Reviews and Other Stuff

Glossier Generation G (New Formula) Sheer Matte Lipstick Review + Swatches

June 7, 2019 / FASHION & BEAUTY / 0 comments

Hi guys, a few weeks ago, I did a mini Glossier haul review which you can read HERE. In that review, I was really smitten by their reformulated Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick (0.1 oz: 18 USD).

The new Glossier Generation G lipstick has a blotted sheer matte look and finish with a slightly balmy feel. There are six shades available and some of them sort of adapt to the natural lip color. I wouldn’t say that this lipstick is super pigmented, instead, it’s more of an everyday lip color which still allows for the natural lip shade to show through. The product itself is cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, dermatologist-tested, etc., and the packaging is nice and heavy. Because it is definitely meant for a casual natural look, the effect of this lipstick can be quite subtle or diffused, but the nice thing is that you can always swipe a little bit more for a slightly dramatic lip color payoff.

In this review, I swatched all the new Glossier Generation G colors.

Shop My Favorite Glossier Products

Cake: subtle peach. Kind of a light-peachy nude which my light-medium skintone could pull off.

Crush: hot raspberry pink, quite similar to the Dior Matte Raspberry Lip Glow, seen HERE.

Like: light-mauve in real life, like a light version of the Jam shade below. This gives a “My lips but slightly better” look, and also great for the “I woke up like this” look, LOL.

Zip: poppy red. A blotted red-orange coral.

Leo: mid brown, same shade as the old Leo formula.

Jam: deep berry, darker tone of Like.

The newest Glossier Generation G has a subtle yet distinctive rose/jasmine scent. Its new formula feels smoother and more cushiony than the previous one. Which means, this doesn’t make the lips dry. It definitely isn’t shiny or even satiny, it’s just a pure sheer comfortable balmy matte. The pigment can be very sheer at first swipe, especially in the case of the “Like” shade which took a couple more swipes on my pigmented lips for it to show through. But one thing’s for sure, the Generation G in its new formulation is definitely buildable and easy to use, plus, it enhances the lips beautifully.

The closest formula that I could think of in comparison to this is the Dior Lip Glow in Matte finish. Perhaps the Buxom Pillowpout (reviewed HERE) could be comparable as well, but that one has more of a powdery feel. I have yet to investigate the Nyx Powder Puff Lippie Lip Cream which some said could be close to the Gen G in terms of its blotted matte finish.

Overall, I love the new formula more than the old one. The previous Gen G was with time just too drying for me. Though you may still have to swipe this lipstick on the lips a couple of times to get your desired lip color and effect, but once you get it, then the effect is really nice. I also love all the shades even though some can be quite subtle. Most of them last about 3 hours+ on me without eating or drinking, but if I munch too much then they usually last about 2 hours give or take, so you may still need to reapply this lipstick several times. However, they’re foolproof to apply, so it’s not a prob. I highly recommend this lipstick if you’re into that everyday natural lip look.

The new Glossier Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick is currently available at Glossier.com

Have you tried this lipstick already? What were your first impressions?

Shop My Favorite Lip Balms Here

The Daily Edited (TDE) Circle Bag Review

June 3, 2019 / FASHION & BEAUTY / 0 comments

The circle bag is back and as you may have noticed, it’s currently having its moment all over social media. I did somehow had seen its resurgence ever since last year. There’s just something really different, chic, and unique in a sleek circle bag and I myself is a fan of it. In fact, I debated in my head for a while as to which circle bag I should get. For a long time, I’ve had my eyes set on the Mansur Gavriel Calf Circle Crossbody ($795) which comes in several eye-catching colors, but for its price and for its size, I do have my hesitations. There are also other brands that have the same style as the Mansur Circle Bag, one of them is The Daily Edited (TDE) Circle Crossbody Bag ($170) which definitely closely resembles the original Mansur Calf Circle in terms of style and size.

With 7 in Height x 7.6 in Width x 2.7 in Diameter (The Mansur being 7.5 in H x 8 in W x 2.5 in D) and made from 100% Saffiano outer leather, there is a lot to love in this beautiful TDE Circle Bag. It’s got either black or pink satiny fabric lining, full zip-around closure, and lustrous gold hardware. It can be worn handheld or as a crossbody, and the detachable leather shoulder strap is adjustable and has the longest length at 47.2 in. The strap drop is around 22 inches give or take. The handle height is about 2.4 in., and the base is supported with four golden metallic studs (the Mansur ones don’t have these). Inside the bag, there are two credit card slots.

The bag itself is lightweight and is pretty much easy to carry. It reminds me of a hatbox back in the good ol’ days. It definitely looks cute, quirky, and chic. I like wearing it with or without the strap, and the adjustable strap length is comfortable for my petite frame and height.

I first had the pink shade when it was still available and I’ve been using it on rotation along with my other mini bags. I did notice some color-transfer on it at first, but it’s very easy to clean. You just dab and rub a wet tissue on the stained part and it’ll go away. Lately, I haven’t noticed any of that problem anymore. A couple of weeks ago, I added the black color in my collection as you guys may have seen on my Insta Story and I love it just as well as the pink. As to what can fit inside this bag, oh well, I was actually kind of surprised that this bag can fit quite a lot. Though I wouldn’t want to put a lot of stuff in it since the Saffiano leather could bend easily.

For this photo, I was running some quick errands and I grabbed some basic items with me and threw them inside this bag. My apologies if the products looked all over the place, but these are mostly what transpired inside my purse. As you can see, I could still fit more products inside the bag, but I prefer not to overstuff them. Also, with most circle bags, you kinda have to arrange your belongings in a circular way, which can be quite a game of round Tetris when you have a lot of stuff to carry.

Take a look at what can fit inside:

Fotoprotector ISDIN Fusion Water SPF 50+ – got this from a relative in Spain and I’ve recently been using this on the face. Love it for the lightweight non-greasy feel, and it definitely doesn’t sting the eyes.

Purell Hand Sanitizer

Bausch & Lomb Rewetting Drops for Sensitive Eyes – I wear contacts most of the time and my eyes could get dry easily, so this helps a lot.

iPhone X

I’m Nicer When I Like My Outfit Mini Pouch – available from Saks Off Fifth in-store

Pocket Hair Comb with Mirror – inexpensive and very useful

Sephora Card Holder – got this from Sephora Rewards

Sephora Herbal Rose Blotting Paper – reviewed HERE

Viktor & Rolf Liquid Diamonds Eau de Parfum Travel Spray – signature scent, reviewed HERE

Car Key/House/Mailbox Key+House Alarm Remote

I’m not sure if I’ll ever have the Mansur Gavriel Calf Circle Crossbody. It’s still a very pretty bag in my opinion, though I’m afraid that its leather may be quite prone to scratches. What I do like about this TDE Circle bag is that it’s a lot more affordable than the Mansur, and it’s very well-done quality-wise. It can also be personalized by having your initials engraved on the bag. Overall, it’s perfect for just about any occasion and it’s really an attractive chic bag.

Do you own any circle bags? Are you a fan of TDE products?

The TDE Circle Bag is currently available at http://www.thedailyedited.com

The Mansur Gavriel Calf Circle Crossbody is available HERE

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips Liquid Lipstick Review + Swatches, Part II

May 29, 2019 / FASHION & BEAUTY / 0 comments

Ever since I reviewed the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips Liquid Lipstick (first part seen HERE), I’ve been constantly reaching for it because there’s just something about this lipstick that makes me love it so much. Not sure what it is exactly. It must be the texture or the finish, or it could be its gorgeous shades or simply the fact that it kind of reminds me of one of my favorite comfortable liquid matte lipsticks, the Burberry Liquid Lip Velvet (seen HERE).

Regardless of whether it’s the glam packaging or the unique brush, the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips Liquid Lipstick (0.24 oz: $34) simply makes the lips look full and dramatic. At first, it starts thickly whipped and velvety upon application, and though it may take some time for it to reach its ideal matte finish, you will find that once it does, then it becomes this comfortable lightweight non-drying soft-focus matte lip color. It has very minimal transfer and the pigment lasts for several hours.

I really like the way this liquid lipstick looks on me, and since I use it a lot, I went on to purchase three more shades. The plan was to get one more shade only, which is “Too Bad I’m Bad” but heck, I needed lighter shades for this Spring and Summer, so I went ahead and got two more. See the shades and swatches below.

Rising Star – Nude Pink. I was worried about this shade at first, thinking this might may me look too pale or too washed-out. But it actually didn’t. It’s one of those perfect everyday nude matte lip colors and it looks even better under the sun.

Pin Up Pink – Coral Pink. This shade gave me mixed feelings at first. I like its bright pink coral/neon-ish tone, but I was worried that it might look too funky on me. At first swipe, it kinda does, but as soon as it sets, the color becomes more diffused and really wearable. It’s definitely a shade for bright clear skies.

Too Bad I’m Bad – Warm Rosy Pink. If I love the Show Girl shade for Fall (seen HERE), then I’m definitely in love with this color for Spring and Summer. It suits well for my skin tone and it gives a nice pop of rosy pinkish-red on the lips.

Bottom line, these lipsticks can make you look put-together really quick and the quality is superb.

Are you a fan of these too?

The Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Lips Liquid Lipstick is currently available at Sephora, Nordstrom, Net-A-Porter, Selfridges, Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf Goodman, and Harrods

*Eyeshadow Palette is the Anastasia Norvina, reviewed HERE

*Gradient Scented Block Candles are the Ikea Lugga Candles, will be reviewing them soon

*Pouch is from Saks Off 5th, available in-store