Ichi Pestano: August 2017

I'm not quite happy about my brush collection and I'm actually thinking of getting new ones since some of them feel stiffer now and some have loose ferrule already. So in the past months, I have accumulated a few new tools and here they are.

Real Techniques Complexion Sponge

Ever since I tried using a normal wedge sponge to apply base makeup, I knew I had to get a round one. You know, so I could bounce it real good. Haha. Just kidding. 😆

Well, on I-only-have-10-minutes-to-get-ready days, I would use a brush or just my fingers because that would guarantee a fast blending. Otherwise, I'd grab my RT orange sponge.

I got mine in a pack like so. They also sell them in twos, with other sponges or individually.

First impression - it's indeed soft.

Compared to Beauty Blender, this one has a flat side, which I think is great because you could leverage that when you're putting loose powder on your cheeks for your contour. Besides that, you can either use that side or the round sides to blend your foundation. The tip, on the other hand, is perfect for buffing the edges when I spot conceal and to really get in the corners of the eyes and nose.

It gets a little bigger and softer when damp as well.

I would definitely repurchase once mine gets really dirty.

I can't say that this one is a Beauty Blender dupe or even better as I haven't tried that myself, but I can assure you that this does the job well.

Real Techniques Setting Brush

Here's another favorite.

I'm not satisfied about the way my fan brush applies highlighter so I checked out other brushes. I wanted something fluffy yet in the perfect size, just like this setting brush.

It is a bit tapered and I can't stress enough how it nicely dusts highlighter. On my cheekbones, I can be precise as much as I want to.

It can blend powder, cream or liquid highlighter. And of course, as the name implies, it's also perfect to use when setting powder on the under eyes.

It can be used for blush, contour or any powder-based makeup as well if you want to apply the product on certain areas only.

Althea Brushes

I also spotted these very affordable brushes (less than 200 php) on Althea shop.

The Stippling Brush is not so good in terms of blending because I get streaks so I just use it to apply foundation on my neck.

The Powder Brush works fine. I like using it to lightly dust powder all over my face. However, I don't like the synthetic feel of it.

My favorite is the Pencil Brush because it packs and blends color very well. I also love that it's tapered because I can shape the crease nicely.

One watchout is that, the two big ones shed so much. I don't regret buying them though because they're so inexpensive anyway.

Oh, notice the little drawing at the bottom part of the brush? 😙

So that's all! Here's the look I've created using these tools.

What do you think?

your sweetest drug,

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Here I am, trying to get a grip on myself and do a new post. Ugh, feeling a bit emotional right now.

Have you experienced something extremely painful that once you think of the moment or something made you remember, you couldn't help but feel the same exact pain all over again? Why such memories are more vivid? It just sucks knowing that the moments that broke you are the same moments that stay in your mind for the longest time. You could still remember how it killed you inside. Now, tell me, why is it so damn easy to relive the pain rather than joy? Fck. 😔

Anyhoo, I know for sure that you came here for a review and not to read my ramblings. Haha. So here you go, another lipstick-related post!

I already have 2 Maybelline Creamy Matte lipsticks. I got both of them at a discounted price but they're originally affordable as well. You can get one for only 299 php.

When these launched, I got excited coz everyone was raving about how awesome this line is. I fell in love with the MLBB shades so I got Touch of Spice and Nude Nuance.

Color

Touch of Spice is a crowd favorite. It's a nice mauve, old rose color.

Nude Nuance is a medium-dark brown without any hints of mauve.

They're both really pigmented and perfect as an everyday, no-fuss lippie. With one swipe, you can get its true color and it intensifies a bit more after another layer.

Formula and Finish

Creamy Matte is an all-matte line up (obviously) but the lipsticks are not 100% flat. At least for these two, the finish is more like satin and velvety at the same time.

Formula-wise, I can confidently say that it's one of the most comfortable, creamiest matte lipsticks I've tried. Like I said, they are not completely matte but how they appear on the lips would do for me.

They smell good and do not dry the lips too much too!

Application

There's no tugging because it glides on the lips like butter. However, I still recommend applying a balm or scrub prior to avoid flaky lips since it clings a bit.

Touch of Spice

Lasting Power

The color fades on the inner part during a meal or a drink but since the color is close to the natural color of my lips, it still looks okay.

Dupe Alert

I found a close dupe for Nude Nuance. On some lighting, it looks similar with Touch of Spice but the brown is more prominent than mauve.

Between the two, I'm showing more love to Nude Nuance because I'm enjoying brown lipsticks lately.

With these, I don't feel lazy to re-apply unlike when I'm using liquid lipsticks, I usually tend to apply once and that's it. I just don't like the idea of having to put effort on touch ups unless I really have to.

Nude Nuance

I'm actually thinking of getting Clay Crush and one dark shade. Any suggestion?

Like Maybelline Philippines on Facebook.

your sweetest drug,

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4 comments

It's simply hard to find the momentum when your work schedule is so f*cked up. I've been trying my best to squeeze in a post or even do the usual stuff I could do before (when everything was still normal and manageable), but my days have been nothing but draining. Hopefully, things will do get better soon.

Anyway, here's another batch review featuring a couple of products I've tried out recently.

Vitress Hair Polish

This one's nice to have when you want to look and smell like you got out of the shower. It also makes the hair look less dry.

Miniso Eyelid Glue

Since the one I was using from The Face Shop is always out of stock, I had to find a temporary replacement.

It comes with the stick but you know me, I rely on my hair pin to do the fold. 😊

Obviously, size is bigger and it's cheaper but I still prefer TFS eyelid glue. This one is messier as well because when it dries, the glue is a lot more noticeable.

I haven't tried using it to glue false eyelashes on, but I guess it will also work because it's really tacky.

Missha Brown Eyeliner Pencil

I don't use this a lot because it smudges even if I use it only to tightline the upper lash line, but I'm keeping it because I like how it creates fake freckles.

I know I haven't showed you a look with faux freckles yet. I'll make sure to work on that soon.

3W Clinic Makeup Pearl Mist

Since this one has tiny glitters, I don't prefer spraying it all over my face. It also doesn't create a glowy look and takes several minutes to completely dry.

Maybe on the body instead?

Good thing, even if it feels like you're spraying water, it doesn't mess up the makeup.

Here, I used the brown eyeliner on my water line and I think it matches perfectly with the dark brown lipstick from Ofra. I also sprayed some pearl mist on.

That's it. I'll try my best to post another review tomorrow.

Happy weekend!

your sweetest drug,

3 comments

In the past months, I hoarded a handful of liquid lipsticks, but I think what I have shown you so far are my Colourpop ones. I've tried each tube and I promise, reviews will start pouring soon. For now, let me talk about my sole Ofra baby.

I got this back in December when I bought some during the Black Friday promo where everything was 50% off. As usual, I tried selling the lippies first and what remained was this shade called Brooklyn.

On the site, a tube costs 20 USD and here in PH, I think it's around 850 php. Mine is already in the newer packaging that comes with a black and green box and a metal-looking cap.