Review and Swatches: Maybelline ColorShow Lipsticks

Hi everyone! It's been so long since I did a post here because I've been very occupied with trying to finish my last semester in school, and now that I'm done... I was enjoying myself a little bit too much, heh! I'm more free now, so expect lots of posts coming up :)

I recently went back to Jakarta, and of course, I have to drop by drugstore make up counters because the prices there are slightly cheaper! Also, they have a wider range of colours for some.. Like the Revlon Colorstay Foundation and L'oreal True Match! Will leave that for another post next time~

First up, the ColorShow Lipsticks! I think, the ColorShow range is an even more affordable range from Maybelline. Then again, Maybelline are not super cheap in Sg, thus these lippies priced at $10 each are considered super affordable.

Packaging

The packaging is very very simplistic, and very light to carry around. Otherwise, nothing exciting about the packaging. It is made of plastic, doesn't feel luxe and not durable. What to expect though? Lower cost = lower selling price! Hahaha. 

Product

I love Maybelline lipsticks, especially the Color Sensational and So Nude range. I mostly got this because it was very cheap. I got them in four colours: 403 Plum Perfection, 107 Pink Paradise, 305 Nude Mocha, 301 True Toffee.

The product is surprisingly very very pigmented, smooth consistency and sit well on my lips. I said surprised because really, I bought this because it was cheap and they didn't have any proper testers at the counter on the first day that I went. Most of the testers are almost finished so I barely had any chance to test them on.

The lipsticks are creamy and buildable. It has a slightly glossy finish, so your lips will not look super dry or cracked. Some of the lipsticks contain very fine glitter (e.g. Pink Paradise) - I'm a big fan of glitters but NOT on my lips! However, it doesn't show up too strikingly, actually, it doesn't even show up at all unless you stare at your lips closely after applying.

My fav of the lot has got to be 305 Nude Mocha. When I opened it, the lipstick was off the tube and it was stuck on the cover, OH THE HORROR. But I kept calm and tried to pull it out, it was a success. Hahaha. Nude Mocha turned out to be a red colour with brown base on me, it is super duper creamy and it was just love at first sight!

Swatches

In the same order: 403 Plum Perfection, 107 Pink Paradise, 305 Nude Mocha, 301 True Toffee.

I was planning to get a nude, a pink, a red, and a plum. Without a tester, I got True Toffee and Plum Perfection! My 3G died on me and I couldn't even googled for swatches >:( The next day I went to another counter and got Nude Mocha and Pink Paradise.

Application

Swatches on my lips! These wore great on me throughout the day with lip liner below :)

Verdict

For the price, I definitely think the product works great. I would definitely buy more if I had a chance to... Even though I only have a pair of lips... HAHAHA. This will work great as a stocking stuffer for Christmas presents, or when you wanna try out new colours but don't dare to splurge just yet :)

Quick Summary

The great:

• Affordable
• Huge colour range
• Easily available

The not-so-great:

• Melts too easily
• Packaging not durable

The Maybelline ColorShow Lipsticks are available at any supermarkets and drugstores with Maybelline counters. They are priced at $9.90 each.

Do let us know if you've tried any of these ColorShow lipsticks and how you feel about them! I was pleasantly surprised because honestly, I didn't expect them to work so well on my lips :)

♡♡,

Flo

Pea's July Favourites 2014

We have officially pass the half mark of 2014!
So this month brings a very light routine because my face have been acting out like craaaaazy because of the travelling and the back-to-work stress and plus, I was on the pill for the time I was travelling cause ain't no one got time for PMS when holidaying!

I am getting quite obsessed with skincare lately and I am planning a detailed one on a range of products that have been fully hooked. So look out for that!

As I mentioned, this month is light, light, light. The humid weather and the air-conditioning in the office is just a NO so I am trying to keep things light so my skin behaves.

Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector 

I bought this baby at least three months ago...I think. and honestly, I was NOT impressed when I used it. idk why. I was very satisfied with my Smashbox primer but recently, that has not been working for me so I decided to give this another shot since gossmakeupartist [YT] raved about it so much. and I fell in love with it. Skin changes, so a product that does not seemed to work the first time doesn't mean it is bad.

I'm going all out here to scare you all with my pores. So yes, my pores are pretty much in-your-face. and after applying the primer, don't they all look so much less visible. I hardly use foundation when I go to work, just concealer so I really wanted smth that will cover my pores and not dry my skin out and this works beautifully. Its not exactly a matte finish, more skin-like and it works awesome for my skin right now.

p/s: yes, I am this red all the time.

M.A.C blush (Pink O' Peach)

Next up is this pretty blush from M.A.C that I found in my stash recently. I had it forever but I guess it just got buried under all my newer blushes. Anyway, this blush's name is so apt! It does give off a 'pinched cheeks' /flushed look that is really pretty. 

Mascaras

1. Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal 

2. Too Faced Better than Sex 

3. Catrice Ultimate Lash Multimizer 

Ok, I numbered the mascara in order of application. I am not crazy, I just find that layering different mascaras give me the effect I desire! And I don't do like three coats of each, just one from each mascara to give me the fluttery, hair-like lashes. The Maybelline PumpedUp Colossal is waterproof and holds up my curls. The special brush from Too-Faced separates my lashes and the Catrice one gives me so much volume yet no clumps. HOW MUCH LOVE??? After applications, I like how it gives me the messy effect - something like the Ardell Demi Wispies. 

I should have curled and brush out my lashes properly, instead of leaving it kinked in a weird angle. I am sorry haha]

This is a comparison to show you the difference with the mascaras on!Can you see how black and fluttery my lashes look? 

theBalm Schwing Black Liquid Eyeliner

I got this from my brother's girlfriend and when I tried it initially, it flaked and rubbed off easily. Plus I cannot seemed to control the brush very well. But I was super impressed with the matte finish. It is SO matte and pigmented. Now, I put my Dollywink liner underneath as a guide and then I just put this on top to give me the matte look that I love.

Collection CreamPuff Moisturizing Lip Cream (matte) 

I literally ran out to Watsons to get this lip product after I saw Shaaanxo on YT using it. The color amazes me every time I put it on. It dries to a matte finish that does not dry out my lips. However, I do layer my lip balm underneath and put this over so it does not emphasize too much lines. And this product lasts forever. I drink with it and it does not budge. I love it. Love the color and love the finish. 

Ok,  I have come to an ennnnnnd. Let August be awesome for everyone too!

Love,

Pea

Flo's June Favourites 2014!

We're officially down to the next half of the year! Time passes way too quick. Here are some of my favourites for the month of June..

1. Z Palette

I have been eyeing for a Z Palette for the longest time. I have 4 Sleek palettes that are barely and rarely used because they're kept deep down in my drawer and I often forget I have them, plus the original packaging is kinda flimsy, so I was planning to depot all 4 palettes out so that it's easier for me to use them. Finally got the Z Palettes when Luxola was having sale and I've no regrets! Super easy for me to mix and match my sleek shadows now and I use it way more often. It is also very organised and I love how it looks :) Bought a smaller one so that I can bring it when I travel.

2. MAC Studio Finish Concealer

I'm not a big fan of MAC stuff mainly cause I don't like their plain and boring packaging, so I've never been interested to buy anything from them. But I got this concealer a few months back and I got it in NC15, it runs a tad too light for me when I cover my blemishes so I went back and bought another pot in NC20 so that I can mix them together. I usually just dot a layer on whatever I want to cover and then I blend the edges out. It's fairly easy to use cuz it's so highly pigmented, so it gives good coverage. Be careful with this tho, using too much can make skin look super cakey!

3. The Balm Fratboy

The Balm blushes are one of my favourites blushes! I've loved the Downboy one for the longest time, the pink is just right for my skin tone and I think it's probably my most used blush this year! The other day I walked past SASA and saw them having sale for this, so I quickly grabbed the Fratboy and Cabanaboy. I love the Fratboy cuz it's of a peachy orange base, very different from my usual hot pinks. I like how this gives a healthy look as compared to a dolly look like my pink blushes. My favourite way of using this is to layer it on top of a bronzer. So instead of applying my blush at the apple of my cheeks, I layer them on top of my cheekbones :)

4. Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation in Classic Ivory

Went back to one of my loves last month. This is my holy grail foundation. It was a little too drying on my skin a few months back when I was breaking out and all, but since my skin is pretty stable now, it fits right back into my routine. I love how it covers my blemishes and evens out my skin tone, it also has super oil control properties which is great for such an oily person like me! Sometimes when I don't want to use foundation on my whole face, I will put a layer of Laneige BB Cushion and then layering the Covergirl only on my T-zone area.

5. Maybelline Color Tattoo in Inked in Pink

So happy Watsons brought this in!!! It was literally sold out everywhere and when I found one in good condition I grabbed it (it was the last pot!!). I love pink, duh, and of course I have to own this. Haha. I usually use the color tattoos when I am lazy to blend my shadows. So I will put this on and maybe add a little crease colour. If not, the colour alone is also pretty enough for an everyday, simple look! This is also a great base for my NAKED 3 palette cause they're all pink based :)

6. Laneige Water Sleeping Pack

A skincare product that I recently added into my routine! I use this twice a week and my skin is totally different on the days that I use this and the days that I don't. I love how it is of a gel based texture so it's not sticky on the face. It dries and gets absorbed super quickly as well, so it won't mess up my pillows and sheets. Haha. I used to think that my oily skin didn't need any hydrating masks, but I was so wrong. This is a great product for literally all skin types cuz hydration is extremely important for any skin. Really recommend this mask to everyone :)

That's all I have for the month of June! Hope you are enjoying your weekend. As usual, let us know if you have tried any of the products above and how do you like them! 

♡♡,

Flo.

Pea's June Favourites 2014

Hi loves! Sorry I wasn't around for May favourites cause I was overseas and wasn't able to do it properly. But Flo's favourites were up and you can read them here

Anyway, I am back for the month of June faves so read on! I don't have a lot this past month. I have just been grabbing the same few things recently.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primers

I have own these primers since Dec'13 and a little of these do go a long way. I bought the green one because I have very thin skin and my capillaries show and I flush really easily so my face is red all the time. The other one is the colour correcting primer and I love these two.

Recently, I was very inspired by the swirly Stila primer that mixes all the colour of the primers together so I thought I'd tried mine that way too. Normally I would just apply the green on my cheeks and the other one on my t-zone. But this was has been amazingy time saving and I feel it still works the same way. Its silicon-based so it feels amazing after applying it on your skin, kinda like the Benefit Porefessional but a little less thin.

Topshop Blush [Good Girl]

So I had been on the lookout for a baby pink blue undertone blush forever and I knew I had to have this. I made Flo buy it too hahaha This gives a very baby-doll flush and looks very cute and natural. I use a small stippling brush to get a very light-hand since I am always red anyway.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer [15 Fair Clair]

I actually bought this on a whim because I was at the drugstore and wanted to buy something but I didnt know what exactly. I saw that there were only a couple of this concealer in my shade so I grabbed it. And I love it. I chucked aside my NYX HD concealer for this because I feel that this is more suitable for my shade and at the same time, the pink undertones brightened up my area. Its very thin but the coverage is awesomesauce. It does not crease or settles into my fine lines so I luvvv it. 

This was also one of my impulse buy and I don't think its available in Singapore yet but I love it. I use it DAILY because it gives me the most beautiful lashes and holds my curls the whole day. I have a review on it so you can read it here !

Bene Balm // NYX Butter Gloss [Cherry Pie]

So I have been layering these two colours for the prettiest pinkish red.

I AM AWARE IT SAYS BENETINT. SORRY its suppose to be Bene Balm!!

anyw, the Bene Balm gives my lips a slight tint of colour and moisturise it while I pop the NYX butter gloss in the middle of my lips. It creates the all-time craze now - Korean gradient lips. Both gives off a light sheen but they do not last. These are not long-lasting lipsticks so do expect the need to reapply after eating! However, they are really natural and I love the look. 

Ok, I am signing off here! See you guys soon!

Love,

Pea

Review: Maybelline Pumped Up! Colossal Volum' Express Mascara

hi guys! Sorry I have been missing for a while. 

I'm here for a rally quick review.

I picked up this mascara at the drugstore recently and this is my first time trying it out. 

Packaging: 

I love the packaging cause it's PIIIIINK. 

The mascara brush is love. I'm not sure if you can see it here but it's bristles are not the usual ones you get. The bristles are...sharper and thinner. This separates my lashes and gave it length and my lashes are super fluttery! The odd shape of the brush is to supposedly provide allow more product to be pumped on to the brush and allow more volume (I'm not quite sure) but I honestly love the bristles.

Comparison: 

If I were to compare this with my other Maybelline mascara - The Falsies Volum' Express, the main difference would be the brush shape. The Falsies has a curved brush which is great for getting all the lashes at the root. The Falsies brush also allow more product to be dispensed on the lash to give more volume, I am expecting awesome results if I used the Falsies at my roots and then the Colossal for my middle to end section to give me the fluttery lashes I want.

Verdict: 

This is two coats of the mascara and I honestly love it. It holds my curls and gives me very pretty lashes!

Quick summary:

The Awesome: 

- sharper bristles for fluttery lashes 

- no clumping (but I only use two coats so I won't know what it will look like with more)

- holds my curls 

- the awesome length 

The Average 

- would like more volume 

Ok being back here is awesome. I love this mascara and I hope you would too if you try! 

Love,

Pea 

Flo's All Time Favourites

[Products are not sponsored and all reviews are honest opinions!]

Hi everyone! This is just a brief list of my all time favourites :)

I don't really use ALL products everyday, but if I needed to, these will definitely be my go-to products. All of these products can be easily found in Singapore - Watsons, Guardian, Sephora, Smoochieez and other retailers.

My skin type: Oily/Combination, prone to blemishes and acne.
My skin concerns: Hyper pigmentation scars, clogged pores.

BASE:

Primer - Biore UV Perfect Face Milk SPF 50+/PA+++

This is my everyday staple! I need my sunscreen or I'll feel uneasy the whole day. My face gets really oily throughout the day and in Singapore, the weather doesn't help to control oil and sweat AT ALL. So this comes in handy as a base :) It is super light, doesn't feel tacky at all, doesn't leave a white cast in pictures and is super affordable!

Foundation - Skin 79 Super BB Triple Functions SPF 50+/PA+++ 

This BB cream has very, very good coverage. I also love how the colour will settle in and adjusts itself to my skin tone, leaving a dewy finish. However it's a little on the steep side for "drugstore" make up, so I usually get it from Korea or Gmarket! It lasts pretty long though, considering that I use it everyday :)

//Recently, I bought the Sunkiller BB Perfect Strong SPF 50+/PA+++ and it has the perfect sheer-medium coverage for everyday use and can be layered on when I want extra coverage! More in-depth review here.

Concealer - Maybelline Pure Mineral Concealer in 01

I love this concealer!!!! It is a little yellow/dark for me if I use it directly on bare skin, but it matches perfectly when I have foundation on! It is affordable and has a good coverage. Heavy enough for my hyper pigmentation scars, yet I don't feel like it's suffocating my spots when I have them! I tend to like liquid concealer better than cream ones, so this is perfect for me.

Powder - Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

I used to set my face with the ZA two-way cake but I figured it was way too thick for my liking. So I switched to this one and found it pretty suitable cause it is translucent and it is very fine. I only use this to set my inner cheeks, nose and forehead to keep as much oil away as possible :D

Blusher - Benefit Hervana Face Powder

My go-to blusher that I always keep with me! I love the magical combination of pink+purple+peach, the subtle highlighter and the smell. THE SMELL OF BENEFIT'S BOXED POWDERS ARE HEAVENLY. I've already hit pan on this one :'( If I can't find a better one, I'll most probably repurchase this!

EYES:

Primer - Urban Decay Original Primer Potion

This is another product I cannot live without. My face is a huge oil producer and my lids are not an exception. Without this primer, I will go around with smudged eyeshadow and eyeliner (what's the point of smudged make up, really). I use this even when I line a thin line on my eyelid for school/errands - THIS IS HOW RELIANT I AM ON IT. Never tried other primers and most probably won't!

Eyeshadow - Naked Palette

This was my first eyeshadow palette, and it's still my favourite :) That says a lot right? Haha. All the colours, and yes I mean every single one, can be used on a daily basis and are super versatile! The pigmentation is awesome, just a little dab and I can get very saturated colour on my lids. My fav colours - Sin, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Toasted, and Gunmetal. I might as well name every colour in the palette hahaha.

Eyeliner - Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in Black

Hands down my favourite. I love the brush, I love the consistency, I love how black it is, I love how it doesn't flake off, I love the packaging. This is my most repurchased item, I have 6 of them now. 4 empties, 1 currently using and 1 brand new \m/

Mascara - Heroine Make Long & Curl Mascara + Heroine Make Volume & Curl Mascara

The combination of these 2 mascaras is the bomb. I will put a layer of the Long & Curl and then a layer of Volume & Curl afterwards. Super waterproof, holds my curl, gives extra length and volume. My favourite combination, ever!!!!!!!!!

Eyebrow - NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder

I prefer eyebrow powder over pencil on a day-to-day basis. They're less-harsh and way easier to use! This colour is perfect for my hair. I use the lighter on the first 1/3 and the darker colour to define the end of my brows :)

LIPS:

Lip balm - Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Velvet

I love all baby lips! But I have a weakness for Cherry flavour so I keep this around with me.

Lip stick - Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in 001 Honey / Maybelline NeoNude Color Sensational Lipstick in NEO6 Sheer Rose

These two lip products are my two MLBB (my lips but better), the Revlon one runs a little towards the red side while the Maybelline one gives my lips a pinker hue. I love both and these happen to be the two I reach out most from my other lip products! They are very moisturising, tho needs to be reapplied quite often, but I'd rather that than lipsticks drying out my lips. And they are very subtle but gives the perfect everyday colour :)

Ok! Phew, we've finally reached the end of this post. Do let me know what are some of your all-time favourite products :) If you have any enquiries or need more info about any of the products above, don't hesitate to e-mail us at twovainpots@gmail.com!

xx,
Flo♡