Review: Shawill Mono Eye Shadows

I have been out and about for the past couple of weeks preparing for my nephew’s Baptism. I was tasked to make the souvenirs, invitations, candy buffet and decorations for the party and I had to travel hundreds of kilometers to get here. Yes here, I’m creating this post while I’m at the province since I decided to extend my stay. Sometimes, a busy bee needs to have a vacation once in a while. I’ll be back in the city if you happen to be reading this now. Blog post about the party on my other blog here: (Link will be available soon) When I was browsing my laptop and deleting some files when I stumbled upon the photos which I took last year.

I bought these eye shadows a while back so it’s about time that I make a blog post about it. When Shawill cosmetics hit our local malls it was like I was given a chance to extend my makeup collection. The brand has a wide range of products from satin to shimmery e/s, matte to sparkly lip products and even mineral makeup. But when I saw these eye shadows and tried to swatch them, I was sold! They are the most pigmented of the affordable single eye shadows that I have seen so far.

The e/s are individually placed in pans w/ their own respective closures, I haven’t tried to depot them but I think you can if you want to. I decided to pick up four pigmented shades.

 I feel bad that the photos don’t give the colors justice but its close enough. I just wish they named the shades rather than have numbers to represent them. It’s a pain to pair the colors to the respective numbers. All the shades that I got give off sheen when swatched and if placed on the lids; however, it is not overpowering and can be used during the day with light application. The texture is satiny and not powdery at all. The eye shadows give off sheen, and the color hues change as the light hits it in different areas on the lids as seen on the photo above where the eye shadow is pressed in a two dimensional Argyle pattern. You can even use one eye shadow by itself. I suggest using a flat brush to tap the colors on to the lids and blend it with a clean blending brush for a fast and easy smoky look.

Shades I bought:

002 a taupe brown with metallic undertones

006 is a metallic brown lighter than 002 (It  looks green on the photo because it has gold micro shimmers)  

010 is an electric royal blue

001 is a plum purple

 Here are the swatches with one swipe:

001, 010, 006, 002

Above are the swatches when blended out (amaaaaazing pigmentation!)

As you can see in the swatches there’s no question with the e/s pigmentation it went beyond my expectation.  For 69.00 Php and 4grams of product its quite a good deal. Here’s a list of ingredients that it contains.

 Now, let’s talk about the product’s staying power, do take note that I have oily lids to start with. Here’s a snapshot of my lids using shade no. 1 on my crease. (Excuse my messy eyeliner) By using a primer before hand, it started to crease within 4 hours of wearing the makeup, without the primer I would predict it to stay on my lids without creasing for about 1-2 hours which is a bit disappointing. Again, I have oily lids and I used elf primer then. But I can’t complain since it is a very affordable product. I had to also be very careful while applying the product on my crease w/ a fluffy brush since it can cause a bit of fallout (nothing unmanageable). I suggest using a flat brush and blending it afterwards. I did not have any allergic reactions to the product when I used it.

 I filmed a tutorial for this look but I can’t seem to upload it on my channel.

Pros:

Product is reasonably priced

Undeniably rich pigmentation

Smooth texture

Readily accessible via local department stores

Cons:

Can cause a bit of fallout

Weak staying power if not used w/ a primer

Ingredients contain strong preservatives

Overall Rating:

3 out of 5 J

If you do NOT have oily lids, and is looking for a pigmented eye shadow, try passing by Shawill counters and have a look at their products, you might like it.

Tips:
1. Use a good primer before applying the e/s for a better staying power
2. A little goes a long way with this e/s so keep in mind to be gentle while applying it especially with dark colors or else you will look like a raccoon. :)
3. Try using a setting spray if yo have hooded lids since this may crease a lot more on you and might even cause transfer.

Thats it for now. 

xoxo,

ER 

Random haul and first impression

Tip number one when you go to the mall for an errand; Don't go near the cosmetics area if you don't intend to spend money :)  but then again, I don't listen to my own advice ha!

I got these items a while back and haven't blogged about any of it yet. so here's my mini haul:

I bet you recognize a few of them but there's also a few in there that seems alien to you and I. I was intrigued as well.

I have been passing by this makeup shelf/counter at a local mall "Gaisano City Iloilo" whenever I get the chance to go there. It had cosmetics which were packaged very pretty although I wasn't really sure which brands and from what countries they originate since there isn't any SA to assist you when you go there in that area, which I find odd. 

I took a few ninja shots of the display with my phone's low res camera:

It reminds me of the Korean makeup brands which is currently a big hit in the country. 

I chose two items; an eye shadow palette from Sivanna Cosmetics and a blush duo from the brand Nice Shop.

FIRST IMPRESSION:

The eyeshadow quad in no. 7 is formulated in Korea as claimed in it's packaging.

The adorable pink and white packaging makes the shadows look dainty

It comes with a white shade that has micro glitters, a light cool brown w/ subtle shimmer but one that isn't overpowering, a cool brown w/ warm gold micro shimmers and a taupe w/ iridescent micro glitters as well. 

the quad had a compartment at the bottom with two applicators that I see myself using as a last resort. 

here's the back of the box and I got this quad for P129.95

However, I got a bit disappointed with the eye shadows. I wasn't expecting it to be anything special really. The shadows were powdery, and I find it actually difficult to get the pigments to show on my arms. A foam tip applicator will probably be best to use with the eye shadows. However, I I'm not giving up on them and I'll try to make it work. the second shade from the top is actually the most workable from the quad. 

white, light peachy brown, warm brown & taupe

The blush however, I am happy with. It's a bit powdery but workable. I suggest using your puff or your fingers when blending it on to your cheeks since using a blush brush will cause a ton of fall out. The duo is in no. 07 as well.

The packaging is acrylic which I doubt would survive a clumsy fall. The brush looks cute but is way to scratchy.

The top shade is a light rosy orange which seems matte in the package but can actually reflect light well enough to be used as a subtle highlight on top of the next shade which is a medium tone orange shade which works well on my skin tone when blended out well. The second shade has a satin finish but could definitely pass as a matte blush. 

I got the blushes for 109.95 pesos definitely worth it since I get 8 grams of product. I wish they had more shades when I got them. I'll check out the other products from the brand in the future. 

In case you are wondering.. "NO" I didn't develop any rash or allergic reactions from the products mentioned above on my arms. I haven't used them on my face yet though.

While browsing the Ever Bilena counters I decided to get this Pro Lip Liner in the shade "RED". I only have 2 lip liners, both from AVON and it ain't good, I said why not give this one a try which I think is perfect under dark brown red lipstick. (Hopefully I'll post a review on this later on)

 It's annoying that the color cap on top of the liner is way off from the real shade of the lip product. Thank goodness for testers. This one looks promising!

The last random things I got were two nail polishes from Clik just to use for nail art. and a sponge from Touch Me for applying liquid foundation. 

That's it for the mini haul. Let me know if yo have questions! leave a comment :)

xoxo,

ER

A little Shopping

Hello! I'm back in the blogosphere!

It has been a while! since my last post. One reason, WORK. I got a job a few months back and needless to say, I haven't had time to take photos, write or even conceptualize a blog post. Heck I didnt even get a chance to shop-till-i-drop. Hehe, so since I'm free this week a.k.a ditched my job I decided to shop-a-little and show you the goodies I got!

First off I went to my trusty SM Mall in the city initially to watch and support my friend on one of her cosplay events. After that I tried to look for a bag and a pair of shoes. I was a little sick even till now so the shopping wasn't all that fun and I wasn't able to find the perfect bag. I wasn't really sure what I was looking for although I did find a good pair of shoes from So Fab http://sofab.com.ph/. I am happy I got it on sale! I had shoes like this with a similar style and shape before but that was long ago. This one's a classic but quite trendy as well. I love that it's a neutral  color! It's quite comfy too. I'm a bargain shopper, I love good deals! Got this for 399! haha

I also went to Watsons after to get a few items I wanted to try and which I'm almost out of. 

tadaa....

The next day, I decided to run a couple of errands with my cousin and rummaged trough a bunch of thrift stores a.k.a "ukay-ukay". If you ever come to Iloilo, there are a lot of ukay2 stores in Mary Mart Mall! all are air conditioned! too bad I didnt find anything I liked. Well, clothing wise... but I did find this adorable decor! When I saw this a few days back in "Toppings" <---- (the ukay2 store which also carries brandnew makeup by nyx, mememe, sleek and a few others), I wanted to purchase it, but chose not to just because I didn't know where to put it. So when I went back with my cousin, I couldn't help myself anymore hehe... It's going home with me baby!. It was ONLY a whooping Php30.00 and in mint condition!

Its a litte birdie! A quail maybe? I don't really know but I bet I saw something like this online. I'm going to display this on my shelves for now. :) It's pretty isn't it?

A few days back, I decided to pick up nail polishes as well. Now that I could paint my nails again :) hurray!

A mix of Spring and Fall shades :) 

Lastly I'll share with you my not so recent purchase of blushes. I haven't blogged about my makeup finds but there's really not much to share...

I decided to get new blushes from 2 local brands which looked very similar in its packaging. One is from Ever Bilena and the other from Nichido.

At first glace they look very similar! I was about to kick myself in the butt when I realized I got the same shade from different brands BUT no... lets look again:

See the difference? One's more rose pink and the other an orange pink if that made sense. teehee ^,~

The Ever Bilena in "ROSE" have micro shimmers but is not overwhelming at all. It gives the cheeks a little sheen. The Nichido "TOMATO" is matte and I remember the makeup artist used this on my class during my college year book photo shoot. That's a good sign that this shade would work well with almost all skin tones!

here are the swatches:

Concentrated

Blended out

Well, that's it for now... new posts in a few days!

xoxo,

ER

Short post for an outfit of the day :) I actually forgot when I wore this nyah' but regardless of the date, here's what I wore:

Basic Face, Blue faded button up(denim like color) long sleeves shirt from Surplus, Leggings from Robinsons Dept. store, Grey sequence shoes from Divisoria, Bag (same as my previous OOTD), Jewelries/Accessories from a local "abubut" store in downtown Iloilo.

Fashion isn't just for the skinny ones ^,~

First OOTD

Outfit of the day for a casual shopping day with mom :)
I don't usually dress up too much when I know I'm going out with my mom since she's not really as fashion forward as other moms are. So here's my first simple outfit of the day:

I know that it's a big no-no to fold your jeans like what I did but I have no choice since the pant's are too long for my 5 ft 3 inches body haha. 

Blouse from SM department store, Jeans from SM (not sure), Shoes from Divisoria in Manila, Bag from Manila, accessories from a local accessory store, nail polish San San in Cloudy Grey

Heng Fang Lipstick review and swatches (Photo Heavy)

I've always wanted to try cheaper brands of cosmetics which are normally sold in Korean/Chinese owned stores but didn't have the guts to do so because I don't know what's in them. It may sound cliche but you have to admit anything associated with the statement "made in china" makes you uncomfortable, right? But then another cliche "don't judge the book by its cover" definitely applies to this post. 

I've heard a few beauty bloggers actually try products from the brands I'm gonna be writing about and saying that they like it. Thus, knowing myself, I jumped in the band wagon and tried a couple as well, and hey for 20 pesos a piece, spending for it will be fine. Besides, I'm only gonna be buying at least 1 to try out right? 

Not happening... I actually got 10 lipsticks. I got carried away by the color selection and the price and I was really optimistic about these products thus the haul. 

I got 8 lippies from HengFang, 1 from Kiss Beauty, and 1 from Miss Beauty

Ok so I did a little research about these brands and they actually look legit to me since Heng Fang is an established brand for cosmetics. Here's a link to their page in  Alibaba and here's their website: http://www.hengfang.com/. Kiss Beauty and Miss Beauty i think is also made in china. I have also seen a few Asian beauty bloggers use these brands in makeup tutorials and reviews. I own an 88 eye shadow palette and I know its made in China or Taiwan but it actually is a good product thus justifying my purchase. Ok now that I have explained myself lets go into the review. 

I got these lipsticks from a store in Iloilo named New Ginzu Merchandising Inc. if you live in Iloilo City or would want to go there to shop it is located along Ledesma Street. It's the next block after Robinsons Mall if your coming from Timawa. It just opened late last year. This display will welcome you when you enter the store and I'm sure you won't miss them. 

its an entire aisle of cosmetics! on the other side is where you can find these brushes:

Here are the Heng Fang lipsticks: 

I got 8 of the colors

here's the kiss beauty and miss beauty lipsticks respectively

PACKAGING

These lipsticks come in different tube designs and are mostly made of plastic or acrylic. I could easily describe it as cheap packaging made out of plastic/acryllic, but I'm NOT complaining. Hey, I only paid 20php for it. It's not the best ones but it works :) not bad at all... Sadly, these babies don't have distinct color names and are only labeled with numbers. I've observed that with the Hengfang lipsticks it doesn't matter what lipstick container you choose to buy, coz it will have the same shades as long as it has the same number. On the other hand, Miss Beauty and Kiss Beauty lipsticks aren't like that which can be confusing, in some containers you wont be able to tell what shade it is w/o opening the tube. I honestly like the lipstick packaging of that one in the middle of the picture mosaic even though it's design is obviously a dupe of the YSL logo, I actually adore the gold shade tube. photo here:

I like this packaging best; it has a gold tube and the cap actually has a round mirror  on top.

this is my least favorite of the bunch. 1st the lipstick broke after twisting it, 2nd the cap isn't  quite secure.

besides the brand name and shade numbers there aren't any information printed in the tube regarding quantity or what the product contains since it also didn't come in a box. The website is of no help to me, it's in another language that I could not understand. boo! 

SCENT or TASTE

Heng Fang: It has a fruity scent almost like those fruity candies that you can buy in sari-sari stores hehe  or the ones in a kid's birthday party loot bag (I'm horrible at describing scents...forgive my lack of "scenty" knowledge) haha! even though I'm not a huge fan of that kind of smell, It doesn't bother me since you wont be able to smell it when it's already on your lips.

Kiss Beauty: Also has a fruity scent but is milder than the previous brand.

Miss Beauty: Has a mild lemon or citrus scent to it. But it's barely noticeable. 

All the lipsticks don't taste like anything really so that's actually a good thing :) 

PIGMENTATION, APPLICATION will be discussed through swatches.

Since there are different finishes ranging from cream, metallic/frost to sheer the pigmentation of the lipsticks do vary. The lipsticks are quite creamy and are easy to swipe on the lips however there are sheer ones that you will have to swipe a couple of times to get the color same as in the tube. Note though that there are shades which are very promising. Here are the lip swatches:

Note: I do have pigmented lips to start with :) and I did my best to make sure they are the same color as the tube (I wasn't very successful w/ the frosted ones) 

Color may vary depending on your computer screen settings.

HF no.2
coral pink with sheen
note: I applied a lip balm underneath this swatch. It will look more pigmented w/o the lip balm

HF no. 8
creamy raspberry pink refer to hand swatch for  exact color
surprisingly this swatch didn't come up well in the photo.

HF no.23
creamy hot pink

HF no.24
sheer peach with gold micro shimmer 

HF no.22
sheer Popsicle pink with pink micro shimmer
this will work better on those that have lighter lip shades 

HF no.11
sheer fuchsia with metallic sheen and pink micro shimmer  

HF no.15
sheer berry red with gold micro shimmer

HF no.6
sheer red with pink and gold micro shimmer

KB no.2
sheer coral with sheen

MB no.7
creamy red with orange undertones snd gold micro shimmer/sheen

full arm swatch in different lighting: 

Most Cream finishes are pigmented while the sheer ones aren't. The frosted berry shades are so-so.

In general, it's a hit or miss. Some lip colors are easier to apply than others, some are dead-on same as the shade on the tube and some are way sheer like you have to swipe it a gazillion times to get the pigmentation that you wanted. Sheer colors also have a tendency to streak. My favorites are Heng Fang in shades no. 8 and 23 as well as the Miss Beauty no.7 since these three are very pigmented and are very creamy. Some darker shades will stain your lips which can be a good thing since that would mean less retouching for you. Also, the lipsticks are surprisingly creamy! as well as moisturizing and they glide like butter... well not all of em do. The frosted ones need a tad bit of effort to put on. 

removing the swatches with tissue didn't do quite well :)
don't worry, I used baby wipes to get them off. On the lips, their easier to remove.

But don't expect these lipsticks to cling on your lips all day since they do transfer. Wiping your glass and reapplying the lipsticks after a meal will be necessary so I don't recommend you use them on classy dinner dates ehehe =)

here's a photo of the Miss Beauty no. 7 which I wore while just lounging around the house for roughly 4 hours and eating "Spaghetti" and drinking "cola" from a glass in between. Btw I ate normally ladies :)

As you can see on the photo most of the lipstick is gone, although it stains a little bit just enough to leave color on your lips after a while. If you are out and about doing errands or shopping, I wouldn't worry about them wearing off unless u have plans of eating or drinking.

I have yet to see how the staying power is for the Heng Fang lipsticks and Kiss Beauty lipsticks but I have a feeling it will be the same.

The most important thing is that my lips didn't sting and my arms didn't itch from all the swatches :) I'm very happy with my purchase and might actually check out the store next time for other colors and products from these brands. I'll let you know when ^,~

TIPS:

1. You don't need a lipbalm just exfoliate before putting these on and you'll be good to go.

2. Lining your lips before putting these on will help preserve the color a little bit longer.

3. Do a little skin test before applying the lipsticks on your lips to know if you are allergic to it or not.

4. Make sure to disinfect the lipsticks that aren't plastic/sticker sealed. dunk the lipstick in alcohol and wipe the top layer off or better yet use a vegetable peeler or a blade to scrape to top layer of the lipsticks.

I'm am not encouraging you to buy these lipsticks nor am I discouraging you to try them since I have no clue what ingredients they used to make these (If only I could understand their language). It's up to you to take the risk. I can only say that I'm happy with my purchase and happy with the quality of the lipsticks so far. 

Over all rating: 3.5 out of 5

Thank you for reading my post! I hope I helped you in some way. Comment if you have questions and follow my blog if you would like to see more reviews from me. 

have a wonderful day!

-ER