Review: Wild Peach Cosmetics Professional Palette

If you're like me who hates having to carry so many things around, then perhaps this entry is for you. If you recall, I have been wanting to depot my San San Single Eyeshadows and putting them in one palette. Since then, I have been researching where I can get a customizable magnetic palette that can house a lot of my makeup, especially those with broken or damaged containers (but still have highly usable contents) and other items that seem to clutter my makeup tray.

Inevitably, I came across Z Palette that are highly raved about by international Youtube makeup gurus and beauty bloggers, but I found that its price range isn't exactly the best fit for my kuripot sensibilities. You know how much I love to save, right? I dug deeper and my friend Dianne recommended Wild Peach Cosmetics to me. Months later, after a lot of reorganization in my makeup kit, I came to the conclusion that I would be better off putting all my loose items in one place. That way, I will not only make the most out of everything in my kit, but it will also work to my convenience as I shuttle back and forth Makati and Santa Rosa. I didn't have to worry about lugging around 20 separate containers plus I can see all my options in one palette. Who doesn't want hassle-free and convenient, right?

I tried to reach their Facebook page and followed them on Instagram, but there weren't any new posts. I felt sad because I thought maybe they weren't selling anymore. I tried e-mailing them to order, but I didn't receive a response about 3 days after, so I researched some more and found out that Props, Tools, and Cosmetics in Tiendesitas carries the palettes in-store. They also accept online orders and orders through phone, but since I was in Greenhills yesterday, I decided to swing by Tiendesitas na rin while I'm out and about.

The retailer was very accommodating, even through text as I had previously reserved a professional palette for pick-up. When I got there, the sales representative was also very helpful and nice. I even swatched the MUA Luxe Lipstick which I have been seeing all over Instagram (I have a picture of me wearing the said lippie). Anyway, over-all, the shopping experience was hassle-free and fast. I took home my palette and immediately began depotting my makeup (Let me know if you want a tutorial on this).

Minutes later, I have successfully filled up my palette halfway. Unfortunately, there was one casualty (my Vanilla Bean San San eyeshadow) as I was experimenting on the best way to successfully depot my makeup. Oh well. Look at my work in progress. I have yet to fill up the palette all the way in.

From this...

To this...

Contents: San San Eyeshadows, ELF Blush and Contour Duo, Palladio Eyebrow Powder, 17 Summer Nude Palette

Update: Check below for my new inclusions as of 3/27/2014. (SanSan eyeshadow in Warm Terracotta and Vanilla Bean - I got both yesterday, Flormar Contouring Powder, and Maybelline Pressed Powder)

Ta-daaaah! 

I love that it's very customizable, I can just move my stuff around. These also come with a sheet of magnetic sticker which I cut into smaller strips and stuck on the back of the tin containers. The top lid is clear so you can see right away what you can work with. At Php 600, I can't complain much about the price, since the Z Palette counterpart costs around Php 1000 and up (depending on the size). If you're interested, you can swing by Tiendesitas or check out their Facebook page. You can also e-mail Wild Peach Cosmetics to order. You will not regret investing in this palette, I promise you. You don't have to be a professional make-up artist. Plus, depotting is a ton of fun! 

Also, here's me with a swatch of the MUA Luxe Lipstick. I forgot the shade, but it's the bright red one. 

I did not like the lipstick very much, I found it to be too unforgiving for my dry lips (even with lip balm on!). 

Anyway, I hope this entry helps you out if you're looking to bring back some organization into your life.

SGT Goes To: Suesh and Mizon Makeup Workshop

Hello, lovelies!

I know this post is waaay overdue, but I want to tell you about my experience anyway.

A couple of weeks back, I attended the Suesh Makeup Workshop in Alabang Town Center. There were multiple legs in other Suesh branches, but I was most available during their ATC run.

I was actually running late and since I left my car in Makati, I had to take the van going to Alabang. Good thing the workshop started a bit late, I didn't miss much. When I got there, there were about 8 ladies intently waiting and eager to learn about the latest in (Korean) makeup techniques and products. I should probably tell you that the workshop was graciously sponsored by Mizon and it featured the makeup artist, Ms. Kim Bit Na.

If pictures are worth are a thousand words, then please feast your eyes (instead of hearing me babble, haha!):

The event invite

From the Suesh Facebook page

Pictures from the workshop

The lovely ladies testing out each product that was used on the model (I got to swatch them on my hand too.)

Step 1: Prep the skin by cleansing properly, toning, and moisturizing.
Ms. Bit Na used multiple products for each, but I fell in love with the CC cream,
 which works as a multi-functional skincare product. (Spoiler Alert: I ended up buying the pink CC cream!)

I will write a separate post about the wonders and go in-depth about the said product (the CC cream) which is the latest craze in Korea (and other parts of the globe) right now. Some call it a color corrector, and there are other meanings for the acronym, but it all just points to great skin care in one amazing product. Unlike the BB cream, the CC cream will not promise to give you coverage. On me, however, it gives me a nice radiant glow (even when I put foundation on top), makes my skin look more alive than flat, neutralizes the redness and even manages to "color correct" some of my dark spots and imperfections on the face. On lazy days, I just use this and conceal other visible spots and I'm out the door! Again, watch out for my separate review on the product.

She now proceeds to apply the rest of the makeup, keeping the product usage at a minimum.

According to Ms. Bit Na, the trend in Korea, as far as makeup looks go, is to appear as fresh and youthful as possible. Therefore, matte is not the hero. You know how KPop stars manage to look so dewy and young all the time? It all boils down to using the right products that won't snatch the freshness factor from your skin, but restore and boost that glow! It's a natural-but-not-naked face that they go for in Korea. After all, we go to great lengths to chase down the fountain of youth, right? 

Tip: Use lighter-colored products, especially on your cheeks and on your lips. You can never go wrong with pinks and peaches. Just find one that's flattering for your skin tone and skin type. You need not be KPop fair, you can achieve that youthful glow and rock that tan, girl! Just remember never to deprive your skin of that dewiness and freshness that it needs.

Anyway, while the whole face makeup was being applied on the model, I kind of wandered off, looking around the room for distractions stuff to take pictures of and show you guys!

Some of the products used

Mizon's products are available in all Suesh branches

I got the pink CC Cream, which, according to the brand representatives of Mizon, was specifically formulated for gals with combination to oily skin types, like myself. Believe me when I say that this does not make my skin look like a grease tank when I use it. 

Check out the pictures for inspiration. See the glow?
I'm sure us Pinays can also rock that youthful vibe! Who says you have to be porcelain to be beautiful?

Finishing off the look with brows...

Some more goodies to ogle at...

Here's the pink CC cream being demonstrated to the group.

Group picture! Oops, there I am in the back row, beside the wonderful Ms. Kim Bit Na!
Picture was grabbed from the Suesh Facebook page

And here I am, posing with the guest makeup artist. Please pardon the slight wardrobe malfunction.

Thank you so much to Mizon and Suesh for hosting this FREE makeup workshop. We got to take home goodies and a complimentary Pro Card from Suesh (also for FREE!).

Oh, and before I end this post, I will also share the makeup look that I did for this event:

Please note that after the commute, my foundation has slightly worn off due to sweat

and the humidity. You will see in the picture before this that my forehead has started to

show some of my breakouts. I used the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse with a  wet sponge

 on this particular day, but since that method has proven to be a flop, I now apply the

 foundation with my clean fingers and buff any remaining product on with a flat top brush.

Most of the products I used are from local brands. For the eyes, I used my San San CYO Eyeshadows, which I recently reviewed, Ever Bilena Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown, Collection Gel Eyeliner, San San Cream Concealer, and Ever Bilena HD Waterproof Mascara. On my cheeks, I just used Bench PrettyWhenPinched Cheek Stain, and on the lips, I have on Wet N' Wild Megalast Lipstick in Mauve Outta Here. 

Catch you crazy kids at the next event! 

Review: San San Create-Your-Own Eye Shadows

Hey, beautiful!

I write this entry to you from the comforts of my bed, as I had gotten back from hosting a friend's wedding (post and photos to follow!), and this entry has been stranded in my drafts for weeks now! Jeez! But I figured, I should be more diligent as I promised to be more present and visible this 2014, so here it goes!

I have been loving these San San Create Your Own Eye Shadows

FYI, the ones I got are the more neutral ones, there are actually 20 shades available (I have 7 in my collection), but I just feel like I can get the most use out of neutral shades as I still have my ELF 100 Eyeshadow Palette to provide me with some unexpected and colorful shadows for when I feel a little more playful. Needless to say, I've been getting so much use out of these bad boys. I really reach for them a lot lately and I love creating different looks, given the wide color range in the collection, and even with just 7 in my possession, I still surprise myself with the many other ways I can come up with combinations.

Here are the product shots and some swatches for comparison. I did not use any primer and just swatched the shadows with my fingers on to the back of my hand. I have also divided them into sections (light and dark colors) for ease of reference. Also, please disregard the dents in the shadows. It only means that I have been reaching for them more often than the others.

Product Shots (Group):

Product Shots (Individual) with Description:

1. Light Colors

Cotton Candy Pink is a light, shimmery pale pink-champagne color that works great as a base, a brow bone or inner corner highlight. The shimmery specks are not too chunky, but given 2-3 layers, this can show up as really sparkly on the eyes. Use a light hand and apply on to your lids with a patting motion to lessen fallout. 

Natural Air Sienna is a matte nude shade that's great to use as a base for neutral or natural eye looks. You can also use this as a brow bone highlight. I like to use this with a wet brush first, then pat on a second layer with my ring finger to seal in the pigment.

Vanilla Bean is a shimmery silvery white color. I use this highlight either my brow bone or my inner corner, or both. Great for opening up those peepers! You can also opt to use this as a highlight color for your lid, but use sparingly. The shimmer factor can be too overwhelming when overdone. Use with a light hand. 

Swatches:

Yellow Topaz is a muted gold hue that is perfect for glamorous and festive makeup looks. You can also use this as an inner corner highlight, but as a lid color, I think this is just gorgeous. I know this can be a dupe for one of my Urban Decay Naked 2 shades. Will get back to you on that. ;) 

Swatch:

2. Dark Colors

Deep Earth Brown is a neutral-toned brown that is great for creating detail on the crease area. Use with a light hand. This can be a good mid-tone when used sparingly as it is very pigmented (otherwise, you will tire of blending and blending and blending away). It's always a good idea to start with little product and build up the color intensity from there. This can also work as a brow powder.

Charcoal Brown is a deep, taupey brown with hints of silver micro-shimmers. I like to use this for defining the "Outer V" of my eye, which is done to create a more defined and pronounced look on the eyes. I have yet to try this a base, perhaps for a smokey look, but I bet this will look amazing.

Blackground is a matte black. At first glance, there seems to be hints of shimmer, but once it's applied, I think it shows up to be more matte. Ideal for sealing in pencil eyeliner, especially when tight-lining the upper and lower lash line, just to make sure the eyeliner doesn't budge and give you panda eyes. This is also great for creating a smokey eye look and giving more definition to the eyes. 

Swatches:

What I like:

• They come in a wide variety of colors! From neutrals to more exciting shades, you will never run out of options and color combinations, I promise! 
• The packaging is simple. You can see right through the clear plastic cap the color of the shadow so you won't have a hard time going through your stuff when putting on your makeup. Plus, you can close the cap for proper storage.
• They also come in a wide range of finishes - from matte, to satin, to more shimmery. You can always mix and match! (Pro Tip: When doing a three-tier color-combo, opt for a matte crease color, the wash on the lid and the brow bone highlight can be shimmery and satin, respectively, but be careful not to overload on the shine. A matte crease shadow can really cut down the overwhelming and overdone effect of an all-shimmer eye shadow look and can give you a more refined outcome.)
• Super affordable! Regular price is at Php 50, but I got some of mine for Php 35 each on sale!
• Easily available in all HBC stores and kiosks in malls. 
• The texture of the matte shadows are super buttery and it goes on smoothly. 
• Gives pretty decent color pay-off. I'm surprised. 
• Each pan contains a lot of product. Since you don't really need much for the color to show up on your lids, these will last you a very long time.
• Travel-friendly. If you're a minimalist and think you can work with just three shades, these can easily fit in your kit and you can customize your color combinations to suit your taste. 
• Some of the shades can be dupes for more famous and more expensive counterparts. These are definitely a steal!
• The formula is not too chalky like I initially expected.
• Multi-purpose! They can be used not just as lid colors, but as brow powder, highlighter, etc. as well.
• Staying power is commendable. I always use an eyelid primer anyway (to help them cling on there and stay for longer hours), but I suppose these would last about 4-6 hours without a boost.

What I don't like

• The packaging can be improved. Then again, I can't really expect much for the price I paid for these bad boys!
• I wish these come in palette! I like seeing my shadows sprawled across in one container. I like seeing all my options all in one place. Makes it easier for traveling too.
• I hope San San releases more shades! I super love these eye shadow singles and I would really love to collect more and create more looks with it!

Sample Makeup Looks Created with the product:

I would really recommend this for beginner makeup enthusiasts and even for personal/professional use. You can go as simple or as playful as you want with the wide range of shades available. This product is ideal if you don't use eye shadows very often (like me!), they're not much of an indulgence. But I'm pretty sure you won't be able to resist taking them out for a spin every so often! So go ahead and have fun creating different looks with the San San Create Your Own Eye Shadows!

Let me know what  crazy fun looks you can come up with! Share them on my Instagram page (click the link on the side bar) or post them on She Goes Thrifty's Facebook Page. I'm also considering of venturing out into the beauty video how-to/tutorial shenanigan. What do you think?

Cheers!