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.

Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Mood and Eccentric

 

How does one show their mood without speaking?
Through makeup of course!  But the most obvious mood maker would be lipstick --- and easiest!  

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink until this very moment, for me, is still the QUEEN of  Long-wearing Lipstick!  They have released so many collaborations after my first review but I personally think they are all the same --- change of packaging, same shades and formulation.

Maybelline X Coffee Edition

Maybelline X Pinks Edition

Maybelline X Marvel Edition

I have seen a couple more collabs that I didn't get my hands on but like I said, it wasn't that of a choice for me since my lips are extremely dry and those types of formulations just won't work for me.

Recently, Maybelline came up with their SuperStay VINYL Lipsticks and I think these works better for me.  NOT THE BEST but way better than SuperStay Mattes.

I got my hands on 2 shades.

Mood and Eccentric

These lipsticks are said to be budge-proof, comfortable-feel, high shine and lasts up to 16 hours.  I don't know about 16 hours *Spoiler Alert* as I didn't get to try them this long but max for me was around 6-8 hours so keep that in mind in my review up next.

KISSME Heroine Make Prime Liquid Eyeliner Rich Keep Black versus Brown Eyeliner

 

Would you believe my first Kiss Me Heroine Make liquid liner was reviewed year 2015?

Fast forward to almost a decade later.  Beautybox Corp.  - the distributor of our favorite K-Palette liners also distributes Kiss Me Heroine Make liners locally —- yay!  No need to hoard these abroad as the local price is quite competitive.

KISSME Heroine Make Prime Liquid Eyeliner Rich Keep (Php795.00).  

Available online via LAZADA

01 Jet Black vs. 02 Brown Black

Product info taken via Lazada —-

AMW says—-

I seriously love both shades but for daily, I have always been a fan of Black Brown liners but in the past, Black Browns aren’t as nice as recent ones!  Brown seems to look washed out or too light especially for someone who really enjoy dark liners!  

Thankfully, the recent years shows better shade choices especially from Japanese Make Up Brands.  I lvoe how Black Brown liners look like black but in a more natural manner.  I can et away using just plain liquid liner witout much make up on without looking like I have very strong eye feature!

If you can’t imagine how both shades look like when applied, I will definitely give you a visual comparison and you can easily see why I am in love with both shades.

Left facing you 02 Brown Black and Right facing you is 01 Black Brown

After looking at the comparison photo above, which shade do you prefer?

I still pick on my black liner for straonger makeup looks or when I have full face makeup on with lashes for special occasions!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

A quick tip on How to keep your liquid liner sharper looking!  Watch this video to make liquid liner application a bit easier!  Practice is key!

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Elizabeth Arden Eye care Review

 

When I finished my Helix-D Eye Serum , I was a bit at a lot for a moment as I don't know which eye product I would use next.  Will it be better than Helix-D?  Will it work just as good?  As much as I'd love to stick on repurchasing Helix D, I am a Beauty Product reviewer and I need to test out products out in the market for YOU guys and for MYSELF --- I just want to try new products!  *lol*

Not that I am using you guys as an excuse but this is a job I gave to myself even without YOU hiring me!  I am very hardworking like that *winks*

Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules

 Daily Youth Restoring Eye Serum

Php3,910.00

Available at LAZMALL

A lot of action from a little twist.

NEW Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Eye Serum visibly firms and reduces the look of crow’s feet and puffiness1 for eyes that look younger and brighter.

AMW says ---

• Easy to bring for travel - no spillage.
• Easy twist top making it easy to get the right amount of "serum" for both eyes every single time.
• Hydrates eye in an instant.
• Crows feet visibly reduced (as I have dry undereye area)
• Concealer appears better whenever I use this.
• A bit greasy at first application, it sits for a couple of minutes before it gets completely absorbed.
• This product appears to work more on the hydration area rather than reduction of eye puffiness and undereye circles.  I felt the Cream needs to work hand in hand with this serum.  

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!

Cathy Kathy Hand and Foot Masques Review

 

Cathy Kathy goes beyond scented candles and gel polishes.

They recently launched their Hand Masque and Foot Masque and I was so happy to try these out!  

What I love about these products are the easily-tear tips for both hand and foot masques making it easy for me to move around and do my usual tasks without feeling helpless.

In every pack, you get clear instructions like so.

I love that both masques are non-sticky.  You get ample amount of products to spread all over your hands, arms and even body!  

Watch how I can easily use these without even following instructions.  After testing both out, I ended up purchasing more and use these once or twice a week depending on how busy my schedule is.

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Overall, a BIG THUMBS UP!!!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Barenbliss Korean Bloom Matte Full Bloom Long Lasting Tint

 

The first time I tried Velvet lip tints are from Korean brands that are quite pricey —- CLIO, PERI PERA, etc….

I recently chanced upon the brand BarenBliss which has been making waves not only on Beauty Blogs but in the Tiktok and IG world!  I was hesitant to try these because of the inexpensive price range —- I have very sensitive and dry lips, it’s not that I do not trust drugstore brand, it is just be being careful not to have Angelina-JOLIPS again after some allergic reactions!

Back to the story, I got to the Barenbliss Korean Bloom Matte Full Bloom Transfer Proof Long Lasting Tints  - such a mouthful!  But I usually go for Velvet lip products insitead of matte ones because of the extreme dryness.  

Spoiler alert!  It did not further dry  my lips and the products are extremely nice and let us also stop and just appreciate the colors!

I tried 2 shades - 01 Fresh Dawn and 06 Sassy Season

Php399.00 (Now on Sale at Lazada for Php274.00)

BUY HERE

01 Fresh Dawn

Fresh dawn is a cool tone peach brown shade.  It works even for me who have extremely warm complexion.  I just have to apply blush to keep my whole face alive!  

The Body Shop Edelweiss Daily Serum Concentrate and Eye Concentrate Review

 

I first got The Body Shop Edelweiss Serum Concentrate for both skin and eye as a gift and I tried the Eye serum first and went on explring the rest of the line.  

The Body Shop Edelweiss Eye Concentrate 

Php1,795.00

This light, non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula also forms an invisible layer over your skin to help protect it from indoor and outdoor pollution (perfect for all you city types), which can lead to dehydration, dullness and premature skin ageing.

After using this for more than 2 months, I noticed my undereye area to be less dry even without using eye cream prior to concealer application.  The product is lightweight and gets easily absorbed under the eye area making it a nice base even before applying makeup!  Since this is a serum, it is best to follow up with your favorite eye cream for better result!  

The Body Shop Daily Serum Concentrate

Php2,795.00

This light, non-sticky, fast-absorbing formula also forms an invisible layer over your skin to help protect it from indoor and outdoor pollution (perfect for all you city types), which can lead to dehydration, dullness and premature skin ageing.

I used the Daily Serum Concentrate on day time and and follow up with my favorite Tea Tree stick. This product is perfect for hot and humid weather because it gets absorbed into skin in no time and does not leave a sticky-feel.  

Both products are best for all skin types and even sensitive skin.  I am also happy to announce both bottles are made from recyclable materials so we are keeping our skin gorgeous as we save our environment!

Have you tried any of The Body Shop skincare line?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

SilkyGirl Hi-Definition Brow Liner Review

 

Brow liner pencils are something I really work with because it is perfect for daily and easiest to use.  

But how good should a brow liner pencil be in my humble opinon?

It must come with various shades to choose from, it must have powdery and natural finish and it SHOULD stay until make up removal!

I recently tried SilkyGirl’s newest shades of Hi-Definition Brow Liners, they have 3 in the past and released 3 new ones.  

Top To bottom: 03 Ash Brown , 04 Natural Brown and 05 Soft Gray

Tried Ash Brown on left side brow facing you against the right one that was unfilled.  Can you see the difference?

Lipstick Fave for the Week: MAC’s Mull It Over

 

I used to post Lipsticks and Lipstick swatches every MONDAY.

Don’t ask me, I am not being OC but I like having  schedules and I seriously missed it.  Not that I am putting back Lipstick Monday but I will try to put out lipsticks recommendation as much as I can including of course - a review!  You all know I have dry lips since year 2008 when I started this blog and it still remains the same!  

MAC Powder Kiss Velvet 

Shade: Mull It Over

Php1,600

Available HERE

Today, I will feature an old shade in new format - new format for me because I never wrote about MAC’s Powder Kiss Velvet Lipsticks.  I’ve seen them around my Instagram pages where people use and talk about it but I never tried this particular lipstick yet.  

Mull It Over is described as dirty peach online but for me, this is a light coral peach shade with a hint of warmth rosy color that works for yellow undertone.  I can selcome find a peach lipsticks that work for me because most of them falls on the cool tone category - not this one.  Mull it Over is unique because it has a hint of warmthness.

Lululun Cleansing Balm Review

I have reviewed a couple of makeup cleansing balms in the past and they are all good.  They work well and they do remove makeup!  But none of them really struck a chord until I tried Lululun Cleansing Balm!  

I started to know about the brand through their face masks, I've tried them year 2017 and ended up buying a lot for my Balikbayan Aunts and they love it so much and asked me to purchase more to be sent to them in Canada through a relative.

So that is established, their face masks are good.  But how in the world does a face mask brand (without make up products) can create make up removers so good I literally can't stop blabbing about them?

Their cleansing balms come in 2 variants -

Lululun Rich Moist and Lululun Clear Black
Php950.00
Available HERE

I obviously went for the Rich Moist variant because I have normal/dry skin.  Each box comes with a cleansing balm with flip top cap --- which is smart by the way!  and it also comes with a spatula!  I seldom use the spatula and I tend to just use the back of my fingernail and grab a dime size because I am lazy like that :P  Please do not follow me.  

1 dime size is honestly enough for my eye makeup (because I don't wear a lot!) and the rest of my face.  

According to product description, Lululun Cleansing Balm Rich Moist can remove make up, dirt and oil and melts all traces of it.  Improves dull and rough skin by gently removing dead skin cells for that silky smooth finish.

When they used the term "MELTS" - I couldn't agree more.  This is one of those few balms that literally melts on skin LIKE BUTTER!  And best of all, it does not hurt my eyes and blur my vision.  It was just a dream to use so I have been using this every since I got these.

I do not plan to use this other variant as I already shared this to my sister who has oily skin.  

K-Palette Reformulated Review

 

Hi Everyone!
By this day and age, you've probably mastered your perfect brows!  If you still haven't, don't worry!  No Pressure!  I am here to share some more brow products that can make your brow game stronger!

2-Way Eyebrow Liquid

Php895.00
Available LAZADA

Unique 2-way design. Eyebrow powder to create natural eyebrow shape, eyebrow liquid to sharpen the tail. 24 hours waterproof, sweat-proof, sebum-proof, 4 shades available.

I got shade 02 Natural brown and 04 Dark Greige for review!

Top: 02 Natural Brown Pencil and Liquid 

Bottom: 04 Dark Greige Pencil and Liquid

Top: 02 Natural Brown powder

Bottom: 04 Dark Greige powder

For you to better understand how this works or look, I've worn K-Palette reformulated 2-Way Eyebrow Liquid in Shade 02 Natural Brown on my left brow facing you (where I am pointing).  Now you can see how it looked with the pencil + liner combo.

This side is shade 04 Dark Greige with Pencil + Liner.  Now you can see how brown and greige would look against my skin.  Which one is your pick?

BOHKTOH Perfect lash curler review

I felt like I am biased to 2 curler brands - Shiseido and Shu Uemura.  

These 2 brands have been compared side by side on Vlogs and Blogs.  Those were the days of constant product comparison (or versus mode!)  Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of those today right?  I see a lot of "dupes" or downplaying another brand by talking a certain brand. 

UGH.  

But let's get back to my purpose of this post!  LOL  I get older and tend to get distracted easily.

Though I am biased with 2 brands, I love ONE brand and ONLY ONE Brand --- SHISEIDO.  I hail it my MOST favorite eyelash curler year 2015 and 7 years after, I still felt the same!

After so many years of trying various brands from both local and international, one brand finally stepped up!  I mean not SHISEIDO LEVEL but for the price, it wasn't bad!

Bohk Toh Perfect Lash Curler
Php400.00
Available HERE or HERE

AMW says ---

• Inexpensive
• Comes with extra pad.
• The curler itself has a "pad holder", you won't lose it anymore like I always do.
• Same weight as expensive curlers.
• Does not pinch my eyelid.
• Does curl lashes properly but missed a few on both edges. (My lashes are extremely short so this is normal!)

I still love my Shiseido curler as it curls 95% of my lashes.  Bohk Toh on the other hand can curl 80% of my lashes which is great enough!  If you are looking for inexpensive lash curler that works, you may want to check this out!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

  

Gloww-ing skin? I Got You!

 

Year 2011, I've done a contest giving away GLOWW.

Imagine, it has been more than 11 years and I am back writing about this brand once again.  A brand that has been around for many years.  And I do not mind writing about this once again as I am a true believer of nourishing your skin from the inside.

Gloww Collagen is a food supplement powder to help improve skin elasticity, smoothness and moisturization to achieve youthful, beautiful and healthy skin.

Before raising an eyebrow on me regarding talks of Collagen powder intake, I can back you up with some benefits of taking such with my personal experience.  To some, they see NO results in taking collagen powder, they call it a waste of money.  But for me, I have been taking Collagen powder religiously since the start of pandemic and I can see results - even my friends say so!

This is my skin today, with just powder as base makeup - I am proud of my 43 year old skin.

Collagen is a type of protein that is found in our bones and skin.  They support many tissues from bones, cartilage to skin, hair, eyes and even our digestive system.  I for one was iffy in taking anything "Extra" aside from my multivitamins.  For someone who works as a researcher, it is normal for me to be doubtful and I always make myself feel better and more confident with constant research.

Based from research, I've found nothing but benefits of taking collagen supplements for both health and skin.

Why do we need to take collagen supplements when collagen are readily available in the food we intake?

I would say, these are not enough.  With added the sun exposure, stress that I encounter on a daily basis.  Those can easily decrease the amount of collagen needed by our body.  And before we go whining on not seeing results (I hear ya!  I am an impatient gal myself!)  Most results vary and can be seen around 8-15 weeks time or even more depending on your body.

As for me, I've started to see results as early as 2 months (8 weeks time).

So now, you've got the lowdown on Collagen, let me talk about my experience drinking GLOWW Collagen.  

"Gloww collagen has 2,500mg pure and potent Verisol collagen made in Germany. It’s especially formulated to be easily absorbed by the skin, resulting into a more youthful skin after 8 weeks of continued use. "