Collection Cosmetics: An Edgy, Trendy Kind of British Invasion

Affordable and quality makeup are gems that we all would like to find. We all love makeup and putting on those pretty colors. However, makeup shopping doesn't come in cheap. Makeup artists carry imported and luxury makeup, but that is expected due to their occupation. For ladies who would just look like a better version of themselves, they need to look up on more affordable alternatives.

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Collection, a cosmetics brand in the UK is soon to set to invade Manila with its edginess and awesomeness. They have high quality makeup at a fraction of what we would pay for when we go to luxury department stores. Get this, pressed powder for Php 169, lipsticks  for Php 199, long-wearing (and yellow-toned! yay!) concealer for Php 299, and eyeshadow palettes for less than Php 600. It sure fits not only the fresh grad on her first job but also the high school student who needs nice makeup for her cheering squad competition or the college student who needs to look dolled up for school to hide Monday morning blues. This can also be for the working mom who needs to look good for work but has to set aside budget for her little ones.

Makeup artists can use these too! Start-up makeup artists can use their products for practice in class or at home or on photoshoots as they are building up their portfolio. Even those who have been doing makeup for quite some time will love this for the quality at a fraction of the price. I should know because I loved it too. Pro makeup artist and YouTube beauty guru Lisa Eldridge uses Collection eyeshadow palettes and concealers in some of her makeup tutorials. If you've watched some of her videos, it probably went then with its old name, Collection 2000. I'll let you have a closer look on some of the products here to show you. For those who have been following my Instagram account (bambikitty), I also swatched and showed some of their awesome products too as a teaser and preview.

So, are you ready for the British Invasion?

I got this lovely little suitcase makeup box containing these goodies that got me so giddy with delight. I will give you an insight on my favorites from the box, as well as some mentionables when I saw some products on counter. As of the present time, there's one counter at the Watsons in SM Aura but pretty soon, there will be more branches and counters.

Cover and Go Foundation DUO is a space-saver in a travelling girl's kit, or if you're a performer with a one-one bag policy.

The tube contains liquid foundation  (in 3 different shades for your skin tone) and on the cover...

There's concealer on the lid (how very Houdini-like!) to cover bags, redness, pimples, bruises, dark spots, etc. Flawless skin in a space-saving tube!

Colour match foundation (shown here in fair), adapts to the skin so you get foundation that looks like a better version of your skin. No more "Happy Foundation Day!" As a makeup artist said, "A good base should not look like makeup, but skin."

After makeup, be sure to set with Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Powder that gives up to 16 hours of oil-control. Brides must have this in their retouch bags! And it's only Php169.

Blush gives instant color and radiance to the face and it can create subtle dimension so the face isn't flat like a plate.

This blush, Bashful, is like a subtle, peachy-pink blush. It can be reminiscent of blush after a workout, yoga session, or when you blush when you see your crush.

Shimmer shades have four shades which can be used individually or together. The shades here though, are kind of sheer and shimmery, so it's perfect for everyday or as a topper to cream blush.

Blushalicious contain sweet sugary pinks to go with a sweet pink lip for a pretty Barbie look.

Way to Glow at first can be thought as a contour but looking closer, I saw shimmery particles in the bronze area. It can be used sparingly to add warmth and slight dimension on the face or to enhance that bronzed look.  Aside from blush, they can also be individually used as eyeshadow. Personally, I found this more eyeshadow-friendly. Blushalicious works as blush and is good, or I haven't maximized pink shadow just yet.

Eyeshadows are quite youthful and pretty. They come in different eye palettes to suit each individual's needs. The Work The Color Trio eyeshadow in Very Berry has two colors for base and lid plus a cream which can be used to highlight or prime the lids for eyeshadow to stick more.

The Bedazzled glitter eye palette I think would cater more to the younger clientele with its color and sparkle, which are perfect for nights out of having fun.

For those who are more on the neutral side, the Smokey Eyes Palette may be most suitable for natural enhancement with shadows and neutrals to darker shades for dramatic supermodel eyes.

The extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner Delivers precise cat-eye lining with the intensity of liquid liner without the shake. It functions just like a drawing felt-tip marker except you put it on your eyes. I like how easy this pen can be maneuvered so I can not only draw a line but also a kitty. :P

Collection's star products are their lipsticks, which are the easiest I think since lipsticks are usually the fastest-moving products in any makeup brand. From bold statement colors to sheer, conservative neutrals, Collection has a lot of lipstick shades to suit your mood and fancy.

Lasting Colour Lipsticks can take you from day to night with minimal touch-ups. They are also affordable at only Php199 and come in different shades, even the bright, popping ones that are almost like the limited edition luxury brand lipsticks.

Some lipsticks look really pigmented on tube but kinda disappoint you when you swatch them. These two lipsticks are just as pigmented on tube and on swatches.

Pretty pastel-ly Bubblegum can be used with clean eye makeup for a bridesmaid in a garden wedding or go rocker girl with full-on dark smoky eyes or 60s sex kitten with this.

The Queen of Hearts (right) is a strong, vivid red which isn't too drying and can be taken from meetings to nights out since it's such a powerful, bold red color.

If hot, bright pink is your best bet, then check out Pink Shock.

On a personal experiment of mine, I swatched Pink Shock and other luxury brand lipsticks of similar shades and this can be a dupe of the more expensive ones too, especially if you're just starting out with makeup still.

Fake a full lip without the sting with Volume Sensation Lipstick, plumps up that pout without the burning cold factor. There's just a very slight tingly minty cool sensation but that's it. The bright pink color makes it easy to locate this in your vanity bag as you dig through it for a touch-up.

Shown here is Satin Bow, a pretty, sheer peachy color that can be used on its own or with color. Other pretty mentionables are Tea Rose, Cherry Pop, Sugar Pink,  Forever Heather, and Plum Perfection. You can even mix the lipsticks to create a shade uniquely yours.

Another winner product is the Lasting Perfection Concealer, another favorite of YouTube Beauty Gurus. It comes in easily-blendable colors that result in a creaseless, seamless finish  without the reverse panda cakey effect (of course, you have to choose the right colors and blend it really well. It's also pretty affordable at Php299 only.

I love it that finally, there's affordable makeup that doesn't sacrifice quality. Since the colors are so youthful and trendy, a perfect target market could be college students experimenting on color or high school students who want to go DIY come their prom. Certain classic shades of lipsticks as well as blush and base makeup may be used by the yuppie or the woman-on-the-go.

I sure can't wait for the grand launch that will happen in a few days. :) In the meantime, feel free to check out their Facebook Page for more updates as well as ways on how to wear their makeup depending on your personal style. Also, check out their website and register at their mailing list to know if there are new store locations near your area.