Wish List

Will update my wish list as of today

• Etude BB Cream
• Etude Facial Wash
• Benefit POREfessional/Maybelline Baby Pore
• MAC Lipstick
• MAC Studio Fix Powder
• Kokuryu Cake Foundation in Orange Blush
• San San pot eyeshadow / Aido Travel eyeshadow kit
• Benefit Hoola Contour/Bronzer Powder
• BYS Black Cherry Lipstick

Product Review: Fashion 21 Pressed Powder with Cucumber Extract

It seems that my 'tan' from summer is not lightening up any time soon and my everyday compact powder that is The Phytogenic Infinite powder from Face Shop has become too light for my skin tone with that also running out, I had the urge (or probably I can say more an impulse buy that is) to buy a new everyday powder without the original plan and the budget for that matter.

The budget wasn't a problem as this was really affordable (P135.00) and I was originally planning to buy the Fanny Serrano Two-Way Cake in Chino but I had change of plans.

Anyway, I'll start reviewing Fashion 21 Pressed Powder with Cucumber Extract

Packaging

The green compact case is such an eye-catcher. The case looks sturdy enough and it won't break or deteriorate as easily as the time goes by. It has a large mirror in my opinion which is a plus for me.

The sponge is a little too thin for me. I don't think it distributes well the product into my face as it absorbs the product more than it transfers to my skin. I'm just thinking whether to replace it with a better sponge, use a powder brush or keep it anyway. For a while, I'm keeping it.


Coverage and color

The consistency of the product is so creamy and is finely-milled. I chose the darkest shade which is the #3 because I needed a darker shade--it has slight yellow undertone which I like and it is almost as the exact color of my skin. It seems I am not wearing anything. The coverage is light to medium but hardly buildable. 

Ingredients

Staying power

Staying power is around 2-4 hours, oil control so-so. However, I think it does a fair enough job as a setting powder when used with foundations and keeps oil at bay when used alone as the finish is matte and manages to keep your face fresh and generally flawless. Although when it oxidizes in my skin, my skin looks darker and messy. That is generally the case for most face powders, that is why it is better to buy a face powder slightly fairer to your skin but I wanted something that matches my skin perfectly. What I do is blot the excess oil with blotting paper when it has oxidized and reapply again. The scent is very light, it doesn't bother me a bit. 

It also has the benefits of a Cucumber as this is infused with cucumber extract. Few benefits of cucumber are it has anti-inflammatory effects, it is also a good antioxidant, and it hydrates skin. You get so much for this product in such an affordable price. Overall it is really a good find for me. I don't regret buying this. If you want a face powder that covers much of your blemishes and stays long this might not be the right powder for you but if you're looking for a good lightweight, natural-looking powder this is perfect for that need.

Product Review: Enhance Cosmetics 6 pc Contour Palette

Online shopping has never been my thing. Shipping fees and delays, plus there is a possibility that it might be a scam. I would always have the love for buying makeup and cosmetics in a boutique instead online. In that way, I could buy and get a hand of the product right then and there. I could also test the product if it suits my skin and whatnot.

But here's an exception, because I am forever looking for that perfect contour palette, I think that contouring is a very important part of your makeup routine these days but I couldn't find myself a complete contour palette out in the market. Everything seems to be bought in singles. By chance, I stumbled upon Enhance Cosmetics page and thought that I need this palette and I am buying it.

Needless to say my whole transaction was fast. They reply quick to inquiries, and yes, this is a legit online shop. They also had the option for meet-ups other than delivering the product to you, so I went for that option because it's quicker to get hold of the product and like I said before, I don't like things delivered at home. I prefer buying it directly from a shop. Overall, the service was convenient and good.

Packaging

The whole palette is as a size of a small thin notebook and each shade is as the size of a compact powder. Yes, it is thin enough to fit my bag but the problem is, it wont fit in my makeup kit. Others will eye why am I carrying so much when I am about to do my makeup. It's a little bit large not to be ignored though.Well, larger product means more product. It is made of plastic, it is light and I am betting it is not as sturdy. Nothing fancy, as you can see it is black, sleek and simple. Having palettes like these make you look (and feel) more professional. 

Color/Consistency

I chose powder type rather than a cream type of contouring palette because one my face is oily, two powder types are easier to control--since I am new to contouring I want to familiarize myself first, and three I want it to be subtle.

Swatches (L-R: Blushes, Contour shade, highlights)

All of the 6 shades are powder and matte with a very bit of satin I might say. I don't like shimmer even with the highlights and shimmer in the contour shade means it is a bronzer not a contour one.

Honestly, I don't know what am I gonna do with the blushes. It is too red. It doesn't suit my skin tone, and both look almost the same. I hope the other blush would be like a peachy or salmon like in color so I can blend it to suit me more. I don't think I can use it. Anyway, I bought the product for the contour and highlight. The blush was a bonus but I am unable to get a use of it.

The good thing is it has 2 shades for contour and 2 shades for highlight. I can blend it to fit me well. The darker shade of contour is the perfect shade for contouring as for the highlights, the lightest (white one) is like an ordinary white baby powder in compact. I don't think it will do the highlight as I am looking for something that reflects light or will make a part of my face stand out without the unnecessary shimmer.

Ingredients

Staying power is around 2-4 hours. Not that long though and it oxidizes into my skin in ways not much into my liking--like it kind of looks oily and messy after a few hours and it doesn't have a good chemistry with my BB cream I had underneath, but it does the job of contouring depending on how well it is applied to the face. I try to contour my cheekbones with an angled brush to make my face thinner, around my upper forehead as well and of course I contour my nose to have the illusion of a smaller one (which I failed miserably, I am practicing still) and highlight the prominent parts of my face like the apples of my cheeks, nosebridge and chin. It has strong medicated scent that others might be put off but it's fine with me. It is affordable compared to palettes out in the market or buying separate contour and highlight. It costs P650.

Overall, it is a good product for me. I finally got a hand of a contouring palette and I can practice my contouring skills. ^

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