Splurge vs. Steal (Series 1)

by - Friday, October 12, 2012

As a makeup artist and blogger, I am always on the lookout for more affordable alternatives for my readers and clients. Not all of us can afford luxury cosmetics so I am here to give you my version of "Splurge vs. Steal".

Please note that I have personally tested these products, and therefore I would highly suggest you do the same before buying anything. Test them at the counters and always give it time for it to seep through your skin for at least 5 minutes and see if you'll have any reactions.

Our body's acidity varies from one person to the next, so color results may vary. Enjoy!

 1. MAC Lipstick in Viva Glam I (P1,000) vs. Kokuryu Moist Lipstick in Sherry Wood (P164.00)





This is Kokuryu's Moist Lipstick in Sherry Wood. They have recently re-vamped their packaging. They used to have that cheap looking light blue plastic tube, but now they have a classy midnight blue and gold packaging that can almost be mistaken for Estee Lauder. I said almost.

The texture and the finish of the lipstick is more balmy and moist than MAC's ultra matte Viva Glam Lipstick. But the shade is comparable.

Pigment is really good too. I just applied1 layer of this shade using a lip brush. Lasting power was good too.

So, what do you think of the shade ladies?

Now, let me tell you something about the photo above that you didn't know:




The one on the left is Kokuryu and the one on the right is MAC. I love that the shade is uncanny. More moisturizing and it lasts the whole day. Of course, I also love MAC's Viva Glam, it has always been a staple in my pro kit and my own. But now for other ladies who are looking for an alternative, Kokuryu may be the one you are looking for!

2. Make Up Forever Rouge Artist Intense #9 (P1,280) vs. EB Magic Lipstick in Watermelon (P75.00)

 Even before I owned the Make Up Forever Lipstick, I used to use Ever Bilena's Magic Lipstick in Watermelon, which I learned from a friend, whom she heard from a celebrity friend who uses it (whom I shall remain nameless... You know how it is.)



The Magic Lipstick takes a while for the full color to show. I think that their formula reacts to your skin's acidity and that's what makes it color. So I think depending on who's wearing it, the color intensity will vary.

It glides on like a balm, while MUFE #9 lipstick feels a little bit grainy. EB's scent is fruity (smelling like watermelon), while MUFE smells like strong perfume. Both have staying power, and with EB, I'm talking about "it carried on until the next day!" kind of thing even though you've already washed it.


MUFE #9 Lipstick has a glittery finish to it, while EB Magic Lipstick has a creamy finish.

So, my tip would be: If you are going to use the Magic Lipstick, apply it ahead of time because it will take time for the full color to come out. And when it does, it's totally worth it!

3. L'Oreal Gentle Makeup Remover for Eye and Lips (P299.00) vs. EB Advance Eye & Lip Makeup Remover (P95.00)
Both have excellent cleansing abilities to remove waterproof mascara. I spent the same amount of time for each eye to remove the makeup so EB's Advance Makeup Remover is a good formula for removing eye makeup and stubborn lip colors.




What's even weirder is that I prefer this brand or makeup remover product that Etude's! I don't know, maybe Etude has an ingredient I am allergic too, but when I use that one, my eyes sting and water for a while (it doesn't really last that long, but it does still sting. Remember, makeup should never ever hurt you!).

But this one, surprisingly, no reaction whatsoever.

*Again, I suggest testing products before buying!






4. Shu Uemura Depsea Water Facial Mist (P1,800) vs. Celeteque Hydrolyzed Moisturizing Mist (P349.00)

I am a huge fan of water mists. I wear makeup everyday and all day as part of my job and with the humidity in our country, it's tough. I used to buy Shu Uemura's Depsea Water Mist and it's just a life saver. I love that it can refresh my face instantly, cooling my face and removes any sticky feeling on my face. Of course, with the way I use it (if only I could drink it), I don't have that kind of money to sustain such a luxury.

Then Celeteque came out with a hydrolized moisturizing mist. And the moment I tried it, I was hooked. Definitely a cheaper alternative to that of Shu's! Of course, Shu Uemura has like a hundred scents to choose from, but if you are on a budget, scents don't matter as long as it does the job!

*Will post more of the Splurge Vs. Steal series soon. So stay tuned!*
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44 comments

  1. Bipolar BearOctober 12, 2012 at 9:18 PM

    Great idea! :) I want to try the EB watermelon. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenOctober 12, 2012 at 10:37 PM

      It's super nice you're going to like it! I'm sure it'll be another shade of pink for you! Post it ok I wanna see! ♥

      Delete
  2. CindyOctober 12, 2012 at 9:52 PM

    Love this post! It's so interesting comparing high and lower end products

    ReplyDelete
  3. purple clandestineOctober 12, 2012 at 10:13 PM

    yeah i also prefer the celeteque moisturizing mist,i've tried it and its really promising...^_^

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenOctober 12, 2012 at 10:38 PM

      Isn't it? I love it! I carry it in my bag all the time ;P

      Delete
  4. Iya BotoOctober 12, 2012 at 10:29 PM

    You should do more posts like this! Definitely helpful for makeup lovers on a budget like me! Pang magazine article ang peg! Hehe. Hope you post dupes of MAC lipsticks!

    Good job! :)

    -Iya
    http://iyaboto.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenOctober 12, 2012 at 10:40 PM

      Thanks Iya! Will do, I promise! I will do a whole lipstick series :) By the way, I just followed you in BlogLovin' too! Hope you can too :) Thanks again for dropping by! XOXO

      Delete
  5. UnknownOctober 12, 2012 at 10:52 PM

    this post is really interesting and informative, i want to try the kokuryu moist lipstick in sherry wood. more post like this please..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenOctober 12, 2012 at 11:13 PM

      I will do my best to post another series soon! Promise! :) Thanks for dropping by! ;)

      Delete
  6. Gemnikka AlcantaraOctober 12, 2012 at 11:29 PM

    Love this!! :) I am looking forward to reading your future posts! Very informative! :)

    Gem
    http://gemnikkaonthego.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. YenOctober 13, 2012 at 12:12 AM

    I love this post! Please keep on posting things like this. I've never tried Kokuryo before so it's nice to know it's something to try out. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenOctober 13, 2012 at 1:05 AM

      Kokuryu is a very good brand :) It has been around before our time and their products have improved over time! Go for it! Very good brand! (In fairness!)

      Delete
  8. UnknownOctober 13, 2012 at 2:25 AM

    I love this segment! Please do another post like this? :D

    ~Elle
    http://littellebratontheloose.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenOctober 13, 2012 at 6:55 AM

      Surely! I will try my best to post another one soon! :) Stay tuned!

      Delete
  9. Jean TanOctober 13, 2012 at 2:26 AM

    Very nice comparison!!:) Love the shades! Especially the MUFE lipstick!

    beautythursday.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenOctober 13, 2012 at 6:58 AM

      I love that MUFE shade! It's comparable to MAC's Girl About Town also, but MUFE has that hologram-ish finish to it :)

      Delete
  10. MaddieOctober 13, 2012 at 3:04 AM

    Such a great post! Thanks for sharing! :)

    'callmemaddie.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownOctober 13, 2012 at 4:54 AM

    Weee I love posts like this! It's like reading a magazine :) Anyhoo for the comparison... I didn't expect that it would really look almost the same.. Kokoryu's Lipstick VS. MAC.. Kokoryu's more on a deeper red color... but I didn't quite notice not until I saw the second photo. And I was totally amazed with EB's Magic Lipstick!!! Just Wow...

    Anne
    http://enchantingcolours.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenOctober 13, 2012 at 7:01 AM

      That's right! Kokuryu is a little bit deeper pero pwede na right? :) I love that it's more moist, but doesn't bleed! Love it! And as for the Magic Lipstick, I was amazed too! When I saw my friend wearing it I was like "OMG! Siguro that's mahal!" And I was really surprised when she told me what it was! Hahaha!

      Delete
  12. AnonymousOctober 13, 2012 at 6:06 AM

    hi! I was just wondering abt the ingredients of the " steal " products. Would you know if they use any harmful ingredients? I have heard rumors that cheap brands have lead content in them. This is really a concern, especially in the lipsticks. Is there any truth to this?
    Its my first time to view your blog, I just learned abt this from heart to heart. I will visit regularly! More power to you!

    ReplyDelete
  13. JennyOctober 13, 2012 at 6:57 AM

    Ms.Sab! PErfect to', may lipstick din pala kokuryu? I'll buy that one soon! pati yung EB. Galing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenOctober 13, 2012 at 7:02 AM

      Yes my dear! Kokuryu has lipsticks! They have a few lang... siguro like 8 shades lang I think but they're nice! :) Yah, check it out kasi it's a good brand and very affordable :)

      Delete
  14. Ehmjay BornalesOctober 13, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    OMG! This post is very helpful Sabs! :) I'll stay tune on your next splurge vs steal blog. :)

    hmjaybornales.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  15. Clai LitiatcoOctober 13, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    I just bought the same Magic Lipstick! It's my favorite!! Thanks for this post! Would love to check the Kokuryu lipstick!

    Followed you back!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenOctober 13, 2012 at 10:45 AM

      That Magic Lipstick is just LOVE isn't it? :) Thanks for dropping by and the follow back :)

      Delete
  16. RattusOctober 13, 2012 at 11:02 AM

    Thanks for this post! The Kokuryu Moist Lipstick... I just keep forgetting to check them out in SM. Sherry Wood is a nice red color, I better grab that one by next week to catch the attention of my 'professor' classmate hihi. Btw, I just followed your blog. Tc!

    xoxo Rattus xoxo
    http://ladyrattus.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenOctober 13, 2012 at 11:38 AM

      Hahaha! Even though we have never met, I can tell you're very funny! I think we'll get a long! LOL :) Thanks for the follow back :) Looking forward to more of your funny but very informative posts! ;P

      Delete
  17. yosheOctober 13, 2012 at 2:46 PM

    great idea :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Frozen BlossomsOctober 13, 2012 at 4:23 PM

    Great post and great lips miss sabs :) thanks for the alternatives, very helpful to moms like me. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenOctober 13, 2012 at 7:16 PM

      You're very welcome! Stay tuned for more posts like this :) Thanks for dropping by :)

      Delete
  19. AnonymousOctober 13, 2012 at 11:41 PM

    I am obsessed with the Celeteque Hyrdation Mist since the hyaluronic acid locks in and infuses water into the skin which promotes superior hyrdation. ^_^ totally gonna stay tuned for your next Splurge vs Save Ms. Sabs

    xoxo,

    Iya
    http://youtube.com/missplpify
    http://missplpify.blogspot.com
    http://facebook.com/missplpify
    http://twitter.com/missplpify

    ReplyDelete
  20. monsterfriendlyOctober 14, 2012 at 2:18 AM

    hi! thanks a lot for following!! i love your blog specially this post! i will buy kokoryo lipstick na :) super nice!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenOctober 14, 2012 at 5:48 AM

      They have a few choices but in all fairness, their formula is nice and they have classic colors :) Thanks also for dropping by and the follow back! XOXO

      Delete
  21. Rhania E.September 18, 2013 at 11:02 PM

    I searched for the other part ms sabs.. and im HOOKED! haha thanks for this.. gonna try that EB makeup remover too! I have the EB Magic Lipstick in strawberry and i can say its a dupe for Nyx Round lipstick in Spellbound =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenSeptember 19, 2013 at 8:37 AM

      I don't own NYX lippies but I will try them soon! I have been hearing a lot of good stuff about NYX for a while now ♥ Thanks for sharing!

      Delete
  22. UnknownSeptember 20, 2013 at 3:20 AM

    Nakaka tuwa naman tong mga post mo Ms.Sabs kasi I have some of the steal hehehe.. cause for now I really don't own any high end products. I really wanted to have MAC lippies but can't afford it yet.. anyways, I haven't try any kokuryo products but I have read some rave about this cause it's really cheap. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenSeptember 20, 2013 at 5:53 AM

      Yes, it's very cheap and the formulation of their lippies have improved drastically na din :) Hehehe...

      Delete
  23. UnknownJune 14, 2014 at 8:01 AM

    Where can I find a Kokuryu stall? I've been dying to buy Sherry Wood because of this post, pero since ang hirap niya hanapin, baka mapilitan ako mag-MAC. Sayang yung savings sa dupe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Makeup MavenJune 14, 2014 at 6:04 PM

      You can find Kokuryu in Landmark department stores ♥

      Delete

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