MakeUp Review: Bobbi Brown Cream Concealer with Sheer finish loose powder

photo from bobbibrown.com

Aside from the foundation, concealers are also a must have if you want to hide those tiny bits of imperfections on your face. Dark circles under my eyes is the culprit here. I got a hold of this one a couple of years ago but just started using it last year. Suddenly there was a need for it...not a good sign :( The concealer is packed in a small compact that can be stashed anywhere. The top part holds the concealer with a mirror while the bottom part holds the powder. I use this to cover the dark parts using a concealer brush which makes it easier to blend. Then I use my finger to put powder on top to seal it. You might think you need a lot but a small amount goes a long way, it's just a matter of blending it correctly. You will see results instantly. No dark circles and bright eyes. Mission Accomplished! :)))

MakeUp Review: Rimmel Vinyl Stars Brilliant Shine and Sparkle lipgloss

L got a bunch of Rimmel products from her friend who lives in London and she gave me this to try since she knew I got a bit disappointed with Chanel's Glossimer. Price wise these two are oceans apart but when it comes to delivering what it has promised I was really happy with it. For one, the " brilliant shine and Sparkle" were still there after 2 hrs of wearing. For me that's enough time to see if a gloss works because I normally eat or drink something after 2 hrs then touch ups are needed again. The shade I have is Be a Star, which is a bit on the pinkish red side. Versatile if you ask me because it can be worn day or night. And it has the effect of plump looking lips. Perfect for that Muah moment. :)

Skincare Review: Dermalogica

A couple of months ago I was looking for an exfoliant which I can use on a daily basis.  Dr. Evil suggested I try Dermalogica's Microfoliant.  After purchasing something from Rustan's I was given quite a few samples of skincare products of Dermalogica.  Here is my mini review of them.

Clay cleanser - it has a lotion type consistency; very mild; it has that tingly feeling after you wash it off; no scent; very refreshing

Microfoliant - miniscule white granules; very gentle on the skin; the only thing I don't like about it is the packaging, because the square hole is too big so whenever you pour some you always end up with more than what you need

Daily Moist - their moisturizer which you use every morning and evening but I only use it before I go to bed; it claims to control the oil on your face and amazingly enough, it does; I noticed that my usual oily face is not as oily as when I use a different brand of moisturizer

So all in all I believe this is a good skincare line especially since I have an acne prone skin/sensitive skin.  It is available at Rustan's Department Store.

Hope this helps and see you next time!

Makeup Review: Eye Shadows

Marina and African Violet

Of all the makeup products available I can say that the eye shadow is my favorite, although foundations and lipsticks are a close second ( yup, they're both number 2 in my book).  So every once in a while I try to buy a shade or 2 to appease my craving.  Here are some of the items I got the last few months:

1. Laura Mercier. Marina and African Violet.  Although I rarely wear the Marina(blue) it still gives me joy whenever I look at it :)..very silky and highly pigmented; blends easily; Laura Mercier have very wearable shades for an everyday look

2. MAC. All that Glitters. I love this color, it is pinkish champagne-y color and great for a neutral look.  So far I have been able to use it only once but I can already say that I will be wearing this quite often.  It's smooth, has a bit of shimmer and you can easily blend the color onto your eyelid.  MAC has so many shades to choose from that you are bound to see something you like.

Makeup Tip: 5 Makeup Items when you're in a hurry

Let's face it, we've all had this happen to us.  We're running late and we can't fathom the idea of not using some makeup.  So we try and scramble to think what will be the best/fastest to apply.
This is what I use/d:

1. Sunblock.  Especially if you're running late in the mornings.

2. Mattifying base.  I use the Murad oil-control mattifier to keep the oil at bay

3. MAC Studio Fix Powder (NC35) using a kabuki brush.  Using powder foundation eliminates the need for blending.  You just need to make sure that you applied evenly all over your face.

4. Bronzer.  I normally use a bronzer and a blush but when I'm in a hurry I just use the bronzer to liven up my face

5.  L:ipstick.  When in doubt I reach for my nude lipstick/s

footnote: I usually curl my lashes even without using a mascara.  This helps your eyes look more awake.

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Makeup Review: Chantecaille Les Dauphins Palette

This palette is with the 2009 collection.  It comes with eye shadows and a blush/highlighter.  The eye shadows are in 3 containers containing 6 colors. Very light pink/light pink; light brown/brown;light grey/dark grey are the eyeshadow colors.  Light pink/bright pink are the blush colors.  It has a very light gold/silver  over spray; this over spray does not transfer as a color once you apply it on your eyes or cheeks.

Packaging: color is gunmetal grey; very shiny; lightweight; has a big mirror that can be used to look at your whole face; comes with a pinkish peach pouch; very posh

Texture: very silky smooth

Color: neutral and very wearable for day or night

Price: Kind of pricey but it's a treasure to have in your collection.

Makeup Review: Nars Lipstick and Blush

I recently got another Nars Lipstick and a Blush.  It took me awhile to purchase these because 1, the lipstick was not available here in Manila and 2, I always try to do an extensive research before buying a product.
What I got are Dolce Vita Lipstick ( did I mention that I was in the nude kick?) and the Gilda Blush.
Unfortunately, the lipstick is kind of sheer (in my opinion) so I have to apply a few coats before I see the shade on me.  But the blush is very pigmented so a light hand is advisable.
Next on my radar is the eyeshadow duo, I already know which I want to purchase :) I better start making a list of the things I want for Christmas!!!

Do you like Nars?  Any favorite products?

Makeup Review: Let's go Tinted

I'm not sure If you ladies out there have given Tinted Moisturizers a chance to shine in your Makeup collection. You should! Women are often inclined to buy foundation because it gives excellent coverage for blemishes and uneven skin tones. But once in a while you can go easy on your skin specially if you are close to flawless. It still gives the same effect, it's just a matter of choosing the right shade and how you apply it. Since I have fair skin I go for the medium tint and having oily skin I also go for oil-free. Here are some that I like and hope you get a chance to try them as well.

1. Boscia Tinted Moisturizer-sheer and very light (currently what I'm using)

2. Bobbi Brown TM Spf 15-light, dewy, and you won't look pasty

3. Boots No.7 soft and sheer TM- I recommend this for first-timers. Not too expensive and it's for all skin types, hypo-allergenic.

4. Laura Mercier Illuminating TM-gives you a subtle glow. Can be used as a highlighter as well.

Makeup Review: Chanel Glossimer

I chose the shade #217 thinking what a fabulous red it was. It was very bright on the first application but after just an hour I looked in the mirror and asked myself, " where did it go???" . Considering how much this costs, they could've put more R&D on this product to make it long-lasting. It's as if I just put lip balm and that's not the reason I bought it. Chanel my love, sorry to say but this doesn't make it on my list. Nothing glossy about it. But I will try your lip lacquer next time, maybe I'll have more luck with that.

Makeup Review: Fresh Lipgloss in Sugar Charm

photo from sephora.com

I was looking for an alternative to the Fusion beauty lipgloss I had before. Of course, it had to be nude again to match my lipstick. I picked the one that's more on the brown side since I was always used to the pinkish ones. Good thing it did not disappoint me. I liked it instantly!!... not just for the shade but because it's not sticky. Texture is one of the things I look for in lipgloss. I've noticed some are like syrup that when the wind blows my hair to my face, rest assured my hair gets stuck to it. Then, I look like cousin "It" (from the Addams family). Grrr.

What I also liked was the scent on the wand itself. Sounds weird because it's like putting cologne on your lips. Ooooh lala. They have lots of shades to choose from and all nice. Wish I got one more. Oh well there's always time for me to go back again and again and again....:)))

Makeup Review: Estee Lauder Ideal Light Brush on Illuminator no. 02

photo from esteelauder.com

I was looking for a concealer when the lady at the Estee Lauder counter suggested this instead.  It reminded me of the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat.  I was told that I didn't need to put an eye cream under my eyes before using this pen because it is moisturizing enough.  Of course I figured maybe it would be better if I used an eye cream even though she told me not to, so I did.  Lo and behold, the illuminator was having a difficult time adhering to my skin, most probably because of the additional cream I used :( ....so, the next day, I skipped the cream and used the pen straight.  Amazing results! It lightened up my under eye area a great deal.  It is very silky and easy to apply and blend into the skin. I am very happy with my purchase and would definitely suggest you guys to try it out if you're in the market for an under eye brightener.

See you next time!

Makeup Tips: What to do at a Makeup Store

Here are some tips to remember when you go to a makeup store.

1. If testing a mascara, always remember to test it at the back of your hand and not on your lashes.  You don't know how many people used it on their eyes.

2.  When trying a lipstick, you can either a. have the makeup artist sanitize it by spritzing alcohol on to the lipstick itself or b. test it out on your fingertips because they (some makeup artists) say that your fingertips are very similar to your lips in terms of shade

3.  Never test out a lip gloss straight from the tube.  You don't know how many people used the applicator on their lips

4.  Powder products are okay to test on eyelids or cheeks i.e. eye shadows and blush

5.  When testing out a cream product, always make sure that the makeup artist wipes the top layer with a tissue sprayed with alcohol

It's always good to be o.c. about hygiene.

Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!

My Top 5 Scents

Colognes have become somewhat of an obsession for me. Aside from Make up shopping, fragrances are also part of it. I always end up buying at least one bottle to add to my honeybees. Here's a preview of my collection over the years and still counting.

1. Eau De Orlane- a bit musky but still feminine

2. Amazing Grace by Philosophy- Has that powdery smell, not over powering

3. Nectarine Blossom & Honey by Jo Malone- a best seller. Love the citrus side to it. Combination is perfect.

4. Acca Kappa- Oprah's pick a couple of years ago and I agree. One of those scents you never get tired of smelling. Perfect for day and night.

5. Verbenas of Provence by Jo Malone- When I see colognes that have Verbenas I'm always drawn to them. It smells so sweet and refreshing.

Try one of these, it makes SCENTS. :)

Makeup Review: Jemma Kidd Lipstick

photo from jemmakidd.com

Another brand that I keep hearing about is the Jemma Kidd makeup line.  I was able to visit their counter at Seibu and bought myself 1 lipstick.  The shade is Rita.  I have been in the nude shade kick lately so that's what I got.

Packaging: matte black; same feel as the Nars packaging

Texture: smooth

Ingenuity: has lipstick on 1 end and a lip balm on the other


Downside: has only 2.5g, I'm not sure if that's the total with the lip balm included or just the lip color but either way, very few product in my opinion

Color: nice color selection, quite pigmented in my opinion ( I don't like the sheer kind somehow)

When you're in Lane Crawford, you might want to check it out.

Thanks for stopping by!

Makeup Review: Giorgio Armani Lipsticks

photo from giorgioarmanibeauty.com

On a recent trip to Hong Kong with Dr Evil and Kimmy,  I was able to splurge a little on lipsticks.  After seeing this brand in magazines like Instyle and Lucky I was craving to try it out.  So when I saw it at Lane Crawford,  I dove right in.  I got the Rouge D'armani in shades 601(plum shade) and 506(pink nude).

Packaging: all black, very sleek, cap is magnetized (yup, it closes by itself! neat huh?)

Texture: silky smooth

Color: wide range of shades( classy colors), very pigmented

Staying power: lasts quite a long time, keeps your lips moisturized

In a nutshell, loving it!! Definitely worth trying.

Check out Giorgio Armani Makeup for more information on their line of amazing makeup.

Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!