Tony Moly Delight Magic Lip Tint (Review + Swatches)

Early this year, I've raved about Tony Moly Berry Berry Lip Tint, which has quickly become a mainstay in my kikay kit. I love it because it changes from clear to pink, it moisturizes my lips, and leaves a tint even as it wears off throughout the day.

Tony Moly has repackaged the tints into the new Delight Magic Lip Tint, with 4 shades available.

The potted packaging remains the same, but I like the design of the cap better now, since the old version just has "TONY MOLY" written on it. At least, people will now know that these are lip tints.

Tony Moly Delight Magic Lip Tint contains argan oil and rosehip oil to moisturize and nourish the lips. If the lip tint touches the lips, the color will be changed like magic! It's a lip balm and lip tint in one, and it gives the lips a moist look. You can apply this using your finger or a lip brush.

01 Strawberry and 02 Green Apple has the same formula as the Berry Berry Magic Lip Tint, only in a new packaging. Both shades have a jelly-like texture that wears comfortably and is not sticky.

03 Red Berry and 04 Pink Berry are the new additional shades. These ones are already tinted, so they won't do the magical color change. I've observed that both these shades have a creamier/stickier texture compared to 01 Strawberry and 02 Green Apple.

Now, it's time for the swatches!

01 Strawberry | 02 Green Apple | 03 Red Berry | 04 Pink Berry

When swatched on the skin, they all look pretty much the same except for 03 which is red from the start.

Bare lips

For your reference, my lips are naturally pale, so the color change from the tints are really evident.

01 Strawberry

A change from clear to cherry red

01 Strawberry goes from clear to hot pink, which is just amazing. It has a sweet strawberry scent and the tint it gives the lips is more dramatic than 02 Green Apple.

02 Green Apple

A change from apple green to lovely pink lips

This one's my previous colleague's favorite lip tint, and it appears red on her. On me, it's just pink - lighter and more tame than 01 Strawberry. Texture wise, this one isn't sticky, too. I just prefer the scent of strawberry over apple.

03 Red Berry

This one's the most pigmented tint in the bunch. If I apply much, it looks as if I have glossy red lipstick on. I thought this one would be my favorite from the range, but it has a sticky texture. Both 03 Red Berry and 04 Pink Berry have a sweet scent.

04 Pink Berry

04 Pink Berry one's probably the least pigmented in the bunch, but it looks sweet and most natural.

After trying out all 4 shades from the Delight Magic Lip Tint range, my favorite remains to be 01 Strawberry. It tints my lips from pale to pink, so there's no need for lipstick. Best part of all, it's sooo affordable and a pot will last you for months even with everyday use.

Price: P198.00
Available in all Tony Moly stores nationwide

Like Tony Moly Philippines on Facebook for more information.  

What's your favorite variant from this range? :)

Love,

Helen

What's In My Makeup Kit: Etude House

Today, I'll be sharing with you what's inside my makeup kit aka Etude House overload! ♥

What I love most about Etude House is that not only are their products so cute, but the prices are also very affordable and student-friendly. Here are just some of the best-sellers and new items from Etude House.

Etude House gave away this cute pink pouch as a GWP before for every P2,000.00 single-receipt purchase.

Etude House Magic Any Cushion in Magic Mint (P998.00)

Magic Any Cushion is one of the newest products of Etude House. The shade I have is Magic Mint, which is meant to tone down reddish skin. Learn more about the Magic Any Cushion here.

Etude House Drawing Eye Brow in #01 Dark Brown (P128.00)

I have yet to learn using an eyebrow pencil! This pencil comes in a creamy wax form for easy application. On the other end is a spoolie (that looks like a mascara wand) to help shape the brows and blend the color for a natural look.

Etude House Color My Brows in #02 Light Brown (P348.00)

Mismatched hair and brows are a no-no! If you've recently dyed your hair to a lighter shade, you'll love Etude House's brow mascara as it can change the shade of your brows in a pinch. Etude House Color My Brows gives the eyebrows a soft, natural definition provided you apply this one using a light hand.

Trivia: This one's a dupe for MAC Brow Set in Girl Boy, though I personally haven't tried it yet.

Another trivia: Both Drawing Eye Brow and Color My Brows are always out of stock, so if you want it and you chance upon it in store, better grab it at once!

Etude House Lash Perm All Shockara Mascara (P648.00)

This mascara promises shocking volume, curl, and length, and is shockingly waterproof. Lazy me actually prefers a non-waterproof mascara for everyday use, but I'll use this one during special occasions.

Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher in #11 Peach Choux Wafers (P348.00)

I remember buying a blush like this way back during my college days from another Korean beauty brand at double the price. :| Never again! >:)

This blush from Etude House is just too cute. It comes in a dome-shaped packaging with a princess-y pink ribbon on the puff applicator. Peach Choux Wafers is a warm matte peach shade, and is one of the newest shades from the range.

Etude House Color Lips-fit in #BE101 See-Thru Fit Beige (P498.00)

Color Lips-fit is an amazing innovation from Etude House. It's a liquid lipstick that transform from wet to a powdery, velvety texture upon application. I've reviewed it in #PK002 Silhouette Fit Pink here. I think #BE101 See-Thru Fit Beige is a perfect shade for everyday use.

What Etude House items are in your kit? :) Like Etude House Philippines on Facebook for more information.

Love,

Helen

Etude House Surprise Concealer Kit #02 Dark Circle Brightening

I've been wanting to try a peach undereye corrector for the longest time, after seeing it in Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual. The book said that the corrector is meant to be used before concealer, but if you don't have super dark undereye circles, then you can go away with just using the corrector alone.

Then, I saw this cute Surprise Concealer Kit in Etude House! From what I've noticed, concealers usually come in boring albeit functional packaging - like pots, sticks, or tubes. Ever seen one that will Surprise you? :D

Etude House Surprise Concealer Kit #02 Dark Circle Brightening

Etude House Surprise Concealer Kit comes in 2 shades: #01 Flaw Coverage and #02 Dark Circle Brightening. The first shade is darker, meant to be used for the face, but can also be used for the undereyes. The one I have is the second shade, only for undereyes since it can be too light for the rest of the face.

 

The Surprise Concealer Kit comes with a mirror underneath the cap. It comes in 2 shades inside, peach (corrector) and beige (concealer).

Swatches:

The peach one has a very moist and sheer consistency which easily blends into the skin. The beige shade has a thicker and drier feel, and you have to be extra careful to apply only a little or else it will appear cakey. Also, notice how the peach shade blends right in, while the beige shade looks quite light.

When Worn:

Bare

My dark circles aren't very problematic, but if I don't cover it, I look tired and haggard by afternoon.

With peach corrector

Sometimes, the corrector is enough. Then I just layer powder over it.

With peach corrector + beige concealer

Without vs with (corrector + concealer)

Sometimes I make a mistake of putting on a too thick layer that I end up with reverse racoon eyes. But when I do it right, it works fine.

Pros:

• Manufacturing date is indicated on the packaging.
• It comes in a handy, compact packaging.
• It comes with a small mirror.
• It has a light, pleasant scent
• It's a 2-in-1 product (corrector + concealer).
• It covers dark circles well.

Cons:

• The pan that holds the product is shallow. (The grams isn't indicated on the packaging.)
• The beige shade's texture is hard and dry; it tends to be cakey when applied thickly or powedered.
• The beige shade is very light and can cause reverse racoon eyes when used on darker skintones.
• Concealer wears off by mid-day. It tends to slide off oily skin.

Price: P398.00

Available in all Etude House stores nationwide

This one's an okay product, but I won't be repurchasing. It's cute, it works, but it's not "wow". Next up on my to-buy list for when I finish this concealer is Skin Food Salmon Dark Circle Concealer Cream. They've repriced it from P900.00+ to P600.00+ (for a 10g pot), if I remember it correctly. Have you tried it?

Like Etude House Philippines on Facebook for more details.

 

Love,

Helen

Natural Lash Extensions at Stylash Fisher Mall

I'll be honest and admit that my eyes are my least favorite feature of my face. They just look sad, even if I'm not sad! But if I see something that will improve their appearance, I'd go for it in a heartbeat. After discovering my amazing eyeliner stickers, now I venture into something I've never done before: eyelash extensions! I always see eyelash salons in malls, but I always hesitate since I find lash extensions high maintenance yet fleeting - gone in a few weeks or so. But if you're a true blue kikay girl, I think its worth a try, even just once! :D

Stylash Eyelash Salon at Fisher Mall

Stylash is located (just beside Bang's Tony & Jackey) at the 3rd floor of Fisher Mall. The salon actually reminds me of Benefit, Etude House, and Vanilla Cupcake Bakery - in short, all things girly and cute. Nothing too clinical and definitely no intimidating factor.

Stylash Eyelash Salon specializes in Eyelash Extensions. We are the only eyelash salon in the Philippines to provide Q10 Collagen eyemask treatments during extensions. Techniques and products applied are based on training and development from Taiwan.

Stylash makes use of real mink for their extensions, which makes it lightweight and feathery. They have extensions in different shapes (either a J or C curl), lengths (8mm, 10mm, or 12mm), diameters, and even colored mink lashes (in brown, blue, red, green, and violet).

You can also choose your own style - posh, chic, fierce, or glam!

Here's a list of their services:

Nude: 100 pieces both eyes (P550.00)

Natural: 160 pieces both eyes (P800.00)

Glamorous: 200 pieces both eyes (P1,000.00)*

Super Star: 240 pieces both eyes (P1,200.00)*

Full Diva: 300 pieces both eyes (P1,600.00)*

*Glamorous, Super Star, and Full Diva are at 50% off until May 31, 2014.

This is the waiting area - so cute!

Inside the salon are 5 beds, but they are facing the store window so outsiders can see you. :o Hope they frost the glass or put some designs to cover the glass window.

Now on to the treatment!

I had the Natural lash extensions (80 pieces of extensions per eye). I chose the C shape curl (which looks dolly) and a mix of 8mm and 10mm for the length (since the lady insisted that 8mm would already look fine on my sparse lashes, but I wanted them longer). Wish granted!

The procedure would last for 1-1.5 hours. First, a Q10 eye mask is applied on the undereyes to soothe the skin and protect the lower lash line from the glue. Throughout the procedure, you may NOT open your eyes since the glue is at work and the fumes could cause irritation. If ever at some point you feel some stinging, speak up so they can fan your eyes for the glue to dry quicker. My lash technician had light hands, and I didn't really encounter any problems during the procedure.

Before & After:

Here's the finished product. BIG difference, right? :D

I said before that lash extensions are high maintenance, but I don't mind waking up to lashes like this everyday. I might just do it again real soon.

 If you like, you may click this photo to view my actual lashes amidst the extensions. They're so short, thin, and sparse. And the extensions are just love!

The Q10 eye mask made my eye area softer, with a brightened look. As for the lashes, I've received compliments from people telling me that I'm blooming, but they can't pinpoint what was different with me. (Well, except for my gay friends who pointed out that I had falsies on. Wrong! Haha)

Natural Lash Extensions at Stylash:

160 pieces (80 pieces/eye)

C shape curl

8mm & 10mm combined

After the procedure, I was handed a spoolie, which I could use to comb my lashes, but I highly advise to just not touch it or pick on it too much since it may fall off.

I also got this cute Customer Aftercard, which serves both as a guide on how to care for your lashes and as a loyalty card, wherein you can get discounts after certain visits.

Aftermath:

After a few days, my lashes aren't as feathery and separated compared to Day 1 (when the photos above were taken). This could be because of my oily face (even my lids are oily). The lash extensions are supposed to last for a month or so, but mine has started to shed a little on my right eye, even if I'm careful with them. The glue they used is probably weak, but one good thing about it is that it has less chance of taking your real lashes along with it as it falls off. This could probably be due to the nature of my eyelashes -  each strand is short and thin (almost wispy), and 2 pieces of extensions were glued per lash (2-ply technique). Maybe my lashes couldn't take the weight so they gave up. I don't know, that could just be a probability. Another noteworthy thing is that I didn't experience itching at all, even days after the procedure - something other people I know dealt with with their lash extensions done at other salons. My friends told me that theirs got so itchy in a few days that they just picked on their lashes or plucked them out to get it over with.

I read from their Facebook page that the extensions last for 2-3 months, but I'm giving mine a lifespan of about 2-3 weeks. Will update you guys once I change my mind regarding that.

Do I recommend it?

Yes. I'm actually thinking of whether I'll get a touch up (P300.00), or a new set of extensions in the near future. Having mile long lashes cuts my makeup time short, since it's already dramatic on its own. Eyelash extensions are also perfect for when you're planning for special events, or even if you just want to look good (and blooming) everyday. :D

Like Stylash Eyelash Salon on Facebook for more details! Remember to visit their Fisher Mall branch (contact nos. 09176684957 and/or 0918.6212855), as they're offering 50% off on extensions until May 31, 2014.

Have you had lash extensions done before? How was your experience?

Love,

Helen

Etude House Color Lips-fit in #PK002 Silhouette Fit Pink

Cream to powder foundations are pretty common, but have you tried one like that for the lips? I've tried all sorts of tints before, but it's my first time to try one that goes from liquid to a matte, powdery texture.

Etude House Color Lips-fit in #PK002 Silhouette Fit Pink

About the product:

This is a revolutionary liquid type lipstick that moistly glides onto lips with its vivid color and finishes off with a weightless powdery texture.

As usual, the packaging is cute! It looks like candy. :D

The tube itself is transparent so you'd see the actual shade inside.

It comes with a doe-foot applicator. The texture of the product and the applicator makes it easier to create the gradient lips look.

Tip: Shake well before using - just like nail polish! :D

Swatches:

Unblended vs blended

Shade #PK002 Silhouette Fit Pink looks neon pink on the tube and on my arm, but you can tone it down to a bubble gum pink shade (which is more wearable). Start with a small amount of product first, then you may layer it on to get your desired shade/outcome.

My favorite part of this lippie is when it magically turns from liquid to an almost powder texture! My lips are matte, velvety, and bright whenever I use Color Lips-fit. ♥

Pros:

• Packaging is simple but still cute.
• Manufacturing date is printed on the packaging.
• Its innovative cream to powder formula dries within seconds upon application.
• It's easy to blend. 
• It has a lovely matte finish.
• It does not bleed or feather.
• It has a pleasant fruity scent.
• It's VERY pigmented - a little goes a long way.
• Its quick-drying liquid texture can be used to create gradient lips or as a full-on lip color.
• It comes in a wide variety of shades (6 matte, 1 clear gloss).

Cons:

• Ingredients list is missing.
• The tint can be quite drying. I apply this in the morning and it manages to look fine for hours, but when it's time to retouch, my lips are a bit flaky.
• Even if it's a tint, it still transfers when I eat or drink.

Shades:

 

Price: P498.00
Available in all Etude House stores nationwide

 

Which shade are you eyeing from the Color Lips-fit range? As for me, aside from PK002, I'm also liking BE101 since it looks like a pretty and natural nude lippie that's perfect for everyday use.

 

Like Etude House Philippines on Facebook for more information. ;)

Love,

Helen