Spotlight | Ever Bilena Matte Two Way Cake.

Seems like there is no end to this unbearably hot and humid Philippine weather. It's supposed to be monsoon season now, but thanks to the oscillation of the ocean-atmosphere system otherwise known as El Nino, looks like it's gonna be summer all-year round.

And to think summer is actually my least favorite season because it's not very makeup-friendly. Imagine - incessant sweating, excessive sebum, extremely oily face that bears semblance to a greased pan. Uggggh, the horror!

I have had my share of these horrific 'greased pan' moments, which isn't exactly the sight you'd want to see when you look in the mirror. Thankfully, our favorite local makeup brand Ever Bilena has a recently released product to solve this makeup woe. And boy, am I glad to be one of those who got first dibs on it! :)

No more 'greased pan' moments with these babies!

Say hello to Ever Bilena's Matte Two Way Cake, a 2-in-1 foundation that gives the skin a flawless, soft matte finish. It covers blemishes, hides skin imperfections, and evens out the skintone. It can be applied wet or dry (hence the name 'two way'), depending on the coverage you desire.

Product description at the back of the box.

The Two Way Cake comes in three different shades: Golden Beige, Fair Oriental, and White Ivory. The product is housed in a sleek black compact, and comes with a sponge and a mirror. 

Shade range.

The packaging reminds me of those old school flip-top phones, like Motorola Razr.

Back view. :)

A closer look at the shades (L-R): White Ivory, Fair Oriental, Golden Beige.

And here's the sponge.

White Ivory is the lightest among the three shades. It looks rather pinkish, which makes it suitable for those with pale/porcelain skin, or fair-skinned individuals with cool undertones.

White Ivory swatched dry on the left, wet on the right.

Fair Oriental, as the name suggests, is suitable for those with fair to medium skin, and those with yellow undertones . Perhaps the most popular shade in the selection (I know at least five people who are using this product with this shade), it's also the shade closest to my skintone.

Fair Oriental swatched dry on the left, wet on the right.

The darkest among the three shades, Golden Beige is perfect for those with olive skin, or in colloquial term, 'morena'.

Golden Beige swatched dry on the left, wet on the right.

Typically, I use this foundation to set either my Missha Signature Wrinkle Filler BB Cream or my Klairs Illuminating Supple Blemish Cream. But on extremely hot and humid days such as today, I skip the BB Cream and use this with just my current favorite primer/sunscreen underneath.

Fair Oriental on my face.

True to its claim, this foundation neither feels heavy nor looks cakey on the skin. It's easy to apply, and you can build the coverage from light to medium when worn dry. I have not tried applying it wet, but I suppose this foundation can give you full coverage by doing so.

Now as far as its mattifying power is concerned, it usually depends on the weather, the surrounding temperature, or my activity level. On days when it's hot as hell, my face would become a greaseball in as short as 3 hours; on rainy and refreshingly cooler days, I wouldn't break a sweat and my foundation would stay intact for as long as 5 or 6 hours. Not bad for something worth Php 165, huh?

Products used:
FACE: Beyond Alice in Blooming Skin Tone Sun Base,
Ever Bilena Liquid Concealer in Light,
Ever Bilena Two Way Cake in Fair Oriental.
EYES: Shiseido Eyebrow Pencil in Brown,
Clio Kill Black Pen Liner,
Missha The Style 4D Mascara.
CHEEKS: Ever Bilena Cheek Blush in Raisin.
LIPS: Beyond Rich Color Tint Balm in Tok Wine.

If you're planning to give this product a try, why not take advantage of its Php 150 introductory price? Ever Bilena products are easily accessible and available at most beauty counters, drugstores, and supermarkets - no need to scour the high seas just to buy this foundation. And yes, they already have this at Watson's and at SM Department Stores. :)