[REVIEW] SooperBeaute Tinte Fluid Foundation - The Makeup Worm

Brand: SooperBeaute

Product: Tinte Fluid Foundation

Available Shades: Fair, Medium (2)

Sun Protection: SPF 15

Size: 30mL/1.01oz

Price: Php550, but it's 20% off until November 7, 2016!

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid (hydrating, anti-aging), Green Tea Extract (protecting, firming), Tsubaki Oil (regenerating), and Vitamin E (detoxifying).

Claims: "A liquid foundation that works for every skin type... gives full coverage enabling to hide skin discolorations, pimple marks, pores, freckles and melasma. Lightweight. Protect skin with SPF 15. Gives a semi-matte finish. Hydrating."

I received my SooperBeaute Box almost one month ago and have been using this foundation regularly, at least three times a week, since October 12. 

In the 23 days that I've had this, I have been able to test it out using four applicators, excluding my fingers:

• Charm Stippling Brush
• O! Wow Paddle Brush
• Too Cool for School Marshmallow Puff
• Daiso Blending Puff

While one may say that the TCFS and Daiso puffs are generally the same type of applicator, I included the difference because while the Daiso puff expands when dampened, the TCFS sponge does not.

What makes a full review for me is a lot of photos coupled with detailed descriptions of the product itself, so that is what I have tried to do. Forgive me, though━I forgot to take a flash photo to check for white cast and only remembered after I had taken off the foundation. Oops, sorry!

On to the photos.. These are all taken using the front camera of my Oppo F1, no Beauty filter and no edits except for cropping to ensure the same size.

Here, we have my bare face━after skincare: toner (V&M), eye cream (QuickFX), mixed serum (from a pump bottle, saved from different sheet masks), moisturizer (iWhite Korea), and sunblock (Lather Goods). My skin issues right now are pimple scars (notice my cheeks) and millia on my eyelids and towards my nose (not visible in the photos). I have the shade Medium, by the way. Other base shade references are at the end of this post.

Here I am with one layer of the Tinte Fluid Foundation. I used my fingers for this review to show you the basic "achievable" look with this product, and I only applied one layer. As you can see, the darkest scar on my left cheek (left photo) is still quite visible but it has fairly evened out the rest of my face. True to its claim, this does have a demi-matte finish, but more so when applied with a dampened blending puff/sponge (a la Beauty Blender). The first time I tried it with the TCFS Marshmallow Puff, I was so amazed that I almost considered not applying powder anymore.

As beautiful as the foundation's finish is, my fellow oily-skinned girls will understand that SETTING WITH POWDER IS LIFE. I prefer to use a loose powder like the Ben Nye Luxury Powder to set this particularly foundation, but for this review I went with Maybelline's White SuperFresh Long Lasting UV Cake Powder, again: simply because I want to show the bare minimum of what can be achieved with this product. I went in using my ELF Complexion Brush, which sheers out powder compared to the Charm Powder Brush which tends to really build up coverage and mattify. I have oily skin, yes, but I no longer strive for 100% mattification. A little shine, a bit of dewiness, is more natural.

#MOTD shot with what I like to call my "lion" hair━towel-dried only and then lightly combed back for it to dry naturally while I'm at the office. I've found that my bangs cooperate best that way. Other products used for this barely-there look:

• Maybelline ColorShow Blush in Peachy Sweetie
• SooperBeaute Contouring Kit - highlighted my nose, chin, cupid's bow, and brow bone.
• Sleek MakeUP i-Divine Palette (Oh So Special 658) - shades used: Boxed (lid), Wrapped Up (outer corner), and Gift Basket (inner corner).
• Sleek MakeUP True Colour Lipstick (Matte) in Bare All
• Daiso Styling Eyebrow Pencil
• Maybelline Fashion Brow 24H Color Matcher in Dark Brown

 On to our next update...

This was during lunch break, four hours later, with no blotting...

While this was after blotting with plain facial tissue, and reapplying lipstick. While the overexposed lighting may seem to bring the shine out of my face, I honestly didn't feel very oily at this point. Remember that I am wearing some highlight. While my T-zone was definitely not oil-free, the overall finish was still "good to go" at that point. 

These photos are during the same time, but in front of a different window in the house (facing north). I think it looks much better here.

Note now that none of the following photos were taken in similar lighting, as it was dark out by the time I left the office.

Ayan. These were taken at around 5:55p.m., so roughly 10 hours after application and 6 hours after lunch break. The shine and oil are definitely there, as in iba na ang sinasabi ni Forehead.

Let us also welcome the unflattering angle, courtesy of the awkwardness of seemingly taking a selfie at the office huhuhu darn you officemate for calling me out on it and making me feel more awkward.

After the previous photos (office), I went home and did the same thing I did during lunch break, which was to blot with plain facial tissue. I then proceeded to walk with my cousin, nephew, and aunt to my other cousin's house (a five-minute walk, I think) in the cool evening air, where we had dinner and watched a movie. The above set of photos, my final "update," were taken at 9:51p.m., almost 14 hours after application.

Again, I am so sorry I forgot the flash photos to test for white cast. Here are some of my tips when using this, before I give my final verdict.

• It is best to set with a loose or finely-milled powder instead of a pressed powder that has coverage as its high point.
• If you have no loose powder available, use a brush that will sheer out the powder just enough to mattify a bit and set the foundation in place━avoid piling on powder using a dense brush or a sponge.
• You do not want to build up the powder on top of the Tinte Fluid Foundation, as I've found that it has a slight tendency to cake.
• Among the applicators I have used, I prefer a dampened Beauty Blender-type sponge like the TCFS Marshmallow Puff or Daiso Blending Puff/Sponge.
• The TCFS puff gives such a beautifully demi-matte yet natural finish, while the Daiso sponge somewhat sheers out coverage, making it look more natural but less matte than when using the TCFS puff. 
• For higher coverage, however, go for fingers or a paddle/oval brush. I did not notice any outstanding effect with this foundation using a stippling brush.

CONS

• Only two shades available━Light or Medium. Again, I'm in the shade Medium and my other base shades are:
• Maybelline Dream Satin Skin Air-Whipped Foundation: B2 or B3
• Maybelline Dream Velvet Foundation: 75 (Natural Beige)
• Revlon Colorstay Whipped Crème Foundation: True Beige or Warm Golden
• Pond's Age Miracle BB Cream: Beige
• Etude House Precious Mineral Cotton Fit BB Cream: W24 (Honey Beige)
• L.A. Girl HD Pro Concealer: Pure Beige
• Low or mediocre sun protection.
• Slight tendency to cake.
• Low brand/product accessibility. SooperBeaute is based online, and can be found in the following places:
• SM City North Edsa (Quezon City)
• Alabang Town Center (Muntinlupa City))
• iShop350 (España, Manila City)
• Powerplant Mall and Glorietta 3 (Makati City)
• BQ Mall Atrium and UGF Galleria Luisa (Tagbilaran, Bohol)
• Magtipid na lang sa shipping fee, sa mga kapareho kong probinsiyana [na hindi taga-Bohol]. Hehe!

PROS

• Packaging is a shiny blue tube with a silver cap. It's very easy to squeeze out the product, and it's compact enough to fit easily into your kikay kit.
• Extremely lightweight, true to its claim━it actually feels like a BB cream.
• Easy to apply and blend, even using just fingers.
• Hydrating, again true to its claim.
• Contains four potent skincare ingredients, including a favorite of mine, tsubaki oil!
• Natural, demi-matte finish, suitable for all skin types.
• Coverage lasts over 12 hours━just compare the below photos of my bare face, foundation application (no powder yet), and my final update:

Pak sa longevity mga bes! This will last you well on long events, as long as you don't mind blotting with tissue or a handkerchief from time to time. Bonus na lang if you can do more touch-up moves every 4-5 hours or so, 'di ba?

NEUTRAL POINTS

• Coverage is only medium to high (even when I've tried to build it up), though it claims to give full coverage. Nevertheless, it evens out the skin tone and looks very natural.
• Watery consistency━it's very blendable because of this, but it also takes a while to set.
• Oil control is so-so (perhaps 4-5 hours); it's not ultra-mattifying, but then again it does not claim to be an oil-controlling foundation.

Limitations of this Review

• I did not use/do not have a high-definition (HD) camera for more detailed photos.
• I did not use a makeup primer, though I did my full skincare routine beforehand.
• I was not able to test for white cast.
• I did not use the ideal (in my opinion) applicator or setting powder.
• Out of the almost 14 hours I wore the foundation, I was in an air-conditioned office half the time.

I really, really hope I was able to help someone out through this review. I have had around three weeks to test this out and I honestly think I've said all I can about this SooperBeaute product.

I recommend this for:

• People with any skin type.
• People with sensitive skin or who are into organic makeup.
• People who want a high-coverage makeup base without the heavy feeling.
• People who spend most of their time indoors, with good ventilation or air-conditioning.
• People with medium to fair skin tones. 

Would I purchase my own tube? Very, very likely. I only say "likely" not because I don't like the product enough, but because as a beauty-blog hobbyist, it's only natural that I would explore other brands and products. However, I can definitely imagine myself settling permanently for this in a future where I have stopped beauty-blogging. :)

Well, thank you for reading. 'Til next post! 

~Mizpah, The Makeup Worm

MSM Make-Up Party V4.0 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Hi! I've finally gotten around to writing an actual blog post (again). Hopefully I'll be able to continue. I have been very active on Instagram lately (@themakeupworm) and hope that this also transfers to this blog. ^_____^

Yesterday, I attended my very first makeup-related event, the Make-Up Party V4.0 hosted by Ms. Mara Salvador of Mara Salvador Manual Make Up Artistry. This was her fourth makeup workshop, and the workshop has actually been her way of celebrating her "anniversary" being in the MUA business. This marked her eighth year. She is one of the most in-demand MUAs in Ilocos Norte and has had clients abroad, including in Canada and Australia, and soon in Vietnam and Cambodia! She is also the person who introduced airbrush makeup in Ilocos. :)

The workshop's participants, I noticed, were mostly people who wanted to get into makeup but weren't sure how. There were around 16 of us in the very chill atmosphere of Joe10 Café in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, excluding Miss Mara herself (@theimagespecialist), her brother and two assistants, and Marianne Pasion of Lather Goods PH (@lathergoodsph) who had set up a booth featuring her organic skincare line!

Back to the participants: they ranged from a middle-aged woman who seemed to have never heard of primer to a girl not more than 16 years old with a brush and palette collection that would put me and all my fellow casual beauty bloggers on Instagram to shame. Mga Artis at Morphe, bes. Ganern.

That said, the workshop was like a beginner's class for those still dipping their feet into the world of makeup, or those who had already waded around awkwardly (like me) and still aren't sure about a lot of things in life. You can see the "ad" for the Make-Up Party below, which Miss Mara posted on her Facebook page around a month ago:

In the first part of the workshop, she defined HD makeup as not a label stuck on makeup lines like "HD foundation" and "HD lipstick" (which I never understood), but rather it is a technique of achieving a makeup look that makes skin look flawless, covering skin imperfections like acne and large pores to wrinkles and fine lines, even under the scrutiny of studio lights and a camera. Thus, true HD makeup products would be those that do not dehydrate the skin but rather keep it moisturized. This keeps the makeup from drying up and cracking after prolonged wear, and ensure a natural-looking, flawless finish.

She also shared that while a lot of brands try to paste "HD" on a lot of their products, MAC and Make Up Forever foundations are still the best. 

However, at the makeup application part towards the end of the workshop, where we each did our own makeup using our own kits, she complimented my foundation and said it could pass for HD! Which one did I use? My long-time favorite, Revlon Colorstay Whipped Crème Makeup! The photo includes the other base makeup I used: TonyMoly Cats Wink Primer and Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder. Also pictured is the Charm Stippling Brush I used to apply my foundation, which I have had for nearly four years! (Actually, I lent it to my sister around 2014-2015ish, but she gave it back to me in late 2015.)

She also explained the importance of moisturizing your skin properly before applying makeup, during which I was like, "Yaaaaaas, skincare over makeup," because if you're familiar with my recent skincare obsession I routinely apply 5 products (after cleansing) to my face before I even begin with makeup, and I have found that makeup applies more smoothly and indeed has a more natural finish when your skin is properly hydrated.

After the HD ganap, we moved on to brow basics! She introduced the following method of knowing where to begin, end, and arch your brows, as well as knowing which shade to use. Using a shade that's one step lighter than your hair color gives off a more youthful vibe.

 The illustration below is similar to the guide she flashed on the screen:

(Photo grabbed from thechicspy.com)

We then moved on to contouring basics, where she demonstrated how to apply and blend contour under the cheekbones and jawline. She also show different forehead-contouring methods depending on whether one's forehead is wide or high. It turns out, for a more natural-looking contour, blend upwards and in rounded motions. I never could have guessed.

She then introduced the Kyle lip technique, aka "overlining" lips with a lip liner before applying lipstick to make them appear fuller. I personally am not a fan of the trend. I think my lips are of medium fullness, and I don't feel the need to thicken nor thin them out. I realize though that it's a concern of many women, and am just glad that it's one less thing for me to worry about. Especially since I do not own a single lip liner. Okay, I own one, but I don't have any lipstick that matches its shade, so it'll really be a while before I ever try overlining.

Next up was Blending 101, which focused again on blending contour, noselining, and eye makeup. I finally learned what the rest of my brushes in my Charm Holiday Brush Collection (a "preloved" gift from my sister) are for! PLUS I learned the proper order of applying eyeshadow, and where each shade could go I just wish I'd brought my Naked Basics Palette, as it would have been better for practicing the "guidelines" she shared. I only brought my Sleek i-Divine Palette in Oh So Special. It didn't offer very many neutral-matte shades and I ended up skipping the "contour shade" to apply to the crease because there didn't seem to be a fitting shade to blend with the medium, light, and dark shades I chose. Below is the final look I did. Regrets: I should have brought another lipstick. Haha! I'm so happy I was able to please Miss Mara with my noselining though, which I didn't bother attempting until she told me to. HEHEHE

Products used aside from those already mentioned: Sonia Kashuk Arch Alert Brow Kit, Maybelline Fashion Brow 24H Color Matcher, EB Advance Blush Duo, L'Oreal False Lash Butterfly Mascara, Maybelline Hypersharp Power Black Eye Liner, and MAC Lipstick (Russian Red).

ALSO THAT DAY WAS THE FIRST TIME I EVER ATTEMPTED LIQUID EYELINER WITHOUT ANY MAKEUP REMOVER ON-HAND SO CLAP CLAP, 'DI BA???

K.

After the workshop and Miss Mara's careful evaluation of everyone's makeup, we all had a simple beauty shot (mine is the one above), distribution of certificates, and a group photo, shown below:

I really wish I knew how to style my hair. My hairCUT is alright (inverted bob that's getting pretty long na), but when it comes to, like, styling it, I have no idea what to do, as demonstrated on this photo where I had apparently swept all my hair onto my left shoulder. It looks so flat and lifeless and awkward. *cringe*

By the way, this is how we all looked during the makeup application part of the workshop. I am way more accustomed to doing makeup while not holding a mirror pero kinaya pa rin, gais. Some lessons have to be learned eventually. Chos.

Miss Marianne of Lather Goods also contributed goodie bags for a giveaway, which Miss Mara gave to the first two earlybirds. The Lather Goods booth was situated towards the back of the room, where we had a selection of their toners, sudbars, artisan soaps, and facial creams to choose from. I already have a good stock of skincare essentials, including their HEDGE Sunscreen Gel which I oh-so-love, so I only got one of their newest products, the EARTHEN Bentonite Clay Mask, for a friend. I still have Bentonite Clay and Activated Coco Charcoal, and Lather Goods is Laoag-based, so repurchasing is never a hassle or a long wait for me.

(Photo grabbed from the Lather Goods PH Facebook page).

Before I forget to mention: Miss Mara herself gave all the participants freebies, including an NYC bronzer/blush and the Sonia Kashuk brow palette I mentioned and used above! <3 Photos and reviews will be included in future posts.

That's all! I think a Part Two of the Make-Up Party is being planned, but so far no details have been released. Participating in this workshop definitely made me want to try more makeup workshops in the future and try more different techniques and trends in makeup. So thank you, Mara S. Manuel Make Up Artistry, for the very successful Make-Up Party V4.0! <3

~Mizpah

@themakeupworm

[DETAILED REVIEW] Chica-Y-Chico Matt Cushion / "Mat Fix"

Chica-Y-Chico, I believe, is a high-end brand from Korea. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any English "about the company" or "about the brand" page on them, but judging from their line of products (medicated or vitamin skin creams) as well as their prices (on Althea Korea, there's nothing originally priced below Php1,000.00, or around $21), I would place them along the ranks of brands like Laneige, which I believe is more well-known among Korean cosmetic enthusiasts here in the Philippines.

This is a review of their "Mat Fix" Matt Cushion in No. 23, "Medium Beige," which is the darker of only two shades available at the time of writing. It comes in only one size and weight: 15 grams.

According to the product page on Althea, its active ingredients are:

• Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer ("oil blotting powder") which provides freshness, a cooling effect, increases skin elasticity and moisture, controls sebum, absorbs oil, and gives UV protection.
• Sodium chloride, which removes dead skin cells.
• Acetylhexapeptide-8, which increases skin elasticity and smoothens wrinkles.
• Arbutine, which brightens and conditions the skin and improves skin tone.
• Adenosine, which also cares for wrinkles, acts as an antioxidant, and improves skin elasticity.
• Salix alba bark extract, which removes dead skin cells, controls sebum, cares for your pores, protects your skin, and removes active oxygen.
• Pulsatilla Koreana, which soothes and conditions skin.
• Usneam barbata extract, which also soothes and protects skin from UV rays.

Aside from acting as base makeup, it also provides a lot of skincare!

To get a really good feel for this product and assure the consistency and precision of this review, I used as my facial base for six days straight.

Let me start with the packaging: It is a matte-black plastic case that feels very sturdy, not at all cheap or flimsy. It cannot be opened by simply twisting or pulling on the cover, as it has a button that you have to push. There's also a very reassuring "click" when you close it. Once opened, you can see that it comes with a black sponge that seems durable for its thinness. The "Chica-Y-Chico" band also feels very high-quality and won't be tearing from wear. It also comes with a mirror, but I find it too small as I am highly accustomed to applying my makeup in front of a half-body mirror. Like nearly all other cushion compacts I've read/watched reviews of, the sponge is kept in a separate compartment from the cushion itself, which is very hygienic. The cushion is firm but easily pressed to get the product onto the sponge easily.

Next, scent! I adore how this smells. I don't know exactly how to describe it, though. It's not quite fruity nor vanilla-y. It smells quite synthetic, yet pleasant. It is not overwhelming at all, however. You'll only be noticing the scent if you sniff the cushion itself and when the product is still fully on the sponge and you're holding the sponge in front of your face. Once you've applied it, you won't even notice it.

Texture: I'm not sure if this cushion blends easier or more difficultly than other cushions, as this is my first-ever cushion compact. However, I can say that as a person who is used to breezing through liquid base application with a stippling brush, and using a powder/foundation brush even when there's a sponge available, I didn't have a hard time at all adjusting to using a sponge for a liquid product. Mind you, the sponge seems much less absorbent compared to other sponges that come with compact powders or foundations. The material seems just right for it to simply hold the product and then bring it to your face. 

It is blended mainly by patting instead of swiping. I would advise you to work through areas of your face gradually instead of applying the product all over and then blending it, as it sets quite quickly. Despite its setting speed, it is very easy to get an equal application using this.

So does it live up to its promise of a matte finish? A big YES. When I use this cushion compact, I do not have to use powder. My first impression review might have stated otherwise, but that's because [I forgot to mention] I used a primer totally not recommended for oily skin the first time I tried this. For the past week, I have been using this cushion all on its own, and trust me, it does a great job at being an all-in-one base makeup item.

Below are photos of my face before application:

   

(rear phone camera, natural sunlight on one side and a lamp on the other)

Below, only the area around my eye, most of my cheek, and my neck are without product:

(rear phone camera, with a lamp nearby)

Here are the two sides of my face fully covered with the cushion. Notice the matte finish? There's no need for setting powder at all! I also noticed that my pores were less prominent even up close.

How long does it stay matte, though? While the visual description on the item's Althea page seems to promise a blissful, oil-free summer day when using this, that description is sadly too good to be true. I applied this before 7:30am today, and by lunchtime I did feel the need to blot. It didn't give me "grease face" and it looked acceptable on the tricycle mirror, but to maintain a fresh-faced look, I blotted. Mainly the oil was around my nose, forehead, cheekbones, chin, and jaw (told you I have oily skin).

I have very, very oily skin, by the way, so being able to look in the mirror and still thinking, "Hey, this looks okay," was a huge plus. I work in an air-conditioned office a mere tricycle ride away from my house, but the Philippine summer has Ilocos Norte feeling like an oven and it's not like I can hitch a ride directly in front of my office door (I always use an umbrella whenever I have to be under the sun, though). Plus today, I did quite a lot of walking around in our building due to preparation for an event, so it was more heat-exposure than usual, but the cushion still didn't fail me.

In terms of coverage, this gives medium, nearly-high coverage. If you'll go back to the before-and-after-application photos, you can see how it effectively concealed nearly all of my dark spots and pimple marks while still giving a natural finish. It doesn't look like a painted-on face, but rather like a coating of better, glowing skin.

Here is how I looked when all my makeup was done:

Here is a photo in a similar angle, but wish flash. We've got a white cast since it has SPF 35 PA ++.

The color/shade range of this product is a downer, though, as is the case with most Korean base makeup products. It's no secret that Far Eastern Asians (Koreans, Japanese, Chinese, etc.) have much lighter and milkier-white skin than Southeast Asians, who I think come in a wider range of skin colors, from morenas to mestizas to all the different shades and undertones in between. While I don't own any MAC foundations, I believe I am between NC30-NC35 ("Pure Beige" from the L.A. Girl Pro Concealer line is a perfect match for me), and the darker shade of this cushion, No. 23, was honestly already pushing my limit. I'm just relieved that it settles and blends into my natural skin color (best described as "honey beige," I think) quickly enough. 

On to longevity! As stated above, the matte finish lasts for four hours, at most, in my very, very oily skin and during the summer season in this tropical country. So if you've got combination skin, I believe it would last longer. Dry-skinned girls would be advised to use a good moisturizer or moisture-rich primer before applying this cushion, though. 

In terms of the longevity of its coverage, I think it is superb. After blotting my face, the finish goes back to its just-applied matte look, and while the oil has been removed, the coverage doesn't budge! As I'm writing this, I have already been wearing it for 12 hours and blotted twice since applying, and the pimple above my lips is barely noticeable a hand's length from the mirror.

Before I move on to my final thoughts, here are some more photos.

Lunch break (more than 4 hours after application):

Left: rear phone camera, natural light (in front of my window)

Right: front phone camera, artificial light 

After blotting (no powder retouch whatsoever):

(same lighting/camera conditions described above)

More than 5 hours after lunch (total of nearly 9 hours after application + 1 blot):

(front phone camera, artificial light)

Left: rear phone camera, natural light

Right: rear phone camera with flash

After blotting (again, no powder retouch):

(front phone camera, artificial light)

Left: rear phone camera, natural light

Right: rear phone camera with flash

Time for my final thoughts!

Value for Money: Through Althea Korea, I was able to get this for Php610.00, which converts to around $13.00, more or less. However, its original price is Php1,920.00 or nearly $42.00. It's pricey, especially if you've already got trustworthy products that already do the job of oil control, coverage, and giving you glowing skin. Remember, though, that this is a single cushion doing the job of ALL your base makeup.

If you've got oily skin like me, go ahead and skip the moisturizer. It's got SPF, so you can skip the sunblock. Concealer? This cushion has got you covered (get it? Get it???). Foundation? This is it. And who needs setting powder with its matte finish? 

Right now, I advise you to do a quick calculation of how much your products cost: moisturizer and/or primer, sunblock, concealer, foundation, and setting powder (or setting spray). That's 5-6 products, and I believe this cushion can take the place of all of that.

Remember: in addition to being a well-performing base makeup, it's also got a lot of skincare benefits. It is definitely good value for your money if the total price of all your products are nearly equal to or exceed the original price of Php1,920.00, but at its sale price on Althea Korea, it is definitely a STEAL!

I recommend this for:

• combination to very oily skin
• people who do not have the time to pile on base makeup products in the morning
• people who do not have the time to be in front of a mirror for retouches throughout the day
• people who want as little layers of makeup on as possible
• places with air-conditioning or very good ventilation
• daytime events or taking photos in natural light

Tips

• if you're going to be under the sun a lot, PLEASE have an umbrella or wear a hat, even if this does contain SPF (you can never have enough sun protection!)
• if you have very oily skin, you can skip moisturizer
• if you must use moisturizer, use one that has gel consistency or a water-based one that dries matte
• if you have dry skin, make sure to use a good moisturizer or moisturizing primer
• if you have combination skin, make sure to apply moisturizer to your dry areas
• feel free to apply a second layer on areas where you want extra coverage

Pros:

• good oil/sebum control
• great coverage
• doesn't take long to apply (just around 5 minutes)
• can replace 5-6 base makeup products
• blends well into natural skin tone despite being 1-2 shades lighter than mine (NC30-NC35)
• matte finish stays up to 3-4 hours
• coverage stays beyond 8-9 hours
• fades evenly
• pleasant scent that goes away immediately

Cons:

• leaves a white cast (not good for nighttime, flash photography)
• does not live up to its claim of eliminating the need for oil blotting paper
• very limited array of shades

First Impression: Nature Republic Provence Calendula Daily Sun Block

This will be the second-to-the-last first impression review of the contents of my first Althea beauty box. So far, I've done reviews on the W-Lab Black Kill Pore Cleaner, the Chica-Y-Chico Matt "Mat Fix" Cushion, and the Piolang Raspberry Hair Treatment Vinegar.

Today's post is all about the Nature Republic Provence Calendula Daily Sun Block. It retails for Php954.00 (roughly $20), but it was on sale on Althea for only Php460.00 (almost $10).

It has SPF 50 PA+++, so that's a heap of sun protection. According to the product description, "calendula and chamomile extracts sooth the skin well, and its pink base makes the skin tone naturally bright and glowing."

It is free of parabens, mineral oils, and artificial colors, so this is definitely a good bet for sensitive skin. It has a creamy texture, is light-wearing, and non-sticky. It also claims "wrinkle care," and can actually be used for both the face and body.

Notice that this is not a waterproof sunblock.

I have "no makeup" makeup days when I basically just use sunblock and face powder as my base along with a nude lipstick (the one thing I really don't like to skip is doing my brows!).

I usually use my Biore UV Aqua Rich Whitening Cream SPF 50+ PA+++, which is a truly superb Japanese product but a bit pricey considering its size (Php420.00 in Robinsons Department Store). Considering the actual product, though, it is a facial sunblock well worth its price and I highly recommend that everyone try it!

Moving on..

Below is my bare face alongside how it looked after I applied the sunblock:

I don't know what was up with the lighting, but I guarantee that in person, my skin tone did not appear to change at all. All I noticed is that my face was a bit shinier or oilier in the mirror. With the Biore sunblock, there is no oily feeling at all and it literally feels like a facial cream upon application.

I noticed the absence of its claimed "pink base," though. I think it's actually a transluscent sunscreen.

This is exactly how much product I applied.. I may have applied too much, as a little does go a long way. It has more of a liquid than a cream texture. I simply spread it over my palms and applied it directly to my face.

As I applied it, I noticed that is has a very sunblock-y scent. It's really just there, which I guess isn't too much of a surprise as it's also meant as a body sunblock as well as a facial sunblock. While it felt oily initially (typical sunblock texture, but less thick/sticky), it wasn't overwhelming.

I topped it with one of my new face powders which I found to perform well above its value (only Php116.00 or $2.47): San San Pressed Powder in Shade No. 03.

Below is me wearing the pressed powder over the sunblock, as well as with my eyebrows and lips done. If you read my previous post, you will know that for my brows I use the Fashion Brow 3D Brow & Nose Palette:

On my lips is another high-quality-but-budget-friendly find, also from San San:

Below are photos of the pencil (blunt from use, but it is sharpenable), a hand swatch, and my lip swatch:

This lip crayon is only Php165.00 (around $4), and I highly recommend it. It's long-wearing enough and easy to reapply, and it has a beautiful matte finish without any drying at all. It applies creamily and precisely.

Now, back to the sunblock in question!

It's not incredibly oil-controlling, so for "no makeup" makeup days, I would still go for Biorè (or perhaps an organic sunscreen I'll be getting my hands on soon━stay tuned for that.

I did have to blot my face throughout the day as well as reapply powder, as the sunscreen itself offers no coverage whatsoever. While acceptable for "lazy days" when literally all I want to do is protect my skin, dab on some powder, and then forget about how I look for the rest of the day, I believe I will be using this as a body sunblock most often. 

Overall, it's a very good sunscreen━my expectations were simply affected due to 1) comparing it with another sunblock truly meant for the face and 2) trying to use it as something it never claimed to be good for (a light base for powder). The only cons I'm seeing is its very sunscreen-y scent (rather a minor con), and the fact that it isn't waterproof. So it's a good daily sunblock, but nothing for sporting events or days when you are literally going to have to stand out in the sun and sweat all day.

Thanks for reading!

<3 Mizsheee