Special Descendants of the Sun Beauty Edition

Hey yow! I know we are all looking forward into the airing of Descendants of the Sun in GMA 7. And with the DOTS fever still with me look at what I've found in Althea.

Descendants of the Sun Limited Edition

Black Block
A charcoal deep cleansing bare caring pores and sebum.
P350
Type: All skin type
Size: 100g

Mamie Blue Pack,
Peppermint flavored pack, soothing, cooling and controlling sebum.
P620
Type: All skin type
Size: 130g

Black Block + Mamie Blue Pack
P950
Type: All skin type
Size: 100g/130g

I was surprised that they have such beauty items for Descendants of the Sun! I am not sure if you can call it official merchandise but it sure is adorable! The mini characters is very cute, I think

Shop with ALTHEA Philippines now!

Receive an additional ₱50 discount + ₱150 new sign up credits when purchasing our coupon: kittychien

*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated 

Review: Ultimate Fix Compact Foundation in Ivory

I bought this because I had a good experience with Cover Girl Cream Foundation. In search for an affordable version I bought Ultimate Fix Compact Foundation. The lightest shade is ivory and I chose it because I am acidic and foundation oxidizes on me if its dark.

This will mostly be text, as this is a draft way back. This is ready for sharing, but not published. The pictures meant for this post was stolen along with my old mobile phone last year.

Ultimate Fix Compact Foundation in Ivory Review

What is it?

Cream foundation that is supposed to act as a 3-in 1 product. It's foundation, concealer and powder in one.

Lightweight solid to liquid formulation which provides the coverage of a liquid foundation with a powder finish. Creates the perfect base in one easy application. SPF15.

It contains oxybenzone
[An active chemical sunscreen ingredient]

Ultimate Fix Compact Foundation in Ivory

How to use it:

1. After selecting your shade, prepare skin by thoroughly cleansing and follow with a moisturizer to prep the skin

2. Using the sponge applicator sweep the product over your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin

3. Blend together with a clean foundation brush ensuring to blend lightly into the hairline and neck for a natural finish

4. Build coverage as desired

Ingredients:
Talc, Mica, Magnesium Stearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Hytdrogemated Polycyclopentadiene, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, CI77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77007, CI 77891

Packaging
Round plastic see through packaging wherein you can see the foundation inside. It also comes with a mirror and sponge. I actually broke my compact when it fell off once from my bag, it should be handled with care.

Experience
Experience british invasion by Collection! 
This product from UK and it has been with me for a while. I apply this using the provided sponge. The finish is matte but dewy, its a little sticky so I need to set it with loose powder. It feels heavy given that its cream foundation so I didn't dare to use additional products underneath (no sunblock err~).

Ultimate Fix Compact is indeed a multi-purpose product. I must say the coverage is awesome, its concealer and foundation in one and with one layer my dark spots are gone. It borders medium to heavy coverage, it depends on how you apply it. It doesn't highlight my pores but it doesn't cover it either. After commute though it surely made me oily. Yes there is a very thin line between dewiness and oiliness.

Inside the office and despite picking the light shade it still oxidized on me! :(
My workmate literally asked if I burned my face because it is very obvious that my face looks darker than it should. Oh my~

[Oxidation is apparently common with mineral make-up and other types of foundation. Oxidization occurs when the minerals and fats in the foundation react with pigments in the skin causing the skin and foundation to look darker, yellow or orange as the day progresses. Credits]

How much and where to buy?
Its P250 for the 10 grams compact. I got mine from Landmark Trinoma.

What I love

• Medium to heavy coverage which means no need for concealer
• Doubles up as sunscreen
• Dewy matter finish
• Affordable

What I don't

• Oxidized on me despite being in an air conditioned environment
• Sticky
• Made me oily
• Feels heavy on the face

TIPS


Will I repurchase?
No, its long since I bought a compact from them and I wonder if they still sell them...

Overall~
As long as I love cream foundations I won't give up on them. Right now it was a let down that Ultimate Fix Compact Foundation didn't work on me, I really don't like foundations that oxidizes on me. I might just repurchase Covergirl instead.


*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated

 

Review: ETUDE HOUSE Water color Blusher in No. 3 Baby Apricot

Is this watercolor? Yes or no? Yay. This fancy watercolor tube is actually a blusher! Its from Etude House, I got it from Etude House Buy 1 Take 1 Sale wherein I also bought bb cream. The first time I saw this I just know I've got to have it.

ETUDE HOUSE Water color Blusher in No. 3 Baby Apricot Review

What is it? 
It has 3 shades pink, lilac and peach

Packaging 
Its in a watercolor looking tube which is cute and fancy. It dispenses the right amount of product so there is no product wastage.

Experience 
The texture of Etude House Water Color Blusher is exactly like watercolor! Its fascinating and I really like it. Its very easy to blend blend blend~ The color is very peachy and its very nice when you would like to look fresh and young. A warm color to brighten up a dull look. Its better on top of my makeup and I like that it looks dewy looking.



This blush doesn't accentuate pores and gives just the right amount of color to look naturally blushing. I use my fingers to apply in on my cheeks but you can also try stippling brush if you want to. Might give a different effect, I have a stippling brush but I rarely use it, I might not just be a brush person.

I've got combination skin and it only lasts about 2 hours on me, so whenever I use this I lug it around in my bag. This is one of my favorite blushes. Peach has a special place in my heart.

How much and where to buy? 
I got it in Etude House Buy 1 take 1 sale, its normal price is P348 per tube. You can snag this at local Etude House stores.

What I love

• The cute packaging!
• Its sealed which means product freshness
• Applies like silk
• A little goes a long way
• Very natural color
• Lightweight 
• Very easy to apply  
• Pigmentation is build-able
• Price is affordable

What I don't

• Doesn't last long for oily skin about 2 hours at its best
• Not sweat proof
• Needs constant blush retouch

TIPS 
-This is best applied on top of your face makeup
-Bring it with you because it needs re-application
-Best applied with fingers, the key is to blend blend blend!

Will I repurchase? 
Yes I want to try their Lilac and pink colors.

Overall~
ETUDE HOUSE Water color Blusher in No. 3 Baby Apricot is a good blush for makeup starters or students on a budget. This is easy to apply and gives very natural color. Apricot fits any skin tone. I recommend this to anyone who want to try lightweight cream blushes.

*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated 

 

Review: Maybelline Hypercurl Volum' Express Mascara

Right now I've just finished Jigoku Shoujo Season 1 and I am now watching another anime- Sankarea. Its an anime about a guy who had a resurrected zombie girl as her girlfriend. Weird, eh? Well really, I am trying so hard to keep life less complicated and less serious so I watch more anime than usual. Its like my therapy to get myself out of the reality.

Anyhow since its Friday I finally get to wear something less formal, its wash day. Who else loves wash day? Since I felt I have more time today to put on makeup I used mascara. Eyes might be the windows to ones soul but I don't have a lot of time during the mornings to primp and prettify. Might as well go out bare face but I don't have the beaming confidence yet. So that is my hint, the review for today will be for Maybelline Hypercurl Volum' Express Mascara.

Maybelline Hypercurl Volum' Express Mascara Review

What is it? 
Hyper-volumized, hyper-curled lashes…
• Exclusive Curl-lock formula contains sealing wax to make and keep a fully volumized curl from root to tip
• Locks curls for up to 18 hours
• Contact lens safe, ophthalmologist-tested 

• Waterproof
-Maybelline

Basically this mascara is P199 but the price lowered down to P149! Maybelline is popular for their very nice mascaras. They can't go wrong even for low-priced variants, can they?

Packaging 
L-O-V-E. The black and pink metallic color stands out- a lot. The color combination is feminine yet strong.

Experience 
I don't usually put mascara unless its a special occasion or I feel like I have all the time in the world like this morning. First I curled my lashes and applied one layer with zigzag motion to make sure that my lashes is evenly coated. I add another layer to add more volume and length.

What I noticed is that unlike my old mascaras, Maybelline stays the whole day without product fall out. It even feels light like its not there. It also didn't smudge despite the humid weather and sweat from my daily commute. I even used this on my lower lashes and surprise surprise, I didn't looked like a panda at the end of the day. Its waterproof as well which means you will need to use makeup remover to get it off.

No filter picture below, comparison of with and without mascara. My lashes is naturally short, and yeah I had a breakout prior to this, well pimples hello.

Yes that is my eyes right there, RIGHT SIDE: upper and lower lashes curled and applied mascara about 2 coats LEFT SIDE: curled lashes without mascara 

How much and where to buy? 
Its on sale at only P149 for a tube (its originally P199). A mascara can only last 3 months after opening, I suggest to not splurge on mascara and besides there is no reason to because Maybelline Hypercurl Volum' Express Mascara is cheap!

What I love 

• Very affordable!
• Feels light like its not there
• Last throughout the day
• Classy packaging
• No product fall out
• Doesn't clump lashes
• Not watery not dry formula
• It coats lashes well
• Volumized lashes
• Very black product
• Didn't irritated my eyes.
• Readily available in the malls
• Lengthens eyelashes.
• Waterproof.
• Sweat-proof/ can withstand humidity
• The curved wand and short bristles!
• Doesn't weigh down lashes
• Total value for the price

What I don't 

• Nothing I can mention

TIP
2-3 layers of mascara is the key to fuller lashes, just let it dry in between application to avoid clumping

Will I repurchase? 

Overall~ 
Maybelline Hypercurl Volum' Express Mascara is the bomb! I hope they don't discontinue this product as it simply does it job for the right price tag. Love Maybelline!~

*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated 

 

5 Things I Found Out this Week

1. I can make my own Facial Mask at Home!
While I was in Trinoma I found Facial Mask in Compressed Type! I am not a big fan of sheet facial masks because of the steep price, but if with compressed type masks I can make my own sheet mask! It’s like dry facial mask compressed into round pieces. You just soak it in skin tone or facial emulsion and hooray! Instant sheet mask, it’s great for travel too. :)

2. Its better to use Facial Sponge when washing my face
Last time I've just admitted loving makeup remover from Etude House, but that is not all. For beautiful healthy skin I also started using facial sponge! This product can create rich creamy foam to make face cleansing stronger and more fun! It also doubles up as a scrub too.

3. I can get paid by shopping!

I was browsing online and I found out that Zalora carries mesh one piece swimsuits! I have been looking for that since the start of the summer. Oh well I know its too late now, meep meep~ but I might still be able to use it some time this year because I want to go to Boracay.

Anyway last night as I was browsing I found out that there is a cashback website named ShopBack wherein we can get cashback and voucher codes when we shop online. How cool was that? I was surprised because even Sephora is included in their list. Whoa~

Create your own account with Shopback.

4. Bench has updated their Beauty Line
I don't know how long I was hiding in my bat cave but Bench has a lot of those cute chubby sticks which are tinted balm, lip crayon.

5. I can use crepe paper to DIY Color my hair
This has been trending in facebook lately, do it yourself hair color using crepe paper! I am yet to try this because of work but hey this is cool!

***

The world looks like a picture in high blur with my normal eyes. I’ve been struggling with dry lenses lately so I brought my glasses with me. I hope in the future I can do lasik or something

 

Review: SILKYGIRL Hi-Definition Brow Liner

I have dyed my hair in Sakura Creamy (actually light brown) a few weeks back, and now I am on the hunt for a good brow liner. Timing is so perfect when Silkygirl sent me SILKYGIRL Hi-Definition Brow Liner.

SILKYGIRL Hi-Definition Brow Liner Review

 What is it? 
This self-sharpening retractable brow liner comes with an angled tip to shape and fill your brows with precision. The super-smooth formula promises a natural finish that lasts more than 6 hours. Blending is made easy with the attached brow brush.

• Angled-tip
• Retractable
• With attached brow brush

Spoolie and the slanted product

Packaging
This brow liner is retractable which means no product waste because there is no need to sharpen it, less chance of breakage.

The product!

Experience 
I got 2 shades: Soft black and Dark brown. I am leaning to dark brown but I sure do hope they release more shades son because I like my brows light colored. I look a bit 'mataray' (bitchy) when I have dark eyebrows.

I am not really an expert when it comes to eye brows because of 2 reasons: Number 1, this is the last part of my face I've touched in terms of makeup, I've kept my eye brow straight for quite some time now - no one can touch my brows! Lol.

Good heavens because there is a lot of youtube videos on how to keep eyebrows nice do-it-yourself. I really like DIY. So yes I've kept my eyebrows straight, and I apply the brow liner with feather like strokes to make it look natural. The angled tip makes filling of my brows easier and the spoolie is really handy.

I applied it at 6:30AM and it was still on my brows at 6PM! Its really long lasting especially you are mostly in the office.

How much and where to buy? 
I got this directly from Silkygirl but they also have stalls in the leading department stores nationwide. Will update this for the price. :)

What I love 

• Long lasting
• Creamy
• Color is buildable
• Do not require sharpening 
• Angled tip and spoolie makes application easy

What I don't 

• Limited shades only available

TIPS:
Use a light hand when applying the product
Do not drop this liner, retractable liners are prone to breakage


Will I repurchase? 
If they make lighter shades!

Overall~
I like SILKYGIRL Hi-Definition Brow Liner and I hope they make some other shades soon!

Me wearing Silkygirl Hi-Definition Brow Liner in Dark Brown

*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com 
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated

Review: Gluta-C Kojic Plus+ Whitening Face & Body Soap

For today I will review a soap I've been using for a week now, I am intrigued because it is said to have 4X Whitening, sounds amazing.

What is it? 
It has 4X whitening action from Glutathione, Vitamin C, Kojic Acid and Azelaoyl Diglycinate, achieving whitening from 4 different angles and ensuring greater efficacy. Together, Gluta-C KOJIC PLUS+ achieves a more holistic skin whitening regimen.

• 4X Whitening
• Deep Cleansing
• Anti-Acne
• 3X more antioxidants (to help reduce toxins)
• Non-drying (essential in protecting the skin)
• Exfoliates gently
• Clarifies skin

Ingredient list: sodium palmate, sodium palm kenalate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium lactate, glycerin, paeonia suffruticosa root extract, scutellaria baicalensis extract, saxifraga sarmentosa extract, acetyl tyrosine, arbutin, glutathione, 3-Aminopropyl-L-Ascorbylphosphate, Salicylic acid, betaine, fragnance, potassium azeloyl diglycinate, Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, Water, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Tetrasodium EDTA, Etidronic Acid, Titanium Dioxide, Allantoin, CI 15985, CI 12490, CI 19140

Packaging
The box color is the iconic orange and white combination. It is simple yet a trade mark of Gluta-C. Orange says all thing citrus to me.

Experience 

So I have been using this soap for more than a week already and the soap is still of the same size. It doesn't lather much but its also doesn't melt easily! As for the scent, I cannot fully describe it because its very lightly scented.

This is a nice soap for sensitive skin. The soap is really gentle and cleanses deep down the skin. I still haven't tried this on my face though. I am used to drying soaps so I am glad that with Gluta-C I have never experienced itchiness or dryness at all. In terms of whitening, I haven't seen big changes yet but there is no micro peeling and my skin looks healthy even without lotion.

To protect the skin I still recommend wearing sunscreen. We are more prone to skin darkening whenever we use whitening products.

How much and where to buy? 
PHP 59.75 for 90g soap in Watsons and SM supermarkets nationwide

What I love 

• Non-drying
• Thoroughly cleanses skin
• No micropeeling
• Skin looks healthy
• Gentle and great whitening soap for sensitive skin
• No prickly itchy feeling
• Value for money

What I don't 

• Doesn't sting
• Doesn't lather much
• Did not really whiten skin as fast as promised

TIPS 
Don't forget to use sunscreen when going out

Will I repurchase? 
I got this for free, but yes.

Overall~ 
Gluta-C Kojic Plus+ Whitening Soap is a nice whitening soap for sensitive skin. Its very gentle compared to other whitening soaps in the market. If you are already fair skin this is a good maintenance soap or a soap to bring back your color after the summer. However if you have naturally dark skin maybe this won't give you drastic changes.


*I'm open for product reviews/ sponsorship/ ads and collaborations etc. please email me at: sparkliecandy(at)gmail(dot)com
Items were purchased with my own money unless otherwise stated