Review: Evolution of Smooth (EOS) Lip Balm (Lemon Drop with SPF 15)

What attracted me most to buy EOS Lip Balm was actually the cute ball-like packaging. The heck I care about its ingredients. 

Okay, so there are several variants of EOS Lip Balm. You can check out their complete list on www.evolutionofsmooth.com. The one I picked was Lemon Drop. Why? Simply because there's SPF 15 claim. I rave anything about SPF or anti aging, because for years, I've learned that those two are the main ingredients to achieve a younger looking skin, as well as taking things easily. :D

I bought this online from NYX Olshop (FB) for IDR 80K.

The claims from their official web:

eos lip balm in SPF 15 Lemon Drop is packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E and natural conditioning oils to keep your lips moist and soft while protecting them from the sun.

• Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection
• 80 minute water resistant
• PABA-free
• 100% natural flavor
• Shea butter & vitamin E
• Smoothes on clear
• Precisely glides on lips
• Twist-off top
• Petrolatum and paraben-free
• Gluten-free
• Phthalate-free
• 0.25 oz

Active ingredients: 

Homosalate 8.0%, Avobenzone 3.0%, Octocrylene 2.75%. Inactive ingredients: Beeswax/Cera Alba (Cire D’abeille), Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Natural Flavor (Aroma), Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Tocopherol, Citral*, Geraniol*, Limonene*, Linalool*. 

*Component of Natural Flavor.

From reviews I read, EOS Lip Balm has several types of packaging: with boxes (for special editions), blisters, and plastic wraps like the one I got. The ball is a bit smaller than an egg, and their colors depend on each title. Since mine is Lemon Drop, so, yeah, it's yellow.

And btw, I'm sorry I took too many pictures of this product from several angles. I think it's important to show you guys, since there are so many information stated on its wrap.

If you tear all the plastic wrap, this is what yer gonna get, a plain looking colorful balls with some matte velvety texture of the packaging, and also a there's a flat surface to put your thumbs on. On its bottom part, there's another flat surface functions as a lock to avoid it from rolling down when you place it on a flat surface (like desk). Because yeah, this EOS Lip Balm is round, for godsake.

EOS Lip Balm claims to have all the ingredients natural and organic. So no matter what the variant, they're all colorless (no artificial color). So don't expect there will be a hint of color on your lips. The only thing indicates its title (Lemon Drop) is the smell. It smells like lemon, but once I swipe it, I don't feel any lemon flavor at all. Just some plain sweet lip balm. 

It's so sweet it's hard to tell yourself not to lick your lips. It's so sweet you'll think it's edible. It's sooo sweet you'll get diabetes just from wearing this. Errr.. just kidding.

Applying EOS Lip Balm as a lip therapy is quite comforting experience. It's as if I feel no products on my lips at all, unlike when I use chap stick from some other brands. 

Unfortunately, this cute packaging, its sweetness, and the comforting feeling are the only things I find attractive. As for its moisturizing effect, sadly, I must say it's just so so. I can find so many lip balm products on the market that has quite similar (or even better) effect on me. Not to mention EOS Lip Balm is only available on the USA, and I have to buy this online for IDR 80K. It's quite pricey remembering its original price is only USD 3.29 each.

Review: Silkygirl Hydra Clean Makeup Remover

My money ran out faster than my L'oreal make up remover stock, so... (sigh) I had to find something cheap to replace it. And yeah, I found this Silky Girl Hydra Clean Makeup Remover.

I bought this Silky Girl Hydra Clean Makeup Remover in their counter and kinda attracted to the word "for face, eyes, and lips". And I thought, now this must be a gentle one that it can be used for eye make up. The packaging itself was nothing special, just some bulky white plastic bottle and green cap. I must say the design is a bit different than most of Silky Girl products.

Silky Girl Hydra Clean Makeup Remover cost me IDR 25K for 100 ml.

Directions:
Apply the lotion gently all over your face, eyes, and lips. Wipe it off with a cotton. Rinse it with water.

When first bought this Silky Girl Hydra Clean Makeup Remover, I didn't have any idea at all about its consistency. I thought it was some blue or clear liquid like most make up remover. Turned out it was some runny lotion, similar to some typical cleansing milk, only this one has runnier consistency with a very soft and refreshing aroma.

The demo pics above are used with my Nonna eyeshadow that has pretty light power and easily to be removed. Silky Girl Hydra Clean Makeup Remover is good at removing some light make up only, like base make up or blusher. But fighting this with my Bobbi Brown gel liner or LA Splash lip couture? No. I have to do more rubbing to remove them.

Silky Girl Hydra Clean Makeup Remover doesn't hurt my eyes when some of the products accidently get in my eyes, that's a good point. However, when I rubbed it onto all over my face, I felt that burn or sting sensation on my skin, a kind of a bad omen that this product won't do any good for my skin. Even though it is claimed to be a soft and gentle one for sensitive skin. So until now I only use this product to remove eye and lips make up only.

Will I ever buy this product in the near future? Errr... and make myself bear that burn sensation and cost me another skin irritation? Nope.

Review: Banana Boat Ultra Protect Faces Sunscreen Lotion with SPF UVB 50 PA+++

I bought this like a year ago as a result of compulsive shopping disorder. At the time I was still using my Melanox Sunscreen and as months passed by I kept on buying the same product and forgetting that I still have this Banana Boat stashed inside my drawer, still fresh and unopened, and the price tag was still there.

Okay, talking about my previous Melanox Sunscreen first (review here), as I mentioned that cream was awfully sticky and thick, but I didn't dare to move on since my skin reaction was okay towards it. It didn't cost me acne or any other forms of skin breakout. But I think it's time for a new product, and I already bought this anyway.

The packaging is some soft tube with typical Banana Boat style design. When it's brand new, you can tell by the extra tape on the cap, make sure it is not broken. But I don't think it has extra alumunium seal inside. The tube size is actually pretty bulky.

This cost me IDR 108K in Planet Sports (or Sports Station?) for 60 ml.

Claims as stated on the box:

Banana Boat Sunscreen Ultra Protect Faces Lotion protects your face from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Oil free, fragarance free, and water resistant. It is formulated not to clog pores and contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, all combined providing you high facial protection.

The claims on the tube that attract me most are: hypoallergenic, oil-free, and very water resistance. The last claim means that this product is best for hot days and sports (read: beach) because it's less likely to drip into eyes when I sweat. 

Despite my fear of its stickiness, the lotion is actually felt very light and doesn't sticky at all. It feels better than my previous Melanox Sunscreen. It's white, odorless, and absorbed well onto my skin, and fast! Feels like I was wearing my daily moisturizer rather than a sunscreen lotion. It's even less greasy than my moisturizer. The claim hypoallergenic also proven since I don't experience any breakout.

I don't find any difficulty of wearing makeup after applying this lotion. Feels sooo lightweiht and non-greasy. I have been wearing this for a month now, and I think this will be my current holly grail sunscreen lotion.

Review: LA Splash Lip Couture Waterproof Liquid Lipstick (Venom)

I don't wear black lipstick on daily basis, but for years and years, I have yearned of having a good one. My previous black lipstick was NYX Round Lipstick in Penelope, but the quality is just so-so. I meant to buy Lime Crime Black Velvet but that means Imma have to rob a large sum of my monthly pocket money.

But then LA Splash launched their black lipstick for much much affordable price. This would cost  USD 11.98 on their official web and IDR 140-150K in local online stores.

There are two varieties of liquid lipstick other than this which is LA Splash Smitten Lip Tint. You can check out my review here.

They are originally double packaged in two ways: with clear mica box and with plastic wrapping. Apparently the one I got is with mica box.

The liquid was packed in clear cylinder bottle with golden cap and golden LA Splash emblem. Somehow LA Splash Lip COuture packaging looks sooo much more elegant than LA Splash Smitten.

The color system: 

La Splash actually also launched their lip couture remover. Aside from removing the products, it can also work as a moisturizer after you remove it. Hmmm, if they have to launch a special product for removing and moisturizing, I wonder how strong the drying effect is. Oh btw, after reading many review, Latte Confession is actually a very pretty and wearable pink nude shade. I have to buy it too!

My shade is Venom.

Ingredients.

This product life span can only last for 3 months after you open it. That's why I didn't intend to buy so many colors from them. THREE MONTHS for 0.13 oz nett? How can I spend all of them in three months...

Compared to LA Splash Smitten Lip Tint, this product has longer applicator and the shape is a bit more bended. 

Unlike LA Splash Smitten Lip Tint which has creamy texture, this Lip Couture has liquid one. And because of that, it is a bit hard to achieve an even result only with one layer. You have to add several layers, like 2 or 3 times to achieve a very opaque result.

It's wet when freshly applied and takes about 5-10 minutes before the product turns to a dead matte finishing.

Also, also, I have to underline this, the smell, urgh! Smells like wall paint, really annoying. Although it will fade gradually but definitely not a pleasant one when you first open the product. Similar case also happen with LA Splash Smiten Lip Tint.

Venom is a black shade, what more can I say? LOL. But I must say that the opacity is rather sheer. I have to built several layers until I get the perfect BLACK. Or else the color would end up a bit grey. Also if you wear this color, just don't put any lip primer or foundation in advance because it will just ruin its blackness.

***

Since the texture is liquid and not creamy, it made me easier to draw lines and shapes and stuff, as you can see from the pictures of my lips above. But since the opacity is medium, you have to add several layers until it become even. Wait several minutes before applying extra layers because this procudt takes times to dry completely.

They also last all day. Kissproof, smudgeproof, waterproof. Taking this off is easy. I just put a cotton dipped in ordinary makeup remover, press it for several secs, and wipe it with all you might. After that, scrub your lips and moisturize. This product won't leave any stain at all afterwards.

Does it dry? Yes, forgodsake! Even for my lips that don't dry easily, they do! And they also felt dry, as if your lips are sealed with a duck tape or something. But somehow, compared to similar products, this felt less dry and more comfortable. And just like many other matte liquid lipstick, the inner part of your lips will clump  after a long day.

If I have to mention the perfect dupe for Lime Crime Velvetiness in terms of texture, finishing, and longevity, this product is definitely the one. Compared to LA Splash Smitten Lip Tint, this one has better formula and with much more comfortable feeling on your lips. If only they reformulated their products and lengthen their life span, this would be my all time favorite matte liquid lipstick.

Verdicts:

• Dead matte finishing
• liquid texture
• Wet when fresly applied and takes about 5-10 minutes to dry completely
• Smells like paint
• Glide smoothly
• Drying effect, but still feels comfortable
• Great color pay-off
• Doesn't stain
• 3 month life span after it was openned
• The opacity is rather medium than full
• How much: IDR 140K in Nyxolshop (facebook)

Review: LA Splash Smitten Lip Tint Mousse (Inflamed)

Matte liquid lipsticks are sooo in these days. I actually meant to collect all kinds of colors but from a variety range of brands, just to try them all and judging which one among those has the best formula for me.

My option for the red color is LA Splash Smitten Lip Tint Mousse. I actually a bit confussed between La Splash, La Colors, and La Girls. Are they even the same? Kay then, never mind.

There's also LA Splash Lip Couture, which is a similar product to this one. But there are some differences, so I decided to make another post about it.

Nothing special about the packaging. They are originally double packaged in two ways: with clear mica box and with plastic wrapping. Apparently the one I got is with mica box.

At first I doubt to buy this product since I hate the packaging design. They look cheap. Shinny cylinder bottle with pink mettalic cap and metallic La Splash words. 

The difference between this and LA Splash Lip Couture is that they have golden cap and golden words.

Color system:

I chose the brightest red of all the color system: Inflamed.

The variant name really represents the color. I'll tell you why later.

Ingredients

It's a shame that I forgot to capture the whole part of the box, but this product life span can only last for 3 months after you open it. That's why I didn't intend to buy so many colors from them. THREE MONTHS for 3 ml nett? How can I spend all of them in three months...

The applicator is doe-foot shaped, the common ones for this type of product. I tried this and it was pretty convenient, although to make a really clean and crisp line you have to use extra brush. Another difference with LA Splash Lip Couture is on the applicator, Lip Couture has longer one.

This product is wet when freshly applied but will turn to dead matte in just a sec! Really, it dries very fast! So it was pretty hard to take pictures of it while still wet. And any mistake in drawing your line is unforgivable. It has a mousse or creamy texture, very thick, similar to NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream.

Also, also, I have to underline this, the smell, urgh! Smells like wall paint, really annoying. Although it will fade gradually but definitely not a pleasant one when you first open the product. Similar case also happen with LA Splash Lip Couture.

The shade Inflamed is a very bright red. It is a bit similar to Snow White red. Kinda remind me of an apple skin. Kalo aku bilang ini warna cocok banget buat pengantin adat Sumatra karena warnanya pas sama baju adatnya. Tapi tenang aja, dengan modal cuek, kamu tetep bisa pake ini untuk sekedar hang out atau kondangan kok. Sekilas emang kayak warna lipstik ibu-ibu pengajian jaman dulu, tapi yang ini versi matte-nya.

Taken indoor with camera flash

Taken indoor without camera flash, under extremely bright lighting

The picture I took under camera flash somehow represents its real color in reality. But under several lighting it can change to a softer red. 

***

The texture, just like I mentioned before, is very thick and creamy. It dries instanly once you swipe it. This will end very opaque on first swipes, but you have to add another layer to get an even result. When adding another layer, just make sure the first one has dried completely, or else, it will start flaking out. The applicator is not pointy enough for me to get a clean and crisp edges so i often use eyeliner brush or even an angled brush to achieve an even lip line.

They also last all day. Kissprood, smudgeproof, waterproof. You definitely can wear this for swimming because I did that and it didn't budge at all. Put this on your chest and you might as well have a bulletproof vest. LOL. Taking this off is easy. I just put a cotton dipped in ordinary makeup remover, press it for several secs, and wipe it with all you might. After that, scrub your lips and moisturize. This product won't leave any stain at all afterwards.  And just like many other matte liquid lipstick, the inner part of your lips will clump  after a long day.

Does it dry? Yes, forgodsake! Even for my lips that don't dry easily, they do! And they also felt dry, as if your lips are sealed with a duck tape or something. But this is a very common feeling when you wear a matte finish liquid lipstick. I have tried several brands with similar products: Etude House, Lime Crime, MUA, NYX, they felt really dry. So for those of you who prefer comfort than beauty, I don't think this one's for you. Find softer products, like some boring ordinary creamy lipstick for instance. 

This cost USD 11 or USD 12 in their official web, but I bought this for IDR 140K in Nyxolshop in Facebook. Price may vary.

So overall, I actually like this product bery strawberry much, if only they have longer life span. I just wish the company could reformulated their products and lengthen their life span.

Verdicts:

• Dead matte finishing
• creamy texture
• Wet when fresly applied but dries in a second, literally
• Smells like paint
• Drying effect, and drying feel
• Great color pay-off
• A bit clumpy
• Doesn't stain
• 3 month life span after it was openned
• Inflamed is a true bright red
• How much: IDR 140K in Nyxolshop (facebook)