One of the most viewed blog entries that I've ever done is a post on "4 Local Makeup Products That You Should Definitely Try." If you haven't seen it yet, here's the LINK to the post I made 4 years ago. I've also mentioned in that post that I wanted to do a part two because there were other products that I still wanted to add on the list. I wasn't able to follow-up on that anymore but, fast forward to 2021, I'm now back with the version 2.0 of that post! 😆

Most of the products that I'll be showing today were released or relaunched last year so I'm pretty sure you're very much familiar with these already. If you're interested on trying local makeup products or if you're just starting out then I hope that you find these recommendations useful in choosing which ones to try next! Let's get on with this post! 😊

LOCAL MAKEUP PRODUCTS THAT YOU SHOULD TRY IN 2021

EB Advance Bloom Blush in Fig

I first tried this blush years ago when it was still sold in its old packaging. I bought it because there were a lot, and I mean a lot, of good reviews about it. So I purchased one to see what all the fuss was about. True enough, I fell in love with this blush the first moment I used it. However, I was really put off by the packaging haha (sorry) and I eventually tried to depot it until the brush broke into pieces. 

I wasn't able to repurchase it after that and thought to myself that I'd just wait for the day when they'd relaunch it with a different packaging. I was just dreaming for that day to come even though I didn't really think it would happen haha.

Lo and behold, they did actually relaunch it last November 2020 as part of their Bloom Blush Collection! I was so happy when I found out that I almost cried HAHA. I was so excited because it looks very different with its new packaging. I remember how the old one looked very outdated so I was really happy with this new look!

The new packaging looks so pretty and I love it! It's also very compact and is sturdier compared to the previous one. I love this blush because it gives you a very nice and natural rosy flush on your cheeks. The only thing I've noticed is that it seems to be a little less red-toned than the old one.

This blush is sold at Watsons and in one of their official online stores for P175 (1.5g). 

Vice Cosmetics BT21 Cheeky Blush in Everyday Nude

I did a review on this cream blush along with other local dupes for the Glossier Cloud Paints in this POST a few months back. I fell in love with this blush because it is so easy to use and not intimidating at all. I also love this one in particular, a dewy brown shade, although I wish there were more wearable & neutral shade options like this within their Cheeky Blush range. 

It's not as long lasting as my Glossier Cloud Paint but I still love using it. Plus, the packaging is really cute too with Shooky & Cooky on it haha! 

This is sold at Watsons and in one of their official online stores for P195 (8ml).

Squad Cosmetics Multipurpose Mousse Cream in Gleeful

I tried Squad Cosmetics out of curiosity because not only are their products really, really affordable but there were also a lot of good reviews on them. I did a review of this Multipurpose Mousse Cream HERE along with their Happy Pot in Muse. 

This is the only shade I've tried from the range but this is a must-try as, I think, that it's a shade that can complement a lot of skin tones. I enjoy using this on the cheeks the most and I could give this product brownie points just for how delicious it smells!! 

This Multipurpose Mousse Cream is sold for only P149 (5ml). You can purchase it and other Squad Cosmetics products from their official online stores such as HERE. Be sure to check out their page as their items go on sale from time to time! 

Shawill Make-up Sweet Heart Blusher in #1

This blush reminds me of the Too Faced Love Flush blushers! If you would also search online, this looks very similar to the Kiss Beauty Sweet Heart Blush - like the name and print literally looks the same!! 

This blush has garnered quite a number of good reviews too. I finally tried it after much contemplation and, I must say, I'm not disappointed at all!

I chose the shade #1 as I'm into brown blushes at the moment. It's not the most wearable and natural shade out of the range but you can definitely use this as a bronzer and eyeshadow too! 

It also has cute hearts printed on the blush itself and the compact is quite sturdy - with a mirror that's actually useful haha. 

This is sold at Watsons and their official online store for only P149, which is really affordable for 6.5g of product! 

Bobbie Nails 10-in-1 Super Duty Nail Polish

This next one is more like a bonus because it's a non-makeup product haha. I first discovered this while strolling the aisles of Watsons, looking for something new as usual haha. I think I've had this for over a year now and I bought it because I was into clear and neutral shades of nail polish at that time. 

I was actually expecting that the color would be more significant when applied on the nails but it actually isn't. However, what I loved about this is that it gives a more healthy glow to my nails compared to the usual plain, clear nail polish. Maybe because of that very subtle and slight hint of pink to it? 

I'm almost done with this bottle but I can't find it on stock anymore and I'm not sure why. I love using this because it looks very natural and it makes my nails look not only healthy but really neat without much effort.

I forgot how much this was but I think it was more or less P50 at Watsons.

How about you, what are you favorite local makeup products that you discovered this year or have been loving for years now? 💖

I took a break from my #ProductiveMonday series for now but I'm back today with a  review of local dupes for the Glossier Cloud Paint! 😁

The Cloud Paints are gel-cream blush paints that Glossier released three years ago. I'm sure that you've heard about these blushes, which look like water color paints, since a lot of people have been raving about this product ever since it was released. 

The first blush paint I've tried though is the Etude House Water Color Blush which I did a review on here. I'm not sure if this is still available but I'm eyeing a similar one from the Korean makeup brand, I'm Meme, which are called Pep! Balms. 

I was caught up in a couple of things lately which is why I haven't really posted much. But today, I'll finally be sharing a quick review of these two goodies from Squad Cosmetics. I heard good things about their Multi-Purpose Mousse Creams and as well as their newly-released Happy Pots. I only bought one from each (even though I wanted to swatch them all haha) because I just wanted to see first if these are something I'd really like. Although to be fair, these are so affordable you can hoard them if you want to hehe! I've tested these products on my cheeks and lips only. Scroll down to read the review! 😉

MULTI-PURPOSE CREAM IN GLEEFUL

According to Squad Cosmetics, the "Multi-purpose Mousse Cream is a lightweight, multi-use product with velvety-soft finish that feels natural on the lips. With just a dot, the product is so pigmented and blendable."

On the Cheeks

This Multi-Purpose Mousse Cream in Gleeful is a nude brown shade that you can use for the eyelids, cheeks and lips. I've included a swatch at the end of this post so you can see what it looks like. It seems a bit dark on the swatch, especially on a white background, but it isn't really that intimidating. It's not too light either but it is definitely darker than their lightest shade which is Blithe. It's actually a good MLBB shade that is perfect for everyday wear. I think Gleeful would complement more skin tones too!

This product is very easy to apply because it's really creamy. You get ample time to blend and build it up before it completely dries on your cheeks. I like this shade because it makes you look fresh and put together at the same time. I used this on its own, without any BB cream or foundation underneath, and this lasted for about 3 to 4 hours.

On the Lips

This feels so comfortable on the lips although I still suggest that you moisturize them well to prevent dry patches from peeping through. At first application, it feels like it's just sitting on top of your lips which, I think, is because of its mousse-type formula. But it's not really that bothersome and the feeling goes away as soon as it completely dries to a velvety matte finish. More on the plus side, it's not sticky at all once it dries!

This mousse cream is really creamy and pigmented! Its applicator is so soft, with a pointed end that makes for an easier application. I also love using this because it smells so good!! I'm not really fussy with scents although I appreciate unscented makeup products. But this one smells like chocolate, toffee and caramel all in one bottle haha! The scent actually reminds me of the Marc Jacobs Lip Gloss which I reviewed way back here. 

This shade is actually something you can wear for an everyday, natural look. It appears dark in the swatch below but it's actually a very wearable brown shade on the lips. You can use this full on or for a gradient lip look. This lasted only about 2 hours on my lips, with drinking but no eating, before I noticed slight fading on the inner portion of my upper lips. It’s actually not that noticeable so you can get away with it through reapplication.

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HAPPY POT IN MUSE

The Squad Cosmetics Happy Pots are described as, "Multi-use product, pigmented with powder finish lightweight formula for a natural looking blush, fine looking lips and fun color on your lids."

On the Cheeks

Muse looks more pink and mauvey based on official swatches but I found that it is more of a rosy brown shade when I swatch it on my arm or even on a white background. On the cheeks, it actually gives a very pretty rosy flush as if you've just finished your workout routine! This is perfect for everyday wear or when you're going for a natural makeup look. I find that this has an artificial chocolate scent to it but it's not that bothersome as it doesn't really linger. This lasted about 4 hours on me without any foundation or BB cream underneath. 

On the Lips

Muse looks a bit nude when applied on the lips. This actually reminds me of one of my favorite Wet n Wild lipsticks in the shade Bare it All. But after a while, I find that this oxidizes into a rosy nude shade on me. It is also very creamy and comfortable but I still make sure that I prep and moisturize my lips well before using this. It doesn't feel heavy on the lips and is very easy to apply although I find the Mousse Cream much more hygienic especially when you're on-the-go. This has a creamy matte finish so I wasn't really expecting much in terms of longevity. This lasted about 2 hours on my lips with drinking and no eating. 

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Multi-Purpose Mousse Cream in Gleeful (Left) and Happy Pot in Muse (Right).

I haven't tried any of these on my eyelids yet so I can't say anything about that. I find that I reach for Gleeful more just because it smells so good and it's easier to put. If I'd have choose between the two, I prefer Gleeful much more on the lips. For the cheeks, I prefer both but enjoy Muse much more just because it gives that gorgeous rosy flush.

Overall, these two products are worth a try especially when you're on the lookout for something that's very affordable! I love that local brands are stepping up their game and are coming up with really good quality products that wouldn't break the bank! 

Have you tried any products from Squad Cosmetics too? What are your favorite ones? 😊

Squad Cosmetics Multi-Purpose Mousse Cream in Gleeful (5ml): P149

Squad Cosmetics Happy Pot in Muse (3g): P99

I bought these products from the Squad Cosmetics Shopee Store HERE!