Issy & Co. has rebranded as simply Issy and dropped a crazy impressive launch while at it. They've unveiled a staggering 54 new products, staying true to their "bigger is better" mantra. The collection boasts powder blushes, bronzers, contours, and highlighters. Additionally, it features a diverse range of pressed eyeshadows, complemented by an eyeshadow and concealer base.

I was feeling a bit bored of my eyeshadow options lately, so I decided to buy the Dior Backstage Eye Palette in 003 Amber Neutrals (P3,550) from the Dior store in The Podium. I do have a few eyeshadow palettes in this warm-reddish-bronzy color story, yes, so it’s not really “new” in my collection. So, oops, I guess? It’s Dior though!

If you’ve been playing with eyeshadows recently and are looking to add more palettes in your kit, then boy do I have a find for you! I purchased the Squad Cosmetics Boss Squad Eyeshadow Palette (P199 in Shopee) on a whim last March. I honestly did not expect much from it given the price tag, but it turned out to be one of those products wherein the quality exceeds its cost. Don’t get me wrong ha, this is no Natasha Denona or Pat McGrath (my two fave eyeshadow brands!). However if you don’t like splurging on eye makeup (yet, you might still change your mind haha) then this is quite good for 199 pesos.

I went a little mad for eyeshadows a few months ago, and one of the collateral damage during that time is the then newly-released Alyssa Edwards x Anastasia Eyeshadow Palette (P3,380 at Sephora.ph). This was exactly the kind of candy bright, has-zero-fucks-to-give palette that I was looking for! It’s my first ever Anastasia palette. I passed on their other ones because while I felt that I had them in some version in my other palettes, I have nothing like the Alyssa Edwards colors, period.

So, now that I’ve had this for some time, do I still think it’s worth the splurge?

Filipinas have definitely become a lot more interested in eyeshadow in recent years because of YouTube and Instagram. Before, we felt that eyeshadow wasn’t worth the kerfuffle so long as we had mascara, eyeliner, and kilay on, but now it’s become a fun way to dress up any look! There are hundreds of palettes in the market though, so allow me to share a recent Revlon find that’s under 900 pesos: the Looks Book Eyeshadow Palettes (P875 at Revlon counters).

I have an unhealthy appetite for eyeshadow palettes. Seeing colors in one box together brings me an immense amount of joy (just ask my watercolor and color pencil set collection too) so I keep them with the same fervor that Gollum has for The One Ring! Recently, MAC sent me a couple of products from their recently launched Electric Wonder collection, and this included possibly the best neutral eyeshadow palette I’ve come across.

These days, I’ve ditched wearing foundations in favor being able to do some eye makeup. I used to be obsessive about creating a perfect face base but my eyeshadow envy has finally gotten the better of me, which I think is a good change. It has given me the chance to finally play with the few palettes I have in my collection, and it’s been so much fun combining colors and doing different looks.

If you didn’t already know, the Philippine beauty scene is on fire. There have been waves of proudly Pinoy brands that are gaining recognition for releases that can easily compete with foreign brands in terms of quality and pricing. We’ve already featured local liquid lipsticks previously, so let’s complete the look with some noteworthy eyeshadow palettes!

I tried out five local eyeshadow palettes and did a wear test for each. I didn’t apply any eyeshadow primer underneath to see which ones offer the best color payoff and crease-resistant formula. For reference, I have dry skin that oils up on my T-zone later in the day.

I literally gasped in awe when I first saw the teasers and previews on the fifth installment to the Naked palettes of Urban Decay. I’ve always wanted to get the first and third Naked palettes, which were warm and rose-toned respectively, but I never had enough of an urge (and moneh) to actually purchase. Naked Heat was different - there was something about it that I just couldn't resist!