Words by Bambi Dela Cruz-Dimapilis / Photography by Perkin Gotohio

As a makeup artist, I’ve been exposed to several makeup application methodologies from the simple 10-minute glow look up to the complex prosthetics and artistic makeup I do during dance competitions. I’ve also done character makeup for theater and TV. When it comes to my personal style though, I like things done simply nowadays since going out feels like suiting up for battle. I still want to look presentable and put together, but I want less of a production number when half of my face is covered most of the time.

When I heard about local brand blk Cosmetics’ latest collection featuring Solenn Heussaff, I immediately wanted to give it a try. It combines all of the things I appreciate – art and beauty in products that are very easy to use.

Let’s talk about the packaging. It features #SolennArt of dahlias and orchids – artwork inspired by Solenn’s daughter. Random trivia: the origin of the name of Solenn’s daughter, Thylane, is actually a Vietnamese word that translates to “little wild orchid” in English. I’m a fan of the earthy, grounded style of Solenn’s artwork is and the shapes of the flowers give it a balance of grace and femininity.

The collection features two multi palettes and four lipsticks. Like all BLK products, these are cruelty-free. All are very wearable and easy-to-use. The best part is, brushes and tools are totally optional!

Multi Palettes (Php 449 for 6 g)

Multi palettes are pretty popular nowadays and they are perfect for those on-the-go or would want to streamline their makeup routine. It’s a cream-to-powder makeup palette featuring two shades which can both be used on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. They are easily blendable and can be used with a brush, but your own fingers would even be better in applying it as the warmth of your hands should help distribute and blend the product better. It is best to apply this product after foundation and before powder.

Mystic Dreamer is a warm palette that’s more on the coral or orange side. Even though the colors in the palette look very deep, they glide on sheer, just enough for a natural glow. I used my fingers to apply the product on my cheeks and eyes and blended it very well. I actually put powder before using this product yet it still blended very well.

Free Spirit is more on the cool pink and mauve, and the color on the cheeks gave me the nice after-workout flush. I just had to put very little amount on the eyes as pinks are tricky shades for me to use as an eyeshadow. On lips, it appeared like a popsicle stain, just enough to enhance my natural lip color.

The makeup sets well and doesn’t have the tacky, heavy feel on cheeks as most cream blushes do. I was also afraid of eyelid creasing but this didn’t crease on my eyelids. It’s as if I applied a sweep of powder eyeshadow on my eyelids. On my lips, the color appeared more like a stain, even if I used the darker color on the palette. The products also had no odor or fragrance, which is a plus for me.

All-Day Matte Lipsticks (Php 329 for 3 g)

The all-day matte lipsticks are highly pigmented and non-drying. There was no dragging when I swatched the lipsticks on my arm and there was no sign of cracking on my lips too when I applied it. Just like the multi-face palette, they are fragrance-free as well.

Moonfire and Little Missy are great for everyday or to compliment your recent weekend at the beach glow, since they are on the warmer side. Moonfire appeared to me as a warm MLBB nude and Little Missy gave my look a more “grown-up” vibe. It’s a shade I would wear to meetings or if I need to run errands.

Cattleya would have to be my favorite shade as it’s a pretty neutral pink that’s great for bridal looks. It reminds me actually of bridal lip color makeup artist must-haves from very expensive makeup brands. It’s a great for any age group as it freshens the face quite nicely. For intimate small weddings where the bride would choose to DIY her own makeup, this lipstick plus the Free Spirit makeup palette are perfect products which I would recommend for a quick simple makeover.

Sunset Lace is for those who want brighter colors without being all-out yet. It’s an entry level lipstick shade for those who would want to explore brighter lip colors but are too shy to don a bright red. It’s not intimidating but it’s bold enough for it to be a statement on its own and make your lips stand out in a Zoom call. I’m thinking of actually wearing this when I teach my next Zoom yoga class when a bright red is too much for a gentle flow class.

Cattleya, Sunset Lace, Moonfire, Little Missy Swatch

I like the fact that all colors are very wearable and are very easy to use with no complicated tools. The downside I noticed is that they aren’t fully mask transfer-proof. I noticed a very slight lipstick transfer on my mask filters and my friend who used the multi palette as blush noticed some transfer on the sides of the mask as well. What I did to remedy this is to use a mask bracket so the lips do not touch the face mask. I also tried layering powder blush and eyeshadow on the multi-face palette to make it last longer and intensify the pigmentation.

The colors are also very similar to one another. There are slight changes in undertone and vibrance, but I hope to see more fun colors from blk in the future!

This is something I would recommend to those who would want to start putting on makeup but wouldn’t want to be bothered by a lot of tools. It’s perfect for those who would want to travel light and not bring a huge makeup kit when traveling. Makeup artists would also appreciate the lipsticks to include in their makeup kit.

For those who would want to give some items in the collection as gifts for their loved ones or for themselves, sets are also available at the BLK website starting at Php 999 each. The collection is also available at BLK counters, Shopee, and Lazada.

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