Review : Althea Spotlight Eye Glitter

Hello dolls!

I've mentioned several times in older posts that I like glitter so when Althea released their makeup line that included these, I got so excited and squealed like I was seven years-old again who just received a Barbie doll...

Althea Spotlight Eye Glitter

BeYu The Matt Liner in Blue Desire and White Smoke

Hi dears!

I think I've mentioned before that I like to do double eyeliners. I like putting a light colored eyeliner at the top of the usual black eyeliner. It just gives a bolder impact that way and I really like how it looks on my eyes.

So while browsing the counters of Beauty Bar, these caught my eye...

BeYu The Matt Liners

NYX Vivid Brights Colored Liquid Liner in Vivid Blossom

Hello dears!

I'm getting fond of adding another eyeliner on top of my black eyeliner lately, usually a brightly colored one, or even white. It just adds a pop to the overall eye makeup and I think it looks good in my almost hooded eyelids.

Here's one eyeliner I like to use...

NYX Vivid Brights Colored Liquid Liner in Vivid Blossom

Lorac Front of the Line Pro Liquid Eyeliner in Navy

Hey loves!

Just a few months ago, I got a lovely package from my best friend containing some pretty things, and yes, they are makeup! Haha! One of the items inside is the...

Lorac Front of the Line Pro Liquid Eyeliner in Navy

MSH Love Liner Liquid Eyeliner in Pink Brown

Hello dears!

Last year I made a review about a pen liquid eyeliner that I absolutely love. It instantly became a favorite of mine. I sent one to my sister last year and she also loved it!

So when I went to Osaka a month ago, I bought more and I even bought a different shade! Yayyyy!

MSH Love Liner Liquid Eyeliner in Pink Brown

Chihuahua Cosmetics Eyeliner in Black

Hi dears!

I believe that most makeup enthusiast's problem is not fully using all the products they buy before it expires. I think it's because we jump to another product even before we finish the one we currently have, not necessarily because we don't like the quality, but because of our curiosity to try something new. I'm guilty of that, and I buy so, soooo much, especially blushes and eyeshadows that takes a long time for me to finish.

So when I saw Chihuahua Cosmetics' ad saying, "When was the last time you finished a lipstick?" placed on their booth at the BDJ x Project Vanity Beauty Bootcamp, it got me thinking—it's been a looong time ago since I did! I thought of all the products I wasted just because I wanted to try a new one. And so I appreciate what Chihuahua Cosmetics is doing and that's providing products that are smaller in size so we can actually use up the products we buy (it feels really good to actually get your money's worth and actually use up the makeup you have). Their items are also travel-friendly too!

BCL BROWLASH EX SLIM GEL EYELINER PENCIL (2MM ULTRA FINE) HELLO KITTY EDITION

Hello beauties!

Here's a quick swatch of a product that I bought when I traveled to Tokyo last year, but I only opened this a month ago...

BCL Browlash Ex Slim Gel Eyeliner Pencil (2mm Ultra Fine) Hello Kitty Edition

Review : Ciate London Liquid Chrome Metallic Eyeliner in Celestial

Hey everyone!

I like doing different looks for my eye makeup. I like colors and contrast so recently, I've been adding more eyeliners than usual. I usually pair my black winged eyeliner with another colored eyeliner. It doesn't matter what color or if it's matte or metallic, or glittered. I just apply whatever catches my "fancy."

Now I just wanted to buy and buy more eyeliners. Haha! I try to stop myself when I can but when I see a good deal, I just can't resist anymore and one of the things I bought is this...

Ciate London Liquid Chrome Metallic Eyeliner in Celestial

Kat Vod D Ink! Liner in Neruda

Hey loves!

I did an impulse buy on this product and I'm just soooo happy I did!

Kat Vod D Ink! Liner in Neruda

Review : Zoeva Cat Eye Pen in Blackest Black

Hey loves!

I'm currently enjoying using pen eyeliners whenever I line my eyes. I used to prefer gel liners because of their blackness and the fact that the amount of product you get is more compared to other types of eyeliners. But when I come to think of it, I don't really like the thought of having eye products for too long because of the bacteria build up after some time and then you apply it on your eyes, which are one of the sensitive areas of your body.

So I settle with the ease of application and much less time-consuming quality of a pen eyeliner. I've been into pen liners for probably a couple of years now and I didn't miss using gel liners! Haha!

Here's what I'm currently using...

Zoeva Cat Eye Pen in Blackest Black

Bought it from Sephora PH. The regular price of this is PhP 386.00, but it is currently out of stock.

To be honest, I bought this to avail the free shipping and the added freebies when I bought some items at Sephora. Haha! I wasn't really looking for a new one because I still have one when I bought it. It doesn't hurt to have a reserve though!

Product info from the website:

APPLICATION

This longlasting and quick drying stylo liner enables you to create delicate fine lines as well as dramatically sexy bold strokes. Gently apply it with a steady hand along the upper lash line.

Recap tightly after use. | Do not use inside the eye. | Discontinue use if signs of irritation appear.

DESCRIPTION

Defined by the blackest black, the ultra-precise and long-lasting ZOEVA Cat Eye Pen provides smooth and easy application with its superfine and flexible brush tip, creating both – delicate classic fine lines as well as dramatically bold strokes with a silky finish.

The formulation of the stylo liner is dermatologically approved and 100% free of formaldehyde and parabens.

PACKAGING / CONTENT

1 Cat Eye Pen eyeliner 

Net content: 1.0 ml / 0.03 us oz

Ingredients: Aqua, Butylene Glycol, CI 77266 (Carbon Black) (nano), Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Coco-Glucoside, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Laureth-12 Sulfate, Sodium Benzoate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.

When I first saw the product physically, I like how it looked. I like the matte box it came with and I like the design of the pen. The slim plastic pen contrasted with the matte area with a slight curve where you hold it gives the whole thing a sexy vibe. I like the overall look because when I think of a cat eye, I think of sleek and sexy and this is just it! 

I also love the tip. It's a brush that doesn't bend easily. I like this kind of applicator because it makes it easy for me to control the lines I'm making. I can create thinner lines with ease!

Here's the swatch. I like the blackness of this. It does do minimal bleeding but when I use it on my eyelids with eyeshadow, there's barely any bleeding. I also like how smooth it was to apply this eyeliner. Application was really easy with this one.

So I tested how long it will last if I do some things to the swatches...

When I smudged it with dry fingers, the intensity of the blackness diminished but it didn't smudge away.

When I rubbed it roughly, there was minimal smudging.

When I rubbed it lightly with water, as you can see, it was getting removed easily. I wasn't surprised because it never claimed to be waterproof.

And when I rubbed it while wet, it was completely removed.

Here's how I apply it on my eyes:

I just love how black it is! It's not too matte and not too glossy too!

It dries quickly after application too so no need to wait a while before opening your eyes. I like almost everything about it, but the NOT waterproof part is a big con for me. Although I don't sweat a lot (unless I'm doing my exercise) since I'm usually at an air-conditioned room, I do have oily skin and my lids get oily easily. This transfers to the top area of my lids when it gets oily. I don't get that problem if I use primer + long lasting cream shadow topped with powder eyeshadow. The liner can last a whole day with that combination. HOWEVER, I do like using face mists and unfortunately, when my eye area gets some of the mist, this product smudges too! Ugh. Now I have to make sure that no water gets to my lids. 

So to summarize this review:

What I LIKE:

- BLACKKKKK! Yes, it's so beautifully black!
- Sexy packaging
- Affordable
- Available online
- Easy to use
- Smooth application
- Brush is easy to manipulate
- Dries quickly upon application
- Easy to remove at the end of the day

What I DON'T LIKE:

- It's not waterproof! It gets completely destroyed when water touches it. 

Would I buy again? As much as I like most about it, I really want my eyeliner to be waterproof. It's like my number one requirement. 

But if you don't wear eyeliners often or you only wear them for a few hours a day, then this baby would be great for you!

What are your thoughts on the Zoeva Cat Eye Pen in Blackest Black?


Cheers,
DAWN

K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyeliner

Hey gorgeous!

A friend of mine gave me this eyeliner set from K-Palette when she went to Japan some months back. I already was using some black liners then so it took me a while to finally open this one.

K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyeliner

and K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eye Pencil

Since it took a while for me to open this, I think the pencil got too old and dried out. So I didn't use it anymore and I'll just provide my insights on the pen eyeliner.

I don't know if the still sell a set like this but if you'll buy each product at Beauty Bar, they cost PhP 795.00 each.

Since it was bought from Japan, it didn't have an English translation at the back. So here's the product description from the beautyboxcorp website:

K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyeliner

This liquid eyeliner has a waterproof formula that stays all day without smudging. Its super micro thin brush (0.55mm) enables you to draw thin lines easily---perfect for tightlining. It can be removed with soap and water, no makeup remover needed!

K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eye Pencil

This waterproof and smudge-proof eyeliner has a retractable soft pencil tip so you don't need an eyepencil sharpener! Its long-lasting & rich color want to sport a bold eye make up look.

You can also check their Facebook Page for updates.

The packaging of both products are similar. Both are in black and have silver details. They are pretty easy to use since it's like you're holding a pen. The pencil is a twist type while the eyeliner has a brush tip.

Here are the swatches...

As I said, the pencil has dried up already when I opened the product. I guess it's really my fault because it took me a few months to open it because I was still using an eyeliner back then. So I think it's unfair for me to do a review on that product so I'll just share my experience on the pen eyeliner.

I like how you can create thin lines with the slim tip of the eyeliner. It glides smoothly on skin and I can easily manipulate the thickness that I want to create with it. It's not as black as I want it to be though but it can be built up and the good news is, it doesn't flake when I put more on top.

I tried smudging it. It didn't totally smudge, it just faded a bit. I like that the lines still look clean.

I tried placing it under running water and it didn't move at all, even when I lightly smudge the swatches.

However, if you rub it continuously, this happens. I'm amazed at the pencil type though! Haha!

So as you can see, it has a pretty good staying power. I was actually expecting that because I know how popular this product is. Although, there are still times that it smudges, usually when my lids get oily. With the right primer and eyeshadow, this can last the whole day!

It would be a perfect pen liner for me if not for the "blackness" part because I like my liners really black. But if you don't mind this kind of shade, then it really is a recommendable product!

And that's all for this post. What are your thoughts?

Cheers,DAWN

Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner

Hello dearies!

I've been using eyeliner a lot on my upper lash line. I like to wear the dramatic, winged liner the most and I usually use liquid or gel type eyeliners. I already love the effect of liquids and gels, but I would still try pencils from time to time, even though I'm already convinced that they are better of as liner for my lower lash line because my lids are just too darn oily! Haha!

The most recent pencil type liner I got is the...

Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner

I got this from a set I bought on sale at Beauty Bar. It was included in the Smashbox On The Rocks Eye Essentials. Got it for PhP 1,017.50. Original price was PhP 1,850.00.

Info from the website:

On a photo shoot, the crew can't wait around while makeup artists sharpen their pencils. That's why we developed this award-winning kohl eye liner, which self-sharpens automatically every time you twist off the cap. The high-impact, waterproof formula is packed with pigment. It's a precise pencil liner that performs like a liquid. Save time—and keep your eye makeup look totally on point!

TIPS: Want an even more intense eye look? Don't forget to line the inner rim for major definition! One tiwst of the cap will do it. No need to over twist to sharpen!

• BENEFIT: Precise, waterproof, & non-flaking
• Hyper-pigmented kohl for color-rich results
• Can be used on inner rim
• USAGE: One twist of the cap sharpens the liner so your eyes are always on-point!
• INGREDIENTS: Formulated without Parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Phthalates, Fragrance & Talc.
  
  INGREDIENTS: ISODODECANE , SYNTHETIC WAX , PENTAERYTHRITYL STEARATE/CAPRATE/CAPRYLATE/ADIPATE , HYDROGENATED POLYDICYCLOPENTADIENE , ETHYLENE/PROPYLENE COPOLYMER , 

It's available in eight shades according to the website. The one I have is Raven and it's the black shade.

So what makes this different from other liners is that it's always sharp! Well, it really makes a difference when you use a sharp liner, especially for winged lines/cat eye looks, which I absolutely love to wear. 

It also claims to be very pigmented and easy to use because you only have to twist it up!

And here's what it looks like:

As you can see, it really is pigmented and it glides pretty smoothly. However, I have to go back and forth to create a solid color because you can still see some of the lines on my skin exposed. Fortunately, I don't have lines that deep on my eyes so I don't have to do that on my lids!

Now to test how well it performs...

Smudged a couple of times

Rubbed several times while dry

Smudged with water

Rubbed while wet

While it was dry, the line didn't move much. I was quite impressed! Even when it was smudged while wet, the swatch was not completely removed.

On the lids, I applied it smoothly but there were occasions that I had to go back to keep the line solid. The wing was harder to create compared to liquids but I think the one I made was clean enough.

I like that it was matte, but I wish it was blacker. My brow hair is still darker than this. Haha!

Unfortunately, the natural oils on my lids still made the liner smudge all over. *sigh* I guess I can't wear this as my go-to for applying my winged liner. Oh well. 

It does help if I apply an eye primer + powder shadows, but I think I'll stick to liquids and gel liners and use this for the lower lash line instead.

Any thoughts on the  Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner? Any recommendations? Comment below!

Cheers,
DAWN

J Cat The BIG Eye Pencils in Truffle and Marshmallow

Hey everyone!

Sharing a swatch post regarding these eyeliners!

J Cat The BIG Eye Pencils
PhP 279.00 each
The shades are in Truffle and Marshmallow.

When I visited their store at BGC, it took a while for me  to decide what to buy. The vast color selection of their lipsticks and eyeliners were the ones that kept me so indecisive because I wanted so many but have a budget to get only a few. Anyway, I bought only two for the eyeliners and in this post I'll share my short thoughts about them.

But first, the packaging. Click to enlarge the photo to read the labels.

The packaging is a twist-type pencil/crayon type. Easy to use because you don't need to sharpen it. I like that the cap is clear to see the shade exactly so it's easier to locate in your stash. The design is too simple for me. The other products of J Cat have bold and lively designs compared to this one. 

Anyway, let's get to know the product further by reading the description from the website:

The Big Eye Pencil creates bold lines and has great colour payoff! This creamy pencil offers 18 opaque shades that glides easily on the eyes. It can be used as a base or eyeshadow itself. It blends very easily and doesn't smudge when it sets. You can create a look from natural to a full glam in minutes!

INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHTS

Hydration with Vitamin E, Free of Phthalate, Free of Triclosan, Free of GMOs, Free of Sulfate

Among the eighteen shades available, I picked these two because I think these shades are the ones I would use most often. They both can be great eyeshadow base and the truffle one is an excellent highlighter for the eyes. I like applying shimmery light shades at the inner corners of the lids, especially at the bottom to brighten them up.

So first, here's truffle.

It's a shimmery peachy pink shade. It's a shade I often wear in a daily basis because: A. I love the color and B. It's really wearable, but still eye-catching!

In one glide of the pencil, you get this payoff. It's highly pigmented!

And easily blended. Above photo when smudged lightly while the bottom one is when blended well.

It's so pretty! It blends smoothly and it flatters my warm skin well. 

However, I noticed that it gets removed easily. I tried waiting a while before trying to smudge it in case it would set and dry for longer wear, but it didn't. That means that it would fade easily on my oily skin. I guess it would be better as base for me. It would be nice if the finish was exactly like the swatch above because adding powdered eyeshadow will obviously change how it looks on its own.

Here's Marshmallow!

I think the name fits perfectly as it really reminds me of marshmallows!

It's like the usual marshmallow fluff! Haha! The pigmentation is awesome again!

When blended well

It blends beautifully and smoothly too but the creases on the lines of my hand are more obvious when I use this matte shade compared to the shimmery finish of Truffle. I tried using this as base and it works well in strengthening the intensity of the eyeshadow I used. It does not, however, lengthen the stay of my makeup. It started to crease on my lids after a couple of hours.

To cut this short, these pencils are really awesome when it comes to pigmentation and very easy to apply! I'm also happy to say that it's very affordable and now locally available. I don't completely agree with it's claim that it doesn't smudge because it does on my oily skin. Maybe if your skin is less oily than mind, then these might work better on you. 

I still like them nonetheless. I like using them on the lower lids where it wouldn't crease, especially Truffle! 

Have you tried the J Cat The BIG Eye Pencils? Which shade/s?

Cheers,
DAWN