Review : Pink Sugar Our Lil Secret Concealer in Light Medium

Hello everyone!

Many of you are probably enjoying the summer by going to trips and swimming at the beach. As much as I want to also enjoy the summer, my skin just does not. Having oily skin in this heat would result to breakouts! The heat makes me sweaty and oily faster and even the air feels stickier! I just never liked this season.

And because of all the breakouts, this is the time I use a concealer more often than normal. One of the products I currently have is...

Pink Sugar Our Lil Secret Concealer in Light Medium
PhP 299.00

It comes in four shades (from lightest to darkest: Light, Light Medium, Medium, Medium Deep).

Before I proceed with my review, here's the info from the labels:

Info from BeautyMNL's website:

CLAIM TO FAME: A creamy concealer that covers blemishes and other imperfections with ease

FAST FACTS: Delivers long-lasting full coverage; soothes and calms inflamed skin with cucumber fruit and chamomile extracts; nourishes with aloe vera and vitamins A, C, and E; applies smoothly and blends silkily

PERFECT FOR: Spot-free makeup coverage

How to Use: Apply under the eye or on other uneven spots on the face, blend well

About the brand: Pink Sugar is brand-new local beauty brand for Pinays of all ages. If you’re fierce, fun, and quality-conscious but on a tight budget, we dare you not to fall in love with this entire line. Marked by catchy names and creative packaging, each product provides good-for-you benefits in a wide selection of wearable colors curated by makeup experts to complement Filipina skin. Pink Sugar products are free of parabens and not tested on animals.

The concealer's packaging is just okay. I do like the fonts, but I find the design too dull. I know that they chose the beige color because it's close to skin tone and it is concealer... but it just doesn't catch my fancy. 

I do appreciate that it is in a squeezable tube. I don't have to dip my finger in a pot just like most cream concealers I've tried. It's easy to control the amount it dispenses. The thing that concerns me though is that it would be difficult to get the remaining product once I've used up most of it. It seems like I would have to cut the tube up. 

I can't really say much about the claims on the vitamins, but for the couple of months I've been using this, I have not encountered any irritations.

Here's the product. I like that it has a warm tone which compliments my skin.

Here's how it looks when smudged.

And when blended.

One thing that comes into my mind is the word THICK! It's coverage is thick and heavy. Check them out below...

(I used only a little bit of product here)

On my zit

As you can see, it covered the dark areas with ease, even the redness of the pimple! What I did notice is that it sets pretty quickly and if you have dry and flaky areas, it will surely make it more visible. I also noticed that too much of this product makes it too caky. I have a lot of dark scars around my jawline and I need a lot of concealing there. By the end of the day, when I get oily and sweaty, the product is still there but I can see some caky patches on the areas I applied the product on. 

I also think that it's too thick for the under eyes. It makes the area looks so dry.

I would recommend you use a concealer brush and blend really fast or use a beauty blender which can help create a better application and give you more time before the product sets.

To summarize...

What I LIKE:
- Local brand
- High coverage and buildable
- Easy, squeezable tube
- Affordable
- Long-lasting
- The shade Light Medium is close to my face's skin color
- Didn't encounter irritations
- Available in 4 shades that suits Pinoy skin 

What I DON'T LIKE:
- Challenging to blend
- Cakes easily when you apply too much on an area
- The design is too dull for me
- Emphasizes dry areas of the skin

Would I buy again? Right now I am leaning to no because I want to try other products. As much as I appreciate high coverage concealers, I do not like the caky part because I do have a lot to conceal and this cakes on those areas. But I would still recommend it if you only need to hide a few scars or zits.

And that is my review of the Pink Sugar Our Lil Secret Concealer in Light Medium!


Cheers,
DAWN

Celeteque DermoScience Hydration Hydrolyzed Moisturizing Mist

Hey guys!

The heat is getting intense! 

One thing that makes me feel better in an instant refreshing spray from my face mist after walking outside under the sun. But, that's just one of the perks of having a facial mist in my bag, facial mists provide hydration and also helps in setting makeup!

My current facial mist is...

 Celeteque DermoScience Moisturizing Mist
Php 349.00

Here are the product details from the back of the bottle:

And more details from the website:

It is directed to be used like a moisturizer under sunscreen and makeup. But for me, I use a different moisturizer, which is also from the same brand. I use this moisturizing mist on top of makeup to add moisture if needed. It also helps in setting it. ;)

I love that the bottle is easy to carry because it's light and smaller than the usual spritz that I've used. I also like how it sprays the product. It's even and it's really like mist. None of those large droplets that I hate. :P

When I spray this, I try to avoid the T-zone because of my oily skin. But when my officemates (who have dry skin) use this, they like it because it really made their skin feel hydrated and less tight. When they use their powder mineral makeup, the powder sets quickly and makes their foundation look like their second skin faster than usual after they spray this. My friend also appreciates that it's mildly0scented!

One thing I like to do is to keep it in the fridge so that when you use it, the mist is extra cool for added comfort. :)

It's a pretty good face mist. It hydrates, sets makeup, and cools you down after a hot walk under the summer heat. The packaging is good, it's dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and the price is also pretty okay. What's not to like?

What are your thoughts on the Celeteque DermoScience Hydration Hydrolyzed Moisturizing Mist?


Cheers,
DAWN

Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illuminizer

Hey loves!

It's been a busy week for me, but I'm happy that I was able to create some artistic output... I've been painting! They aren't big projects, but it feels great to do something that I really like. And because of all the work I've done this week, I wasn't able to write for the blog. I'm sorry. :( 

Anyway, I promise to post some reviews on exciting products soon. Starting with a quick swatch post on this very pretty illuminizer... 

Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illuminizer

It's another gift from my sister. It's one of the few illuminizers I've tried and I think it's the best I have. :P

Product description from the website:

What Josie says:

My legendary Argan Illuminizer now in a new and improved package.

Why I love it: This concentrated radiance liquid brings your inner glow to the surface of your skin. Champagne illuminessence mimics the natural radiance of healthy skin. 

What’s in it: Infused with Argan Oil to provide to hydrate and nourish the skin. 

How I use it: I use this versatile liquid alone on the face, or mix with foundation, moisturizer, or oil for a magical lit-from-within natural glow to the skin. 

INGREDIENTS: Aqua (Water)**, Glycerin**, Tricaprylin, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid**, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Steareth-20, Dimethicone, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil*, Acrylates/Palmeth-25 Acrylate Copolymer, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phenyl Trimethicone, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil**, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum**, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Mica (CI 77019)**, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)**, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)**, Narcissus Poeticus (Narcissus) Extract**, Lilium Candidum (Madonna Lily) Bulb Extract**

*ORGANIC **NATURAL

cruelty-free

organic argan oil

no synthetic fragrance

made with love

natural and organic ingredients

paraben free

recyclable

vegan

The bottle I have is the deluxe size (7ml), the regular size one is 15ml.

It's a product that gives your skin a glow. I can describe it as a highlighter that can be used in different ways to create different effects for your skin. You can apply it directly on areas where you usually apply highlighter, or you can mix it with foundation or BB cream to achieve a golden, healthy glow.

Here's how the product looks like:

It's a beautiful champagne color...

And the texture is easy to spread... not too creamy nor watery.

When spread, you get a beautiful golden shine. It's a perfect warm glow for the summer. It looks great on my warm skin. I use it on top of foundation (I don't mix it with my foundation because my face gets pretty shiny easily because of my oily skin. I tend to stay away from putting additional shine). What I do is use it as a highlighter then dab some translucent powder to prolong wear.

And that's all for this post. What do you think of the Josie Maran Argan Enlightenment Illuminizer?

Cheers,

DAWN

Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Bellini

Hello dearies!

Summer is the time that I most often wear lipgloss. It's the season when I like to keep it light and fun instead of the glam or sharp looks. So for today, I'll share one of the glosses that I currently have in my kikay kit...

Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Bellini

This was given by my sister and it's only the deluxe size. The regular size is 75ml.

Info from the website: 

A high-shine gloss with a special mix of pearls in a clear base (for a super reflective effect).

This vitamin-enriched formula conditions lips while providing non-sticky, but long-lasting color.

How to Use: Apply to bare lips with wand or layer over lip color.

The deluxe size has a doe foot applicator. I love how cute it is. But even if it's small, it's still easy to use.

So here's the swatch:

The website described Bellini as "a nude pink with pearl."

It gives my lips a shimmery gloss. The product info from the website accurately described it. I love that the glitters are fine and that it's a mix of purple, gold, and silver. I also like that it's non-sticky and non-greasy, although I don't find it long-lasting. 

I don't like wearing it alone because I look pale, but it looks great on top of lipstick. It can enhance any lippie with added shimmer and shine! Since mine is in deluxe size, it's a staple in my vanity kit so I can reapply anywhere I go.

What are your thoughts on the Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss in Bellini? :)

Cheers,

DAWN

Smashbox It's a Wrap Waterproof Makeup Remover

Hello dearies!

You may know this already, but I do use makeup almost every time I go out of the house. But once I get home, I make sure I remove all traces of makeup to reduce the risk of breakouts.

I've tried numbers of makeup removers by now and I still want to try out more from other brands. That's one of the reasons why I bought a set of three products from Smashbox that included this...

Smashbox It's a Wrap Waterproof Makeup Remover

As mentioned, it was included in the Smashbox On the Rocks Eye Essentials. I bought it mostly because it was on sale. Got it for only PhP 1,017.50 from its original price of PhP 1,850.00. The fact that it has a mascara, which I was planning to buy initially, and a makeup remover pushed me more to get it. The eyeliner was just a bonus. ;)

Here's the product description from the packaging label:

Info from the website:

DESCRIPTION

When we've nailed the shot on day-long shoots in our L.A. photo studio, our legendary photographers yell, "That's a wrap." We created this super effective yet ultra-gentle makeup remover for the moment when it's time to take it all off. It lifts everything off lashes, lids and lips—even long-wearing and waterproof products. Clean up, then get some beauty sleep so you can slay it again tomorrow!

BENEFITS

• Non-irritating formula leaves skin soft, clean and refreshed
• Ophthalmologist & dermatologist tested

USAGE

Shake well and apply with a cotton ball, then gently rinse with warm water.

INGREDIENTS

Formulated without Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Phthalates, Oil, Fragrance & Talc.

INGREDIENTS: WATER\AQUA\EAU , ISOHEXADECANE , DIMETHICONE , CYCLOPENTASILOXANE , TRISILOXANE , SODIUM CHLORIDE , PEG-4 DILAURATE , LAURYL METHYL GLUCETH-10 HYDROXYPROPYLDIMONIUM CHLORIDE , POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE , DIPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE , HEXYLENE GLYCOL , DIPOTASSIUM EDTA , PHENOXYETHANOL <ILNILN39590>

Please be aware that ingredient lists may change or vary from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive for the most up to date list of ingredients.

This 50ml bottle is a deluxe size. The regular size is 125ml. 

It's a non-greasy liquid that is scentless. It's the ideal remover! I hate it when I use something too oily or too fragrant. What I love most about this is how gentle it is on the eyes. It doesn't sting!! Ideal when you are using waterproof eye products.

Now, how well does it remove makeup? 

Below are photos of how it performs against the waterproof mascara from the same brand.

I smudged my Smashbox Full Exposure on the palm of my hand...

Then I put a few drops of the makeup remover...
As you can see, the mascara immediately melts. I didn't even rub it... it just melted away effortlessly!

I wiped it away just once without rubbing the rest.
I didn't massage the makeup remover nor the tissue I used to wipe it.

Here, I massaged the tissue with the makeup remover. I just wipe it a few times and the mascara is completely gone! 

Removing makeup is so easy with the Smashbox It's a Wrap Waterproof Makeup Remover!  It takes care of my waterproof eye and lip products effortlessly without causing irritations. And a few amount goes a long way! I'm very satisfied with this purchase.

And that's a wrap (get it?) for this review! :)


Cheers,
DAWN

NOTD: Cutie Easter Bunny and Eggs

Hello dears!

Tomorrow's Easter! 

Do you and your family have plans? Mine's just a simple and quiet stay at home with the family... maybe cook some good feast to enjoy. My family don't do a big celebration during Easter. We just didn't made a tradition out of it... we never did those Easter egg thing and all... Anyway, for this year, I did something that's not usual for me during this holiday...

Tadaaa! Easter egg hunt-inspired nails!!!

I made some bunnies in a couple of nails while the others are the easter eggs!

They looked better last night though... they got squished when I slept. 

The bunny looks like it's looking at its side... it still looks cute though... somehow it added personality. Haha!

I just applied the fun and bright base colors and added lighter colored details. It's easy to do and would make the Easter spirit more fun and creative!

Would you paint your nails in an Easter bunny theme?

Cheers,

DAWN

Dove: Refresh+Care Dry Shampoo (Volume)

Good evening ladies,

Dawn and I recently recolored my hair purple. As you know, one of the many struggles I have whenever I get it recolored is to keep it purple for as long as possible.

As many of you might know, one of the trick in making this particular hair color last is to minimize or lessen hair washing. However, this is a big problem if your tend to get oily quick. Good thing there are such things as dry shampoos. Today, I am sharing the one I am currently using.

Dove's Refresh + Care Dry Shampoo has been a recent addition to my hair care products. I bought this a few months ago from BeautyMNL.com for Php 299. It's one of the cheapest dry shampoos available in the market but is also one of the most highly ranked.

For the newbies, this product has a very straight forward instructions for use.

This dry shampoo does a really good job of taking out the greasy feeling after a day of not taking a bath. I have been using this dry shampoo for the past weeks and even in our very hot weather, my hair stays grease-free and does not smell like sweat. The scent is also mild and almost baby powder like.

My cousin had previously warned me that some dry shampoos tend to sit on your scalp like dandruff, but it was not like that with this. The particles of the shampoo are so fine that it's easy to massage throughout the scalp and does not clump up to form dandruff-like flakes.

It is also adds a little volume to the hair so that weighed down look of an unwashed hair is taken care of as well.

However, it does tend to make your hair look wig-like after 2 days of straight use. I also would not recommend that you let anyone touch your hair after 2 days of straight use as the hair's texture starts to feel rough and almost tumble-weed like.

Good news though, it's safe for colored hair, when using it, the color is not carried away by the product. I have not seen any discoloration after each use. This has helped me keep my hair washes to a minimum of 2x/week.

This is just one of the many dry shampoos out there. I might just start going through a bunch of them soon since they are so convenient. Let us know if there are any which you'd like me to try and review!

Cheers,

LIZ