Skincare Haul

Here are some of the skincare products (couldn't help myself with the NYX blush...) that I purchased recently from Digital Traincase, Healthy Options and Mercury Drug!

Avène Thermal Spring Water

PHP 825 for 150 ml

from Mercury Drug (Rockwell branch)

Aztec Indian Healing Clay

PHP 429 for 1 lb

from Healthy Options

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

PHP 1,050 for 30 ml

from Digital Traincase

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

PHP 1,100 for 40 ml

from Digital Traincase

NYX Blush in Taupe

PHP 280

from Digital Traincase

Real Techniques Core Collection + Blush Brush

If I were to choose spending my money on makeup or makeup brushes, I would obviously choose makeup. Makeup brushes can get pretty pricey so I try to look for brands out there that work well and are reasonably priced. I first heard of the Real Techniques brushes through watching makeup tutorials on YouTube, and I've been coveting these ever since. As some of you may know, Real Techniques is by one of the Pixiwoo girls (and British makeup artist) - Samantha Chapman.

Core Collection PHP 989
"Create a perfect canvas with this collection of coverage essentials."
Includes four full sized brushes and a panoramic case.

Panoramic Case

Tighten the toggle to create a stand for your brushes.

The case is perfect for traveling cause its sleek and has an easy to clean material.

 

Buffing Brush

"Ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation."

I use this to apply my base (bb cream / foundation) and it helps to really work the product into my skin for a natural and flawless look, with zero streaks. I've used this brush everyday since I got it and love it!

 

Contour Brush

"Delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish."

This brush is quite dense and pointed so it really gives you control of how you contour, something great for a bold look. If you want a natural look and not a harsh contour, just simply blend out your bronzer with a bigger brush. I don't use this brush on an everyday basis. 

 

Pointed Foundation Brush (left)

"Use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage."

For days when I want a "no makeup" look I use this brush and just concentrate on the center of my face (nose, chin and forehead). It's different from most foundation brushes because it's more narrow, smaller in width and longer in length. It's also pointy and this makes it easier to apply makeup in those hard to reach areas of the face, like around the nose and under the eyes. 

Detailer Brush (right)

"Precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition."

This is the only brush I haven't tried using yet because I prefer using my fingers to apply concealer. I would definitely use this brush as a lip brush though if I'm going to an event and want a precise lip.

Blush Brush PHP 549
"Hand-cut to contour and define cheeks for flawlessly blended, high definition results."
This brush picks up the exact amount of blush needed - not too much and not too little either. Another brush that I've used everyday since I got it.

 

These are all synthetic brushes made out of taklon bristles which are super smooth. I also included a photo showing the top of the buffing, contour and blush brushes; just to show how dense the three are. The buffing brush is the most dense, while the blush brush is the most fluffy out of the three.

Real Techniques is available in an online store called Kalm Cosmetics. It was my first time ordering something online and they made the process extremely easy and hassle free for me. All you have to do is send them a personal message through Facebook with your name, shipping details and your order. Then they will reply with how much your bill is (price of what you ordered + PHP 50 for shipping) and their bank details where you will deposit. I even got my delivery earlier than expected and I can't wait to purchase more!

Real Techniques

Website: http://realtechniques.com/

Kalm Cosmetics

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kalmcosmetics

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kalmcosmeticsPH

Instagram: @kalmcosmeticsph

May '13 Favorites

Cure Natural Aqua Gel
My holy grail exfoliator. I use this twice a week and it's made my skin a lot more smooth and healthy. Read more about this product in my review here.

St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Gel Cleanser
I use this every morning and it freshens me up and has actually helped with my blemishes a bit. It smells really good too!

The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain
I use this almost everyday because it's super practical for college students like me. I like this because I can just use very little to give a really natural subtle look or build it up. I usually use more product on my upper lip cause it's more pale - then I just add some to the center of my lower lip.

Revlon Colorstay Longwear Enamel in Provence
It stays really long on my nails and I've been so obsessed with this color lately!

K Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyebrow in the shade 02
I've tried eyebrow pencils, liners and powders but this has got to be my favorite way of filling in my eyebrows. It has an applicator that's similar to a a liquid eyeliner's - which makes it easy to create a natural or thick brow. This shade is also perfect for girls with really dark brown or black hair.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
I've been curling my lashes and applying mascara almost everyday this month and these help my lashes hold a curl longer.