Product Review: Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil

Stick foundations are not really my thing. It's just that two of the stick foundies that I've tried before didn't really work out that well on me. I thought they're both cakey and just not the perfect match for my oily-combination skin. However, maybe it's just the way how I used it? Hmm... Not sure but after using those two, I decided I won't use stick foundations anymore, well, not for the rest of my life naman. Hehe! Stick foundations are so convenient to use sana, however, I guess we're not really meant to be (or so I thought?).

Then just a month ago, I went over to Fashion 21 cosmetics' counter at SM North Edsa to complete my stash from the said brand for my one-brand makeup tutorial. I realized that Fashion 21 cosmetics doesn't have liquid and cream foundations. They only have powder foundations and their Perfect Sticks which are actually concealers but can be used as foundation. So, with no other choice at all, I decided to purchase one of their stick concealers for the sake of my one-brand makeup tutorial and also, to see if it's worth sharing to my readers. There are two kinds --- the classic perfect stick and the one with tea tree oil. I went for the latter since the Fashion 21 sales lady told me that it has better coverage than the former. Of course, before buying it, I tried it on the back of my hand and I was kind of intrigued with its texture because it glides on smoothly, blendable and seems to have an almost powder finish.

Product name: Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil

Price: P195.00

Bought from: Fashion 21 counter at SM North Edsa

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

soft concealer stick with tea tree oil

PRODUCT FEATURES:

- Tea Tree Oil (fade blemishes)

- UV Protection

- Oil Control

- Mild on skin

- Smooth and easy application

- Cream to powder finish

- Can act as foundation

The first thing that I thought when I bought this was "Oh please, don't let me down.". I mean, yes it's affordable but if it's not worth buying for then I'd rather just spend my P195.00 on something else (like a meal from Burger King, oh yum!). Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil is available in only 3 shades. I got the shade Milk Tea which is the second lightest shade. The first one, which is Irish Tea, is lighter than me and the last shade, Warm Tea, is already too dark for me. Milk Tea is the perfect shade for my skin color!

The product comes in a mint green plastic case with a roll-up barrel which is pretty sturdy. It has a slight mint scent which I like because you know naman how much I love minty products! Some though doesn't like the scent. Oh, well!

Direction for Use:

Best applied with a soft, flat sponge or with your fingers. Apply in even strokes, working towards the hairline and jaw line.

When I first used it, I was already impressed with it! I use it as foundation and concealer most of the time and I use both my fingers and buffing brush (synthetic kabuki brushes from Beauty Cosmetics) to apply it. I double up on some of the areas of my face that need more concealing. It glides on smoothly as you apply it and not at all thick and cakey. One layer is equivalent to medium coverage but you can, of course, build it up to achieve your desired amount of coverage. As for me, I apply one layer all over my face then just add more on my imperfections, especially my dark circles, redness around my nose, and blemishes but really, it covers up mild imperfections in just one application.

I was absolutely in awe when I first tried it because it has a really good quality, considering its price of only P195.00! Good coverage, smooth texture and finish, and the longevity is really striking, too! The powder finish doesn't bother me since I have oily-combination skin but for people with dry skin, you might want to moisturize well your skin before using this because it might accentuate your dry skin and might create patches. What I also love about Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil is that, it has a good amount of coverage without looking like you're all photoshopped and used layers of foundations. It just looks almost flawless and natural and it doesn't feel heavy at all even with 2-3 layers.

Let me show you my before-and-after photos from the first time that I've tried it. I used Fashion 21 Two Way Cake with Milk Moisturizers to set it:

Impressive, ei? The first image was a photo of me with the stick foundation set with their two way cake foundation, then second image with finished makeup and then the last one was taken 4 hours after! I looked shiny on my t-zone area already but the coverage is still awesome!

Okay, okay, I thought to myself that maybe the Fashion 21 Two Way Cake with Milk Moisturizers helped with the result. So, I did another test just recently to really see how long it would last. I only used a loose translucent powder to set it:

Want to take a closer look? Let's break it down, photo by photo:

Picture No. 1: Bare face

Picture No. 2: Applied the Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil as foundation/concealer.

Picture No. 3: Set it with a loose translucent powder, did my brows, and then contoured my face.

Picture No. 4: With complete makeup on.

Picture No. 5: After 7 hours. My skin looked shiny already but the coverage was still almost as good although some of my pimple scars were starting to show.

Picture No. 6: AFTER A TOTAL OF 9 HOURS, my skin looked really oily already, the foundation was starting to wear off on my nose area and under eye area but overall, the coverage still looked pretty good! FYI, I did not retouch at all!!!

Isn't it imposing? That's a total of 9 hours, for pete's sake! Now, I can really say that Fashion 21 is one of the best (if not the best) local cosmetic brands in the Philippines! You've seen it all in the photos that I've provided for you. ;-)

I absolutely recommend this to all Filipinas who are tight on budget. The Fashion 21 Perfect Stick with Tea Tree Oil is definitely worth it. I honestly can't think of any negative thing about it. Maybe just the scent because it might bother some but it's totally fine by me, I actually like it. Oh, and I'm just not sure if it will really help fade out blemishes because I don't use it everyday but if we're just going to talk about texture, coverage, staying power and overall quality, it's very surprising. Let's just put it this way, it changed my view towards stick foundations. Hehehe!

Stay awesome and accomplish your mission! :)

-ivsc-