Mother's Day 2012 FOTD

I went for Classic Red Lips look for this year's Mother's day!  I don't know but I felt that wearing this look for this special day made me feel extra special.  I simply adore how red lips could instantly transform one's look from ordinary to glam gorgeous.  However, I don't normally wear this look  because I might look too made up for those simply ordinary days.

Lovelies, if going for this classic look, it is important to keep the rest of the face neutral .  You wouldn't want to look clownish if it will be paired with either super dark eye shadow or  with super bright cheeky blush.    However, a good smokey eyes could also be paired with red lips but it is best worn night time.  Perfectly lined brows and lined eyes is the way to go.  For this look, I used neutral eye shadow just lightly enough to contour my eyes.  For my blush, I used a warm red powder blush  --- just to add warmth and balanced look to my fair skin.  (used Mac blush in Scarlet).  I used a very light hand on the blush to avoid the clownish look.  Prior to the blush, I first contoured my cheeks with a matte bronzer.  Then added highlighter on top of my cheekbones to add some sheen.  Wanted to add a touch of dewy -ness to the finished look.  For the lips, I used NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam.  Loved how it smoothly glided on my lips. It was matte but did not dried up my lips....

Products used:

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam and Mac blush in Scarlet

I really love this look, just thought of sharing it :)  

Happy Mom's day to all lovelies :)

Mac Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist

I feel that facial mists can be skipped as part of make up routine because I ALWAYS start with a freshly cleansed skin before I put on make up.  I'm not also used to using facial mist to freshen up my face during the day because I'm afraid of ruining my make up.  Instead, I use blotting paper to remove excess oil and apply face powder OR mostly often I use MAC Blot Powder to retouch and freshen up.  

Mac Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist

But this changed my mind when I tried MAC Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist (P1,200/100ml).  When a Mac make up artist did a make over on me on their counter, he first applied this mist on top of my make up.  At first, I was scared that my make up would look cake-y since after he just applied the mist then applied powder foundation (without wiping off mist).  Was amazingly surprised that the powder foundation blended well on my skin WITHOUT the look of heavily applied foundation, and worst cake-y look.  He told me that the hydrating mist becomes handy in resetting make up.  It is also good to use it as a prior step to putting moisturizer because it helps the skin to absorb the moisturizer easily.  And using it at a freshener during the day would not mess up my make up.  I was easily sold and now I can't live without it :).  It is pricey I know, but anything that would do wonders for my skin , why not?!  

Have you tried this MAC Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist?  Lemme know what you think dearies....

Etude House 55 Kissful Tint Chou

One of the very first products that I fell in love with from ETUDE HOUSE is their 55 Kissful Tint Chou.  I don't know what I'm easily sold to trying out first lip products from a brand I'm newly introduced to.  Maybe because lip products are my favorite and different shades to choose from.  Nonetheless, it is so damn cheap for such a cutie lippie to own.

The packaging is so unique.  It is in a mini toothpaste like tube and when I tried it, OOOHHHH YUMMM! Smells like bubble gum.  Got me even hooked when applied it on my lips. A gel type gloss without the sticky feel.  Gives a hint of the shade and stains a bit.  Color is buildable and yet feels very light. 

Applied thickly
L-R: Shade no. 1,2,4

Applied thinly
L-R: Shade no. 1,2,4

Nice to add to your growing lippie collection.  Give it a try and see why I'm loving it so much :)

Lovelies, more lippie stuff to love from Etude House.  Any other I've missed  trying or buying? Lemme know!

Mac Blot Powder

Living in a tropical country like the Philippines, humidity is a biggest factor to consider on what make up product to use.  Having to start the day with freshly made up face, oiliness and runny makeup after a few hours is the biggest nightmare I could think of.  Worse is summertime.  Retouch is my savior.

Retouching is not simply piling up powder on smeared make up.  It is important to remove oil from the face first before you pat on powder --- oil blotting paper and face powder (same shade as foundation) is the way to go.  This would prevent make up from further caking.  If oil is not removed prior to applying powder, oil will be absorb by the powder unevenly and make up will end up cakey.   However, this is time consuming and you need to have these 2 products with you all the time.

Glad my friend introduced me to Mac Blot Powder (P1350). It is an oil blotting and face powder in one. How awesome is that?  No need to have a separate oil blotting paper to remove oil.  Just pat powder on the face and VOILA!  A fresh and shine free face (make up looks as if it was just applied).  I was really amazed on how it blended well on my skin.  It retouched my face EVENLY.  Face did not look cakey at all.  The transluscent finish made the skin look look even toned..   It did not give a retouched look wherein face powder is visibly noticeable.    Available in 5 shades (light, medium, medium dark, dar and deep dark).  I got mine in medium for my NC25-NC30 skin.  Loving this product!!!

Can also be used to set your foundation or to just simply used as a normal face powder.  A must have in your beauty kits lovelies...


Now would have to stock up on these...

Etude House Cleansing Dream Light Cleansing Oil

Ever since Shu Uemura introduced cleansing oil as a great new innovative way of cleansing the face, almost every beauty junkie I know would want to grab it.  Unfortunately, I did got one for myself but sadly did not work for me.  It broke out my skin really bad.  However, cleansing oil is best for removing long staying make up.  Even the most long wearing waterproof eye make.  Was hesitant at first because I'm not sure if it would react the same way with Shu Uemura's cleansing oil.  Good thing it didn't.  

So so happy that I bought  Etude House Cleansing Dream Light Cleansing Oil.  My skin did not react violently.  It stayed clear and blemish free. At least now I get to enjoy the benefits of cleansing oil without breaking the bank. Affordable price (about P700 + for 150ml) and quality cleansing oil without the breaking out my skin :).  A PLUS for making my skin softer and smoother with frequent use.


How to Use:

1.) Pump cleansing oil  2-3 times on palm.  Should be enough to remove dirt and make up from the face.
2.) Massage oil onto face until make up is dissolved.
3.)  Wash face with warm water.
4.)  Follow up cleansing with your favorite facial wash. Rinse.


** To remove eye make up --- apply on a cotton pad and lightly pat on eye area.


Now, I enjoy taking off all the dirt and make up with one easy routine... cleansing oil.  Amazingly well cleansed my face --- squeeky clean. Definitely an added staple to my end- of -the- day skin care routine :)



DISCLAIMER: 

Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil is a great product.  However, it did not work for me.  But this doesn't mean it won't do wonders for you.  Just glad that Etude House Cleansing Dream Light Cleansing Oil   did give me a chance to experience a worry free cleansing benefits of a cleansing oil.

Any other brand that carries cleansing oil worth trying?  Hope to hear it :)

FOTD: Bright Pink Lips

Don't you have days that you want to look natural (not overly made up) but at the same time looking a bit edgy. For me the quickest way to achieve this look is to have bright lips. Been overly obsessed with hot pink lippies (as in extremely exagerrated crave). That's why I'm endlessy searching for different shades of pink from neutral pinks to neon, bright fierce pinks. This the for having missed so much on Mac's most coveted and talked about Candy Yum Yum. 

I find this look very girly and a bit flirty.  It instantly lifts up my mood.  I could go from day to night with this look.  Try it lovelies.  Don't be afraid to try something bright on your lips.  Doesn't matter if what shade it is. Just be careful not to overdo it by pairing it with too bold shadows or too flushed cheeks. 

Sweet and Flirty

Can be worn during the day

Matched it with matte eye shadow---contoured the creases

MODEL's OWN Hot Pink 

Loved the look of bright pinky lips.  So much for that, I would have a different story to tell on my growing collection of PINK lippies. Watch out for it lovelies....

More pink lippie hunting.  Lovelies, please share your most loved Pink Lippie.  Would love to have that too :p.

Cheap Thrill: Ever Bilena Mousse Blush-on

I'm a beauty junkie and scouting beauty aisles from local to international brands could be the most fulfilling thing to do when I'm in a mall.  I'm used to buying only from international branded cosmetics, when I started collecting make up.  But I won't deny that during my teenage years when I'm starting to play with eyeliner, powder and blush, I did try some local brands.  

Now that I'm a certified make up junkie, I would try every newly improved local brands.  Ever Bilena is on top of my list.  I really get intrigued whenever I'm in a department store, Ever Bilena would have lots of followers.  It's known to every Filipino women since it's been around for so many years.  Their products have improved.  Packaging wise, been better and quality is not sacrificed anymore.  Tried several stuff from the brand but I just can't help but rave about their mousse blush-on.  It is available in several nice shades.  The shade I grabbed are Aster (bubble gum pink)  and rose pink (reddish pink).  Both have a bit of shimmer.  But only subtle, enough to give you a healthy flush.  It is has an airy soft creamy texture.  Can be easily blended to skin.  I'm so so loving it because of it's price --- only P125 for a 7g blush. It has good staying power .  Also great as base for your powder blush. It gives me a natural healthy flush.  Perfect for the scorching heat of summer. 

Blends well with the skin --- flushed from within :)

Dewy skin is the way to go this summer

There are days that I just want to look naturally FLUSHED!

Loved the look of dewy skin with flushed cheeks.  Any other interesting cosmetic local brands worth trying?  Please share lovelies!  Would love to try it too....

Mac Online Shopping

This blog entry is a month over due. But then, still want to share how GLAD I am to have online shopping. For the past years, I've been a huge fan of Mac's limited collection. More than often, I would check blog entries and Mac online for upcoming limited editions. Would take note on the launch dates in the US and call local Mac stores for launch dates for the different MAC stores. At first, I find it really exciting to wait and be one of the first to grab the collection. But when I start missing them out , I started searching the net for pre-order and buy it ahead of Manila's Mac Launch.

TADAAA!

Carefreeshopper --- an online shopping beauty haven, who does pre-order of Mac limited collections. I gave it a try and surely glad I did!!!! I got a beauty powder from Mac's Vera Collection and 4 lippies from Mac's Shop Cook Collection and finally the Nicki Minaj Viva Glam lipstick. I didn't have to wait that long (like other pre-order, about a month) because I got my orders after 2 and a half weeks. I got it even before it came out here in Manila. Finally, I didn't have to wake up early to get a number from Mac , fall in line and end up with NOTHING! Yes, nothing! The last time I went to Mac (Rockwell) to grab the Iris Apfel lippies, the girl infront of me was the last person who got Pink Pigeon and Party Parrot. How depressing! I was there when Mac store opened and got my respective number. Only to go home empty handed. Gosh, there are way MORE crazier beauty junky lovelies out there, to be there earlier.... Hahaha!

Enough of that nightmare, there's Carefreeshopper to take care of my Mac addiction. Thanks Armie. Will sure order again soon for future Mac limited editions.

Snoe Glam Jam Blush

Lip and cheek tints are "Beauty Junkies BESTFRIEND". A magical gem that works wonders in seconds. There are days that I'm too lazy to put make up . A nice cheeky pop of color on my cheeks and lips would do the trick and makes me head out the door flawlessly blooming.

SNOE Glam Jam Blush in bubble gum (6g/ P119)

A water based cheek tint that flawlessly blends with skin. OHHHH! I love the NEON bright pink shade. It may look too bright on the pot but when applied and blended on well moisturized skin, gives a healthy flush. I can't resist it lovely color. A tiny amount is only needed to brighten cheeks. Glad I gave it a try. Now, I'm lemming to get the 3 other shades available. Summer is here and this would be a staple in my beauty kit on the go. Very much impressed with how long it stayed on my cheeks (more than it should --- about 6 hours).

See, how pretty this SNOE Glam Jam blush in bubble gum appears on skin :).

Ready for summer with cheeky cheeks and pinky stained lips...

http://www.facebook.com/SnoeBeauty

Benefit Benetint

BENETINT

It was this most coveted, holy grail bottled cheek tint that got me curious on Benefit Cosmetics. Glad that I did because up until now, Benefit Cosmetics has never failed to impress me . However, like any other brands there would be some tat are comparable to other cheaper brands and works as well.

For me, Benefit Benetint lip and cheek stain is one of those products that other brands carry and doesn't hole your pockets. Don't get me wrong, I SUPER love Benefit but the Benetint for me is overrated.

My Personal Reasons:

• other cosmetic brands carry a lip and cheek stain line
• I need to layer on several times on my cheeks before color shows up
• staying power is not impressive; needs to retouch
• very pricey considering it doesn't really stain
• shade is similar to other brands available locally
• most of all, very expensive ($29 approx. P1400)

DISCLAIMER:

Benefit Benetint may not work for me. BUT, it doesn't mean that what I think or feel about this product would be the same with other LOVELIES out there. Because maybe the place and weather also varies for its staying power. Because in the Philippines, the humid weather is unbelievable. Maybe that's why it didnt work wonders on me. I'm not totally saying that Benetint is not a good choice, it's just that for its price I could get same benefits and usage from other cheaper brands.

Lovelies, any other lip and cheekstain that is worth trying ? :)

Model's Own nail polish in Bubble Gum NP059

Oh my , Oh my my! PINK is the color of passion.....

I've never been a huge fan of nail polishes but when I'm faced with gorgeous shades like HOT PINK, I suddenly forget that I don't splurge on polishes. Don't get me wrong, I do buy polishes but I only buy very few because I only get to apply them if done by my manicurist. I don't really like applying it alone because I'm not simply good at it. And, when I buy expensive polishes, I make sure that the shade is something I would wear often.

Went to this Super Sale Bazaar at World Trade Center last March 2, 2012 to buy some lippies from my current favorite brand. Thanks to my favorite online seller Sarah F.-- Make Up Hub by Naturele Collezione. I wasn't really going to buy polish but when it turned out that there's nothing much to buy anymore (I've almost completed the lippies), I decided to try the MODEL'S OWN Polish in bubblegum.

It was a good impulse buy. Since summer is just around the corner, a nice bright neon pink would be a great way to pimp up those nails. I'm so loving it. Quality is impressive. It's a bit opaque. It lasted a week on my nails chip-free. Model's own polishes offers a wide range of shades ranging from neutral to bright colorful shades. Now, I can't sleep. I want more of these superb polishes, can't wait on stocking up. (YIKES!!!)

Etude VIP girl nail polish in PK012

I'm just starting to be fond of nail polishes. Etude carries a wide range of colors and finishes of nail polish. Very affordable. Nail polishes range from P49- P350. The P350 usually comes in 3 nail polishes in a collection.

Etude VIP girl nail polish in PK012

The quality is just fine. If applied properly to well groomed nails, it will last a week. And like any other nail polish, if well taken cared of, will definitely last. One thing that I like with their polish is that they don't discolor my nails even after how long I keep it on. The formulation is most likely mild. May not contain harsh and strong chemicals like other long staying branded nail polish.

It's worth a try, lovelies! Nice to have the limited collections too that comes in 2-3 complemeting shades in a bundle :)

Mac lipstick in Morange

Summer is just around the corner and spring bright neon colors are IN again. I've been fond ever since with bright pink shades of make up especially for blush and lippies. Last year, bright orange shade of lipsticks have been the hype of glamourous runways. Yet, inspite of the hype, I never really got interested on trying these shades. I just feel that it won't look good on me.

MAC Lipstick In MORANGE

Mac Iris Apfel Collection was launched early February 2012 in the Philippines and again I missed the most coveted Pink Pigeon and Pink Parrot :( ---loser me! The only shade I was able to get is Morange. I tried it anyway because I'm too disappointed to have

missed again the pink lippies.

Gladly tried it! Morange change my mind on not to wear Orange lippies.

Was skeptical that orange may not flatter my skin tone but surprisingly, it did!

I'm loving how the neon shade of orange brightened my face.

But then, I'm not sure if it really looks good on me. Maybe, I'm not used to this shade

that's why I still think pink shades flatter me more?

Taken from Iphone Camera - Sorry if it's not tat clear....

Lovelies, what do you think? Does orange shade of lipstick looks good on me? If it does, I would have a new challenge --- collect different shades of Orange lippies! Yikes! Should save up some more (Hihihi :P). Help!

Etude Lip and Eye Make up Remover

My make up routine would always include putting on mascara. With the exaggerated humidity in my country (Philippines) especially on summer season, waterproof and smudge proof eye make up is A MUST! That's why, make up removers is a main stay in my beauty arsenal.

Etude House Lip and Eye Make up Remover (198/100ml)

I've tried this make up remover and works fine. HOWEVER, when it comes to removing waterproof mascara could be more a little bit tad challenging. I would need to repeatedly rub/ wipe the cotton (with remover) off on my lashes . And even after I thought have removed mascara, after washing my face, there would be residue of the mascara. Unlike Etude's Mascara Remover, it easily removes mascara. But for long staying lippies/ lipsticks it works really well.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream(look at the bottom of the swatch)

*with just one swipe

Nicely removed with Etude Lip and Eye make up remover

For me I like having both of Etude's lip and eye make up remover AND mascara remover. Because there are days that I only wear mascara and times that I would only wear eye make up with only eyeliner. They both will last a long time because a little goes a long way. Just don't forget to shake before use :).

I recommend Etude's lip and eye make up remover for those who does not wear mascara. It would be enough to clean the eye and lip are. But for those like me, who loves to wear mascara, the Etude's Mascara Remover would be the best one for the job.

Etude House Collagen Moistful Essence in Base SPF 22

I love make up so so much. BUT, it doesn't mean that I want the look of overly made up face. I just want to look natural and fresh. Dewy skin is the way to go. Matte is out. For me, it is important that skin is showing through even make up is applied. That's why I'm always in the look out for beauty products that helps enhance the skin's natural beauty.

Etude's Collagen Moistfull Essence in Base with SPF 22 ( around P600+/30 ml) is a great way to prime the face and achieve the dewy look. It has a glowing finish that reflects light. Giving a healthy fresh look. Skin looks so young and plump. As we all know, collagen is a booster for the skin in regenerating it's cells to look younger. Plus, it already has SPF 22 to protect skin . A lot of wonderful benefits in a bottle.

See how it blends well with the skin. Leaves a soft dewy look.

WITHOUT FLASH

See how it reflects light.

Nice if set with your favorite powder or foundation.

WITH FLASH

The only downside but I'm not sure if it really a downside since it's a base, is that I find it a bit greasy. But of course, when powder or foundation is applied after, it is mattified and leaves skin flawlessly glowing. It is not recommended to use alone, better to set with loose powder to avoid the overly oily dewy look.

Have you tried the other products of Etude's Collagen Moistfull range? Would love to hear it :)

Tony Moly: Ice Queen Multi Play Cream SPF 30

I'm a big fan of multi tasking beauty products. It is getting more that what you paid for.

The value for money and of course products are not limited to one purpose.

Very convenient.

The Tony Moly Ice Queen Multi Play Cream SPF 30 (P578/ 50ml) is a great moisturizer, make up base and sunblock all in one. And BONUS for it's super cutie packaging --- ice cream in a cup topped with choco fudge inspired look.

What I like and love about this product is that I don't have to pile on different products before I put on my make up. At first by looking at it's creamy texture, I thought that it would be too thick and heavy on my skin. I wouldn't want to end my day with a greasy face. But when I tried it in the store, it has a very light texture and easily absorbed by my skin. I was SOLD! It did moisturized my skin very well. The only issue I have with this is the scent. It is way too strong . The scent would last about 10 mins. but when foundation is applied, the scent fades away.

Now that summer is fast approaching.... multitasking products are very essential. No need to pile on beauty products to look great . Saves time , money and still get great looking skin.

If you're looking for a great light moisturizer with sun protection to try for the coming SUMMER, I recommend Tony Moly"s Ice Queen Multi Play Cream. It's worth a try.

PS:

I bought this from my own money. It was not sponsored. I write and blog on products that I've tried and tested. However, in some cases, products that I love and worked for me may NOT work for everyone. I just enjoy sharing what I've discovered and worked wonders for me.

So LOVELIES, share other multi tasking products that is worth trying.

I'm so loving KOREAN skin care lately :)