Fresh & Easy: A full review of local cosmetics brand Issy & Co.’s collab with Alex Gonzaga
Product photography by Perkin Gotohio
If Issy & Co. Cosmetics is still not on your radar then you’re missing out. This Filipino brand - only less than a year old - is hitting its stride with amazing releases so far, and its newest collection with celebrity Alex Gonzaga is the brand putting pedal to the metal! In line with the brand’s promise of “beauty made easy,” this big release features three multifunctional and no-fuss products: highlighter slimsticks, créme blushes, and lip mousses. Here’s my review and swatches of the entire collection!
The Highlighter Slimsticks (P329) are cream highlighters with ultra-fine pearlescent particles that are perfect for accentuating the high points of your face. Coming in three shades — Stellar, Cosmic, and Celestial, these sticks are buildable, which gives you control in application. Personally, I love the subtle and natural glow they give. For the eyes, I prefer applying them directly; for my cheeks, I warm the stick on my finger first, then apply what’s transferred.
The Créme Blushes (P349) are silky-smooth blushes that have a cream-to-powder finish. They come in five shades — Femme Rose, Good Girl, Fever, Stunner, and Scandal. Whether using a finger or a brush, these blushes are so easy to blend, even on top of powder. I enjoyed applying them on my eyes, cheeks, and lips for a monochromatic look. These blushes are also formulated with SPF 15. The more sun protection, the better, right?
The staying power of these blushes are at 3-4 hours on my oily skin. Not bad, although I tested this while at home.
By the way, can I just add that I love the clear acrylic packaging?
The Lip Mousses (P399) are soft, weightless, intensely pigmented, and also formulated with SPF 15. My lips didn’t hurt at all after swatching the six different shades - Babe, Rom Com, Fiancée, Rose Brown, Smoked Blush, and Private. Aside from being so comfortable, the Lip Mousses are very easy to remove.
In terms of opacity, I did not have to dip twice to cover my entire lip. When it came to the application, I had to be a bit careful with the darker shades because the applicator is flexible. As for the staying power I am so pleased to report that there was still color on my lips after having dinner. What was left after was a more toned down color and light matte finish, which I mimicked below by blotting my lips with tissue instantly after applying the lip mousse.
Overall, I love this collection! I really enjoyed how multifunctional the products are. I’ve already created two looks and I’m so excited to do more. Oh, before I forget, the products are vegan, dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free! How cool, right?
Which product are you most excited to try? Comment down below!
You can get Issy & Co. products at Lazada, BeautyMNL, and Shopee.
