Getting to know Mae Layug’s new brand, GRWM Cosmetics

Jun 21

Something you probably already know: Mae Layug is a famous local YouTuber who has over half a million followers. She films mostly beauty reviews, but also covers health, shopping hauls, and snippets from her personal life.

What you don’t know: This particular Tita whose idea of “YouTube beauty guru” is still stuck on Tati Westbrook’s generation actually had no idea who Mae Layug was. And I'm not trying to throw shade here. I'm just super behind.

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But having no preconceived notions when I received her brand, GRWM's (Get Ready With Me) debut release was a good thing. Rather than looking at the products with the influencer's clout in the back of my mind, I was able to explore them on pure curiosity alone before becoming enlightened.

The GRWM Multi-Use Creamy Tints (P249 for 8g) are also known as the GRWM Milky Tints. This is due to the shade names being associated with milk tea shop flavors rather than having a milky coloring or containing milk on the ingredients list. While they can be used on the lids, cheeks, and lips, I stuck to application on the latter for this review and swatch sesh.

Special mention goes to the interesting packaging design. The tints are housed in squeeze tubes with bodies that share the same color as each individual shade. But I particularly like the clear lid and applicator that readily displays the actual contents inside. (That attention to detail tho!)

These matte-finish tints look thick and creamy upon dispensing, but they apply lighter with an almost mousse-like feel. They start out looking super pigmented, but slightly sheer out as you dab. Plus, they stay wet long enough for you to properly blend before they set. Though you'll have to work faster with the darker shades. Finger application gives them a softer, worn look around the edges. But you can achieve more precision with a lip brush or by using the tapered applicator with its rounded end. This method causes the applicator to gunk up, however, so you'll have to wipe it down after every use.

Wintermelon, Cheesecake, Fruit Tea, Okinawa, 100% Sugar, Mixed Berries

Here are the shades from lightest to deepest:

Wintermelon - medium orangey brown.
Fruit Tea - medium coral that leaves a slight pink stain.
Okinawa - bold brick red that also leaves a slight stain.
Cheesecake - nude pinkish brown.
100% Sugar - marsala-tinged cool medium brown with a smattering of fine gold shimmer.
Mixed Berries - the boldest and darkest shade in the bunch. It’s a cool-toned raspberry red.

All the tints have a watermelon candy scent similar to that of the BLK Wondermelon edit. Though they aren’t transfer-proof or mask-proof, I notice that a thin application provides better adherence on the mouth as it gets to set. When layered on, the excess just sits on top and is therefore more prone to transfer. On a thin layer, I was able to consume a meal without it turning patchy. But once massaged with micellar water or cleansing oil, the formula dissolves cleanly.

Overall, I think Mae Layug's first release doesn't disappoint. For the tints' performance, quality, appearance, and variety, I find the price point well-suited! And I look forward to the next set of GRWM releases. I have seen a shadow palette being teased, and it's officially on my radar!

GRWMGRWM Milky TintsGet Ready With Me