Pixi Hydra Liptints Review - My Kind Of Colored Balms

If you love lip products that give your lips a little color without the commitment of a full-on lipstick, the Pixi Hydra Liptints might be worth checking out!

I’m always drawn to lip products that are easy to wear, especially those that give the lips a fresh, healthy-looking tint without making them feel too heavy.  Aside from the fact that I have super dry lips, I do not want the effort every morning to make sure my lipstick doesn't look uneven or worst, makes my lips crack throughout the day!

What I like about the idea of a hydrating lip tint is that it combines two things I look for in an everyday lip product: a wash of color and a comfortable feel on the lips.
Unlike a traditional lipstick, a lip tint is perfect when you want something more effortless. You can keep the rest of your makeup simple, add a little blush, curl your lashes, and let your lips provide that subtle pop of color.

Pixi Says ---

A kiss of colour and care in every swipe. Pixi +Hydra LipTreat is a buttery, botanical-enriched tinted lip balm that delivers plush hydration, sheer buildable colour and a smooth, dewy balm finish designed for everyday wear.

AMW Says ---

• Indeed an easy everyday color.  They are great for achieving fresh, natural-looking lip color that is also handy whenever I needed for retouch.
• Can double up as Lip balm and Lipstick.
• It isn't full coverage though especially for shades that are light, so if you have uneven lips like I do, the effect won't be as even as regular lipsticks.
• The staying power isn't as long as regular lipsticks,  re-application is needed.
• Though its name states HYDRA - it cannot replace a regular lip balm.  

 
Here are the 3 shades I wore and tried ----

Pixi Hydra Lipstint in Clear

A colorless lip balm for soft, hydrated lips with a glossy finish.

Pixi Hydra Lipstint in Peach-y

A sheer peach tint for a fresh, natural-looking lip color.

Cathy Doll Ups Heartful Color Lip Mask Fresh Apricot Review

I have always been a fan of lip products that can do more than just add a little color. If it can give my lips a nice tint and keep them feeling moisturized, even better!

So when I got to try the Cathy Doll Ups Heartful Color Lip Mask in Fresh Apricot, I was immediately curious. It looks like a lip tint at first glance, but it is actually a lip mask with a pretty wash of color—perfect for those days when I want something effortless and low-maintenance.

Cathy Doll Ups Heartful Color Lip Mask says ---

Cathy Doll Ups Heartful Color Lip Mask is a moisturizing lip treatment that combines lip care with a beautiful hint of color. Its lightweight, comfortable formula helps keep lips feeling soft and nourished while adding a fresh, natural-looking tint. Available in several wearable shades, it’s an easy everyday lip essential for anyone who loves effortless color and hydration in one.

 

AMW says --- 

Pros:

• Cute Packaging
• Warm peach apricot shade that looks fresh on most Filipinas.
• Not overly bright shade, gives a subtle yet healthy-looking lips.
• Lips appear naturally healthier and more alive.
• Texture feels comfortable upon application.
• Gives more of a lip care feel

Cons:

• If you're after highly pigmented lip color, this may feel too sheer.

• Has a slight fragrance that could be tiring after a long while.

• Like most lip-care products, reapplication may be needed throughout the day depending on eating and drinking.

GRWM Glam & Go Stix Review: The Multi-Use Cream Stick for Effortless Everyday Makeup

 

If you love products that simplify your makeup routine without sacrificing performance, you'll probably enjoy the GRWM Glam & Go Stix.

I'm always drawn to makeup that lets me achieve a fresh, polished look in just a few minutes, especially on busy days. Cream stick products have become a staple in my kit because they're easy to apply, blend beautifully, and are perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.

GRWM Glam & Go Stix says ---

GRWM Glam & Go Stix is a multi-purpose cream stick designed to add color and dimension to your makeup routine. Depending on the shade, you can use it as a blush, bronzer, contour, or highlighter, making it a versatile addition to any makeup bag.

The convenient stick packaging also means you can apply it directly onto the skin and blend using your fingers, a brush, or a makeup sponge.

AMW says ---

• The twist-up stick packaging is travel-friendly, sturdy, and mess-free. It's the kind of product you can easily toss into your handbag for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
• Creamy, easy-to-blend texture
• Buildable pigmentation
• Natural skin-like finish
• Beginner-friendly application
• Compact and travel-friendly packaging
• Perfect for quick everyday makeup

Additional Notes ---

• Setting with powder helps improve wear time, especially on oily skin.

• Since it's a cream formula, proper storage is recommended to avoid exposing it to excessive heat.

Final thoughts 

The GRWM Glam & Go Stix is the kind of product that makes everyday makeup feel effortless. Whether you're getting ready in five minutes or doing a full face, it's versatile enough to fit into almost any routine.

I especially love how seamlessly it blends into the skin, giving a fresh, healthy flush instead of looking overly made up.

If you're looking for an easy-to-use cream stick that delivers a natural finish and works well for everyday wear, the GRWM Glam & Go Stix is definitely worth checking out.

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.

Shiseido Revitalessence Foundation Review

 

June was indeed super crazy I realized I didn't write a single entry for the whole month.  That said, I wasn't that busy on my social media accounts though so if you want live update, I'm on AskMeWhats on Instagram --- shameless plugging!

Without much talking, just look at the photo below, can you spot the area that I used the Shiseido Revitalessence Foundation?  

Here's the answer!  Right side facing you is the one applied with Shiseido Revitalessence Foundation in shade 240.

Before and After photo

Shiseido's Revitalessence Skin Foundation is marketed as a serum-like foundation with a lightweight, glowy finish that aims to improve skin's radiance and evenness both instantly and overtime.  Think of a foundation that is also a Skincare!

Kate Tokyo Transform Cheeks Review

 I love blushes! 

I love them so much I can actually get away without eye makeup but just a good blush and lipstick!  Ever since reviewing a lot of Blush and seeing my before and after application, I always perk up after every single  blush application!  Thus, I am leaning towards to it every single morning for a quick pick-me-upper!

And just when I thought I've seen it all!  I chanced upon Kate Tokyo's Newest Limited Edition Transform Cheeks Blush that comes in cream format.

Top: EX-1 and Bottom: EX-2

Kate Tokyo says ---

This versatile palette offers stunning shades that blend effortlessly, enhancing your natural beauty for any occasion. Perfect for all skin tones.

Swatches: Top: EX-2  Bottom: EX-1

Based from Cheek Swatches alone, I favors EX-1 the most because it appears purplish on me and I am biased to Purple Cheek Color.  Though on pan it has a swirly green and blue cream color shades, the after effect on my medium, warm tone skin is medium lilac color.  It does have a subtle glowing effect and very natural flush.

EX-2 on the other hand is orange on pan with specks of light brown color.  Once applied on cheeks, it appears yellow and more like a subtle bronzer color minus the shimmers.  It has lesser glowing effect as EX-1 and I call this color to be perfect for the summer season or when I am opting for a healthy summer-glow makeup look.

Cathy Doll Shiny Bear Lip Moist Review

 

I was invited to be the host for Cathy Doll's Bear It Collection event last April 24 and trust me when I say, I was so excited about this collection eventhough it looked like a collection for girls ages 12 and below.  

Don't be fooled by the cute packaging!  These Cute Mini Bears are packed with pigments!  Pigmented enough but to ask kids 12 and below to give this to their big sisters or moms!  

Cathy Doll says ---

Introducing the Cathy Doll Shiny Bear Lip Moist, designed to give your lips a fresh and lively burst of color. Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Avocado Oil, Shea butter, Vitamin E, and Beeswax, this lipstick nourishes and plumps your lips,

The collection comes with Big Bear Lip Balms (less pigmented, highly moisturizing) but I will do a separate review on that.  Here are my thoughts after using all 4 shades of the Cathy Doll Shiny Bear Lip Moist Priced Php109.00 (approx USD2.00 less)

01 Candy Pink

This shade reminds me of Mac's Candy Yum Yum in a more subtle version.  Buildable Pigment and this medium pink lipstick has a warmer tone making it easier to work with on Asian skin.  

02 Redlipop

Redlipop is the only red shade in this collection.  I love how it works as a "tint" if applied with light hand and would look like Classic Audrey Hepburn RED when applied with heavy hand.  It is more of a Rose Red shade rather than True Tone Red.

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.