Review: Kanebo Kate Eyeshadow Quad CQ


Product Info from KATE:
Sparkly eyeshadow shades created base on the image of crystal bright and transparent shine.
It has a 3 color gradiation each of which contains crystallized pearl.


RETAIL PRICE: Php 960.00 at Watsons stores.

NET WEIGHT: 3 grams

SHADES:
Available in 5 shades.












PROS:
* sleek packaging
* powder is finely milled
* good staying power
* the shimmers doesn't feel gritty
* easy to blend due to its smooth texture


CONS:
* the lighter shades are too sheer so applying an eyeshadow base or primer is advisable
* all shades from the palette are shimmery (a CON for some people) but for me, I love shimmery eyeshadows coz it makes my eyes look bigger and brighter.
* the lighter shades are too shimmery to highlight the browbone

I RECOMMEND THIS TO:
Anyone who loves shimmery eyeshadows.


OVERALL:
I love the buttery texture of Japanese eyeshadows. Some may find this palette expensive but for the price of Php 960.00 you get 4 shades for the price of 1 eyeshadow from other brands.


More pics (click to enlarge)

Kate Eyeshadow CQ in BR-2



Swatches
applied dry without base

The first shade is for highlighting the inner corners of the eyes to make them appear larger.
The second shade is perfect as lid wash while the remaining 2 darker colors are for the crease and contouring the outer-v.



Till next time,


Disclaimer: Products were sent for review/consideration.
This is not a paid review and is solely based on my honest opinions.

My favorite blushes

These are my favorites:

From left (you may click the links for close up pics)

MAC Dollymix - Php 1,300
NARS Angelika - Php 1,450
Chanel Joues Contraste in Pink Explosion (LE) - Php 2,350
MAC Mineralize Grand Duo blush in Love rock - Php 1,400
Covergirl Classic blush in Rose silk
Bottom Shu Uemura Glow on M Pink 31 - Php 1,500 each
Shu Uemura Glow on P Pink 30
close up of M pink 31

Swatch on NC20 skintone

Care to share your favorite blush/es?



Till next time,

Review: Revlon Photoready Concealer

Product Info from Revlon:
All over face concealer helps erase imperfections and camouflage dark undereye circles
Full yet undetectable coverage
Photochromatic pigments bend, reflect and diffuse light
SPF 20


TIPS from Revlon:
Apply under eyes and over any imperfections or dark spots, blend using fingertips in gently patting motion. Always try to select a concealer shade slightly lighter than skin tone particularly for the under eye area.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 725.00

NET WEIGHT: 0.11 oz / 3.2 grams

SHADES:
Available in 6 shades.
Fair, Light Pale, Light Medium, Medium, Medium Deep, Deep


PROS:
* with SPF 20
Link* inexpensive
* offers medium to full coverage for dark undereye circles, redness and blemishes.
* i only need 2 layers to cover up my dark circles.
* formula is creamy and it doesn't tug my undereyes. It is super easy to blend and looks really natural!
* does not settle into my fine lines (undereyes).
* the lipstick shape makes it easy to apply.
* good staying power. I've used the Light Medium shade on my undereye circles and when I went outdoors and started sweating, I was wonderfully surprised that the concealer didn't fade and cake at all (when set with loose powder).



CONS:
* Similar to other products of the Photoready line this has micro shimmers which may be a CON for some but it does not bother me.



TIPS:
* after applying your facial moisturiser, apply eye cream to hydrate the undereye area.
* After foundation/BB cream application, swipe the concealer starting from the inner corners of your undereyes going outwards. You can also use a concealer brush for hygenic purposes.
* PAT the concealer (using your pinkie finger) until the product blends with your skintone. Using a powder puff with a bit of loose powder, use a "PRESS and ROLL" motion to set concealer. Setting the concealer is a very important step, this prevents the concealer from caking and fading throughout the day.


I RECOMMEND THIS TO:
Anyone who's looking for an easy-to-use concealer that offers good coverage.


OVERALL:
I've had a bad experience with Stick concealers in the past as you can see in my Concealer collection post I currently don't own one. I've tried stick concealers from Palladio and NYC but their dry texture makes it difficult to blend plus it creases during the day and has the tendency to settle into fine lines. But with this concealer, the texture is not that drying, non-cakey and is easy to blend. This is the BEST stick concealer I've tried so far!



More pics (click to enlarge)


Light pale 002 | Light medium 003


Swatch
Light pale is for NC15-20 while Light medium matches my NC20-25 skintone.

click to zoom
Left pic: No concealer
Right pic: I didn't blend the concealer yet so that you can see its coverage.

When blended.
It covered my green veins yet still looks natural.


Till next time,


Disclaimer: Products were sent for review/consideration.
This is not a paid review and is solely based on my honest opinions.

Review: Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Loose Powder


Product Info from Physicians Formula:For extra sensitive skin, less is more, less ingredients that is. This gentle formula allows skin to breathe and can help to minimize the risk of irritation and breakout. Minerals such as Mica help achieve a smooth "second skin" feel and finish. Mineral Wear Loose Powder offers the performance and coverage of a foundation with the blendability and natural finish of a loose powder in one easy step.
Hypo-allergenic, Fragrance-free, oil-free, Talc-free.
Non-comedogenic, Dermatologist approved.



RETAIL PRICE: $ 23 (about Php 1,015.24). Available at www.tameraonline.com.
This shop is also selling authentic products from Benefit, Smashbox, Stila etc.

NET WEIGHT: 0.49 oz / 14 grams

SHADES:
Available in 4 shades.

PROS:
* unscented
* with SPF 16
* offers light to medium buildable coverage yet feels so lightweight on my skin.
* my skin looks luminous whenever I use this (see swatch below)
* no whitish cast on photos
* no allergies/breakouts
* does not look cakey even with frequent retouching
* non-messy- i love that the sifter lid can be closed.
* powder glides easily when applied


CONS:* packaging is bulky to carry
* the free kabuki brush is scratchy

* may accentuate dry patches so don't forget to apply moisturiser first.
* so-so oil control, my t-zone starts looking shiny 2-3 hours after application.


TIPS:
* this powder
can be used alone to even out your skintone or to set your liquid foundation.

* always use blotting sheets to absorb oil before applying powder to prevent caking.
* I always use a brush with my loose/pressed powder when retouching coz it looks natural than piling powder with a puff/sponge (and its hygenic too!).

* i threw the free brush and replaced it with my Ecotools Kabuki brush. Good thing it fits!

I RECOMMEND THIS TO:
People with normal, dry, combination and acne-prone skin.


OVERALL:
I've been breaking out lately and this powder is the answer to my woes. Its good for acne-prone skin because its mild, unscented and talc-free.



More pics (click to enlarge)

Translucent-medium shade

Product info on box

Swatch

See what I mean?! It gives you that "glow" =)


Till next time,



Disclaimer: Products were sent for review/consideration.
This is not a paid review and is solely based on my honest opinions.

Review: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream


NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis Abba

Product Info from NYX Cosmetics:
It's not lipstick, nor it is a gloss. It's like nothing you've experienced before. It's a lipstick cream that goes on silky but looks soft matte.

RETAIL PRICE: Php 350.00. Available at www.digitaltraincase.multiply.com

NET WEIGHT: 6.5 grams / 0.23 oz.

SHADES:
Available in 11 shades.


PROS:
* nice color pay-off! This is very pigmented you only need a little amount.
* satin-y texture that dries to a matte finish.
* non-drying and does not settle into fine lip lines.
* feels comfortable and lightweight as if I'm not wearing a matte lipcolor.
* amazing staying power! Leaves a bit of a stain even after eating and drinking.


CONS:
* some may find the texture drying if you're not used to matte lipsticks. (see tip below)


TIPS:
* Exfoliate your lips using a soft toothbrush or you can also use Extra Virgin Olive oil (EVOO) with a bit of sugar and gently rub on your lips. Wipe with a soft cloth.
* Apply lipbalm and let it absorb for a few minutes.

* Apply NYX's lipcream starting at the center of your lips going outwards.

* Let it dry for a few minutes. Apply clear gloss to prevent your lips from drying... My favorite is MAC Clear lipglass.


I RECOMMEND THIS TO:
Anyone who wants to try a long wearing lipcolor that feels comfortable on the lips.


OVERALL:
I love it! The texture is indeed unique plus the hot pink shade flatters my NC20 skintone.


More pics (click to enlarge)


Swatch
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis Abba



Till next time,


Disclaimer : Product was sent as gift.
This is not a paid review and is solely based on my honest opinions.