Happy New Year Lips

 

I haven't been Blogging as I went offgrid when my son's school break started and I also started my own mini break watching and catching up on K-dramas and movies.

Who watched Squid Games 2?  I did and I am obsessed!  I can't wait for season 3.

It has been a week since the start of 2025.  I already did a BOOBOO, did you know that I woke up super early today and sent my son to school wondering why the school is so quiet?  Too quiet it turned out school starts tomorrow!  It was funny but I want to punch myself back to sleep!  Too late, so here I am using up this extra hours to blog and update you guys because I miss you all!

As always, RED is an auspicious color so I am wearing a red that works for me, this time with MAC.

💋MAC Studio Fix Powder NC25
💋MAC Fix+ Matte
💋MAC A Little Tamed Powder Matte Liquid Lipcolor
💋MAC E For Effortless Love Me Lipstick

If you wonder why I added a Fix+, it is not just for my face but also to "set" my red lipstick!  I use this trick to prevent the red color to transfer on my teeth and skin.

If you are not comfortable with Ruby Woo, you may give  MAC E For Effortless Love Me Lipstick especially if you have dry lips like I do.  Under the Love Me Lipstick line --- these are all-new argan oil-inflused formula that gives moisture all-day and gives off a weightless feel and satin-soft finish.

True enough, I find this line to be my favorite and I can't wait to get more shades!  Look how luscious and soft my lips look and girl I tell you, if you are a long-time AskMeWhats reader, you know how dry my lips could get!

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 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!

  

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

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.

Silkygirl Lipstick for Dry Lips

 

You have dry lips?
YES? YES? YES?

Follow me!

I probably have one of the most dehydrated lips as a Beauty Blogger here in the Philippines! :P  For once, I am quite proud of it huh?  :P

That said, I can't seem to enjoy Matte Lipsticks like most Beauty Reviewers.  They can show close up gorgeous lips while I can't - you'll just see a SEA OF CRACKS :P  So anyhoo, I am sharing lipsticks that I am proud to wear daily!

So anyways, SilkyGirl is a drugstore brand that has been making rounds in the Beauty world.  They are inexpensive yet most of their products deliver.  I have always been a fan of their Matte Cushion Foundation, their Eyeliner pencil is an unsung hero - glides on so smoothly and stays!

They have been releasing new products - including fragrances but these 2 lippies caught my attention immediately.

SilkyGirl Moisture Balm Lipcolor
Php275.00
Available at LazMall

AMW wears 01 Raisin

How to Define Your Lips

 

Get Ready with Me with  a defined lips!

I have thick lips and wearing lipstick alone is ok but once you go beyond the blurry lip line, I'd look like Angelina Jolie-LIPS in steroids!

So here's my best way to do the defined lips trend.

HOLD ON!
Before you go crazy applying lip liner, remember this tip!

Apply Lipliner on FULLY DRY LIPS - meaning, no need to prepare your lips with lipbalm or lip moisturizer.  The lipliner will slide off easily!  What if your lips are dry???  

WELL, I am the right person to answer this problem because DRY LIPS = ME!

HYDRATE your lips with a non-wax lip balm AFTER lipliner and lipstick application.  You only need to dab the product at the center of your lips to hydrate your lips but preventing it from making lipstick pigment slide off!

Another tip?  You do not need to buy a pair of similar shade LIP LINER and Lipstick!  Close enough shade is goo but feel free to mix and match!  Be creative!

And lastly, watch this quick reel to see how I did this look!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

Products:
@lorealparis LipLiner
@rarebeauty Lip Souffle available @sephoraph
@googoo_beauty Balm

What's your favorite lip liner brand?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

  

BYS Cosmetics Han So Hee Lip Nectar Review

 

We all know Han So Hee as the irritating Mistress from "The World of Married" but in reality, she is a pretty Hallyu star with great acting skills!  She is effortlessly beautiful (no wonder she got the Mistress role).  Even with the negative characters she played, that doesn't stop brands from getting her as a face because of her unique beauty.

Han So Hee recently collaborated with BYS Cosmetics for their Lip Nectar (Php499.00).  Known as the easy-to-apply liquid lipstick with velvety-soft matte finish, I am impressed not only with the quality but also the shade choices!  They were created in mind for all skin tones.

There are a total of 8 shades in this collection, the shade names are after flowers - Blossom, Cherry, Tulip, Poppy, Rose, Dragonlily, Orchid and Poison Ivy.

After using these randomly on several occasions, here are my thoughts about these Lip Nectars:

• Very nice packaging and applicator.  Applicator is perfect to define lips or create blurred lips.
• Cute transparent tube, making it easy for me to know the shade without reading the shade names.
• No scent or weird taste.
• Does not dry lips.
• No flaky lips.
• Applies smoothly, texture is great!
• Consistency is thin and non-sticky.
• Transfers on face mask but a chunk is still left on lips.  Lasts around 4-5 hours with eating and drinking.  The color fades but still 50% stays.

Y.O.U. Rouge Velvet Matte Lip Cream Review

 

How does it feel to use a lipstick that works so well on your skin tone?

I can answer that with the smile on this photo!

Y.O.U. Beuauty Rouge Velvet Matte Lip Cream

Available HERE

Php329.00 (On Sale now for Php269.00)

I got 3 shades to try and The Rouge Velvet Matte Lip Cream consists of a smooth and lightweight formula that leaves lips feeling comfortable and moisturized throughout the day.  I was actually shocked how comfortable this felt considering my current lip condition - very VERY dry.

 Texture is super smooth and pigmentation of the lip cream is highly pigmented.  Check out these swatches, I get this shade in a SINGLE swipe. 

Top to bottom: Naked, Kelly and Latte

Rare Beauty Lip Souffle Matte Lip Creams Review

 

I have read a lot of good reviews about Rare Beauty and I really can’t tell if they got famous just because it was by Selena Gomez.  I mean she is BIG and most cosmetis brands spearheaded by big stars get all the buzz.

It was assumptous of me, but you can’t blame me.  Thankfully, RARE Beauty products are available at Sephora Philippines so I was able to get my hands on them without having to go to the post office - I used to get excited to do so but with the pandemic, I’d rather stay home.

Thankfully, found the bestselling shade of the Lip Souffle Matte Lip Cream in a Duo Kit.  A full size of Courage and sample size of the shade Ambition.  

Known as wearable nude lips that goes with everything, I usually don’t go well with Nude lipsticks made by Western brands but these 2 shades are turning out to be my favorite nude for the year 2022.

Shade: COURAGE

Courage is a gorgeous Nude Mauve that appears like my lips but way better!

SHADE: AMBITION

Maybelline Colorsensational Cushion Matte Lip Tints Swatches and Thoughts

 

Hi AMW Friends!

Happy Friday!

I missed you guys!  I have een super busy with my son’s quizzes and home projects so I only get to update on my social media accounts - shameless plug ahead, follow me on Instagram and Facebook !

So anyways, I recently tried Maybelline newest Colorsensational Cushion Matte Lip Tints and these are amazing!  Maybelline always nailed their lip shades so I don’t even have to comment much on that - they just nail all the shades we want and works for us!  

I remembered talking to their previous Brand Manager and I was told they really take time to do a study on the shades that would work for Filipinas thus these or some of the shades were actually made for the Philippine market.  

All 5 shades are unique and beautiful in their own way, TBH, you don’t need all 5, there are quite a number of similar shades (a.k.a. First 3 and the last 2 is also close )  I said CLOSE, not same.  

The Devil Wears Red

My favorite red of them all!  A true blue tone red that would make my teeth look whiter, I apologize in advance for not smiling with teeth - I forgot! Hahaha but hey, trust my words for it!  It is so beautiful I can wear this alone without much makeup on and people would think I took an effort!

KVD Beauty XO High Shine Lip Gloss Review

 

Kat Von D, I have heard about this brand for the longest time but I never get to try or test them because of international shipping (I stay away from going to postal offices for pick ups!)  

With Sephora online store and delivery straight-to-the-doorstep, I am so happy I get to try KVD Beauty (yes, new name after being sold!)

According to Sephora:

What it is: An ultra-smooth vegan lip gloss that gives lips the perfect kiss of color. 
Formulation Type: Lip Gloss
Ingredient Callouts: Free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan. It is also vegan and cruelty-free.
What Else You Need to Know: This ultra-smooth vegan lip gloss has the same creamy, comfortable, cushiony feel and decadent scent everyone obsesses over. The versatile, not-quite-sheer shades were also created to flatter a wide range of skin tones.

AMW says —

I love the packaging of this lip gloss!  It looks very Kat Von D-ish and I love how unique it looks at my dresser table!  I like the clear packaging where I get to know the shade without opening the tube each time.

It comes with a nice applicator making it easy to define and apply on lips without dragging too much!  KVD Beauty XO High Shine Lip Gloss lives up to the name, it is high shine and my lips look healthy and hydrated. Best of all?  Non-sticky formulation and extremely lightweight.

Does it stay long?  No, it transfers on mugs or cups and it transfer on masks too!  It has a heavy scent which I usually dislike but it goes away after 10-15 minutes.  

The positive thing I like about XO High Shine is how it is high shine yet it is pigmented enough to cover my original lip color!  

AMW Wears Lolita Flora

A nice medium brown shade 

AMW Wears Petunia

A light coral shade

Maybelline x ITZY Supermattes by Colorsensational (Swatches + Review)

 

How in the world I managed to swatch all 10 shades of lipsticks in one go?

Beats me!

I get surprised myself!  But thankfully, it wasn’t hard with the new Maybelline X ITZY Supermattes By Colorsensational.  In swatch made me go OOOHHH and AHHHH.  Maybelline, you never fail to create wonderful shades apt for Filipinas!  I just can’t get enough of these!

The TIU Household has been on a KPOP craze for almost 2 years now and we have been playing non stop music including ITZY songs for their catchy beat!  So it wasn’t a surprise when this girl group that debuted 2019 called ITZY is the newest global spokesmodel!  Members are Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong and Yuna!  They are the first K-pop stars to represent Maybelline and first music group to ever do so!

I am way past KPOP star era but that does not mean I can’t enjoy the benefits of it!  Are you ready for 10 shades from this collection?

Before you say anything, I am sure they have their own names but all I see on my tubes are numbers (I got a PR KIT for this but please note all opinions and reviews are MINE.)

Shade 199

Dear Dahlia Paradise Dream Velvet Lip Mousse Swatches and Review (Bestseller Collection)

 

I lvoe minis and I wish all brands would create such like Dear Dahlia!

The 6 mini Velvet Lip Mousse available in 4 sets (Bestseller Collection, Teddy Bear Collection, Pink Collection and Red Collection).

Straightforward.  Delivers.

I got the 6-piece set of mini Dear Dahlia Paradise Dream Velvet Lip Mousse via Sephora PH website and it was the best decision as I get to feel my favorite shade without spending a lot.  Priced at Php980.00, I got 6 shades to work with and a tube would probably last me more than 15 uses because they are highly opaque and pigmented.

Paradise Dream Velvet Lip Mousse with a unique whipped velvety texture effortlessly glides onto your lips offering a dreamy soft-focus powdery matte finish. The weightless, high-pigment formula continuously wraps your lips with intense color ensuring long-wear without the drying discomfort.

A closer look on all 6 swatches.  The first 3 look almost similar to each other on my pigmented lips but if you have light colored lips, you’ll see the difference of each shade easily.  Kindly check out my photo wearing each shade from top to bottom (from photo above).  I apologize for not being able to name each shade because they are too small for my “aged eyes” LOL

Based from my eyesight, this one is the lightest shade among the 6 and I love this for the natural effect and youthful vibe it exudes.  For the first time, I can wear such shade without much makeup on and look healthy.  

Shade 2 is similar to shade 1 but I can see it is 2 tones darker than the first.  This is perfect for those who prefer nude lipcolor but with medium to darker complexion.  

Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon Rise to the Top is my New Fave

I am very vocal with my admiration on Maybelline as a drugstore brand.  If I would talk to a newly enrolled Nikki at a Make Up School, I’d tell her to go for Maybelline!   You don’t need to spend a lot to practice on your Make Up artistry, you can practice without breaking a bank.

The longest wearing lipstick to date is the Maybelle Super Stay Matte Ink, but honestly speaking, my dry lips can’t wear them for long!  My lips are extremely dry and it cracks for a living *lol*. So as much as I love all the shades they just can’t be worn on a daily basis.

Thankfully, I was able to try the Super Stay Ink Crayon (Php299.00) and I got the prettiest shade under the Summer Spiced Collected called Rise to the Top. 

Don’t you just LOVE the color and finish?

Housed in a twistable “crayon-like” pacakging.  I find this to be very convenient and easy-to-use.  With the sharpened tip, I can wasily line my outer lips creating a more defined line making this a very pretty Lip Shape.  I never appreciated the fullness of my lips until today.

Swatch: Rise to the Top

A gorgeous warm reddish orange color.  This works for almost ALL Filipinas because it can give a nice warm to the overall look without the need for putting on makeup.

Sace Lady Look And Review

 

Hi Everyone!

If you follow me on Instagram (Please do!). I showed a huge unboxing of Sace Lady Cosmetics. I read positive reviews on the high quality product at a low cost and was surprised how beautifully packaged they are! After constant research, I’ve decided to give the a try knowing these have FDA Safety certification.

Here’s the company in detail as seen on their online pages:

SACE LADY insists that "everyone is the unique flower in the world, and being true to yourself is the best ever."

We support everyone to bravely pursue a life attitude by being positive, independent, and happy. Therefore, we design and provide high-quality, cost-effective beauty makeup products to help you to be more attractive and pleasant yourself，having every wonderful day. 

Since the brand wants us to BE YOURSELF, here’s me being myself in terms of testing makeup!  

TADA! 

Showing you HALF FACE Sace Lady Cosmetics.  Not bad for 18 (and more) products that costs less than Php2,000 !

Are you ready to check out step-by-step the makeup items I used to create this look?  

Sace Lady All Matte Blur Primer

Php119.00

This is a silicone-based primer that gives off a smooth and easy-to-apply texture.  Key ingredient - Dimethicone, which gives off a smooth, flawless finish.  It does fill in pores and wrinkles but it does not dry out as quickly so it is very important to apply, pat, and let it sit for a couple of minutes before you apply your foundation.

TIP:  I’d like to do my eye makeup at this stage if I am rushing, but for this particular review, I waited and it took me approximately 5 minutes for product to get fully absorbed into skin.

I am usually not allergic to Dimethicone so I have no issues letting this product stay on my skin for ours!  

Sace Lady Longwear Foundation

Php120.00

Shade: 04 Natural

Available in: Light, Fair, Light Natural, Natural, Medium and Medium Dark

Full Lashes + True Red Lipstick for Hump Day!

 

A good red lipstick can cure any tired look!  

The busieset days for me - Tuesdays and Wednesdays!  Those are the 2 days I felt the most lifeless!  I usually ended up taking a nap because I would feel super drowsy and sleepy by 9pm #trueAuntie 

When I received a welcome 2021 package from Avon Philippines, it was a very nice gesture because they added chocolates from local Chocolate brand Theo & Philo.  It was an instant booster for me.

I immediately tried the Avon Red Supreme Collection lipstick in True Red and their Power Stay Mascara and I was impressed!

Check this out!

With just a few strokes of blush and liner, I look fully made up!

What’s your secret to survive Hump Day?

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A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

For more information, visit @avonph on Instagram.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!