Makeup Review by Hikaru: Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow

I had been introduced to the wonderful world of make-up only a couple of years ago when a cousin in law (hi to you too!) showed me what an addictive (and expensive) hobby hoarding and playing with make-up would be. I graduated from just wearing loose powder on my face to now wearing primer, foundation, concealer and powder (in that order of course) as part of my everyday regimen. Let's not forget jumping up a notch from just putting on lip balm (sometimes even not) to now going through the whole process of exfoliating, prepping the lips (preferably with some amount of SPF) and then putting a hint of color. In other words, nagi akong MAARTE :) Anyway, what has this got to do with my review of benefit's creaseless cream eyeshadow? Although I've already progressed from just putting on johnson and johnson baby powder (remember those face powders in a little blue or pink container?) to having my now current reputation of being a foundation hoarder (ooops... foundation enthusiast as per Paco), I am still very much an amateur when it comes to putting paint on my eyelids. I’ve actually tried a couple of eyeshadows

Melt Proof your Makeup

Living here in Manila has its ups and downs....1 down is that our makeup always has the possibility of melting away by mid afternoon, that's if we're lucky!  So I'm always in the market for cosmetics that will stay put amidst the sweltering heat.  Making it oil free is already a given
1. Sunblock - maybe a gel type of sunblock like Neutrogena's dry touch
2. Foundation - could be water resistant which is good for when u sweat or when it drizzles; a long wearing makeup, like Estee Lauder Double Wear, Revlon Color Stay or Maybelline Superstay 24 hour
3. Cream Blush/ Gel blush - using a cream blush under your powder blush will help you retain your blush the whole day or at least most of the day

Makeup Review: Other Lip Balm Buddies....

I just found 2 more Lip Balms you might want to try: Both are available in Healthy Options


Lip Rescue w/ Shea Butter- The Shea Butter is what attracted me to this one.It's a super moisturizer!!!

Alba- un-Petroleum Lip Care SPF 18- This is a cheaper alternative to Dr. Hauschka Lip Care stick. They have Vanilla and Cherry. I got the Cherry.

STAY GORGEOUS LADIES!

Skincare Review: Lush Bandwagon

I used to cringe every time I would pass a Lush Store at the mall because of its strong scent but that all changed mid 2009.  After watching a few videos on Youtube I got curious and decided to forget about the headaches I would get whenever a Lush store was near by.  I went in and became a Lush follower.
These are the things I tried, liked and didn't like:
Let's start with the soaps.

1. Demon in the Dark - Minty and very refreshing; it doesn't lather very much but you can smell how good it is; always looked forward to using this soap; a fave

2. Bohemian - lemony scent is very faint; nothing special for me; will not repurchase
3. Honey I Washed the Kids - Sweet and very tempting to eat :); I liked it so much I bought the solid perfume; a must buy

June Favorites 2010

These products are my June Favorites.

1. VMV Metamorphoskin Foundation in Butter Bean.  I was given a sample by my cousin-in-law (Hi!) and fell in love with it.  I think I prefer this one more than my beloved LM Silk crème. I’m telling you, if you have oily skin you will like this one.

2. Laura Mercier Illuminating Bronzer. Unfortunately this is a limited edition item.  This is a bronzer that is not too shimmery nor is it too matte.  It doesn’t make my face look dirty when applied, probably because of the 4 different colors in it.

3.  More often than not I use the LM loose powder to set the foundation.

4. For the lips  I use Laura Mercier’s Nude Lips Lipstick, sometimes I top it off with my Napoleon Perdis Raspberry Lip gloss.

5. Oh, the eyeshadow (how can I forget my favorite part!), I have been using my 28 Neutral Palette which I bought from Ebay.  Some of the colors are very similar to MAC eyeshadow colors.

6. My favorite cologne is Ralph by Ralph Lauren (light blue) so I try not to use it everyday (it's more like an all time favorite than a monthly fave)

Thanks for reading.  See you next time!

Makeup Review: ELF Nail Polish

I have been using OPI for a few years now and never really looked around for anything else.  Until Dr. Evil directed me to the ELF nail polish.  Boy was I surprised at the quality! One wouldn't think much of this little gem because of the price.  The nail polish is very pigmented to the point that when using the dark colors you can actually apply just 1 coat.
I used the Navy Blue on my toes and after a week it was time to remove the polish even though it still looked really good.  At once I noticed that it was so easy to remove but what surprised me was that it did not leave any stain on my nails!!!! I was actually expecting my nails to be sort of blue, just like when I use my OPI reds which leave a reddish stain.  I was truly amazed that the ELF nail polish does not. 
So my friends, give your Essies, OPIs and Revlons a rest, try ELF instead.  It will be worth your while.

Thanks for visiting.  See you next time.

To Like or not To like

Here are some products that became a "hit" (with us) and those that crashed and burned.

HITS:

PALLADIO MOSAIC POWDER- This is an all-over shimmer powder that gives you an instant glow without making you look like a discoball. Aside from being a powder, I use it as a highlighter on my brow bone. Available at Beauty Bar.

LIP FUSION in BARE- Love this natural and warm shade. Goes really well with nude lipsticks like the Chanel in Mythic or L'Oreal in Dune.

ELF Nail Polish- They have adorable colors. It does not chip easily and lasts for at least 2 weeks. Dries fast and it's so darn cheap. Available at Gorgeousmestore.weebly.com

MISSES:


SEPHORA LIGHT VEIL FOUNDATION- Applying it is so hard and thick. Taking it off is just as challenging.

STILA LIP GLAZE- The glaze is just temporary. It's one of those pencils that you can only sharpen up to a certain point. You're better of with a lip gloss.


LAURA MERCIER OIL-FREE FOUNDATION- Nothing oil-free about this one.


Our thoughts..... You can try it out for yourself. STAY GORGEOUS! MUAH!

Dr. Evil's Love affair with her skin

I started going to the dermatologist just 2 yrs. ago when I bumped into my derma-to-be friend/classmate in the mall. After much consultation, she started me on a skin regimen which included a morning and evening ritual. In the AM, I use a gel-based foaming cleanser (this is best for oily skin) followed by a toner in the form of pads soaked in Salycilic acid to control acne breakout and oiliness. Then followed by a Clarifying Serum (packed with Vitamin C) to brighten and even skin tone. Now in the evening, it's pretty much the same except I add Retinol cream (as a wrinkle defense and pore minimizer) since it is advisable to do so only at night. It does not react well with the sun. I put this all over my face and neck. Though sometimes this is not good for everyone especially for those with sensitive skin and pregnant women, so be careful. Lastly, the eye cream! I have LV eye bags and undereye circles so you can imagine how many brands I've tried just to depuff them. My derma says its a mixture of genetics and sleeping late. I say the former. Thanks MOM!

So there it is. Sounds too much ba? Well I've learned to live with it and I actually enjoy it because I can see results. Mejo magastos lang nga but you can never take your skin for granted. Always Love your skin and it will Love you back.

Taking Care of your Goldi"locks"

Just like your skin, the hair requires just as much attention because it is your "crowning glory." Here are some products I use which you might like to try. Hope they help.

BIOTIN B COMPLEX THICKENING SHAMPOO by Avalon Organics- Biotin prevents hair loss. No parabens and SLS free. Love the smell. Available at Healthy Options

NEUTROGENA ANTI-RESIDUE SHAMPOO- I use this once a week to remove residue build-up from shampoos/conditioners/styling products. It's for all hair types. Available in PCX.

PANTENE PRO V SMOOTH and SILKY -This is my "chillax" shampoo. If I plan to stay home or just around the area I use this. It's my comfort shampoo.

KIEHL'S RESTORATIVE ARGAN OIL- I use this on my body but more on my hair for moisture and shine. I tend to have dry ends so i put more there. I put a small amount on my hands then rub them together then run my fingers through my hair several times.

Makeup Review: Bare Minerals SPF 15 Matte Mineral Foundation

Don’t you just hate it when the weather is so hot that you break into a sweat just after taking a shower? Then you realize you still need to apply your moisturizer, sunblock and foundation?!  Have you ever considered using a mineral powder foundation instead of the usual liquid foundation?  I have tried Bare Minerals Matte Powder foundation and it is truly a must have especially for the type of climate with have.  It is very easy to apply and you won’t even feel as if you are wearing makeup.  Plus, anything mineral is good for the skin because it has anti aging properties. 
For more information regarding the advantages of mineral makeup you can check out Mineral makeup Resource Center.

Thanks for stopping by.

Treasure Finds II

Hi everyone!
Here's another installment of the treasure finds series. 
I found a couple of products while I was at the grocery! I got them at Makati Supermarket and they are:
1. Zappy Boy Antiseptic Wipe - from what I read it is like a liquid sanitizer but in tissue form. It is safe and no rinsing required and is alcohol free.
2. Freshening Toilet Seat Cleaner ( a flushable paper) - of course to be used on the toilet seat when you go to a public restroom.  Contains 70% Isopropyl Alcohol.
We can never be too careful when it comes to our health.
Thanks for stopping by and stay safe.

Makeup Review: Benefit Coralista Blush

About 2 years ago I was reading Instyle magazine when I came across a cute luminizer called Dandelion by Benefit. Immediately I researched and found out that there were a few other shades in the Box O' Powder collection that I liked.
Benefit Coralista, for me, is very similar to Nars Orgasm.  It has a slight scent and comes with a small square brush. Not to mention the cute and very original packaging.  It’s got 3 times the amount of product at a cheaper price!  Good deal right?
It’s pinkish peach in color with a bit of shimmer and I think it fits all skin tones. I usually use a powder bronzer before applying a blush. I think it gives it a different kind of glow, much like a sun kissed glow minus the sun.
Have you tried any of the wonderful blushes of Benefit?
Thanks for stopping by.

*picture from Benefit Cosmetics*

Lip Balm Buddies: One of them will surely be your BBB (Best Balm Buddy)

La Mer - Texture is silky and light on the lips. A bit pricey for a lip balm but definitely worth it. It has a sweet taste and a cooling effect.

Terrapy Organic balm in First date- This definitely is worth your money. It's only P150 per jar. Goes a long way so indulge. It's made for parched lips and the glossiness is just right. I love the vibrant red shade and the scent of cherry and mint is just heavenly.

Dr. Hauschka Lip care stick- This is great because it does not remove my lipstick upon application, not like the other petroleum based ones.

Korres lip butter- This glides on easily and has a very rich color. Cameron Diaz was using it in the film, Knight and Day.

Burt's Bees in Raisin- This kept the amount of wax without making my lips greasy. It has that mentholated or Eucalyptic effect that instantly cools my lips. This compliments medium skin tone because of its light berry tint.

Smith's Lip balm in Rose- This balm is not thick or sticky. It's very smooth and minty. I love the old style packaging too.

Makeup Review by Kimmy: Benefit Dandelion

I have always been obsessed with the "no make-up" make-up look ...  beautiful skin, flushed cheeks, moisturized lips.  Simple... and ,  what women tend to forget,  what men really prefer. Did your better  half ever say to you.. "love your smokey eyes, honey?" Or, "love your  red lipstick, sweetheart?"  Isn't it more of  "what did you put on  your lips ?!?! or, You better not get that on my shirt!!!  Or the very  irritating question, "o, saan ka naman pupunta?" So, to achieve a more 
natural look for men who prefer the "girl next door" rather than the  vamp we always try to be, I use a face powder from Benefit called  Dandelion. Dandelion is a a gentle pink luminous powder with a scent  that is quite appealing to the senses.

After applying foundation to create " flawless beautiful skin", I  apply powder to warm the foundation and create a more natural flushed  look.  Because I have very fair skin, I stay away from your usual  bronzers to add warmth as it only comes out muddy and fake looking.  Dandelion does the trick for me and by applying more on the cheeks, I  also create rosy cheeked look. And because younger looking skin is  really dewy and not mattish, the powder helps me achieve a bit of a  glow.  Of course, to finish of the look, one can apply lipgloss with a  hint of berry color in it. I discovered Korres new lip butter with  flavor so I already grabbed one of those too as this would be  something the better half won't complain about...
*picture from Benefit cosmetics*

Treasure Finds

Some interesting and cheap products that I found around Manila:
At SM Dep’t Store I found:
Purederm Acne wash cleansing tissues. It’s an acne treatment makeup remover wipes! This cleansing tissue contains salicylic acid, tea tree oil and aloe vera.
IWhite Nose pack. It is a whitehead and blackhead remover. Looks like Elmer’s glue but it seems effective especially for those who have shallow pores.
L'oreal Eye makeup remover. Reminds me of Lancome's Bi Facil but at a lower price. Perfect for removing waterproof mascaras and those long wearing lipsticks.
Ever Bilena/Aido pencil sharpener. Not for your Mongol pencils okay?! To be used for your eyebrow pencils/eyeliners/lipliners. I was told by the makeup artist at Shu Uemura in Rustan's that the blade is much better compared to the more expensive ones. Of course he whispered this bit of information to me so now I'm sharing it with you.
Small containers with spatula. You can use this for depotting lipsticks or giving sample foundations to friends for them to try.
Vitress Hair Polish. This is a leave on conditioner that I use to moisturize my hair after I had a digiperm. This product also helps in holding the curls for most of the day, well, except for when it’s windy. By then, no amount of Vitress will help me look presentable :)
Will write another treasure finds blog when I discover anything new.
Thanks for stopping by.