RaiTries: Glamourbox BYS Matte Maven Subscription

Hi Guys!

Let's take a look at the latest magic box of Galmourbox :) www.glamourbox.ph

This is the second time Glamourbox tied up with the brand BYS where subscribers get to enjoy full size makeup items that is cheaper than their actual mall price. The latest box featured all matte makeup items. Matte looks slowly and surely evaded the makeup industry making this month's (the latest, because they don't offer monthly, ata) items very much on trend. 

I ordered my BYSmattemaven subscription second week of November and it arrived 1st week of December. I ordered mine few days after they announced that another box is available. I am so willing to pay because I am already oriented  of what service Glamourbox provides. I am truly amazed by how planned and elaborated the items they collate.  I was super hyped because, in general, I really enjoyed their first collaboration with BYS (http://raitries.blogspot.com/2015/11/raitries-unboxing-bys-special-edition.html).  I am very curious... what items would they include next? Plus! I am a huge lover of anything matte. I love mattes more than glitters and shimmers. Glamourbox team also provides fast and accurate costumer service, they answer every query promptly and assure you that YOUR box is on the way :) 

What do you get inside? 6 full sized items inside, all relatively in Matte finishes.

1. BYS Matte Nail Enamel in Matte Aqua  - I never thought that this nail polish will dry out soooo Matte! I love it. But in my opinion, matte nail polishes chip the fastest, so yes, be careful. Is it weird that I got another blue? Hahaha

2. BYS Liquid Brow Pen in Light Brown - I never had anything like this before. I have an eyebrow pencil and an eyebrow powder (kit) but not an eyebrow pen. I used this already, once, to outline my brow. It does the job guys but they sent me the wrong shade, it's too light for my hair color. After applying, I topped it off with an eyebrow powder to set and correct the shade.

3. BYS Eyeliner Gel with Brush in Black Magic- I have been meaning to try these potted liquid liners, glad I didn't bought any yet. Like Glamourbox knows my makeup needs ;) I didn't open mine though because I have 2 liquid liners open still. I heard they dry up fast, I'll first use up the ones I have then try this out. It came with a sturdy eyeliner brush!

4. BYS Matte Lipstick in the shade Latte to Go - I have tried the Matte lipstick of BYS last month, wasn't quite satisfied with the "matte-ness" but the pigmentation is A+. In this box, all will get a nude one. To be honest, I'm not someone who get good use with this kind of shade, but you'll never know when you're going to need one, right? Again I haven't open mine because I have so so so so many lip things opened at the moment. It's a basic nude, maybe comparable to the NYX Soft Matte Lipcream in Cairo (which I hate). I'm also not a fan of the packaging, you know how clumsy I am.

5. BYS Eyeshadow 8 Palette Neutrals - I am such a sucker for eyeshadow palettes, I continually buy even though I have so so many...all of it is neutral just like this one. BUT! I don't have an all matte palette :) This is another first. You can create any look from an everyday neutral makeup to the sexy smokey eye! This palette is so travel friendly, it's the sleek-est I have, very very handy that it is literally smaller than my palm and you have 8....yes 8 shadows in there. You get a matte black, matte dark brown, brown, creams, etc....every single thing you'll need. Guys, I am so out of it but I won't be opening this one again to test the pigmentation because I have 10 neutral palettes open all at once...I have a thing for make up expiration, thanks for understanding :)

6. BYS Contour and Highlight Kit in the shade Daring - The star of the box, this alone is worth P1, 099.00 (worth the whole box). You'll get 2 blushes, 1 bronzer and 1 highlighter :) I am so glad the highlighter is a lot better than the one that came with last month's box - contour trio in the shade Sweet. I have high expectations with this one considering its price hahaha. I haven't opened it because, again, I have a ton opened at the moment. I love the blushed\s because you get a mauve-y one and a pinkish one. Great palette both for fall and summer. I just think that the bronzer is too dark for my skin tone. 

Pricing:
1. BYS Matte Nail Enamel ---------- P199.00
2. BYS Liquid Brow Pen ------------ P449.00
3. BYS Eyeliner Gel with Brush ---- P549.00 
4. BYS Matte Lipstick --------------- P299.00
5. BYS Eyeshadow Palette ---------- P449.00
5. BYS Contour Kit ------------------ P1,099.00
                                       TOTAL: P3,044.00
                           BOX AMOUNT: P1, 100.00 

You get the box triple the amount of items inside :) Good deal right? 

I am very very satisfied with the second BYS box, I don't mind having another box in collaboration with BYS next! I am a first timer for 3 products included inside (Brow Pen, Liquid liner and the all matte eyeshadow), I am so excited. They got better, so much better than last month's subscription. That is the essence of trying out curated beauty boxes, you get surprised, you get to try new things and you get to experience different brands at an incredibly lower price ;) 

The box is still available, go to the site I linked above if you're interested :) 

More awesomeness to come next year Glamourbox! 

Always remember, BE BEAUTIFUL, BE YOU!

Lots and lots of love, 

Raisa

RaiTries: Maybelline Dream Satin Skin Foundation

Hi Guys!

Today we are going to review the Maybelline Dream Satin Skin foundation (I am in the shade B2) :)  We all know that I am a big fan of BB Creams, I have mentioned the benefits of BB creams from my previous blogs a hundred times but, I thought, I should reopen my heart to a foundation. I needed a good one, I needed something that won't smudge or that won't feel so sticky.

I went to the Maybelline booth again because they were on sale time I purchased(buy 2 items, get one free). They have 2 liquid foundations, the Mineral foundation and the Dream Satin Skin. And since I am keeping it low for my "first" foundation, I chose the cheaper one (Dream Satin Skin is cheaper by P20.00 lang naman).

Where to buy: Any Mybelline booth/counter. SM, Rob, Ayala Malls :)

Price: P499.00 (regular price), P350.00 (sale price, til December 31, 2015 only) 

Amount: 30 ml 

Packaging: Glass bottle with pump! YAY :D 

Scent: A bit chemically :( The usual foundation scent. But it does not linger, it goes away after application.

Application: It applies very smooth and it is moisturizing too, it felt like a tinted moisturizer. It is also light weight but you can still feel something on your face (not that light). Tends to be sticky/dewy, so if you are going for a matte finish...make sure to set is with powder (I am comfortable with the dewy look though) 

Coverage: Medium to full coverage. It is buildable, add more if you want to conceal blemishes and redness. 

Routine and weather of the day: Stormy/rainy, relatively cold (December breeze). Medyo bias compared to the other blogs  because it is cold, I expect I won't secrete much oil unlike during summer.

Claims/functions: It has SPF 24, PA++. It is an air-whipped Liquid Foundation that provides poreless, satin-smooth looking skin. Extraordinary Coverage that does not clog pores. Long-lasting and moisturizing all day. 

Let's begin and see if this will stay true to its claims! (I did not use any setting powder, primer or concealer to test the true longevity and coverage of the product) 

It's not runny or liquidy at all, it actually has a mousse-y texture, felt like it was whipped. You get good control during application. 

The bare side :) Blemishes and discoloration are visible, few redness too. I applied moisturizer to prevent dryness especially during this time of the year.

The "foundation" side, redness around the nose, discoloration and blemishes were covered. I used a sponge for application, you can use a brush or even your fingers. I chose medium coverage, I don't want to go full because i'll just stay in the office. 

At around 11:30 AM before lunch, foundation is still there, blemishes and redness are still covered :) It just can't mattify my oily skin. Oil is already present in my T-zone. We have a cold, stormy weather at that time...I just can't imagine this foundation on a hot summer day (lalabas siguro mga mantika ko nun sa muka huhu). Blush on though is still intact. 

Everything still looks presentable though, I can still take it. I did not retouch with powder, I just blotted. Keri pa naman kasi sa ilong lang naman ako nagoil up. 

Down to the last check in, taken at 8:00 PM, redness around the nose already visible, but the foundation is still present guys :) Blemishes are still not visible, oil production is also controlled after I blotted earlier. Oh and I'm still rocking that bonzer right there (blush is gone already)

 Final Thoughts: 

Pros: I love this product in general :) It is cheaper than the other liquid foundations. Application is a breeze, I never had problems with blending. I got a shade darker than my face completion but it's all good since my neck is darker than my face, it matched hahaha. If you have dry skin, this would work fantastic because it's very moisturizing. If you're the type who would go for heavy concealing, this is for you since coverage is buildable. It did not break me out or irritate my skin. Almost all of the shade selection have yellow undertone, perfect for Filipina/Asian skin. The best part is it is long wearing, it lasted me for 8-hours without applying powder, very very low maintenance :) 

Cons: It might not work well with oily skin. I oiled up 3 hours after applying considering the current weather. Wearing this foundation during summer might not be the best idea for the oily gals (and guys) like me. We have a very limited color selection, the department store where I bought it from only holds 3 shades. Those with paper white skin or those with darker complexion might have a problem finding the exact shade. 

I still prefer the Revlon Colorstay over this one but I still find myself reaching for this one! It is a great product :) 

That's it guys! I hope you find this helpful. Pls. comment below for any review suggestions. I'd love to do it for you :) 

Always remember, BE BEAUTIFUL, BE YOU! 

Lots and lots of love, 

Raisa

RaiTries: Maybelline Velvet Matte Liquid Lipsticks (few updates too)

Hi Guys! 

IT HAS BEEN A WHILE, I MISSED BLOGGING *cries. There has been a lot going on lately...ok life update-ish shiz: 

1. My dad is home for Christmas! Meaning I am driving them to places, I am busy doing "some" errands and there is a little construction going on in the garage, we purchased supplies etc etc etc. BUSY supper! We need to make the most out of the time we have. We visit places, eat outside most often and when dinner is served at home...we are chatting non stop. Fun fun fun! :) Christmas is always always the best and the busiest. 

2. I was constantly buying highend makeup to the point that I felt sick of it...and mind you guys...I hate Filipino/a bloggers talking so much about highend brands (the irony right?) because first they are crazy expensive, second, most of them are not locally available and third, in general, people are interested in the local and the affordable brands only so why bother talking about something your viewers are not interested about. So yes, even though I put so much money on those products, I won't be talking about them...yet. 

3. I (and my office mates) have to meet deadlines. It's the end of the year, books are closing, deadlines are coming and they are butt-crackingly mind blowing (so much adjective) :( Super busy sa trabaho, paguwi supper busy sa bahay. 

4. We are experiencing few changes sa bahay. Our house helper (toka kay Ima, our lola) already bid goodbye, uuwi na sila sa hometown nila (I love her, she's like family, so sad). Meaning there are adjustments, orientations etc. And, again, little construction is also on going...medj magulo sa garahe area.

So yes...many many more reasons BUT I HAVE TO put this blog immediately because there are CRAZY sales everywhere this season especially with the drugstore brands like Maybelline, Revlon and Loreal and it will end December 31, 2015. Meaning this is also the best time to review things.  

For some reason, the product name Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick changed into Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick, I don't know why, it might just be the packaging but the formula is still the same. 

Today, I won't just dwell on swatches but I will also do a first impression review on the product. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY BLOG, I forgot to cover few details (like pictures of the doe foot applicator/wand, etc.) I look awful too, I forgot to do my eyebrows, I'm a mess basically because I suffered from a terrible tonsillitis. I apologize, again. 

Where to Buy: Any Maybelline counter. It is their newest product so stocks are not always complete especially now that it's on sale. So when you found your perfect shade, buy it immediately (that is if you're interested) 

Price: Regular price is P349.00, the sale price is P250.00 (until December 31 only)

Packaging: Sleek! It is the size of a regular lipstick, maybe even smaller :) this is travel friendly! The product is placed in an acrylic container. The actual color of the product shows outside. The cap has a matte finish. 

Scent: It doesn't have any scent. I'm usually okay with products that has no scent but for a liquid lipstick... it's quite a surprise. I have few liquid lipsticks, almost all of them has a vanilla sweet scent...this one has nothing. 

Application: Velvet = smooth. It's very very smooth to the point that it's actually relaxing, it has a mousse-y texture. Nothing troublesome when it comes to application. The doe foot applicator made things easy-breezy :) I grabbed one photo from google, from dollupmari.com (thank you for the photo) 

Coverage/pigmentation: Very pigmented especially for the bold shades, you get so much product in one "pull-out". I am impressed, like 5/5 for pigmentation. It is so pigmented, it tends to bleed. 

I got 4 shades only...still thinking if i'll buy more. Anyway, let's begin! 

1. MAT 12 - THE BEST SELLER. It was so so so hard to get because every one is raving about it. It's the one and only nude shade from the whole collection. This perfect pink nude is "unique" in some way because its color is very far from the other 11 shades. You can use this every single day. IF YOU FOUND ONE IN YOUR LOCAL STORE...BUY IT! Because it will be gone soon. Trust me. 

2. MAT 2 - True straight up pink. This shade is very similar to MAT 1. It's so vibrant, this will be perfect for summer or any daytime look :) 

Oh! I look like a ghost haha! I've been sick guys, forgive me. 

3. MAT 8 - This is a red shade with an orange undertone. This, too, is very similar to MAT 9. 

Awkward swatch :0 

4. MAT 11 - My favorite. This is maybe the 2nd best seller, it's also hard to find. Deep cranberry shade :) It is very pigmented. I purchased this separately, never thought that I'd find one before I put up this post. Lucky!  

Now let's test the longevity of the product :) There's a bad typhoon currently, I stayed literally all day in the office (of course with a lot of eating involved)

@ 7:50 AM. I don't get it why they call it matte, it is not matte at all and I think it won't set. There is bleeding (lumalampas sa lip lines) but still tolerable, 

@ 12:45, I ate one serving Baked Macaroni for AM Snack, then another serving for lunch, plus drinking. I also ate watermelon and chicharon for lunch :) 

Most of the inner part faded, it looked bad (I ate oily foods), I'm in the office so I need a touch up. I retouched once. There are bleeding everywhere :( maybe it's the pigmentation.

@ 7:30 PM. My lips are dry, the eventually settled on the dry patches. The second application actually looked better. I did not reapply after the first one. I ate PM Snacks and drank few more times. It looks okay from afar actually but reapplication is definitely a must. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: 

Pros: It is pigmented, you get good color payoff with these products :) Packaging, application  and scent, no problem! Good product in general. 

Cons: This product back to its regular price? Expensive! I won't buy it for P349.00. I don't know why they named it Velvet "Matte", it's totally not matte even after hours, it also transfers, so if you're wearing white...be careful. It bleeds, it bled bad on my upper lip, it looked awful :( I had to use concealer to erase the bleeding. 

That's it Guys, thank you for visiting. I was actually planning to buy more colors before putting this up but I am pressed for time. So yeah, if you're planning to get one...do it now :) It's worth it!

Always remember, BE BEAUTIFUL, BE YOU!

Lots and lots of love, 

Raisa

RaiTries: Makeup Products I Regret Buying

Hi Guys!

Before I feature my November favorites. I will cap November with the makeup products I regret buying. These are the ones I don't find my self reaching more often maybe because of it's packaging or I chose a shade that doesn't complement my skin tone or I chose a product that breaks me out or dries my skin or is just not good - formula wise. Many reasons. 

Don't get me wrong, this blog is not brand specific. I don't intend to bash the BRAND itself. It's just that certain products from the same brand didn't work out well for me. For example, I might feature an E.L.F. product that didn't worked out but that doesn't mean I don't like the E.L.F. brand in general. I love other products coming from the same brand...just that this particular thing isn't the best. I hope you understood, I really suck at explaining.

Being the person who loves to explore, I get my fair share of hits and misses when it comes to makeup products. Again, a little disclaimer, this might be your holy grail items or the things I will feature might be one of your faves...that is why I am very specific to the "Me, My, and I". These are my thoughts based on my experiences with the items. I don't mean to offend anyone, any brand, any company whatsoever :) Love and peace guys!

I will go random today. Products in no particular order. Let's begin!

1. Fashion 21 Brow kit - not pigmented. It is incomparable to my BYS Brow kit. This is my first ever brow product because I wanted to try things out before purchasing a pricey one and it did nothing. I get NOTHING. I knew I needed something better. This works best damped but you don't always have the time to prepare/wet your tools. There are good brow products that are pigmented, damp or not.

The brow thing that came with the kit also sucks :(

Ohh come on :( 

2. Forever 21 Bronzer (from the Love and Beauty Line) - Again, problem with the pigment. I had high hopes for this one because the concept is good...it's a quad. You get a matte bronzer, a highlighter, a shimmery bronzer and an even brown pigmented shimmery bronzer in one. Forever 21 counters doesn't have testers for the product that is why I never had the chance to swatch or try it before buying, it just looked good :( 

It felt FOREVER to get enough pigmentation in this product. I have to swipe my brush 100 times in order to get the shade that I wanted. I have better, cheaper bronzers than this one. Sayang :( 

3. BYS Contour Palette Trio in Sweet (Highlighter) - I think I have mentioned this in my BYS Blog ( http://raitries.blogspot.com/2015/11/raitries-unboxing-bys-special-edition.html ) 

This is a pressed powder guys..not a highlighter. You get a highlighter with no shimmer...seryoso ka ba? It works well maybe to set your concealer but it is far from a highlighter. It's way too chalk-y and powdery.

The Balm, Mary-Lou-Manizer, a real highlighter VS BYS Highlighter

4. AVON Simply Pretty concealer - this concealer, me and our love-hate relationship. I still reach for this one whenever I'm into light concealing because I got the perfect shade but it accentuated my undereye lines, it settles there. This doesn't also lasts all day. Couple of hours and it's gone. 

5. E.L.F. Lipstick  - I've got great shades. One orange-y coral and another everyday pink and it caused me P100.00 each online. Yes guys P100! These babies could have been the best deal ever. But these will be mentioned for today's blog because of certain reasons. First, I hate the packaging. When you twist open the lipstick, there is a squeaky, annoying sound, like a mouse (parang naiipit na daga) hahaha but yes don't judge the book by its cover right? So I tried it. After the first 5 minutes, my lips started chapping off. It was so bad and ugly and it hurts :'( Uhg! I tried again the next day, I applied lip balm etc. but it did the same thing. I tried my best to let it work because I was somewhat denial huhu. This isn't for me. I don't suggest the E.L.F. essentials lipstick line if you have sensitive lips. I have the most sensitive lips ever. One wrong lipstick and I'm done. 

6. NYX Soft Matte Lip Creme in Cairo - If I had to attend a Halloween party and I'm portraying a ghost or a dead person...this is the perfect lip cream! This could actually work as a concealer hahahahahaha It's my perfect skin tone! It's all my fault I know, I bought it online huhu and yes pictures can be deceiving so be ware. This shade is not for the medium skin toned persons.  This works best for those with really really pale skin. As in snow white skin. My brother saw me wearing this one time, ang sabi nya sakin... "Ate, nasan na yung labi mo?"  Another sayang product :( 

7. TheFaceShop Lovely Me-ex Lipstick in PPK401 - My one and only pink-purple shades, I don't and can't wear this types. It doesn't suit my skin tone (again my fault). I look so pale and tired when I'm using this. Em (ze boyfriend) hates this on me hahaha

8. L.A. Girl Glazed lip paints - The formula and pigmentation is okay, it was pretty good actually, it is mentholated and they have a wide range of colors. I love the scent too. But it's included because of the applicator. The plastic nozzle does nothing. It can't spread the product...it's a mess actually. Some products can get in your teeth, sides of the lip line...everywhere because of the applicator. I just hoped that L.A. Girl invested in a better nozzle. E.L.F. lip glosses have good sponge tip applicator and they're cheaper.  

Best applied with a lip brush. 

9. Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher - They have wide range of corals and nice pinks, I seriously can't remember why in the world did I chose this color. I've had it for years and it looked like I haven't even touched it. I bought it maybe because of the packaging and that time I had no idea yet of the shade that would suit my skin tone. The formula is nice, almost mousy in my opinion but I find it powdery, I just don't know with other shades.

10. Loreal Collection STAR (JLo) - I picked this one because it's JLo's. JLo is my star so you can't blame me haha. This is ok actually....I'm not quite decided if i'll include this but let me just share my thoughts. It works good as lipstick topper. If you have a really dry matte lipstick and you wanted shimmer and nice sheen, add this on top. But worn alone...another sick looking Raisa, you'll have. Packaging tho is nice...anything gold is a plus.

That's it guys. I don't intend to let them sit in my cabinet and rot. Most of these I will give away to friends and family and let them try out. I would like to here form them if they experienced the same especially for those items that I had skin irritations with. I have sensitive skin and lips, maybe those with normal skin types will wear these comfortably. Again, I believe that sharing is caring. Think twice if you wanted to try the products mentioned, nakakapanghinayang ang pera :)

Always remember... BE BEAUTIFUL, BE YOU!

Lots and lots of love, 

Raisa