Makeup Review: Makeup Brushes ... MAC

This post is about the different kinds of makeup brushes that I've tried.  For now I have invested in a few MAC brushes, a beginners set from Essence of Beauty and a set from Sigma Brushes.  Sigma is a U.S. brand which patterned its brushes from MAC so they have the same numbers.

From MAC I have the following: please noted that I have discussed some of these brushes in an older post (Basic Makeup Brush)
1. 217 - my favorite eye brush; I use it to apply my crease color and for blending
2. 242 - I use it to apply the lid color and sometimes eyeliner shadow;
3.219 - a pencil brush that I use to apply the crease shadow with (rarely); sometimes I use it to soften my eyeliner
4.224 - I use it for blending and for applying concealer under my eyes

Makeup Review: Cargo Essential Eye Palette in Warm

I was so excited to use this palette because all the colors are neutral.
Summary:

Packaging: kind of sturdy compact with a sizeable mirror which you can actually use when applying makeup

Colors: this palette comes in 2 types, the Warm and the Cool.  I realized that the Cool Palette doesn’t really go with my skin tone (I’m an NC35 in MAC) but the Warm matches perfectly

Texture: Finely milled almost too powdery for my taste but it is very blendable

Thumbs down: The shadows break easily!  GorgeousMe bought from ULTA and when we got it 1 palette was broken.  Of course we are not able to sell it anymore

Price: it is on the more expensive side

Overall: a nice palette to have in your collection; when you’re in a hurry and you don’t want to think too much about what eye makeup you’d want, you can just grab this and you won’t even have to think twice.

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MakeUp Review: MakeUp Removers

My top picks for Makeup Removers:

1. Clinique Take the day off MakeUp Remover for lids, lashes & lips- Oil based remover, too oily if you ask me but does the job.

2. Ponds Wet Cleansing Towelettes- contains 30 sheets in one pack. Convenient to carry around. Leaves the skin very clean and moisturized.

3. Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil- One of the best cleansing oils out there. Removes the makeup as it cleans. No greasy feeling after. You'll get addicted with the smell. Love it.

*Remember to always remove your makeup before going to bed.

Skincare Review: OBAGI

I found myself in need of a dermatologist just 2 years ago. This is when I went to Obagi and consulted with my classmate/future dermatologist to be. I've never been happier. Since then I've tried several chemical peels, Rejuvinating facials and their products (of course). Here's a quick rundown of what I've had done and are using:

Treatments: Chemical Peels to bring back glowing skin

1. Glycolic Peel- very mild, not too much peeling (which I really like) and refreshes the skin

2. Sensi Peel- treatment is a bit tingly especially after acne surgery but after a while it goes away. Peeling is more but in big chunks so it's faster. I don't recommend this when you have a date or some formal thing you have to go to within that same week.

3. Pumpkin Peel- You turn orange after the treatment because of the color of the mask they put. I don't like it because it gave me a major breakout but the smell was nice....cinnamon.

Skincare Review: Acne Kit I - Dermalogica Adult Breakout Treatment Kit

This kit includes the following:

Clearing Skin Wash -  a foamy type of cleanser and is not minty

Clearing Mattifier - reminds me of Laura Mercier'sSecret Finish-Mattifying Creme

Overnight Clearing Gel - to be used all over the face which helps prevent breakouts

Concealing Spot Treatment - a tinted pimple medicine; has a bit of a watery consistency

Sebum Clearing Masque - to be used after cleansing; my face felt really clean after
Oil Control Lotion - oil free moisturizer 

You can also try out their facial treatment.  You'll come out of it feeling so fresh and clean.  If you purchase at Rustan's remember to ask for some samples, they have plenty.  And if you befriend the sales associate, she/he might give you a lot of samples :)) It pays to be nice ;)

Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!

MakeUp Brand Series: Part III

BENEFIT COSMETICS

One thing that catches your eye when you spot a Benefit counter is their packaging. As soon as you go near them, their names start to reel you in. Genius, fun and simply cute. But the names and packaging are not the end of it, the products should be given the same attention too. One in particular is the Benetint, which is the original lip and cheek stain. It comes in Rose and Posie tints. They also have best-selling blushes that come in uniquely designed square boxes. Lately, they have been slowly moving towards the skincare line and have come out with a product called Porefessional. Prices fall in the mid-range but definitely a buy especially the ones I just mentioned.

LAURA MERCIER

Known for the flawless look, 30s-40s women have become followers. They love her tinted moisturizers because it gives good coverage, sheer, has spf and gives them that certain glow. I personally like their mineral powders. They don't make your skin look parched. Prices also fall in the mid-range so maybe on payday you can splurge a little and reward yourself for all that hard work.

Makeup Review: Smashbox Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15

 I use a tinted moisturizer whenever I am not in the mood to use a liquid foundation or when my skin is surprisingly clear from blemishes.  Being a fan of the makeup brand Smashbox I was excited to have been given a sample of the Tinted Moisturizer           ( thanks Hikaru!).

Here are some of the things I discovered.

Texture: not too thick nor is it too creamy; consistency is just right

Finish:  for me it came out as semi-matte/semi-dewy;  definitely not as dewy as Philiosophy's Shelter

Longevity:  it lasted for about a few hours; to think I didn't use a whole lot of it, but just enough to even out my skin

Availability: you will find Samshbox at Beauty Bar and I think they have 3 shades to choose from.  Will definitely buy once I am finished with my Shelter....or maybe a 'gift to self' :)

Skincare Review: More than meets the Eye "Creams"

People can often tell how old you are by looking at your eyes. Some have visible crows feet, some look dark and hollow and some just look as if they haven't slept in days....not a very pretty sight.:( Here are some of the creams I've tried in the past and currently using. And in my opinion are good and works wonders.

1. ROC Eye Retinol Correxion eye cream- the cream is very light around the eyes and is really made to target the problem areas like wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles because of the retinol it contains. The ROC brand are sold in most drugstores (in the US) and it's inexpensive. The retinol content is minimal so it can be used during the day too. Pregnant women are not advised to use anything with retinol.

MakeUp Brand Series: Part II

BOBBI BROWN

Skincare wise, hers does not take center stage but one product that stands out is her Face Base. This was reviewed last month I think by L and I agree about its "magical" effects. BB is know for the "No MakeUp" makeup look. Her line best describes that look. From Foundation/Tinted Moisturizers to Brick Blush Palettes down to the lipsticks, it's all about neutrals.

MAC

Mac is known for their vast selection of color. They cater mostly to the younger generation who have that edge to try and experiment on these colors. Makeup artists are also known to patronize the makeup line because they always opt for the studio look. It takes artistry and precision to use them especially the ones with glitter. One thing that has made Mac a success is the versatility of their makeup (includes tools of course) and how one can transform their look from drab to fab.

That's it for now. Gotta go to work ladies. :)

Makeup Review: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

I have heard about this primer from Lisa Eldridge, she is a professional makeup artist and a beauty guru on Youtube.
Clarins has always been a leading brand in skincare but I never really tried any of their products because they are on the pricey side.  But since I'm always searching for an amazing primer I figured this would a good one to try.

My thoughts:

Texture: feels like a thick lotion; very creamy; has a pinkish tint
Feel: very smooth; a bit tacky

Application: I applied it using my fingers; less rubbing on the face is advised

Longevity: it was able to help my foundation stay on and kept my face from being too oily

Availability: you can buy this at Rustan's Department Store

Overall: success!!! will purchase the regular size once I'm out

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

MakeUp Brand Series: What they are known for

These brands have been around for years and I just wanted to share with you the secrets of their success. I hope this will help you choose which one of them is best suited for your skin.

CLINIQUE

They started as a skin careline that evolved into makeup and fragrances. Having a very talented R & D team made it a success. They introduced the 3-step skincare which included using their facial soap, clarifying lotion and the dramatically different moisturizing lotion. It has been a cult favorite ever since, maybe because it was so simple back then. I still use the clarifying lotion #2 up to this day. Most if not all their products are all hypo-allergenic (not harsh on the skin) and non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) which makes it a right fit for everyone. Aside from their skincare line, their makeup is not be ignored. I like their blush and lipsticks. I remember buying my first blush from them, mocha pink i think. When you pick a blush, the shades are so straightforward that it makes it easy for you to choose. Same goes for their lipsticks and best of all they're inexpensive. Because of that it made my Makeup shopping more memorable and this started a Makeup chain of events....

I'll be back tomorrow for more brands....:)

September Favorites 2010

Here is a list of the makeup products I have been reaching for the most for the month of September (although we're only half way thru).

Blush: Nars Gilda.  You only need to dab your brush lightly on the blush to get an ample amount.  Be sure to control it or else you might end up looking like a clown.  Shade is on the dark peachy side

Bronzer: Laura Mercier Illuminating Bronzer.  Goes perfectly well with the Gilda Blush.  Always a staple in my everyday look.  I don't know what I'll do when I hit pan on it :(

Lipstick: I have been using the Jemma Kidd and the Giorgio Armani

Eyeshadow: MAC All that Glitters.  I have been searching for this shade here but unfortunately wasn't lucky enough to find one.  I got it at the Hong Kong Airport on my way back.  So be sure to check in early so you'll have time to go around the duty free shops in airports.

Brush: MAC 138.  Very soft and is pointed at the tip so no problems reaching the inner corners of the eyes.  Great for contouring the cheeks

Lip Balm: EOS Smooth Sphere. Not greasy and very flavorful.  Just a bit on the bulky side but still very cute/unique

Face: MAC Fix+. Used quite a bit while at the beach to freshen up my face when it got too hot.  I also sprayed on my hair when it got too dry

Makeup tips: Managing your makeup collection

Ever since I got into makeup I have wanted to just buy and buy.  But after some time I realized that aside from having it, I love using it as well.  So it's not really practical or safe to just keep adding to your collection.  You must weed some things out every so often.

Like with foundations or with any cream product, you can't have them years on end and expect it to be the same as when you first got it.  But powder products don't normally go bad so I believe it's okay to have them longer. 

Whenever I feel that there are items that I have not used for 6 months I give it away.  So if you don't want to give them out or throw them you can always do the 'project 1 pan'.  What you do is that you use that product until you hit pan and of course you're not allowed to buy anything until you do.  Or if you have a lot of lip glosses, you can do a 'gloss out' which makes you use that 1 gloss first before buying another one.

 So when I got home today I decided to set aside products that I'll be giving away..   So now there's more room for new products!!  Yey!!

Makeup Review:Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation with SPF 15

I was given a sample of this foundation by Dr Evil because she knows I'm into foundations lately.  Here are my thoughts on the product.

Shade: Beige.  Goes well with my skin, probably because most, if not all, of their shades are yellow based which is good for Filipinos

Texture: It does feel weightless just like what is written on their website; although it is for all skin types I believe it is not suitable for oily skin.  I found myself blotting every so often; it is very easy to blend and it applies smoothly

Overall: a good foundation but too dewy for my skin type.  Maybe I'll try the Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation with SPF 15.


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Makeup Review: Elizabeth Arden Stackable Palette

This palette comes with 6 eyeshadows, 2 blushes, 1 lipstick, 1 lipgloss and 1 lipliner.  This palette is very convenient to bring when you travel because the lid comes with a mirror.  The shadow colors vary from light to dark; for creating neutrals to smokey eyes.  They are very pigmented so you need to be careful when some fall out.  On me the lipstick feels semi matte so I normally wear a balm under it then a gloss.  The gloss that comes with the palette is a bit on the shimmery side so I only use it sparingly.

Over all, I like this palette; it is very wearable and the best part is that I got it as a gift :)

Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!