GeccaFrancisco: reviews

Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette & Too Faced Natural Matte Palette (Try On and Thoughts)

Beauty Monday, July 24, 2017

Hi there!

It's mid year.. well.. a little over mid year but just so you guys know, I have been missing my blog! I've had so many products that I wanted to write about but sometimes, juggling all the things that I do, sometimes it's overwhelming! Anyways, enough babbling, I just want to talk about these two palettes! LOVE!

I have never owned any Too Faced products so I was so excited when I got the chance to review any Too Faced products from the Sephora.ph website. I chose these two palettes because one for everyday use and another one that has a wide range of colors that allows you to get creative (I was also influenced by a ton of raves about these palettes!).

Let's start on the packaging. The designs are very well thought of because it really grabs your attention. I noticed that with all the Too Faced products. Every single product looks and amazing. I love that they are on tins and when you open and close them the products are secured because it also has magnets.

I really love the color selections on these palettes specially the Sweet Peach Palette.

Colors from Top (left to right): White Peach, Luscious, Just Peachy, Bless Her Heart, Tempting, Charmed. I'm sure.

Middle: Nectar, Cobbler, Candied Peach, Bellini, Peach Pit, Delectable.

Bottom: Peaches 'n Cream, Georgia, Caramelized, Puree, Summer Yum, Talk Derby To Me.

These are just some of my favorite shades from the Sweet Peach palette. We have, Luscious, Just Peachy, Cobbler, Caramelized, Puree, Summer Yum, Peach Pit and Delectable. ♥

I've tried the Sweet Peach Palette on and I love it really! Can't remember the shades I used though but I love how it turned out! :D

Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette

My first impression on this the second I got the package is the smell! It does smell like peaches! but the first thing that came in to my mind is that it smells like the kisses scented beads! Took me back to my childhood really. I also love the color selection. It is actually on of the reasons why I chose this palette is because I can see myself wearing every shade. There is just one particular shade that I don't normally go for but I think I am brave enough to pull it off, it is the Bless Her Heart shade. It is an emerald color with little specs of gold. All the colors are wearable and not intimidating at all. In this palette you get mattes, shimmers and metallics. Five stars for me!

★★★★★

If you want to get your hands on it, click here Sephora.ph. It costs Php2,953.00 on the Sephora.ph website.

Colors from Top (Day): Heaven, Cashmere Bunny, Sexspresso.

Middle (Classic): Lace Teddy, Strapless, Rique.

Bottom (Fashion): Nudie, Honey Butter, Chocolate Cookie.

Here's my favorite shades: Strapless, Risque and Chocolate Cookie ♥

Here's my own take of the Too Faced Natural Matte Palette. I just put on mascara and light brows that I would normally wear everyday and soft smokey eye look. I think I'll hit pan on this as this is a perfect go-to everyday makeup (and I love everyday simple makeup on!).

Too Faced Natural Matte Palette

My first impression on this palette is how cute the packaging is and how it fits in my bag. There are trios on the palette, for 'Day' look, 'Classic' and 'Fashion'. There is also a glamour guide that comes with the box that will help you and give you ideas on how you can pull off those three looks. About the shades, a couple of those shades doesn't show up that much on my lid because it almost has the same color as my lid but the good thing is, it is a perfect base for the other darker shadows.

I think that this palette is an all time favorite because the shadows are well thought out you have brown colors, ones with pink undertones just perfect for nudes and everyday wear. This is a hit for me so I'm giving it five stars as well!

★★★★★

You can get this also at Sephora.ph for Php2,042.00. :)

All in all, I picked these palettes that I knew that I would love and Too Faced didn't disappoint at all! I'm clearly impressed and I can't wait to try their other products as well. :) I think if you are really a fan of the brand, it is really worth splurging or if you are like me wanting to try these products for the first time, you'll never go wrong with these two palettes. :)

Thanks for reading!

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Fashion 21 Cosmetics Auto Eyebrow Pen

Beauty Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Hi guys!

If you don't know yet, one of the things I love when it comes to makeup is doing my eyebrows! It's so crazy these days that you can see a lot of women or young girls wanting to get that on-point, on-fleek brows! And with all the eyebrow products that are coming out of the market and all the different kinds of techniques that you can do with your brows, it's nice to come back to the natural almost no-makeup look brows.

If you've been with me for a while, you'll notice that I love bold brows but I also like to tone it down a bit. I've posted an updated eyebrow routine before and you'll see what I mean.

Just a little background though, I REALLY have sparse eyebrows so having a set of full eyebrows is like a dream! I've used brow pencils, brow pomades, brow powders with or without wax and there are really some hits and misses with products especially when we talk about the prices. Some are worth it while some are just hyped.

So enough with the chit-chat.

Fashion21 was kind enough to send me their brow products to try. I was so excited to test them out and wanted to let you guys know what I think about them.

So these are Fashion21's Auto Eyebrow Pen and they sent me three different shades, Greyish Brown, Light Brown and Dark Brown.

I've had an eyebrow pencil before in the shade of grey, I was loving that at first then realized that it was too grey and almost looked odd but at the time I didn't care because it was close to my natural hair color. So I'm really looking forward to all these shades!

I love how sleek these brow pens look and it's a major plus that they are retractable so no worries about sharpening them. And the product itself aren't too thick nor too thin, the shape and diameter is just perfect for creating hair-like strokes and would not easily break.

Here are the shades lightly swatched. My fave, as expected, is the greyish brown because I love the taupey-ashy color in person and it is closest to my natural hair color.

For Php85.00, you'll get 0.25g (net wt) of product which for me is definitely worth the money.

In the photo above, I just made an outline as I always do and with a light hand, did small hair-like strokes. You can also use a spoolie to brush out any harsh lines or leave it as it is. Application is really easy, the product isn't that creamy which I prefer. For me, Fashion21's Auto Eyebrow Pen really performs well.

As you can see, from sparse to full in just two easy steps!

I used the dark brown shade for this look and my eyebrows really look natural! Just the way I like it! Love it! I'd recommend you give it a try! ♥

You can check out their products at their website here or hit like on their Facebook page here to be updated of their latest sales, promos and giveaways. If you're on Instagram, follow them here. ♥

Until next blog post, xoxo!

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Sleek MakeUp Matte Me Ultra Smooth Lip Cream in Fired Up (New Shade!)

Beauty Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Hi guys! I'm so excited about this Matte Me liquid lip cream! I haven't tried anything from Sleek MakeUp aside from their Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette. I've known this line for maybe over a couple or three years now and learned it from Zoella. So this is a "high street" (drugstore) brand that has great quality that fits the budget.

So I won a giveaway (no surprises there) from SleekMakeUpPh on Instagram, and they were kind enough to let me choose a shade from the Matte Me line in celebration of their 6,000 followers on Instagram which was very timely as they released 6 new shades of the liquid lip creams. I chose the shade Fired Up because in the photos, this looks like an awesome, sophisticated kind of red and I don't own much reds in my collection.

So this contains 6ml of product and retails for Php450.00 ($9.52). It has a wide range of colors, 12 shades to be exact and you can check that on their website here. And it's available on selected SM Malls and on Zalora.ph.

Product claims:

Matte me is a matte finish liquid lipstick that glides on in one smooth application with no need for a second coat. Fired Up is a dark crimson that can be teamed with Precious Metals Highlighter for a golden glow. The light as air texture provides you with comfortable wear for hours, that doesn't cake, flake or dry out ensuring long lasting colour all day.

Packaging wise, it's very simple and elegant. I like the matte cap with a glossed "Sleek" writing over it.

About the applicator, Sleek changed it to being a small doe foot one instead of the longer one which the first shades has. So many, as I've heard, preferred the old one rather than the new ones but personally I think it does a good job spreading the product on the lips.

So let's talk about the formula. This one is really a true matte finish and color pay-off is good. Very pigmented! Fired Up has a crimson red color and I'm glad that I got this one because I don't like bright reds on me especially ones that almost has a hint of orange.

So this is how it looks like swatched on the back of my hand.

And this is how it looks like on me. As you can see, it the color is absolutely gorgeous! Very stunning indeed. I see myself wearing this on date nights and on "ber" months or cold months.. This could be a fall or winter shade. A really lovely color.

Upon application, I've had some problems with it because this dries so fast you have to be so quick applying it. Like if you put it on your lower lip, it'll be dry before you even work on the upper lip. I am not a pro on applying liquid lipsticks that's why I had to work on how to apply it maybe more than a couple of times. As it dries and sets, you can feel a powder-like finish on your lips! Worn this for 4-5 hours and so far had no "major" problems with it and only a few flaking at the inner corners of my lips.

And now, on to my thoughts.

Pros:

♥ Price is good. No complaints about that.

♥ Color pay-off is awesome.

♥ Glides on easily.

♥ No need for a second coat.

Cons:

♦ Dries so fast! ( This is a con for me because I like taking my time!)

♦ If you apply a second coat, it'll feel heavy on the lips.

♦ Do not let your lips touch just after application especially if you put on a second coat because it'll transfer and it will not be pretty.

♦ If you drink water, it'll budge.

♦ This feels drying on the lips.

Tips:

☺ Do not forget your lip balm! Wear a lip balm first, dab it on a tissue/paper towel before application.

☺ For precise application, use a lip liner, preferably red, and use it as a guide. (This one saved me from being frustrated!)

☺ If you can get away with a first coat, do so. If not, you have to be careful with it. I don't recommend going for a second coat because it'll feel heavy and really drying.

☺ Use an oil based make up remover.

☺ Exfoliate your lips.

Ranking:

★★★☆☆

I'm giving it a three and a half stars!

Conclusion:

It's kind of a love-hate relationship for me. I like the shade and how pigmented it is. I just don't like that it's drying and feels uncomfortable for the first time you apply it. I know that it's just me but I've read/seen other reviews of other people feeling the same way. But as time goes, you will get used to that feeling. I don't recommend this for daily use or for the new shades at least because they have different formulas with the old ones. I will continue to use it because I really love the shade. I think it;s the first time I fell in love with a red color. LOL!

So that's my overall thoughts about this product! Thanks for reading!

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Colourpop Lippie Stix in Heart On (Matte)

Beauty Wednesday, May 18, 2016

First of all, I'd like to thank Paradise Treats on Instagram, because I won a giveaway and I was so excited because this is my first Colourpop... I know, I know.. You guys must be asking, "Why did I wait for a giveaway?.. Why didn't you buy your own?.. It's worth the hype and all.." Now, I freaking know!

Anyway, so there were 7 of us who won the giveaway and I was one of the girls who received a lippie stix and I think two of us received the ultra matte line (lucky!). Since it is my first Colourpop I was beyond ecstatic to receive this! Hey, it's free!

Colourpop Lippie Stix has tons of other shades, from different types of nudes up to the really bold ones and even really dark ones (which is black). On the website it's $5.00 / Php230.00 but since Colourpop doesn't ship here in the Philippines (bummer), we have to get it from online shops on Instagram, Facebook or Shopee.. etc.. and the price range is Php400.00 to Php450.00 ($8-$10) plus shipping fee which is cray.

Packaging is awesome, pretty simple and straightforward. You get 1.0g of product and I like that the actual lippie is small in diameter because you can easily reach the corners of your lips. This is very pigmented and creamy! I thought that my Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick in Touch of Spice was the creamiest, but this glides on like a dream and the color pay off is awesome. You can get the color with just a swipe. For this shade, Heart On is pretty true from the color of the packaging to the actual product.

This shade, Heart On, is in between the colors pinks and purples! This is yet another awesome summer lip color! It makes a bold statement and really brightens up a look.

Although the packaging says that it is a matte lippie, it's not a true matte. It's kind of a creamy matte and has a tad bit shine which makes the lips look healthy and moisturized. I recommend this if you're not in to completely matte lippies.

So here, I just applied the lippie stix. It has a bit of tackiness but nothing problematic. After a while, I noticed it settled on the lines of my lips then again, it doesn't bother me. I just press my lips together to spread the lippie and I'm good. With one swipe, you can get the color right away.

Here, I've worn this lippie for 9 hours in total. It did fade a little but I didn't feel that I had to retouch at all. And all I can say is that this is really an amazing product!

Here are my thoughts.

Pros:

♥ Creamy.

♥ Very pigmented.

♥True to color.

♥So many shades to choose from you are bound to find what you like at least one.

♥ Packaging is really sturdy and simple, I love it!

♥ Scented, but doesn't have that strong "factory" scent if you know what I mean.

♥ Long lasting!

Cons:

♦ It does transfer but after a few hours, transfer is very minimal.

♦ Not really matte. There's a bit of sheen to this product so since it says that this is a "matte" product, so I expected it to be like a real matte lippie that's why I I listed it under cons.

Ranking:

★★★★☆

I give this a 4/5. ♥

Overall, is Colourpop really worth the hype?

Now that Colourpop is really stepping up their a-game with new colors and new formulas, I say yes, Colourpop is worth the hype. I just wish they could directly ship to my country because they are way more affordable than the online shops here. I will definitely be purchasing different colors and try other products from Colourpop as well!

So that's my full thoughts! If you have tried any of the Colourpop products let me know! If you are a blogger, link me! I love to read other blogs too! :)

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L'oreal Paris Mat Magique All-In-One Matte Transforming Powder

Beauty Friday, April 15, 2016

Hi guys! I've had this powder foundation for, I think more than a month now and I haven't written a review about it yet. I've been using it most of the time whenever I go out because it matches my skin tone or at least closer to my skin tone.

Bought this on sale at SM for Php300.00 ($6.50) and the original price is Php400.00 ($8.67).

It has SPF 34 PA +++ and a promising 12hr shine resistant.

Claims: (from the box)

The first magical matte all-in-one powder infused with volcanic perlite infusion, a natural yet powerful sebum absorbant. Complexion enjoys a just-out of the shower fresh finish and sensation, 12 hour shine-free, poreless skin foundation that lasts.

1. Primes +

Shine free skin canvas for a skin-balancing preparation.

2. Covers +

Minimize the appearance of all blemish and skin imperfections.

3. Perfects +

Ultra-smooth poreless skin transformation, a refined airy smoothing finish.

Result: 12 hour shine-free fresh look, impeccably poreless finish and ultra sensorial velvety soft touch. Use alone or apply evenly over BB cream or Liquid foundation.

Non-comedogenic.

All of the above are claims and results from women who assessed this powder foundation.

I really like the sponge. It looks really fine with rounded corners/edges and not like the usual ones we see on compact powders.

Here's the back with small square holes on the sponge compartment for hygienic purposes.

Here's the swatch on my hand. Really close to my skin tone. I have the shade G1 Vanilla Ivory.

Here's my bare face. :D

And here after application. As you can see, for me it has a very light coverage but definitely evened out my skin tone. It lightly covered the redness around my nose and that pink spot just above my lips if you can see that. You can build it up or add more if you want to conceal those redness.

I've done my makeup here and ready to start my day!

After two hours of wear, the foundation held up really good and to think that it was really hot that day at around 9 - 11 AM. It was pretty much the same except that I had some oil peeking through my nose but nothing too major.

At around the middle of the day, at around 1PM, it already caked around my nose but you can easily retouch it. It was just very minimal and I really don't mind that at all.

At the end of the day, I really can't tell if I still have foundation on because it was so hot, very humid and I had a nap. So through out the day, it lasted me around 4-5 hours. I did not bother to retouch because it was dead-hot that day!

About using it as a powder finish for a liquid foundation, I have no problem at all!

Pros:

♥ Leaves a fresh matte finish.

♥ Evens out skin tones and perfects imperfections.

♥ Packaging is sturdy and has a nice mirror.

♥ Product is buildable.

♥ Performs well on humid weather.

Cons:

♦ Doesn't last a long time (basing it from the claims that it should be shine-free for 12hrs). I've used this numerous times and it just lasts for an average amount of time (4-5 hours) and then I retouch.

♦ If you have oily skin, expect that you will have to retouch at least once or twice depending on the weather.

My rating:

★★★★☆

Overall, for me, it's a good product! I reach out to this more often than my other powder foundation because it just feels good on the face and the finish is really there. I would buy this product again once I hit pan! ☻

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Maybelline Color Show Lipstick in Party Pink (First Impressions Review)

Beauty Monday, March 28, 2016

Hello guys! This is another lipstick review from Maybelline! I won this lippie from a giveaway on instagram a few weeks ago! Yay! Actually, I feel like most of my recent makeup are from Maybelline but these reviews are no way sponsored (I wish!) and all that I have written are my own honest opinion. Yep. Just wanted to do an intro disclaimer. ANYWAY, on to the review!

Product description:
Heat-proof colored lipsticks in the season's trendiest shade. Trending heat-proof colors straight from the runways of New York Fashion Week.

This is only for Php160.00 ($3.44) on Maybelline counters.

Packaging is simple. Shiny, black color tube with pink detail in the middle. I have not worn vibrant pink for a very long time because I discovered that pink nudes, old rose colors and deep mauve shades suits me better so I was kind of hesitant about this shade. Will it look good on me? Will it be too vibrant? Well, it is summer, so this color is just what I need on my stash!

I find this shade really bold but checking on Maybelline Philipines' website, the boldest shade of all is 103 Crushed Candy and the nude one is 105 Pinkalicious.

As you can see from the photo above, this has a slight glossy finish but not too glossy which is what I want. It just has the right amount of sheen to it which also makes the lips look healthy. It's not too pigmented, however, personally, I have no problems with that because as vibrant as the color is, I can go muted or all out with this lippie. I'm not so sure if I'll feel the same with the other shades but what's important is that the colors are buildable.

So, here I am at the start of the day. I had a lot of activity that day when I was putting this lippie to the test. I'm not expecting that this will be long-lasting at all but just hoped that it will still be visible after a few hours.

This is after 4 hours. Just had a few snacks and a drink. The lippie is still in tact. :)

And here I am after 8 hours! Please excuse my haggard face! It was so hot that day! You can't see the lippie anymore! LOL! But I did ate one full meal (the food was a bit greasy) and I really pigged out on snacks. It did leave a tint on the bottom of my lips. So I was really happy with that! I did wear this also on other days when I get the chance to go out and the tint that it leaves is just wonderful because once it sets and all the shine is gone, that's the time that it is transfer proof.

Final Thoughts:

Pros:

♥ Makes the lips look healthy. It has a nice sheen to it.

♥ Not drying, but I'm not sure if it is moisturizing.

♥ Not too heavy on the lips.

♥ I love the fruity scent!

♥ Leaves a tint after the first few hours.

♥ Very affordable.

Cons:

♦ Slight tackiness but that is expected since it's not matte.

♦ Not transfer proof. Again, expected.

♦ Not that pigmented. I had to build it up a bit to get that true vibrant shade.