J'adore Rougit - My Vanity Lair

In the Limelight: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat - Product Review

2015-06-09T12:07:00.000+08:00

If you have read my blog from way back when I first started, you'd know that I love blushes. They're just so irresistibly pretty whether just looking at them or having them swatched on your arm. It's the one makeup that made me realize that colours may look similar on the pan but come off differently. So whenever I see a new blush on Instagram, I find myself admiring and checking swatches but I always ask myself if I really want or need it so I don't easily buy them. It took me a while to jump into the Hourglass Ambient Lighting bandwagon because I thought that being baked, they'd be similar to MAC Mineralize line up of products. And that it's just hype - you know how the beauty community can be if you're a beauty enthusiast. Suffice it to say, I bit the bullet and got myself one and that is the Diffused Heat shade. Here's my review.

What I like:

The packaging is very chic and classy as it gives the impression that it is heavy and sturdy. Point of comparison again for me is the packing of the Burberry Light Glow Blushes which is heavy and really sturdy. But I have once dropped this Hourglass blush and if only you could see my face at that moment, you would've gotten a good laugh. But the blush is still in one piece. Though it's probably because the floor where it landed is made of wood.
The shade is a very nice warm pink with a hint of coral though it was described as poppy by the brand.
Unscented! My nose is somewhat used to scented products now but it's a breath of fresh air to have a product that gives my olfactory nerves a rest.
The blush is very smooth and a tad buttery - but still falls short when compared to the texture of Burberry blushes (I guess you can tell I love the texture of that blush!).
It is highly pigmented though the depth of its colour can be altered by swiping to Ambient Lighting Powder that's mixed in the blush. It can get more or less intense. It would also be hard to get the very same colour - comparing yours to a friend's - as each pan differs in the quantity of the blush pigment and the powder swirled altogether.
I don't really see the "glow" per se once applied on my cheeks but it somehow gives a luminous effect. Is that the glow people are raving about? :D
Staying power is good. It lasts quite long on me and I only see fading on the 4th hour mark - which is pretty impressive taking into consideration the Manila weather and my skin type.
Even though there are shimmer particles on the pan, it does not translate as shimmery on the cheeks. After hitting the big 3-0, my preference has changed from loving shimmer blushes to satin or matte blushes.
No allergic reactions not break outs for me.

What I don't like:

The price. I find its price range on the same level as most high end blushes from Chanel, Dior, Burberry, and perhaps Guerlain.I got mine for Php 2,000 which is very reasonable compared to other sellers' price of 2.5k as the only way you can get your hands on this guy here in Manila is though pre-orders unless you but it personally from abroad which leads me to the second thing I don't like.
The brand's not locally available. If only we had Sephora here in the Philippines. A girl can dream, right?
The compact is a fingerprint magnet. I once pressed my thumb hard on the compact and I was able to lift it using sticky tape. ;D

In-between:

In as much as I am awed by how gorgeous this blush is, I do not find anything spectacular about it. Other blushes can be as pigmented, smooth, buttery, and give a luminous flush for a lower price tag.

Who might and might not like it?

Those who love baked blushes and won't mind paying quite a bit for a beautiful blush with swirls of light gold. If you are on a budget, you might find yourself searching for dupes instead.

Will I buy again?

I would just because I don't have any powder blush like it in my stash and I like its longevity on my combination-oily skin. But it's not something I would consider a must-have. I can live without this blush as it is dupe-able but I choose not to. :D

Have you tried Hourglass blushes?

Happy Tuesday, super awesome peeps. :)

Cheers,

Follow me on Instagram: greenappletini

In the Limelight: Becca Cosmetics Ombre Nudes Palette - Product Review

2015-06-08T18:30:00.001+08:00

For so many years, I have steered clear of neutrals and earth tones when it comes to eyeshadow as being acidic, they tend to look muddy on me so I stuck to greys and greens, and anything dark. It was only last year that I started to wear neutrals mixed with darker browns and blacks and I realized I can rock them. And now, I mostly wear these shades when I go out. I wish I could review the Urban Decay Naked palette for you but I'm sure you've seen tons of reviews about it and besides, I let it go for something less overwhelming for me. My new found love for neutrals + my love for Becca Cosmetics led to my acquisition of the Becca Ombre Nudes Palette. It was a choice between the Urban Decay Naked Basics or this but I chose the latter instead. And here is my review.

What I like:

The shadows are smooth and velvety though not as buttery as compared to, say, Burberry eyeshadows and blushes.
All the colours blend nicely albeit matte which I usually have a hard time with.
They all work well with each other (at times, they look cool-toned but on most times, they lean towards the warm spectrum) as well as with eyeshadows from other palettes or quads.
All the shades are very pigmented and didn't have a hard time showing up with or without primer.
Longevity is very good, more so when applied with primer.
The compact is sleek and simple and although plastic, it feels sturdy and won't easily break.
I do not feel overwhelmed as to the number of shades and which ones to use (I'm talking to the UD Naked palettes, Lorac Pro palettes and everything else that has more than 5 shades to choose from in one compact).
This is a no-brainer eye shadow palette for me.
Aside from being used on the eyes, I can also use the third and fourth shades as face contour and as brow powders. Talk multiple uses in one slim compact.

What I don't like:

They come off as a bit powdery but surprisingly has very minimal fall outs once applied on the lids. But still, I wish it does not do that: product wastage = money wasted.
It is quite pricey and what I would consider an investment for a product I do not use everyday - pretty steep for $40. Got it for Php 2250 through a pre-order.
Not sure if it's already locally available in Adora.
I wish they'd come up with other palette selections - blues, greens, smokes, pastels or whatever colour combinations you can think of.

Who might and might not like this?

Those who prefer satin or shimmer finishes for their eyeshadows can skip this one as this is an all matte palette. Also, if you want a variety of shades to choose from, you'll be disappointed if 5 isn't enough for you. If you are, however, into mattes and neutrals, and wants minimal shades in their palette, then this has your name spelled on it. If you like multi-purpose products, go grab this for your contouring and eyebrow needs.

Will I buy again?

I'd love to say yes but if they come up with smokey shades or dark greens, I would get those palettes first. And besides, this will take me over a year to finish since I do not wear eyeshadow on a regular basis.

Swatches. Photo taken from my instagram account.

What's your favourite neutral or nudes palette?

Have a wonderful week ahead, super awesome peeps. :)

Cheers,

Follow me on Instagram: greenappletini

Product Review: Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Makeup Foundation

2015-04-25T21:27:00.000+08:00

Hello, super awesome peeps! It has been over a year since I have last updated this blog. Thank you to all those who still followed this blog and those who have told me that they still read my blog, it really meant a lot to me and made me want to go back to blogging. I won't go into a lengthy explanation for the hiatus but here I am once again and will do my best to get back to blogging. I have so much products to review for you guys which I am quite excited about. So allow me to start once again by reviewing one of my Holy Grail foundations which is the Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Makeup.

I was using the shade 3.0 which was a perfect match but oxidizes on me and turns a shade darker so the one I currently have on my stash is 2.0. Did I already mention that this is one of my two Holy Grail foundations? Yes, I did.

Texture and Consitency:

Consistency is somewhat in between creamy and runny. It doesn't sit like a blob at the back of my hand once pumped and neither does it do a marathon on me. It is applies smoothly and feels both satiny and velvety on my skin. A few seconds is all it needs to blend well with the skin, making it appear as though it's my skin but better.

Coverage:

Coverage is light to medium but buildable. You can, however sheer it out by mixing it with your moisturizer or, in my case, argan oil. If you have good skin, you might not need the use of a concealer but if you have spots or blemishes to conceal here and there, this might not give enough coverage for you. I personally need to use an under eye concealer with this foundation.

Longevity:

This foundation lasts for 8-10 hours on me with fading on the 6th hour mark and I need to touch up with powder. I start seeing traces of oil on the 3rd hour too. Those with dry skin might find this foundation to last longer on them.

What I like:

It smells like most foundations do but I am happy to report that it does not contain a strong floral fragrance, for those of us who do not like such scents on makeup. The scent disappears quickly.
It is very easy to blend and does not sit on top of your skin. If you have dry patches, it may somehow emphasize them but not like what most matte foundations do. Please note that this is not a mattifying foundation and has a satin or demi-matte finish.
It makes my skin look healthy, bouncy even, and does not dry out my skin.
No adverse reaction on my skin despite the silicone content.
Has a wide selection of shades for various skin tones and undertones. Those that end with .5 are cool-toned while those that do not are warm-toned. I can't imagine anyone having that much difficulty in finding the right shade for them.
For the price I paid for this foundation, I am glad that this has a pump that works and allows me to control the amount of foundation I am pumping out from it.
The bottle is simple and yet sleek and functional.

What I don't like:

Not locally available so I have to rely on pre-orders.
Can be pretty expensive for a mid-range brand. For my first bottle, I paid Php 1,750 which is quite reasonable but for the second, I got it for Php 2, 200 as seller no. 1 no longer has it on stick.

Who might and might not like this:

Those who prefer satin over matte finishes and light-medium coverage will definitely like this foundation. Those who like heavy and full coverage might find themselves adding another layer of foundation. If you have very oily skin and lives in hot and humid places, you will definitely need to set this with powder. I have combination-oily skin and I still need to set it with powder and touch up every now and then. If you need heavy duty foundation, this definitely isn't for you.

Will I buy again?

Definitely! I have, in fact, already purchased my second bottle. :)

Have a great weekend, everyone! :)

Cheers,

Late Post: Shiseido International Beauty Fair 2014 Work Shop

2014-03-28T15:54:00.002+08:00

Hello everyone. After another long hiatus, I'm back to blogging. I needed to focus on both my job and relationship, thus, the long break. Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I got invited to the Shiseido International Beauty Fair at the SM Megamall Atrium and I couldn't resist not going because the Japanese Beauty Consultant from Shiseido Japan, Momoko Ishibashi would be there. So even though I already made plans for the weekend, I made sure I am able to attend at least one workshop (May 21, day one) and share whatever tips I will learn on that day. Apologies for the delay in posting, I intended to post about it right away but flu got the better of me. Better late than never as they say.

Photo grabbed from the Shiseido PH facebook page.

I was only able to attend the first workshop which is for the natural look as I needed to bring my dog to the vet that same afternoon. Since most Filipinas go for the no-makeup makeup look, this was the first look that Momoko Ishibashi demonstrated for all the beauty bloggers who attended that workshop. Of course, all products used on the blogger/model's face were all Shiseido - from the skin care products up to the makeup.

Momoko Ishibashi with her translator

It all starts with a beautiful canvas so skin care is of utmost importance.

And this, I think, is the highlight of all the products - the Shiseido White Lucent Total Brightening Serum.

It should be applied all over the face in a circular motion - this technique applies to all skin care products, Shiseido or not - to prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging from appearing prematurely.

How it works - explained.

And the look for the first workshop - Soft and Natural. The products used for the look are on the slide.

The finished look. (Sorry for the quality of the photos, it doesn't do justice for the model. I only used my iphone).

I'm not going to be super detailed but here's the sum of what I learned on that day:

Having good skin is the first step in achieving this natural look. Because once your skin is glowing on its own, you don't need to apply tons of makeup on your face.
Light and sheer foundation works best as it will look and feel like second skin.
Conceal and brighten the under eyes. Well-rested looking eyes can make your face fresh and bright in an instant.
Set your makeup with sheer powder to help keep oil at bay.
Use light or soft color on the brow since you're aiming for a soft and natural look.
Pink and yellow cream eyeshadows were used on this look - it made the model look fresh and young.
According to Momoko, the color of your cheeks and lips should match. And it should also match the color of the clothes you're wearing (I'm not that sure if I can match my lip and cheek color with my clothes but I'll try).

So that's it. Have an awesome weekend ahead, everyone! :)

Cheers,

Create moments under the sun with Dermplus Sunblock - Your Everyday Sun Protection

2014-03-25T19:14:00.002+08:00

Who doesn't love a little fun in the sun? The beach can be a perfect way to spend the day and get some summer moments with your loved ones. Summer means sun, shorts, sandals, bathing suits, and bronzed skin. But with beach hair and shorter hemlines comes the dangers that not only instigate the probability of skin cancer, but the aging process as well. Sun exposure is, essentially, subjecting yourself to sun damage – but in the same note, avoiding the outdoors altogether is both impractical and nearly impossible.

Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock is the answer to your skin problems this summer. It is formulated with unbeatable UVA and UVB filters to protect your skin in the harsh ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Dermplus sunblock physically blocks and reflects light and it also helps heal skin damage caused by over-exposure to the sun. Dermplus Sunblock is available in different SPF’s like SPF 24 that is recommended for morena skin and for indoor use, SPF 35 for fair skin and SPF 80 and 130 for extreme outdoor activities. Use Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock and worry no more about the harmful Ultra Violet A (UVA) and Ultra Violet B (UVB) rays. Whether you go will spend your summer in Boracay, Cebu, Palawan or in Bohol, never forget your number one sun defense partner.

Dermplus Moisturizing Sunblock is available in all leading drugstores, supermarket and department stores nationwide. For more information call 817 33 03 or like us on facebook.

Cheers,

Disclaimer: Post for Dermplus PR.

In the Limelight: Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup in I'm Pure 4 Sure Ivory Product Review

2013-11-21T13:51:00.001+08:00

Wow, that was quite a long name for a foundation; makes me wonder why companies do that, actually. Anyway, I am not a huge fan of Benefit products, to be honest, though I have tried quite a few - blushes, tints, primer. I wasn't even one of the eager beavers when Benefit launched this foundation but the reviews about it being light and natural on the skin made me decide to finally try it out this year as I was looking for a foundation that is lighter than NARS Sheer Glow (although I was kinda okay with that foundation, y'know). I have had this Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Brightening Makeup for a couple of months now and the shade I have is I'm Pure 4 Sure Ivory. I'm not sure if this is the lightest or the second lightest shade but I decided this was the perfect shade for me, knowing that this will be a tad light for my complexion, because I am acidic and almost everything oxidizes on me, which I'm sure you know as I have been complaining a lot about it lately. So on this post, I shall be reviewing this foundation and I will be using my new system of reviewing for the first time on this product. I thought a little revamping won't hurt as to how I do my reviews so here goes.

What Benefit says about this product...

Why we love it!

Hello...it's flawless time! Our new oil-free brightening liquid foundation builds from light to medium coverage for a natural complexion you can believe in. It's you...just more luminous & healthy looking.

Find your flawless match with the hello flawless oxygen wow shade guide in Beauty School.

WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW:

broad-spectrum SPF 25 PA+++ protection**

oil-free formula

natural finish

hydrating benefits

light-diffusing properties

available in 9 shades

**What does PA+++ mean? SPF stands for the protection grade of the UVB filter. PA stands for the protection grade of the UVA filter. The highest standard of sun protection rating is the three-star PA rating. Our foundation has three stars, which translates to the highest protection.

Who else loves it!

2012 SELF Healthy Beauty Award, best brightening foundation

How to apply

Blend on face with brush or fingertips.

Details

30.0 mL, 1.0 US fl oz.

Beauty tip

Start with the POREfessional to get an unbelievably even application, quickly minimize the appearance of pores and help makeup stay put.

What I say about this product...

Texture & Consistency:

This foundation is kinda watery though not excessively runny. Despite its consistency, this feels surprisingly creamy as I spread this all over my skin. It also feels moist which is good for those who dig the dewy look.

Coverage:

Light to medium but can be built up, only adding a little amount on areas that need more coverage.

Longevity:

It lasts for a few hours to a little over half a day. This could be due to my skin type which is combination-oily and add to that the heat and humidity in Manila. Those who have combination or oily skin may not expect this to last until you remove your makeup before hitting the sack, while those with dry to normal may find this to last longer on them.

Price & Availability in the local market:

This is locally available at Benefit counters and stores in Manila for Php 1,900.00.

Thumbs up:

Definitely feels lighter than NARS Sheer Glow and is perfect for everyday use.
Has not caused irritation on my skin, no break outs either.
This shade initially applies lighter on my skin tone but I was right when I decided that this is the right shade for me because it does oxidize and ends up matching my skin tone.
It definitely brightens up my face.
Perfect for the dewy look. It makes my skin look bouncy, softer and smoother though it does not blur the imperfections or blemishes.
It has SPF25.
It does not dry out my skin and it actually makes me feel like my skin can breathe.
It blends well with the skin and does not sit on top of it; definitely does not feel like I have a mask on.
The pump! On my last two foundation reviews, I sorta complained about those not having pumps. And yes, this one does have a pump that actually works and allows me to have control on how much product I get to use.
The packaging, while not super stylish, is practical. You can actually see how much product you have left. Plus, when you run out of it, you can re-use the bottle and put lotions or creams in it, perhaps another foundation that does not come with a pump.
Locally available.

Thumbs down:

It takes a minute or two to dry as it really is moist. So I refrain from using this when I am running late but when I have the extra time to spare, I don't see a reason why I shouldn't use this.
Can be quite pricey with Benefit being a mid-range brand but priced competitively against high end foundations but I find the price worth it because of everything listed on "Thumbs up".

Who might like this?

Those who prefer light-medium coverage and likes the dewy look. Those who have dry to normal skin might find this suitable for their skin type.

Who might not?

Those who prefer matte or satin finishes. Combination-oily skin types.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Wearing Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow

Have you tried Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Makeup?

Have a wonderful Thursday, everyone! :)

Cheers,

In the Limelight: Sleek Gloss Me Colour Intense Supreme Shine Lip Gloss in 442 Fool's Gold Product Review

2013-11-15T12:57:00.004+08:00

TGIF, everyone! The problem if you go on blogging hiatus is that the products you have to review piles up and when you finally get back to it, it can be confusing which one to review first and which one goes next. Making a list doesn't work for me. But today, I decided to review another lip product from Sleek Makeup and that is the Gloss Me Colour Intense Supreme Shine Lip Gloss in 442 Fool's Gold. I admit, I was initially hesitant to use this as it is not something that would catch my attention when it comes to lip products. I am normally a coral-pink lippy girl and just starting to get a little bolder with red. But after giving this gloss a chance and used it several times, I'm ready to give it a review.

Sleek Makeup describes Gloss Me Fool's Gold as...

Gloss Me provides you with maximum coverage for long lasting colour with shimmer that ensures a dazzling pout all day long. Fools Gold is a sparkling champagne shade that can be worn alone for a light neutral lip or team with True Colour Lipstick in Succumb for a dazzling pout.

Gloss Me’s ultra intense, long lasting colour doesn’t stray, drenching lips in a full coat of gloss in just one single application.

What I like:

Highly pigmented. One coat is enough to show its true color.
Sleek nailed it with the shade description. It is indeed a sparkling champagne shade. It is pretty and would look good on bold eye colours or a smokey eye with mostly matte shades.
It does not feel super sticky but I feel that it adheres on the lips.
Does not dry out my lips.
There is a scent to it which can be detected only if you sniff closely to the tube. Almost goes undetected.
I like the packaging which is a simple clear tube with matte cap.
No irritation on my lips and the surrounding skin.
Can be used on top of a matte lip product to add more ooomph to it.
Has a shelf life of 36 months or 3 years.
Locally available at www.beautycornerph.com for Php 450.00 / 6mL of product.

What I don't like:

It tends to look frosty because of the abundance of shimmers in it which might not look too good on those with pouty or full lips as it will further make the lips fuller. Those with think lips might benefit from it though, if shimmers or frost are your thing.

Overall rating: 4/5 The gloss is nice but the shimmers' a little too much for me. Though I would certainly use this when I go for black smokey eyes. I think that combination will look dazzling.

Will I buy again? I actually like the gloss, and that is from someone who prefers tinted lip balms and sheer lipsticks over gloss, but I'd probably go for a different shade - Kiss & Tell.

Swatch - one swipe

On me. Wearing Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow I'm Pure for Sure Ivory;
Garnier BB Eye Roll On; Chanel Poudre Universelle Libre; MAC Browset
Beguile; Essence Stay All Day Eyeshadow Glammy Goes To; Urban Decay
24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil Zero; Kiss Me Heroine Make Impact Frame and
Curl Mascara; Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder;
Sleek Gloss Me Fool's Gold

Have you tried Sleek Gloss Me?

Have a wonderful Friday, everyone!

Cheers,

Disclaimer: Product received for review purposes but does not in any way affect my opinion on the said product.

In the Limelight: Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in 120 Vanilla Product Review

2013-11-08T20:54:00.003+08:00

As I have mentioned on my NARS Sheer Glow Foundation review, I prefer sheer-light coverage foundations that also feel light on the skin. Admittedly, I was never a fan of Revlon's foundations. When I was able to try the Colorstay foundation a couple of years ago, I found it a little too strong for my skin and felt like my skin couldn't breathe. Now that there are newer foundations made available in the Philippine market, I was seeing reviews of the Nearly Naked and the Colorstay Whipped Creme here and there and I was on the hunt for a new foundation. It has been a long time since I have used a foundation from a drugstore brand so I thought it wouldn't hurt to try again. I was deciding between the two but the word "Naked" won me over as it gave me the impression that it would look and feel like second skin, which is exactly what I want in a foundation. So I purchased a bottle online as it is so much cheaper compared to mall prices and used it for a while. Here is my review.

Revlon describes Nearly Naked as...

Makeup so refreshingly light, it melts right in, creating a fresh even look. So the only one that knows you are wearing makeup is you. Blends seamlessly, buildable coverage.

What I like:

Compared to Colorstay, it is definitely lighter.
Consistency is not too thick. It is a bit watery but does not take too long to dry on the skin and it is not even that hard to blend at all.
Although it is not totally unscented, I was able to detect some scent but it's not too strong and overwhelming.
It is has a nice matte finish that does not look flat. I have to say it looks nice on the skin too.
The formulation isn't quite as strong as Colorstay.
No breakouts, no irritation on my skin.
I do not get greasy on this foundation but looks rather dewy which is nice.
Locally available at Revlon counters on most department stores and some drugstores nationwide. I am not sure of the price as I got mine online but it is probably twice its USD price.
The packaging is quite nice - foundation housed in a sleek glass bottle with a white cap. Nothing too fancy but it does the job.

What I don't like:

Although lighter that Colorstay, this still feels a little heavy for me. Me and my freakin' preference.
Those with acne and blemishes might still need to use concealer depending on the severity of the blemishes. Personally though, I do not conceal and cover my blemishes but I still needed to use concealer on my undereyes.
Does not come with a pump. So I just transferred some on an airless pump bottle from Beabi.
It turns a little peach on me when it oxidizes. I got the shade Vanilla thinking that once it oxidizes, it will eventually match. It almost did, only it was a little too peach.\
For some reason, I still feel like I have a very thin mask on my face. I don't feel like my skin could breathe.

Overall rating: 3/5 Turning peach was the deal breaker for me. Plus it still feels a little heavy for me despite being described as refreshingly light.

Will I buy again? No. It's still not as light as I prefer my foundations to be.

Have you tried the Revlon Nearly Naked foundation?

Cheers,

P.S. Stay safe, everyone!

In the Limelight: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Fiji Product Review

2013-11-03T17:47:00.002+08:00

I've only known NARS for their blushes but I have never tried any of their foundations before. Even though I've read good reviews about their Sheer Matte and Sheer Glow Foundations, I was very happy with my foundations from Japanese brands that I never bothered trying them out. I received a sample of NARS Sheer Matte before but I thought there wasn't anything fantastic about it and went about my business. It was only July this year that I was able to get myself a full size of the NARS Sheer Glow when I was running out of liquid foundations. And here is my review.

NARS describes Sheer Glow as...

A glowing, natural radiant finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage that immaculately evens skin tone. Replete with skincare benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, it leaves skin hydrated, more luminous, softer and smoother. Used daily, Sheer Glow Foundation improves the skin’s brightness and texture

For normal, normal-to-dry, dry skin types
Hydrates for softer and smoother skin
Contains powerful anti-oxidants to protect against damaging free radicals and turmeric extract to improve skin's radiance and tone
Dermatologist-tested. Non-comedogenic. Fragrance-free.

What I like:

Although this foundation is marketed as for those with normal, normal-to-dry, and dry skin types which my skin is not, I found that this works great for my skin despite being combination-oily. It does not make my skin feel greasy at all although oiling up is something that does not surprise me. I'm used to it.
Provides medium coverage with a satin finish. Although I would normally go for foundations with sheer-light coverage, I am able to sheer this out by mixing it with my daily moisturizer, otherwise, it will feel a tad heavy for my liking.
This is buildable so for those who prefer full coverage, you might get your desired coverage through layering. I think two layers would give you that coverage. Anything beyond that might give you a cakey finish.
The packaging is really nice and sleek. The foundation is housed in a sturdy glass bottle with the NARS logo on it. The cap, though, is matte black which is really part of their signature packaging. I am not a fan of it; just saying.
The foundation is indeed fragrance-free, much to my nose's delight.
I have never experienced any skin irritation not break outs from this foundation despite this being a little too rich for my skin - but that's just me.
A little goes a long way. I only need one pump to cover my face and neck.
This is easy to spread and blend on the skin.
The consistency is creamy and not watery nor runny as compared to Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup which is a current favorite of mine. It doesn't droop as quick as the latter does.
When I start to oil up, particularly on my t-zone, it does not make me look like a grease ball. It makes my skin look rather dewy which is nice. Nothing that a touch up powder or an oil blotting sheer cannot solve.
My skin never felt dry which is good. I never saw any dry patches so I guess those with dry skins with patches would really benefit from this foundation as it is non-drying.
Lasts for more than half a day.
Locally available at NARS counters in Rustan's for Php 2,450 per bottle.

What I don't like:

First off, this does not come with a pump. Not even a spatula or a dropper or whatever. Not that I have seen any foundation that comes with a dropper but you get my drift. For that price, it would have been nice if a pump was included and didn't have to be purchased separately for Php 400 bucks. I just bought an empty airless pump bottle from Beabi and transferred some in it.
The shade I have is Fiji which I thought is right for my skin tone. I am NC25 in MAC and those who wear NC20 are usually matched to Deauville, which is the shade that comes before Fiji. Now after seeing swatches of Ceylan, I wondered why it looks lighter than Fiji. Anyway, this oxidizes on me too so it ends up looking darker than it already is. It was a tad darker upon application but after oxidizing, it becomes really darker.
It feels heavy for me though much lighter than, say, Estee Lauder Double Wear and the Light version. As I already mentioned on this post, I prefer sheer-light coverage.
It transfers even though I've already set it with loose or pressed powder!
The bottle is kinda heavy so it is not entirely ideal for travelling.

Overall rating: 3.75/5. The pump is rather a minor issue; I should've researched a bit more about the shades and swatched the shades prior to purchasing online; the coverage is more of a personal preference, and the bittle is another minor issue. The transfer issue is more "serious" to ponder on though.

Will I buy again? I'd have to say no. In as much as I really liked this foundation, I really prefer foundations that give lighter coverage and feels like second skin as if I'm not wearing it on my face at all.

Have you tried this foundation? How do you find it?

Cheers,

Let's Have a Little Talk About Acne

2013-10-30T22:24:00.000+08:00

Who has never had acne in their entire lives? In as much as I want to raise my hand and say I've never had one, I can't do that. Although I consider myself having pretty good skin, I still get bumps and zits every now and then especially when I am stressed, when I have tried a product that does not work well with my skin, or when I get the raging hormones time of the month. A lot of teenagers and even adults are battling with acne and it is something that I believe is one of the reasons why certain people are not confident about their looks, thus, the low self-esteem. I am not a skin expert and neither am I a dermatologist but as most of you may not know, I am always on the look out for products that can help me with the zits I get on certain occasions so I would like to share some of these info to you guys.

Concealer and pimple dots made for healing zits on my face

Before you look for treatments for your breakouts, it is important to determine the cause why your skin is having such problems. Sometimes, just a change of habit works. Here are a few of the most common causes of breakouts aside from the usual known causes (stress, anxiety, period) unbeknownst to some of us:

1. The things we put on our face.

Do you have a complex beauty routine or do you only use a couple of products on your skin? It doesn't matter. Some of our skin care products and makeups are the actual culprit as to why we get acne. Just imagine piling on layers of products on your face - toner, serum/moisturizer, primer or makeup base, liquid foundation or bb cream, setting powder or powder foundation, then a setting spray. Do you think your skin can breathe freely? And most importantly, are you sure you are washing off everything when you cleanse your face? Even if we have a very simple routine like cleanse-tone-moisturize-foundation, some of these products could still clog our pores that could result to zits. Aside from that, our cosmetic sponges and brushes have bacteria from leftover makeup and oils that can be transferred onto the skin if not cleaned regularly. These acne that are caused by these topical products are what is being referred to as Acne Cosmetica. That's new to me but it's nice to learn that there is a specific term for acne caused by skin care and cosmetics.

2. Have you ever gotten an advice from people to use toothpaste to treat your pimple?

For some, it might have worked but some of the ingredients on our toothpaste can be quite harsh on the skin that instead of treating it, it will just aggravate your pimple.

3. Do you spend all day talking on your cellphone or simply holding it and not letting it free from your grasp?

Whenever our hands touch something, we get bacteria and dirt and that gets transferred on the surface of our mobile phones And then we touch our face. Wiping it clean with a wet tissue or antibacterial wipes will in a way lessen its dirt.

4. Work out tools and materials.

Gyms and yoga classes are public and people share those gears and mats with each other. So just imagine all the sweat and dirt these things have accumulated from all of those who have used them before you and you get a lot of those on your hands, arms, feet, you put your towel on top of those and then you wipe your face. Ack! I know, right? An alcohol or cleansing tissues would do you a lot of good. Or if you can keep your towel inside your bag and just bring it out when you need it, I think that's a pretty good option.

5. The most common thing I have mentioned here is touching your face.

I think this is pretty self-explanatory and I believe a lot of people already know this but I think it's worth mentioning. You touch a lot of things with your hands and they get all the dirt. And then you touch your face with it. A hand sanitizer will surely come in handy if you can't find a washroom to wash your hands first if you can't keep them from touching your face.

6. The food we eat.

What we eat and our diet reflects on our skin. So cut down on too much greasy and fatty food.

7. Water intake.

Drink lots of water. Aside from being good for digestion, it also helps hydrate us, making our skin healthier and better.

8. Prescription Medicine.

Pills for female hormones and steroids are notorious when it comes to causing pimples. There could be other medicines so you might want to ask your doctor about it as he prescribes those medicines to you so you'll know what to expect.

9. Other more serious health and skin conditions such as rosacea, hormonal imbalance and PCOS so it is always best to consult your doctor about it especially if none of the over the counter and natural treatments help.

Now, speaking of treatments, you can do some DIYs as a lot of the ingredients can be found in your kitchen. These are mostly inexpensive and natural too. You can make face masks out of honey, milk, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, turmeric, green tea, oatmeal, cinnamon.

I personally like mixing brown sugar with milk or oatmeal and honey to exfoliate my skin. For spot treatments, I use apple cider vinegar alone and dot it on the pimple/s and I wake up to a dry pimple. You can mix some of those ingredients I have mentioned and there are a lot of recipes for DIY natural masks you can find online.

This is kind of a lengthy post but it's nice to share some important information especially when it comes to taking care of our skin.

Here's also a little video that might prove insightful and helpful.

Do you have natural treatments that you can share?

Cheers,

Guest Post: My Current 5 Favorite Blushes by Anamika of WiseShe.com

2013-10-29T16:53:00.000+08:00

Hello from India!

I am Anamika and I love how blushes sculpt and enlighten the complexion They add glow to the face and makes me look alive.I keep hoarding lot of blushes and have wide variety of shade.

I keep trying blushes from drugstore to high end and have favorite in all of them. I am listing down few of my favorite blushes which I got recently.Hope you like them J

1. NARS Taj Mahal Blush

This is by far my favourite nars blush.It’s a beautiful scorched orange gold bronzy shade which adds lot of warmth and brightness. I like to wear it during fall especially during the night.We Indians celeberate lot of festivals where there is lot of glam and glitter and whenever I wear Nars Taj people ask me what’s on my cheeks.Only thing which needs to be taken care of is that one should use it with a light hand otherwise you will end up looking like a clown.

2. Milani Baked Blush in Corallina

I love Corallina because of the beautiful coral glow it gives me It has a slight shimmer in it but it will never looks too much If you are not a shimmery blush person then you need to try this out you will end up trying few more shimmery blushes for yourself.

3. MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Star Wonder

It is a plumy pink color with hints of gold shimmer. It isn’t glittery like other mineral makeup that MAC offers, which is why I like it so much. Wearing each of the three shades separately also gives your cheeks a different flush of color

5. Wet n Wild Pearlescent Pink

Blush reminded me of Nars Orgasm. It’s a rosy pink blush with a bit of coral into it and very fine golden shimmer. Shimmer in the blush is very very fine and will not make you look like a disco ball unlike many drugstore blushes around.I used MAC 188 Small duo fibre face brush or Coastal Scents Classic Blush Brush to apply it .As glitter in this blush is not overpowering it looks very flattering .Also, this blush will be best for warm skin tone girls.

5. L'Oreal Color Lift Blush Pink Lift Rose

Blush as per its name gives natural glow to the skin and kind of “lift “up as claimed. I especially like to wear it at night because when the lights falls on it it makes one look like a glowing bulb – in a good way of course. By the way this too looks like a good dupe of Nars orgasm ..I have lost the count of the products which looks like Nars Orgasm.Also, along with this its a good dupe of MAC Star Wonder Mineralize Skinfinish.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR – Anamika is a makeup and beauty blogger who loves smokey eyes and blushes. When free she likes to surf around, listen to music and read some suspense thrillers. J

In the Limelight: MAC Mineralize Blush in Dainty Product Review

2013-10-25T13:09:00.005+08:00

Most of my blushes have matte or satin finishes and I only have a handful of shimmery blushes. As I get older, I prefer non-shimmery ones because they tend to look more natural. But certain shimmery blushes have such gorgeous finishes like the MAC Mineralize Blush in Dainty. After using it for a few months now, here's my review.

MAC describes their Mineralize Blushes as...

Baked minerals refined into a powder formula to provide exceptionally sheer and lightweight application. Colour builds lightly, layer after layer, without heavy coverage. Veils and enhances the cheekbones with a luminous, pearlized shimmer.

What I like:

MAC describes it as light yellow pink with gold pearl. Dainty in my eyes is a gorgeous warm pink shade with hints of peach and coral that is made even more lovely by the find, iridescent gold shimmers. It may be too shimmery on the pan and on swatches but if applied sparingly, the shimmers will just give your cheeks a nice glow and sheen. I personally use non-synthetic brushes or the MAC 187 when I apply this. I noticed that using my Ecotools blush brush makes the shimmers look more prominent whereas using those brushes I mentioned earlier makes the color pop.
It isn't the silkiest and most finely milled and velvety blush I have owned but the texture is still smooth and not chunky.
Unscented. My two most used powder blushes together with this one is Burberry Light Glow Blush in Peony and Chanel Joues Contraste in Narcisse, both of which have floral scents to them. So my nose loves the fact that this blush is unscented.
A little goes a long way. This is pigmented so apply sparingly using a light hand. Just lightly dust it on your cheeks and continuously blend.
No skin irritation nor allergic reactions for me from using it.
Staying power is good, stays for more 5-6 hours on my combination-oily skin.
Locally available at MAC counters for Php 1,500.00 (feel free to update me if the price has increased).

What I don't like:

It oxidizes on me as most products do. But it doesn't end up looking awful even though it has oxidized.
Can emphasize the pores especially for those with large ones.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Will I buy again? The shade is pretty dupe-able so I'm on the fence if I should repurchase. But I'm sure it will take years to finish so I have a lot of time in my hands to decide if I'll buy again or not.

Have you tried MAC Dainty? What's your favorite MAC blush?

Have a wonderful Friday, everyone!

Cheers,

Oh My Face Looks Like a Map! On Blotchy Skin - Causes and Remedies

2013-10-25T00:00:00.000+08:00

Have you ever looked in front of a mirror and notice how your skin looks uneven, with patches that appear red or brown? No, you don't have to just be a woman to see these on your skin. You can be a man or a woman, young or adult. These patches or blotches do not come with age alone. A lot of different factors can cause these to appear on your skin. If you are someone who has been dealing with these skin problems, continue reading the rest of this post as you might find something that can help you.

Okay, okay, I know that photo of me looks exaggerated but there are certain people in this world who are battling with such patches and blotches on their skin and that isn't even a funny thought. To some, having such skin problems may even cause lack of confidence and low self-esteem. Good thing is there are natural remedies for these conditions without even having to go under the knife and those painful cosmetic procedures (injection with huge needle alert!). But before we go ahead and tackle these natural remedies, let's discuss and educate ourselves a little with these blotches, shall we?

What is blotchy skin?

These are discolorations or pigmentation on the skin that appears like brown or red patches or blotches (hello, freckles!) on the skin caused by several factors such as skin damage due to excessive sun exposure without wearing proper sunscreen, rosacea, dermatitis, allergies, hormonal changes, acne, too much stress and anxiety, aging, intake of certain medications, and even genetic predisposition to name a few.

What can cause blotchy skin?

Here are some common and known causes of blotchy skin.

Are you expecting a baby and so excited about motherhood? Aside from a baby, you can also expect hormonal changes during pregnancy. This is one of the factors that may cause you to have blotchy skin. Although not everyone experiences this which is really good, there are a few women who are dealing with this at this very moment. Imagine all the emotional roller coaster a pregnant woman has to go through and add the horror of seeing these discolorations and pigmentation on her skin. Not a very pretty thing to experience, right?

I must admit that I am guilty of not religiously using sunscreen or sun protection and I take a huge risk exposing myself to the harmful rays of the sun. I have seen an increase on my freckles and sunspots on my arms, shoulders, and some on my cheeks. Freckles are cute on kids but not on adults so don't be like me and wear sunscreen whenever you have to go out or even inside the comforts of your own home as the lights on your ceiling also need some protection from.

Your boss sets a target unrealistically high, your co-worker stole your idea and presented it as her own, you got several Fs on your report card, your baby is crying non-stop and your husband won't even take shifts with you, and the pizza parlor delivered pepperoni when you wanted all the works on your pizza. Aren't all these stressful? Believe it or not, stress and anxiety can even cause all those bumps and blotches to appear on your skin. Acne is a classic example. When I get anxious over something, I get a nasty zit or two.

I have atopic dermatitis and allergies so I easily get rashes on the affected area. Sometimes, just leaning on a table can cause these to appear on my arms. It's difficult but I have both medical and natural remedies for that.

We all age, don't we? Unless you have found the Fountain of Youth (by all means, spill the beans!), you will age too. And sometimes, seeing age spots is inevitable so at a young age, go find skin care products that work for you. You might not see the effects right away but give it 30-40 years and you will be thankful you heeded my advice.

I can go on and on about what causes all these and if I do, it will probably take you an hour to finish reading so let's just skip to the natural remedies which is brilliant because you can find most of these in your kitchen.

Who loves oatmeal? I do! Simply mix oatmeal with olive oil honey, or milk til you make a paste. All these ingredients have natural soothing properties.

I love yogurt especially mango-flavored ones but this time, let's use unflavored and plain ol' yogurt. All you have to do is apply it on your face and that's an instant yogurt mask. The say it's good for the tummy. What they fail to mention is that it's also good for your skin.

Green tea. I can't think of anyone who hasn't heard of green tea as a natural remedy for acne and skin irritation. Make a green tea mask by adding rice flour on it until a paste is formed.

Bananas. This is perfect especially for those who have dry skin. Mash a ripe banana and add olive or almond oil, lemon juice, egg yolk, and voila! You got yourself a banana mask. BUT be sure that you are not allergic to nuts before you add almond oil as it will just worsen your skin problem.

Unrefined cocoa or shea butter. This is my personal favorite as it works quickly and the irritation is gone in just a few minutes. This is what I apply whenever my allergies flare up.

Aloe vera gel. This is one of the most popular natural remedies for inflammation and skin irritation. Just be sure you don't get too much from your mom's plant, okay?

Egg white. You can mix this with oatmeal or use it alone. I especially use this when I get burn marks from cooking. I continuously apply it on the burned part and like magic, it doesn't hurt and I no longer get blisters. BUT make sure you're not allergic to poultry.

Lemon juice. I see this all the time when it's all about getting rid of hyper-pigmentation and dark spots. So it must really work. Just make sure you don't apply a little too much as it might inflame the skin even more because lemon juice is about 5-6% citric acid.

These are just some of the natural remedies that can be commonly found at home, perhaps the unrefined cocoa or shea butter an exception. But all these have been proven to work at some point all these years. Of course, taking care of your skin and body is the best preventive medicine from all these. Derma visits are a lot of times needed depending on the severity of the skin condition.

So do you have other natural remedies or insights on blotchy skin?

TGIF, everyone!

Cheers,

In the Limelight: Island Basics Sunshield Spray SPF 45+ All Natural Sunscreen Product Review

2013-10-24T14:12:00.000+08:00

I admit, I have never been religiously using sunscreen for the past 29 years of my life even though I came to know the importance of using one for the skin. I have tried a few but for some reason, my face gets red just a couple of minutes upon application. Plus, my skin easily gets ~~oily~~ greasy especially with the Manila heat and humidity. The greasy part, I can easily just use a touch up powder but the redness it causes, that's something that has been baffling me for a while now. Applied sheerly, it still gets red and I sometimes even experience prickly heat especially when I'm under the sun. So I just skipped using sunscreen overall and relied heavily on makeup and skin care that offers some protection only to a certain extent even though I am certain that that isn't enough. When Soie Lisse sent me one of their packages, the Island Basics Sunshield Spray was included.. Of course, I was hesitant to use it given my history with sunscreens but what the heck, I still gave it a try. And after using it for 3 months now, I am ready to give it a review.

What I like:

The texture. It isn't think like most sunscreens that I know of (except the one from Sunplay which is watery). It is runny though still creamy.
The nozzle spray is a nice touch. It dispenses just the right amount I need as I have control over how much product I will spray from it.
As I have atopic dermatitis and my skin is dry, I use Palmer's Cocoa Butter because it helps so that's something I can't just skip. What I do is spray a generous amount on my palm and mix it with a dollop of Palmer's and apply it all over my arms, legs, feet, and ears. Yes, my ears get itchy too.
On my face, I mix a little with my facial moisturizer so it can be easily absorbed by my skin. I am currently using iWhite Korea Aqua Moisturizing Gel (which isn't whitening and reminds me so much of Neutrogena Hydroboost at a fraction of the price). The good thing is that I don't get red and no prickly sensation which is good. I usually concentrate and apply more on my forehead as it's usually the first to get darker/redder.
It is water-based so it also gets easily absorbed by the skin on its own.
Its packaging - a spray bottle with cap - makes it easy to bring wherever you go for re-application on the arms, or whatever body part you feel like applying this to.
Very affordable for Php 160/100mL bottle.
Oh, a product of the Philippines too.

What I don't like:

The scent is a tad too strong for my liking. That's another reason why I mix it with Palmer's Cocoa Butter because the latter neutralizes the strong scent. I still smell it but no longer as strong when used alone. Plus when I apply it on my face, I have to breathe through my mouth. It's probably just my sense of smell.
I don't feel like the protection it offers is enough especially if you're the outdoorsy type. But that's just a supposition on my part.

Overall rating: 3.75/5 The scent is the deal-breaker for me. But I'll keep using this because I like the consistency and my face doesn't get red with it which gets a big fat thumbs up from me.

Will I buy again? I would unless I find something that works just the same without the strong scent.

See the ingredients list below.

The Ingredients

What's your favorite sunscreen?

Have a happy Thursday, everyone!

Cheers,

Disclaimer: Product received for review purposes but does not in any way affect my opinion on the said product.

In the Limelight: Sleek Matte Me Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream in 433 Rioja Red Product Review

2013-10-23T17:10:00.002+08:00

Companies all over the globe have been coming up with their own version of lip creams since one company released their lip creams. Sleek is no exception as they have come up with the Matte Me Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream. The official distributor of Sleek Cosmetics in the Philippines, www.beautycorner.ph sent me one to try together with Gloss Me which I shall review on a separate post. The shade I was sent is 433 Rioja Red. I rarely go out sporting red lips as I prefer staying on the safe side with kinda bright colours but are mostly coral or coral-pinks. But I'm much braver now, perhaps it comes with age? :D, and went out on the same day I received the tube of red lip cream to be able to road test it right away. After having worn it quite a number of times, here is what I have to say about the product and the colour.

According to Sleek Cosmetics, Matte Me is...

a matte finish liquid lipstick that glides on in one smooth application, with no need for a second coat.
The light as air texture provides you with comfortable wear for hours, that doesn’t cake, flake or dry out, ensuring long lasting colour all day.

Available in 6 shades.

What I like:

Rioja Red is described on the Sleek website as a true bright red that when paired with Persian Lashes give you a true Hollywood effect. I love the shade, that it's a true blue red that does not make my teeth look yellow.
It lasts for several hours amidst all the drinking and eating I do.
It is unscented. Almost all my lip products are scented so this one is a breath of fresh air for me.
The tube looks simple yet sleek. The clear tube allows you to see its true color and how much product you have left.
The shade brightens up my face.
This lip cream alone is enough to complete a certain look - foundation, brows, liner, mascara, (subtle blush which is optional) and this. Classic!
The doe-foot applicator is just the right size and angled just right to glide smoothly on the lips. Although it doesn't follow the curve of the lips, it still works fine.
My first impression of a matte lip cream is something that would feel like it's sitting on top of my lips and one wrong move and it'll crack and end up looking like crack polishes. This one feels surprisingly comfortable. I have tried a lip cream from another brand and that didn't feel comfy on my lips.
Can be used as a lip stain instead. Dab just a little on your pinky and spread it evenly on both upper and lower lips and you're good to go. For a more intense colour, apply straight on the lips using the doe foot applicator.
No irritation on my lips.
The shelf life. 36 months or 3 years. Brilliant!
Locally available at www.beautycornerph.com for only Php 450.00/6mL of product.

What I don't like:

After several sips and meals, I was shocked to see a red outline on my lips. I wish it doesn't do that, I mean if it will come off, I hope everything does. It's pretty hard to remove and if you do that on a night out and wipe it with tissue, you might end up having red lip cream smeared on your face. So, just touch up instead.
As with most matte lip products, this has the tendency to be drying. However, it is not as drying as other lipsticks I have tried. Just a dab of lip balm underneath or a coat of gloss on top solves the problem! Those with chronically dry lips might find this even more drying.
Limited color selection.

Overall rating: 4/5 The red outline it leaves makes me sad but nothing like a little touch up can remedy.

Will I buy again? Not in the next 3 years unless I lose this tube. Though I'm itching to try a less bright shade.

Sorry it doesn't look as intense on the picture as it does in real life.

Liking the red!

Ingredients: Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Styrene Isoprene Copolymer Cresin, Silica, Diox, Titanium, Ide/CI77891, Red, Iron Oxide,/ CI77491, Yellow, Iron Oxide/CI77492, Bht, Propylparaben, D&C Orange No.5/CI145370:2, D&C Red No.6/CI15850:3

Have you tried Sleek Matte Me lip cream? What's your fave shade?

Have a super awesome Wednesday, everyone!

Cheers,

Disclaimer: Product received for review purposes but does not in any way affect my opinion on the said product.

Back from Hiatus Post: Blushes - Cremes, Gels, Tints Mini Reviews and Swatches

2013-10-22T15:54:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone! It has been a while since I last updated my blog. I had a lot of personal issues to deal with during my hiatus - I quit my office job, underwent therapy for my back, my mom had a stroke and had to take care of her until she made quite a recovery, and I'm back to doing freelance jobs online. Before I digress, allow me to get back on track. I decided there is no better way to make a back from hiatus post than to make it about my favorite makeup - blushes. Recently, I found myself gravitating towards creme blushes as they last longer on my skin now than powder blushes do. On my instagram account, I posted a picture of these blushes and now, I'd like to do swatches and mini reviews of all these. So if you'd like to see swatches and find out what I think of each product, then read on.

Let's start with the creme blushes in pans and a pot.

Top: Le Blush Creme de Chanel in Affinite; Laura Mercier Creme Cheek
Colour in Oleander; Becca Creme Blush in Hyacinth
Bottom: Diorblush Cheek Creme in Bikini

Swatches:

L-R: Affinite, Bikini, Hyacinth, Oleander

Mini Review:

Le Blush Creme de Chanel in Affinite - This is a gorgeous watermelon pink with a hint of red and coral creme blush. Its texture is quite different from all the creme blushes I have tried that I can't quite put my finger on how to exactly describe it. It's has a dry texture but not as airy as mousse blushes and dries to a powder finish. It lasts for hours on my combination-oily skin while giving a nice flush on my cheeks. It looks scary bright in the pan and it really is pigmented so you should use a very light hand in application. I prefer using my fingers in blending this as it's not as creamy and emolient as creme blushes normally are.

Diorblush Cheek Creme in Bikini - Now here's another pretty watermelon pink blush with very fine shimmers that I can barely make out once on the cheeks. It feels like play doh, only a tad softer. It blends well with the skin and gives a nice pop of colour that can surely brighten one's complexion. This, together with Affinite, are my current favourites.

Becca Creme Blush in Hyacinth - This was my HG creme blush before I crossed paths with Affinite and Bikini. Unlike the first two, this one is very creamy and emolient and blends so good on the skin making you look like you are naturally flushing. It is reddish pink in colour which can mimic one's color when blushing (although it still depends on your skin tone). This also has good staying power despite the formula and despite my skin type.

Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Colour in Oleander - Unlike the first three, this doesn't have a tinge of brightness in it. It is a nice warm pale pink which can look very nice on those with light skin tones. This is perfect for those who just wants some nice light pink on their cheeks. I find this quite a bit dry and a little bit hard to work with but the end result is still nice. Staying power is also pretty good.

Now on to the gels and tints.

MeMeMe Poppy Tint; Benefit ChaCha Tint; Giorgio Armani Blushing
Fabric 1 Shimmering Peach; Becca Beach Tint in Guava;
Kose Visee Mineral Liquid Cheeks Baby Finish PK800

Swatches:

L-R: Blushing Fabric 1, PK800, Guava, ChaCha Tint, Poppy Tint

Mini Review:

Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric 1 Shimmering Peach - This is my second Blushing Fabric, the first one being shade 2. I have to say that I am more impressed with this shade than the first one. This gorgeous pink-peach-red shade is absolutely lovely with all the shimmers. It also has a great staying power and with its siliconey texture, it goes on smoothly on the cheeks. This is also pretty pigmented so do not forget to use a light hand in applying this.
Kose Visee Mineral Liquid Cheeks Baby Finish PK-800 - Now this looks neon pink and almost fluorescent when swatched but it turns to a nice warm bright pink shade on the cheeks. It is very pigmented and I can truly say that a little goes a long way with this blush. Staying power isn't as fab as other cremes and liquids but I suppose this will stay much longer for those with dry-normal skin.
Becca Beach Tint in Guava - Becca. I have grown a certain fondness for this brand and it all began with this lip & cheek tint. It is a very pretty light coral pink shade that looks nice on both cheeks and lips. This little tube that contains only 7mL of product is pigmented and a little goes a long way. I love the fruity scent it has too. Although the staying power kinda disappoints me, I still like using it especially on hot and humid days.
Benefit Cha Cha Tint - Coral lovers will like this. Its texture is similar to Posie Tint and not as watery as Benetint so it will give you extra seconds to blend, blend, blend, before it actually stains. I don't like this much on my cheeks because it turns red-orange on me but on the lips, I like it a lot. It is bright and perfect for summer.
MeMeMe Poppy Tint - This is very much similar to Benefit Posie Tint only this one is more watery. I like it but not as much as I like the my other non-powder blushes. I don't normally reach for this although staying power is decent.

So that is all. I hope you like this post and if you have favorites or suggestions, please leave a comment.

Have a wonderful day, super awesome peeps!

Cheers,

In the Limelight: Essence Cosmetics XXXL Shine Lipgloss - Red Blossom and Nude Kiss Product Review

2013-07-24T10:49:00.000+08:00

Are you one of those girls who hate the tacky, sticky, and gritty feeling of some lip glosses? Don't you hate how your hair sticks to your lips when the wind blows and you get a streak or two of gloss on your face? I am one of you then, if you are. These are just some of the reasons why I am not particularly fond of lip gloss. I don't like how gooey and thick some feel on the lips too, and it doesn't help if you have full lips (which I don't have anyway). When I was checking out the Essence Cosmetics counter in SM Cubao, I was looking for the translucent loose powder but it wasn't available (and still is), so decided to browse through their products. Although the selection was incomplete, I found myself enjoying looking and swatching whatever products are available, except for the foundations which I find a little too pink for my liking. The XXXL Shine Glosses caught my attention particularly a red and vibrant one. After a lot of swatching and thinking, I went home with two shades - Red Blossom and Nude Kiss.

Red Blossom is a gorgeous red shade with subtle shimmer that can effortlessly brighten one's face with just a swipe or two.

Nude Kiss, on the other hand, is a pretty nude pink shade with silver shimmers glitters that is perfect for no-makeup or dramatic smokey eyes.

What I like:

These glosses are quite opaque and pigmented.
They have a strong fruity scent that I do not find overwhelming. While I am partial to unscented lip products (and makeup ad skin care in general), I am kinda pleased with the scent and find it nice.
These glosses feel like jelly but aren't sticky and gooey and actually feels light on the lips.
It provides a high shine finish that can easily add a little oomph to your matte lipsticks or simply on your bare lips.
They are non-drying which is a huge plus for me. Who likes drying lip gloss formula anyway?
No irritation nor allergic reaction on the lips.
Inexpensive for only Php 139.00.
Locally available at selected SM department stores.

What I don't like:

Since these are non-sticky, the staying power isn't very long though they last for a good hour or two, particularly Red Blossom with a few sips in between.
There's a slight taste in these glosses but they disappear pretty quickly.
Nude Kiss leaves glitters on my lips once the colour and gloss are gone. That doesn't happen to Red Blossom though.

Overall rating: 4.75/5 I had to take away a few points due to longevity. Overall, I think these are good glosses for a drugstore brand and the inexpensive price tag.

Will I buy again? Yes, especially if they make a coral-pink shade.

Have you tried these glosses? What other product/s would you recommend from this brand? Cheers,

In the Limelight: Eyes Lips Face ELF Makeup Mist & Set Product Review

2013-06-21T14:17:00.000+08:00

Hey, lovelies! Here's another review of a drugstore product. Lately, I find myself checking out drugstore makeup more than mid-range and high end ones. It's such a thrill to find inexpensive yet effective products among drugstore items. ELF is one of the drugstore brands known for selling their makeup and tools for as low as $1 and even going on sale given the very low price tag. Now I can only wish that is the same for its price here in Manila. However, since most items are below Php 500 at local retail price, I guess there's not much to complain. And they have been coming up with products with notably good quality. That is why when I was looking for a makeup setting spray to help my makeup stay longer during summer, I immediately searched for the ELF Makeup Mist & Set on ebay.ph even though there are other options like those from Urban Decay and Skindinavia that are available on ebay as well. Some reviews were pretty convincing plus the price really wouldn't hurt, however it may turn out on my skin so I settle for this one. Read more for the rest of the review.

Here is the product description on the ELF website:

Wish you could have a product for your makeup like Hairspray is for your hair? Well…keep your makeup staying in place all day with a radiance boosting invisible hold with our new Makeup Mist & Set. The invigorating mist moisturizes and soothes the skin with key ingredients Aloe, Green Tea, Cucumber and Vitamins A, C & E. The lightweight, comfortable and alcohol free formula improves makeup wearability and prevents color from running or fading.

What I like:

I actually like the simple black, see-through bottle. Some may find it cheap looking but I don't mind how it is packaged at all. It is not bulky so it's okay to bring with you in your bag.
I like the refreshing sensation that it initially gives after it has just been sprayed on the face.
Spritzer works just fine. Not as nice as those from Evian and Avene but still does its job of spraying the product on your face.
It doesn't give my face a very tight sensation.
Does not make my face feel dry at all and makes my makeup look dewy.
Does not make my makeup cakey.
Inexpensive for Php 200 bucks + shipping.
Made locally available by local resellers online.

What I don't like:

It sometimes makes me itch though there are also times when it doesn't which I find kinda confusing.
Does nothing to help my makeup stay longer even if I was in an airconditioned room most of the time when I used this (yes, it's just sitting pretty on my desk).

Overall rating: 3/5 I gave it a 3 for the refreshing sensation and for not drying out my skin. But as for it being a makeup setter, it's disappointing that it did not deliver for me.

Will I buy again? No. With the price + shipping, I am better off with Evian.

Have you tried this product?

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone! :)

Cheers,

In the Limelight: Too Faced Cosmetics Absolutely Invisible Translucent Pressed Powder Product Review

2013-06-19T10:32:00.001+08:00

Why do cosmetic companies come up with long names for their products? It's been making me wonder for a while now. Anyway, I am reviewing the pressed powder that I have been using since January this year, which I got a while back from Apothica. I have only tried the Caribbean in a Compact Sunny Bronzer and the Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder (which is now a favorite) but I was impressed in the quality of their products, so it goes without saying that I have high hopes for this product. Read on for the review.

Here is how this powder is described on the Too Faced website:

What It Is:

Micronized pigments literally “float” atop skin to even out tone, eliminate unwanted shine and set foundation. An exclusive combination of complexion perfectors increase elasticity, moisture and firmness.

More To Love:

Preventative & Powerful Antioxidants: Free radicals are blocked, UVA & UVB damage is reduced and repaired.

Seaweed Extract & Sea Water: Increase moisture levels, elasticity and heals environmentally ravaged skin.

Chamomile: Soothes and calms, helping skin rejuvenate.

Vitamins: A, C and E, a daily dose of vitamins for the skin offer long term benefits and a healthier complexion.

What I like:

First off, the compact is really cute. It's not the most classy packaging as compared to Chanel and higher end brands but still very nice and girly without being too pink. There is also a nice inscription on the mirror inside that says "Why be pretty when you can be gorgeous?". There is also a separate sponge compartment which somehow makes it more hygienic though bulkier than say, MAC Blot.
The texture is fine and silky smooth and blends easily on the skin. The finish is more satiny than matte so although it looks kinda matte, it definitely isn't flat and dull.
It's not translucent as I expected. It has a slight tint to it which is good if you want a little color on your powder.
Oil control is pretty good and keeps my face shine-free for about half a day and then it gets dewy as the day progresses. But on really hot days, expect oil control to be a tad shorter.
It contains a generous amount of 9g.
It is infused with Vitamins C, A, & E which are claimed to be good for the skin.
Has not caused any irritation or break outs.
Does not turn ashy on me.
Has a shelf life of 12 months. But you know powder, right? They last longer than cream ones.
Fairly priced at $27 based on Too Faced SRP. If converted to Php, it a little over Php 1000.

What I don't like:

I know it's supposed to be translucent and not alter the foundation shade but it somehow manages to do just that. It could also be due to my being acidic, though.
Brand isn't locally available so you have to rely on resellers (which are sometimes ridiculously overpriced though some are reasonably priced) and pre-orders if you want to get your hands on these products. I wish someone would bring this brand here as it is slowly growing on me.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Will I buy again? Probably not. I still like MAC Blot a little better probably because it's much more accessible here in the country.

Ingredients:

Talc, Mica, Zinc Stearate, Ethoxydiglycol, Silk (Serica), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Glycine Soya (Soybean) Oil, Algae Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Silica, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG/PPG-4/12 Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Methicone, Methylparaben, Propylparaben. (+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

Have you tried this product? What other powders or Too Faced products would you recommend?

Have a safe rainy Wednesday, everyone! :)

Cheers,

Disclaimer: Product purchased using sponsorship funds from SkinCareRX but does not in any way affect my opinion on the said product.

In the Limelight: Tarte Amazonian 12-hour Clay Blush in Dollface

2013-06-05T21:05:00.000+08:00

My first Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush experience was okay with the shade Blissful. While it wasn't a blissful ending for me and that blush, that didn't stopme from trying another shade from the Amazonian Clay Blush line and got myself Dollface. I have been using this since last year and I decided it's time to finally review it.

What I like:

The shade is a cool light pink that turns warm on me after a while. Please do note, though, that I am acidic and almost everything oxidizes on me. It is pretty and brightens the face.
Surprisingly, it stays longer than Blissful considering that that shade is more pigmented than this one. It stays for about half a day before it fades then eventually disappear.
It has not caused any allergic reaction nor any break outs on my skin.
I got the deluxe size with 3.4g of product but since a little goes a long way, I can just imagine not being able to use it up in 2 years. What more if its the full-sized one?
Unscented.
Animal cruelty-free.
Brand is not locally available in department stores but can be purchased through online resellers for around Php 1000-1400.00 depending on the seller,
Has a shelf life of 12 months as indicated on the label but as for powder products, it can last for up to 3 years if used very carefully keeping it sanitized all the time.
Since it is the smaller version, compact is a bit smaller but still cute and will easily fit even in small purses of pockets.

What I don't like:

No mirror. Becca cosmetics have compacts that are as small as this one yet they were able to put mirrors. This is just minor and I can live with it.
Compared to Blissful, the texture of this one isn't as smooth and silky but still blends on the skin especially when a brush with not so soft bristles are used. Still works with a regular blush brush though.
Still oxidizes but at least it turns out nicely.
Still no 12 hours on the skin.
Not locally available in department stores.

Overall rating: 4/5

Will I buy again? I would if I don't happen to have any favorites but sadly, I have faves. So I might skip on repurchasing but it's not the blush; it's me. :-D

Have you tried this blush? How do you find it?

Cheers,

In the Limelight: Laura Mercier Secret Concealer 2 Product Review

2013-05-28T12:24:00.001+08:00

For someone with allergies and asthma, dark under eye circles is something I have always dealt with. No amount of sleep and eye creams can counter these dark circles so I have come to accept the fact that my under eyes will always be that way. Since then, I have always been on the look out for concealers that would help "hide" these dark circles. I have tried a few and one of them is the Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in shade 2. Prior to my purchase, I was choosing between this and the Bobbi Brown Concealer but the shade that matches me isn't available at that time so I ended up going home with this one. I have been using this for a while and read on for the review.

What I like:

The shade 2 is a match for my skin tone. I am a MAC NC25 for reference.
The shade does not turn grey on my under eyes. I am acidic and most concealers turn grey on me which can be quite annoying as it makes my under eyes look dull.
It works not just as a concealer but also as a corrector since it is a salmon shade.
Opaque.
Creamy and easily blends on the skin.
It visibly conceals the dark circles and would work so much better for those who do not have very dark circles.
No allergic reaction, no milia or pimples.
Has a shelf life of 18 months.
Locally available at Rustan's for Php 995 / 2.2g pot.

What I don't like:

Since it is creamy, it tends to settle on the crease and lines on the under eyes.
It also tends to slide off in just a couple of hours even if set with powder. Does not even last half a day on me and it's gone before lunch time.
After 2 layers, it tends to cake on the 3rd.

Overall rating: 3/5

Will I buy again? No. Liquid concealers work better for me than cream concealers. It's nice but not enough for me to repurchase.

Have you tried this concealer? What other concealers would you recommend?

Cheers,

In the Limelight: Face of Australia Gentle Makeup Remover Product Review

2013-05-22T15:14:00.002+08:00

I must have already stated on my older posts that if there is one eye makeup I would choose amongst all the products available, it would be mascara. I love how it instantly opens up the eyes and makes them look more awake. The usual bummer about mascaras, though, is that most of the time, they smudge. So I always opt for waterproof mascaras from Japanese brands but they are notoriously known for being hardcore waterproof. That's why it is also important to have a makeup remover that not only removes hard-to-remove-waterproof mascaras but also gentle enough on the eyes. Last year, I was sent a bottle of the Face of Australia Gentle Makeup Remover by The Updated Trends to try. This review has been long overdue but needless to say, here it is.

What I like:

It is very gentle on the eyes, does not sting at all, as it has tear compatible PH.
It can remove face makeup and not just eye makeup which is a huge plus. I don't have to use a separate face makeup remover as this can certainly remove both. Money and time saver.
It is non-greasy and not oily on the skin.
Gentle enough for the skin and has not cause any allergic reaction so far.
Unscented.
Does not need to squirt a lot of product just to remove makeup.
Locally available at The Updated Trends for Php 425.00/125mL bottle. I'd say it's affordable.

What I don't like:

It says it is oil-free but since it is a two-phase product, half of it looks like oil to me. It may just be me but that's what it seems like.

Overall rating: 4.75/5 I'd gladly change the rating to a 5 if the other half of the product isn't really oil.

Will I buy again? Yes. I think this is the makeup remover I'd purchase as soon as I am out of this and the other makeup remover I am using.

Product Description, Directions for Use, and Ingredients

Have you tried the Face of Australia Gentle Makeup Remover? How do you find it?

Have a great Wednesday, gals and guys!

Cheers,

Disclaimer: Product received for review purposes but does not. in any way, affect my opinion on on the said product.

In the Limelight: Becca Cosmetics Creme Blush in Hyacinth Product Review

2013-05-21T14:02:00.001+08:00

I have always been a powder blush user and creme blushes aren't really my thing although I have owned a few in the past. None really amazed me but that wasn't until I got my hands on Hyacinth Creme Blush by Becca Cosmetics. It was one of the products I picked up from my Apothica sponsorship. Anyway, I have been using it since January of this year and here is my review on the said product.

What I like:

The shade, Hyacinth, is a gorgeous red-pink shade with just a very tiny hint of coral in it. It does not contain shimmers and gives a natural flush.
The texture is very creamy, glides like butter, and blends like a dream on the skin.
Unscented.
The compact is really nice and sleek and fits small purses given its small size. It is smaller than the compacts of their powders and powder blushes.
Pigmented and a little goes a long way.
Its texture initially made me think that this won't last more than half an hour on me but it proves otherwise as this lasts for about half a day on my combination-oily skin type plus the Manila heat and humidity. So staying power is more than decent for a creme blush.
It has not caused any irritation or allergic reaction on my skin.
Locally available at Adora in Greenbelt though I can't be certain of the price.

What I don't like:

This could be pretty pricey here in Manila. The Beach Tints cost around Php 1850 so I can just imagine how pricier this could probably be. (But given the quality, I'm willing to purchase this here.)

Overall rating: 4.75/5 less .25 for the price.

Will I buy again? I think this is my HG (Holy Grail) creme blush so yes! As I stated above, I am willing to pay the local price and purchase it here.

Have you tried creme blushes by Becca Cosmetics?

Have a wonderful week ahead, everyone! :-)

Cheers,

DISCLAIMER Product was purchased using my Apothica sponsorship fund but does not, in any way, affect my opinion on the said product.

In the Limelight: L'Oreal Paris Hydrafresh Anti Shine Icy Gel Product Review

2013-02-03T17:08:00.001+08:00

Here's a very quick post for today featuring a straight on review of one of the moisturizers I am alternating with my favourite Neutrogena Hydroboost Water Gel. I have been using it for a couple of months now after leaving it untouched in my drawer and it's about time I give it a review.

L'Oreal Paris describes this as...

A light weight skin-cooling texture which brings an instant ocean splash to your skin, locking in a reserve of hydration and freshness. It controls your skin temperature to prevent perspiration and shine. Enriched with Zinc and Micro Sponge technology, it regulates the sebum and inhibits excessive oil production to bring an immediate mattifying action.

Such a useless picture, I know. My cam's really busted but I felt compelled
to include this picture.

What I like:

I like the refreshing feeling this moisturizer gives my skin.
Texture is very light, non-sticky, and gets easily absorbed by the skin being a water-based or gel moisturizer that it is.
It gives my face a satin finish as I wouldn't consider it matte.
I feel like it hydrates my skin.
I do not get any break outs or allergic reaction from it.
Reasonably priced at Php 495 for a 50ml jar with a shelf life of one year.
Locally available at Watson's, SM, and other drugstores nationwide.

What I don't like:

I find the scent a tad too strong for a skin care/moisturizer though it fades after a few seconds.
Although I feel that it hydrates my skin, I find that it does not hydrate it as good as Neutrogena does.
Not impressed with the oil control or the anti-shine part but still pretty good for a moisturizer.
Cooling sensation doesn't really last that long.
Needs a spatula as it's housed in a jar.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Will I buy again? I think I'd consider this a nice alternative to Neutrogena Hydroboost for almost half the price but I'd still choose Hydroboost over this one at any time of the day. :)

Have you tried this product? How do you find it?

Have a blessed Sunday, super awesome peeps! ;)

Cheers,

Makeup Storage 2013

2013-02-01T22:59:00.000+08:00

If you're on my contacts or friends list on Facebook, you will see my post regarding an acrylic organizer/drawer I got from Multiply. Anyway, I decided to use an acrylic drawer to store my makeup instead and let "Sparky" the train case rest for a while after 2 long years of use. I thought it might be more convenient to use especially when I am in a hurry and I need to primp myself. So without any flurry, here are pictures of my new makeup storage.

The acrylic organizer/drawer houses most of my makeup.

I like how you can separate the top portion from the rest of the drawers.

I put my foundations, a few samples, lipsticks, concealer, a couple of blushes and tinted lip balms on the top most portion.

What's stored on the two small drawers on the first layer.

On the second layer drawer...

And on the third.

Now the small wooden box with a clear window and a drawer partition is where I store those that I rarely use or no longer fit in the drawers. I got the box and a pack of drawer partition from Japan Home Center for Php 88 each. Then the small acrylic desk holder that I got almost 4 years ago from Saizen holds my makeup removers, setting mist/spray, wand concealer, and compact foundation.

There/ Now I like how more organized it is and I no longer need to bring out my train case and open it every single time I apply my makeup. Now, it just houses the boxes of all my makeup. Yes, I like keeping their boxes and used to store everything inside their boxes. Anyway, I hope you find this organization/storage nice.

Have a fabulous weekend, super awesome peeps! :)

Cheers,