Makeup Review: MAC's Ruby Woo Lipstick

I have been searching for a nice red lipstick and this is 1 of my favorites.  It has a blue-ish red tint to it that makes my teeth look whiter...nice!  It has a matte finish and it is very long lasting.  I had dinner and a mug of tea and I still had lipstick after, didn't even need to reapply ( I was just at home by the way) :)

You can always top if off with a red gloss, which I did.  I used the Rimmel Long Lasting and I think it helped the lipstick to stay on longer.

I can now scratch this off my wish list :)....thanks Hikaru!

Makeup Review: Dior Nude Foundation

PROS:

 1. After application this foundation gave me a matte finish.  I still use a mattifying primer underneath.  After a few hours I noticed that my face was on the oily side but not so much that it was leaning towards gross.  It only gave me a dewy look.  I noticed that whenever I used this foundation, I didn't have to blot as much as when I use the Laura Mercier Oil-free foundation/ LM Silk Foundation.  I tried not setting it with a loose powder and I noticed that my face less is less oily after a few hours

2. It also comes in a pump bottle which makes it easy to use.

3. It is easy to blend once applied

4. It is hydrating which helps keeping the production of oil at bay;  I was told that even though I have an oily skin, some parts are actually dehydrated

CONS:

1. It is on the pricey side but for those of you who are having a problem with oiliness, this is a must buy, it is worth it in my opinion.

2.  Limited shade selection and limited stocks available


Thanks for stopping by!

Wishlist II for Christmas

Here's part 2 of my Holiday Wishlist. Asked my brother for one of them this Christmas, hopefully its available. Muah to you bro! :)))

1. Giorgio Armani Face Fabric Radiance Foundation

2. Laura Mercier Illuminating Powder Quad

3. Shiseido "The Makeup" Luminizing Color Powder Refill

4. YSL Variation Blush in Silky Nude

Happy Holidays!!!!

November Favorites 2010

Here are some of the items I have been loving this November.

1. Bloom Blush Brush - Because of this brush I am excited to wear blush every chance I get :)

2. Korres Tinted Moisturizer - I was given a sample to try and I am loving it.  I was expecting it to be greasy but it wasn't  bad as I thought it would be.  My face just looked dewy.  Of course I am still hoping that it wouldn't be but I would take this any day than any other tinted moisturizer.

3. Benefit Dandelion - I first saw this in In Style circa 2000 (I think) and finally I have 1!!! It is a pale soft pink that gives your cheeks that natural 'flushed' look and has a very slight shimmer.  You can use it as a blush or as a face powder.  Very cute packaging and wonderful scent. Available at Gorgeousme Store.

4.  Tarte Lip Surgence in Exposed - A matte lipstick that's in a pencil form that has a beige/nude shade.  Very wearable for everyday.  It also has a peppermint scent to it.  Also available at Gorgeousme Store.

Makeup Look: Color match-up II

Dark Gray and Brown Eyeshadow

Once again you can apply a bronzer then use a light peachy blush over it.  For lips, anything on the peach side as well to compliment the brown shade on the eyes.



Different Shades of Brown Eyeshadow

This time a bronzer is optional, for the blush you can use a peachy pink shade ( just like Nars Orgasm).  Lipstick, you can use a beige nude or a peachy nude shade.  Gloss is optional as well but if you do decide to wear one, try using a light pink over your lipstick.

Hope these ideas help you with your makeup pairings.  Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!

MakeUp Review: Sugar Lip Treatment by Fresh (Rose)

I finally got a hold of this sought after lip balm By Fresh. It's sort of pinkish red that's close to the color of your lips (comes out very natural if you ask me). It also has that rosy scent which is not overpowering at all. It makes you want to put it over and over again. It's a good lip treatment that can stay on even after drinking because of its hydrating properties. I consider this pricey for a lip balm but well worth your buck. Hongkong is your best bet to get one of these but they still run out from time to time. So hop on that plane and go! Check out their glosses and scents too.

Makeup Look: Makeup Color match-ups

Some color combination ideas for an evening, everyday, bridal and everything else in between.

Dark Blue/ Navy Blue Eyeshadow

For your eye makeup not to clash with the rest of your face, you can apply a bronzer on your cheeks to contour.  Then you can use a dusty rosy tan (nothing too pink or too peachy) shade.

As for lips, try using a nude shade and then you can top it off with a light pink shimmery gloss.

Thanks for reading and come back soon for more color match-up ideas.

Makeup Look: Holiday Party Makeup Look

For a simple but ultra glam look you can opt for the 'sparkly' look which is perfect for Christmas or New Year's Eve parties.

The Look:

1. Your foundation of choice

2. Apply an eye lid primer; then apply a sparkly/glittery neutral shadow all over the lid

3. Curl your lashes and then apply mascara

4. Light dusting of blush; you can also choose to apply some highlighter

5. Vavavoom Red Lipstick

Voila! Ready to party 'til dawn!

MakeUp Review: Chanel Rouge Allure in Maniac (147)

I'm into the plum/prune shade these days only because I already have a lip liner to match it with. So I went on my lipstick search with my gal pal, L. We ended up at the Chanel counter and found "THE" one. When I used it the next day here's what I noticed.... it's very very plum indeed and found it a bit thick when applying it. Morticia is that you?? So a lip brush is highly recommended for application. And since I found it too dark I blotted it first before putting gloss over it. (Oh don't forget that my lipliner is already in place from the start)....From the gloss I was able to lighten the shade and so I was confident again. Thanks L for my Christmas gift.:))

Practical MakeUp

Here's my list of some "practical makeup" for you penny pinchers out there. I think it's worth a shot.

1. Mosaic powder/Brick palettes- they have a variety of shades in one compact which you can use as an all-over powder or individually as an eyeshadow/highlighter. The one I have is from Palladio which is available at the Beauty Bar. Bobbi Brown has the brick palettes but I'm pretty sure other brands have it as well.

2. Brushes- I recently purchased the Japonesque brush which has multiple uses. It can be a powder blush, a blush brush (for contouring and highlighting) and a bronzing blush as well.

3. Cheek and Lip Stain- Self-explanatory. Benefit has the famous one called Benetint. They have 2 shades. Check out Tarte too. Benetint is available at our GM webstore.

4. BB cream- This is one of Korea's latest skincare gems. It's a foundation, moisturizer and sunblock rolled into one. My friend gave me a new tube to try from Etude House. I like it better than the one that Face Shop has because it's smoother to apply.

Hope they help. Can't be too practical these days. :)

Makeup Review: StudioMakeup Super Shine Lip gloss

I have this gloss in shade 6, Flirt and it matches the StudioMakeup Lipstick in shade 5 Vibrant Wine.

PACKAGING: It comes in a slim tube container with a black lid and  transparent body.  It has a doe foot applicator.

TEXTURE: Surprisingly this lip gloss is not very sticky which is good (I hate super sticky lip gloss)

EFFECT: Helps the lipstick color be more vibrant especially if you have the same shade of gloss; the gloss will also help your lipstick retain its color; you might have to use an oil based remover to get rid of all the color on your lips

OVERALL:  After having a mug of tea I found that I still have most of what I applied earlier; some may have rubbed off on the mug but I still had lips full of lip color; the lipstick didn't settle on the lines on my lips and no bleeding either.

Available at Beauty Bar for Php795.00

Thanks for reading and see you next time!

Makeup Tool Review: Bloom Blush Brush

I was looking for an alternative to a MAC 116 ( a semi flat dome blush brush) and I found this.  This brush is amazingly soft!! It also grabs a lot of color so you will need to tap some off every time you apply blush on your cheeks. 

Available at Beauty Bar for Php860.00 ( I think) :)

Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!

Makeup Review: StudioMakeup Rich Hydration Lipstick

I have this lipstick in shade 5 Vibrant Wine and it's like a deep magenta color, a darker version of the Armani Lipstick 601 and Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Damned.

PACKAGING: A shiny black container with a transparent bottom.  For you to open the lipstick, you have to push the bottom part inward.

COLOR SELECTION: Beauty Bar has about 8 or 9 shades to choose from.

TEXTURE: It has a very smooth texture and very moisturizing

EFFECT: This particular color has the effect of making my teeth appear whiter than they really are (which is always a plus); long lasting too

OVERALL:  Definitely a good buy even though there aren't many shades to choose from.
This brand is available at Beauty Bar for Php795.00

Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!

MakeUp Review: Nyx Lip Lacquer Pot (Ultraviolet)

I had the chance to use our new Nyx Lip Lacquer Pot last Saturday. This lip lacquer is actually a lip stain...very vibrant and glossy. After eating and drinking, obviously the gloss is gone but the stain is still there so in my opinion it was a success. So for that fabulous look, I suggest using a lip liner first then the lip stain to keep everything in place. Now you have Kissable lips. :)) All in all, it's another great buy. The color is a winner! ... Another "Red" that I can use during my night out of town, which sadly, is not often. :( but who says you can't wear it at home.:))

Available at Gorgeous Me web store in 4 shades. Hope to hear from you soon.

Makeup Tool Review: Tweezerman Tweezers

I have been hearing a lot about this brand and thought I should see what the fuss was all about.  Well, I am a convert for sure!!  I am so amazed at how even the shortest eyebrow hair is not match for this little sucker.  It comes in different colors so it's not the boring silvery tweezers that's so common.  Plus, because of this colored material my fingers didn't really slip and slide.  The one thing I didn't like about this was that it was a bit short for my hand.  Since I hold it like a pen I was hoping the tweezers will rest on my forefinger when being held.  But I can definitely overlook that bit.

Available at Beauty Bar for Php 450.00 to Php650.00

Thanks for reading and see you next time!

Makeup Tips: Christmas Parties

Soon it will be the season of Christmas parties and we all want to look our best.  So here are some tips to remember when preparing for these parties.

FOUNDATION - use a formula with NO SPF in it ( it washes you out in pictures)

UNDER EYE CONCEALER - remember not to use anything TOO white or else you'll have reverse raccoon eyes (not pretty!)

MASCARA - another must to brighten/open up your eyes; make sure to curl your lashes first

BLUSH - always remember to blend so you won't look like a doll

LIPSTICK - again, anything easy to reapply

Say cheese!!

Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!

MakeUp Review: Laura Mercier Eye Basics

I cant even begin to explain why I have this in my possession. I asked for it as a gift from L and what a big mistake...huge! (which movie L??) Here's what I didn't like about it:

1. It was too dry to apply

2. The shade was all wrong (probably my fault)-got the Wheat

3. Made my eyes look sleepy and deformed in some way. scary.

This is just me but still your choice. Laura Mercier has one of the best makeup formulas around but this is not one of them.

MakeUp Review: Benefit Highbeam

For someone who's not into eyeshadow, this is the closest one I've got.  Been using it for the past 2 days going on my 3rd and I'm loving it. It's becoming a "never leave home without (using) it" kinda thing. I like the pinkish hue and its subtle sparkle. I use it on my lids and brow bone to make them alive. It can be used on the cheeks too, which I will probably experiment on in the next couple of days. This definitely made it to my wish list.

Makeup Tips: Formal Dinners

These are the items you can wear for a formal dinner.

FOUNDATION - if you have a very nice skin you can get away with wearing a sheer type of foundation otherwise a medium coverage; or a tinted moisturizer if your skin is perfect (lucky you!)

PRIMER - if your skin is on the dry type, no need to use a primer;  but if your skin type is on the combination to oily, you might want to consider using a primer that will help your foundation to stay on longer; eyeshadow primer is also a must to prevent shadow from creasing

EYE SHADOW- you can opt for a neutral smokey eye or a shimmery single color on your lids

EYELINER - either a pencil, a gel or with an eyeshadow, I think using an eyeliner gives your makeup look a little 'oomph'

Nailcare Review: Orly Nail Lacquer

I have this nail polish in the shade Red Flare.  I always thought I wasn''t going to like it because I was loyal to OPI.  Well, can I just tell you that I was really surprised at its quality.  Given that it is a bit more expensive than OPI ( at Rustan's) so there has got to be a reason why that is.  Yup, the color was so vibrant and solid and shiny too! The only thing that I didn't like about it was that I had a difficult time removing it from my nails. The color lasted for about 3 days without chipping.

But definitely a good buy.

Wishlist Tag: Christmas wishlist by Hikaru

Jolly old St. Nicholas lean your ear this way....

My Christmas wish list for 2010:

1. Tarte Natural Matte Lip Stain in Lucky - have this in hope and envy and still craving for more...

2. That elusive, perfect shade, oil free TM

3. More Hakuhodo brushes

4. Giorgio Armani lipsticks in 507 and 606

5. Perfect soft matte primer (if there is such a thing)

Skincare Review: Avene Redness Relief soothing cream

1. Has a light green tint to it to help minimize redness (just like with green concealers)

2. Very creamy and easily absorbed by the skin

3. Has an SPF 25 that's why I use it before applying makeup (serves as my sunscreen)

4.  Helped me with my sunburn tremendously; after 3 days of use the pain was gone


For a more in depth description,  go to Avene Redness Relief soothing serum.

Wishlist Tag - Wishlist for the Holiday Season 2010

What am I wishing for this holiday 2010??? :)))

1.  Full size Dermalogica Products :) - doesn't matter which, I want them all :))

2. Ruby Woo Lipstick from MAC - this was given to me recently! :) yey!

3. A super matte liquid foundation - I haven't found the one that will put all my foundations to shame

4. Tarte Lip Stain in Exposed (nude matte)

What are you wishing for this Christmas?  Thanks for stopping by and see you soon!

MakeUp that's "safe" to give

Sometimes you don't know a person's preference when it comes to makeup, but for me, some I think are "safe" to give whether or not she's an addict.

1. Lipstick/lip balm- you should pick those on the berry side. This is just to give life and a hint of color on your lips. I recommend Korres Lip Butter in Plum.

2. Tinted Moisturizer- gives a hint of color without it being too heavy on your skin. It absorbs it quickly so you wont feel that you have something on.

3. Mascara- an instant eye brightener. Make sure lashes are curled. Introduce her to an eyelash curler as well.

4. Powder- preferably on the neutral side. Try giving her the loose one. I find pressed powder too concentrated and I've noticed some people put it on with such harshness that its gets scarily kabuki.

5. Sheer powder blush- I specified powder since cream is trickier to put on. Once its on your skin there's no turning back.

Remember Christmas is fast approaching so visit our web store soon. It's a must!

MakeUp Accessories you shouldn't do without

Here are some that you shouldn't forget to have once you become a makeup junkie. They are inexpensive if you know where to look and portable.

1. Lip pencil/eyeliner sharpener-got the one of prestige. very inexpensive and it contains 2 sharpeners (1 for the slim pencil and 1 for the thick ones). Available at Beauty Bar.

2. Brush case-usually has at least 5 slots for the brushes. perfect for trips.

3. MakeUp Brush cleaner-clean your brushes at least every 2 weeks to prevent bacteria from building up

4. Eyelash curler rubber refills-normally when you buy a curler, refills are included but better to be on the safe side and make sure you have backup for the backup.

5. Lip Brush-those who haven't mastered the art of putting on lipstick by itself.

Skincare Review: Avene Thermal Spring Water Soothing Serum

Avene is popularly known for their Hydrotherapy Center which centers around
Avene's Thermal Spring Water and its soothing properties.  The Center
addresses a variety of skin problems such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis,
eczema and burns. 

This is how my skin reacted to this product:

1. After undergoing cauterization, I found that being given this Avene product
was very timely.  Since I have tiny burn marks on my face I used this serum to help relieve the stinging.  It wasn't painful at all which made me do a huge "phew!"

2.  It is very creamy and my face felt very moisturized; dries quickly too

3. One pump is what I used to cover my whole face; two pumps if you want to splurge

Wishlist for the Holiday Season

Here's a list of what I want, hopefully it will be a "beautiful" Christmas :)

1. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation

2. Nyx long Lip Pencil in Natural

3. Guerlain Bronzer-been wanting to try this

4. Tarte Tinted Moisturizer- have to finish my other TM though before buying this one

5. Bare Minerals Lipstick in Cream Puff