Canmake Mermaid Gel - Review

It's really nice for certain companies to give trial kits, so you can try them out and check if that product will work for you or not without breaking your pocket.

I got this freebie when I bought some Canmake Products.

Packaging	No comment on the packaging since this is a freebie trial sachet.
Smell	Smells like fragrance-free lotion.  This has the similar smell of VMV Sport Sunscreen.
Consistency	The consistency is your typical cream, a little sticky.
Claims	Powerful, yet delectably moist,  SPF50+/PA++++ smooth gel without that roughness or stickiness characteristic of most sunscreens.  Recommended for those who prefer a light, refreshing sunscreen Gel breaks down into a watery texture as you smooth it over your skin After using face wash, this is all you need for complete skincare and UV protection, can also be used after your usual facial lotion and other skincare products, serves as a moisturizing make-up base with UV protection Infuses your skin with moisture, helping your foundation to sit better and last longer Use it on your body, as well as your face, this pleasant watery gel contains 85% beautifying ingredients Sunscreen is most effective when reapplied frequently Comes in an easily portable tube that makes it simple to adjust the amount you apply, so it's perfect for reapplying sunscreen when you're out and about.
Application	It's easy to apply, smooth, with minimal stickiness.  It's lightweight, doesn't give a white cast when applied.  I've never used a make-up base before, so I don't know what to expect and I don't have a baseline product to compare to. So to put this to the test, I compared this to The FaceShop Rice Ceramide Moisture Emulsion, this is my go to moisturiser prior to applying any make-up I did not see any difference compared to the rice ceramide.  There's no difference with the color of my eyeshadow and blush comparing the two.  So I think as a make-up base, it's not in any better compared to a moisturiser. Let's test the longevity... In terms of wear, there's no difference also compared to the moisturiser. It's long-lasting, lasting for 11 hours.
Duration of use	4 days, 1 sachet can be used for 2 days. I used 2 sachets before writing this review
Pros	SPF 50/PA ++++ - The sunscreen is what I love most about this product, it protects you from sun damages without giving you the 'white' cast that most sunscreens give. Lightweight
Cons	I don't think it's any better vs moisturiser as a makeup base.
Recommend?	So-So (Probably during the Summer)
Rating	7/10

Maybelline Lip Flush - Review

I first learned about this line from a Youtuber, Doll Up Mari.  I was intrigued with what she was a very comfortable formula and nude shades.  So I tested them out.

I bought my lipstick from Watsons, P229.00 in the shade PK02.

Packaging	It comes in a silver plastic tube with pink translucent plastic cover. With the cover, it's shaped rectangular.
Smell	This smelled really good! It smells like candy.  When you apply it onto your lips, it always makes me want to lick my lips.
Consistency	It has the same consistency of Aritaum Water Sliding Tint, it's very creamy and has the consistency similar to a lip balm.
Application	This is a nude shade, perfect for your everyday use.  It has a like touch of pink to it and a little glossy.  There's a hint of glitter to make it a little bit of shiny.   When applying, it feels SSOO SMOOTH! It glides perfectly on your lips.  I feel like I'm applying lip balm every time I apply it.  It's very moisturising to your lips.  In fact, you don't need to wear a lip balm underneath it or over it. You'll always get the feeling that you're applying a quality product onto your lips
Longevity and Kiss Test	There were no claims that this is a long lasting lipstick.  The lipstick lasted for 3 hours.  You'll definitely need to reapply during the day. It's not kiss proof and not water proof
Try-out Duration	1 week
Pros	Very smooth application, moisturising to your lips , nude color, perfect for everyday use, sweet yummy candy smell
Cons	not long lasting (only 3 hours...)
Recommend?	DEFINITELY!!!
Rating	9/10 (-1 for its short longevity)

ArtsyMed Mini Giveaway!

I frequently see Youtubers & bloggers organise giveaways to their readers and subscribers, and I've always wondered what it feels like to do a giveaway?

They say that when you do give to others you will have this 'feel good' feeling.  Why not put this to the test?

Since I'm  not that rich and extravagant... I will first try to do a mini giveaway.

Contents of Mini Giveaway:

• Etude House Every Month Cleansing Foam - Revitalising (Blueberry)
• Lip Hop Snail Lip Treatment
• L'oreal Tint Caresse B05 (Tulip Blossom)

Mechanics of the giveaway:

1. Follow me on Instagram: @alck_lim
2. Share this post in any form: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest
3. Comment below with your email address to enter

• Reminders: Only comments in this site will be included in the giveaway
• Open to Philippines only
• Delivery will be shouldered by me
• Giveaway will end on July 31, 2016

Hoping this will be successful.

Canmake Powder Cheeks Blush - Review

I think this will be my first blush review.  This brand was also the first japanese makeup brand I ever tried.  I learned about Canmake in Instagram and in Youtube actually.  Before, as I travel to Hong Kong, I often see this in SaSa, but I didn't dwell or look into it much.

Anyways, besides Korean makeup, I think Japanese makeup is getting more popular this year, well at least for me.  I think my phase of getting crazy over Korean makeup is slowly being replaced by Japanese makeup.  The only limitation I have with Japanese makeup is that they are more pricey compared to Korean makeup, so there's a bigger risk in experimenting with Japanese makeup.  Plus most are online, so you can't test them out and check if the color suits you or not.

Good thing, more and more Japanese brands are found in our stores here in the Philippines.

I reached pan of one of my favourite cheek blush, the Face Shop blush: I Make you Sweeter, I forgot the shade though.

I went into Trendsetter's Bazaar and to my surprise, the @canmakeph was on sale during the bazaar.  50% of on the blushes, eye shadows, foundation, etc.  So you've guessed it: I hoarded.

So here are my thoughts on the Canmake Powder Cheeks Blush - PW16 (Nable Orange)

Packaging	It comes in a clear plastic container, with what looked like diamond cuts and a little print on the corners.  This gives that cute but simple packaging.
Smell	No smell
Consistency	As the name says, it's a powder blush.
Swatch	There's one thing I can't explain with this product.  When I first swatched it, it's pigmented as you can see in the picture.
Application	This is one magic of Canmake I can't fully explain.  As seen in the swatch in my hand, it's very pigmented, I was kind of afraid at first that when I apply this onto my cheek, it will look unnatural.  But I was surprised to see the results! They look natural, like you're blushing because you saw your crush.  They're perfect for your everyday makeup. There's a hint of glitter when you apply it, so it will give you that 'glow'.
Duration of use	1 month
Pros	'Natural' look with 'Natural Glow' Pigmented, but when applied, looks natural.
Cons	Pricey (P480), but I got mine at 50% discount If you don't like glitter on your face, this is not the product for you. Sometimes you get minimal fall outs
Recommend?	DEFINITELY!!!
Rating	9/10

Holika Holika Jewel-Light Waterproof Eyeliner - Review

I woke up one day and said to myself, I want to wear gold eyeshadow.  This is just so random and my head won't stop bugging me.  So I tried to look for gold eyeshadow or any palette with gold eyeshadow in it.

I asked from youtube what brand or palette I could use.  A lot of people replied to have the urban decay palette, but I was not sure that this sudden obsession will last long for me to invest on an urban decay palette.  A lot of people suggested few local brands, but I couldn't go to the mall to buy them... I was busy the past 2 months and stressed out because of the in-service exams.

Then I saw in BeautyMNL this eyeliner, and I said to myself, OMG! This is the one.  The perfect golden yellow I was craving for.

Anyways enough chitchat, let's head with the review. Oh by the way, I got the shade 09 - 18K Gold

Packaging	It's a pencil type with gold cover and gold cap.  The cap fits snugly and doesn't fall off easily.  It looks elegant and because of its golden color, it's easy to find in your makeup bag/pouch vs the other eyeliners with the usual black color. When you open the cap.. this is what it looks like
Smell	It smells like melted plastic.
Consistency	It's gel-type consistency, very smooth when you swatch it.
Swatch	here are the swatches
Application	This is the best coloured eyeliner I used so far! It was very smooth and glides easily into your eyelids, there's no tagging of your lid.  Whenever I compare this to the Etude House Play 101 pencil, which is very similar to it, Holika Holika beats the play 101 pencil by a mile.  It does not smudge when it sets. It lasts all day and I didn't have any smudging.  But I experience fall-outs of the glitter.  By the end of the day, I some glitters on my face
Claims	Claims to Draw slim to bold lines depending on your preference; long-lasting waterproof formula stays on without smudging, flaking, or smearing; highlights and defines the eye with a hint of shimmer and glitter Well it really holds to its claim of no smudge, no flaking, nor smearing, and w/ glitter and shimmer. Waterproof Test:
Duration of use	1 month
Pros	Very smooth application, literally glides on your eyelids, waterproof, easy to remove with makeup remover, affordable: php 265
Cons	Fall-outs of the glitters, you have to sharpen the pencil (Sorry I usually prefer the auto type wherein you just twist the bottom to get more product out.
Recommend?	DEFINITELY!!!
Rating	9/10