Ichi Pestano: 2020

Counting the days til we say goodbye to 2020. I'm still on the fence about writing a Year in Review post to be honest, so while I'm still trying to put myself in the mood for some "from the heart" writing (or maybe not at all), let me throw another makeup review. 😉

At first, I was hesitant to try the Chinese brands on Shopee and Lazada but I saw some good reviews about most of them and I figured I won't be using them so much anyway. Also, I only needed this chunky glittery eyeshadow for the Rose Gold makeup I did in May and this one from Novo was exactly what I was looking for. I also threw in this palette because it's only 159 php.

I didn't expect much but surprisingly, the quality is pretty good. The palette itself is compact and the colors are nicely combined. This one is composed of purple and pinks but there's also pink browns as transition shades.

The matte ones are not powdery at all but they are also not buttery and highly pigmented. They are still nice though for the crease and outer corner.

The shimmers/metallic and glitter on the other hand are so pretty and surprisingly good. They look so beautiful on the lids and except for the last shade to the right, they are so wearable even for a simple eye makeup.

My favorite shades are the 3rd, 4th and 8th from the left.

Next is the chunky glitter which only costs 99 php per pan.

I only planned to use this on the lids but I thought it would be so pretty to use as highlighter (as seen on my Crystal Maiden makeup video).

The only watch-out is when applying, don't drag it too hard because the particles seem to be sharp and you don't want to scratch your skin.

It looks like a typical glittery eyeshadow but up close, you'll see the chunky pieces.

By the way, this comes in many colors. This is shade #06 (pink and gold). There's also a variant with little heart and stars cutouts. It's for a more creative/festive looks you can try.

Since I've already shown you how to use it for glam, here's a simpler and more wearable eye makeup you could try with the palette.

I'm actually thinking of another creative makeup for another Dota2 character and I would need new sparkly colors. Maybe I'll try a different brand on Shopee/Lazada. Any suggestion?

Novo on Shopee - https://shopee.ph/novoofficial.ph

your sweetest drug,

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Here's a quick review of my current face base combo. I know showing how these work through a video is a lot better but I feel like doing it only for two products isn't too worthwhile. Perhaps, I could just add these once I film the next one, which would feature my recently purchased products.

I'm currently using two of Wet N Wild's PhotoFocus products. For the foundation (599 php), I picked Soft Beige, which is I think 2nd to the lightest shade available locally. For the powder, I have the Banana shade (499 php). I wasn't able to include the PhotoFocus concealer because I already bought one from BLK Cosmetics, but I heard that's good too.

I love the size of the glass bottle and the fact that it comes with a spatula. It's easier to control the amount and less messy to take product out compared to others that you have to pour.

One dip is enough to get a medium coverage. The consistency is watery but a good amount will not be too sheer as you blend it. It also has a pleasant scent.

It has a pink undertone which is a new to me because I usually go for yellow. However, it turned out okay because it doesn't create a shade that's too far from my skin color. It just evens out everything except for the dark circles, which a concealer can solve.

It blends really well and it gives a nice semi-matte finish. Although, I noticed it's not 100% smooth on the sides of my face because of dryness.

Next is the Banana Powder. It isn't a translucent one but it is still used for setting or baking.

Personally, I like using it as a regular powder to set concealer or foundation. It has a nice texture and I think pairing this with Soft Beige PhotoFocus foundation is a good idea because it somehow balances the pink undertone.

Oh, and it doesn't smell like bananas. 😉

It comes with a nice big puff, which I never use. I like using a brush.

Overall, I think this combo is a good buy. The price might throw you off a little but considering the amount of the powder and how long foundation can last (until expiry of course), I can still say #valueformoney. ☺️

I like how it gives a soft, smooth skin filter just like on IG stories. 😙

What do you think?

your sweetest drug,

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Since most of us cannot go out and casually shop unlike before, we heavily rely on online stores for our cosmetic needs (and wants 😁). Good thing, almost everything can be bought online and delivered right at our doorstep.

In case you're browsing now, you might see these products so let me share my short reviews. You can also click on the product name to be redirected to the shop. Perfect timing to check these out since most of these are on sale!

Luxe Organix Face & Body Aloe Vera Apricot Scrub with Vitamin C

This one is already repackaged after the collab with Heart Evangelista.

I don't recommend using this on the face because the apricot scrub particles feel abrasive. It reminds me of St. Ives except the aloe vera scent.

Dermaction Plus Cleansing Water - Brighten Up (299 php)

This one works as a micellar water and it also comes in other variants for oily skin and acne-prone. I got Brighten Up for normal skin type.

There's also a cleansing oil version which I want to try.

Look, a very little amount left. This is a favorite of mine next to Garnier's.

Human Nature Gentle Cleansing Oil (225 php)

The reason why I mentioned I wanna try another cleansing oil is because I didn't like this one. Well, I love the fact that it contains natural ingredients such as sunflower seed oil, but it's just so hard to rinse off. Even after using facial cleanser, there's still grease left. It's not the type that emulsifies when you add water as you massage your face.

Fresh Skinlab Pore Reducing Cream & Acne Care Lotion (179 php each)

I spotted these very affordable spot treatments by Fresh Skinlab.

I didn't find the pore cream effective. Maybe for long-term use? I love the fruity scent though.

The acne lotion is soothing for the healing/swelling pimples. It contains tea tree oil which is good for treating zits. However, I still prefer Celeteque's.

Luxe Organix Hydro Firming Mist with Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid (229 php)

Loving this one! It gives a fine mist and the scent is soooo refreshing. There's also a mattifying version so yes, I'm gonna get that bottle next.

Fresh Formula Doctor Blur Oxygenated Day Cream (399 php) and Blemish Doctor Anti-Acne Facial Toner (299 php)

I loved the Glass Skin Series and wanted to see how their set for oily skin works.

The day cream comes with SPF 45. There's Vitamin E, collagen, elastin and niacinamide in the formula to nourish the skin while keeping excess sebum at bay.

It feels like a cream type primer and it gives an instant brightening effect. It's almost like a CC cream actually.

If you have oily skin too and don't prefer applying moisturizer at daytime, here's a product you can try.

I'm almost done using this facial toner. I've been using it day and night for over a month now. So far, I haven't seen any noticeable effects on my pores. Unlike with Glass Skin Series, I had few pimples while using this toner and the day cream. Maybe period pimples? 🤔

Human Nature Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Orchid (109 php)

This is actually my second tube! I love how moisturizing this is without the feeling like it's a heavy balm on the lips.

I got a lighter shade this time but it still gives a nice natural flush of color. Plus point for being so affordable. 👍🏼

That's it! Let me know in the comments below which products you want to try or you have tried already. I also need some tips because I'm going to shop for new skincare products this week. What do you recommend? ☺️

your sweetest drug,