Review/Swatch: Tony Moly Crystal Glam Color Gloss #3

Before I start with my review, I was misinformed by the SA of Tony Moly last time that Tony Moly "flagship" store in SM North Edsa will open this month, June...I saw the "would be" store and it will open in July, not June...oh well...

Tony Moly Crystal Glam Color Gloss #3

This "gloss" is more like a hybrid of a lipgloss and a lipstick. It has a "moisturizing factor" of a lipgloss, but it's less pigmented than lipstick and even a liquid lipstick.

Price: 

P398.00

Smell:

smells like a fruity candy...like Fruitella...do you still know that candy?

Packaging:

sleek and simple

Formula:

quite thick, but surprisingly not sticky on the lips.

Color:

#3 is a light peachy nude color that can neutralize the dark edges of my lips.

Comments:

-- I really like the smell of this gloss. It's not overpowering and it smells like Fruitella which makes me remember my childhood years...ahhh, nostalgia...

-- love the color! (^_^)

-- I don't know if a version of this gloss from The Face Shop one is better than this, but all I can say is that this is still more affordable than The Face Shop's one.

-- It's not drying to the lips, but I'd still suggest to apply lipbalm first, before this because it can emphasize all your lip lines, flakes, dry patches, etc. It will also help in applying the gloss evenly on the lips.

-- It's actually pigmented enough to neutralize the natural color/darkness of my lips.

-- Even though the gloss has a thick consistency, it is not sticky on the lips.

-- But because of the thick consistency of the gloss, it applies streaky! Honestly, the doefoot applicator is kinda useless because it distributes too much product and it does not help in spreading the gloss evenly. The best way to apply this is to put on a little at a time by dotting a bit of product and spreading it evenly using your finger. So, if you don't want to the hassle of applying the gloss with your finger, then this is not for you.

-- With correct application, it really looks natural and makes my lips look plump and healthy.

-- Lasts a bit longer than a lipgloss, so I can say the lasting power is ok.

-- In my opinion, this shade suits almost all skintones...just look at the pictures...since my skin is weird, it changes skintone in different lighting.

Swatch:

Natural light:

This is the unedited version...as you can see, the gloss emphasizes my lip lines.

Natural light:

(Edited version) I only erased my liplines because it looked horrible when it's up close and personal. hehehehe!

 Flourescent light:

I have yellowish skintone here, but the color of the gloss still suits me well.

 W/ flash:

I have a very tanned skintone here. The color looks like a very nude shade on my lips.

The question is, will I purchase more of this?

MAYBE. 

For me, it's just an OK product.

It's just nice to have, not really I would reach for very often.

I might purchase this only when there will be a Sale.

My Adventure During the Etude House 20% off Grand Sale (^_^)

I know, I said I'm not going to show haul posts anymore, but I'm just happy and quite satisfied with my purchases during this 1st day of the grandsale. I stuck to my word that I will not go crazy buying everything I see in the shop. I just picked out the things that I will really use and the colors I still don't have in my collection. I'm quite proud of myself that I really did a "controlled haul". (^_^)

Mr. Panda Eyes bravely accompanied me in the shop (which is not populated with people woohoo! It really pays to be early!) eventhough he feels quite iffy and scared with the PINKNESS of the ambiance...that's why I love him...hahaha! He even asked me, "If the SA always says "welcome princess" to every female that enters this place, would they call me princess too?" hahahaha! yes, I laughed out loud when he asked that with a half scared, half embarrassed look on his face. Don't worry, he survived the whole shopping trip with all his organs still intact...hahaha!

The cashier in the shop who's already familiar with my face, graciously included a free 2NE1 CD (not really a fan, but not a hater either) with my purchase...I was wondering why she gave this to me because as I remember, I have to purchase P3000 worth of  products before I can get the CD. I only purchase way less than P3000...Maybe, they give this to their "suki"? I don't know, but thanks anyway! hehehe! 

Speaking of sales assistant (in their SM North Edsa branch), I really like their attitude towards their customer. In my experience, the sales assistants that are already familiar with me, are actually GENUINELY friendly and they have also observed that I don't like being followed around. They give me enough space to browse, but they are also there if I have any questions about a product. At least one or two of them gives me their honest, but fair opinion about the products that I ask about and I love that kind of attitude, it's very rare to come across that kind of SA. They're the ones who can make me purchase even an expensive product because I feel that they are GENUINE with their opinion. I say, give them a raise!

Before Mr. Panda Eyes and I went outside the shop, we were asked by a pretty lady if she could take a picture of us just for documentation purposes. I think she's going to post the pics in the Etude House FB account or maybe her blog...I don't know, but I politely said no because Mr. Panda Eyes looked like he's about to cry and run at the same time. He really looked so scared. I quite pity him at that time. hahaha!

and besides, I'm not ready for a picture taking session because I'm not "wearing" my best face yet! hahaha! no, just kidding! I just want to stay anonymous as much as I can...hehehe!

FYI: Etude House 20% Off Grand Sale Nationwide (Philippines only)

Yep! you've read it right! Etude House will be having their first ever Grand Sale 20% off on all items in all their branches nationwide starting tomorrow, June 15 to June 21!! One week!!! Woohoo!!

credits to Etude House Philippines (facebook account). I hope they won't mind me copying just for announcement purposes. (^_^)v

Of course I wanted to be one of the first to get the good ones! (^_^) I'm lucky that I've already convinced Mr. Panda Eyes to come with me in my shopping adventure tomorrow! Don't worry, it will be a "controlled haul" for me. I'm not going to buy the whole shop since SOME of their products are more of a miss than a hit for me, but then again, it's a sale and I'm not going to argue with that alluring red tag with a SALE on it...hahaha!

Hope to see some beauty bloggers there...I like to be anonymous so, I'll just observe...hahahaha!

Swatch: Etude House Peach Water Gloss in Plum Water

Finally, I've bought another Peach Water gloss to add in my Peach water gloss collection.

I don't think I'll be buying the "strawberry water" one because it's too light for my skintone...I think I would look dead if I wear that.

Anyway, my opinion about the Etude House Peach Water Glosses are still the same. They are still great lip glosses to have. Not really as pigmented to cover my dark lips, but it still gives my lips a "healthy look" to it.

Want to see my review and swatches of the other peach water glosses, just click here and here.

Here is my last installment (I hope) of the Etude House Peach Water Gloss Collection.

Etude House Peach Water Gloss in Plum Water

Plum water is a pink with a slight purple undertone to it. Purple-y color lipstick or lipgloss usually do not go well with warm, medium skintone, but this still works great with warm, medium skintone like mine.

Price:

It is still P298.00

as you can see, this lipgloss has a shimmer to it like the "watermelon water" . Do not worry, it doesn't feel gritty and it's really not obvious once it's on your lips even if you look at it closely in the mirror.

Swatch:

it looks different on different lightings

the slight purple undertone is more visible under fluorescent light.

Since, my adventure with lipglosses from Etude House was great, I'm planning on purchasing their Lucidarling Fantastic Rouge lipglosses (Long name for a lipgloss...kinda annoying sometimes)...I've heard this line is more pigmented than the Peach water one...What do you think? should I try it or not?

Better Late than Never : Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland Eyeshadow Palette

Now, that Urban Decay already released the Naked palette and the NYC Palette and another 4 more palette that isn't really well known to many, I've decided to re-feature my treasured Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland Palette of mine.

Why now? because I was lazy posting about it, that's why...I've had this since last year as a graduation gift to myself. Yes! I've already bought a luxury makeup item in my stash since last year...very surprising to me since I'm not the type of person to burn my money on luxury items of any kind...

...but, I won't lie...I'm planning on purchasing a NARS blush in the near future...hehehehe!

Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland Eyeshadow Palette

Price:

I bought it online for P4500...I just forgot if this is free shipping or if I have to add shipping fee for this. Currently, I don't know if the price is still the same because I remember that online prices go up or go down depending on the availability of the product. Since this is limited edition, there's a big chance that prices are jacked up on this depending on the online seller you're ordering from.

Piece of advise:

If you know someone (a relative, close friend, etc.) who lives in the states that is DEPENDABLE, you could ask them to buy this for you and just pay them in return. It's way more cheaper that way.

of course, this is the very famous paper play thingy on top of the palette with a big mirror.

Natural light:

(just click all images to enlarge)

w/ flash:

Pros:

- the eyeshadows are very pigmented. Just one light swipe is all you need!

- last a long time on me even without an eye primer. I don't really use an eye primer.

- stays true to the color from the palette when you applied it on your eyelids. It does not oxidize (I have acidic type of skin) to another shade by the end of the day.

- the texture of the eyshadows are AMAZING!

-Everything from the details of the packaging down to the actual product is high quality and well-made.

- I tried the eye primer and it's true that my eyeshadows doesn't crease by the end of the day.

- the eyeliners doesn't budge even on a very hot and humid day. Even if it's not that hot, I'm a very sweaty person, I easily sweat like a pig, but this eyeliner is a real trooper when it comes to being sweat resistant.

Cons:

- not readily available here in the Philippines.

- very expensive.

- some of the eyeshadows (like the "midnight tea party") have chunky glitter on it which is prone to fall outs. I don't like glitters of any kind. 

for a better view of the eyeshadows (you can still click on the images to enlarge)

Swatch:

the eyeliners (black-"zero" and teal-"flipside") are at the bottom.

My favorite out of all the eyeshadows here is

MUCHNESS

it looks like a duo chrome eyeshadow of peachy gold.

Would I be crazy enough to buy another palette from Urban Decay?

Well, I'm already crazy in the first place...hahaha! yes! I will buy another palette that will suit my fancy in the future!

Review: Celeteque Facial Wash and Exfoliating Wash

I'm back again...well, just for the time being since my "hiatus" isn't really over yet. I'm bored with my daily routine right now, so I decided to make a review because I already miss blogging.

After using Celeteque facial wash and exfoliating wash (I'm already finished with this) for a few months, I think it's time to make a review about this.

Celeteque Facial Wash with NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor)

many of us here in the Philippines know that this facial wash is comparable to the Cetaphil facial wash. The only difference is that Celeteque is the more affordable local version of Cetaphil, but in my opinion, this facial wash works a TAD better than Cetaphil (Why? because I used my son's Cetaphil just for comparison)

Formula:

- a bit more runny when kept at room temp. compared to normal facial washes and to Cetaphil, but I usually put my Celeteque facial wash and exfoliating wash in the fridge because I feel like it works better. I'll explain further in the next picture.

As you can see, the directions for use and proper storage of the product ("store below 30C") is indicated in the box (and at the back of the actual tube, so you could throw away the box if you want to.)

Why do I put my Celeteque in the fridge? our usual normal room temp. here in the Philippines will not suffice the indicated temp. storage of at least 30C or less. This instruction is not really compulsory if you don't want to follow it, but I felt that I got to maximize the full potential of the product when I did this. 

the description of what I actually need in a facial wash is already written on the box and on the tube.

Price:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this is P149.00 for a 60ml tube. They have bigger sizes of their products too.

Scent:

- Even if it says that it's "fragrance free" there is still a very faint scent that I can only describe as "soapy"

Pros:

- did not cause breakouts.

- did not made my skin very tight and dry like other facial washes I've used in the past.

- it's more effective in cleansing makeup residues from my face than Cetaphil which did nothing to remove makeup residues from my face.

- very affordable and readily available in almost every drugstore and Watsons.

- a little goes a long way. This 60ml lasted me for more than 6 months of washing my face every night and sometime at daytime (I use a soap from the derma at daytime), everyday.

- still gives you just a tiny bit of "foaming action". This is a good thing for a paranoid like me who is already used to facial washes that foams.

Cons:

- If you're not used to this, you may find yourself rinsing your face over and over again because it kinda leaves a slippery feel on the skin. Do not panick though. Once you've dried your face, your face will not feel slippery, but it will look and feel clean.

the ingredients. This is the only thing not written on the tube. Almost the same ingredients as Cetaphil.

It also indicates the expiry date of the product. A very important information to give to consumers.

Celeteque Gentle Exfoliating Wash with Dual Vitamin Nourishing Beads

I will not review this as thoroughly as the facial wash because this is actually just the same as the Celeteque facial wash. The only difference with this is that it has beads for exfoliating.

the description is almost the same as the facial wash except for the exfoliating beads thingy.

ingredients also the same, but with beads.

description, the same

the directions and the storage temp. is the same

Price:

I don't think this has the same price as the facial wash, but the price range of this exfoliating wash in 60ml is not that far from the price range of the facial wash. I believe this is still under P200 price range.

Formula and Scent:

still the same with the facial wash.

Pros:

did not cause breakouts.

- did not made my skin very tight and dry like other facial washes I've used in the past.

- it's more effective in cleansing makeup residues from my face than Cetaphil which did nothing to remove makeup residues from my face.

- very affordable and readily available in almost every drugstore and Watsons.

- a little goes a long way. This 60ml lasted me for more than 6 months of washing my face every night and sometime at daytime (I use a soap from the derma at daytime), everyday.

- still gives you just a tiny bit of "foaming action". This is a good thing for a paranoid like me who is already used to facial washes that foams.

Cons:

- the beads are too sparse for my liking, hence it isn't really that useful for exfoliating. Unless, your have a really, really, really sensitive skin. More sensitive than mine, then maybe this is for you.

PIECE OF ADVISE:

- if your going to purchase the facial wash and the exfoliating wash, just purchase the facial wash and buy a  muzlin cloth or an exfoliating rubber pad like this (refer to the picture below)

(should I make a review about this? by the way, this works amazingly on my skin!)