REVIEW: Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup

Do you have oily skin, but still looking for that foundation that's going to give you a dewy finish without looking like a disco ball? Are you sick of your matte foundations that end up looking flat and makes your skin look dull? Are you in need of decent coverage without the heavy and cakey feel?

Look no further, because today's product on review might just work for you. I'm talking about the Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup (Php 1,900). This foundation's label is a mouthful! And amazeballs!

I got mine in the shade Petal. While I was looking at swatches online, Champagne seemed a better shade match for me. Fortunately, I decided to actually buy this from a Benefit store and was able to compare Petal and Champagne. If I had neutral skin tone, Champagne would have matched me to a T. But, I have warm undertones, so I went with Petal. I thought it was going to look horrendously light on me. But it didn't, it actually worked quite well.

It comes in a plastic smoked bottle. (Is that how you call it? Like smoked glass because it's not clear? Whatever, you see the picture, lol.) It doesn't feel cheap at all and it's actually good, because if you drop the bottle at least you know it won't break. It has a pump, so plus points for that!

This foundation has a light to medium coverage, leaning more on light. If you have clear skin, this would work fantastic on you. It's buildable, but, come on, in this humid Philippine climate, it's not advisable to go beyond two layers. It'll just melt right off. By the way, I apply this foundation with a brush, because the texture is runny and I don't want to use a damp sponge as that will be a waste of product (this one ain't cheap! Lol). 

Since I've mentioned before that I have a new skin care routine that works very efficiently for me, I've been enjoying this foundation recently because of that. It gives you this natural, dewy finish that looks like skin, only better. I'm very conscious about my oily skin though, so I do blot. The formula is oil free and non comedogenic, so this shouldn't break y'all out with acne prone skin.

Longevity wise, this foundation wears really well throughout the day. It felt so lightweight, even after wearing it for a good nine hours. You know how some foundations feel heavy and sticky after being worn for a very long time? You're not going to get that icky feeling with this one.

And did I mention this one has SPF 25 PA+++?! That's a mighty boast of high level UVA protection! If this thing wasn't too heavy on the pockets, I would totally wear it everyday! (Well, yeah, I actually just interchange it with my BB cream depending on where I'm going hehe.)

And so:

1. Price point: 5/10. Why, oh why, do US brand cosmetics have to be so fucking expensive here in the Philippines?! If I bought this in its US price, it would be totally justifiable, but here, it's just expensive.
2. Packaging: 10/10. Gotta give it a ten. It has a pump. The bottle is basically unbreakable. It doesn't gather dust. In spite of its plastic packaging, it still looks like a high end product, as it should.
3. Formula: 9/10. I get it, generally oily skinned gals aren't fans of a dewy finish. But sometimes, I get tired of my matte and satin formula foundations. I want to be able to sport that luminous glow without looking like a grease ball and this product was able to give me just that. I need to blot, but you really need to do that if you have a temperamental two year old toddler who sometimes throws fits if you don't carry her around.
4. Longevity: 9/10. It didn't feel like it was clogging my pores after being worn for hours at a time, not like most foundations wherein you feel like you're going to break out at the end of the day lol. I did notice it breaking down at the sides of my nose. It wasn't very noticeable, really, unless you looked closely into the mirror. 

VERDICT:

8.5

If you have money to spend, I do recommend this product. And this is a foundation, so it's worth investing in. You could have a dozen cheap lipsticks, but when it comes to foundations (and concealers), go ahead and splurge for the quality.

The Jewel of MAC Foundations: MAC Face and Body

I'll never understand why the MAC Face and Body Foundation (Php 2600 for 120mL and Php 1900 for 50mL) is not getting the love and attention it should in this country. I understand Filipina women are all about the matte finish because, seriously, our climate is enough to make one oil up like a bacon grease pan. But I see a lot of Filipina women opting for the MAC Studio Fix Fluid and MAC Pro Longwear Foundations and those, in my experience, are so heavy and clog up the pores so much, it feels like my skin can't breathe when I put those on. Not to mention, I broke out so horribly after wearing the Pro Longwear Foundation.

Now I have found the perfect MAC foundation that works so good for me and one that I can actually use on a daily basis. It took me so long to love the MAC Face and Body Foundation, but now that I figured out how to use it, I cannot not have this product ever. This is the foundation that I swear by, and I can honestly ditch all my other foundations and just use this for life. That's how good it is.

Texture is extremely runny and watery.

When I first got this foundation, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. I thought, what the hell, this is just water. But as I went on using it, because, come on, I need to get the value for my money, MAC foundations aren't cheap, I figured out that I needed to blend and buff the crap out of it on my skin! And the tool that I use to achieve the finish that I want is none other than my hands!

Now I'm usually one who doesn't like using my hands because I don't like getting product all over the place; I am a very clumsy person and it happens a lot. But I've found that using a brush with this foundation just wastes product, the brush soaks it all up. So what I do is blend, blend, blend it with my hands and then when it starts to get tight and tacky, that's when I go in with the brush. The finish is undetectable and skin like.

Coverage is nearly sheer, it only evens out the skin tone with one layer, but hey that's what concealers are for. This is even sheerer than most tinted moisturizers. It has a satiny finish, not overly dewy. This foundation is buildable, but I won't go as far as saying it can be built to full coverage, which it won't, no matter how many layers you put on. But with that being said, this is a foundation that will NEVER look cakey, even if you decide to put on a dozen layers.

This foundation looks fantastic in photographs! It makes the skin look like real skin, not with a lot of makeup on, only better. 

Now if you're one who looks for a lot of coverage, this is not the foundation for you. However, if you're all about that no makeup makeup look, all natural, lightweight makeup, this is one that you will absolutely love.

Snoe BBfied HD-BB Pigment Mix

I had a Snoe haul a few weeks back and since I reached a certain amount of purchase I got their BBfied HD-BB Pigment Mix (Php 799) as a freebie. This, by far, is the most interesting cosmetic product I've come across with. Here's what it says on the box:

"Transform your favorite daily facial cream or lotion into a BB cream, tinted moisturizer, foundation or concealer! Get all the benefits of your favorite skin care products with the coverage of Snoe BBfied! Cover all imperfections such as spots, uneven skin tone, pimples and even under eye circles. Be amazed, be BBfied!"

So, simply put, this is a powder pigment that I can mix with my skin care products and it'll have coverage. It's actually a brilliant idea, especially, ironically, I'm not exactly the type who likes to pile on a lot of product on my face. Besides having a toddler I need to constantly keep up with, the climate in the Philippines just makes it uncomfortable.

So according to the directions on the box: "Custom mix your cream or lotion by applying lotion at BBfied's powder case cover. Sprinkle a little bit of BBfied powder and mix with the spatula that comes with the kt. Keep adding more powder till you get the right coverage. Apply all over face and neck, like you would apply your regular cream. Finish off with Snoe loose powder products."

Product mixed with my gel moisturizer

I got it in the shade X2 Marble, Light with Yellow Undertones. They only have two shades and, unfortunately, the other, X1 Porcelain, only works with light skin tone with pink undertones. I wish they'd come up with a wider range of shades. I can make this product work for me, though, by just setting it with a powder that's in my shade.

I'm not a big fan of the seal on the packaging. It was kind of annoying that it was papery and stuck on the lid. I spent quite some time scratching it off because I didn't want to waste any product.

It's interesting that although this product does not have SPF, one of the ingredients listed is Titanium Dioxide. It does have a brightening effect because it has a white cast due to this component. By the way, I also did try dusting just the pigment onto my face. It didn't work like how I wondered it would. It was quite difficult to blend out.

I actually like this product. Despite of the fact that I need to keep the whole thing, container and spatula and all, constantly clean. It's not as long lasting as a foundation or even a real BB cream, but it's lightweight and you can basically mix it with anything you want to have coverage with. I've mixed this with a primer as well and it worked just as fine. I also like the fact that I can customize the coverage. I can have very light coverage to however much I want.

Product without setting powder. It looks way too light for me. Wet hair, don't care lol.

Product after setting powder. Still looks light, but kind of works because of the yellow undertones. It does oxidize throughout the day and with a dusting of bronzer, hardly looks off.

I would repurchase this product if they come up with a shade that's more a match for me, which I strongly hope for!

August Haul

So, I went a little crazy this August. I've actually purchased more this month than I'd have any other month except for July of last year. I think something happens to me every mid-year and I buy stuff as therapy. Lol, that's still no excuse.

I got a little skin care stuff and a "few" makeup items. All of these I will blog about in the next few weeks as I'm still trying to get the feel of them and I'm still unsure of what I really think about them.

First up are the skin care products: the AC Clinic Daily Acne Foam Cleanser (Php 478) and AC Clinic Daily Gel Lotion (Php 548) from Etude House Philippines. I've been using these for a little less than two weeks now and I think these are phenomenal (so far). I haven't used my spot treatment for a few days now because I don't have any zits! I only bought the facial cleanser and the moisturizer because I'm not a fan of toners. They also have spot treatment and spot masks in this line.

Now on to the fun stuff. I purchased a mid-range (high end here in the Philippines) foundation from Benefit (well, their only foundation lol), the Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup (Php 1,900) in the shade Petal. I was contemplating on whether to purchase Champagne, which seemed a better shade match for me, but upon comparing the two, I noticed Petal had more yellow undertones and I'm quite a yellow girl. I've used this thrice and it's been pretty good so far. It's lightweight and it does not feel sticky even after being worn for 12 hours on a hot, humid day. I haven't tested this with flash photography yet, but I'm expecting some flashback because of its SPF 25 PA +++. This foundation is oil-free and non comedogenic, and it hasn't caused me any break outs at all.

Upon purchasing the Benefit foundation that day, I told myself why not just go to town and purchase a well known good concealer. So I got the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (Php 1,250) in NC30. And, yes, it is the best! This does not crease and does not budge at all! I haven't tried using this alone as I always set my concealer with powder, but even without baking my under eye with this, it really does not crease. This will be my last MAC product purchase upon learning they've been testing on animals. I will not purchase any more until they are cruelty free again.

I got another beauty blogger essential, which is the Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel (Php 995) 77. AMC stands for Advanced Makeup Components. Inglot in SM Megamall had kindly held this in reserve for me. The first time I went this was out of stock and I inquired via Facebook afterwards when they would have it again. They informed me immediately once these babies were back in their inventory and had sweetly held one for me.

It's been said to be the blackest, mattest gel liner out there. I have found it easiest working with gel liners. I haven't had much luck with liquid eyeliners. They always dry out on me within a couple of months it's so annoying! We'll see how it goes, I haven't even popped this open yet teehee.

I got a few items from NYX as well. NYX is a drugstore brand in the US and they're cruelty-free! I've already had experience with their matte lipsticks and butter lipsticks and I've really liked them.

I purchased the NYX HD Concealer (Php 360) in CW05 Medium. I've heard good things about this concealer. I've used it only once so I don't know how I feel about it yet. 

It has a doe foot wand applicator just like my all time favorite drugstore concealer, the Maybelline Pure Mineral Concealer. But whereas the Maybelline concealer is yellow, this one has pink undertones. I guess it's good for the under eye which is what I've used it for, but I haven't worn it long enough to see how it wears throughout the day.

Since I've recently been on a roll with concealers, I've also purchased the NYX Dark Circle Concealer Correcteur (Php 390) in Medium. 

As can be seen it's a peach corrector for the dark circles in the under eye area. I've used this thrice and I don't know if I'm just not applying enough, but I really don't want to apply too much product in my under eye area and emphasize the fine lines even more. But no matter what I do, I don't think it makes any difference! Maybe you can comment down below to give me some tips on how this can be used? I'd be forever grateful!

I also picked up two eyebrow products from NYX. I really wanted to get the eyebrow gel, unfortunately, it was out of stock when I went to their SM Megamall store. First up is the NYX Tame and Frame Tinted Brow Pomade in Brunette (Php 460). I've used this thrice now and I've been loving it so far! 

Beware, eyebrow pomades are not for beginners, especially if you have a heavy hand with application. A little of this product goes a long way. This is fantastic really, it lasts a long time even by itself without using a brow mascara to set the brow hairs. Also, Brunette, is a great shade match for me. It's a lighter brown than my actual hair color, but has grayish undertones. It's not shiny either. Don't you hate it when your eyebrows are shiny? Lol!

And, lastly, I picked up the NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Brunette (Php 650). I think it's a little crazy that such a tiny eye brow pencil would cost so much. I've heard this is a great dupe for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz, which cost I think is even more insane! I'm not about to drop more than a thousand bucks for an eye brow pencil, come on.

Brow Product

Spoolie 

It's a two ended pencil with the retractable product on one end and a spoolie on the other. It's pretty convenient. I haven't used this one yet so I don't know what I think about it yet. It's pretty new to me since I'm used to a sword type pencil. 

Aaaaaaaannnndddd, that's all! I was going to get a new highlighter too, thank God, all the ones I wanted were out of stock, else my wallet would probably have a huge crater by now if it doesn't already. Feel free to give me suggestions on what other products I should try! 

REVIEW: Maybelline Dream Satin Skin

Hello my loves! Today, I'm going to talk about the newest foundation from Maybelline New York here in the Philippines: Dream Satin Skin.

Finding the right foundation for my skin has always been such a feat. My skin is oily, but I do have dry patches on the sides of my face. I find that matte finishes are too flat for me, and makes me look like I have a lot of makeup on. I prefer the satin finishes that seem to look like my skin, only better.

I purchased the Maybelline Dream Satin Skin two weeks ago in the SM Beauty Department of SM Marikina. The Dream Satin Skin is Php 499, not a bad price point. I took B4, in the light range, though I have medium skin tone. Foundations usually oxidize on me because I'm acidic (and oily! T_T) so I usually purchase the ones a shade lighter than my actual match.

According to the packaging it has SPF 24 PA ++ (The + stands for the level of UVA protection). It's an air-whipped liquid foundation. "Our unique air-soft formula provides poreless, satin-smooth looking skin. Extraordinary coverage that does not clog pores. Long-lasting and moisturizing all day." The formula is non comedogenic which means this is fine for acne-prone skin, provided you don't usually break out from spf products.

As can be seen, the packaging comes in a glass bottle with a pump. The plastic cover makes it look cheap though, but a pump is always a plus for me. It doesn't make much of a mess, you can control the product that comes out and overall it's just more hygienic.

I pumped a small amount on the back of my hand. The formula is creamy and dense, does not run at all. In my experience, this kind of formula is best applied with a damp sponge or your fingers. This photo was taken in natural light, and you can literally see my green veins lol. The foundation looks like it's a bit lighter than my skin tone. 

Once blended, it almost matches my skin to a T. The coverage is medium, I wouldn't suggest building it though. The humidity in the Philippines is bound to make it look cakey if too much is applied. The finish is skin like. Not a flat matte, and not greaseball dewy. I do have to set it with a powder though especially on my T-zone area else I'd look like a pan of cooked adobo within a couple of hours. With primer and setting powder, this foundation has lasted me a good 7 hours with *controlled* oiliness. I do need to blot within the fourth hour, but that's because I'm extremely oily and sweat a lot.

Here's my two cents:

1. Price point: 9/10. At Php 499, this is a pretty good foundation for the price.
2. Packaging: 7/10. I really don't like the plastic cover on this one, it feels cheap, but it does the job of keeping the dust and other microbes away from the pump. The pump is great though.
3. Formula: 8/10. Creamy, not runny, not messy. It doesn't take forever to blend either, great if you're in a hurry. I do have to beat my face with my sponge with this, I prefer the sponge rather than my fingers, I just don't like the feel of product on my fingers.
4. Longevity: 7/10. It's a satin finish, but it did promise to be long-lasting all day. It started breaking down on me by the seventh hour. Not cool. I gave it a 7 anyway, because come on, for its price, it's not so bad. 

VERDICT:

7.75 / 10

This is a good foundation, especially if you're just starting in makeup and don't want to break the bank, I would recommend this. You don't need to be a professional to blend this into your skin. It has a pretty good SPF, which is great for everyday, but not so good for flash photography. 

Maybelline has a pretty good deal this August, buy two items and get one free. This is available in all Maybelline stores nationwide. 

Maybelline is available in department stores, Watsons nationwide. Link to their Philippine website: http://www.maybelline.com.ph/ and their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/maybellinephilippines