FOTD: What a 1,000-peso San San haul looks like!
If you read about my P995 full-face haul from HBC and have been curious about how the products perform and look like, I’m doing an FOTD and mini product review as promised! All of the products are from San San, which is currently their only in-store makeup line. There is no shortage of variety to mix and match for the budget-conscious shopper, though. Now that I’ve had time to give them a thorough testing, find out if my Valentine’s stash makes the cut, or gets left in the dust!
Let’s start with what is arguably their most buzzed-about product of the moment: the Age Defense Serum Foundation (P238). With only one shade available, it first seemed like a risky purchase but a quick swatch revealed that the runny formula has sheer coverage and can be built into several layers for full coverage. Once applied, the foundation settled into my skin without leaving any trace of oiliness or stickiness. There is a mild brightening effect on me, and I imagine it will give off a just-powdered look on more morena skintones. Do keep in mind that here is a strong honeysuckle cologne scent, so those who are sensitive to strong fragrances might want to sniff the tester first before committing.
My cover-up of choice was the San San Concealer SPF15 in Natural (P120). It has a dry balm-like texture that applies with some drag. The shade I got is the closest to my skintone, though it is still a shade or two lighter than I actually am. For use on dark circles, the concealer stays put for most of the day but tends to eventually cake on the oilier parts of my face, like the sides of my nose.
I was able to make the foundation and concealer work with my skin tone by applying the San San Pressed Powder in 02 Satin (P118) to set. Longevity is at two hours before my nose starts to get shiny.
Spoiler alert: HBC does a good job with eye makeup! The quality of each product in this category was consistently good, starting with the Eyebrow Powder Duo in Light-Medium Brown (P152) that I used on both my brows and lids. It took some time to build up the pigmentation but I think it also had to do with the inclusive angled brush that was too long but nicely firm. The brush had the tendency to bend, making accuracy in brushstrokes tricky. As an eyeshadow, the two shades of brown are flattering and easy to work with. My brow makeup stayed on all day long and only creases slightly on the lids after 7 hours of wear.
The Shader Brush (P39), while not as fluffy as I’m used to, performs very decently. With a light hand, I was able to apply and blend the brow powder without much trouble!
Even though the San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black (P106) is more water-resistant than it is waterproof, I do like that the precision felt-tip has just the right thickness and firmness to it for better control. The formula has a slightly shiny finish and doesn’t deliver an opaque pigmentation in a single stroke. Applying 2 to 3 passes is ideal to build up a bold black line.
After curling my lashes and applying the Long Lash Waterproof Mascara in Black (P147), I later noticed that the mascara doesn’t hold a curl that well. The formula is also on the sticky side, and I can feel the thickness to it even after it has dried. It does offer subtle length and volume that looks very natural-looking, plus it stayed smudge-free for 6 hours!
Finally, the Creamy Matte Lipstick in Tempting Ruby (P151) is a bright red with a hint of a salmon undertone to it. The formula is neither drying nor hydrating, and it applies with some drag. The finish reflects some light, so it is not an entirely flat matte.
Going into the challenge, I honestly didn’t have high expectations. So it was a truly pleasant surprise to find that the products performed very well! My top three must-haves are the versatile Eyebrow Powder Duo, the long-wearing Waterproof Eyeliner Pen, and the San San Pressed Powder that made my other face bases come together.
So what did you think of this FOTD? And when was the last time a drugstore product exceeded your expectations?
