We’re no strangers to the caliber of Ellana Cosmetics, which is why we’re always in the middle of surprised and not surprised when they launch new material. This time, they’re expanding to more complexion products, hitting the sweet spot of quality and accessibility (as usual). We got to test a bunch of new products: from setting powders, to setting sprays, to makeup removers. Plus! New Lip in Luxe shades in new packaging. How do these people do it???

Let’s see how they fare.

Cloudy skies and frequent rainshowers have officially put an end to Summer 2018 but that doesn’t mean that vibrant colors have to take a back seat. If you’re looking to make a beauty statement that stands out in gloomy weather, Inglot’s new releases are all about playing the color game with minimal effort.

While comparisons to similar celeb-preneur labels such as Kylie Cosmetics and Jeffree Star abound, there’s no denying that Vice Cosmetics - much like its famously unkabogable founder - is a brand all its own. Formulated based on the #GandaForAll philosophy, Vice Cosmetics’ debut launch promised luxury quality at mass-market friendly prices, and featured true-matte shades that were simultaneously trendy and wearable. Still, while this first launch definitely brought fashion-forward mattes to the mainstream market, there was a conscious effort to “tone down” on the hues and finishes: to be “relatable” instead of reflecting Vice Ganda’s trademark edgy style.

I’ll be honest: I began this assignment with extreme prejudice against a metallic lip, cursing my editor (jk) and the laze-enabling weather. But after a little experimentation, I’m happy to report that I can now consider the metallic lip as a bonafide option in my lip arsenal, thanks to the Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolors (P575).

The holidays are fast approaching and you know what that means - parties and get-togethers will be keeping your social calendar jam-packed and busy! For me, it’s the time of year when I whip out my bright and glittery makeup because it suits the festive holiday spirit. This time, I'll be putting down my usual lippies to give way to something more fun, like some metallic bling from J.Cat Beauty's Flash Metal Metallic Matte Lip (P329).

Celebrity makeup lines are all the rage these days. From Fenty Beauty by Rihanna to blk Cosmetics by Anne Curtis, stars are acting on the fact that they can wield their influence to grow their own business empires. The latest star to launch a beauty collection is Vice Ganda. Known for his roles as actor, comedian, and TV host, Jose Marie Viceral can now add "beauty entrepreneur" to his list of accomplishments. Officially introduced to the public through a jam-packed Smart Araneta Coliseum, Vice Cosmetics stays true to Vice Ganda’s unkabogable style with the Vice Cosmetics Ganda For All Concert: The Phenomenal Launch.

I can be a little - okay maybe more than a little - judgy at times. When I received the new Ever Bilena Liquid Lipsticks (P185 in stores) I immediately had low expectations. It's not because of the brand. Ever Bilena has proven itself as a drugstore name to beat this year in terms of quality, but I did not expect much because the colors look pretty dark in the tube. Dark colors in liquid lipstick form tend to be streaky and sad. Not these Ever Bilena ones, though!

Smashbox Cosmetics is one of those well-loved makeup brands that have been consistently producing hit after hit since they first launched in 1996. Born out of the famous Smashbox Studios in LA, Smashbox is known for their long-lasting makeup, their cult-fave Photo Finish Primers, and their amazing collaborations.

Speaking of collaborations, Smashbox just dropped three makeup products with great partnerships that we’re sure to love here in the Philippines! Their Cover Shot Eye Palettes (P1,500 each) are brought to life in campaigns by Pretty Little Liars star, Shay Mitchell. Each palette contains two base shades (top part of palette) and six blendable accent colors to play up your look and mood.

We've already talked about Careline's millennial rebrand, so now it's time to turn our gaze to their star product: the Liquid Lipsticks! Admittedly Careline is a little late in the game, but it makes up for it by offering 13 shades, three of which are metallic and some in surprisingly crazy colors. This is such a huge step for what before was a brand that seemed stuck in the early aughts. 

So how are these lipsticks, really?

We've raved about the Ellana Cosmetics foundations so many times before and even now, their crazy good powders still have a place in our vanities. But did you know that they also have killer liquid lipsticks?

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Lip in Luxe Matte Liquid Lipsticks have one of the best wear-it-and-forget-it formulas we've ever tried. Once set, they're completely smudge-proof and transfer-proof. In fact, we tested them on a swimming trip and they passed with flying colors! What's even more exciting is that Ellana has just released five new shades, bringing your color options to eight in total.

As a teen with a student's allowance, I loved haunting department store makeup sections for beauty finds that fit into my limited budget. That's how I discovered Ever Bilena’s “little sister”, Careline Cosmetics. The cutesy packaging and affordable price made it the perfect jump-off point for a beginner’s makeup adventure! I've long since moved on to more "grown up" brands so it was exciting to get reacquainted with Careline, now looking better than ever.

If my memory serves me right, the first nude lipstick I ever bought was the Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick in Mauvey. This was almost a decade ago. Bright pink was the color to wear and nude was normally an unflattering sickly color on Filipina skin tones, but Mauvey was different. It was satisfyingly nude but without the dead zombie look. At less than P150 back then, I got to try a color I wouldn't have experimented with at any other price point!