Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Makeup Experiment #19: Layla-Inspired (From Mobile Legends)

Hey loves!

Since it's Halloween, I think it's a good idea to share a makeover post. This is an old makeover we did months ago...

It's a Layla-inspired look. 

If you're not familiar with the character, she's from a game called Mobile Legends. Here's how she looks like (the blonde version):


It was around early this year that I tried the game. I think I played it for a good 2-3 months til I wasn't interested anymore. During that time, I saw some of my closest college friends also playing the game. So when they planned to get together at my place, we thought of doing a makeover inspired by the characters we played in that game. One of my friends cosplays so she brought her wig and lent it to us for this makeover.

So here's Anna with our Layla-inspired look. We don't have the costume and props so we improvised (well, if you call adding a pair of shades improvisation enough). 

Makeup by : Me 
Hairstyle : Nico Nico
Model : Anna
Photos by : Me
Place taken : My room 


I haven't been playing the game so I dunno if they changed this character's look yet (when I started, her hair was still blue). Haha! But if you also play/ed, which character do/did you use? I usually used Miya, Estes, Eudora, or Aurora. :)


Cheers,
DAWN

Friday, October 27, 2017

J Cat Lipfinity Matte Lip in LMK124 Wild Limo Rides

Hey lovelies!

Looking for a the perfect makeup partner for your Halloween party look? Then you might wanna check out the nearest J Cat store near you. This brand carries so many bold shades that I'm sure you'll find the product/s you need.

While I browsed their selections, I found this waterproof black liquid lipstick. I like going creative with my makeup once in a while so I thought I could get one so I could use it in one of my makeup experiments. It's pretty affordable at PhP 399.00 so my frugal self didn't hesitate as much to buy it. Haha!

J Cat Lipfinity Matte Lip in LMK124 Wild Limo Rides

Info at the tube:

Info from the website:



I enjoyed reading the names of the shades!


I've been using liquid lipsticks often and this one is just one of the dozens I currently have now. This one is special because it's the only black one! 


The packaging is simple. The material reminds me of that of the classic NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams. BUT it's a clear plastic tube with a black cap. You get to see the real shade of the lippie.


It's equipped with a doe foot applicator. It's pretty slim that can make application very easy to control. It doesn't carry enough to cover both lips though so I do have to re-dip it to fully apply the product on my lips.

Here's a swatch. 

I like how black it is and how matte it is. However, the product going in the lines of my skin was concerning to be honest...


Good thing that on my lips, it did not bleed out! It looks pretty good. It does have minty-bubblegummy scent. At first I didn't like it because I wasn't used to it, but now it doesn't bother me anymore. Sometimes I even like it. 

The consistency is less creamy than what I'm used to. It can also be drying, but a good lip balm underneath can make a huge difference. 

This product can stay the whole day (well, the food you eat can affect it though) and it's transfer-proof and smudge-proof. It can really withstand any Halloween party! Wooot!

And that's all for now. What do you think of J Cat Lipfinity Matte Lip in Wild Limo Rides?



Cheers,
DAWN



Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Shiseido Maquillage True Liquid Look Keep UV OC 20

Hey dears!

I usually do not buy high-end products without browsing makeup reviews because I find them pricey and I want to make sure I get my money's worth. But for this particular product that I'll be sharing with you, I had no idea how it will perform on my skin. I just bought it because... ummm... if you know me, you probably know why... it was on sale. Haha!

Shiseido Macquillage True Liquid Look Keep UV OC 20

I haven't had the chance to try much products from Shiseido but I really want to try their skincare line. It's still above my budget so for now I settle with their discounted products. 

Since I have oily skin, this product was something that I was particularly interested to try. Melting makeup has been something I've been experiencing because of excess oil and since this product's name says "long keep," it may probably work on me.


Product info from the website:

Byebye touchup!
Stay looking pore and shine free with this impeccably thin foundation.

The new gel-liquid foundation infused with beauty essence that tightly fits your skin.
Skin stays poreless and shine-free looking, fresh as your morning face all day long.
Create a “born-with-beautiful-skin” finish.


Available in 2 shades
OC10 - Natural light ocher
OC20 - Natural ocher

The secret to touchup-free finish: Sebum Target Powder
Oils beneficial for skin are kept while excessive oils are absorbed and solidified. Our liquid foundation and makeup are now enhanced with the latest technology that absorbs and solidifies excessive sebum yet helps your skin retain good oils so it stays moisturized for easy application.
Sebum Target Powder absorbs and solidifies sebum to keep the finish perfect and even for hours.

It's equipped with a sponge. I like that it's firm enough that it's easy to use. It creates a smooth finish. However, I like using a makeup brush for application because it's faster to use and doesn't use too much of the product (sponges tend to absorb more product).

The foundation is housed in a tube type packaging. I like how convenient this is because you only have to squeeze it out. The design is simple, which is the usual case when it comes to Japanese products. I find it too simple though but I do appreciate the engraved "Maquillage" at the metallic gold cap.

Here's how the product looks like. I think Natural Ochre shade is the best for my skin. It's slightly lighter than my face color but will eventually blend when it sets.

What I immediately noticed is how light it feels even though it has a medium, buildable coverage. The scent is minimal, barely noticeable.

When you blend it, its finish looks like skin. It doesn't sink  to the lines of my skin.

Here's how it looks on my face:
Left: Bare skin
Right: With the product

The coverage is pretty good and what I really like is the finish. It doesn't look flat and it minimized the appearance of my pores. I like how lightweight it feels as well and I appreciate that it has SPF 30 and PA+++.

But does it really help in controlling oil? A big YES! I noticed that even during our lunch break in the office, my face isn't shiny as usual. Even without primer. I think it takes about six hours before my face gets oily and desperately in need of blotting. I usually get that shiny within three to four hours when I use my usual medium-high coverage foundations.

The only thing that I do not like is that I have minimal creasing around the sides of my nose. Other than that, this is a very good product for people with oily skin like me.


Have you tried the Shiseido Maquillage True Liquid Look Keep UV? What about their other face products?



Cheers,
DAWN




Sunday, October 22, 2017

Sleek Strobing Soufflé in Smoky Quartz

Hey dearies!

I'm a glitter lover. I like glam and sparkles so it's no surprise that I bought this little baby as soon as I saw the swatch of it...

Sleek Strobing Soufflé in Smoky Quartz

I got it for PhP 200.00 only from its original price of PhP 595.00.


There were two shades available when I was in the Sleek counter during the Great Luxury Sale a couple of months back. I bought Smoky Quartz because I feel like I can use this shade more often compared to the other one which is more on the pink shade (Pink Opal).


Product info from the website:
With its unique bouncy texture, this whipped highlighting soufflé adds a luminous glow to your complexion. The long-wearing innovative formula melts into skin and illuminates the complexion with colour and beautiful shimmer.

INGREDIENTS: 
Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Sorbitan Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mica, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80. (+/-): Acrylates Copolymer, Polyethylene Terephthalate, CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide).


At first I thought it was a cream eyeshadow. I wanted a cream shadow that's long lasting that can work as an eyeshadow base for me because most primers do not work as well alone. Darn my oily lids! But when I made a swatch using this, I was actually surprised with the soft, jelly-like consistency. It's like soufflé! When I applied it on my arm, I just loved what I saw.


The color is just beautiful, like sparkling champagne. The warm glitters can add that golden glow to any look that I can imagine. I can use it as a highlighter on my cheeks and add more glam to any eye makeup! I won't use it as base though because I find that the texture will crease on my lids if I apply too much of the product. A little sparkle here and there will be enough.

See that? That's what it looks like when you put a thick swatch. That's not how I think you should use it. The beauty of this product happens when you spread and blend it out...

...Like this!!!

See those beautiful sparkles? It's like magic! Like fairy dust resting on your skin.

I like that Smoky Quartz looks great on my skin, but now I wish I also have the Pink Opal since I'm also liking cool-toned highlighters on my skin lately. Haha!


That's how it looks on my upper cheek. Now imagine if I had a peach blush too. That would look so glam and gorgeous. If you want more shine, then put a gold powder highlighter then boost the shine by tapping some of this Strobing Soufflé on top. 

I would only use this on my cheek though. I think using this as a highlighter for your nose or any other place would make you look too... sparkly? But if that's the look you're going for, then go right ahead! :P

I like that this product doesn't cake on my skin, just be patient on blending it. It's so worth it! :D

Do you also like glittery products? What do you think of the Sleek Strobing Soufflé in Smoky Quartz?


Cheers,
DAWN


Wednesday, October 18, 2017

NEW SHADES ADDED: Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Lip in Luxe Liquid Lipstick Collection

Hey loves!

I am soooo excited to share with you this news regarding one of my favorite liquid lipsticks. I was actually surprised and excited when I saw their Facebook ad featuring the new shades of Ellana Mineral Cosmetic's Lip in Luxe Liquid Lipstick range. As some of you may know, I bought the first four shades last December. I think I bought it a few days after they were first released! Haha! You can check them out HERE. Those shades consisted of mostly nude-ish colors and a bold, blue-toned red (which became an instant favorite). Now, Ellana added more colors to this collection—they are a mix of rosy hues and sexy reds.


I was given four shades by brand owner, Theresa Carbonel-Buenaflor. I was so surprised when I received a message from her telling me this generous offer. I've been a fan of their products since the first time I used them and their liquid lipsticks have been one of my favorites. I've been meaning to buy them before I learned that they'll give me some of the shades. I just feel so fortunate that I want to spread more joy to my readers by sharing with you the swatches and what to expect from these new beautiful lippies.


Two weeks ago, I received the package containing these four tubes. Since then, I used them almost every time I go out of the house! 


Just like what it says on the box, I gotta start each day with my favorite lippie and a beautiful smile—and that's what I did for the past two weeks! 

It's pretty much the same formula as before:
Creamy Matte
Smudge-proof—it lasts all day!
Waterproof
Talc-free
Cruelty-free
Made with vegan ingredients

I know that wearing matte liquid lipsticks can dry the lips and make them chap, but I can honestly say that Ellana's liquid lipsticks are one of the few matte lippies that I've used that do not dry my lips as much. Just exfoliate and moisturize your lips and apply this and achieve a perfect pout.

I also love that it has a life span of three years! Hooray! 

The shades that I will be sharing with you are
(From right to left)
Love is the Answer
Love is Noble
Love is Pure
Love is Sincere

There are actually five new shades but one of them, Love is the Reason, was already out of stock. Don't worry though, I still plan on buying one to complete my collection! ;)

The packaging is still the same with the clear tube with gold labels and a black cap. I like that the tube is cuboid or a rectangular cube. It sets it apart from most liquid lipsticks that have cylindrical shapes.

It's equipped with a doe-foot applicator. I like this because it carries enough product to coat both lips without redipping. I sometimes add another coat for a longer staying power.


Now, for the swatches:
Love is the Answer, Love is Noble, Love is Pure, Love is Sincere

I test the staying power of these liquid lipsticks by smudging and introducing substances...

Rubbing the swatches didn't do anything on the swatches.

Rubbing while wet with water also didn't do anything. Waterproof--check!

If you use mild cleansers like Physiogel, well, let me tell you that that's not enough to remove these babies! Rubbing it with Physigel cleanser didn't even create a smudge from any of the shades.

Finally, I used a makeup remover (oil-based) and it finally moved.

I had to massage the makeup remover a few times to completely remove the swatches.

So if you like long-lasting makeup, then these liquid lipsticks are the things that you might want to check out. All of the shades can last the whole day on me, except maybe when I eat something soup-based like ramen or I pig out on oily things like fried chicken (ha ha ha!).
 
Now I'll share with you individual photos of the lippies on my lips and how I look wearing them, starting with the pinks...
Love is the Answer

It has an old rose shade.

I love wearing this shade! It's not as vibrant as the reds but it has this classy feel to it.

Love is Noble


It's like a mix of a dark fuchsia and plum shades

I like how it compliments my warm skin. 

Love is Pure


It's a beautiful persian red shade.

I love this color! It's not a common red lipstick shade! I like me some blue-toned reds, but this is just a different kind of red and I really, really like it!

Love is Sincere


It's the classic red! 


It's a red that I can use for any occassions! 

These babies costs PhP 499.00. I find these liquid lipsticks as good investments, especially if you're an on-the-go person because it's easy to apply and lasts long. It's of good quality, quite affordable, and has a life span of three years. With all these in mind, what's not to like? If you're scared that it will dry your lips, continuous use can do that. BUT moisturizing with a lip balm and exfoliating your lips can keep your lips soft and smooth. If you have chappy lips, these will make the dryness more obvious. So take care of your lips and these liquid lipsticks will look like perfection! It can also double as a cheek tint, but I have yet to try that. I usually wear medium-heavy coverage foundations so tints aren't something I use often. :P


You may find me praising this product too much, but what can I say? I have nothing ill to say about this it. Lip in Luxe still remains a favorite of mine among my makeup stash!

Thought on these new shades? Comment below!




Cheers,
DAWN