Tony Moly Cats Wink Clear Pact in 01 Clear Skin

Hey loves!

Recently, whenever I retouch my makeup, my friends usually notice how cute my pressed powder is. Just look at it!

Who doesn't love cute kitty designs???

I love cats because they're just tooooo adorable and this product from Tony Moly is equally as adorable...

Tony Moly Cats Wink Clear Pact

You can get this product for only Php 498.00.

This product comes in two shades: 01 Clear Skin and 02 Clear Beige. The one I have is the former although I think that Clear Beige would suit me more. Clear Skin is just too light for me.

The product is a pressed powder that promises a matte and natural finish for your skin. Check out the product info from the press release:

"When travelling, oil-free and photo-ready skin is a must! Keep a Cats Wink Clear Pact in your hand carry for easy touch-ups. This powder pact provides a natural and matte coverage without irritating the skin. Perfect for those Instagram-worthy travel photos!"

Just like what was mentioned in the press release, this product is always in my kikay kit mainly for touch ups. I usually use foundations and BB Creams before going out of the house, but having oily skin will make my face look all shiny within a few hours. So I blot and retouch my makeup more often than others and the Tony Moly Cats Wink Clear Pact has been a dear friend of mine since the time I opened it a couple of weeks ago.

But before I go on about the powder, let's discuss the packaging. It's housed in a very cute plastic kitty compact. Besides the cutie design and that it's pink, I love that it's still not too bulky so it doesn't consume too much space in my kit. I love that it has a built-in mirror so it is great when traveling. 

I also like that it comes with a soft puff applicator, but I usually use a kabuki brush with this because I find the finish of the product on my skin better.

The powder itself has a cat paw design that adds to the cuteness of this. When you swipe the powder, you can feel how silky it is. The powder is scentless as well so good news to those who avoid scented face products.

The coverage is somewhere between light to medium. I don't buff too much product on my skin because the shade is too light. I just add enough to make my skin shine-free, I appreciate that you can apply only a sheer amount. Anyway, here's a swatch on my arm:

It has pigment to it but it won't affect your foundation if you're wearing any. Like I said, the coverage is not heavy so you don't have to worry with the powder altering the shade of the base that you are using (provided you don't apply too thickly). It effectively makes your skin look matte but not too matte that your face looks flat! I think it gives a natural finish actually. Although I do see a problem when you have areas that are flaking off. This could be an issue if you have dry skin because the dry patches would be more visible with this powder. To avoid this from happening, keep your skin well-hydrated and exfoliate those dead skin!

I do have oily skin so having dry areas on my face is not my problem, having an oily and shiny face is, and I am glad to say that this helps in controlling oil. I usually use powder on top of my foundation or BB cream to prolong my makeup and help control the oil on my face and this product does that without causing any caking on my makeup. And I don't encounter any breakouts nor irritations when I use this.

Overall, this is a cute and awesome product from Tony Moly. I recommend you try this out. Just make sure that you moisturize well and you'll have a shine-free, photo-ready skin! :)

And oh, Tony Moly Philippines has an on-going Facebook giveaway! Just take a shine-free selfie and you can get a chance to win a Cats Wink Clear Pact! Last day to send is on the 31st! You can join here.

Another good news, if you haven't heard about this, is that Tony Moly is available in Zalora (since April 29)! Now we can buy our Tony Moly essentials in the comforts of our home. :D

For more information, visit Tony Moly Philippines' official website at www.tonymoly.ph. Like Tony Moly Philippines on Facebook, follow @tonymolyph on Twitter and Instagram for more updates and promos.

Cheers,
DAWN

Review : Ellana Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation in Hazelnut Latte

Hey loves!

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics has impressed the hell out of me when it comes to wearing mineral makeup. I used to avoid mineral makeup because I thought they're not good enough in concealing my acne marks and that they wouldn't last long on my oily face. But if you've read my review on their Smile Concealer/Foundation, then you know I became an instant fan after the first try!

One of my concerns though is that it's hard bringing loose powder for retouching. It gets very messy! So it's a great relief that Ellana has a pressed powder form which I can take with me wherever I go!

Ellana Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation in Hazelnut Latte

This is Php 650.00

(You can get a 15% discount if you click my affiliate banner)

So here are the details about the product from the website:

What it is:

Can’t take your sweet time applying loose powders? Do we have something for you!

Our Ultimate Pressed Powder foundation combines the convenience of traditional makeup and the skin-friendly benefits of minerals in one compact.

How to Use:

Swirl your kabuki or powder brush on the powder, then shake off the excess. Apply the foundation on your face in circular, motions to get the best coverage. Add more layers on problem areas as needed.

Tips and Tricks:

This pressed foundation is ideal for oily and troubled skin due to its superior coverage and oil-absorbing properties. It comes in a variety of carefully designed shades to match Asian complexions.

Ingredients:

Mica, C9-15 Fluoroalcohol Phosphates, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Kaolin, Magnesium Stearate, Allantoin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silicone Dioxide, Yellow CI 77492, Red CI 77491, Black CI 77499, Green CI 77288, Blue 77007

So my shade is Hazelnut Latte and I'm happy to say that this foundation comes in many shades, around nine I think. You can find your shade by visiting their branches or ordering a free samples kit from their website!

The packaging is pretty much the same as some of their blushes and lip and cheek creams. It's a simple mirror compact that's non-bulky and the beautiful illustrations by Soleil Ignacio gives that artsy, glam, kikay vibe. The powder stains the white material of the packaging though. I have to use some makeup remover around it to clean it.

It has a fine texture, not buttery smooth but still very fine.

The impressive part is how pigmented it is. I just swirled my finger a couple of times and I get this much product!

It's so pigmented that when I retouch in the afternoon, my skin looks as beautiful as it was when I just left the house this morning!

Above are photos of my face before I put on the powder and after I applied it. I didn't use any concealers or other products underneath. It's all the pressed mineral powder goodness! At first, you may find your face kinda flat from the powder but give it some time and it will set on your skin like it's your second skin!

The coverage of the foundation/concealer is still better but this is a great back up when I'm out of the house. It's just pricier than the loose powder versions but I just use this for retouching so I don't use as much product as when I use the loose form so it will last me a while.

What I LIKE:

- Awesome coverage

- Beautiful packaging

- Available in many shades suited for Asian skin

- Locally available

- No irritations nor breakouts encountered

- Easy to carry around

What I'm NEUTRAL about:

- The price is higher than the loose form but I use more of the loose powders more so I'm not complaining! :P

What I DON'T LIKE:

- Nothing!

And that's my review! Hope that this was helpful! Let me know your thoughts on the comments below! :D

For more info about Ellana, check out their:

Website
Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Ellana is available online and at the following branches:

The Ramp, 2nd Floor Glorietta 3, Makati City, The Ramp; 2nd Floor Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City; The Ramp, 1st Floor Trinoma Mall, Quezon City; Unit 203 La Fuerza Plaza 2, Chino Roces Ave. Corner Sabio St., Makati City

Disclaimer: If you click the Ellana links on this post (or the Ellana banner at the side bar), you get a discount when you buy online and I get a part of the money in return because I joined their affiliate program. Even though I benefit from this, rest assured that all I stated in my posts are honest reviews. :)

Cheers,

DAWN

Review : Max Factor Creme Puff Pressed Powder in Translucent

 Hey everyone!

How's your weekend? 

For me it was the same trip to mall with a little shopping and then a fantastic food trip with my brother. And before the day ends, I share a blog review with you guys.

Today's beauty product review is...

Max Factor Creme Puff Pressed Powder

I got this powder for free when I attended the Max Factor Creme Puff Restaged event last November. The event was about the new golden look of this classic product for its 60th anniversary and the unveiling of its product ambassador, the beautiful Gwyneth Paltrow!

Just by knowing how long this has been available in the market is already saying something about this press powder. Only really beloved products would stay for as long as six decades in the market! This is probably why Max Factor tries to innovate the design so that it will keep up with the current trends and generation.

So this is the new golden look.

I must say, the classic black was already good but this one just gives that glam feel to this powder. The only thing I didn't like is that the labels are scratched off easily.

Labels at the back of the product

Info from the website:

In 1953 Max Factor launched Creme Puff - the first all in one blend of creamy make up base and powder. Its innovative formula meant it applied like powder with a puff, but stayed on like cream giving a smooth and even look. Today it remains a lasting icon and make-up must-have.

Crème Puff Powder Compact is a versatile, all-in-one compact powder for any occasion.

Amazing light reflecting particles give a soft, subtle glow.

Proven skin compatibility, so is good for all skin types.

Use alone with moisturiser or on top of foundation.

TOP TIPS FOR HOW TO APPLY

1 Apply in downward strokes after foundation, concealer and blusher, for a shine-proof finish.

2 Can also be used as an all over foundation.

3 Match the colour to your skin tone as you would a foundation.

4 Sweep the powder brush over the powder and tap the excess off on the back of your hand.

Max Factor Creme Puff is available in 7 shades – Translucent, Medium Beige, Nouveau Beige, Truly Fair, Tempting Touch, Natural and Golden, and priced at SRP Php 575.00.

I got the Translucent one.

And btw, is that an applicator??? I think it's just a filler, you know... so that it doesn't break when it's being carried around everywhere... but if it is a sponge applicator, it's totally useless. :P

After opening the compact for the first time, I immediately smelled a perfume-like scent. It's unusual for me to smell something that strong from a makeup. I mean I've used scented makeup like from Guerlain or Chanel but so far, this probably has the crown for strongest scent in a makeup product. Not that I'm complaining. I actually like the scent. But some people prefer their products unscented. So before buying this, check first if you like how it smells. And also, do not worry because the scent only lasts, or at least is noticeable for only a few minutes.

A closeup of the pressed powder

So this is Translucent so I expected it to be translucent. Perfect for retouching to get rid of the shine when you're out of the house. Here's a swatch:

I had to swatch it heavily and many times just so it can be visible on my arm. But I have read some reviews that says it has good coverage... probably the other shades. Translucent does not in my opinion.

It feels silky smooth and sits prettily on top of my liquid foundation. I love it as a setting powder. It gives a matte finish on my makeup as well and suits my skin tone.

What I LIKE:

- For a 21g product, this is affordable

- Available in 7 shades

- Silky smooth

- Matte finish

- Locally available

- Love it as a setting powder

What I'm NEUTRAL about:

- I like the package design but the labels/letters are easily scratched off

- The scent is fine with me but I guess it's too strong for a makeup product and might be annoying to some.

- Would have loved it if it has oil control

What I DON'T LIKE:

- I have no idea if the sponge included is an applicator or just a filler but if it is an applicator, then it is a huge con.

Would I buy again?

I'm not too sure. I'm leaning to 'no' for now just because I like to try other products and that this didn't impress me so much. I like it but I still want my powders to help control oil.

And that's my review for this classic product! Hope you find this helpful!

Cheers,

DAWN

San San Makeup Organizer

 Hi everyone!

Last Saturday, I went to HBC Robinsons Manila to pick up a blogger kit and a little surprise for you, readers!

But I won't reveal the surprise in this post yet! 

Anyway, the blogger kit contained this San San organizer.

I do have a clue on what it was the moment I opened the paper bag because I've seen this while I was picking the the kits up.

I even already swatched the products. Haha!

Anyway, included in the kit is a letter and here's what it says,

 So sweet right?

Lorie remembered that I just graduated. :)

Thank you so much! :D

 Anyway, back to the San San Makeup Organizer

The cover is of faux leather surface. It has an embroidered San San Logo at the bottom right.

When you open it, this is what you see:

 An organizer with makeup!

I do agree that this is very fitting for students and on-the-go women. You get to look pretty as well as organized with all the tasks you need to do. :)

 It also has a big mirror inside which I really like!
And the makeup is covered by a thick, clear plastic that protects the product for hygienic purposes.

 The pages have big areas on where you can write on and a small area where you can put the date and remarks on. It is also refillable although I think you have to buy/ make the paper that will fit the holes.

 And of course, the best part of the organizer, the makeup!

It includes a pressed powder, blush, eyeshadow, and lip cream. It also has a blush brush, eyeshadow applicator, lip brush and a sponge. At the back of the pages of the notebook, you will see the ingredients list of the makeups included.

Here's a closeup of the makeup included:

 and swatches!

Here are my thoughts on each makeup:

 The pressed powder is matte. Quite nice for retouching and removing the shine on your face from oiliness. It's not entirely transparent but I do think it can suit most Filipina skin color.

The blush is of rosy pink color. My favorite in the kit. It gives a natural rosy cheeks finish.

The eyeshadow is shimmery bronze. Quite pigmented but kinda powdery. Decent staying power except if you have oily lids like me. :P

And finally, the lip cream is translucent rosy red with tiny glitters. It makes your lips look healthy and glossy. Staying power is not so good. Just like most lip glosses, needs constant application since it is easily removed when you eat, drink, and the like.

 Summary:

LIKES:

♥ Quite handy since it already has your makeup essentials plus a notepad where you can write important things to do and such

♥ It's a local product! Support Pinoy products!

♥ I love the colors selected to create the palette. They are very basic and would look good in most skin tone

♥ Affordable

♥ I love the blush color!

♥ Since it's from HBC, expect that the makeup has vitamins too!

♥ The notepad has a nice spacing to it. I like big-spaced areas for writing since I have big handwriting.

♥ Love the big mirror included in the organizer

♥ Good for on-the-go people

♥ Easy to carry. It's as big as most planners/organizers or probably even smaller

DISLIKES:

♥ The packaging could have been made more classy 

♥ Amount of product, especially for the pressed powder, is too little

♥ Staying power of some of the products aren't impressive

♥ Some of the makeup has paraben

Personally, I don't mind bringing a bulky kikay kit. I do my makeup according to my mood so I don't settle with the same colors everyday.

But I do think that a makeup organizer is quite handy especially for those busy people who carry a lot of things around or those who do not have the time to fix their kikay kits often. I think it is also suitable for those who are just starting to use makeup since the palette included has the basic makeup already.

 So what do you think of San San's Makeup Organizer?

Do you think it's a good idea to mix makeup with your notes?

Cheers!

DAWN