Review: Nyx Round Lipstick

I have been hearing good reviews about Nyx products but unfortunately, I cannot find this make up line in any malls and beauty stores located in my area. When I learned that a co-worker who sells make up carries this product line, I immediately got one.

Like most make up from Nyx, this lipstick comes in shiny black packaging. The shade name and number are written on the top while the bottom is transparent in which the color can be seen through. While it is helpful in choosing the shade to buy, it would be better to look for swatches from users to see the actual color when applied. The plastic tube looks kinda flimsy but it is actually sturdy and will not easily open on its own.

Nyx Round lipstick doesn’t disappoint when it comes to formulation. It seems to glide when applying and before you know it, color has already completely covered your lips. You may want to use a lip brush when applying to avoid smears and smudges.

Currently, I have two shades and I intend to buy more since there are over a hundred fun colors to choose from.

Miracle
This is the first shade I got. Miracle is a coral-reddish pink shade. It is very creamy and pigmented thus I only need to swipe once or twice on my lips. Additionally, I find the formulation of this shade a bit heavy when swiped many times. I love how this lipstick moisturizes my lips. It hasn't caused chapping yet however, it has greater chances of smudging. I do not like blotting my lipstick as I feel like it eliminates the moisturizing power of the formula. Without eating or drinking, it could last for three to four hours. 

I do not fancy the gold shimmer this lipstick has, however, it isn't that visible from afar. I have no problem with regards to the smell. Actually I find myself enjoying its smell at times.

Miracle

Fig
I fell in love with this color when I saw the swatch on someone's lips. It is a medium pink shade perfect for everyday use. It makes me feel like I'm a sweet lady when I am donning this lipstick shade. :D

Although the formulation is creamy, it is not as moisturizing as Miracle. I think this shade gives a semi-matte finish and considering that it's matte, its staying power is better than Miracle. One thing I do not like about this shade is its smell. I cannot identify if it smells like coconut oil or what. However, the smell can only be noticed when the lipstick is placed right in front of my nose.

Fig

Update - May 2012

The online store, Digital Traincase sells this lipstick for Php 150 and when they went on sale, the price dropped to Php 135. Additionally, Multiply is also offering free shipping to purchases above Php 400 hence I decided to buy three shades; narcissus, femme and black cherry.

Right now, I have a total of five shades of Nyx Round lipstick.

from left to right: fig, narcissus, miracle, femme, black cherry (without flash)

from left to right: fig, narcissus, miracle, femme, black cherry (with flash)

Narcissus
This is supposed to be my most favorite among the three colors I recently bought. It is bright bubblegum pink with creamy finish. I really love the color but then, it washes me out and it makes me look like I'm sick. :( This barbie-pink lipstick may not be ideal for people with yellowish undertone like me.

Also, the lips should be thoroughly exfoliated before applying as it can highlight chapped lips. This also tends to settle on lips so you may want to apply concealer on your lips before applying the lipstick. Like other Nyx Round Lipstick, the color lasted for only around two to three hours without eating or drinking. I don't suggest putting on lip balm before this lipstick shade to improve its lasting power at the same time have that less glossy finish. Though you may need to re-apply, I think this isn't bad for Php 135, right?

Narcissus

Femme
I have been wanting to get this shade... well because it's coral and I badly wanted a coral lipstick. Femme is a bright coral, almost orange shade and faded into reddish pink shade. Its creamy and moisturizing and I prefer wearing this shade without applying lip gloss over it or lip balm under it because it is already ok on its own. And besides, I prefer matte than glossy ones when it comes to bold or loud lipstick color. The lips must be thoroughly exfoliated though before application as this can be drying and can emphasize chapped lips.

Femme

Black Cherry
I'm not sure whether or not I should be happy that I got this shade. I originally wanted a classic red shade but after reading lots of reviews I wind up with this. :)) Black Cherry is a brick red shade with purplish undertone. It's not as opaque or glossy as Narcissus or Femme and neither as moisturizing as Miracle. It is highly pigmented thus a little goes a long way. While I believe I can pull off this gothic lipstick shade, I don't think this is ideal for everyday wear in a fashion-conservative environment like mine. I tried applying Miracle over this and the result is more tolerable for everyday use.

Black Cherry

Will I repurchase?
Definitely! I would like to collect as many shades as I can. There are over 144 shades and they are all lovely. The fact that they are cheaper compared to other brands, buying various shades is not likely to damage my pocket. :D

Ingredients:
Beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, ceresin, microcrystalline wax, polyethylene, mineral oil, octyldodeanol, polyisobutene, ethylhexyl palmitate (listed the first ten ingredients only since others are difficult to spell/type... :)))

Product Description:
NYX Round Lipstick is our classic lipstick for all-year round. The mineral-based emollient formula offers a beautiful velvet texture, saturated color and it resists wear and smudging. It’s your go-to lipstick. From Pure Nude to Pink Lyric to Chic Red, Round Lipstick is available in a jaw-dropping 144 shades.


Rate:

Other products from Nyx:


   

Review: Nanny Rose’s Queen Bee Sticks and Pulls All Natural Hair Remover

I have been planning to go to one of the salons in the city to have a waxing session. But since I am too busy (a.k.a lazy) to do so, the plan is always cancelled. But just this Friday as we were scouring the mall for whatever that catches our attention :)), I remember that I wanted to buy a hair removal wax because I have already used the one I had. When I went to hair removal/creams section, I found these two small boxes tied together with small native rope (abaca twine perhaps). Oh well, I am a sucker for cute itsy bitsy and these boxes and the whole packaging caught my fancy. Good thing the wax can be used warm or as is and made of honey and sugar else I’ll never give this another look.

There are two boxes in the giftable package, the first box contains the Nanny Rose’s Sticks and Pulls honey wax (50g), three pieces of cloth strips and two “spatulas” which are actually popsicle sticks. The other box contains the Nanny Rose’s Mild Like Chamomile After Wax Salve (80g). I think the package is quite a steal for Php 139. The container of the After Wax Salve is cute too.

Although this wax can be used as is, the manufacturer highly recommend heating for best results. Since I wanted to prove that this wax works, I followed every step that is stated in the label:

1. Simply remove cap and heat the jar of wax in a microwave oven (in medium heat) for 10-15 seconds, just enough to softer the mixture. Stir the mixture and let it rest until its temperature is cool enough to apply on skin.
2. Prep your skin by washing the area with soap and water to remove unwanted residue. Dash a little powder on the area to be waxed to keep it dry.
3. Using the wooden applicator, apply a thin layer of the wax in the direction of hair growth. In the same direction, place the strip of cloth on top and even out air bubbles.
4. SWIFTLY pull the end of the cloth towards the opposite direction – against hair growth. Repeat as needed.
5. Reddening of the skin after waxing is normal. Wax residue on skin can be easily removed with a damp cloth. Allow pores to close by letting skin rest for at least 30 minutes before completely washing the waxed area.

Since we don’t have a microwave oven and I wouldn’t want to risk heating the wax in the oven toaster, I decided to submerge the whole container in a hot water for a few minutes. Hopefully that works in softening the hardened wax. I dashed my underarm with powder and applied the wax in just small area at first. I placed the cloth over the wax and even it out. When I pulled the cloth, I see my underarm hair sticking to the cloth with wax. But since there are still hairs left in that area, I repeated the process.

I find it tedious working on a small area at a time so I tried working on large areas and I’m glad I did because I have managed to pull out a lot of hair in just a matter of seconds. But then again, I have to repeat the process in order to remove the remaining hair. I also need to apply powder from time to time in order for the wax to stick to the skin since it is becoming greasy.

The instruction says that the area must be wiped with damp cloth after waxing but I prefer using wet wipes so that I will just throw it away after use. More convenient! I also applied After Wax Salve right after I wiped off the wax residue.

Before applying the salve, I still have to tweeze the remaining hair because they are too short thus cannot really stick to the cloth even if thick wax is applied to the skin. But in general, this wax is very good, I think it is more effective than the previous sugar wax I used.

The label says that the wax can be used for up to a year but I think mine is just enough for the next waxing session because I applied the wax too thick. :D I would probably buy this again.

Ingredients:
Honey, sugar and calamansi juice

Product Description:
Nanny Rose’s honey wax will spruce you up in the sweetest way possible. This sticky pot is a combination of locally produced honey, sugar and calamansi juice. It contains no harsh chemicals and ingredients that can cause allergies that is why it can be used on sensitive skin and delicate areas. Making use of ingredients that are closer to nature, you can be sure that every jar of Nanny Rose’s honey wax is made with love.

Claims:

• Removes hair down to the roots leaving the skin smooth and hairless for 3-4 weeks
• Kit can last up to a year if properly kept

Rate:

Pros:

• Made of natural ingredients
• Affordable
• Sweet-smelling
• Can be used warm or as is
• Available in Watson’s and SM Department Store
• Nice packaging
• Made in the Philippines

Cons:

• Spatula is actually a popsicle stick.
• The edges of clothes are easily ripped.