BTLA Compact Powder Oil Control Review

I haven't talked about Face Powder for quite some time right?  Because I assumed everyone found their favorites as of the moment and maybe aren't interested anymore?  

Please...comment and share your thoughts.

Though in reality, I may have my top 3 favorites but I'm still testing out various brands whether high end or drugstore just because I'm a makeup geek like that!  I like to explore and share my experience in the process..yeah..that's me!  Still getting giddy and excited over makeup!

Today, I am featuring a drugstore brand called BTLA.  BTLA gave a loud bang when they dropped a box-ful of BTLA products.  I was overwhelmed, but after recovering, I had a game plan.  

I started out using products that I really use on day-to-day basis.  To prove that, I reviewed the BTLA Matte Blush Duo!

And I picked a Compact Powder Oil Control after using a whole lot of skincare and my skin went back to Normal!  Meaning, I am actually okay to use Oil Control products and my skin does not look like a Sahara Dessert!

BTLA Compact Powder Oil Control

Php199.00

Available at Watsons

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed Powder Review

So when IT Cosmetics arrived at Sephora PH, I knew I have to try some of their products since this brand has been mentioned so many times by many of my favorite Youtubers!

In EVERY single workshop that I do, I highly recommend all makeup enthusiasts to invest on translucent pressed powder (or loose powder) and use it as a "touch up" makeup product.  Nothing more, nothing less.  Why?  Because piling up on powder foundation will add up to the "bulk" and your makeup will look unnatural by the end of the day!  

And even though "pores" isn't my issue since I have dry skin, I still try and test on pore control powder because most of my clients have oily skin and investing on a good setting powder is a key to make up artist success!

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Pressed

Php1,980.00

Available at: https://www.sephora.ph/

Instantly erase the appearance of your pores and fine lines with IT Cosmetics® Bye Bye Pores® Pressed Silk Airbrush Poreless Finishing Powder. This is your award-winning airbrushed silk anti-aging finishing powder now in a pressed formula. This talc-free hydrating powder is created to give your skin a flawless finish with the sweep of a brush. This is for everyone who wants the look of airbrushed skin in an instant! Everyone who wants to erase the look of pores and skin imperfections! Everyone who would like to treat your skin with an anti-aging finishing powder that doesn’t settle in your fine lines! Formulated with anti-aging ingredients including peptides, real silk, hydrolyzed collagen, and the optically blurring Drops of Light Technology®, this powder was created to erase the look of pores and other skin imperfections. This talc-free pressed powder is translucent and buildable, perfect for touch-ups throughout the day!

The Body Shop Matte Clay Powder Full Coverage Pressed Powder Review

I'm a face powder girl, correct that...I'm a powder foundation girl!  I only reach out for cream/liquid foundations or even cushions when I am off to an event or meeting.  But on days I only need to run some errands I go for powdered base products.

I recently tried The Body Shop's Matte Clay Powder Full Coverage Pressed Powder.  This is a bit unique for me as full coverage in my opinion always equates to powder foundation while sheer will always be the partner of pressed powders.

So this is unique, it does look like a regular pressed powder so how full is full coverage as described by the brand?

The Body Shop Matte Clay Powder Full Coverage Pressed Powder Says ---

Smooth over imperfections and achieve high coverage with our new breathable Matte Clay Powder available in 6 different shades. Enriched with Community Trade tea tree oil, this powder provides a high coverage matte finish for a clearer looking complexion. Wear it alone or on top of foundation for a flawless and even finish.

Pink Sugar Our Lil' Secret All Day Matte Powder Review

As a Beauty Blogger and Professional Make Up Artist, I always advice my students, trainees and beauty-loving friends to always use Powder Foundation to set their makeup for full coverage and use powder to retouch for the whole day!  

What's the difference between a Powder Foundation and a Powder?

Powder foundation has more coverage while powder is there just to set everything, lessen shine and keep everything in place minus the added coverage.  So no need to belt out those Chinese Opera whenever you pile on face powders because they are as natural as you first applied your makeup in the morning!

No matter what they say about Korean glow-y skin, every Filipinas I talk to wanted their skin to be matte especially in our weather!  So I am not surprised Pink Sugar came up with several shades of their Our Lil' Secret All Day Matte Powder and I tested this product and here's what I have to say.

Pink Sugar Our Lil' Secret All Day Matte Powder

shades: Light Warm, Beige and Medium Beige

Pink Sugar Our Lil' Secret All Day Matte Powder Says ---

Snoe Supreme Powder Foundation Review

Snoe Poudre Duo Supreme Wet Dry Powder Foundation SPF30+

Php999.00

Shade: Vanilla Creme (Other shade Perfect Beige)

Available: http://www.snoebeauty.com

SNOE POUDRE DUO SUPREME can be used as a wet or dry powder foundation or as a finishing powder.   It gives you the most versatile coverage depending on your application method.  It returns your skin to its original perfection by helping treat, protect and lighten skin. Its highly-advanced coated powder pigments gently veil your complexion in a silky, soft coverage.  It is also full of nutrient-rich SUPER FOOD, making it like an actual treatment for the skin. Skin becomes energized with evident improvement in luminosity and vitality as an increased flow of oxygen is delivered.

Celeteque CC Micro-Hydrating Powder Review

When I first got the CC Micro-Hydrating Powder from Celeteque, I was wondering why they created such product that is bulky!  I mean everything's slimmer now --- mobile phones, bags, makeup packaging (except my waistline!)

As I read product description, that's when I understand why this is such a unique product worth trying.

"Céleteque DermoCosmetics CC Micro-Hydrating Powder features an autogrinding technology that gives you an ultra fine and hydrating powder that quickly blends and evens out skin complexion. It controls oil and shine while keeping skin radiant and well-moisturized. It also has SPF 30 to provide double sunscreen protection."

CÉLETEQUE DERMOCOSMETICS CC MICRO-HYDRATING POWDER

Shade: Classic Natural

Php930.00

Cathy Doll Magic Gluta Pact Review

Cathy Doll offers a couple of Powder Pact and one of my favorite is the CC series called Color Correct.

This year, they came up with a newer powder pact called Magic Gluta Powder Pact.  Checking them out online, I noticed this is actually NOT a new product but a repackaged one!  This used to be housed in a cute, girly-type of packaging with a doll printed on top of the compact.  This year, they made it more professional-looking.

Housed in a metallic pink packaging (similar as the Karmart store in Thailand), I like it that this product appears more professional yet still works for those who wanted a younger, cheerful vibe.

Cathy Doll Magic Gluta Pact  Says ---

This powder pact provides naturally radiant skin with the combination of L-Glutathione and Vitamin C Complex and offers great coverage with smooth finish as well as 50 times sun protection.

Max Factor Facefinity Compact Foundation Review

I kinda lose count how many powder foundations I've tried for the past 10 years (since I started Blogging).  

But, I never stop reviewing new ones because I really use them a LOT and I am the type who wanted to try different brands as much as I can --- reason why turning into a Beauty Blogger was easy for me!

Recently, I was able to try Max FactorX Facefinity Compact Foundation.  The last one I tried is the Max Factor Creme Puff Powder which I like but I find using Powder Foundation is my thing for the fact that it gives more coverage.

Here's my take on Facefinity!

Firstly, the packaging is quite huge, slim but huge!  A rectangular shaped compact with soft round edges.  I don't know about you but I don't mind big compacts like this as long as they aren't bulky.

Max Factor Facefinity Compact Foundation Says ---

Protect and moisturise your skin with the convenience of a compact and the smooth coverage of satin finish.

Makeup World Cover|Up Pressed Powder Review

The battle of a good pressed powder or setting powder continuous!  It has always been a fight between users with dry skin or oily skin!  Oily skin individuals of course are looking for ones that set really well and controls oil while we (dry skin represent!)  are looking for setting powders that are non-drying yet makes our skin looks radiant, healthy and glowing!

How difficult it is to find one that works for both skin type?

I think I did, but I just wish they come in more shades!  

The Makeup World Cover|Up Pressed Powder

Php299.00 (approx $6.60)

A long-wearing, buildable and mattifying powder that covers skin imperfections and evens out your skin tone.

I Perfected My Strobing Skills with NYX

I highlight and contour subtly on a daily basis, that's how I make my skin looks more healthy and radiant because I have naturally sallow (a.k.a. boring) skin.  I have roadtested so many contour and highlight products I knew which particular ones would give me the very natural and subtle effect while other products/brands can give me more drama.

But I wasn't ready for this particular "strobing" technique that I got after using the palette from NYX called NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette.  All I can say is that --- it is indeed a "genius" in the strobing department.

To those who are "used to" my usual "Product review photos", you can definitely see a major change in this!  

For goodness' sake, I don't even have any eye makeup on in this particular photo (only brows), but I love the way my skin looks, so healthy, so glowing, so 3D!

NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette

Php1,230.00

"Introducing the Strobe of Genius Palette, our incredible new collection of must have illuminators designed to give you everything needed to achieve today’s most buzzed about highlighting trend: Strobing. This breakthrough palette features seven velvety-smooth shades that will enhance your features with serious levels of illumination. The best part? Mastering the look is easy—all you need is a little extra natural light."

Of course, to complete the look, I added 2 NYX products, the NYX #No Filter Finishing Powder and NYX Two Timer Kohl Pencil Liner and Felt Tip Liner.

My Lunasol Look

Who says we must look good only on Valentine's Day?
I choose to look good Everyday, because looking good means respecting other people, showing them you take time to make yourself look presentable for them,  that time spent, aside from making yourself feel good, makes the other person feel important too.  That's just my opinion #WagNiyoAkongAwayin :P

Because for me, February is especially SPECIAL (Valentines Day and Birthday), I enjoyed creating simple looks using ONE brand!  Inspired by my new makeup from Lunasol, I am inspired to create a simple, clean and very "Nikki" look.

Yes, that's me!  Pati Posing! :P

I have shared my love for Lunasol brand years and years ago!  And thankfully, the brand is available locally because I dislike shopping for makeup online knowing I can easily find brands/products I want to review or use locally today.  

Don't you just love the sleek, copper-like packaging?  I smile (seriously smile) each time I reach out for Lunasol Makeup.

L'Oreal Infallible #NeverFail Challenge + GIVEAWAY!

AskMeWhats is here ....really, to help you challenge certain makeup products (ALL if possible!) because I know how it feels to spend your hard-earned money to something worthwhile or useless!  (been there, done that!)  

When I was asked by L'Oreal Philippines to challenge their Infallible makeup line, as busy as I am and as much as I have so many products lined up to test, I knew I can't drop this opportunity!  I love a good challenge and I can't help but felt the confidence of L'Oreal with their Infallible Line!  

The L'Oreal Infallible makeup isn't new to me, I've tested their 16-HR Pro Matte Powder and Pro-Spray and Set and adding up to the collection are their newest Long Wear Foundation and Lipsticks, I knew I had to try them out all together and see if the power of 3 is definitely better than ONE!

  

Please read until end of this blog post as ONE LUCKY AMW READER will get to win this complete set!

Cathy Doll Geisha Niigata Malt Powder Review

Seeing the word "GEISHA" on a powder pact scared the MUA in me.  I was seriously thinking, will I look extremely white wearing this?  Should I even test this out?

Of course I did!  The packaging won me over, and....

The tiny white dots that came with the powder that I felt would set this product apart from other powder pacts out there!

Geisha Niigata Malt Powder Pact

Available in 2 shades: Light Beige and Natural Beige
12g for Php599.00

"Cathy Doll Geisha Niigata Malt Powder Pact adapted traditional folk heritage and made malt pressed powder from fine blended rice barley from Niigata, Japan. High concentrations of malt extract contain rich nutrients and anti-oxidants to reduce aging genesis. It also delivers a smooth and natural finish to make up, reduces wrinkles and minimizes pore."

L'Oreal Infallible 16HR Pro-Matte Powder Review

By now, everyone should know the difference between a regular Powder and a Powder Foundation.  Powder foundation usually gives coverage and dual powder foundation can actually be used Wet/Dry.  As for powder or setting powders or finishing powders, they are there to "set" your makeup without much coverage!  This is a perfect "retouch" powder that I highly recommend for all my clients so as not to "move" their makeup or change the shade of their base makeup!  

And what makes it even more wonderful is when companies are creating additional benefits for setting powders, just like L'Oreal Infallible Powder, this product does not only "set" your makeup, it is set to control oil and gives out a matte finish up to 16 hours.

L'Oreal Infallible 16HR Pro-Matte Powder Says ---
Absorbs excess oil and reduces shine on the skin’s surface for up to 16 hours. The lightweight pressed powder can be used alone, to set foundation after application, and/or throughout the day for quick touch-ups.

Up to 16hr shine-defying power. Creates the perfect matte finish. The pro look of long-wear.

Available in 6 shades

My #MaryKayBeautyOnTheGo Looks

As a busy individual (Note: I'm not talking about just being a busy mom so this tutorial is for EVERYONE!)  I know on most days, I only have less than 5 minutes to do my makeup so if you can see my photo collage below, you can see the key products I use.. can you spot them?

Brows - check!

Eyeliner - check!

Mascara - check!

and various lipstick shades --- Check! Check! Check!

That's why when I was challenged by Mary Kay Philippines to create my own version of #MaryKayBeautyOnTheGo looks using these....

...it doesn't feel like a challenge at all, because this is how I usually wear my makeup!

To start with, I usually spot conceal areas around my face that needed coverage, that's the undereye area and red spots on the sides of my nose.

I like to use a lightweight press powder and for this tutorial, I used Mary Kay On-The-Go Mineral Pressed Powder in Ivory 2 (Php699.00).  There isn't much coverage on this but it sets my concealer pretty well and I like the fact that this is mineral-based so it's safe even around kids.