Spotlight | Vice Cosmetics x BT21 Collection.

Local beauty brand Vice Cosmetics dropped a bomb a few days ago and the K-Pop community, most especially the ARMYs, went wild! I'm pertaining to the Vice Cosmetics x BT21 collaboration, which has been the talk of the town ever since Vice Cosmetics started posting teasers of the new collection in their social media pages.

Vice Cosmetics x BT21 collection at SM San Pablo.

The Vice Cosmetics x BT21 collection was launched at Vice Cosmetics stores and kiosks nationwide last October 5, but this buzz-worthy collaboration had an early launching at BeautyMNL on October 1. And just as the husband predicted (lol), I was among those BTS stans/K-Pop fans/beauty junkies who were up at midnight, frantically adding to cart and making a mad dash for the checkout page.

Ironically, my orders arrived the day after Vice Cosmetics x BT21 collection's nationwide launch. It took BeautyMNL almost 48 hours to verify my bank deposit, which should not have been the case had they accepted my credit card payment in the first place. Oddly enough, all four of my active credit cards (which are also in good credit standing, by the way) were rejected by their website. I've already raised this concern with the BeautyMNL customer service, and I'm still waiting for their response regarding the matter.

Moving on, here's my Vice Cosmetics x BT21 haul. The complete collection includes an eyeshadow palette (the first-ever from Vice Cosmetics), four blush and highlighter duos, four liquid lipsticks, and four lip tints. I skipped the eyeshadow palette because I hardly wear eyeshadow these days; instead, I purchased two blush and highlighter duos, two liquid lipsticks, and one lip tint.

My Vice Cosmetics x BT21 haul! :)

The BT21 Aura Blush and Glow Duo (Php 245) is a compact which contains a powder blush and a highlighter. I got the Universtar duo which features a peach blush and a peachy gold highlighter; and the Prankster duo which contains an orchid pink blush and a pink highlighter.

BT21 Aura Blush and Glow Duo - Universtar (left) and Prankster (right).

I love the smooth, buttery texture of both blushes, and how nicely pigmented they are. Prankster has a deeper shade which may seem intimidating from the pan, but it looks lovely when blended on the cheeks. The bright, orchid pink blush will work with most skin tones, while the lighter, peachy blush of Universtar will suit those with fair to light skin tones.

BT21 Aura Blush and Glow Duo in Universtar.

BT21 Aura Blush and Glow Duo in Prankster.

As for the highlighters, they're soft and finely-milled which leaves little to no room for fall-outs. Both shades give off a nice, luminous glow without looking too shimmery.

Swatched - BT21 Aura Blush and Glow Duo in Universtar.

Worn - BT21 Aura Blush and Glow Duo in Universtar.

Swatched - BT21 Aura Blush and Glow Duo in Prankster.

Worn - BT21 Aura Blush and Glow Duo in Prankster.

The BT21 Phenomenal Velvet Single (Php 225) is a 'modern liquid lip color' with a soft, matte finish. Like the Phenomenal Liquid Lipstick, the Velvet Single has a creamy, long-wearing formula, opaque texture, and flat matte finish. However, they don't have that subtle, chocolate scent that the Phenomenal Liquid Lipstick has. Still, I love the velvety, non-drying formula, and the intense color payoff of this product.

BT21 Phenomenal Velvet Single in Shooky.

Shooky - a natural, nude color that's perfect for everyday wear.

BT21 Phenomenal Velvet Single in Mang.

Mang - a perfect plum shade which gives major autumn vibes.

Finally, we have the BT21 Water Gel Lip & Cheek Tint (Php 175) an easy-to-blend, water-based tint for the lips and cheeks. Its formula is the same as the regular Vice Cosmetics Lip & Cheek Tint - not too runny, not too watery, nicely pigmented with buildable color. It also has the same fruity scent and long-wearing formula which I love.

BT21 Water Gel Lip & Cheek Tint in Chimmy.

Chimmy - a gorgeous old rose shade (more like berry to me)
that can be worn gradient or full lip.

Here are the swatches of all the lip products in the Vice Cosmetics x BT21 Collection. It's the reason why I visited the Vice Cosmetics kiosk here at SM San Pablo a few days after the nationwide launch. The lip tints and most of the liquid lipsticks (save for Koya and Mang) were already sold out by then. I hope they will restock soon for the benefit of those who were not able to buy online and had planned to buy them in-store.

Swatches (L-R top): Koya (Blushing Pink), Shooky (Natural Nude),
 RJ (Brick Red), Mang (Perfect Plum);
(L-R bottom): Chimmy (Old Rose), Kooky (Deep Red),
Van (Terracota), Tata (Red Orange).

If you're a fan of BTS, BT21, or simply a fan of affordable, good quality makeup, the Vice Cosmetics x BT21 collab is a great buy. Sure, they're a tad pricier than Vice Cosmetic's regular line, but I'm sure BTS/BT21 stans wouldn't mind shelling out a few extra bucks for this limited edition collection. On that note, Vice Ganda surely knows which market to tap and which demographic has purchasing power, lol.

Wearing BT21 Aura Blush and Glow Duo in Universtar on my cheeks +
BT21 Phenomenal Velvet Single in Shooky on my lips.

Wearing BT21 Aura Blush and Glow Duo in Prankster on my cheeks +
BT21 Phenomenal Velvet Single in Mang on my lips.

The Vice Cosmetics x BT21 Collection is available at Vice Cosmetics stores and kiosks nationwide, at the Vice Cosmetics official website, or at the Vice Cosmetics flagship stores in Lazada, Shopee, and BeautyMNL. They're selling like hotcakes so act fast! These limited edition babies might be gone before you can even sing 'oh my my my... for a boy with love!' :)

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.

Healthy Tanning for Long-Lasting Beauty.

Nothing is more universally flattering than a healthy, golden tan. However, tanning is one of the fastest ways to damage the skin. Tanning outdoors or under sun lamps exposes the skin to harmful ultraviolet rays, which cause early signs of aging like wrinkles, sun spots and uneven tone. Sun exposure can also result in more dire consequences like cancer.

Photo credit: Beautiful on Raw.

One way to achieve a golden glow without risking damage and disease is to use an artful combination of bronzers and highlighters. It only takes a surprisingly small amount of bronzing powder in key places to create the illusion of tanner skin.

Applying bronzer with a light hand around the back edges of the jawline, under the cheekbones and around the outer curves of the eye sockets creates depth. Sweeping shimmery highlighter over the highest points of the cheekbones and the brow bones raises those areas even further, bringing the entire face into extreme relief. Silver highlighter is subtly effective, but gold tones are even better for getting a sun-kissed finish. Making the natural shadows darker and illuminating the areas that attract the most light is an easy way to mimic the look of having spent a day on the beach.

Urban Decay Naked Flushed.

If one wants full-body color, a spray tan is the best option. Sun Tan City is just one of the many tanning salons in Springfield, MO that offers this service. In as few as two minutes, it is possible to get a realistic, streak-free tan.

Sun Tan City prides itself on its spray formula, which is a natural golden tan that does not take on orange or sallow tones. It can take several visits to a traditional tanning salon to see noticeable difference in skin tone, but it only takes one application of a spray tan to get the perfect amount of color. This tan can be maintained in two-minute sessions just once a week. People do not realize that tanning under ultraviolet lights can be just as dangerous as tanning outdoors; in fact it can be even more dangerous, since the UV light is concentrated for accelerated results. Spray tanning gives better results with absolutely none of the risks.

Tan skin is a global symbol of beauty, but there is no rule stating that a tan must be achieved through weeks of unhealthy and inconsistent sun exposure. Using cosmetics and topcial treatments to temporarily darken the skin allows one to achieve the trendy tan look while keeping the skin smooth and youthful.

Spotlight | Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer.

Having started a love affair for highlighting and contouring, I decided to give the Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer a try.

Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer.

The Nymph Aura Volumer is "a multi-functional cream that promotes skin radiance and glow with plumped up moisture." If you're a Kpop fan, or if you watch Korean dramas, then you know that dewy, glowing skin is one of the hottest makeup trends in Korea.  And if you've long been wondering how your favorite Kpop idols and Hallyu stars have such beautiful, glowing skin, then look no further. This baby does the trick!

#3 Transparent.

This product has four available variants - #1 Pure which is bright pink in color, #2 Brilliant, which is a lighter shade of pink, #3 Transparent, which is a very sheer pink, and #4 Luminous which is light beige in color. The one that I have is the #3 Transparent.

Hangul text on the side panel.

It comes in a plastic bottle, with a no-nozzle, airless pump. Although the pump is easy to use, it tends to dispense a bit more than the amount you need, especially if you're doing the 1:3 ratio.

Pump bottle.

And by that I mean 1 part volumer, and 3 parts BB Cream. Mix them together and apply evenly on the face. You can use a brush to mix and apply, but I prefer using my fingers.

The transparent gel is the Nymph Aura Volumer. Just a teeny dot mixed with my BB Cream.

Here's how it looks like when applied. It has a gel-like consistency, but it spreads out easily and does not feel sticky at all. I especially love its scent - fragrant but not overpowering, and very feminine.

Notice the difference between the two sides? The right side, which is a combination of BB Cream and volumer, has a very obvious, radiant glow as compared to the left side, which was swatched with just BB Cream. Just so you know, I used Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream, which has a semi-matte finish.

Left: just BB Cream. Right: BB Cream + Volumer.

If you're worried that mixing the volumer can lessen the amount of coverage of your BB Cream, you can use the Nymph Aura as a highlighter instead. Simply apply a small amount on your forehead, on your brow bone, on the bridge of your nose, and on top of your cheeks. Tap the product lightly as you apply to make it look more natural on your face.

Products Used:
FACE: Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream, Benefit Erase Paste in Medium,
Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer #3.
EYES: Ever Bilena Eyebrow Pencil in Brown, BYS Waterproof Eyeliner,
Fairy Drops Volume Burst Mascara.
CHEEKS: Tony Moly Cristal Blusher in Pleasure Peach.
LIPS: Givenchy Rouge A Levres #711.

Overall, I love this product and have no regrets in buying it. (Because I actually bought this on a whim, haha!) I love how it makes my skin look supple and radiant, especially during this time of the year when my skin tends to look dull and dry. And yeah, I like how this product makes it easy for me to get that Korean, dewy makeup look. :)

The Etude House Nymph Aura Volumer comes in one size only (25 grams) and sells for Php 848 each. Available at Etude House branches nationwide. :)