Tag Archives: Makeup Review

Maybelline 2016 Creamy Matte Lipsticks

FIRST LOOK: Maybelline New York’s New Matte Makeup

There’s more to make-up than vanity. I’ve heard Maybelline New York‘s battle cry for 2016, and after experiencing the company’s vision first hand, I was ready.

Maybelline NYFW 2016 Candid

 Here I am trying out the new liquid powder shades.

Maybelline HyperFresh Powder HyperMatte Challenge

For years Maybelline has been producing quality cosmetics that address women concerns. Now, with technology at its best, Maybelline redefines women empowerment with a new anthem that captures women’s inherent confidence and strength despite the fast-paced lifestyle: Make It Happen.

“There has always been a misconception that make-up is a way to conceal imperfections and insecurities, or that it is the opposite of self-contentment. But we, at Maybelline New York, along with the millions of girls around the world who choose the brand as an ally, choose to see differently. We believe that women intrinsically possess the beauty, and the power to make a difference. And the purpose of make-up is not to conceal but to reveal that confidence in every girl and woman around the world,” explains Cary Noreen Co, Marketing Manager of Maybelline New York – Philippines.

Maybelline New York is ready to become the every lady’s partner in achieving dreams. She adds, “More than anyone, we at Maybelline New York understand the power of Filipinas and how women are more and more becoming the icons and influencers in the country today. We change, we inspire, and we move the country in our own ways.”

So, here we go!

Maybelline NYFW 2016 Creamy Matte Lipsticks

 New Maybelline lippies and their luxury counterparts on display.

Maybelline HyperCurl Mascara Sale

 Here’s a showcase of ffordable go-to mascaras from Maybelline.

Trying on New Maybelline HyperMatte Liner

This 2016, Maybelline proudly introduces three matte makeup products that are designed to enhance the beauty every Filipina already possesses (focusing on the Eyes, Lips and Face!)

Maybelline HyperMatte Liquid Liner

Maybelline HyperMatte Liquid Liner Black Test

One of the latest Maybelline products, the HyperMatte Dip Liquid Liner (Php199).

First, the Eyes. The HyperMatte Dip Liquid Liner is an easy-to-use liquid liner that dries quickly with a matte finish. This product promises no more sheen on lined eyes, and instantly delivers! And I have to say, after trying it out, the product does dry out (in about ten seconds) to an ultra-black, matte finish!  The awesome news is that this Hyper Matte Liquid Liner is now available for P199. (HOT TIP: Use it with the HyperCurl Mascara, which now only costs P199.)

Maybelline 2016 Creamy Matte Lipsticks

 Creamy Matte Lipsticks in beautiful shades: (from left) Vibrant Violet, Touch of Spice and Divine Wine (Php299 each).

Next up are the Lips. Maybelline’s latest sensation, the Creamy Matte lipsticks contain nourishing honey nectar to produce the holy trinity of perfect makeup: Color, Coverage and Care. This new line has ten matte shades that boast highly pigmented color and a (forreal) smooth, creamy texture! Take your pick: Faint for Fuchsia, Siren in Scarlet, All Fired Up, Craving Coral, Divine Wine, Mesmerizing Magenta, Ravishing Rose, Rich in Ruby, Touch of Spice and Vibrant Violet. In terms of perfromance and color pay-off these lippies can outmatch luxury brands that offer identical shades. After a quick trial, I’m happy to say that these lippies stayed put for several hours, and did not dry out my lips.

Personally, the Vibrant Violet for me is a funky pop of purple with warm undertones. My fave, Touch of Spice is a medium-dark rosy plum with subtle, warmer undertones. Divine Wine, meanwhile, can be best described as deep burgundy with warm, reddish-brown undertones.  All these shades are suitable for Filipina skin!

Maybelline White SuperFresh Liquid Powder

White Super Fresh Liquid Powder–the no touch-up foundation with SPF 50 PA++++ (Php399).

And finally, for the face. The White Super Fresh Liquid Powder has the consistency of liquid sunscreen and yet it dries like a no touch-up foundation with a matte, powdery finish. It’s pretty astonishing, actually. And just like sunscreen, it provides SPF 50 PA++++ sun protection. After trying a few shades, my best match turned out to be Honey. The others seemed to dry with a white cast on my face, and Honey is darker with warm undertone. Overall, this liquid foundation is an excellent option for those who prefer light makeup with excellent sun protection.

VERDICT

Maybelline NYFW Hyper Matte Products

Here’s my new beauty arsenal!

Awesome, awesome, awesome! Highly recommended! I’ve always loved matte lippies, and I’m thrilled that finally there are affordable cosmetics within reach. For less than Php1000, I can already have three makeup products that can make my face match my mood and personality.

Can’t wait to join the movement of empowered women who celebrate inner confidence and beauty everyday with Maybelline. It’s just high time to #MakeItHappen. The new matte products are now available at all Maybelline counters nationwide.

Ladykin-Pen-Eyeliner-Tip-0.05-mm

Ladykin At the Party Vividline Pen Eyeliner Review

After being pleasantly surprised with Ladykin’s Youth Activator, I took another leap of faith and purchased Ladykin’s At the Party Vividline Pen Eyeliner, an eyeliner that supposedly lets you draw a vivid line that won’t smudge.

Ladykin-At-the-Party-Pen-Eyeliner

 A box costs Php352, with free shipping until the end of June!

According to the brochure and LadykinPH website, the Vividline Pen Eyeliner boasts a strong waterproof formulation that won’t smear. So lines should not be affected by tears, sweat or oil (a claim that is daunting, considering that I use oil-based and water-based cleansers to remove make-up, right?)

The pen also boasts a fine tipped brush that allows users to create a thin line. The pen is also designed for first-time users and eyeliner beginners (which is cool, because I’m crap at eyeliners!)

Ladykin-Pen-Eyeliner-Tip-0.05-mm

Check out the ultra-fine 0.05mm tip

Ladykin-Pen-Eyelliner-Smudge-Test

Freshly drawn lines on left; faded lines after vigorous rubbing on right   

I have found that the pen eyeliner dries quickly (around 10-15 seconds), and unlike the old liquid eyeliners I have used, the color doesn’t stick to other parts of my eyelids. Straight up, that makes the pen eyeliner a great deal in my book. But what really disappoints me, though, is that the product’s not entirely sweat proof. Sure, you can use it in cool places like Baguio or Tagaytay, but don’t expect it to last under the sweltering sun in Manila.

At-the-Party-Eyeliner-on-Eyes

 In an air conditioned room, eyeliner stayed put for hours even without primer or foundation!

If you want a cheaper eyeliner than Majolica Majorca, get this one instead! The Ladykin At the Party Vividline Pen Eyeliner is long wearing and doesn’t irritate eyes.

Durability: Three out of five stars (it’s not absolutely fade resistant!)
Ease-of-use: Five out of five stars (anyone who can write with a pen or brush can use this)
Price: Five out of five stars (Php352 is a competitive price!)
Rating: Four out of five stars

LadyKin Vanpir Dark Repair Youth Activator Bottle

Ladykin Vanpir Dark Repair Youth Activator Review

Korean cosmetics are here to stay, judging from the number of Filipina fans who just can’t get enough of anything and everything Korean!

Lately I’ve been eyeing this new Korean brand to hit the Philippine market- LadyKin! I checked out their online website, and one thing really caught my eye:

LadyKin Vanpir Dark Repair Packaging

Ladykin Vanpir Dark Repair Youth Activator

The Vanpir Dark Repair collection is quite expensive, as the line uses Dragon’s Blood, also known as Chroton Lechleriresin extract obtained from trees growing in Peru and Ecuador in Amazon. Dragon’s Blood is allegedly used by Amazon warriors to prevent skin damage, because of its antibacterial and stress relieving and calming effects.

Just like the other LadyKin products, the Youth Activator comes with a bunch of other plant extracts that help relieve skin inflammation and encourage cell renewal. For instance, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and skin damage prevention effects.

Panax Ginseng Callus Culture Extract, an ingredient found in most other skincare products from LadyKin, strengthens the skin’s barriers and prevents skin damage.

The Youth Activator also contains arbutin and adenosine, both of which help diminish wrinkles and whiten skin.

Here are the 9 benefits you can get from the Ladykin Vanpir Dark Repair Youth Activator, according to the LadyKin website:

1. Whitening and anti-wrinkle care
Whitening agent arbutin and wrinkle agent Adenosine prevent melanin pigmentation and reduce wrinkles for resilient and bright skin tone.

2. Ginseng callus culture extract which helps skin barrier
It energizes and reinforces skin’s barrirs prevent skin damage and improve skin conditions to brighten and energize skin.

3. Simultaneous skin protection and improvement
Ginseng callus culture extract and centenella asiatica extract relieve stress or skin stimulation from external factors for healthy skin.

4. Croton Lechleriresin Extract
These trees grow on the upper parts of the Amazon such as Peru and Ecuador and contain ingredients that prevent skin damage, relieve skin and strengthen skin’s barriers. When the body of the tree is cut or damaged, dark red sap flows as if the tree is bleeding.

5. Improvement of fine wrinkles and skin resilience
Croton Lechlriresin Extract provide resilience to skin and reduce wrinkles for healthy and energetic skin.

6. Purification of complexion through brightening skin tone and blemishes
Rich in vitamins, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water with polyphenol and vitamin E keep skin tone clear and even.

7. Contains ECOCERT certified Rose Damascena Flower Water and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water
Rich vitamin and nourishment supply

8. Replenishment of skin’s energy
Creates a moiusturizing film on the surface of skin to prevent moisture evaporation and delivers nourishing ingredients to skin.

9. Does not contain paraben, synthetic color, mineral oil, benzophenone and animal ingredients (The best part, since it proves to be safer on your skin and liver.)

With the skin nourishing ingredients that can help combat wrinkles and even whiten skin, I could not resist purchasing the 50ml product despite the hefty Php1800 price tag. Check out my verdict below.

LadyKin Vanpir Dark Repair in DropperTHOUGHTS:

1. I love the packaging! From the classy box that housed the glass bottle to the nifty silver design, I was hooked.

2. Bottle comes with expiration date and practically everything a cautious beauty maven needs. Even the life of the product upon opening is specified on both the box and bottle (12 months). To make sure I don’t forget, I  wrote the date of first use on the bottle.
LadyKin Vanpir Dark Repair Youth Activator Bottle

3. Easy-to-use dropper I just love using for the convenience!

4. Mild scent doesn’t bother me at all. Although I would have preferred a product free of fragrance, I find the mild scent acceptable.

5. Immediately noticeable skin calming effect! I love that it worked on calming my perennially reddish skin, proving that it works on inflammations and rosacea. I can definitely see myself using this product with my Red Better Care line.

LadyKin Vanpir Dark Repair Youth Activator Trial

6. Skin plumping effect to diminish wrinkles. I have only used the product twice a day for two days, and I have already noticed somewhat lighter lines around my eyes. It helps that I am now working on increasing my fluid intake and revamping my daily beauty regimen.

 

Value: Four out of five stars (Still a bit pricey)
Efficacy: Three out of five stars (Great for calming redness, but whitening and wrinkle diminishing effects not yet noticeable)

Do check out other LadyKin products at https://www.facebook.com/ladykinph and at http://www.ladykinph.com/index.php.