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

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

Hey guys!

Have you ever experienced something like you didn't have much expectation from a product, but then it completely blew your mind? That's what happened to me when I used this product...

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

I got this along with twi other products when I bought a makeup trio set from Smashbox that was on sale at Beauty Bar.

Smashbox On The Rocks Eye Essentials -  PhP 1,017.50

Original price is PhP 1,850.00

When you buy it alone, it's PhP 1,150.00. 

Info from Beauty Bar's Website:
Sometimes emotions run high in our L.A. photo studio. We developed this long-wearing, waterproof mascara to handle teary moments, rainy days—even a dip in the pool! It's a high-impact, high-gloss, fiber-rich product that looks flawless and stays put for 10 hours. It also delivers length, volume and thickness without clumping, smudging or flaking out. Swipe on instant drama and face up!

ISODODECANE , WATER\AQUA\EAU , PTFE , DIMETHICONE SILYLATE , SORBITAN OLIVATE , KAOLIN , TRISILOXANE , SORBITAN TRISTEARATE , POLYISOBUTENE , SILICA SILYLATE , PANTETHINE , PANTHENOL , ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT , TRIHYDROXYSTEARIN , DIISOPROPYL ADIPATE , CHOLESTEROL , METHICONE , COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX\CERA CARNAUBA\CIRE DE CARNAUBA , MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX\CERA MICROCRISTALLINA\CIRE MICROCRISTALLINE , NYLON-6 , SILICA , NYLON-66 , TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE , POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE , PROPYLENE CARBONATE , QUATERNIUM-9 BENTONITE , HECTORITE , CAPRYLYL GLYCOL , HEXYLENE GLYCOL , PHENOXYETHANOL , MAGNESIUM SALICYLATE , [+/- MICA , TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891) , IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) , BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163) , BLACK 2 (CI 77266) , BLUE 1 (CI 429) , BLUE 1 LAKE (CI 429) , CARMINE (CI 7547) , CHROMIUM HYDROXIDE GREEN (CI 77289) , CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS (CI 77288) , FERRIC AMMONIUM FERROCYANIDE (CI 7751) , FERRIC FERROCYANIDE (CI 7751) , MANGANESE VIOLET (CI 77742) , ULTRAMARINES (CI 777) , YELLOW 5 (CI 1914) , YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 1914)] 

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.

Info from the brand's US Website:

A fiber-rich mascara that increases lash volume by 104% with every swipe.

TIP: Flip brush and use it vertically to literally paint mascara on individual lashes.

Sweeps on big, glossy lashes

Adds natural-looking length and volume

Builds thickness without clumping, flaking, smudging or spider eyes

Large tapered brush grabs lash at root for extra coverage

Creates scene-stealing lashes from every angle

Cruelty-free

Usage: Starting at the base of lashes, sweep mascara up and out. 
Apply a second coat for added fullness and length. 
Build mascara while the product is slightly damp. 
For best results when layering more than one coat, do not let the product dry completely.

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

I'm not a fan of Smashbox eye products. They are good, but not as good as the ones I really like. So when I bought the set, I just thought that it was a good deal and that I was already running out of mascara so I need to get one soon. When I saw the deal, I thought, I get a mascara, an eyeliner, and a makeup remover? Why not? Go get it, girl! 

So yeah, I bought it and I was really impressed. Here's why...

I love the design of the tube. The clean fonts and that eye-catching large red X on black looks so classy and edgy! I love that the shape is so simple and non-bulky.

The wand is a bit big, but I like big wands as long as the tip is small just like this one. I feel like it gets the job done of coating my lashes faster.

Here's a swatch on my hand.

The formula is not too wet which is something I like. I like it's blackness too.

Now here's how it performs on my lashes...

Bare lashes

Lashes when curled

with one coat

with two coats

I like that even with two coats, my lashes did not clump together. I like how natural it looks too. What impressed me the most is that even without curling my lashes with a lash curler, my lashes just simply curl up! NO JOKE! I don't use a lash curler anymore, unless I want my lashes curled more.

It's so long-lasting that it can last the whole day WITHOUT smudging. It's awesome! It would easily be one of my better ones except I would have wanted more length and volume. I obviously like drama for my lashes! Haha!

And that's my short review!


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

Review: Essence: I Love Stage Eyeshadow Base

Hello loves!

It has been a while since I've experimented with my eyeshadow color. Since the time I colored my hair purple, I've been struggling to create various colored shadow looks - mostly recreations of Lisa Eldridge's make up looks. However, it saddens me a lot that my Smashbox palette's colored shadows are just not giving me the color I want.

I will just briefly rant about my Smashbox Be Discovered palette before moving on. I feel very frustrated with this palette, it has so many beautiful colors but the color pay-off once applied is so thin. Even when I'm packing on dark colored shadows, they come on smoked, and I can't even build up the color when without base. I even tried wetting the brush, and it also did not work. Even the gel liners are a let down since a lot of the colors they mixed in are quite unique. The liners are also not build-able and the line somewhat disappears as you apply.

So, Dawn had reminded me that for these situations, the best solution would be to get an eyeshadow base. Lucky for me, #beautybackstageph happened and I got introduced to essence's I Love Stage Eyeshadow Base. Here's what I think about it.

Packaging:

The packaging for this product is ok, as most eyeshadow base I've browsed are like this. I'm not particularly a big fan of products that are packaged this way, even lipsticks/stains, because I feel that a lot of the product is wasted as the applicator only stays in the middle and you cannot "simot" the products stuck to the side of the "bottle".

However, I do like the simplicity of the print on the bottle.

Ingredients:

This product is paraben-free, silicone-free. Here is the full list of the ingredients from the Essence site. You can check them out below or at essence's site.

AQUA (WATER), CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, GLYCERIN, ISODODECANE, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, MICA, DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYGLYCERYL-4 ISOSTEARATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, STEAROYL INULIN, CERA ALBA (BEESWAX), DIMETHICONOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, TRIMETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, TIN OXIDE, PHENOXYETHANOL, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (IRON OXIDES), CI 77891 (TITANIUM DIOXIDE)

Performance:

According to the site this maybe used as a base for concealer or eyeshadow, it won't settle on the crease and can make the eyeshadow last longer and intensifies color. So here's how it was on me.



The consistency is creamy but easy to blend/spread out. A small dot can cover pretty much my whole eyelid. It dries on the lid quickly once spread. It does not feel heavy on the lids but is not light enough that you feel like you've nothing on.


Upper - without base; Lower swatch - with base

It does intensify color and has helped in making sure that I can build up the color of my Smashbox palette.

It also somewhat helped in making my lids even in color.



8 am in the morning

However, it could only keep the oiliness of my lids at bay for at least 5-6 hours.


12 noon

After that time passes, my lids started oiling up and the shadow had started to concentrate/rest on my crease. Though I do believe that it has helped lessen the oiliness, as usually, if I do not powder or blot, the oils on my lids start stinging my eyes. I did not experience that here, but as you can see, my lids had become pretty oily after 12 hours.


9 pm

The good thing though is that the color is still pretty much there though it did settle over my crease after some time. I do not recommend it if you're planning on wearing your make-up for more than 8 hours and while you are outside in a humid and hot environment.

Price and Where to buy:

This costs around Php 149 pesos and comes in only one shade. You can find this in any Watson's stores inside SM Department stores.

Final thoughts:

This definitely is a good enough product, especially if you're just using it for when you want a more intense version of you're eyeshadow for office, short trips, and just your everyday type of make-up. It's hardly a steal, but it is a good choice for an affordable base.

I'd give this product a 3.5/5 overall.

Aside from this product they have another eyeshadow base from the same I love collection. I wonder if it is better than this one. If you've tried the other one before, do share with us how it went.

Cheers,
LIZ

Dawn's December (2016) Mega Haul

Hey loves!

So yeah... just the title alone gives you an idea what you'll be seeing when you scroll down. Haha! The Christmas season means extra pay, which will lead to... SHOPPING!

So yeah, I did some MAJOR shopping... most of them are impulse buys, but I have no regrets because I really, really like them. :)

So before I end 2016, let me share with you the final haul post (and the most expensive because of the number of items) for the year...

First few items you'll see are the products I bought when I went to a warehouse sale that carries several of our luxury brands. I added the price that I paid for them. The discounts vary and some are as down as 70% off!

Elizabeth Garden Intense Moisture and Renewal Regeneration Eye Cream

PhP 1,370.00

Elizabeth Arden Replenishing Cleansing Oil

PhP 1,000.00

 Aveda Brilliant Set—Retexturing Gel, Conditioner, Anti-humectant Pomade

PhP 600.00 

It's a gift from me to my brother. :) 

Shiseido Ibuki Quick Fix Mist 

PhP 700.00

Shiseido Future Solution Travel-Size Set 

-includes Total Protective Emulsion, Night Cream, Extra Rich Cleansing Foam, Concentrated Balancing Softener

PhP 850.00

Shiseido Samples Set

includes Maquillage Dramatic Melting Rouge Samples, Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover, and Translucent Loose Powder

 PhP 500.00

Aveda Deep Cleansing Herbal Clay Masque

PhP 450.00

Aveda Color Conserve Daily Color Protect

PhP 550.00

Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid

PhP 550.00

Calvin Klein Endless Euphoria Eau de Parfum Spray

PhP 1,800.00 

Issey Miyak Pleats Please Eau de Toilette 

PhP 2,000.00

That trip to that sale definitely cost way more than what I usually spend but the deals I got are pretty good so I'm happy. I'm sure I'll be using all of the items 'til the last drop. :)

The next three were bought online at around 2nd week of December along with different products I bought as gifts.

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Loose Foundation and Concealer in Awake

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Multi Purpose Eyeshadow in Dove

This is included in a bundle which is on sale now at PhP 999.00. Most of the products included were gifted to my officemate (she's a big fan of Ellana as well). 

Skin Genie Healthy Sunscreen with Insect Repellant, Moisturizer, and SPF 75

PhP 200.00

Beach Born Sea Salt Spray

PhP 180.00

I also went to visit Japan Home Depot while waiting for my aunt at Ayala, Makati and bought...

...an iPad mini Clear Screen Protector, an Eyelash Adhesive, a soap dish, 

and trays of different sizes for oven roasting!

The products from there are usually at PhP 66.00, PhP 88.00, and PhP 188.00 (the 2 biggest trays).

 Since we will be visiting Japan soon, and it is winter there, I bought some thermal underclothings from Uniqlo...

The Heat tech turtlenecks are at PhP 790.00 while the extra warm heat tech leggings are at PhP 990.00

I also bought a thin shirt on sale for only PhP 190.00.

I bought a couple of items at H&M too. A black sweater on sale at PhP 500.00 and a set of 7 pairs of black socks for PhP 499.00. 

Of course I wouldn't pass the holidays without buying some Korean makeup goodies. ;)

Here's a pretty package from Althea! Yay! 

The Choute All Right Sunscreen

PhP 360.00

This is part of my Christmas gift to my mom.

Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder 

PhP 260.00

I'll finally see if it can handle the oiliness of my skin! 

Calmia Natural Life Oatmeal Therapy Cleansing Foam 

PhP 160.00

Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser 

PhP 375.00

Nature Republick Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist

PhP 260.00 

Elizavecca Skin Liar Primer

PhP 280.00 

Luxe Gel Eyeliner in Rose Burguny and Tear Pink 

PhP 150.00 each

Most of the items there are on sale by the way. ;)

 And look at those cute notes! One even contains a discount code at the back! Yay! 

And just two days ago, I went on a shopping craze at Trinoma. Haha! Here are the products I bought...

First, I bought a few products on sale at Beauty Bar...

Free Your Mane Restorative Hair Oil -  PhP 852.50 

Original price is PhP 1,550.00

I've tried this already and it's sooooo good on my hair!

Studio Makeup Long Wear Gel Eyeliner

PhP 508.75

Original Price is PhP 925.00

I just missed using gel liners. Haha!

Smashbox On The Rocks Eye Essentials -  PhP 1,017.50

Original price is PhP 1,850.00

I need a new mascara so why not buy a set so I get others too? The SA said that the eye makeup remover is almost 1k already so this set is a good deal!

I also went to visit the Yves Rocher branch. I have a P100 off voucher that I thought of using, but when I got there, it turns out that they have bigger and better deals! Haha!

Yves Rocher Sensual Body Lotion in Bourbon Vanilla

 PhP 416.50 (I got it at 30% off)

Yves Rocher Detangling Styling Water

 PhP 416.50 (I got it at 30% off) 

Yves Rocher Fixing Eyelid Primer

 PhP 357.50 (I got it at 40% off) 

I also visited the stall of Canmake at Landmark!

 Canmake Mat Fleur Cheek in 01

PhP 680.00

Canmake Lasting Multi Eye Base

PhP 460.00

Bought this as a gift for my friend. ;) 

Canmake Eyebrow Pencil

PhP 390.00

I got a freebie concealer too because my purchases reached PhP 1,500.00.

Nature Republic Argan Essential Deep Care Hair Pack 

PhP 475.00

Max Factor Facefinity All Day Primer 

Php 650.00

Original price is  925.00

Pure Cotton Pads - PhP 139.75

Caronia Nourishing Cream in Green Tea - PhP 104.75

Luxe Organix Intensive Repair Hair Mask (I lost the receipt. Sorry)

 Eyun Aroma Fragrance Oils in Tulip Bouquet, Lily and Jasmine, and Turkish Rose

PhP 89.95 each

Essentials water based essential oils in Sampaguita - PhP 99.95

I love my room smelling GOOOOD so I like shopping for essential oils. 4 is not enough so when I stumbled the Christine Lhuillier stall, I purchased more! Haha!

 Christine Lhuillier Scented Candle in Sampaguita 

This is PhP 300+ - Can't remember the exact amount

 Christine Lhuillier Room Fragrance in Fluer de Vanilla and Sampaguita 

PhP 200.00 each 

  Christine Lhuillier Water Soluble Fragrance in Green Tea and Nectarine Blossom and Honey - Can't remember the exact price

I also went shoe shopping!!! 

Fiona Black Block Heel

PhP 1,250.00

i really like how comfortable this pair is, but I was hesitant because I know that the material is hard to clean... BUT then I saw this...

Suede and Nubuck Cleaner - PhP 295.00 

So I bought the pair! Haha!

I realized recently that most of my shoes need to retire. I need to replace them ASAP. My priority now when it comes to shoes is comfiness so I bought these...

Fantasy Outdoor Step In 

PhP 729.00 

Kiyumi Sandals in Black and Cream

PhP 479.75 each

They're pretty adorable and cheap so it's still within my budget to buy all four shoes. :P

And finally, I got a haircut! It's been so long since I got one and my hair was getting tooooo long (it's almost above my butt!). I got rid of around 6 inches long and it now looks like this.

I didn't get my bangs trimmed. I'm currently thinking of growing my bangs. Should I keep my full bangs, or have it side swept, or no bangs at all?

What do you think? Comment below if something interests you!

Oh, and by the way, 

Happy New Year!

Cheers,

DAWN