Delightful Illusions

         San San is a local makeup brand that seems to be doesn't getting enough love and attention from most Filipino makeup bloggers. I rarely see people from my country talking about this brand's makeup products. Why? I've been using their products since I was in college and I think that they have nice products which are affordable and have nice quality into them. 

         A couple of months ago, I came across the HBC Branch I always visit and I thought of grabbing some San San stuff since I have not bought from them for a while. One of the products I bought is this Peach Blush from the Age Defense Line. You can tell this line apart from others by its metallic royal blue packaging which looks so majestic. Haha! 😁 Anyways, I was curious to try this because it has that matte finish which I'm currently into. If you want to know my thoughts about this blush, just keep on reading. 😄

INGREDIENTS

I have researched from different sites about the ingredients and these are the things I found out:

PACKAGING

          The blush is stored in a circular plastic container that resembles the MAC Blush packaging. Honestly, I really love the cover because blue is my all time favorite color. I hope this won't face because I feel like it's just an over-spray. 

          The bottom part of the packaging is actually covered in white. There's a hidden compartment below the blush's pan; it stores a mirror and a small brush for application. 

          I love this idea since this would be great for travelling. It may be bulky, but it is practical since there's already a mirror that is nice for retouching. The packaging is quite sturdy and would fit into a small makeup pouch.

APPLICATOR

          I don't like the brush that comes with this blush. The bristles are so rough and aren't picking up much product. I don't know if I'm gonna toss this or keep it on its compartment. Haha! 

PRODUCT

         The product itself was pressed in like a dome-shaped form. It has matte finish, blends smoothly on the skin, subtle color, and quite buildable. 

          The formula is chalky, there's no way denying that. It seems pigmented on the pan; it's actually sheer when you swatch it on your hand. The blush color isn't that versatile as this would probably suit on fair to light skin tones. How about medium to dark? I don't think it won't show up. 

          It blends into a sheer peach shade. This blush powder takes some work in order to build a nice flush on the cheeks. When applied on the skin, it looks muted and seems natural. 

          For longevity, it stays 2-3 hours when applied with a synthetic brush in a stippling method. I found out that if you apply this in swiping motion, the color doesn't show up much. Such a bummer, right?

HOW DOES IT LOOK ON MY SKIN?

          It gives me a natural-looking peachy flush. I think this is great if with my dark eyes and bright lips; it balanced my makeup look, keeping my face neutral when other parts are dramatic. In case you are wondering, I wore this look on my birthday. I have talked about this makeup look on my Turning 24 blog post. 

OVERALL THOUGHTS

          I love this blush! I know it isn't the greatest, most amazing blush in the local drugstore, but this is the one reaching for the most almost everytime I do my makeup. The matte finish is amazing and is surprisingly not powdery on the skin. I prefer matte blushes over anything so this product is perfect for me. The most amazing thing about this product? I has SPF 15! Oh my goodness! How many blushes have SPF on them? I rarely see one. Haha! Plus, this contains skin nourishing ingredients which makes me love this product even more. This is worth my Php 125! :)

          How do you find this new format of review? Please bear with me because this is the first time I have reviewed with this format. I know this is not so put together but it'll get better in time. I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any thoughts, requests, or suggestions, please leave a comment down below and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and visit this blog. I'll be back with a more interesting post next time. I'll talk to you soon. Have a great day. Stay safe. XOXO

Hi! It's a cold, stormy Friday here in the Philippines today and I thought it would be the perfect time to write a blog post. I was supposed to blog about my current product empties but I wasn't in the mood to do that. Then, I browsed some blog posts on Google and I found this tag that has been going around on the beauty blogs and videos for a while named The Blush Tag (from BLOGHER). This tag is so interesting and seems fun to about blushes so I gave it a shot.

Makeup products are my favorite things since I was in College and started collecting on my 2nd year. I have accumulated a lot of stuff but I also got rid of so many. I have always kept my collection on a minimum number because I don't need 20 blushed at the same time. Currently, I have 13 blushes on my stash and I think that would be enough to do this tag. If you are interested on the blushes that I will be showing, just keep on reading. :)

I have to say, this Revlon A Floral Affair Blush in Pinking Of You has the best packaging for blushes. They don't look that much cute or pretty in terms of graphics, but it's so sturdy and survived for 7 years that I have this. It's sleek, fits on any of my makeup bags and is great for travelling. Why is it good for travelling? The packaging doesn't break! This has a strong and stable packaging for drugstore item. A big thumbs up! 

*This was a limited edition but you can still get this on Amazon. Just click the link. :)

PRETTIEST COLOR

The blush on the San San Da Red Collection Face Palette in Flaunt To Impress has a pretty semi-metallic bubblegum pink shade. It glides on smoothly to the skin and blendable as well. I bought this in 2010 and I'm sure that you cannot get this anymore because it's limited edition as well. As far as I remember, I didn't use this much because this is too much for school. It makes my cheeks pop. Haha! :)

MOST PIGMENTED

This e.l.f. Studio Blush in Tickled Pink looks nothing on the pan. Just apply this to your cheeks, blend it, and boom! It looks beautiful! I didn't liked this that much when I bought this (almost 6 years ago) and didn't care that to use over the past years. I pulled this out this year out of my stash because I included this in a project that I currently have. I rediscovered this product and as I use it everyday, I begin to appreciate this blush. It's one those blushes that you didn't like at first, but the more you use it, the more you like it. I love how this can go subtle and be buildable at the same time. This particular shade is perfect for everyday because it goes with any look that I use. :)

PARTY BLUSH

Party blush?? What do they mean by that? A blush that's perfect party? A blush that looks like a party? I'm not really sure. Haha! Anyways, I chose this EB Advance Blush Duo in Golden Goddess as my party blush (the pink one). My camera didn't do justice on how amazing this blush is; it's this fruit punch pink with gold undertones and has gold micro-glitters that is so reflective on the cheeks. The quality of the blush is great; it's pigmented, finely-milled, glides on smoothly, and just gorgeous in general. I think that this is kind of similar to NARS Orgasm Blush, just more pink than coral. This blush will be perfect for parties because it screams "PARTY!!" itself. You'll feel indeed like a goddess when wearing this blush.

REGRET PURCHASING

This blush from elf, from a palette which isn't being sold anymore, is by far the worst. This looks like an ordinary pink blush from the drugstore. But, this isn't a blush at all. As you can see from the swatch below, it doesn't have a decent pigmentation to be called a blush. It's so chalky and powdery; it fades into a a glitter dump once blended on the skin. This wouldn't even work as a highlight. It sucks! I don't even use this and wouldn't bother it until I decide to throw it away one day. 

LEAST USED 

This blush included in the The Balm Autobalm California Face Palette is my least used because I don't want to wear it down yet. The Balm Cosmetics is expensive here in the Philippines, and this baby isn't gonna be used just yet. It's a nice natural looking blush that is good for everyday flush of color on the cheeks. I just don't want to use it yet. Haha! :)

MOST USED/BLUSHES YOU DON'T WANT TO LET GO OF

The Nichido True Colors Collection Blush in Cool Rum is most used blush in my stash. It's great for warming the face, contouring, and just a warm mid-tone blush for everyday use. It is evident in this photo that I love it so much it's half-way gone. I'm so in love with this color! 💖👌

FAVORITE BLUSH BRAND

The Nichido True Colors Collection Blushes, of course. They're affordable, it's only Php 88 each. They have a great color pay-off and an array of color selection which suits Filipina skin. For a start, buy this blush trio which contains a peach, warm mid-tone coral, and blushing pink blushes. I forgot the exact price but I'm pretty sure that they don't exceed from Php 300.

GREATEST BLUSH DISCOVERY

This blush duo is my greatest discovery just yet. I didn't imagine that a drugstore brand from the local market could produce such good quality products that costs only Php 220. I recommend buying one of these. You won't regret.

MOST PRACTICAL

The San San Age Defense Blush in Peach Glow is the most practical in my collection. It does give a natural peach glow in your face, has age defense ingredients, protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, and nourishes the skin with Vitamins A,C, and E. It's a makeup that beautifies and takes care of the skin. So practical!

LEAST PRACTICAL

None. I don't have any.

MOST EXPENSIVE

It's also the Revlon blush I have talked about earlier. I forgot the exact price, but I paid for Php 700 or above for the blush. 

LEAST EXPENSIVE

The same San San blush I mentioned above is my least expensive blush. It only costs Php 125, sold exclusively at HBC stores. What are you waiting for? Go and grab one! 

This tag is so fun. I enjoyed going through my collection and swatching the blushes. I rediscovered things and I want to use some of these in next days. I tag all of you to this because blushes are too beautiful not be to be talked about and shared. I hoped you liked this post and do this as well. Please leave your post's link or video link on the comments area if you have done this tag too. I'll read them. Thank you so much for dropping by and read this blog. I hope you are all having a great day. I'll talk to you soon. Stay safe. 💕

          Project Makeup Low Buy is challenge I have imposed on myself that I should do this year. This project aims to control my makeup purchases per month and save money. I committed to purchase 2 makeup products at most per month; I excluded mascara because I only buy 1 at a time. I promised to show all the products I bought and give reviews. 

             February was the month where I purchased 4 makeup products. Pretty bad, huh? I did not feel bad at all because I knew that I needed the products I bought. An office mate of mine asked me to do her makeup for the department's anniversary celebration, which was held last February 19. Knowing that I need to buy some things, I decided to break my own rules and went on a shopping spree. I picked up a black liquid eyeliner because I didn't have one; I picked up a soft brown brow liner shade because I didn't have any either. Anyways, if you are interested to know the products I bought and my thoughts about them, just keep on reading.

          I had this eyeliner before, like 6 years ago, and I loved it. I got the brown one during my college days; I remember this liquid eyeliner being easy to use and lasting all day long. I needed a good eyeliner for my office mate who asked me to do her makeup for an event. I used this on her mono lids and they liked the look on her. She is the type of girl who doesn't wear any makeup, not even lipstick. 

          Pigmentation is on its highest level -- vivid at one swipe. It has the typical felt tip applicator which kind of hard to control, on my part at least. The I really love about this product is the longevity. This stays all throughout the day; it doesn't smear and transfer. If you are looking for a good liquid liner that is affordable, get this one. It costs only Php 100. :)

Cherimoya is a makeup brand that I have never heard before. I saw these liners before, I got curious, I almost bought it, but I didn't. Then, just this February, I went back to the store Branded For Less and finally decided to try this one. I was in need of good lip liner and I thought that this product might work. Since I have been working on a dark berry lipstick for my project pan, I decided to pick this shade in Mahogany -- a deep mauve-brown color. 

          This has a creamy, thick consistency with a nice pigmentation. It feels thick on my lips, not smooth to apply on, and leaves small chunks of product. I think it pretty blends well with the Clinique Different Lipstick in A Different Grape, which is currently on my project pan. Defined lips is what I see when I use this product. I like that seals my lipstick on place. I wouldn't say that I don't like this because I still haven't tried using this on my eyes. It's nice liner though. 

          I'm not sure if that's the name of the product because it wasn't stated on the packaging. Annoying, eh? I bought this product for the spoolie brush that it came with. I have been meaning to buy a spoolie for my brows, so when I saw this I immediately bought this. I also needed a brown brow liner for my office mate; I didn't think she would jump into my strong brow game. 

          This has a soft touch on my brows; it's not dramatic nor pigmented. I like this when I feel like I need a more natural looking brows without the effort. I need to swipe a couple of times to see a color. The slanted shape is not good for defining although it's slim. This lasts a long time when worn alone. This is a perfect product for on-the-go moments. I recommend checking this one out.

         Those are the makeup products I bought on February. I have mentioned that I bought 4 items but I have only shown 3. The other product has its own post; it's the First Impressions Review: Careline Oil Control Liquid Makeup. If you have any request for an in-depth review on any of these products, please let me know. I would really appreciate it. I will post my March products as soon as I have tried all the products I bought. Thank you so much stopping by. I'll talk to you tomorrow. I hope you are having a great day. Stay safe. 

          Hey, loves! How are you doing? Today, I want to share with you the stuff that I have loved in January. As you have noticed, I haven't done a monthly favorites in a long time. I cannot even remember when was the last time I did something like this. I will talk about products that you have never seen on this blog before, which is really exciting for me. This post does not only features beauty products; including health product, beauty tools and hygiene product. If you are interested on my favorites the previous month, just keep on reading. ☺

          Golden Spoon Banaba Herbal Tea Health Drink (Trial Pack) - Banaba is known to help in loosing weight here in the Philippines. My aunt and cousins drink Banaba Tea on a regular basis and I have seen some improvements on their bodies since the last time I saw. Since we don't have a Banaba tree, I have bought this tea at Robinson's Supermarket to try; to see if this has the same effect on me. I have to say that I whenever I drink this tea, my stomach feels light. I prefer this than the Senna Tea, which gives me an excruciating pain (just exaggerating) before I dispose my waste. Haha! If you are trying to loose weight, I recommend Banaba Tea as an alternative. :) 

          Penshoppe Fairy Dust Pink Dream Body Spray (70 mL) - This is one of the fragrances that seem like to smell really, really sweet because it's pink (I'm so biased), but isn't that sweet. Do you get me, guys? Haha! This smell belongs to the floral family; soft floral with sparkling sensation which results to a powdery scent when it settles on the skin. I think that this scent kind of belongs to the family where the Chanel No. 5 belongs. I love this because it gives me that fresh, baby powder scent that isn't overwhelming. How I wish Penshoppe would make a perfume version of this one. I will the happiest person in whole wide world. Haha! :)

          pH Care Naturals Intimate Wash with Guava Leaf Extract - This is just your basic daily feminine wash. The main reason why is it here on this list is because of the fresh smell of the products. The smell seems refreshing and light. I have used this during my period and I stayed feeling fresh. Okay, enough said. I don't want to expand. Haha!

         GT Carrot Lotion with SPF 60 - This product claims to be whitening, moisturizing, body concealer and sunblock, like a 4 IN 1 product. I have used this since December and I have to say that it does what it claims. I love that this evens my skin tone, feels light weight, gives a smooth feeling on my skin, and has a high level of SPF. I get compliments on my skin every time I use this. People have been asking what soap I use, and I tell them that I just use a lotion. Haha! When you use this product, just make sure that you blend this very well in order not to leave white splotches on your skin. :)

          Ever Bilena Matte Eyeshadow Trios in Tango - Honestly speaking, I didn't think that Ever Bilena will make good quality eye shadows. Their products are always made from China; I have said before that cheap products from China are pretty poor in quality and is most probably unhealthy for the skin. This particular line of eyeshadow is the bomb; very pigmented, creamy texture, smooth application, blendable, and long lasting. I love this light custard brown shade as my transition color. This shadow gives my eyes a nice gradient effect on my looks. I recommend picking up these matte shadows if you still have access them. I think that they already have discontinued these shadows.

          Avon Perfect Brow Kit in Deep Brown - There's not a single Avon makeup product purchase that I didn't like, and this eyebrow kit is not an exception. I have used this non-stop ever since I got this. This was my first time trying a brow kit with wax and my excitement wasn't disappointed. I love how he was puts my brows in place all throughout the day. The wax serves as the base that makes the powder application easy.  The applicator that comes with this is not the best; the strands are too thick for my taste. I use a flat angled liner brush to apply the powder for a more precise shape. Just don't touch your brows too much when you have this is on because this comes off easily. 

          Target Smudge and Shadow Brush Set - Oh my goodness, these brushes are rock stars! The shadow brush (bigger one) is good for applying colors on the crease, especially on blending. I love that the size of this brush fits my almond-shaped eyes perfectly. I have used this non-stop the first I tried this. The smudge brush have also blown my mind away. This is perfect for blending harsh eyeshadow application on the lower waterline. This makes the shadow give soft focus effect on shadows. I recommend getting this set because these are must haves. 

          San San High Definition Foundation with SPF 30 in Beige - I think I found the perfect foundation for my light yellow skin. This foundation shade blends into my skin excellently, like a second layer of my skin. Basing on my experience, this gives me a medium to full coverage. This has a thick, mousse-like consistency with a bearable sweet scent. I think that this perfect for people with a minimum amount of blemish on their face because this is definitely high definition. Once you apply this on your skin, this gives a semi-matte finish that emphasizes details on your face. I suggest using a good primer that fills in pores before using this product. This foundation would be great for photo shoots, I say. 

          Revlon Custom Eyes Shadow/Liner in Naturally Glamorous - I love this specific rustic brown shadow as my crease color on most of my eye looks. This gives a deeper, different look on my eyes which I really enjoy nowadays. If you'll ask me two years ago if I will use this on my crease, I will definitely say no. This shadows is more on the red side, making it look vampy. I have a change of heart as I have said. I love this shade now and this is most used out of the other shades on this palette.