MakeUp Review: Bloom Lip gloss

Dr.Evil is at it again with the gloss. Found a new favorite from Bloom. It's called Pout and it's pinkish-brown. The shade is similar to that of Fusion Beauty's Bare. It's a bit sheer and the glossiness doesn't die so I'm not afraid to wear it alone. It's also way cheaper than Fusion Beauty. But one thing I don't like is the applicator. It gets so little of the color that I have to keep putting it back in the container to get more of it. Too much arm exercise for me hahaha. But still a good investment.

Check out Bloom's Makeup line at Beauty Bar. I'm sure you'll find something to bring home.

Beauty Vitamins

MakeUp shouldn't be the end all and be all of looking fabulous. Not that having dozens of foundation is a crime....never!!! But having healthy and glowing skin should be your no.1 priority. Over the years I've taken these vitamins not just for its health benefits but I've found them to have improved the appearance of my skin.

Vitamin E- an anti-oxidant which protects you from sun exposure and anti-aging because it reduces fine lines and wrinkles

Omega 3 essential fatty acids-good for dry skin, controls whiteheads and blackheads

Vitamin C- a skin brightener and it lightens dark spots

Vitamin B- prevents acne and maintains skin tone

Zinc- good for those with thinning hair, prevents acne too

Vitamin k- reduces circles under the eye

Hope this helps, it's never too late to nourish the skin. :D

Makeup Tool Review: Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

For years I have been using a rinky-dink eye lash curler because I never knew any better.  Was I wrong??!!
Finally I have the Shu Uemura eye lash curler and I am so happy! (Thanks Hikaru!)

Some people say that they are all the same....uh, No!

1. The size and frame of the curler is not so big that it will pinch your eye lids. They now came up with a mini eyelash curler to curl your shortest lashes!

2. The pad is made of silicone and it gives you a nice curl and not the usual L shape

3. The handle size is just right that it fits your fingers perfectly

4. Comes with a spare rubber (yey!)

Available at Rustan's Department Store for about Php1,000.00 (or more) I think.  It's worth every peso if you ask me.

See you soon!

Haircare review: Osis Volume Cream and Back to Basics Reparative Conditioning Balm

I recently had my hair permed just to see how I would look in it. But I told my stylist (Alex), "please nothing too kinky please." Showed him pictures from magazines and he knew right away what I meant. I didn't know it was going to be a challenge to maintain those curls and make sure that the ends (of my hair) stay well conditioned. So I had to invest in 2 products for my everyday routine.

Back To Basics Reparative Conditioning Balm (Green tea)- This I use after shampooing. I leave it on for at least 3 minutes then rinse. I love the smell and makes my hair really soft.

Osis Volume Cream-My stylist used this one when my hair was already towel dried. Mostly at the ends by scrunching it. It really helps cause it creates more body. After that I use a dryer directed at the curls to make them shiny. Available at Studio Fix by Alex Carbonell at Greenbelt 5.

I'm getting used to these products and I'm beginning to like the fact that I don't have to use the dryer as much as I used to. My hair says thanks! :))

Makeup Review: Benefit Sugarbomb

Sugarbomb is the latest addition to the Box O' Powder series.  It
contains 4 shades in 1 box, bright pink, light pink, peach and a light purple.

PACKAGING:  As part of the box o' powder set, Sugarbomb
comes in a box with a mini brush

SCENT:  Has a slight floral scent which I love

TEXTURE: Definitely very silky

COLOR PAYOFF:  Bright pink - very pigmented
                                 Light pink - very pigmented as well
                                 Peach - a very light hint of peach with shimmer
                                 Light Purple - a very light purple almost similar to the Light pink with little shimmer

Sugarbomb can be used as a highlighter on the top of your cheeks; a face brightener or an all over face powder.  Reminds me of Benefit's Dandelion but with a bit more shimmer and color variation.

Available at Gorgeousmestore.

See you next time!

Makeup Review: The Balm Time Balm Concealer

SIZE: This concealer comes in a screw top container having a weight of 7.5 grams with a price of Php795.00

TEXTURE: It is creamy and moisturizing; no need to use an eye cream
if you're going to apply it the under eye area; lightweight

SHADE: I'm an NC35 in MAC and with the Time Balm Concealer I
got the mid-medium shade; on the magazine, they have 6 available
shades from Lighter than Light to Medium Dark but the Beauty Bar I went to only had 3 shades, mid medium being their darkest

APPLICATION: I mainly use it on my zit bumps to lessen the look of the bump; on the days when my skin is cooperating I use this concealer instead of a full faced foundation - I applied it under my eyes, on my age spots/sun spots and on the sides of  my nostrils and I was able to even out my skin; I apply a light dusting of powder to set everything and I was done!

OVERALL: A new discovery!!!

Available at Beauty Bar.

See you soon!

MakeUp Brush Review: Japonesque Foundation Brush and Blush Brush

One of our followers recommended this brand for me to try. Good thing it's available at Beauty Bar. They also have travel sizes so there's no excuse not to bring them along on long trips.

Foundation Brush- One of my favorites now. Bristles are soft and no streaks are evident. Price at P2,000 plus but really worth every cent. Easy to clean.

Blush Brush- Just got this yesterday with L. Price is also the same range as the foundation but what made me decide to buy it, is that it has many uses. It's not just a blush brush but it can also be used when applying all-over powder and bronzer. So your money is working double time for this one.

Thanks Nadine!:)

MakeUp Review: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation

Kimmy recommended this to me being a Bobbi Brown afficionado. So I did. Now it's on my wish list. It's just like a tinted moisturizer but slightly thicker. The shade is Natural #4 which is perfect for my medium skintone. It has this weightless feeling and the coverage is fantastic. It also helps that you use a good foundation brush to make sure you're whole face is evenly covered.

Available at Rustan's (Makati).

What to bring to the Beach

For my birthday me and my husband are going to the beach ( Yey! Boracay!) and here are some items I will be bringing with me.

1. Sunblock
2. Lip Balm preferably with SPF in it
3. MAC's Fix +
4. Leave in conditioner - to be applied 15 minutes before going to the beach and after (that's what my stylist said)
5. Skin Mattifier - to be applied before partying at night :)
6. 1 Lipstick
7. Blotting Papers
8. Eyelash Curler

I will take a break from all the foundations and powders and let my skin breathe.  Hopefully I will have a nice healthy glow when I get back.

Do you think I am forgetting something?

footnote: basic toiletries are a given okay?

New Arrivals from GorgeousMe

Check out our web store for our new arrivals:

1. Bare Minerals-lipsticks and Mineral foundation powder

2. Rimmel-lipsticks

3. Benefit cosmetics- Benetint, eyebright, and blush

4. Physicians Formula- multi-colored pressed powder and mineral powder palette glow pearls

5. Nyx-eyeshadow jumbo pencil, eye/eyebrow pencil, lip lacquer pots, long lip pencil

6. Korres Lip Butter-plum, jasmine, quince and wild rose

7. Coastal Scents brushes-flat brush, blush brush, kabuki brush

8. Lorac -blush

9. Tarte-lip stain

Send us an email if you're interested to see them. Hope to hear from you soon.

MakeUp Review: Bare Minerals Lipstick

This lipstick has so much potential. Besides being comparable to Mac (price wise), packaging is also simple but I prefer this one. It's classier I think. The shade I just tried is called Cream Puff. Again, it's a nude color more on the mauve-beige side. At first, application is not as smooth as I would hope for but when it's on the lips the color shines. I suppose the reason is that all their ingredients are 100% natural so it's not only the color you're after but its long-lasting hydration which is good for your lips.

NOW AVAILABLE AT GorgeousMeStore !

Haircare Review: Lush Coolaulin Conditioner

Since I am on a path to hair recovery I wanted a conditioner that will help my tresses.  The sales associate at Lush suggested this and said that this will make my hair shiny and new and it does not affect color treated hair she said...of course, desperate as I am I believed.  BIG MISTAKE!  I read on the Lush website that continual usage of this conditioner will lighten your hair.  I can't have that since I just dyed my hair dark brown.  Good thing I only bought the small bottle which is about Php295.00

So before buying any hair product at Lush, make sure you do your own research first rather than just taking the sales person's word for it.

That'll learn me :((((

Haircare Review: Lush New Hair Shampoo Bar

 After a session of digiperm and  highlights a few months back I have decided to revert back to my original hair color (which is dark brown) and try to improve its condition.

After a long hiatus from Lush I decided to indulge once more. First on my radar, a shampoo.  I was skeptical at first because I didn't think this would lather at all, from the looks of it.  I was hugely mistaken, thank goodness! With just a small application on my hair I had a head full of lather...nice! Smells wonderful too! Reminds of Dentyn Gum :)

According to Lush this is good for dull and falling hair.  I will have to wait about a week or so before I can accurately say if this improved my hair condition.  I will write an update in about a week's time.  But if this does not do anything I would still repurchase because it just made shampooing my hair fun again :)....(cheap thrills) :)))

Makeup Review: Coastal Scents Metal Mania Palette

coastalscents.com

I was looking for the Urban Decay Naked Palette but it's still out of stock so I decided to get this one instead.  Has 88 colors and most of them have a very good color payoff.  The shades vary from neutral browns, purples, greens and even reds/pink.  Even though I will not use some of the colors, it is always nice to have just in case I have a costume party to go to :).
They are easy to blend and but some of the shadows have a tendency to be chalky.  For it to last I always use an eyelid primer underneath.  I think it is a good enough alternative to the Naked Palette until I get my hands on one :) - I am just after the neutrals anyway....

October Favorites 2010

This month I have been loving the following:

1. Lips - Laura Mercier Lip Velvet in Royal Plum and NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Natural because I am giving my nude lippies a break :).  The Royal Plum is too dark that's why I top it off with a Natural gloss.  And after a mug of coffee, I still have lipstick on which is definitely a good thing!

2. Eyes - Benefit Creaseless Cream Eye Shadow in Skinny Jeans and I use the Gunmetal Shade and the shimmery Taupe from Smashbox Beauty A-GO-GO Color Palette to have the neutral smokey look

3. Cheeks - Benefit Powder Blush in Dallas only because I have neglected this blush for a while now

4. Face - Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Bamboo Beige.  Still doing the foundation rotation system...( I seriously need to find a new foundation...I'm getting tired of the ones I have) :) excuses excuses :)

5. Brush - Hakuhodo G527.  An amazing brush; can be used for liquid foundation or loose powder; does not cause streaking; a bit pricey ($54.00) but definitely worth it

What are your favorites this month?

See you next time!

Shopping for MakeUp kits

There are several stores that have a variety of pouches that can mask as a makeup kit. Some buy based on how much cosmetics it can carry, how many compartments it has, how much it costs or simply how cute they are. Here are some of the stores I'd like you to check out just in case you're in the Makeup kit shopping mode.

1. Muji- which just opened its first store here in Manila (Bonifacio High Street). They have all sorts of stuff such as travel pouches, stackable trays, bottle pumps, toiletry case, clear plastic pouches, and much more.

2. Rustan's- they carry the "old school" type of cosmetic cases. Those that are basically made of fabric covered with plastic making it waterproof especially for those bringing it to the beach. Designs are zzzzz but I know some prefer it plain and simple.

3. Beauty Bar- They have this brand called Wicked Sista. They are also covered with plastic but the designs are more fun. Colors are brighter and the prints are animated. I do find it a bit pricey though but worth looking into.

Makeup Review: Jane Iredale concealer

This brand was recommended by the facialist of Dermalogica because  it is organic and is mineral based.  According to the facialist even pregnant women can use this brand. Only 2 shades of the concealer were available and I chose medium dark.  It comes in a squeeze-y tube and has a sponge tip.  The texture felt like a cream to powder consistency and it is very light on the skin.  Easy to blend and try not to use too much for it might settle into the fine lines (that's if you have any, like I do).

Available at Rustan's.

Makeup Review: Shu Uemura Eyebrow Pencil in Hard Formula

I was looking for an eyebrow pencil that wouldn't disappear or melt during the day and I was told that this was a good buy.  So I went and bought.  The Shu counter at Rustans only had 1 shade, shade 6 which
I felt was still kind of light for my hair color but the makeup artist insisted that it matched.  After a few tries at home I decided that it was too light :(  All is not lost.  Shu describes this formula as smudge proof and when I drew a line on the back of my hand and tried smudging it, it didn't move! But how come on my brows it does? hmmm....I think the sweat on my face is the culprit.
But I am not about to give up using this pencil, not for what I paid for it.  I think the only way for a pencil to stay on my brows is when used with a gel or a brow wax to seal it in place.

Available at Rustan's.

Makeup Review: Hakuhodo Makeup Brush

 Hakuhodo Brush G527

I have heard this brush from 2 youtube makeup gurus, Misschievous and Pixiwoo and they raved about the brand.  So that got me curious.  I finally have 1 (thanks to Hikaru!)and..... it's AMAZING! Very dense and super soft; doesn't cause streaking; although it did shed a few strands but that's okay by me.  It can be used for liquid foundation and loose powder.   A must have!!!

Check out Hakuhodo to see other brushes.

MakeUp Review: Rimmel 1000 kisses Lipliner

My sister gave this to me a couple of weeks back and I never returned it to. You

obviously know why. I can't part with it. It's been my favorite lipliner so far, to think I

never had an addiction with any lipliner before. I tried the one of Prestige but didn't like it.

One reason lipliners are used is to seal in the lipstick because of its tendency to bleed.

This one of Rimmel does just that. And it doesn't wash off easily. The shade (Tiramisu)

is perfect with the Cle de Peau nudes that I bought. It's on the brownish/pink side. It has suddenly become the exclusive partner of both.

Not currently available here but soon I hope. :))

Makeup Review: Prestige Browliner / Crayon a Sourcils

This eyebrow pencil has a mini brush attached on the cap which is why I bought it.  The shade is Earth Brown and from what I recall, this line came in 2 shades, this and a lighter brown.  What I like about this pencil is that it doesn't rub off easily.  Yes it gets smudged a little but not completely.  When used with a brow gel, it lasted the whole day on my brows.  It is very convenient to use because of the mini brush attached onto the cap.

This is available at Beauty Bar at Php247.00

Makeup Review: Makeup Forever Mat Velvet + Foundation

I have been wanting to get this foundation for a very long time and thank goodness I was not disappointed when I did finally buy it.

SHADE: The artist had a bit of a difficult time matching my skin tone from what they had; for reference I am an NC35 with MAC and with MUFE, I am shade 40

TEXTURE: It has a very creamy and slightly thick consistency but not watery; it is very easy to blend on your skin, as long as you use a dense brush

FINISH: Although it says mat it still had a dewy finish but not as shiny as when I used the Laura Mercier Oil-free Foundation; set with powder and your face is completely  matte

PACKAGING: It comes in a plastic squeeze bottle; easy to use but you have to shake the bottle before using and when you do that, the foundation oozes out so you need to close the lid as soon as possible!

Makeup Review: Bloom Eye Shadow in Bleu

I was given this eye shadow by a good friend and I was excited because I have never tried an eye shadow from this brand.  I was so surprised that the color was the same as the Laura Mercier Marina, and not just the color, but the texture too!  I'm pretty sure the price is not as expensive  so it is a must try/buy.  The colors that are available are what I call 'basic', nothing outrageous and I think you have around 12 shades to choose from.  The shadow was easy to blend and it has a smooth texture.  But I noticed that this Bleu turned silvery after an hour.

Available at Beauty Bar.

Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!

MakeUp Review: MakeUp Forever Concealer Full Coverage

I read about this in Allure magazine (October 2010) and they consider it the Best concealer out there. I got the full coverage, meaning it's mainly for scars. Yet it didn't stop me from buying it even if I was only going to use it for my dark circles. Here's why I like it:

1. It's not heavy on the skin particularly around my dark circles where I normally use it for. The cream is so smooth and hydrating so it doesn't sit on the lines underneath the eyes.

2. A small amount goes a long way, so no worries of running out when you use it everyday

3. No need for a concealer brush, your fingertips are fine.

It's pricey for a concealer but hey, would you sacrifice looking like someone just took a jab at you.

Makeup Review: Benefit It Stick

Conceal it all Stick/ Stick Camouflage

This concealer is in a stick form and it has a flesh/light beige tint to it.  Once you apply, all you need to do is tap to blend onto your skin.  This  It Stick is better for concealing dark spots rather than under eye circles. Unfortunately, this is no longer available at Benefit's online store but I am sure there are still other places where they sell it.  It is very creamy and it comes in 1 shade only.  Very convenient to bring especially for people who travel a lot.

Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!

Makeup Tip: Covering acne with makeup

tiSome of us are not as lucky to have the perfect skin, I should know, I go through this dilemma every month (arrggghhhh!).  But all is not lost, there are things we can do to minimize the look of those pesky zits.

1. I learned that there are concealers that are acne spots and concealers for acne itself

2. For acne spots one can use a concealer in a lighter shade to be able to even out the color

3.  For acne itself, one should use a concealer with the same shade as your skin.  If you use a lighter shade this will enhance the bump rather than conceal it.

Hope you found this helpful.  Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!

Makeup Review: Nude Lips for the Medium-Medium Dark Skin tone

One of our followers recently suggested we recommend the best nude lipsticks for the medium-medium dark skin tone. Based on what I've seen in the magazines nudes in the brown side are the most attractive for them.  Here are some of my picks but of course it all depends on you.

1. Bobbi Brown in Cocoa-this is my top pick. Softer shade of brown.

2. Bobbi brown in Hot Cocoa-this one is a bit darker

3. Clinique's Chocolate Ice- this one is sheer, more on the brown/plum side

I hope one of them finds it's way into your collection. When in doubt go natural. :)

Makeup Review: Maybelline The Magnum Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara

Another mouthful but I actually liked using this  mascara.

Brush: Has shorter and long bristles

Texture: Kind of thick but not runny nor is it too dry; not clumpy at all ( Yes!)

Feel on the lashes: I love how my lashes are not stiff, it still feels like normal lashes


Look: made my lashes look thicker

Overall: a success! and I will definitely repurchase

Hope this helps and thanks for stopping by!

MakeUp Review: Lorac Perfectly Lit

I'm not so into shimmer but this one is an exception. The powder is very fine and it doesn't give too much of a shine so it's perfect for daytime. I use it on top of my bronzing powder and dust a bit on my nose, chin and forehead. The shade I have is called Spotlight and and it's now being featured in Allure Magazine (October 2010) as one of their Best Beauty Buys.

Makeup Tip: Day to night Makeup II

II. Somewhat made up for day/work

1. Of course you also need to blot the whole face to remove excess oil

2. Reapply crease shadow.  Then comes the eye liner, smudge after for that smokey look

3. Apply concealer under the eye area, the chin and middle of the forehead

4. Then comes blush

Makeup Tip: Day to Night Makeup

Here are some tips to help you transition your makeup look from day(work) to night (party time!) when you don't have the luxury of time to redo the entire makeup.

I. No-makeup Makeup Look for day/work
1. Blot the whole face with blotting sheet so that you won't remove the foundation you already have on

2. Reapply eye liner, preferably in black and then smudge it a bit so the line will not be too harsh unless that's what you're going for (like the Pin-up Look)

3. Apply some concealer under the eye area and remember to blend

4. Remove lipstick and reapply, preferably in a deeper/darker shade

5. Reapply blush if you have it in you makeup bag

6. Light dusting of powder foundation/pressed powder

And voila! you're done.  Remember to check your teeth for excess lipstick before heading out. 

Enjoy your night out ladies!

Hope this helps.  See you next time!

MakeUp Review: Nude Lipsticks/Gloss

Here are some my favorite nude lipsticks and a few that I've just discovered. They're perfect for the "no makeup" makeup look. Muah!

1.Mac Satin Lipstick in Spirit- highly pigmented but it's a bit hard to apply. Goes well with any skin tone and the finish is fantastic.

2.L'Oreal in Dune- a bit on the bronze side. Great for the beach.

3.Chanel In Mythic #69- lightly pigmented so I add gloss on top

4.Cle De Peau #103-very moisturizing, does not wash out easily

5.Laura Mercier in Brown Sugar- smooth application and very flattering

6.Fusion Beauty Gloss in Bare-on the pinkish side too, not too sticky, you get pouty lips

Treasure Finds 8

Some makeup alternatives I recently discovered.

High End: Benefit Eyebright
Alternative: e.l.f. Eyebrow Lifter and Filler; comes in 3 shades

High End: Duwop Reverse Lip Liner
Alternative: e.l.f. Lip Lock Pencil

Thanks for reading and see you next time!

Makeup Review: Prestige Liquid Eye liner

I have been trying to get into re-learning how to apply liquid eye liner that's why I have been trying out a few.

Unlike the Styli-style, this comes in a pot and has a shorter handle and somewhat thicker tip.  It is not as easy to hold especially for people with bigger hands (like me).  Just like with any type of liquid liner, it needs some getting used to.  Once applied, you need to give it a bit of time to dry or else it will smear onto your eye lids (a hassle).  Comes in different shades but I don't think I will repurchase, only because of the short length of the wand.

Also available at Beauty Bar and they're selling it at a very reasonable price.

Hope this helps and see you next time!

MakeUp Review: Giorgio Armani Sheer Bronzer

I bought the #5 shade (golden sand) which I found a bit too dark on my skin but I like its sheerness. The bronzer is very fine and it's not matte so I go easy on it. So what I did was use it as a contour then combine it with a soft pink blush. Better than letting it go to waste.

* Some tidbit.... Megan Fox (transformers babe) and Lady Gaga are among the celebrities that use them. Fox uses #5 and Lady Gaga uses #8.

Makeup Review: Styli-style Liquid Eyeliner

This brand is more popularly known for their pens.  Eyeliners, lip liners and shadow liners.  What I have is their felt tip liquid eye liner pen.  It is very easy to apply once you get the hang of it.  They have a variety of eye liner tips to choose from, just like pentel pens.  It does not smudge and it dries quickly.

Price is very affordable.  Available at Beauty Bar.

Practice makes perfect  :) Thanks for stopping by!

Makeup Tip: What are the products you can buy on the cheap

1. Mascara -  I think it's okay to buy the drugstore kind because some are very effective; and they dry out in 3 to 4 months anyway

2. Eye Shadows - they have a variety of colors and some are very pigmented; some are not too powdery which is a good thing

3. Blush - wide range of shades and some are very pigmented as well just like the more expensive ones

4. Lipstick - they have different finishes and an assortment of colors

You just need to keep an open mind and be a bit adventurous when it comes to trying out new(cheaper) brands.

Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!

MakeUp Brushes: What's worth your money and what's not

I remember using sponges to put on my foundation and that foam applicator that they include when buying an eyeshadow. I thought they were the best thing ever created until I discovered these brushes. I've had them for sometime now and I'm so happy I bought them. Here's what's in my collection, some though didn't impress me.

1. Mac #187 (blending brush for powder and pigmented color) - I use this as a foundation brush because it spreads out evenly around my face. Doesn't leave any streaks and bristles are soft. It's made of goat hair and synthetic fiber. Fabulous!

2. Mac #116 (blush brush)- Doesn't leave the blush concentrated on one spot. Easy to clean and doesn't shed too much.

3. Laura Mercier (powder blush)- I've had it for over 5 years now and it's still in good shape. It's fluffy and I use it also as a bronzer brush sometimes.

4. Benefit Slant Brush- Not a good brush. Loses it's shape and hard to clean.

5. Chanel Kabuki Brush- This one I got the same time as the LM. Still alive and kicking. So full and soft. I use it with my setting powder. I'm not sure If they still have it today.

6. Sonia Kashuk (foundation brush)- This is a good alternative if you don't want to spend too much on a foundation brush. Does the job well, no streaks. Available at Target.

7. Stila Eyeshadow brush #15 and #5- One I use as a highlighter on my brow bone, the other on my lids. Hohum on these two...

Thanks for visiting us. Check our Webstore for new brushes we'll be having in a few weeks.

Makeup Tips: What makeup/skincare products are worth spending for

I buy some high end products because some of them are actually better than their cheaper counter part.  Here are some products that I think are worth spending for.

1. Eye cream - you will want something that is actually effective

2. Face Primer/ Eye Primer - so far I haven't found a cheap primer that actually works but not all high end primers work too

3. Foundation - high end ones have a better shade selection and I have tried 1 drugstore brand and it was an epic failure ( didn't like the feel on my skin plus the salesperson suggested the wrong shade for me)

4. Makeup Brushes - it's rare to find great cheap brushes but I am pretty sure it's out there; but 1 thing I am sure about is that it won't be as soft as those brushes that are a bit more expensive; it's okay to spend more on your tools because they will last you years if you take care of them properly.

Thanks for reading and see you next time!

Makeup Review: Loose Powders

A list of some of the loose powders available that we've tried.

1.Make Up Forever HD Microfinish Powder -  By Dr. Evil. I definitely recommend this to women who want to minimize their pores. I'm so impressed with it. So fine to the touch and when you put it on it doesn't scream "sahara" on your skin. I concentrate mostly on my t-zone and chin. This powder has been included in InStyle's Beauty Best Buys several times. Price is mid-range and available at their Store in Bonifacio High Street.

2. Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder - Has a beige tint and works great in setting your under eye concealer.  You can use the velour puff or a small fluffy brush to apply.  It has a powdery texture.  What I have came with a concealer duo, and I would definitely repurchase a solo jar once I'm out.  A must-have in my opinion.  Price is around Php1,500.00 ( I think, don't quote me pls.) and it is available at Rustan's Department Store.

3. Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil - Has a light pinkish tint and the texture is very fine but not the powdery type.  Available in 2 shades, light and dark.  Currently not available here in Manila.  Not something I would go out of my way to purchase.

footnote:  I noticed that whenever I would use a translucent(white) loose powder, my skin would look kind of ashy.  That's why I lean towards those that have a beige/yellow tint to them.  Does that happen to you?

Thanks for reading and see you next time!