I'm going to be very honest. I suck at starting my blog posts. *lol* I've been staring at the screen for the past 15 minutes and I decided to just "go with it". So here I am, typing rapidly away trying to think of a nice way to say that I'll be talking about circle lenses again. HAHAHA!~
Well anyway, since I already mentioned it, today I'll be talking about a new pair of circle lenses that I got last week... I've been seeing so much of the Solotica Hidrocor lenses online that I just had to take a look for myself. They're pretty pricey (some shops sell them for P500-P800 a pair) but lucky for me Sparkle lenses carry "Solotica INSPIRED" lenses for only P250/pair and I found a seller with on hand stocks...
It took me some time to decide which ones to get because they all looked so pretty. I pretty much stick to grays and browns so in the end I got the Princess Riri Gray and the OMG Brown. Today I'll be reviewing the OMG Brown ones.
* Color & Design - Out of the colors available for lenses, brown is the one I usually gravitate towards to when I want an "easy to wear" color. I usually go for 3-tone lenses but this particular 2 tone design still looks beautifully striking against my natural dark brown eyes without looking too harsh. I also love the fact that I don't need to wear a lot of eye makeup to make this particular pair "work" for me.
* Enlarging - At 14.5mm this definitely isn't a very enlarging pair. Now that I'm older, I prefer to not have the "doll-eye" look anymore. I'm more comfortable donning 14.2-14.5mm pairs.
* Comfort & Ease of Use - For a "seasoned" circle lens wearer, this pair was a breeze to use. It isn't flimsy and isn't heavy on the eyes. I wore this pair for more than 4 hours straight in an air-conditioned room and had no problems whatsoever.
*Lasts for a year!
What I Don't Like:
* It is a bit on the flimsy side, so be careful in handling this pair!
So, my dearest readers, have any of you tried on Solotica inspired lenses? What can you say about them? Which ones would you recommend for me? Catch you all on my next post!
If you know me, then you already probably know by now that aside from my love for lipsticks, I'm also a very big fan of circle lenses. When I was younger, I was obsessed with circle lenses. OBSESSED. Back then, I would save up all of my allowance to get hold of a pair (they used to cost as much as P900!).
I got gray ones, brown ones, green ones and I even got some crazier colors like red, pink & purple ones but there was one shade that was a bit elusive - blue. I had such a hard time looking for the perfect pair of blue lenses that I just gave up and stuck to the basic grays and browns but fast forward to last month... I finally found THE pair of blue lenses I've been waiting for!
Lens Details
Brand : Sparkle
Origin : South Korea
Water Content : 38%
Diameter : 14.2mm
Base Curve : 8.6mm
Price : P350/pair
Duration : 1 year, disposable
Freebie : Lens case
What I Like:
* Color & Design - I've always had a not-so-secret penchant for blue lenses and I've finally gotten the pair that complements my Filipina skin tone AND actually appears blue against my dark brown eyes. Over the years, I've noticed that most blue lenses I've tried either look gray on my eyes or are "too" blue and fake looking. This particular pair has a three tone design which makes it as natural as natural can get.
* Enlarging - At 14.2mm this definitely isn't an enlarging pair. Now that I'm (dare I say it?) 25 years old, I prefer to not have the "doll-eye" look anymore. I'm more comfortable donning 14.2-14.5mm pairs.
* Comfort & Ease of Use - For a "seasoned" circle lens wearer, this pair was a breeze to use. It isn't flimsy and isn't heavy on the eyes. I wore this pair for more than 4 hours straight in an air-conditioned room and had no problems whatsoever.
*Lasts for a year!
What I Don't Like:
* It is a bit on the flimsy side, so be careful! I don't recommend this brand for those of you out there with long nails as they have a tendency to "rip". *booo!*
Being addicted to lip products is starting to get bad... for my wallet! *laughs*
Before my Singapore trip (which I've yet to blog about) I was scouting around for new stuff to try when I stumbled upon CoffeeandSparklebymimi's YouTube video about the Me Now True Lips Linber Pencils. Needless to say, my interest was piqued and I just needed (and by needed I really mean wanted) to have them...
This set comes packaged in a cute girly little box. It contains 12 shades of lip liners that range from nudes to deeper shades. A list of ingredients is printed on the box and I've researched most of these ingredients out of curiosity. They've gotten good ratings from Paula's Choice and that makes me a happy kid. *chuckles*
Do you want swatches on these babies? Tell me in the comment section below.
Surprise, surprise! Here's another lipstick related post because you all know how much of a lipstick fan I am. These lovely tubes were generously sent to me by Miss Suzanne Africa of Suzanne's Emporium. I received these babies during a really dark time in my life (chos!) and they really did serve as a bright spot during that time.
It's my first time using anything from the KleanColor brand.
These particular lipsticks are from the Madly Matte line.
"The Madly Matte Lipstick is a perfect collection of bold, vivid lip colors with a marvelously matte finish. Lipsticks provide long-wearing comfort without drying lips or feathering. KleanColor presents a grand collection featuring a wide assortment of colors, ranging from muted neutrals to vivacious plums and everything else in between to help you achieve the most dramatic and versatile looks. Color stays true and pout is left incredibly sublime and enviable." - Taken from the website.
I was sent two shades = Fandango & Rosewood.
Rosewood is a medium brick red shade with slight brown undertones.
Fandango is a bright cool purple shade.
What do you think about the shades I got? Tell me in the comment box below.
If you've been a long time follower of my blog then you probably know by now that I love lipsticks. Some girls love eyebrow products to get "on fleek" brows, some are obsessed with foundations to get that perfect flawless looks, some are into palettes of eyeshadows. Well I'm in love with lip products, especially lipsticks. I have a variety of shades and finishes and I can go on and on about the different tubes I have in my collection but today I'm revisiting an old favorite - Wet N Wild Megalast Lipsticks! I've been collecting tubes of this line since 2014! *teehee* Hope you enjoy the swatches!
Beauty Blenders are one of the most talked about makeup tools that I've read about. I've been seeing them everywhere! On my recent trip to Singapore I stopped by a Sephora branch to check some out on numerous occasions. I just couldn't bring myself to shell out nearly $25 (SGD) on a sponge that I would need to chuck out eventually. Right? So till I have enough guts to purchase an original one, I'll gladly settle for a more affordably priced one that I got sent for review purposes! *teehee*
What : Mini Egg Sponge a.k.a. Beauty Blender Replica
Hello everyone! I'm back with a new review on the Wet N Wild Silk Finish Lipsticks!
The ones I have are in the new sleeker packaging (the old one came in silvery tubes) and I'm really excited to share them with you because they're a nice break away from my usual demi matte - matte lipsticks. Let's get started, shall we?
I usually go for matte formulations because I don't like having to retouch my lipstick throughout the day but sometimes (especially now that it's summer!) matte formulas can get a bit too dry for my liking so these silk finish lipsticks are just the thing to chuck into my purse this summer!
Pros :
* Contains vitamins A & E plus aloe vera. It also has macadamia nut oil for even more hydration. Definitely something good for your lips!
* No taste or smell which is always a good thing for the more sensitive makeup enthusiasts.
* Glides on easily, doesn't tug on your lips and doesn't settle into fine lines.
* Good color pay off which is buildable.
* Comfortable to wear for longer periods.
* The darker shades leave a nice "stain" effect on the lips which I like.
* Affordably priced!
Cons :
* The clear plastic packaging top has to be lined up "just right" to get it completely shut which can be such a hassle if your in a hurry.
* Like most Wet N Wild lipsticks, the upper top half doesn't completely retract into the tube and I've ended up nicking a few of the lipsticks!
Aside from the few cons, there isn't much more to say about these except that I'd suggest them to those on a budget but would still like to try out something new... Now check out the swatches!
My personal favorites are Retro Pink & Blind Date.
Have you heard of or tried these lipsticks before? What are your thoughts about the Wet N Wild Silk Finish Lipsticks? *winks*
Liquid lipsticks have been all the rage since early 2015. I think my first encounter with this type of product is with the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams (which I loved!) but they can be a bit pricey.
Over the months I've seen a ton of brands come out with liquid lipstick type products and I've always been intrigued but the thought of splurging so much on a hyped product is a bit off putting till I stumbled upon this new product called Matte in Detail that retails for about P200-250/tube.
I saw these babies first posted by a friend and fellow blogger Deann Sarmiento but they are also available at the Cosmetix website.
Left to Right :D10 Rhea, D9 Jhen, D3 Rox, D7 Naima, D4 Sabrina
The liquid lipstick is housed in a simple small, clear, squared off tube with a small doe-foot applicator that's good enough to spread the product evenly. It can even reach right into the corner of your lips. Let's move on to some more swatches!
Left to Right :D10 Rhea, D9 Jhen, D3 Rox, D7 Naima, D4 Sabrina
Rhea - is a mauvey nude that doesn't wash me out. One of my favorites!
Rox - bright periwinkle-purple shade. Out of my comfort zone but still lovely.
Jhen - is a classic peachy nude. Another one of my favorites. It really brightens my complexion.
Naima - bright pink-magenta shade. Has a very nice summer vibe to it.
Sabrina - is a dark plum shade. Best for evening wear.
Check out my "when worn" swatches!
Pros:
Affordably priced.
Locally available.
Sweet melon scent - this is one of the rare times I don't mind a product having a scent.
Lovely velvety texture that glides upon application.
True to tube - what you see is what you get.
Variety of shades.
Dries to a true matte finish.
Good lasting power - up to 5 hours on me (but less if I eat!)
Cons:
Lighter shades applies a bit patchy, like D10 Rhea.
If your lips are a bit on the dry side, it can cling to the fine lines and make your lips appear more wrinkly. Your best bet is to exfoliate!
Okay, to wrap it all up, here's another photo of me wearing one of my favorite shades - D9 Jhen!
Have any of you tried this product out? What are your thoughts about liquid lipsticks in general? Suggest more products for me to try out! *wink*
If you've been a long time reader of my blog, you'll know by now that I love lip products and that I tend to hoard them especially matte lipsticks & liners. I've been seeing so much of the MeNow Kiss Proof Soft Lipsticks on beauty blogs, beauty vlogs and online shops so naturally I just had to join in the bandwagon albeit a little late.
Why it's so popular? It claims to be a "long lasting lipstick with a cushiony feel. It's matte and highly pigmented for full coverage; creamy nourishing formula won't dry lips; lightweight texture resists cracking and settling into fine lines."
I purchased 7 shades that I thought would go well with my medium light-medium skin tone. I picked out a variety of shades so I could get a feel of the entire line. I think it comes in a total of 19 different shades that range from nudes to pinks to corals to plums and reds...
Left to Right : 008, 006, 016, 009, 012, 003, 013
I'm going to keep this review short and simple.
Pros :
Affordably priced at P150/each.
Manufacturing date & expiration date are included so you can keep track.
Dries and sets to a very matte finish.
Transfer proof, smudge proof, water proof too!
It has a decent color payoff - even the nude shades.
Has good longevity until it comes across something oil based - like food.
Scentless.
Cons :
Some shades apply a bit patchy.
Application is a bit of a drag - literally. It tends to tug at your lips, especially in corners.
It has a tendency to set into the lines of your lips making it appear crackly.
This isn't retractable pencil. You'll have to sharpen it and that wastes product.
A few years ago I fell in love with the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. I collected about 7 shades that I really liked and left it at that. Fast forward to the release of their matte balms. I was in love - AGAIN! I made a mental note of all the shades I wanted to hoard but then life got in the way. I got caught up with my previous job, my baking, my family life and everything in between that I totally forgot all about these matte balms till I stumbled upon a Revlon counter at KCC Mall de Zamboanga... I wasn't sure if I really wanted one of these babies but after a couple of minutes of swatching I knew I'd regret not getting at least one... I ended up picking SULTRY.
Product Claims:
Velvety Matte Look. Moisture Rich Balm. A Matte finish that’s beyond plush. Balm that’s beyond comforting. Our Triple Butter Complex of Shea, Coconut and Mango butters nourishes lips. In 10 collectible, crave-able colors.
Review :
Packaging:The Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm comes in a twist up crayon-like stick packaging. The tube is in the same shade as that of the product which makes it a lot easier to pick it out from the other shades. The shade name and code is mentioned at the bottom of the tube on a sticker so you won't ever forget when somebody asks you what shade you have on! *teehee*
Price: At P575, I'm not really complaining. A little goes a long way and it beats me ordering online then having to pay an additional shipping fee that would bring the total price to over P600 bucks!
Shade: Sultry is a pink-brown. I think "dusty rose" is a more sosyal word to describe it. It goes lovely with my medium light to medium skin tone. I can totally see lighter and darker skin tones pulling this off. It can be a bit "mature" at first but it will grow on you and you'll definitely file this under the "my lips but better" category.
Scent: A lovely sweet mint that I love!
Pigmentation: This particular shade has a great color payoff. Two swipes and I'm good to go!
Texture: This matte balm has a very soft & creamy texture to it that it glides effortlessly onto my lips. It feels buttery but not greasy, if that makes any sense. It feels very light on the lips even if you'd accidentally pack it on. It doesn't set to a complete matte until a few hours later but I'm fine with that.
Longevity: I get about 5 hours of wear with this matte balm. I've been wearing this often and it withstands even my constant water-drinking habit (as of late). It does fade slightly after a greasy meal (like when I had pizza and mojos the other day!) but it's nothing too bad.
Swatches coming right up!
So that's it for this particular shade. I want to get SHAMELESS next, which is a crazy purple color!
Have any of you tried the Revlon Matte Balms yet? What shade/s did you get? Tell me in the comments below!
Janna Joshelle is a 20-something 90's kid who calls herself Jannie. She grew up watching Nickelodeon and Disney channel shows. She mainly blogs about beauty but is in the process of transitioning to a lifestyle&personal blog soon. Oh and she's also a registered nurse that works in the operating room.
All material in this course is, unless otherwise stated, the property of Janna Parel. Copyright and other intellectual property laws protect these materials. Reproduction or retransmission of the materials, in whole or in part, in any manner, without the prior consent of the copyright holder, is a violation of copyright law.