Mattifying Moisturizers

I have tried a few mattifying moisturizers over the past year and they are :

1. Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream: 50 ml Php750.00

This cream has a gel-ish type of consistensy, not runny/watery and it is very easy to apply.  It has a citrus-y fragrance to it but nothing too strong.  Even though it is not on the label, it has an SPF 15 which is good if you will be staying indoors most of the day. Not paraben free.  On my skin, I felt it needed a few minutes for my skin to fully absorb the product.  To make it sink on my skin faster I experimented with a fan, which did the trick.  Unfortunately, this cream did not help control the shine.  I don't think I will repurchase.

2. Vichy Normaderm Total Mat: 30 ml Hkd200+/USD 25.00

Although this product is not available here in the Philippines, you can find it in the US, Hong Kong and parts of Europe.  This moisturizer has a gel consistency and I felt like it cooled my skin.  Has a citrus fragrance and it helped my skin be shine free for a couple of hours under makeup.  Worn alone I felt it kept my skin shine free for a few hours.  This product is paraben free and non comedogenic. I would definitely repurchase.

3. La Mer Oil Absorbing Lotion: 50ml Php11,000.00 USD230.00

Unfortunately, this is my favorite among the 3 mattifying lotions.  In this heat I noticed that this lotion helped me control the shine UNDER makeup,  which is an amazing feat!  It has the same scent as a the other la mer products.  After application my skin had the soft matte look to it and I felt it kept my skin hydrated without feeling greasy.  Definitely an investment but it's worth it if you are like me who has an oily skin and live in a tropical country.

M's Latest beauty buy....

Kiehl's ACAI Damage-Correcting Moisturizer
           Really hard to find a moisturizer that hydrates you as well as it being good for the skin. My new find contains ACAI berries which are known to be great anti-oxidants. At my age, oxidants are my savior.  I've seen them recently being incorporated in food and beverages but I was glad to see its in a moisturizer as well. When you pump it out the color resembles that of berries and the smell is not too far behind. It does nott have a thick consistency so very easy to apply. I use it day and night. Before putting on make-up and before hitting the sheets. Not sure of the price, but it does go a long way.

Happy New Year Ladies!

May this year be your most gorgeous yet! Don't forget to check out our blog for updates and beauty reviews of your favorite brands. :))))

My BFF for 2012

NARS SMUDGE PROOF EYE SHADOW BASE

This has become my new best friend. I've been very unlucky getting my eyeshadow stuck in its proper place. But thanks, to no less than L, all hope is back. This eyeshadow base is colorless with a very smooth consistency, very easy to apply over the lids. My problem has always been oily lids so no eyeshadow ever stuck. The shade also maintains its color so no disapearing act there. This one is just fantastic. I don't know how much it costs but you can find it in Essences (rockwell or Rustan's department store).

Latest Beauty Buys of M

1. Jurlique Lavender Hydrating Mist- gives a dewy look. I use it after i put on my makeup and all through out the day when I feel like my skin looks parched. This I bought in singapore recently. They recently closed their store in Greenbelt 5. aaawww....

2. Becca Jewel Dust in Laila- A gift from my friend, Jasy, these are sparkles for the eyes. It contains blue/white particles that are great during the day. If you want to use it as an eyeliner, just wet the brush and dip in the dust to achieve a more intense sparkle then line it onto your lash line. Available at Adora.

3. Shu Uemura pressed eyeshadow in White 906- this i bought in korea. I'm into this eye "brightener" thing and what better way for me to do that it is to wear eyeshadow with a little bit of sparkle. I also bought one from Missha. Very cheap, love it.

4. Bobbi Brown Long Lasting Foundation in Natural- This is for those who have acidic skin. Doesn't make you dark after a few hours which often happens to those who are acidic. Very smooth application. Light and you don't need a lot to achieve coverage. One pump is all it takes. Available at Rustan's and Essences in Rockwell. Price is p2,900.00

MakeUp review: Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Invisible Skin Foundation

This is my new baby which I bought in Korea. It's a liquid foundation and the shade is 03 (natural). I've been using it for a little over 2 weeks now and I simply love it. It's so light on the skin like a moisturizer and very smooth to apply. I still use a brush just to make sure that all bases are covered. The shade is spot on and one pump goes a long way so don't be too "pump happy" with it. The price is around $51 but am sure if it were somewhere else it could be cheaper. My advice...refrain from buying imported cosmetics in Korea.

The Wristlet Fascination

We (L and M) decided to raid my mom's closet to look at her collection of wristlets. My mom has developed a fascination for the accessory over the years for it's lightness and convenience. Not to mention it's size and leather prints. It holds the basic essentials like your phone, mullah, lipstick/lip balm and whatever small thing that might come in handy. We took some pictures of course to make it more interesting and here you see she has different prints/colors.

She has one with the Eiffel Tower on it.

A white one with patches of butterflies from Coach.

Makeup Review: Eye Shadow Pigments

There are 3 forms of eye shadows, cream, powder and pigments.  Just like the pressed form, these come in a wide range of colors.  What I have are from Makeup Forever which is called the Star Powder and from Laura Mercier which is called Mineral Eye Powder.

• Laura Mercier Mineral Eye Powder.  I have Burnt Copper and Crushed Amethyst.  I was apprehensive at first but they are surprisingly easy to apply especially if you have a primer underneath but even if you don't it is still to apply.  Make sure that you tap the excess before applying it on to your lids to prevent fall out.  They did not crease on me even after a whole day of wearing it.

Alternative to Ordinary T-shirts 3

This is another round neck shirt/blouse but it's long and it has a subtle detail that I really like.  Look closely and you will see that it has clear circle sequins.  This actually sets it apart from the ordinary round neck.
Aside from the usual jeans, you can also wear this with leggings.

Latest Beauty Buys of L

I have been intrigued with the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush because I read that it really stays on your skin and it helps your powder blush to stay on all day.  So I got Blushing Bride which is a deep purple and Exposed which is a neutral beige blush that is perfect with a dark smokey eye and nude lips.

Lately I have been going to the salon to have my nails done and since the selection of OPI polishes is very limited, I tend to order mine in the U.S.  So now, I have decided to try something new, Butter London Nail Polish.  They have a lot of shades to choose from.

I am almost out of my eye cream with an SPF so I decided to get the La Roche Posay Hydraphase UV Eye Hydrating Protective Eye Cream.  With that long name I hope it delivers.  It did win the Beauty Award 2010 so I have high hopes.

Ever since hitting pan on my bronzer (which I use on a daily  basis) I have been searching for a replacement.   And today, it arrived!! Guerlain Terracotta Mosaic Bronzer.

Reviews to follow!

My "Wedge" to you...

My love affair with wedges started 2 years ago. Not only does it give me extra height, some are also comfortable enough to be worn the whole day. These are some of my favorites.....

My brown patent sling-backs from Stuart Weitzman, very sturdy and has that classic look.

Next is a nude patent wedge slip-ons by Zigla. I call it a "leveled" wedge because it does not slope down. I also got another one in Black.

Foundation Review: CD Extreme Fit

My new Fave!!!

Last week I went to ATC to meet up with some friends, fortunately they were late so I decided to stop by Rustan's...specifically, at the Dior counter.  Saw this foundation and decided to try it on...and what do u know, I loved it.

It is rather thick compared to the Diorskin Nude but this one has a matte finish.  It is definitely long wearing, so it is perfect for Manila weather.  Since it is on the creamy side I find that it is better to use a small amount first because it sets rather quickly on the skin.  If you still need more, you can always add another pump.  That's what I do, I normally need 2 pumps to cover my whole face plus part of my upper neck.  I use the Real Techniques Buffer Brush because it is not as dense as the Sigma F82 therefore it won't pick up as much product.

Available in Rustan's for Php2,400.00

Makeup review: Laneige makeup mist

In my opinion, mists are overrated in terms of providing moisture. In fact it gives off the opposite effect. The one I have now is Bergamot. Not too crazy about the scent but what can i do, it was just given to me. I started using it a few weeks ago, almost everyday to see the effect. I would spray it after putting on my makeup. At first my face felt fresh but after a couple of hours my makeup looked dry. I didn't like it one bit. Is it suppose to be that way? I think not....boohooo. Maybe Shu Eumura has a better face mist. I'll try it next time....

Mascara Review: Prestige My Biggest Lashes

I don't really buy a lot of mascaras because they dry out quickly so when I see that I am about to run out, I start looking for something new to try.  The most recent is from Prestige.

Prestige has 2 kinds, My Biggest Lashes (pink container) and My Blackest Lashes (silver container).  I wanted to try both but I figured since my lashes are already black I don't really need a mascara that will make it blacker.


I was so surprised at the effect of My Biggest Lashes.  It was truly volumizing and lengthening!  It has a sort of dry consistency and comes with a big brush.  The only thing I don't like about it is that it is not waterproof.  So what I do is I first apply the Prestige and apply a second coat of the Maybelline Hypercurl Volum' Express.  I only apply it on my upper lashes because my lower lashes are too short.

Available at Beauty Bar for around Php450.00+

Alternative to T-shirts 2

The 3rd is similar to the 1st blouse but it has a bat-wing like sleeves and the hem is diagonal.  This shirt is cinched at the hips so it still gives you shape.