Review: Bench PaintBox Lip and Cheek Creme

Bench is a Philippine retail brand that does not only specialises in clothes,bag and accessories but has branched out in the make-up business. Their quality has gotten some good reviews and has even reached foreign shores. 

Their make-up line is known as PaintBox. And there are several make-up items that fall under this line. And it was one of those impulsive days that I decided to give  their Lip and Cheek Creme a try. For P129.00..what have I got to lose,right? The decision to try this first was based on the fact that I have still several existing lipsticks and lip tint and lip stain that I have yet to try (and eventually post a review of it). This particular item seemed "different" and worth the try. 

It comes in three different shades of pink ranging from mauve brown, light pink and bright pink but I went for the more neutral and earthy shade of pink.

I was quite surprise upon opening it that the contents were not exactly full. It seemed that the "creme" itself was packed waaaay down the bottom. The outer tubular size seemed like an illusion as to what was really inside. The inside was slimmer, just enough for the brush to fit in. (I was a bit disappointed in finding out this)

As for the creme itself, it had this mousse-like consistency. And it took three attempts to get the most of what was hidden inside.

On application, surprisingly it was smoother than what I was expecting. The color was subtle when I applied it over my existing matte lipstick. It sort of gave it a minimal shine. I only applied it on the lower lip to show the comparison with the upper lip that had lipstick already.

I have yet to try this on the cheeks so my review is only limited on my experience on the lips.

Pros:

1. The price (quite affordable)
2. It glided quite easily and blended just fine
3. Provided instant smooth looking lips (although only temporary as it comes off easily)

Cons:

1. The contents (very minimum)
2. Comes of quite easily and may need constant application (therefore if this were to be used as an everyday make-up necessity, chances of it lasting for atleast a month may not fair so well)
3. Limited range of colors

Will I buy this again? Probably not. If they would improve and add more to the contents. I mean the container was quite deceiving as to how much there really was

Review: Wet n' Wild Mega Last Matte Lip Color "In The Flesh" Shade

Lately I find myself drawn to nude matte lipsticks. Just like any girl who appreciates lipstick, I look for that so-called lasting factor (or atleast long enough to last 1/6 of the day = 4 hours) .

I chanced upon Wet n' Wild Mega Last Matte lip color while browsing the net. The words Mega + Last were enough to peak my curiosity. 

According to previous reviews, the color "In The Flash" is perfect for all skin tones. And so with that in mind, I headed to the mall the following day. It must have been meant for me to try as the sales lady mentioned that only three stocks were left. Hesitated I did not and quickly paid for the lipstick.

What it promises:

4-hour longwearing lip colors leave a semi-matte cream finish 

Hyaluronic Microspheres adhere to lips to make them long-lasting 

An exclusive polymer complex make your lips cushiony and plump 

Natural marine plant extracts coenzyme Q10 and vitamins A & E help smooth lips 

Bonus: Winner of the Allure Best of Beauty Award

According to their official website:

This is basically our Magnum Opus of lipstick—it’s the one thing we absolutely MUST put on when we’ve got a cocktail party or black tie event. This 4-hour, longwearing lip color leaves a semi-matte cream finish in one stroke. Glides on easily with rich, velvety color that doesn’t cake, feather, or bleed. Made with hydrating skin-care ingredients: Hyaluronic Microspheres provide extraordinary adhesion to lips, an exclusive polymer complex offers cushion-like feel and texture, and natural marine plant extracts coenzyme Q10 and vitamins A & E help smooth lips. 

Looks promising so far...

"In The Flesh" is a dusty rose color that for me "enhances" the natural lip color of a person. Perfect for an "everyday to day" wear. Peeling off the plastic cover wasn't a problem for me but rather trying to open the clear top. It was a bit difficult to pop it open for fear that I might ruin the lip color even before trying it. The matte color glided easily unto my lips (but I would recommend scrubbing a bit your lips so application will be smoother---although it is sold as semi-matte, the finish is more matte). One application is just about right if you are going to do errands. 

The lip color did deliver it's promise of 4 hour wear (okay, so maybe I might have just dabbed a tiny bit in the centre of my lips after I had eaten lunch..but it was just a tiny dab..really it was!)

Since, I only got one color to try it out..I can not speak for the other colors as to the staying power of it but considering that this falls on the nude shades and it lasted roughly 4 hours, I wouldn't be surprise if the other colors would deliver the same.

Pros:

1. Affordable (considering it gives the same shade as more expensive brands..therefore, one wouldn't mind using this every day without thinking that for every swipe of the lipstick is swiping away the money you made for an expensive lipstick

2. Highly pigmented (therefore one application is enough for lip coverage)

3. Lasting power ( Like I said , i was satisfied that it did deliver the 4 hour longwearing lip color)

Cons:

1. The packaging ( I'm pretty sure those who have reviewed this would agree to put this as the no. 1 dislike. It was a struggle to open it and I felt like I was defusing a bomb putting back the clear cover--ONLY because I was afraid the lip color will be ruined by smudging the cover)

2. The smell (Yes, I did place it close to my nose to get a whiff of it...I can't really place the description of the smell...it's not awful revolting kind of smell but it sort of smells like those lipsticks you see being sold in gas stations or side streets...)

Will I recommend this particularly this shade of lip color? YES! (But only after I have secured myself a couple or so...as it is easily the best-selling color among the lot of 26 shades.

Also I might try getting other shades from this line just to you know..complete the set.

(Note: Will upload some pics later...the "lazy me" won and I can not get myself to transfer the pictures from my phone to here)

I don't believe any lip shade is off-limits, but texture is key. A sheer lipstick in a healthy pink or neutral color looks more polished and grown-up than a super-shiny gloss---Bobbi Brown