Issy & Co True Flex Illuminator Review

 

I love a good Illuminator. Recently, I have been using the one from MAC and still, with a favorite in mind, I can't help but compare the higher end ones to somewhat more affordable version.

I've got the Issy & Co. True Flex Illuminator since 2023 and I am unsure why this draft has been sitting here for the past 2 years.  I guess I haven't been picking this up more often or my work (as a host) requires me more of a matte-finish foundation rather than radiant ones.  

Issy & Co. has been receiving positive reviews on their base makeup and I was excited to see if this single product could live up to the hype—especially for those of us who want glow without looking overly shiny or textured.

Issy & Co says ---

A versatile, affordable liquid highlighter with micro-fine pearls for a natural glow.  Available in shades like Flare (Champagne) and Halo (Rose Gold) and Ray (Pearl Opalescent).  It's desinged for various applications: As a glowy primer, mixed with foundation/tint, used as a liquid highlighter on high points, or applied all over the radiance, offering customizable luminosity without the heavy glitter.

Shade: Flare (Champagne)

Php600-Php700 via LAZADA

AMW says ---

• Packaging is sleek, minimalist and easy--to-use and control the amount to dispense.
• Travel-friendly.
• Texture is easy to work with.
• Can use on its own or blend with Foundation or moisturizer.
• Not thick or greasy.
• No harsh shimmer.
• No patchiness.
• Does not dry out dry skin.

Issy &. Co. Active Concealer Review

 

Natural concealer that is buildable in coverage and lightweight in nature.

That's the Issy & Co. Active Concealer which I finished up since I received this last year.  It is an easy daily concealer you can use that won't make you look too made up but lightweight enough to add more layers for more coverage.

PM3 is the shade I got and it has the right amount of "warmth" to cover up some of my undereye darkness.  

You can see unfiltered photo below, left side facing you is the one with concealer while totally bare faced on the other side.  Can you see how it covers my dark undereye?

Swatch: PM3

Best to set the product properly with powder as this will glide off especially if you have oily skin.  I have dry skin but I still choose to set this for better and even coverage.  The Issy & Co. Active Concealer works even alone, I prefer to choose this over foundation anytime just to spot conceal and set my whole face with powder.  

You get the no-makeup makeup look in an instant and your face will look lifted.

If you want to see this concealer in action, please watch this IG Reel.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Issy & Co Solar Balm in Playdate Review

 If you noticed why I was gone for a month!  I was so busy hosting for 2 makeup brands at the same time, I was invited to a press trip in Japan by a skincare brand Kanebo!  

I am currently nursing a throatache with antibiotics so I have enough time to share some of my makeup finds here!  By the way, for real and REEL updates, follow me on Instagram and Tiktok!  Just search for AskMeWhats and you get my full attention there :D

Let’s head back to why you are visiting my site, some more reviews on makeup and skincare products right?

Today, I will be sharing a local brand that is causing a lot of buzz!  Issy & Co. has been releasing so many new makeup items and this one I am introducing is from 2023.  Yes, I have been taking so long to review products as I own so many lip products I don’t even know which ones I reviewed!  

I only own one shade so I can’t review the other shades as of the moment but Playdate is one hell of an MLBB Shade.  Just look at how natural it appears on me!  I do not even need to put much makeup on but it gave my look a fresh vibe.

Issy & Co. Solar Balm

Shade: Playdate

Price: Php696.00

Issy & Co. says —-

A sunscreen for the lips that leaves a sheer wash of color and a whole lot of protection. Formulated with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF30 PA+++, this balm also keeps lips hydrated and moisturized.  

Designed to perform as both lip balm and sunscreen, the innovative formula adds a subtle tint with a soft matte finish to the lips while keeping them moisturized and protected for hours. 

AMW says—-

• Simple packaging that is quite sturdy and doesn’t look cheap.
• The balm is firm enough and appears to be like that of a hydrating lipstick instead of a tinted lip balm.
• Shade Playdate has a glow finish so it will make your lips appear more hydrated.
• Does not sit on dry lines but will not be enough to hydrate super dry lips like mine! Check out first photo, you can still see some flakes on my lips.
• Long-wearing but not long-lasting since this product has a lot of hydrating ingredents.  The pigment stays a bit but it will transfer on cups and face masks.
• Pigmentation is around 50%, you need to do 2-3 swipes to get more color.
• Has SPF 30!

Overall, I am quite happy with this, nothing super spectacular but definitely a nice daily lip product since it has SPF.

I heard and read from other Blogs that their other shades are more pigmented so I will make it an effort to try out other shades if I get to shop for makeup products again.

How do you like Playdate on me?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

  

Issy and Co Brow Products Reviewed

 

When were these brow products from Issy & Co launched?  May of Last Year!

I can't believe I took such a long time to talk about these because I have been reviewing so many makeup products I am losing track on a lot of things, that's also called #aging *laughs*

If you are rushing and you want to just see a single photo on how good Issy & Co brow products are...well, here's the photo. 

Left side facing you (using all Issy & Co. products), right side facing you is my bare brows.

Let's start with the Issy & Co Brow Pencil Trio Php349.00) - quick note, these are on 50% off sale at Lazada website as of the moment.

In each of the Brow Pencil Trio, you get a small thin definer pencil, an angled brow pencil and a spoolie.  This is such a great idea as I like using the slim definter pencil to sharpen the tail of my eyebrows and use the thicker one to create brow-like hair.  

These are quick swatches on Taupe Brown and Ash Brown.

Here's a quick sample on how I would apply each of the product on which area of my brows.  As I always say, to each their own, we have different brows so you may use each of the product differently.  We don't have to do the same steps.

Issy & Co Look

 

I read, watched and personally heard people rave about Issy & Co and after owning my first Issy & Co set, I finally understood why.

Just look at the aesthetic, looks so expensive, classy and visually addictive.  I just want to stare at their makeup for hours!  But the true test came after using these for months!  I've done a quick first try and all over makeup look but at the back end, I have been using these products on a daily basis and it wasn't as hard as before when we were on lockdown, I can literally wear them whenever I drive my son to and from school and test them out under strong heat and humidity.

I will be posting the products I like and used a lot one by one with more in-depth review but as early as now, I am telling you guys how much of a fan I am to this local brand.  

These are some of the Issy & Co. items I've used for this full face look ----

* Active Concealer (PM3)
* Creme Cheek Blush in Gold Digger
* True Flex Powder Foundation (Fawn)
* True Flex Illuminator

Issy & Co Creme Cheek Blush in Gold Digger Review

 As a make up reviewer, I have my bias when it comes to make up reviews.

Lipsticks seem to be the "easiest to review" because we mostly wear lipstick and you can easily change from one color to another even within 1 minute or 2.  As for me, I have my bias in cheek color!  Why?  I find applying blush to instantly change my mood and overall look in a few swipes!

That said, when Issy & Co. sent me a bunch of their bestselling makeup to try, I started reviewing their creme blush right away!  Like THISINSTANT.

Can't blame me if this cream blush is so seamless and easy-to-apply and it stays.

Issy & Co Creme Cheek Blush

Shade: Gold Digger

Price: Php349.00

Available HERE

Issy & Co. says ---

A lightweight multi-use blush that melts into the skin creating a lit-from-within flush. The creamy formula is easy to blend and build to the desired intensity.

Gloriously easy to apply, this silky-smooth blush creates a youthful and healthy complexion with a natural finish.

I want to collect all their shades!
Their packaging, texture, shade choices are perfection!

If you have oily skin though, I suggest doing the sandwich method in application .  How?

1. Apply a good amount of cream blush on bare face.

2. Apply your choice of tinted moisturizer/foundation/powder foundation.

3. Apply another thin layer on top and dust with loose setting powder (if you have oily skin).

This technique will make your blush stay forever :P  Well not really...until make up removal is what I meant.

Do you own an Issy & Co. Creme Cheek Blush?
Which shade do you think I should go for next?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!