Sigma Haul!

My Sigma Makeup order arrived yesterday!

I didn't ordered much...

I just ordered a travel kit, since there will be lots of traveling for me for the next month or so...

So here's my haul!

(BTW Sorry for the crappy pictures don't know why the images looked washed out.)

Sigma threw in a couple of freebies along with my order...

Free travel size SS217

Free Indian girl eye shadow

Free travel SS190

Nice in Pink Travel Set!

I'll definitely do a review once I test these out.

My small Sephora order just arrived earlier.

I'll just show it to you guys sometime this week.

What came in the mail today?!

Here's what came in today...

Yes, it's the Coastal Scent's Undercover High Definition Foundation!

I also got my 2 kabuki on a stick and 1 italian badger buffer brush!

I'm loving the brushes!

For now, all I can say is that I love my kabuki on a stick better than my MAC 109.

The italian badger buffer brush is love! But I'm going to test these out for sometime before I give a proper review, so watch out!

Now, I'm only waiting for one more HD foundation to arrive for me to complete my HD foundation comparisons/reviews!

BTW the Coastal Scents HD Foundation is 15% off today until Sunday!

You might want to take advantage of the deal!

Product Review: Maybelline ColorSensational Moisture Extreme Lipcolor (Asia Exclusive)

This is a review of the Maybelline ColorSensational Moisture Extreme Lipcolor (CMEL).

This particular line of lipsticks is Asia exclusive.

I was very eager to try this lipstick when I first read about it in Maybelline Philippines Facebook page. 

People said that the formula is the same with the ColorSensational (CS) line in Europe and US, but I hate to break it to you beauties, the formula isn't the same.

I personally think that this is a completely different lipstick line than the one in US and Europe.

The most noticeable difference is the packaging. The CS line has a luxe Dior-esque packaging, but the CSMEL line has a similar packaging as the Moisture Extreme Lipsticks in the US and Europe. I first assumed that the CSMEL line is sort of a combination of the CS line and the Moisture Extreme line, due to to the name (ColorSensational Moisture Extreme Lipcolor) and the packaging.

The ColorSensational line in the US and Europe has a creamy, a bit rich formula but after a while of wear, the lipstick tends to dry the lips up. However, the Asia Exclusive line is not at all creamy but super moisturizing and doesn't dry out the lips. I think the formula is similar to the Moisture Extreme rather than to the ColorSensational. The only reason, I think, why ColorSensational was tagged into this range was because of the number of color selections and how the colors were divided into their color family. 

The formula also reminded of the Water Pure Shine (WPS) lipsticks, also Asia Exclusive. The only difference about this and the WPS is the pigmentation. The CSMEL is definitely much more pigmented than the WPS but the pigment of the lips can still show.

Comparing to MAC lipstick formulas, the CS feels amplified creme, cremesheen and frost, while the CSMEL is like the glaze, lustre, and slimshine formula, though the CSMEL is much more pigmented.

The CSMEL is like a mixture of gloss and lipstick, very much like the Slimshine but much more hard.

One more thing to note, the color range in the CSMEL is completely different from the CS line. People say that it's custom made for Asian skin. I personally like the color range in the CS line than in the CSMEL.

Another thing I like in CSMEL is that it doesn't have a chemically scent nor does the scent turn rancid quickly like the CS.

I also noticed that the pigmentation varies on the shades, I find that the darker shades are more pigmented than the lighter shades.

This lipstick transfers quite easily, and not that long lasting. It's just slightly more longwearing than a typical lipgloss.

The CSMEL is P299 (about $6) a pop, quite affordable for the quality.

I got three shades:

Cosy Tangerine, Summer Sunset, and Pink Bloom.

L to R: Cosy Tangerine, Summer Sunset, Pink Bloom.

Cosy Tangerine is a bright pinkish coral.

Summer Sunset is a true red (I like this red, really suits my skintone).

Pink Bloom is a frosty bright pink.

All shades has a bit of a glossy/shiny finish.

Verdict:

6/10

I would really like it if the packaging was similar to the CS. I'd rather pay a little bit more for a better packaging, since the CSMEL's packaging is a bit flimsy and not that appealing to look at.

While the formula and feel are quite nice for a drugstore lipstick, the color range is a bit blah.. IT doesn't appeal much to me and the shades are a bit redundant, since most of the shades are almost the same with the WPS shades. Plus the wear of this lipstick not great.

I might repurchase again if they launch new colors, but as of now, I don't think I'll repurchase.

Review: Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer / UPDATE

Hello, beauties!

Before I proceed to the review, I just want to remind everyone to join my giveaway sponsored by SkinMD Naturals!

I'm sorry I haven't blogged in awhile, since I was really busy with field work, thesis, and all that jazz... And lately, my family is going through a tough time, because my grand father had a heart attack and he's now in the ICU and he's still not conscious for several days... Please pray for my grand father's recovery...

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This a review of the Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer.

You might remember from my last haul that I bought a Laura Mercier flawless face kit, and it contains a Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (Original Formula), and you might wonder why I still bought the oil free version...

Well, first of all the original formula while it did gives a sheer coverage that diminish the look of blemishes a bit, it is still not enough to neutralize the redness in my cheeks. The original formula tends to make my skin more oily through out the day, and I find that it slides off specially in humid conditions. Even with that, I would definitely still recommend it to drier skin types, since it's lightweight, have a decent sheer coverage for a tinted moisturizer, and though it's not oil free it didn't broke out.

After researching online, I found some reviews about the oil free version. People say that it gives a bit more coverage than the original version, and yes, I do agree on that! The original formula gives a sheer, light coverage, while this one gives a light-medium coverage. I really like that it's as lightweight as the original formula even with the added coverage. 

I also love the fact that it also adds moisture to the skin to a certain extent. I find that many tinted moisturizer doesn't add moisture, but is just like a really sheered out liquid foundation. My skin seems to really like it too, since I haven't broke out.

 I find that the oil free formula didn't do much in the oil control department. It didn't made me oilier, but it didn't control my oiliness either.

The oil free formula gives a REAL dewy finish like the original version, meaning the dewiness is due to the formula not because there were fine shimmer added in like other tinted moisturizers have...

I also notice that this is much more long wearing than that of the original formula. But maybe it's just because I'm oily skinned, and oil free formulas definitely last longer in my type of skin.

I must note that, both the oil free and original formulas are best applied using fingers, synthetic paddle foundation brush (like MAC 190), and flat top synthetic brush. If you use your natural brushes, the brush will most likely just eat up the product. I tried using the MAC 109 and 187, but I noticed, it didn't spread the product evenly. I personally like applying it with my paddle foundation brush and ELF Studio Powder Brush, since I really don't like staining my hands with foundation. But basically, it really depends on what tools you prefer.

I also like that it's in a squeeze tube, so you can really get all the product out and it's hygienic!

I bought this for P1850 (about $37) at Rustan's, and I think it's pricey for a tinted moisturizer, but it's the best I've tried...

Verdict:

I really like the LM Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer!

But because of it's price, and no oil control properties...

7/10

I would repurchase this if I do run out, but I'll still be in a search for a cheaper alternative...

I want try the CoverGirl and Olay soon and see if it may be dupes....

Tips:

For a longer wear, set it with powder.

I personally love using the Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder, because it still retains the dewiness.

I also suggest letting it sink in for atleast 2 minutes before setting it with powder, because if the face is too damp/moist, the tendency is the powder will look cakey and it will emphasize pores and fine lines...

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BTW I ordered from Sigma Makeup, and Coastal Scents, including the HD Foundation and some brushes... I'll show you what I ordered once it arrives and expect a review!

BTW do you want tutorials, EOTD's, to see my nail polish/makeup collection or do you want me to review something?

Just comment below and I'll try my best to fulfill your requests!

SkinMD Natural Shielding Lotion GIVEAWAY!

I'm really thankful for being chosen by SkinMD Natural to try out their Shielding Lotion.

The SkinMD Natural Shielding Lotion is definitely a skin-saver.

With just a few weeks of use, my skin is definitely on it's top condition!

No more peeling, flaking, and cracking skin!

Plus get that moisture without the greasy feel!

I'm also thankful that one of my reader will have an opportunity to test out this amazing product without paying anything! Thanks SkinMD Naturals!

The rules are simple:

1. Be a follower

2. Post this giveaway in your blog

3. Visit http://www.skinmdnatural.com

4. Comment on this post one thing you learned about the shielding lotion

Giveaway ends Feb. 2, 2010!

OPEN WORLDWIDE!