Impressions and prices: Happy Skin’s summer-proof makeup

MANILA, Philippines – Local cosmetics brand Happy Skin, known for its matte and hydrating lippies, recently released a new collection that promises to be summer-proof – a bold claim in a country like the Philippines.

We were lucky enough to get a hold of the entire line and… what are we here for than to be your willing guinea pigs in every beauty junkies’ quest to find make-up that won’t leave you hulas by the end of the day.

Check out these swatches and the Rappler team’s initial impressions of the new collection:

Good To Go Five Minute Fresh Face Summer-Proof Foundation & Concealer in Light and Medium (P1,299)

Happy Skin’s foundation for summer is interesting, and in a good way. The tube, all 30 ml of it, comes with a foundation, concealer, and a magnifying mirror.

The mirror, while really teeny-tiny, is useful enough for quick touch-ups and the occasional application-on-the-go. The packaging feels sturdy enough and is as whimsical as most Happy Skin products.

The product itself? We’re a little disappointed with the lack of shade choices (a grand total of two) – I mean, it’s 2018, guys.

While production and inventory issues might have been a consideration, we would’ve wanted a wider (or even just a wide) variety. Lights has a yellow undertone while Medium comes off a little pink on us.

But here’s the thing – sadly, it’s a shade that only worked for one out of 4 of us, which is a shame. Both Light and Medium can be too dark for really fair-skinned girls and too light for deeper skin tones.

And it’s a shame, really. Application was easy (with fingers!) and the foundation stayed put even after a long day of running around an airconditioned office and a quick commute under the Metro Manila sun.

We also found that the foundation oxidizes a bit, so that’s something to note.

The concealer was surprisingly impressive, pigmentation wise but people with dryer skin might have issues blending it out properly.

A huge plus that the foundation comes with SPF 20 PA+++, although we would still recommend that you use a sunscreen underneath (SPF is life, guys).

Beat The Heat Summer-Proof Brow Mascara In Caramel Brown and Deep Brown (P499)

What’s a summer-proof look without a kilay product, right? The shades were a little too light for us, but maybe that’s because everyone who tried it had black hair.

Caramel Brown would work for those rocking lighter hairstyles and Deep Brown, for more brunette hair.

Those with darker hair who prefer to use darker, more cool-toned and ashy colors might want to check out Happy Skin’s other kilay offers – and they do have quite a few.

The mascara wand also surprised us a little. While it still did the job well, we would have liked a smaller brush head for a more precise application.

Pinch Me Summer-Proof Natural Lip & Cheek Stick in Cherry Glow and Berry Fresh (P449)

We all want a good flush for summer (well, except for the flush that comes when you’re dehydrated) and this product delivers.

It’s perfect for those who want a dewy glow – the product stays a little tacky even after a few minutes. It’s not really surprising for products like this (and it kind of reminds us of Tarte’s cheek stain).

Berry Fresh might suite darker skins better while Cherry Glow will likely suite fairer skins (but don’t listen to us because really, you can and should wear any color you want).

We wouldn’t really recommend this for the lips, since application might be a little cumbersome.

But that shouldn’t be a problem since there’s…

Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Matte Lippie In Forever Summer and Lost in Paradise (P649)

…the product Happy Skin is most known for, its lippies.

No surprises and disappointments here. Happy Skin’s lippies always deliver – the product goes on smooth and it’s matte, but won’t turn your lips into the Sahara.

The colors don’t really excite us that much, since it pretty much reminds us of Happy Skin’s already expansive line of MLBBs (my lips but better) shades. But who knows? There might be someone out there who still can’t find the right MLBB with the perfect undertone.

Forever Summer is a lovely everyday shade while Lost in Paradise packs a little more punch with its bolder hue.

Overall, we’re still pretty happy with the collection. Happy Skin, founded in 2013, continues to impress.

Are you getting these products (or the entire collection, we don’t judge)? Or do you already have it? Let us know in the comments section. – Rappler.com

(Full disclosure: Happy Skin sent us these products for consideration. Our opinions and streams-of-consciousness, however, are our own.)

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