Review: Pond's Flawless White BB Cream in LIGHT

When Pond's finally hopped in the BB cream bandwagon & released their own version earlier last year, I wasn't expecting myself to give in considering I still have a bunch of BB creams left to consume. And generally, I'm not Pond's biggest fan,  primarily because I didn't have much luck with their skin care line in the past as it always ends up doing nothing for my skin, basically leaving me with more problems than actual results. But being the BB cream junkie that I am, I knew in myself that I was gonna get this sooner or later.

And so with that I eventually caved in & decided to try the deluxe version first which is priced at 149php because I wanted to see how it's going to fare on my skin before going for the full size. So was it a hit or a miss? Read on to find out!

My Overall Experience with Pond's: 

This BB cream does not feel heavy & icky on the skin, which makes it very ideal for that barely there, natural look perfect for school, meeting your girlfriends for coffee, or running short errands. It's not exactly what I would wear on a night out because aside from the fact that it's not long wearing (and I don't think it's supposed to be) it also does not photograph nicely due to the high spf content. I would, however, wear this during the day when I'm headed to school or when going for a nice stroll in the mall because it feels comfortable on the skin and doesn't look powdery or blotchy at all.

The downside for a lot of people is that it doesn't have much coverage in it, at best medium I suppose. It's enough coverage for me though because I highly prefer a natural look on a daily basis. And I guess that's to be expected, it being a bb cream & all, so if you want a full coverage make up, go for a foundation instead or just use a concealer of your liking. Oh and I think I should mention that you only need a tiny amount of product to cover the whole face every time you use this, otherwise it can already appear too light and just plain unattractive so just be really careful. Don't be overwhelmed by its nice consistency because re-doing your make up is the last thing you would want to do. Speaking of its consistency, it feels very light, very "airy", and just goes on smoothly on the skin. It doesn't cling to dry patches on the skin provided that your skin is well moisturized prior to application of the BB cream.

And now the BB cream in action.

The one on the right is upon application so my face is slightly lighter than my neck, but after a couple of minutes, it adjusts quite decently. 

You can still see some of my flaws peeking through but I kinda prefer it that way because it looks more au naturel. It gives off this healthy looking sheen as well that I would rather go for versus an uber matte finish. For this look, I didn't use any concealer at all. (Pardon the messy eyeliner guys hihi)

What I Like:

Affordable
Easily Available
Functional Packaging (for the deluxe version that is)
Comfortable to wear
instantly brightens up the face
Gives decent amount of coverage
Does not cling to dry areas
Matches my skin tone decently

Neutral: 

Wear time is less than stellar so oily skinned gals, beware. Always finish with a powder of your choice, something like Fix & Matte from Essence. It's my HG finishing powder cos it keeps my oilies at bay for hours! It deserves a more thorough post but in a few words - I seriously cannot live without it. Haha! xx

I'm not expecting this BB cream to be the answer to my prayers but I am YET to see any whitening effects. I enjoy using this as it is though because it really does brighten up my dull complexion.

What I Hate: 

It might be too light for some people but recently they released a darker shade called "Beige" so do check that out if you\re on a fence about trying this product due to the poor shade selection.

TIPS: If you need more coverage out of this BB cream, just pat the product unto the troubled area like you would a concealer instead of smearing it, that way, you get more coverage.

Where to buy: Watson's, All leading supermarkets & department stores nationwide
Price: Deluxe version is priced at 149php ($3.36) the full size is at 299php ($6.73)

Jem's rating: 4/5

How about you, have you tried the not so new Pond's BB+ cream? Would love to hear your thoughts on this one! Share on the box below! xx 

Review/Swatch: Max Factor Color Elixir Lipstick in Pink Brandy

Not so very long ago I reviewed a lipstick from the same line by Max Factor called Bewitching Coral, and since I was very happy with my purchase, I ended up buying another shade called Pink Brandy a week or two after. This one has the old packaging though. I bought it when Max Factor in Trinoma went on sale, flushing their old but best selling products to make way for a new batch and in their new packaging.  I guess you could figure out what my next step had been. You're right, it was towards the cashier! Haha.  xx 

The old packaging is pretty basic and I have no complaints about it whatsoever. It's very sturdy too because I have dropped this a couple of times but it's still good as new. As for the smell, there isn't much to say because it's almost if not completely fragrance-free. So if you're pretty sensitive in that area then I'm happy to report that MF's is free of anything that can possibly annoy your nostrils.  

On the other hand,  the color is a lovely warm pinkish-coral with the slightest hint of brown to it. I noticed that towards the end of the day, the lipstick tends to look more intense, which I suppose is a good thing if you're one to not touch up a lot. I get a good wear of this for a solid of 4 hours. If I eat/drink, the color is still pretty much there although not as vibrant anymore. The finish is just lovely for my ever so dry lips - creamy and yet feels very light on the lips. It's fairly long lasting and yet doesn't dry my lips like mad.  It also leaves quite a stain so it might take some muscle to remove it completely when it's time for you to hit the sack. However, it shouldn't be a problem if you already have a make up remover in your possession.  As usual, using a lip balm underneath is highly recommended. 

And here's the lipstick in action! xx 

Overall, if you're looking for a decent coral lipstick that has a good color pay-off, wears comfortably and is affordable, then definitely pick this one up soon! xx 

Price: 595php (Apprixamtely $14) 

***I got this for half the price when Max Factor went on sale in Trinoma 

Where to buy: All leading SM Department Stores, Robinson's Department Store, Rustan's 

How about you? What's your favorite coral lipstick to-date? Do share you them &let's talk! xx

As always... JEM 

Review: Essence All About Matt Fixing Loose Powder

Hurray for my first post for the year 2014! I'm sorry for the lack of posts lately, I'm trying my best to squeeze in something every now & then! Exams are coming next week and of course I have to prep my mind for that because it seems that my whole system is still on vacation mode. Haha! Anyway,  I hope you all had a wonderful time during the holidays - I sure had! It was a time well spent with both family & friends & I couldn't be more grateful for all the blessings that came with the year that was. 

Speaking of the year that was, I want to share to you something that I couldn't leave the house with for the whole 2013. I started using this during the summer of last year and since then, I didn't look anywhere else. So here's a little background about Essence if you're not familiar with them already: 

"Launched on the German market in 2002, Essence has since become Europe's no.1* cosmetics brand and is sold in over 60 countries. The products are available in chemists, grocery stores, department stores, cosmetics outlets and fashion chains." 

 Essence Says NO to Testing on Animals! 

Essence does not conduct any testing on animals, nor commissions it to any third parties – not in Germany or anywhere else in the world. we strongly disapprove of testing on animals.

This is also one of the factors we consider when selecting suppliers to work with essence and they must assure us that their products are produced without testing on animals.

By the way: animal testing for decorative or pampering cosmetic products has not been permitted in Germany since the autumn of 1998. Germany leads the way in Europe with this legislation!

(All taken from Essence's official website) 

JEM'S THOUGHTS: 

If I were to do a "BEST BEAUTY FINDS FOR 2013" post, this would most likely be on top. What makes it the best you may ask? Well true to its name, it will keep your face matte looking for about 5 hours and will prevent your make up from sliding off or transferring to clothes. It's also a fantastic product to set your eye-liner with if you have oily lids like I do.  With this, I don't ever find the need to touch up, and when I do, I only use blotting sheets just to take away the shine away on my T-zone area.

Perhaps my only qualm about the product, aside from the fact that it's always out-of-stock, is that it's a bit messy to work with especially if you end up doing your make up in the car. And let's face it, we're all bound to do our make up in the car some time in the future especially if we're running late for something, school or work related. It's not compact so you should see the challenge but I tend to overlook that because it works so amazingly well. For this I like to use a large powder brush, and this is where application is very crucial. You should apply this with a very light hand, otherwise it's going to appear cakey & just made up. You don't want that. We're all pegging for a flawless, seamless look & you can achieve that with the right amount of weight in your hand. 

Overall, I am in love with this product. I know I've said that a couple of times with other products but this is really something else. If you want your make up to look as amazing as when you left the house, YOU NEED THIS IN YOUR LIFE. For the price, I say it's the perfect finishing powder there is. If you're in the look-out for one,  this is it. Save your $50 for something high-end and get this instead & you'll be just as pleased. 

Where to get: Selected SM Department stores & Watson's outlet (I buy mine in either SM North Edsa or Megamall) 

Price: 260php (Approximately $5.80) 

How about you? Have you tried this gem from Essence? And if not, what's your favorite finishing powder as of the moment? Let me know on the box below! Let's talk! xx

-JEM-