Local Hidden Gem: Fashion 21 Aqualicious Lipstick in Arctic Stone

I'm not a fan of local products. I do have a few of them, but, mostly, they just don't appeal to me. I'll never understand why local brands keep making foundations, concealers and powders that are waaaaaaaayyyy too light for the general public! Aside from that, most local products possess a heavy, floral, cosmetic scent that I just cannot stand. 

The ones that I do have really stand out for me. One of them is the Fashion 21 Aqualicious Lipstick in Arctic Stone (Php 195). This is dirt cheap, but I love, love, love it!

It comes in a blue shiny plastic packaging. It doesn't feel cheap as there is a slight weight to it and does the job fairly well as it closes tightly. You won't find the cap loose with a mess in your bag.

Arctic Stone is a nude, brown shade with a very creamy consistency. It has a slight sheen when applied to the lips. Shadewise, I have heard this lipstick is a good dupe for MAC Twig. Now who doesn't like a cheap alternative to a hella expensive product?

It's so hard to find a good nude lipstick that doesn't wash me out and make me look like an extra in The Walking Dead. (I don't really watch this series. I don't know why.)  But this lipstick has warm, peachy undertones that makes it perfectly wearable by itself and also great to pair with dramatic eye makeup. This is a work-friendly, even school-friendly, kind of shade since it's not distracting.

This lipstick won't last me more than three hours though, since I'm a girl who likes to hydrate and drink a lot of water. It's not a long wearing lipstick due to its creamy formula, but you won't need to top it off with lip gloss. Unless you like that extra ooomph! And I don't mind reapplying, I'm a lipstick junkie! It is a pretty good lipstick to wear if your lips dry out easily, great for everyday.

What I do NOT like about this lipstick is that it settles into the fine lines of my lips. I hate it when lipsticks do that, they make me look older. Also, if you have dry patches on your lips, DO EXFOLIATE AND MOISTURIZE first before applying this because it will cling to the dry pieces of skin, not a pretty sight.

1. Price: 10/10. It's so cheap, you can't go wrong.
2. Packaging: 6/10. The lipstick tube is not mind-blowing, but I like how it closes tightly. 
3. Formula: 7/10. It's moisturizing, but be careful if you have chapped lips. This is a good everyday lipstick, not just because of the shade, but also because it's not going to dry out your lips.
4. Longevity: 6/10. This is not a long-lasting lipstick. I think the furthest this lipstick can go is four hours wear time, that's without drinking or eating. Personally, it's lasted me for less because I drink a lot of water.

VERDICT:
7.25/10

It's not the lipstick I'd rave about and tell you that you absolutely need it in your life. If you are looking for a good lipstick you can wear to work or school without spending too much, this is a great one to try.

Fashion 21 is available in department stores and Watsons nationwide.