M.A.C. Fluidline Eye-Liner Gel in Blacktrack and Dipdown

Oh, MAC, how must I think thee? You were my 19th birthday surprise -- an introduction to the world of makeup. You opened solace for dark times, a celebration for happier days, and a whole new perpective on beauty on the human face. Yet you disappoint me more often than not. But, how can I not turn back and revisit time and again?

I'm not new to Fluidline; it was the first gel liner I tried in shades Macroviolet and Rich Ground (Why [horror and amazement] do I still remember the shade names?). They were great, and I liked them better than Bobbi Brown's version. 

Top view.

Uncapped, here in their glass pots. 

Blacktrack top, Dipdown bottom: sooty dark black and deep brown. They are heavily, heavily pigmented and a brush's lightest stroke would deliver a clear line on the lids. Glides on easily with no tugging. Colors are subjective, but to me MAC's translation of black and brown here are just what I envisioned my black and brown liners to be. My only problem is, and this one's a dealbreaker, is they smudge onto my undereyes in no time, which didn't occur before with the other shades. They did seem to be harder though. Perhaps I should wait for these to harden more. In any case, if smudging is not a common problem for you and you take your liner seriously, I highly recommend these Fluidlines. 

Back of it. 

VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Face Cover 30

VMV Hypoallergenics is a local cosmetic brand known for its clean aesthetics and dermatological approach. I remember in the early 2000s when my sister would visit their clinic along Palanca. This brand is backed by real dermatologists. Last Christmas, I was glad to receive the Armada Face Cover 30 (thanks E). 

 Locally, VMV is quite well-known for their Armada sunblock line. 

It comes in a tube form container with flip top cover. 

A plus is it's fragrance-, PABA-, and preservative-free.

Just a repeat from the bottle. 

As always, it's advised to avoid the sun between 10AM to 4PM, but in the heat of the summer, it's best to stay out of it earlier in the morning and later in the evening. 

A study on ratings. 

More description.

Here it is, a light cream consistency that spreads transparently. 

This is a great sunblock in terms of sun protection and moisturization. My only problem with it is it's too oily for my combination skin. This would otherwise be perfect for those with normal and even better for dry skin. When I used it on the arms and legs in the early days of March on the beach when the sun was broiling, I must say the tan I got was minimal. 

Parting reminders.