NEW! Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser

I have always been very consistent with my claim of my favorite drugstore concealer - fast forward to decades later, it has always been the Maybelline Age Rewind.  

Today, you will see the similar "Sponge Type" packaging but with the name Instant Age Rewind Eraser!

I got Shades 120 (top) and 122 (bottom) for review

Shade 120 : Has Pink Undertone so has more brightening effect especially on warm tone skin users (see how it magically erases my bags?)

Shade 122 :  Has more yellow undertone so works as undereye bags corrector but none of the brightening effect.

Applying both shades on my undereye area.
Shade 120: Left side facing you
Shade 122: Right side facing you

I personally felt the formulation changed through the years, I felt the old one is more hydrating while this newer version caters the younger, oily/combination skin market.  That doesn't mean I can't use it though, I still use this daily but I felt like I need to use an eye cream beneath it just to make sure it won't crease.  I wish they retained their formulation to keep this name appropriate - AGE REWIND.  I find this drugstore concealer to be the perfect one for mature skin and I felt sad they gave this up to the younger crowd.  I could be wrong but I felt even the oily skin users can appreciate this more -- which is great news especially since they are trying to adapt to our humid weather.

Laura Mercier High Vibe Lip Color Review

 

Laura Mercier has been a staple brand in every Make Up Artists Kit.  Mostly, I own their foundation, primer and their famous Loose Setting Powder.

Little did I know I am missing a lot when I finally got my hands on their newest lipstick line called High Vibe Lip Color.

Laura Mercier says ---

Imagine your lips coming to life with the most alive and vivid color.
High Vibe Lip glides sensuously onto lips delivering impactful vivid color in just one effortless stroke.

Supercharged pigments and light-reflecting, vivid pearls boost color vibrancy while Guava oil ensures a comfortable smooth wear for 6 hours.

Offered in 16 high energy colors inspired by Laura Mercier’s vision that a touch of color can brighten your life.

Swatch: Top Peek, Bottom Buzz

AMW says ---

• Packaging is very sleek and catchy.
• Wearable shades.
• Very natural on lips.
• Comfortable on lips.
• Both colors are so nice and natural.
• Does not sit on dry lip lines.
• Long-wearing. 

Peek is a warm tone dark coral shade that looks so pretty on my NC20 warm tone 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!

Kate Tokyo Lip Monster Review (107, 108, 109)

 OH MY GOODNESS!

SOLD OUT not only locally in the Philippines but even in Japan when this was launched!  And after using these for multiple times for the past months, I understand why!

Just by looking at the packaging, you can actually tell the shade of the lip product, whatever the color of the cute Monsters, that is the exact color you’ll get inside the tube!  Very smart and witty!

Shade: 107 

Medium burgundy-red lipcolor.

I used to see my mom wear this lip color and she still does until this very day!  When I was younger, I thought of this shade as an “ahjumma” shade but it changed when you changed the formulatioin.  Making this more “moist”, “tender” and “juicy” this turn into a GEN Z lipstick immediately.

Shade 108

Bright Orange Red shade

I orinally disliked this shade when I swiped it on my lips once.  It looks unnatural, patchy and just weird.  But after applying more of this color, it started to melt right into the lipls blurring out lip lines making my lips appear plumpand juicy!  I was thinking about SUGUS Orange immediately and it actually look cute and youthful on me!  

Shade 109

Medium Brown

My MOST favorite shade out of the 3 they released!  This is the kind of brown that made me look Classy and just made up even with minimal makeup on!  Imagine 90s brown lipstick that turned GLOSSY?  So perfect!  I have been using and abusing this color since I got this!

Though these were limited and released last year, I recently went on to Japan trip and saw some stores still selling these Lip Monsters.  You can also check online as there are a few of them left!  So if you get the chance, grab on to them because these are the limited version we hope will forever be available in the market! 

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!

  

Rare Beauty Luminous Powder Blush in Hope

 Real talk.

I thought celebrities who are coming out with their own makeup and skincare line are making it out there due to the fact that they are ahm… CELEBRITIES!  How many percentage are people happy with the products they put out?

Well the pecentage gets higher!  I remembered buying Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty expecting to bash her but ended up loving it!

When Selena Gomez launced Rare Beauty, I have been meaning to try her Luminous Powder Blush because they just look too good on videos and photos!  

Now, I get it, it works even for non-celebrities!  

Rare Beauty Luminous Powder Blush

Shade: HOPE

Price: Php1,800 Available: Sephora Philippines Website

Rare Beauty Says —-

An easy-to-use hybrid of two award-winning bestsellers: Soft Pinch Liquid Blush and Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter.

Unexpectedly smooth and incredibly weightless, this airy blush goes on seamlessly for a pinch-perfect flush that seems to radiate from within.

Highly pigmented base is packed with brilliant pearls for natural-looking dimension. No flaking, caking, or fall out.

Easy to blend, build color, or diffuse for a softer effect—without ever looking chalky or ashy.

Transfer-proof, smudge-proof, water-resistant formula keeps you blushing all day.

Hand-polished, so each powder is as unique as you are. 

Pixi On-The-Glow Blush and Lip Glow Review

 

On my to-try list for so long are the Pixi On-The-Glow Blush Tinted Moisture Sticks because I am a fan of their Bronzers!  

Thankfully, Pixi was kind enough to send these products for me to try and test and I'll share you my thoughts on these.

Pixi On-The-Glow Blush 
Tinted Moisture Stick
Shade: Cherry

On stick it looks bright red that appears to be scary to be applied straight on cheeks.  But a single swipe will give off a natural flush, for the swatch above, I had to apply and reapply approximately 3-4 times with pressure to get that pigment. 

I personally like how it gives color and glow!  It has good staying power and it lasts if set properly with a powder blush or a translucent setting powder.  Since I have dry skin, it tends to dry up upon swatch and would be a bit tacky for me to be able to blend properly so I have to work fast.  If you have the same skin type as I do, I highly recommend to apply this on top of cream/liquid products, once you have powder on, it is harder to blend and you might end up with a few demarcation marks.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, make sure to moisturize the area if you have dry skin.  Oily skinned gals?  You won't have to worry about these issues and you don't have to worry about your skin looking oily as it will set matte.

Cathy Doll Speed White CC cream SPF50 PA+++ Review

 

I haven't reviewed CC Creams for so long!  I have stopped using them ever since Cushion Foundations became available and there are better powder foundations coming in the market. 

Just when I almost bid goodbye to this wonderful base makeup that has been going around in the early 2010s, I am so happy to finally tried Cathy Doll's CC Cream once again.  The old ones are great but I find them to be a tad bit obvious at times especially with color.  I find some of them would turn out a bit too white or grayish on me.

This time, after testing the new Cathy Doll Speed White CC Cream SPF50 PA+++ in light Beige (Php499.00/USD10.00  (which I originally thought would be too light for me.)

Cathy Doll CC Cream says ---

Illuminate and even out your complexion with the latest formula of this CC cream that features CHROMABRIGHT, skin whitening agents that act more effective than Vitamin C and Kojic Acid to deliver brightening and flawless look to the skin. It also protects against sunlight with SPF50 PA+++ while keeping the face oil-free and ultra-natural for all day long with Water Drop innovation, the cream will turn into hydrating mineral water droplets form to enhance makeup longevity. Additionally, it also blended with nourishing Hyaluron and gentle combination of Rosemary and Chamomile to soothe irritation while strengthening and reducing inflammation and dullness with Arbutin and Licorice for radiant and natural-looking glow.

Here's a visual view on how the Light Beige shade looks like on my left face (Facing you)

One thing I noticed is how natural the effect is and it is quite buildable.  Please do not come back to me saying you can still see my eye bags or can still see some spots on my face as CC Creams aren't there to conceal your skin imperfections but instead these are COLOR CORRECTING base making my skin appears more even and "bright".

With the term bright, I definitely saw how bright my skin appears.  I also like the fact that it has SPF 50 but it does not give me the white cast as the old ones I've tried.

Here's a visual without the arrow, you can't even see much difference and can't tell I have CC Cream on.

Fwee Pudding Pot Review

I have seen Fwee Pudding Pots reviewed and raves multiple times over Tiktok and Instagram for as long as I remember.  We originally planned to visit Korea this summer break but we decided to forego this travel plans since we are not a fan of Summer seasons during travel.  

That said, my plan to visit the famous FWEE Store is cancelled as of the moment so I've decided to go to online app to order them online instead.

After receiving this pot more than 2 months ago, I have been using this on a daily basis because I am definitely a ..... #SpoilerAlert..... FAN!!!

Fwee Lip and Cheek Blurry Pudding Pot

Php700+
Bought via LAZADA APP

Shade: BE

Shade BE is a gorgeous peach brown shade.  On pot, the pudding looks satisfying, and it gets even more satisfying if you purchase the FWEE Silicone Brush because it bounces ...really bounces each time you grab some product from the Silicone Brush.

A quick tip, you HAVE to purchase the Silicone Brush, I tried using this with a regular lip brush and it won't make the cut!  The application won't be as seamless as we want to and the Silicone Brush that mimics your fingertips is perfect when you apply the product on your lips - you also use less product through this process so even though I have been using this almost daily for the past months, I still haven't reached half of the pot!

Artisan Pro Optimiste Rouge Pro Lip Colors review

 

I received the Artisan Pro Optimiste Rouge Pro Lip Colors   (Php899.00 now Php699.00)for review a few months back and I have been using it a couple of times to be able to share a real review.

OPTIMISTE ROUGE Pro Lip Colour | Infusing the lips with a velvet-finish that ensures 16 hours of soft & non-drying feel to the lips. Weightless, waterproof, and transfer-proof. The buildable, medium to full coverage will give a soft focus effect to your lips. 16 hours staying power and non-drying formula Transfer-proof, waterproof, and weightless

L-R Peach Gallette, Cou Cou, Poulain and Saint Tropez

AMW wears Peach Gallette

This is a a super pretty shade, my favorite out of the 4 so I am featuring this first.  

It is wearable even with light or dark makeup.

AMW wears Cou Cou

Cou Cou is my 2nd favorite should because of it's Barbie Pink effect.
I can't ware a bright pink lip color but this one is on the cool tone pink but more on the toned down side.  It made my blush color appear more prominent thus the look is more youthful.

Smashbox Halo Sheer to Stay Color Tint in Terracotta Review

 

How do I love Smashbox?

In so many ways!  My first brush set ever was a WHITE synthetic brush haired Smashbox and it serves me pretty well it is still looking fab and wonderful even today. 

When I got my own Smahbox Halo Sheer to Stay Color Tint from my Sephora Haul.  I immediately tested it and will share a quick review as a dry-skinned gal.

Smashbox says —-

A primer-infused cream cheek and lip tint that gives you a flush of blendable and buildable matte color for a fresh, blurred look.

What it does:

This creamy multi-tasking formula puts sheer-to-medium coverage at your fingertips. Its powder-like matte finish refracts light to help create a blurred, soft-focus look. The lasting colour tint is also infused with a rich Primer Oil Complex for comfortable wear.

 

I personally felt scared to use a matte type of tint as I may end up with a big blob of unblended spot.  I have dry cheeks so. Most matte tints tend look uneven on me. 

After using this product for more than a month, I can say this is a great summer companion.  

Terracotta is a bright warm orange shade that looks bright on tube but quite natural once blended.  This may look bright if you have really fair complexion and would appear really pretty on users with medium to darker complexion.

Though pigmented, it blends into the skin upon application naturally giving a nice natural glow.  

On lips, it looked a bit brighter than that on cheeks so I prefer using this on cheeks rather than lips.  

Though I must say, color aside, the consistency of the product on cheeks and lips are both comfortable and it doesn’t sit on my lip lines!  Which is a super YES considering most matte lip products tend to dry out my already dry lips.

Cheek Color - Check.

MAC’s MACximal Lipsticks Review

 

I love MAC Lipsticks, I have collected them ever since I started Blogging.  I even got my first lipstick (MAC!) in highschool when I reunited with my classmate who immigrated to Canada.  

Unfortunately, as much as I love the brand, my favorite shades come in MATTE formulation which looks gorgeous on my clients but doesn't work for my dry lips! 

Fastforward to year 2024, when I got an invite for MAC Cosmetics' MACximal Silky Matte lipstick launch, I had to go as it was said that these iconic lipsticks have been maxed out to give lips more with silky matte finish that is richer, feels better on lips and lasts longer.

With creamy blend of coconut oil, organic shea butter and organic cocoa butter, I am looking forward to try these because I need a lip product that showcase my favorite shades at the same time can nourish my dehydrated lips. 

 If you hold on a new MACximal lipstsick, you will immediately SEE and FEEL the difference.  The lipstick bullet is taller by approximately 2cm, the lipstick itself contains .5g more than the old one!  As we joked during the event, everyone's on recession except MAC!

I got 3 new shades to try, thankfully I do not own such shades in my previous collection.  As a MAC fan, I have always been a Velvet Teddy and Mehr repurchaser.  Thankful I get to try and discover other shades because I tend to be a loyalist!

Top to bottom: Cafe Mocha, Marrakesh and Ring the Alarm

AMW wears MACximal Lipstick 

Shade: Cafe Mochamac

Price: Php1,350.00

Available at LAZADA and MAC Stores nationwide

Skintific Brightening Moisture Gel vs. 5x Ceramide Moisture Gel

 

One thing you should be reminded of while reading this is that I have Sensitive Skin.  A skin so sensitive I can immediately tell if a product would work for me or not by using it only once!  I get itchy, rashes will appear and anti-histamine is immediately needed before it's too late.

That is why no matter how viral a product can be on Tiktok or Instagram, I can only use products with ingredients that I know are safe enough to work for my skin.  So when I was offered some Skintific products to try, I did research and these 2 products got a good pass when I saw their ingredients list before deciding to put these to test.  I mean we sensitive girlies should protect ourselves right? 

Skintific's tag line: "We Repair Your Skin Barrier."  spoke straight to my heart as the first 2 paragraphs of this blog post have described my skin condition --- weak skin barrier. I have to make sure to use products that does not only hydrate but keep it protected from external aggressors.

This is how my bare skin look after using
Skintific Brightening Moisture Gel
and
5x Ceramide Moisture Gel Review

(Can you tell the difference which side is which?)  

Before I share the answer, let me share to you my exact skin condition before testing the product for transparency. 

I suffered from eye allergies for the past month so I had to skip using eye creams and first key details about each product that I get to try ended up sleeping without using any skincare products from side effects of medicines (drowsiness!).  I noticed how my whole face suffered from my eye condition (which is healing as of writing but you can still see redness on my before photos!)  

Prior to testing, my skin looked and felt dry.  Putting on makeup was a task because the foundation tends to sink in dry patches and lines and redness occur depending on where my skin felt itchy!  

I started testing this out with a patch test at the back of my ear then once passed, I applied each product on half face for the next 2-3 weeks.   You shouldn't do it but I did it for you anyways :P 

Skintific Niacinamide Brightening Moisture Gel

Php490.00

Available HERE 

 Niacinamide Brightening Moisture Gel with a texture as light as air, absorbs quickly and controls oil within 24 hours.
Formulated with SKINTIFIC's exclusive Novel MSH Niacinamide combined with two of the lightest and most effective lightening ingredients, namely Alpha Arbutin and Tranexamic Acid, which can brighten significantly within 14 days.
MSH Niacinamide is clinically proven to be 10 times more effective than regular niacinamide in reducing hyperpigmentation, reducing redness and improving skin elasticity.
Enriched with Centella Asiatica and 5X Ceramide, it does not cause irritation and provides a calming effect on the skin while repairing and maintaining the skin barrier.

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Moodmakers

 

Maybelline Moodmakers how cute are you? Look at these shades!

L-R Meditator, De-stresser, Harmonizer, Motivator & Optimist

And look at these cute Smileys printed on the packaging!

Let's start by wearing each of the 5 shades I got because I like you to see how these will look on an NC20 MAC Foundation shade, mostly Light Beige in other foundation with warm undertone.

I always start ascending shade numbers and if they don't have numbers, I go for the lightest shades first and starting with Meditator.

Meditator is a cool-tone light peach that works for those with darker complexion.  Imagine just how gorgeous this will look with no-makeup on Morena skin!  Grabe, your skin will glow even further!  This is also a nice MLBB shades for those with lightly colored lips.  

As you can see, it doesn't do justice on me as I need to have at least a defined-looking eye makeup to pull off this look.  Imagine thick eyeliner, maybe, soft smoky eyes with colored cheeks?  Definitely Workable but not my cup of tea.

Since we are on the topic of MLBB shades or something that looks quite natural and easy-to-wear even with not much makeup on.  De-Stresser is definitely the answer.