cute pink pouch that you can reuse anywhere and everywhere. Or perhaps, just because their products are so girly and pinky that I just love their overall vibe.

I’ve never tried any Glossier products before so it’s definitely new to me. I’ve always wanted to try their products and see for myself what they’re like as many people have raved about them, not to mention that pink pouch that I so wanna touch and I’ve always wanted a few to reuse especially for when I’m traveling.

So, I finally visited Glossier’s website and ordered a few stuff to try.

Check out what I got:

Cloud Paint in Haze (0.33 oz: $18) – This cutely-packaged cheek color or cheek tint in Haze is so well-pigmented that you need to be really careful as to how much you’re putting on your cheeks, or else you’ll look like Pikachu. LOL. I didn’t notice any scent with this and I like that this is pretty much easy to use and it gives a nice healthy flush on the face. It’s also easy to blend with just your fingers and it’s quite long lasting. One of the best cheek tint I’ve ever tried.

Generation G Lip Color in Leo (0.07 oz: $18) – I’ve been curious about this particular lip product and have been eyeing the Leo shade for quite some time. My initial reaction with this is that it seems like a matte lip sheer or lip tint with a slight clayish scent. It’s not quite pigmented, especially the Leo shade, which is a very sheer medium brown. I could still see my lips’ natural pigment even after several swipes of this. It can be a bit drying with time but it sort of lasted for 2-3 hours on me after eating with the color being almost gone. I wish this was more pigmented and more moisturizing. Actually, with its packaging and the Leo shade, it kinda reminds me of Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. But the Clinique one is much more moisturizing and well-pigmented than this.

Balm Dotcom in Cherry (0.5 oz: $12) – There were other shades in this cute-looking balm or salve, but I picked the shade Cherry because I thought the rest of the shades may not show up on my skin, not knowing that the formula itself will also smell like Cherry as well. This balm is very versatile that you can use it as a lip tint and a lip balm at the same time (tinted versions). You can also use it as a moisturizer or as a hand/foot cream if you get the untinted ones. It’s really hydrating and I love the strong yet delightful Cherry scent. The packaging is also cute and ideal for traveling. In fact, I like this a lot that I plan to purchase another shade/scent, which is called Rose.

Milk Jelly Cleanser (6 oz: $18) – A milky gel cleanser that can work as a daily facial wash or as makeup remover when used on dry skin. Although waterproof eyeliners and mascaras may require a few more rubbing, yet this cleaner is quite versatile and time-saving. It also feels really mild and gentle on the skin even though it has a sort of silicone scent which I don’t really like. I wish they’d given this a much cleaner or fresher scent but for its texture and formulation, this cleanser is definitely soft and ideal for sensitive skin. It didn’t give me any breakouts and my skin feels baby soft after using this. Although, I didn’t really feel like it thoroughly cleaned my pores and wash out excess oil. So, I think I’d use this on colder and drier months.

Priming Moisturizer (1.7 oz: $22) – This feels like a basic lightweight moisturizer that truly hydrates the skin with a bit of a sunscreen scent, even though it doesn’t really have any Spf. It’s great for sensitive skin and it feels really mild. My skin absorbs this easily and it does seem to keep my makeup set to last for the day. The consistency is quite similar to First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, but with slightly stronger scent.

Pink Bubble Pouch – Comes free with every order. I wish I purchased the three-pcs bundle way back when Glossier used to sell them that way. From afar, these look like pretty ordinary pink bubblewrap pouches that kinda looks weak. I didn’t really understand the appeal of this at the beginning, as it just looks pink and cute. But when I finally held one in my hands, that’s when I realized how useful and pretty this pouch is. It feels actually robust with its thick double plastic case that secures the pink bubble wrap in the middle, protecting your things and belongings especially when you’re traveling. It’s a much better alternative to the usual ziplock. The only caveat is the zip itself, which might break with time. I wonder how did Glossier make it or where it was made because I so wanted MORE. In fact, I don’t mind buying Glossier products just so I could get their cute pouches, lol.

If you’re into the Gloss (the makers of Glossier), but you’re not sure which products to buy, they have 2 sets that they recommend for you to start with. The Phase 1 set has; the Milk Jelly Cleanser, the Priming Moisturizer, and a Balm Dotcom (your choice of flavor/shade). While the Phase 2 set has; the Boy Brow, Stretch Concealer, and Generation G Lip Color (your choice of shade).

Have you tried these already? For more products and Infos, please visit Glossier.com

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Sephora Play! September 2017

September 26, 2017 / FASHION & BEAUTY / 0 comments

Hi guys! I received my Sephora Play! Box and as usual, mine always arrive close to the end of the month. But it’s ok, it’s better to be almost late than not sharing the contents of my box at all. I wonder what you guys have for this month’s contents. I know Sephora calls them their “Fall-ready” beauties, which is timely because we are now officially in the Fall, which means lots of pumpkins, pumpkin cakes, and pumpkin pies. Oh my, I’m excited much for Thanksgiving already, LOL.

Anyhow, I’m not really impressed with my box this month. I think a lot of the products are kinda repeated or has been one of Sephora’s Rewards Bazaar a few weeks ago. I wish there were new or never-been-heard-before stuff because that would have been more fun. But I’m also glad that some stuff are repeated because there are products that I really like and would love to try them again or would like them in travel sizes.

So far, the contents of my box are pretty diverse even though it’s a bit more focused on skin care. There’s also a haircare sample, a Fall-shade lipstick, and stuff for the eyes.

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in Deep (Mini: $12, 0.1 oz: $24) – I’ve used this before and while it does work to make your brows look more prominent and very volumized, it can somehow only work wonders if you already have enough eyebrows. In my case, I have quite a sparse eyebrow situation, so the brush of this tends to stick and stain my skin apart from adhering and volumizing my brow strands, thus making it look unnatural. It also emphasized my already sparse brows because this is basically a brow gel with a tint, and not necessarily volumizing.

Algenist Power Recharging Night Pressed Serum (2 oz: $95) – This is a super concentrated serum that feels like a hydrating cream at first, then it melts into the skin easily and it’s really moisturizing. It also has a nice vanilla scent that’s common to most Algenist products, not to mention the famous Alguronic Acid which is also incorporated in their creams, serums, etc.

Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb (0.84 oz: $22, 1.68 oz: $38) – I received this cream in my previous Sephora Play box a couple of months ago, and have also received a sample of this a couple of times. This has always been a wonderful cream to have and I’m even planning to purchase this in full size. It’s a very hydrating and cooling gel cream that smells divine, like a fresh blend of herbs and citrus. It hydrates the skin very well no matter what skin type you may be. It’s even better for oily skin gals because it’s oil-free and very lightweight. This cream will give you a spa-like experience whenever you use it.

Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12 Hr Wear Waterproof in Black Lace (0.04 oz: $10) – This matte black shade of eyeliner from Sephora is definitely long lasting and can only be removed by a good waterproof makeup-remover. It glides well on the lids and it didn’t smudge on me. On top of that, it’s also very affordable.

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo & Conditioner (Shampoo- 2 oz: $12, 8.5 oz: $31. Conditioner- 2 oz: $13, 6.7 oz: $34) – A sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner with six essential oils that nourish all hair types, even the ones that are color and chemically-treated. They have such a yummy fruity scent and they feel rich and creamy, yet they don’t weight the hair down. I love that the shampoo lathers well, making my hair feeling thoroughly cleaned plus my frizz looking tamed.

Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipstick in Amulet (0.17 oz: $18) – Reviewed and swatched HERE. I love the shade of Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipsticks, especially the matte ones, and this Amulet color is really pretty and perfect for Fall. It has micro sparkles that won’t make the lips look flat, while it mattifies on the lips at the same time. What I don’t like about this is the way the lipstick sets on my lips. It doesn’t really settle completely, instead, it feels kinda sticky, which makes me feel a bit uneasy whenever I use it.

Of all the contents in this month’s Sephora Play! box, I think I like the Algenist Power Recharging Serum, the Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb as always, and the BB Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Shampoo & Conditioner.

How was your box’s contents this month? did you like it?

X.O.X.O

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Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Review + Swatches

September 21, 2017 / FASHION & BEAUTY / 0 comments

Hello Guys! Please bear with me right now as I am currently traveling and I am literally typing this in the plane while trying not to get dizzy, LOL. I am in the first part of my travels and will be in London in a few weeks, as well as in Spain. Also, I’ll be embarking on a trip to Hong Kong and to another place in Asia. I’m gonna be so jet lagged to the bones.

Anyways, as promised, I want to talk about Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Makeup. I was so glad that my local Sephora immediately carried them as soon as the official launch of the makeup came out. Well initially, I saw that there were only a few products displayed at the center aisle of my local Sephora store, but as soon as I was halfway inside the store, I saw that there was actually a row full of Fenty Beauty Products. From highlighters to contouring sticks, and to makeup brushes, it was a sight to behold. It was also packed with a lot of people, women young and old, teens, and curious onlookers alike were all there.

There was a lot to try and to like, I was really excited, so I grabbed a few stuff that I thought I might like. First, I picked a highlighter palette in some peachy pink shade, but then I changed my mind and grabbed a more golden peach tone. I also saw the famous golden yellow Killawatt Trophy Wife Highlighter which was used by Rihanna in one of her ad video for this makeup line. To be honest, I kinda laugh when I saw it because I was like “oh my, that’s a whole lotta highlighters!” I thought it was a bit too much, and with that highlighting brush, it seems like RiRi’s highlighted cheeks could blind the aliens in the outer space. So I skipped on that shade even though it really looks beautiful. Also, I was really worried that if I use that shade I might cause a traffic accident whenever I get out of the house, oh my. Anyway, enough chatter, I wasn’t sure what Shimmer Skinstick to get, only that I really like the Trippin shade, furthermore, I wasn’t even sure which Matte Skinstick to get either, so I picked up the Match Stix Trio for medium skin tone which came with the Trippin shade. I also picked up a few little brushes which seem really good for traveling. I also bought a blotting powder that looks handy for on the go oil-control of the face.

Right when I was about to check out, a few Sephora salesladies mentioned how good the Fenty Foundation brush is, they’re really in “ohs” and “ahs” about it, but I just decided to stick to my purchase and took note of the brush in my head. A few days later, I saw Jeffree Star’s review about the Fenty beauties and he seemed to really love the Foundation brush, as it gives him a more airbrushed look than the Beautyblender itself. So, I gave in and decided to try the brush myself together with another Shimmer Skinstick that was also stuck in my head. While I was at Sephora, I tried the Unicorn shade and another lighter shade that’s also very close to it, called Confetti. So, I purchased the Foundation brush and the Confetti shade additionally, and I got a sample of the Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation as well. I heard good things about their foundation, but I decided to skip it for now as I got the samples and I was more curious about their texture and their effect as opposed to their shades. Although I was really eyeing the shade 190, I think I’ll do a review on the latest foundations and I’ll add the Fenty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation in there.

Here are the stuff I got:

Invisimatte Blotting Powder (0.3 oz: $32) – This is a magnetic translucent blotting powder that partners with the Touchup Brush #130. The nice thing about this powder is that it not only controls oil, but it also acts as a setting powder over foundation or under eyes for a more “wide awake” look. It’s soft finely-milled powder doesn’t leave a white blotchy cast on the face. It’s also great for traveling or just to be in your purse for a quick retouch. Also, I love the tiny mirror and sponge that came with it.

Match Stix Trio in Medium ($54) – Shades: Bamboo (light to medium beige), Trippin (golden glazed apricot), and Mocha (deep-medium brown). These sticks magnetize each other which makes them easy to pick up and store. I picked this trio of shades because it seems like the ideal group of shades for medium skin tones and it has the shade “Trippin” which is a nice peachy tone that’s subtly shimmery. It can double as either a blush or as a highlighter. The bamboo shade is great to brighten the undereyes and the mocha shade is nice for contouring that’s easy to blend and can be layered. These sticks are not really that creamy, contrary to most makeup sticks out there. While I do feel that the whole Fenty line is made for someone with oily skin, I was actually surprised that even though they may feel a bit drying to the touch, they’re actually well-pigmented and packed with shimmers, especially when you warm the product against your finger or the palm of your hand. For their price, this trio of sticks has enough product in them to last for quite a long time, also they don’t melt easily which minimize product waste, and they’re very well-pigmented.

Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110 ($34) – Thank God I purchased this brush because this is such a life changer. Yep, it’s true and I’m not kidding. The salesladies at Sephora were right, this brush is indeed SO good. It’s easier and faster to use than a Beautyblender, and it makes for a nice airbrush finish on the face with a liquid foundation. The synthetic bristles are very soft and very dense with just the right length for easy maneuverability. Love the muted nude pink color too. This is definitely gonna be my top foundation brush from now on and will take with me on my travels all the time. P.S. I’ve already washed this brush twice and it held up so well without any loose bristles. Hopefully, this brush will last a very long time.

Portable Touchup Brush 130 ($24) – This is the magnetic brush that can attach to the bottom of the Invisimatte Blotting Powder compact. It is retractable and very soft. I purchased this brush thinking this would really be a nice travel highlighting brush as opposed to the Brush #140, but heck I was wrong. This brush is too pliable and too soft as a travel highlighting/contouring brush. I feel like this is just really great as a quick touch up brush to apply translucent loose powders. But if you really want to use this a highlighter, there might actually be a way with that. Just retract the brush halfway and that would make the bristles stiff, which would then make it easier to use as a highlighter on the cheeks, nose, and brow area.

Portable Highlighting Brush 140 ($24) – I was skeptical about this brush at first because of the reviews that mentioned the bristles being prone to fall out, but when I got it, I was actually impressed at its ability to pick up the amount of product to highlight the face. It did highlight my face well, given that it’s small, but it’s a nice and handy little brush. Great for traveling and it magnetizes well the Match Stix Trio.

Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Mean Money/Hu$tla Baby ($34) – I originally wanted the Girl Next Door/Chic Phreak which is a duo of soft pink and peachy pink tone of highlighters, but I decided on this duo compact instead, because I love the peachy pink champagne shimmer on them. There are two shades in this compact, while some only have one shade in it (Trophy Wife being one for example). The Mean Money shade almost doesn’t show on the skin, which is a bit disappointing, but the Hu$tla Baby is a beautiful peachy pink champagne shimmer that really makes you glow from within. It reminds me a lot of Becca’s Champagne Pop.

Match Stix Shimmer Skin Stick in Confetti (0.25 oz: $25) – I really love this fun shade, and it’s not so out of this world to use that you start reflecting those aliens from outer space. I saw the Unicorn shade but I thought that was too violet-ish for me, so I picked up this one which is a light violet opal effect shimmer and it’s the closest to a mythical creature as I can get. Definitely unicorn enough for me. I love that it’s easy to swipe and still has a natural effect.

Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Primer (1.08 oz: $32) – A mattifying primer that is lightweight and oil-free. This primer is meant to smooth away the pores, even the skin’s texture, and blurs imperfections. While this is indeed comfortable to wear and it makes the foundation last longer with a nice matte effect, in my experience this particular primer is pretty much like all other primers that feel cushiony and slightly blurring, which means that it does help but I could still see my pores and blemishes underneath it, though not so much, but yeah, they’re still there. However, this feels like a really good quality primer that is on par with some other popular brands.

Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation (1.08 oz: $34) – This foundation is really nice because it indeed has a soft matte effect and it doesn’t get cakey. It comes in tons of shades and they’re long-lasting. Their coverage is medium to full and they oxidize a bit, but it’s hard to notice. The nice thing about this foundation is that it’s really lightweight that it almost feels like there’s nothing on your face. Its soft matte effect makes for a natural look and it’s kinda sweat-proof. I like that it’s oil-free and my face didn’t look so shiny for a long time, even beyond 6 hours. Amazing. This is for sure one of the best mattifying foundations I’ve ever tried.

That concludes my Fenty Beauty review, but oh wait! There’s one more because I really enjoyed RiRi’s makeup products, I also have here the…

Cheek-Hugging Highlight Brush 120 ($32) – I really thought that I don’t need this brush at all, and I usually just use a fan brush to highlight my nose, cheeks, cupids bow, etc., but sometimes I need my highlighter to really pop out, and this brush does the job. It’s a fool-proof brush on how to apply a highlighter 101. I love its chiseled sides which hug and highlight the cheeks and all other high points of the face precisely. Also, it feels really soft and ergonomic. It’s definitely one of those unique game-changing brushes that you thought you don’t need, but it’ll actually prove you wrong.

Overall, I love Fenty’s beauty products and I like that they have shades for every skintone, which I think truly matters a lot in makeup. That’s it for me guys, I hope you enjoyed this very detailed review and my apologies for making it too long.

The Fenty Beauty by Rihanna is available at Sephora

Have you tried the Fenty beauties already?

Enjoy your day!

Follow on Instagram: @reviewsandotherstuff