Showing posts with label Make Up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Make Up. Show all posts

12/9/13

November '13 Favorites

Everything included in my November Favorites are fairly new except for my Fairydrops Platinum Waterproof Mascara, which was a rediscovery of mine. The reason why I put off using it is cause the wand holds too much product and fiber, making my lashes too dramatic and clumpy looking for everyday. I was getting fed up because literally all mascaras are lousy when it comes to holding a curl on my eyelashes, I recently started using this again but this time wiping off the extra product on a tissue and I don't think I can be without this again. It's everything I want in a mascara; it does a good job with separating, elongating and most importantly holding a curl on my lashes. Even though I love this mascara it's a pain to remove. My Bioderma wasn't cutting it so it was about time to add a cleansing oil to my night time regimen - I went with Muji's Cleansing Oil for Sensitive Skin. It's been saving me time in the bathroom and is way more gentle than rubbing my eyes off with Bioderma.

Continuing the eye trend in this post, I've been really minimalist (or you can say lazy) when it comes to eyeshadow. Most days I just smooth MAC's Paint Pot in the shade Groundwork all over my lid and that's that, looks like I put a lot more effort than I actually did. I've tried a few different kinds of dry shampoos and the Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk is by far number one on my list. It absorbs oil the best and I need fewer sprays compared to when using other dry shampoos I own. For some odd reason my hands have been dehydrated lately. My go to hand cream of the moment is the Soap & Glory Hand Food; it was made to live in a bag, smells like marshmallows and keeps my dry palms at bay. Okay I'll be honest, it's all about the scent. Even if I had buttery soft hands I won't stop slathering this on!

Another thing I've been loving in the bathroom is Colgate's Slim Soft Toothbrush with Charcoal Bristles, super random I know! It has bristles that are thinner towards the top that leaves my teeth feeling spotless and they're extremely gentle, hands down the best toothbrush ever. The last random thing I've been using nonstop this month is my new Type Wreath Mug from Fab Manila. It'll make a great Christmas present to any tea or coffee drinker, and the best part is it's only 150 pesos! 

What were your favorites during November?

12/2/13

Now Open: Inglot in Manila (Glorietta 5)

Inglot is a Polish cosmetics brand that I've heard about from a few beauty bloggers a couple of years back. It's not as widely known compared to other bigger brand names in the industry like MAC and Nars, but definitely has a solid growing fan base with over 400 retail locations around the world. Its first in the Philippines which just opened in Glorietta 5 two days ago; November 30, 2013!

They've got lots of makeup goodies to offer as well as nail polishes, makeup accessories and makeup brushes. Have you ever bought a makeup palette but not like every single shade included? Well what sets Inglot apart from all other cosmetic brands is their Freedom System. It enables shoppers to customize and build their own unique makeup palettes with the liberty to choose what palette (the base, the size containing how many shades you want) and what shades you like. The Freedom System is available for eye shadow (158 colors), blush (24 colors), face powder, concealer, eyebrow and lipstick (90 colors) palettes.

The freedom to make your own palette is convenient in so many ways. Whether you're a makeup artist or simply just a makeup lover like me, you'd surely love to check Inglot out. I left the store empty handed but that's just because I was so overwhelmed with everything that I was so indecisive. I can't wait for my next visit though and finally get to customize my own!

What do you think of the Freedom System?

Inglot
Address: Ground Floor, Glorietta 5, Ayala Ave., Makati City (beside Starbucks)
Instagram: @inglotph

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Camel Coat


I've always been a fan of cream eyeshadows - they have better lasting power than powder eyeshadows, which for a girl like me with oily lids is a must! The only ones I own are metallic and shimmery (Maybelline Color Tattoos) so I thought it was time to invest on some matte or more everyday appropriate shades, and my brand of choice was MAC. I've heard lots of great reviews on MAC's Paint Pots so I thought I'd give it a shot and bought two, Camel Coat and Groundwork.

MAC is pretty much spot on with naming Camel Coat, tan with a tinge of gray that looks beautiful worn on its own or as a base. The consistency is creamy with a smooth application, the pigmentation and color intensity is build-able plus it lasts long too. I'm obsessed with the two shades I picked up and have been wearing either of the two everyday since I got it. I feel the start of a new obsession coming!

Have you tried any of MAC's Paint Pots yet? I'm currently eyeing the shade Stormy Pink!

MAC

11/2/13

Singapore Haul: Sephora, YSL, Topshop & Guardian


With every trip, comes a beauty haul. I can't feel anymore blessed and thankful to my parents who bring me along and on top of that cope with my beauty addiction. A big big thank you to them! A lot of these are stuff that I actually need while the rest were merely indulgent purchases. I was sorta disappointed with the Sephora in Singapore because they didn't have almost all the things on my list, the only two brands that they had that I was on the look out for were Soap & Glory and Josie Maran (and their products weren't even complete)! Then again it's alright since it held me back from spending even more.

None of these products are repurchases so I'm completely new to them (except for the YSL and Topshop lipsticks). I'd love to hear your thoughts on the products if you've tried any of them before, so make sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think!

10/21/13

Benefit Rockateur Box o' Powder


I love this blush, I really do... So let's start off with the one thing I don't like about it - the packaging. I just think that the lace, crocodile skin and chains came all together kind of (seriously) tacky. Come on Benefit, you could've done way better than that! Packaging aside, it's been receiving lots of love for the treasure, that is the actual blush, that can be found inside the not so pretty box.

It's described as a 'provocative rose gold cheek powder' that I think suits most skin tones, particularly lighter ones. It looks quite peachy to me with a slight rose gold shimmer, giving a really pretty and healthy satin sheen to the cheeks. It's the blush I've been using for the majority of the time since I purchased it almost two months ago in Hong Kong, which I'm sure you can already tell because of the 'rock' written on the blush starting to wear off. Another thing I love about the product aside from its color is how soft and finely milled the powder is. It's definitely a lot more fine and smooth than the other Benefit Box o' Powders, to the point that if I pressed my finger on it hard enough it would sink in. 

Just like any other Box o' Powder, it contains a small mirror in the packaging and a brush. I prefer using my Real Techniques Blush Brush over the one that comes along with it, but I have found a good use for it. It's wide, thin in length and angled which I find is the perfect brush to use for highlighting the top of my cheeks.

What do you think of Rockateur?

Benefit

9/13/13

HK Haul: Sasa, Origins, Topshop, Apivita & more

Max Factor Wild Shadow Pencil in Caramel Rage | Bourjois New Healthy Mix Foundation in Vanilla | Caudalie Beauty Elixir | Avene Thermal Spring Water | Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm | Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask | Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer | Apivita 3 in 1 Cleansing Milk for Face & Eyes | Apivita Cleansing Milk for Normal/Dry Skin | Apivita Lip Care with Black Currant | Topshop BB Cream in Light | Topshop Lips in Beehive | Topshop Nails in Prim and Proper | Topshop Nails in Tidal | American Apparel Glow in the Dark Nail Polish in Moon | Benefit Rockateur Blush | Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne

Sorry for the lack of posts lately! Last week was chaotic with my finals then I went to Hong Kong for a few days with my family. I'm back now though and I'll be back to posting regularly again! So for now, I just thought I'd share with you some of the beauty things I picked up during my trip. Two products are back-ups, the Avene Water and the Caudalie Beauty Elixir since they're both cheaper in Hong Kong. Other than those two, I haven't tried anything else so I'm excited to see if some live up to the hype and what I'll think of the products I purchased without researching beforehand.

Have you tried any of these products yet?

8/9/13

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Precious + Honey

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey (top) and Precious (bottom) PHP 575 for two
(according to the last photo)

I was walking around the department store and stopped when I saw a 'buy one take one' sign by Revlon. I've heard of these balm stains before but never thought of purchasing them since I knew I didn't really need yet another lip product, plus I already own a Chubby Stick from Clinique which is similar. But how can anyone pass up such a great deal? These were originally priced PHP 575 each, so I was able to score two for the price of one.
This product is basically a lip balm, but with more pigmentation and longer lasting color. They all have the same minty scent that most lip balms have, quite moisturizing, and also has the same natural finish of an ordinary lip balm. I've noticed that the color slightly turns more vibrant after a few minutes of it sitting on your lips, which I didn't expect to happen. It leaves your lips tinted, especially if you choose one of the darker shades. I also really like how it's shaped like a crayon because it provides a more precise application. I use the tip to line my lips first then fill them in by using the side of the crayon.

I'd say this is an almost perfect summer product except it doesn't provide SPF. Honestly, I think Clinique did a better job with the formula, their Chubby Sticks glide on a lot smoother and feel more moisturizing. However, Revlon wins in the scent and price (Clinique Chubby Stick retails for PHP 920) department.

Have you tried the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains?


Revlon

8/2/13

July '13 Favorites

This month's favorites are short but sweet. I was sick for the most of July which resulted to weekends staying in at home and I just wasn't feeling my best and my usually positive self for the most part of this month. Although I still managed to choose a couple of things that I've been consistently using and discovered & loved within July.

For skincare, I've been really loving both my Avene Thermal Spring Water that I've owned for several months now (and used ever since) and my Kiehl's Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate (phew) that I've just recently purchased. I spray the Thermal Spring Water all over my face, day and night, after I cleanse, I just find this a really refreshing way to hydrate my skin. As for the Kiehl's Concentrate, it's sort of a love-hate relationship. I've noticed that my dark circles have slightly lightened, though it didn't help me in the fine-lines department that it suggests it would, at all. 

I've owned Vichy's Dermablend Corrective Foundation for awhile but would only use it for occasions when I wanted a heavy coverage. Though recently I've been using this during the daytime too, but in tiny dollops. A little goes a long way for the day! Dior's Rosy Glow is my favorite and go-to blush of the month, and lives in my bag. You achieve a beautiful, natural looking flush when you use this and I love how it has a mirror and a really good quality brush that makes reapplying hassle-free.

Me without some color on my finger nails would be an odd sight to see, but unfortunately there's a price for everything including pretty looking fingertips: brittle, unhealthy, flaky nails. The Sally Hansen Continuous Treatment Strength has fixed that issue (the top layer of my nails would peel off) and have made them super healthy. My favorite nail polish as of late is Essie's Absolutely Shore! Check out my review here

A new favorite drink that I just discovered, Namyang Crushed Peach Juice from Tous les Jours. Plus a necklace from H&M that I've been wearing a lot!

Have you tried any of these products? What are your favorites for July?

7/21/13

K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyebrow Liner in 02 Grayish Brown

Holy. Grail. I've tried countless products on my eyebrows including powders, pencils, crayons, mascaras and this is by far my favorite. I love the way it makes my eyebrows look, how it's versatile, how it suits the color of my brow hair perfectly, easy to use and of course the lasting power of this liner. Powders, pencils and crayons just don't do a good job on staying on my eyebrows, they always end up fading away. This liner doesn't budge at all and I don't have to worry about touching up. I don't know what I'd do without this and I don't think I'll find anything better. At least for a VERY long time until K-Palette decides to make a better updated version but I can't seem to find anything they'd wanna change about it, but until that day comes I'll keep repurchasing
This product comes in two shades, 01 (lighter brown version) and 02 (a dark brown suitable for women with dark hair like me). They also have a different version called the 2Way Eyebrow, which has the point tip on one end of the product, and a sponge tip applicator with powder on the other end. I prefer the point tip, since I don't like the way powdery eyebrows look because they look more unnatural to me. Which is why I decided to get the version with only the point tip since I assumed there will be more product of the liner.
Just like other liquid liners, it is important how you decide to store this. Storing it in an upright position may cause the color to become lighter. The best way to store this is by laying it on its side. It is important to also make sure the lid is securely closed when not being used, to prevent the point tip from drying up faster. 
The soft point tip end is very thin (literally a strand of hair I'm not even kidding) making it possible to mimic a strand of brow hair. For days when I want a natural or no makeup look, I'll use a very light hand (imagine trying to only stroke your brow hair instead of the skin underneath) while holding the product by it's middle to apply this, only using the very tip of the liner and using feathery stroked to create hair-like looking strands. It may take a bit of practice to perfect but trust me it's worth learning! For days or nights when I want a bolder look, I do the same but with a heavier hand and going over it a few times.
The pigmentation is quite faded which makes using this perfect, because it manages to give a natural look while still having the option to build it up and make a bolder looking brow. The tip is so thin that it can even go on a lot thinner than the thinnest swatch seen above.
Before
After
What's your favorite brow product?
Availability: Beauty Bar
Price: PHP 895


K-Palette Philippines

Beauty Bar
Instagram: @beautybarph

Maybelline Color Tattoos

Left to right: Barely Branded, Bad to the Bronze, Inked in Pink

There are now three in total Maybelline Eyestudio Color Tattoos: Metal, Cream Gel Shadow and Pure Pigments Loose Powder Shadow. Bad to the Bronze is included in the Metal line, while Barely branded and and Inked in Pink are both Cream Gel Shadows
The packaging is a simple 10/10 for me. They come in glass pots with black lids that contain the shade of the eyeshadow and the shade of the eyeshadow can be seen at the bottom of the pot, which is a huge plus for me.
The formula of these eyeshadows are creamy and glide on my eyelids like no other. Bad to the Bronze is my most worn shade out of the three and is also the oldest I've own, so unfortunately it's dried up a bit and isn't as creamy as the other two anymore. I honestly don't know if Bad to the Bronze isn't as creamy as the other two because it doesn't come from the Cream Gel line or if it's because I've had it for quite some time now.
 These are very pigmented, but you always have the option to blend it out since they blend pretty well anyway. The finish of the Color Tattoos are metallic, and can both be worn beautifully alone or as a base. These are super long lasting and also make my powder eyeshadows stay on longer when I use it as a base, which is important for me because I have oily lids. These are one of my favorite products from Maybelline and I'd definitely repurchase these, and even buy more of the shades!
Swatches from left to right: Barely Branded, Inked in Pink, Bad to the Bronze
Left to right: Barely Branded, Inked in Pink, Bad to the Bronze
Do you own any of the Maybelline Color Tattoos? What's your favorite shade?

Availability: Not available in the Philippines yet
Price: Around $6
Size: 4g

7/10/13

NYX Blush in Taupe

NYX Blush in Taupe
PHP 280 from Digital Traincase

I've heard lots about this blush from NYX but never really thought about purchasing it until I saw Claire Marshall's Highlight and Contour video on YouTube. Since it looked amazing on her and it's cheap I went ahead and got it! It's the bronzer I've been using a lot lately to lightly contour my face and I've been really liking how it looks.

This shade is a great bronzer for girls with a light to medium skin tone, it's unlike any of my other bronzers and I do notice a gray undertone to this shade. It gives justice to the name "taupe" and has a matte finish.
Top: heavy swatch
Bottom: blended out
What bronzer are you currently using?

NYX

Digital Traincase
Address: Unit G109 Corinthian Executive Regency, 7 Oritgas Ave. San Antonio
Website: http://digital-traincase-makeup-boutique.myshopify.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DigitalTraincase
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dgtaltraincase
Instagram: @dgtaltraincase
Email: sales@digitaltraincase.com
Mobile No.: (0917) 565-0265

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6/30/13

June '13 Favorites

Beauty Favorites:

Ahava Uplifting Butter Salt
There are no grains of salt in this whatsoever, it's consistency is really thick and moisturizing and not harsh on the skin at all. This product feels so luxurious and I'm obsessed with the Mandarin Cedarwood scent, I'm trying my best to use it slowly and save it!

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay

My favorite deep cleansing mask for when my skin just isn't looking or feeling good. It's an instant at-home facial! Read up on my review on this product here.

Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation

Hands down one of the best foundations I've tried, that gives a medium to full coverage. What I like about this is that it doesn't look cakey or feel heavy on the skin at all. I love applying this with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush for a flawless, natural look.

Ahava Body Sorbet Caress

Best body lotion ever. No sticky feeling and my skin drinks it all up so quickly! It feels light too, which is important for someone who lives in a tropical country where it's hot all the time.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Helps reduce my imperfections faster, especially those pesky tiny bumps on my face. Click here for my review on this product.

NYX Blush in Taupe

My go-to bronzer as of lately!

Too Cool for School Dinoplatz Lost Identity

The lip product I grab when I wanna put some color on my lips to liven up my face, while still maintaing a natural look. Ideal for girls in school cause it lasts long which means less applications and touch ups. This one's always in my bag! Click here for my review.

Real Techniques Buffing Brush

The only brush I've been using for my foundations and bb creams! There hasn't been a time that I put makeup on without using this brush since I got it. Click here for my review.

Real Techniques Blush Brush

I find that this brush picks up just the right amount of blush I need, no more no less. Click here for my review.

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Non-Beauty Favorites:



 
Zara Flatform Sandals

Arizona Iced Tea with Lemon Flavor Tetra Pak

The Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal

Jenn Im | Clothes Encounters

Claire Marshall

Estee | essiebutton

Elle Fowler | Dreaming in Blush / allthatglitters21

Emma | Milkteef




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Haul: Bobbi Brown, MAC, Dior and NYX

Just wanted to share with you guys some of the products I bought on my trip to Rustan's in Shang, plus another goody from Digital Traincase. I've never tried any of these products before so I'd love to hear your thoughts on them if you've tried them already!

 Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Pressed Powder in Pale Yellow

Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener in Light to Medium Peach

MAC Studio Fix in NC25

Dior Rosy Glow

NYX Wonder Pencil in Light


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6/28/13

Too Cool for School Dinoplatz Lost Identity

Too Cool for School is a Korean makeup brand targeted to the young. I found out about this brand randomly when I entered their store while walking around in Seoul during my trip to Korea a few months ago. I've never heard of this store before but I was automatically drawn to it cause of the store's interior. It was different from most Korean makeup stores because it wasn't full of pink and cutesy things (ya know what I mean), not that I don't like those brands, Too Cool for School just stood out more among it. (Think a Korean, 'edgier', Benefit.)

I recently found out that they've opened a store here in the Philippines, in Mall of Asia to be exact. I hardly go to that mall since it's quite far and too big that I'd get lost, but I'm willing to go all the way there just to pay that store a visit. Hopefully they'll branch out soon and open in other malls in the Metro. Crossing my fingers!
Too Cool for School has a product called the Dinoplatz Lost Identity. They have three shades available: Lost in You Pink, Lost in Hawaii Orange and the green one in the photo above which is Lost in Dinoplatz Mint. The idea of this product is that it changes color once applied to the lips. 
I swatched this on the back of my hand in the store and I loved the shade of pink that it produced on my skin. When I finally used it on my lips, I noticed that it turned out more pink than how it was swatched on my hand. I still liked how it looked on my lips but that's just something to keep in mind before purchasing this! Make sure you actually try it on your lips first (wipe the entire lip product with tissue first for sanitation) because you might like how it looks on your hand but not like how it looks on your lips.

I own a red lip and cheek tint from The Body Shop already and I love that, but this is nice to own so I can switch up the colors on my lips when I want to. As I've said before, lip tints come in handy for students like me because it looks natural and lasts pretty long. It glides on like a lip balm but eventually dries up on the lips just like any other lip tint. Apply this on smooth lips and apply a lip balm before the Dinoplatz if your lips are dry.

Availability: I bought this while I was in Korea, and this product isn't on the Too Cool for School Philippines website so I'm not sure if it's available in MOA.
Price: 11,000 won / around PHP 430
Size: 2.5 g


Too Cool for School Korea

Too Cool for School Philippines

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6/12/13

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!

PHP 825 for 150 ml
from Mercury Drug (Rockwell branch)

PHP 429 for 1 lb

PHP 1,050 for 30 ml

PHP 1,100 for 40 ml

PHP 280

6/7/13

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

Kalm Cosmetics
Instagram: @kalmcosmeticsph