Review: MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm Spf 35+

 

Product Info from MAC:

Prep + Prime Beauty Balm is lightly tinted in a nearly sheer beige tone to work on an array of complexions, it creamily re-texturizes the skin and then goes on to excel at being a face primer with high everyday UVA/UVB SPF 35 defense.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS:

Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Titanium dioxide

PRICE: Php 1,950.00 for 40 ml

SHADES:

Available in 9 shades. The lightest is Extra light while the darkest is Dark Deep.

PROS:
* has SPF 35 for face protection.
* non-sticky and lightweight when applied; easy to spread even without moisturiser.
* can be applied alone or under foundation (as primer). 
* contains Vit E, wheat germ extract, cucumber and apple fruit extracts which is good for the skin.
* has caffeine to wake up the skin.
* When I was working at MAC, I always use this product on myself and on models when I do their makeup during MAC events. This product is good in oil control and makes foundation and powder last all day. Now you know the secret! hehe
* Prevents makeup from melting even if you sweat.
* no white cast on photos

CONS:
* does not cover pimple marks etc.
* expensive

TIPS:
* apply only a pea sized amount if you're going to use this as primer.
* to avoid buying the wrong shade, always test on the jawline and neck area.
* if you are not using a cleansing oil to remove makeup, use makeup remover wipes instead like Purederm or Celeteque to thoroughly remove makeup and to avoid clogging the pores. 
* for light coverage you can set this with MAC Select Sheer pressed powder (my fave).
* for full coverage you can use this under MAC Studio Fix Powder foundation.

TOOLS:
I use my fingertips or MAC 191 flat foundation brush to apply this product.

OVERALL:
This product serves a primer, sunscreen and a light coverage foundation in one. If you are always in a hurry to apply makeup and have no time to retouch during the day, this product is for you.

The compact version is a hydrating beauty balm suited for dry to normal skintypes, while the tube version is for normal, combination or oily skin types due to its oil-controlling properties.

WILL I REPURCHASE:
Let's see after I finish all my face primers.

More pics

 Prep + Prime Beauty Balm in Light Plus

 New packaging

 For reference here's the photo of the old formula and packaging.
The older version has a thicker texture and comes only in 1 shade. 

Swatch

 Light Plus Beauty Balm| Studio Scuplt in NC20

 Light plus is described as a "light beige" shade on MAC's website.

 Light Plus has a beige undertone while NC20 has a yellow undertone.

 Slightly blended.

Till next time,

 

Review: BYS Brow and Eye Pencil

Eyebrows in my humble opinion can make or break your look. Even if your makeup looks nice, but with bare eyebrows it still looks incomplete. 

If you have little time to do your eye makeup, just do your brows, curl your lashes and apply mascara. The fastest way to enhance and define your brows is by using an eyebrow pencil. After testing this product for almost a week, I'm ready to share my thoughts on it.

 BYS Brow and Eye Pencil in Brown

PRICE: Php 250.00 (about $6)

NET WEIGHT: 0.2 grams

WHERE TO BUY: SM Department stores, Watsons

SHADES: 
Black, Brown and Blonde.

PROS:
* affordable
* it has a waxy texture that helps the product glide on effortlessly.
* very pigmented
* no weird smell
* no need to sharpen since it's retractable.
* can also be used as eyeshadow base for smokey eyes and eyeliner (don't forget to set it with eyeshadow to prevent smudging).
* the slanted shape of the pencil makes it easy to create thin or thick lines.

CONS:
* not smudge-proof and waterproof

TIPS:
* I find the shade Brown to dark for me, so I use MAC Brow set in Girl boy to lighten the color of my brows.
* For people with oily skin, since this product isn't smudge-proof you may want to use a separate brow powder on top to make it last longer.

OVERALL:
I like this product! If you are looking for an inexpensive, good quality brow pencil I suggest you try this one. 

WILL I REPURCHASE:

Yes, I want to try the lighter shade.

More pics (click to enlarge)

Swatch

 BYS Brow and Eye Pencil in Brown

 Smudged once with a cotton bud

 Before (bare eyebrows)

After

BYS is an acronym for Be-Your-Self.

For more info please visit their website at www.bys.com.au 

and their Facebook page BYS Philippines.

Till next time,

 

Disclaimer : Product was given as gift.

This is not a paid review and is solely based on my honest opinions.

Swatches: Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadows

PRODUCT INFO:

 Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadows retail for Php 330 each (refill).

You can buy empty Mary Kay palettes just like the one pictured below and customize it whatever you want.

During the Mary Kay Press event,we were given an empty palette for us to customize.

 I opted to fill the pallete with 1 pressed powder, 6 eyeshadows, 2 blushes, mascara, eyeliner, brow liner and lipstick.

 I love that the pans are magnetic, you can easily remove and transfer them to smaller palette if you like. 

  I chose the following shades:

Crystalline | Silky caramel | Amber blaze 

Lemongrass | Golden olive | Espresso

Crystalline | Silky caramel | Amber blaze 

Lemongrass | Golden olive | Espresso 

Swatches:

MATTE shades

Espresso | Crystalline | Silky caramel

Among the 3 shades, my favorite is espresso. It is a versatile shade that you can use as brow color, eyeliner (applied wet) and a contour shade for the outer-v.
 

SHIMMERY shades

Amber Blaze | Lemongrass | Golden Olive

 IMO, the texture of the shimmery eyeshadows are similar to Urban Decay. 

The shimmers are not over the top and doesn't feel gritty. 

Amber blaze is close to Half-baked eyeshadow from Urban Decay.

OVERALL:

I am very picky with my eye makeup. I easily get swollen eyelids if I'm allergic to a product, but I am happy to say that I am hiyang with Mary Kay.

Mary Kay Mineral Eyeshadows are easy to apply, blends like a dream and long-lasting even without eye primer. I'm in love with the shimmery shades! I noticed that is has minimal fall-outs compared to my Urban Decay Naked 2 palette.

Here's a diagram on where to apply eyeshadow.

Photo taken from Mary Kay Catalogue

It looks complicated for beginners, but remember practice makes perfect!

This eye technique will suit almost all eye shapes, and perfect for a day or night look.

For more info about Mary Kay Products please visit their website at:

www.marykay.com.ph  

Till next time, 

Review: 3W Clinic Professional Natural Makeup Powder

3W Clinic Natural Makeup Powder in #21 (30 grams)

This powder is formerly known as Palgantong Theatrical Powder.

PRODUCT INFO: 
The #1 Best selling powder in Japan and Korea. With over 5 million units sold in Japan, this loose powder is a big favorite among Korean movie stars with the flawless finish it gives the face when worn on top of foundation/makeup. It is called the "Star powder" in Japan and Korea.
The key ingredient of this powder is Ceramin from UK. The particles are half the size of other particles commonly used for loose powders.

PRICE: 10 grams (php 600+); 30 grams (php 1,000+)

NET WEIGHT: 30 grams

WHERE TO BUY: Ebay, online stores carrying Japanese makeup.

SHADES: 
Transparent Pearl
#21 for fair skintones
#23 for medium skintones

PROS:
* the particles are very fine indeed! The powder is soft and silky.
* shade #21 is perfect for my NC20 skintone.
* looks very natural when used alone or over BB cream/liquid foundation
* no white cast on photos since it doesn't have SPF
* has a brightening effect, maybe because of the "pink undertones" but don't worry it is not visible when applied.
* doesn't cake even if you retouch frequently (make sure to use oil blotting sheets first).
* effect is nice on photos. Now I know why it is a favorite among Korean/Japanese stars!
* a 30 gram tub will last you more than 6 months when used everyday.

NEUTRAL:
* some may find scent weird, but it disappears a few minutes after application.
* coverage is sheer, if you're looking for a good coverage powder this isn't for you.
* average oil control - my t-zone looks shiny after 3-4 hours, but I don't mind retouching. 

CONS:
* packaging is kinda messy, especially if you plan to bring it you when travelling.
* only available online.
* kinda expensive

TIPS:
* you can buy a small container with powder puff at Watsons for only Php 50 and use that to transfer a little amount of powder. That way you can easily bring it with you when you retouch or when you travel.
* make sure to wash the powder puff every week to avoid break outs.

OVERALL:
This is a good setting powder if you ask me. Fine silky texture, nice oil control and gives you a brightening effect. 

Since I'm kinda impressed with this brand, I'm now curious at the Palgantong BB Cream I saw at Zalora. Should I give it a try?! As you all know, I'm addicted to BB creams! Maybe the effect is lovely especially when paired with this loose powder. =)

WILL I REPURCHASE:

Yes!

More pics (click to enlarge)

Expiration date is stamped on the back of the tub. 

The description is all written in Korean. 

Ohh.. I love the sponge included! It is so soft and fluffy..

The powder looks pale yellow on the photos, but in real life it has a pinkish undertone.

Swatch

3W Clinic Natural Makeup Powder in #21 

When blended.

From top:

Ben Nye Neutral set vs. 3W Clinic vs. Ben Nye Banana Visage

I have this thing for setting/loose powders, I cannot live without one coz I have oily skin (t-zone). As of press time, I own the ff. setting powders to give you an idea what other brands I'm using. You may click on the links to check my reviews.

1. Skinfood Buckwheat Loose Powder #21 - now on my nth tub 

2. Ben Nye Banana Visage Luxury Powder - now on my 2nd tub

3. Ben Nye Neutral Set Powder

4. Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder (review to follow)

5. Physicians Formula Talc-Free Mineral Wear Loose Powder - now on my 2nd tub

What's your favorite loose powder?

Till next time, 

Spend vs. Save: MAC Eye brushes

As promised, here's the SAVE version of the MAC Eye Brushes I've mentioned on my previous post.

From Left:

MAC 227, 224, 217, 219, 275, 242, 213, 228

Sorry I didn't include the MAC 217 brush coz I cannot a similar brush in my kit, but check out MyMaria's post HERE... She mentioned that the Sigma E25 is a nice dupe for the MAC 217.

Spend: MAC 227 Large Fluff brush

Save: Ecotools large eye brush from 5 pc. Essential eye set

Spend: MAC 224 Tapered blending brush

Save: Ecotools Eye shading brush from the 5 pc. Essential eye set

Ecotools Blending eye brush from the 5 pc. Face Set

Spend: MAC 219 Pencil brush

Save: Marrionnaud Crease brush

Spend: MAC 275 Med Angled Shading brush 

Save: Ecotools Angled Crease brush from the 5 pc. Essential eye set

Sansan Angled brush

Spend: MAC 242 Shader brush

Save: Ecotools concealer brush from the 5 pc. Face Set

As you can see, ELF is bigger than the 242 and can only be used for cream or liquid products. The MAC 242 on the other hand can be used for powder eyeshadows (for packing color), concealer, paintpots etc.

Spend: MAC 213 Fluff brush

Save: ELF Essentials Eyeshadow brush 

ELF is a bit larger than 213, while the Loew Cornell 3/8 Mop brush is denser. 

Sorry I forgot to include my Sembem brushes, i think they are a close dupe to the MAC 213 brush. The Loew Cornell Mop brush on the other hand is closer to the MAC 239 which I don't have, but you can check my previous post HERE.

Spend: MAC 228 Mini Shader brush

Save: Ecotools Petite shading brush from the 5 pc. Essential Eye set

If you have questions about brushes, kindly post it in the comments section.

I'd be happy to answer them.

Till next time, 

My MAC brush collection

High end brushes are expensive for a reason. Take MAC for example -- Each brush is carefully assembled and crafted by hand. They are made of high quality materials; the handles are made of wood and the ferrule is made of nickel-plated brass. I noticed that most of the face brushes are made of goat hair (mixed with synthetic for the stippling brushes).

I know I've said this a couple of times already, but for me makeup brushes are an investment. If you have the moolah, buy the most expensive brush you can afford. Trust me it is worth it in the long run. Brushes like MAC, with the proper care will last you a lifetime. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating... perhaps 20 - 30 years?! 

Enough babbling.. let's take a look at my brush collection, shall we?!

 I need to buy another brush roll for my other brushes :D

From left:

MAC 116 Blush brush (Php 2,000) - I use this to apply blush. This is the thinner version of the 129.

MAC 168 Large Angled contour (Php 2,000) - You can use this for contouring or blush application.

MAC 227 Large Fluff brush (Php 2,000) - to set undereye concealer with powder.

MAC 217 Blending brush (Php 1,300) - to blend harsh lines or to apply a darker shade on the outer-v.

MAC 224 Tapered blending brush (Php 1,800) - for blending harsh lines; to apply liquid concealer; to apply a light wash of eyeshadow on the lids.

MAC 219 Pencil brush (Php 1,500) -  for smudging eyeliner; to apply a darker shade on the crease and lower lashline.

MAC 275 Med Angled Shading brush (Php 1,500)- I use this to apply a highlight shade on the browbone and nose bridge. You can also use this to apply to contour shade on the nose area.

MAC 213 Fluff brush (Php 1,300) - for applying eyeshadow; you can also use this brush to fill in your brows with brow powder for a natural effect.

MAC 228 Mini Shader brush (Php 1,100) - to apply eyeshadow on the lower lashline; to apply a darker shade of eyeshadow on the upper lashline (smokey eyes). This brush is a must have for people with small/chinita eyes hehe

 

From top:
MAC 187 Duo Face Fibre brush (Php 2,950) - you can use this brush for almost everything except cream foundations with a hard texture like MAC Studio Tech.
MAC 188 Small Duo Face Fibre brush (Php 2,100) - for liquid foundation and cream blushes.
MAC 130 Short Duo Fibre brush (Php 2,100) - for BB creams, liquid foundations, powder foundations, pressed powder etc.
MAC 191 Square Foundation brush (Php 2,000) - for moisturisers, BB cream, liquid foundations and cream foundations. You can also use this brush to blend MAC Fix+ or Charged Water on the face after spritzing.
MAC 242 Shader brush (Php 1,500) - for concealer application, eye primer, paint pots or cream or powder eyeshadow.
MAC 129SH Powder/Blush brush (Php 2,150) - for powder foundation, pressed powder or blush application.

If you're going to ask me the 5 must have MAC brushes, I'd say:

MAC 187, 129, 217, 219, 275

The country where the brush is made is stamped on the bottom part of the handle.

Some brushes are made in China, USA, Japan and France.

To know more click HERE.

 Anatomy of a MAC brush

Code for MAC brushes:

100's - Face brushes 
200's - Eye brushes
300's - Lip brushes

Note:  Limited edition brush sets are mass produced; which explains that they are cheaper compared to the individual brushes. I recommend it for travelling coz it is such a hassle to bring full sized brushes on a trip. Limited edition sets are also great if you want to start building/collecting MAC brushes. Most limited edition set consists of only 4-5 travel sized brushes and are priced at Php 3,500+. If you come across a 12 pc. set, 24 pc. set or 32 pc. set online, those are FAKES!

Want to know the SAVE version of the MAC Eye brushes mentioned? 

Stay tuned for my next post.

Till next time,