Spotlight | Sleek Makeup Pout 4 Perfection Set (Solstice Highlighting Palette + Matte Me Metallic Lip Cream).

Currently obsessed with highlighters, I've been buying one highlighter pan after another these past few months. My latest purchase is the Pout 4 Perfection Set from Sleek Makeup, which includes the Solstice Highlighting Palette and a Matte Me Metallic Lip Cream. I bought this set for Php 1150, which is actually a good buy considering the palette costs Php 875 while the lip cream retails for Php 450.

Sleek Makeup Pout 4 Perfection Set.

Honestly, I was only after the Solstice Highlighting Palette. I've been eyeing this highlighter for quite sometime now, after watching countless vlogs about it and reading all these reviews which have nothing but praises for the product.  Unfortunately, the palette is almost always out of stock online, and the only way for me to get my hands on it was to purchase it as a set. And so I did - even if I had qualms about the shade of the lip cream that came with it.

Product details at the back of the box.

A versatile palette that suits all skin tones, Solstice instantly enhances the complexion with a radiant glow. The palette contains four shades - all of them highly pigmented with a lovely metallic finish. All four shades create a gorgeous, luminous sheen on the skin, making this palette a must-have for anyone who's as obsessed as highlighters as I am.

Clockwise from L-R: Ecliptic, Hemisphere, Equinox, Subsolar.

The palette comes in a gold metallic case with magnetic closure - looks elegant and classy, save for the fact that it's a magnet for fingerprints. Inside is a big mirror, and a small brush which I did not even bother taking out of the plastic packaging. I'd rather use my own highlighter brush, thank you very much.

From L-R: Subsolar, Equinox, Hemisphere, Ecliptic.

The four shades contained in this palette are the following:

Ecliptic - a cream highlighter which turns into a velvety, powdery formula upon application. It's rosey beige in color with a sheen, pearly finish - the perfect shade to use if you don't want a 'super shiny highlight' and prefer a more subdued glow. The best way to apply this shade is by using your fingers, applying it on top of the cheekbones and along the brow bone. 

Hemisphere - a baked highlighter with a luminous, lavender sheen. This shade was actually the one that made me fall in love with this palette, because you all know I have a thing for anything lavender/lilac/purple. Hemisphere looks a bit intense when swatched, but it looks a lot softer on the face and gives the skin a subtle pink glow. 

Equinox - another baked highlighter with warm undertones and metallic sheen. It's coppery peach in color and the most reflective out of all four shades. 

Subsolar - a finely milled, ultra soft powder highlighter with warm undertones and pearly sheen. It's pastel yellow in color and the most subtle shade among the four. It's not as shimmery as the other shades, making it perfect for everyday wear.

From L-R: Ecliptic, Hemisphere, Subsolar, Equinox.

Now let's talk about the Matte Me Metallic Lip Cream that comes with the highlighting palette.

Solstice Highlighting Palette + Matte Me Metallic Lip Cream.

Released last year as part of the Distorted Dreams Collection, the Matte Me Metallic Lip Creams come in a range of of luminous, trendy colors with metallic, foil-like finish. There are nine shades in the collection, and the one that I got is Roman Copper, a rose gold, coppery shade which screams for attention, lol.

Matte Me Metallic Lip Cream in Roman Copper.

Not sure if this is the default shade included in every Pout 4 Perfection Set, but if I had a choice, I'd probably go for a darker shade with plum/mauve undertones. I just can't seem to make this product really rock on my lips, that's why. 

Roman Copper on my lips.

Sure, it's nicely pigmented and easy to apply, but it tends to accentuate the fine lines and makes my lips look parched and dry after a few hours of wear. It is long-wearing, though (eight hours straight with no touch-ups) - I'll give this product points for that.

Roman Copper, swatched.

Nonetheless, I love this Pout 4 Perfection Set because I finally got my hands on this HG highlighter. I absolutely love all four shades in the pan, and I love how they can brighten your skin in an instant and give your face a healthy glow. I probably won't be looking at another highlighting palette again, at least for now. :)

Products used:
FACE: Beyond Alice in Blooming Skin Tone Sun Base,
Nature Republic Botanical Stick Concealer,
Innisfree Long Wear Cover Cushion in N23.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Lienr,
Nature Republic Pure Shine Mascara.
CHEEKS: Sleek Makeup Blush in Sahara,
Sleek Makeup Highlighter in Equinox.
LIPS: Sleek Makeup Matte Me Metallic Lip Cream in Roman Copper.

Spotlight | Sleek Makeup Eye & Cheek Palette.

When I first started writing about makeup and beauty products in this blog more than seven years ago, Sleek Makeup easily became one of my favorite brands. Known for their high-quality makeup with strong pigmentation, this British high street (drugstore) brand also earned a cult following for their expansive range of shades in all skin tones.

Today I am rekindling my love for Sleek Makeup with this Eye and Cheek Palette, a gift from my Mum a few months back.

Sleek Makeup Eye & Cheek Palette, retails for £10.  

This palette is called Dancing 'Til Dusk which contains four eye shadows and two blushers from Sleek Makeup's bestselling i-Divine and Blush range. Packaged in a handy-sized travel compact with magnetic closure, the palette comes with a mirror the size of the entire lid, a mini brush, and a mini sponge applicator.

What's inside the palette.

The brush and sponge applicator that comes with it.

I personally love this magnetic closure concept, because now I don't have to worry about stubbing my nails or ruining my nail polish just to get the palette open. This has always been my issue with my older Sleek Makeup palettes - they're too difficult to open! Thankfully, the brand seemed to have resolved this common issue, and most - if not all - of their palettes now close magnetically.

The larger pans are the blushers, the smaller ones are the eyeshadows.

Dancing 'Til Dusk features complementary and bold shades suitable for all skin tones. The eyeshadows are velvety browns and shimmering fawns from the Au Naturel i-Divine palette. As for the blushers, one is from a limited edition release while the other is from Sleek Makeup's current range.

From L-R: Mirrored Pink (blush), Cappuccino and Mineral Earth (eye shadows).

Mirrored Pink is a cool-toned, bright pink shade with silver shimmers. It has a pretty nice texture and glides on smoothly on your cheeks when applied. It's also well-pigmented, and has great color payoff with just one or two swipes. 

Cappuccino is a light beige matte shade. This eye shadow has a different texture, a little too hard if I may say, and it took me a few swipes to make the color noticeable in the swatches. It's the least pigmented product in this palette, and you really have to make extra effort to get good color payoff from this shade.

Mineral Earth is a deep brown shade with a hint of gold. It's shimmery, nicely pigmented, and has a smooth, easy-to-apply texture.

From L-R: Sahara (blusher), Taupe and Regal (eye shadows).

Sahara is a matte orange blusher with a touch of brown. This shade has a lovely, smooth texture and is highly pigmented. You need to be light-handed in applying this on your cheeks as the color can be pretty intense with just one or two swipes.

Taupe is a champagne shimmer with a smooth texture and good color payoff.

Regal is a cool-toned purple shade with a hint of brown. Unlike the Cappuccino, this matte eye shadow has a smooth and creamy texture which makes it easier to apply. It's nicely pigmented, and you get good color payoff with just a swipe or two.

All six shades - Mirrored Pink, Cappuccino, Mineral Earth on top,
Sahara, Taupe, and Regal on the bottom.

All six shades have great staying power, especially the blushers. Both Mirrored Pink and Sahara can last for more than six hours on the skin, while the eye shadows can stay put the entire day with a good primer/eye shadow base underneath.

Sahara on my cheeks.

Mirrored Pink on my cheeks.

Overall, I love how every shade in this palette is wearable for both night and day looks, and is suitable for most skin tones. With its sleek and sturdy packaging, this palette is perfect for traveling -and I will most likely bring this along on my next Seoul Searching trip. I'll bring my own brushes though, as I'm not very fond of the brush and applicator that's included in the palette.

Products used:
FACE: Beyond Alice in Blooming Skin Tone Sun Base,
Nature Republic Botanical Stick Concealer.
Innisfree Long Wear Cover Cushion in N23.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Liner,
Nature Republic Pure Shine Mascara.
CHEEKS: Sleek Makeup Mirrored Pink Blush.
LIPS: Vice Cosmetics Good Vibes Matte Lipstick in Ekzaj.

Spotlight | Sleek MakeUp Flick It Eyeliner.

I've tried quite a number of products from Sleek MakeUp and my previous experience/s with the brand have always been good. This week, I road-tested one of the newer products - the Sleek MakeUp Flick It Eyeliner, and I must say, the brand has impressed me yet again.

Flick It! :)

Launched early this year, Sleek MakeUp's Flick It is a liquid eyeliner that looks a lot like a colored pen at first glance. Haha!

Not a colored pen, haha.

It has a very fine, precise felt tip point that allows for easy control and smooth application. If you're a newbie at wearing makeup and isn't sharp as a tack when it comes to eyeliners, then this pen-type product is a good way to start.

So fine!

The Flick It Eyeliner comes in three shades - Dazzling Black, Purple Aura, and Royal Blue. What I have here is the Royal Blue, which is a very wearable shade. I was actually quite hesitant to use this at first, thinking that blue would look funny on me (I've always had this stigma that blue eyeshadow/ eye makeup does not suit me). Sleek MakeUp, however, proved me wrong.

Flick It in Royal Blue.

Another impressive thing about this product is its color payoff. This Royal Blue shade is so pigmented that a single stroke would be enough to produce a gorgeous semi-matte finish.

One stroke on the left, two strokes on the right.

Wear time is quite remarkable, too. I was able to wear this for a good 14 hours without budging. It doesn't smudge, doesn't fade, resistant to sweat and water, but can be removed easily with a makeup remover.

What I love:

- Easy to use.

- Precise felt tip applicator lets you create both thin and thick lines.

- Highly-pigmented.

- Three shades to choose from.

- Fast drying, long wearing formula.

- Not tested on animals.

What you might not like:

- I've read somewhere that the product dries out quite quickly despite keeping it tightly-capped. 

I just hope that I'll be able to use this eyeliner down to the last drop (lol) 

before it actually dries out on me, haha!

Products Used:
FACE: Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie Pore Cover,
Etude House Correct & Care CC Cream, Etude House Any Cushion,
Missha Under Eye Brightener.
EYES: The FaceShop Lovely Me:EX Design My Eyebrows,
Sleek MakeUp Flick It Eyeliner, Fairy Drops Volume Burst Mascara.
CHEEKS: Sleek MakeUp Blush in Pomegranate.
LIPS: Jordana Lip Liner in Rose, EOS Lip Balm in Blueberry Potion,
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Addis Ababa.

Sleek MakeUp Flick It Eyeliner sells for Php 475 each (a little over $10) and is available online via Beauty Corner PH. You can also check out the Sleek MakeUp counters at The Ramp Crossings Shangri-la, The Ramp Crossings Quezon Avenue, and The Ramp Glorietta 3.

Spotlight | SkinFood Sugar Cookie Blusher in Bebe Pink.

The past few days have been hot as hell and unbelievably humid. Times like these, I wear makeup to a minimum and keep my face as bare as possible. Doing my makeup routine in this kind of heat is already painstaking, what more if I wear full makeup under the scorching hot summer sun?

And so for the time being, I decided to keep my 'warm' blushers at bay (you know how fond I am of my Sleek Makeup Blush in Pomegranate and Tony Moly's Cheek Tint in Cherry Pink) and use something 'cool' instead. Case in point, the SkinFood Sugar Cookie Blusher which was sent to me by my husband about six months ago.

SkinFood Sugar Cookie Blusher + my ecoTools mini Kabuki brush. :)

I first saw this product in the SkinFood website, where it's described as a "specially oven-baked blusher with cute and lovely colors infused with pearl creates radiant, lustrous, and vibrant-looking cheeks".

Photo credit: Drolly Pop Shop

They're awfully cute alright, which is the main reason why I asked the husband to get this for me. I can't remember if it was my choice or his, but I ended up with Blusher #01 aka Bebe Pink. It's priced at 7000 Korean Won, which is about more or less Php 260 (or about US$5) when converted.

So cute and dainty.

The SkinFood Sugar Cookie Blusher comes in a little cardboard compact. Screw the cap off, and ta-da! You get a domed, baked blusher in a lovely shade of pink.

Bebe Pink!

Flip it over and you'll see the product description. In Hangul.

If you can read Hangul, good for you! :)

Now here's how the product looks like when swatched on the skin.

Sheer. Almost too sheer.

Bebe Pink has very fine shimmers in it. Not chunky or glittery, just good enough to give your cheeks a nice glow and make your face appear bright and dewy.

It's a bit difficult to work with this blusher, though. I tried using a regular blush brush at first, but the color just wouldn't come out. Switching to a mini kabuki, I somehow managed to pack the brush with color and apply it on my skin.

Cheeks with just a hint of pink. :)

Yes, the color is sheer. Maybe too sheer for some, but I'm really liking the pink glow this blusher does for my cheeks. It makes my face glisten like an innocent teenager, hahaha!

My husband is totally digging this look, too. Perhaps because he bought the blusher? Lol.

What I love:

- Cute, compact packaging.

- Has a mild, subtly sweet scent.

- Dewy effect on the cheeks.

- Gives the face a nice, healthy glow.

- Affordable price (when bought in Korea, that is).

What you might not like:

- Color might be too sheer for some.

- A bit difficult to work with, if you don't have the right brush.

Products used:
FACE: Majolica Majorca Skin Lingerie Pore Cover, Missha Under Eye Brightener,
SkinFood Good Afternoon BB Cream in Rose Lemon Tea,
The Face Shop Lovely Me:Ex Angel Skin Powder Pact
EYES: Ever Bilena Eyebrow Pencil in Brown, BYS Smudgeproof Eyeliner in Black,
Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara
CHEEKS: SkinFood Sugar Cookie Blusher in Bebe Pink.
LIPS: Double Hit Lip in Rose Riot.

Sleek MakeUp PH turns One!

September 2011 marked the arrival of Sleek MakeUp, a famous UK brand of cosmetics and beauty products, here in the country. This milestone also paved the way for the creation of  Sleek MakeUp PH - the official Philippine fanpage of Sleek Makeup.

A year has passed since then, and time sure flies when you're having fun!
As a way of saying 'thank you', Sleek MakeUp PH is sharing a special discount code with their loyal and ever-supportive clients. This discount code entitles you to a 15% discount for every Php1000 worth of Sleek MakeUp PH items bought at The Updated Trends - the official distributor of Sleek MakeUp here in the Philippines.

Use the product code 'SLEEK1YEAR' when you place your orders at The Updated Trends' Multiply site. Remember, this discount applies to Sleek MakeUp purchases only.

As if that's not enough, Php 3000 worth of Sleek Makeup products will also be given away!
To join, simply:
1) Like the Sleek Makeup PH Facebook page.
2) Like The Updated Trends' Facebook page.
3) Share/tag the said pages on your Facebook wall. 
4) Make sure the post is visible to all, for easier validation of entries.

For instance,

Isn't that easy breezy? Now mouse over to your Facebook and join the giveaway now!
Promo ends on September 30. Open to Philippine residents only. :)

Sneak Peek | My Konjac Sponge.

Weather was warm and sunny over the weekend, and it was business as usual for most establishments here in Laguna, including courier and delivery services. Even our mailbox had been bustling since last Friday, with a steady flow of deliveries - utility bills, credit card bills (spare me, please), PhilPost claim stubs, and best of all, products from my favorite brands and generous sponsors.

I received quite a few items over the weekend, but this package from Updated Trends really got me stoked.

Plant not included, lol.

If you can remember, Updated Trends is the Philippines' exclusive distributor of Sleek Makeup. The latest addition to the store's product line is this brand - My Konjac Sponge.

Konjac, the plant from which these sponges are made, thrives in tropical and warm subtropical countries such as India, China, Japan, and Korea. Konjac is well-known in these countries as a food ingredient, as well as its various health-giving properties.

In Japanese cuisine, Konjac (also known as konnyaku) can usually be found in dishes like oden and sukiyaki. While in China, Konjac is usually consumed in jelly or tofu-form. In Korea, it has become quite popular as an exfoliant and a face massage accessory, as in the case of My Konjac Sponge.

With five variants to choose from, my Konjac Sponge can be used even on the most sensitive skin. Babies included!

Moon Korean Ocher, Php 365.

The Moon Korean Ocher (in orange) is tailor-made for ultra-sensitive skin as it contains nothing but natural plant fiber. No chemicals, no coloring, no additives. 

Water Drop Bamboo Charcoal, Php 365.

The Water Drop Bamboo Charcoal (in gray) is best for oily and troubled skin. Enriched by charcoal extracted from homegrown bamboos in Korea, this sponge is effective in eliminating blackheads and unclogging pores

Moon Original, Php 345.

Originally designed for babies, the Moon Original sponge is also suitable for adults, particularly those with normal skin. It is super soft, pH balanced, and free from additives.

These sponges are manufactured in one of my favorite tourist destinations - Jeju Island, Korea. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jeju Island is home to the majestic Jeju Volcano, and to one of the cleanest and purest water in the world.

And just as My Konjac Sponge is gentle on skin, it's gentle to the environment, too. These sponges come from naturally sustainable and biodegradable ingredients, and are made by hand in a sterile and safe environment. They are also tested to the highest standards and have UK and EU certification for hygiene and purity.

I'll be posting more about each of these sponges in the days to come. Bath time is sure gonna be fun with these new buddies!

In the meantime, you can check out My Konjac Sponge's official website or place orders via Updated Trends on Multiply or Facebook.

Many thanks to Ms. Smile  for these babies, and to My Konjac Sponge, who never fails to greet me on Twitter. :)

Spotlight | Sleek MakeUp PH!

In my last FOTD post, I hinted about an upcoming Sleek MakeUp giveaway. If you got that hint right and had been waiting for an official announcement, then your wait is almost over.

Because come May 1, the Sleek Makeup giveaway is officially going live! This is in participation to Makobi Scribe's Mother's Day Gift Ideas event, which will run from May 1st until the 18th. With at least 240 bloggers signed-up, this event is bound to be the biggest and most exciting Mother's Day Giveaway Hop ever!

I am thrilled and very, very honored to have Sleek MakeUp PH as my sponsor for this event.
Sleek MakeUp PH is the official and authorized distributor of Sleek MakeUp in the Philippines. Originally an online store, they've expanded their business and now have physical outlets at The Ramp (Crossings Department Store, Quezon Ave.) and at Circles & Dots (Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City).

I hear they'll also be opening an outlet soon at The Ramp, Shangri-la Mall branch. Fellow makeup junkies, that means more options plus easier access to all our favorite Sleeks!

Now for the Mother's Day Gift Ideas event, here's what I'll be giving away.

One (1) Dip-it Eyeliner in Indigo Blue.

A long-lasting and highly pigmented liquid eyeliner with a felt-tip applicator.

One  (1) Wonderlast Lip Color in Pink Parakeet.

A combination of a highly pigmented long-lasting colour and a moisturising clear gloss with non-sticky, glossy properties. 

One (1) Blush in Flamingo.

A highly pigmented blusher to brighten and define cheekbones. The silky-fine formulation provides long lasting blusher which helps to create a subtle but radiant cheek area. 

One winner gets all three products! :)

 Sounds wonderful? I'll make things even more exciting by opening this giveaway worldwide! So mark your calendars, and I'll see you all back here on May 1st. :)

Visit Sleek MakeUp PH at the following branches:

The Ramp (Crossings Department Store, Quezon Ave.)
Circles & Dots (Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City)

and via their online stores

https://www.facebook.com/SleekMakeupPH
http://updatedtrends.multiply.com
http://digitaltraincase.multiply.com

 *This is the first among the four giveaways that I'll be having this May. Watch out for the other sponsor spotlights and event teasers that I'll be posting in the coming days!

Sharing with Blue Monday! :)