lacklusterr

It's been great but...

2011-05-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends!! This will be my last post here on this beauty blog. I am still makeup obsessed but i've been finding it too hard to keep with reviews and whatnot. I don't want to be a beauty blogger and then slack off with the details because I know that some people really rely on blogs for recommendations, tips and news etc etc :)

I've had soooo much fun maintaining this blog and I've met soooo many great people and REAL beauty gurus. You girls have taught me soooo much and inspired me sooo much so I really want to thank you all for letting me be part of this whole beauty blogger clique :D It's been awesome :))

I will still be moving to http://thoughtsthatwander.blogspot.com/ if anyone cares :D There will be occasionally post on makeup but mostly just snippets of my thoughts on a certain product ( no reviews or swatches)

Talk to you girls soon :D

Recent Haul: Jill Stuart Blush

2011-02-17T08:37:00.000-08:00

I've been lemming this blush ever since I saw this girl using it in the bathroom at a mall in Hong Kong. At first I thought it was too expensive for a blush so I didn't get it, but the next time I was in Hong Kong, I couldn't resist anymore. *sigh* I wish I had willpower, because the blush isn't that great. In fact, it kinda sucks. It's chalky, goes on streaky and not that pigmented. In short, I paid $$$ for the packaging- which is the only thing good about this blush. It's soooo beautiful! And how handy is the attached blush brush??

How gorgeous is that??

FAB FAB FAB

Pretty huh? Too bad it doesn't go on pretty :(

Review: Revlon Colorstay Foundation Combo/Oily

2010-09-29T04:33:00.000-07:00

For many years, I've been searching high and low for a foundation that:

A. Matches my skintone
B. Is long-wearing
C. Feels weightless on my skin
D. Wont clog my pores and break me out
E. Wont cost me too much money
F. Looks natural
G. Wont look streaky and cakey

At last, I've finally found it. Yes, ladies I'm talking about Revlon's Colorstay Foundation. Wow, what a superb product. I've tried countless foundations over the years from MAC, Everyday Minerals, Shiseido, Covergirl and Bare Minerals but I have to say that this is hands down the best I have ever tried. I'm so completely satisfied that I don't have the urge to try other high rated one from makeup forever, Nars and Dior.

Okay, enough blabbing and on to the pictures :D

What I used

This is me, with a bare face :) As you can see, I have some discoloration and unevenness

The coverage is good, this is just the foundation, no concealer or powder

My pore are huge, but look! no cakiness!

With blush, lipstick and eyemakeup

Eyes
Shu uemura beige e/s (lid)
MAC Wedge e/s (crease)
MAC vanilla e/s (browbone)
Revlon Colorstay black eyeliner
Loreal Telescopic mascara

Cheeks
Nars Desire blush
Smashbox softlights lens ( highlight)

Lips
MAC Bombshell lipstick

Haul: Shu Uemura, Essie, Seche Vite, Clarisonic & more Unii Palettes

2010-09-27T06:50:00.000-07:00

August has been a very successful shopping month. Granted some of these were ordered last month, they all got to me this month :)

Seche Vite & Essie Nailpolish in Sew -Psyched and Lilalism - Finally caved and got the Seche Vite after reading a ton of beauty bloggers rave about it :) Will review if it lives up to it's reputation :)

In a September issue of Life & Style magazine

Shu Uemura M Beige 821- My eyelids are darker than the rest of my face and since this beige is very close to my skintone, this helps even everything out-giving my whole eye area a brightening effect. This is my first Shu Uemura eyeshadow and I love the texture, pigmentation and finish. Now I want all the shades..OH NO!

Unii Palettes. I love them so much, I ordered 2 more palettes- in pomegranate and snow. A little excessive I know, but seriously, they are awesome!

Clarisonic MIA --SOOOOOO excited about this purchase. I will post a review after I really test it out. Probably after a month :D

PS: I've gotten a couple beauty related questions on Formspring and I'm so happy about it! Feel free to ask me more questions :)

NOTD: Orly's Cashmere Cardigan

2010-09-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

I'm usually a OPI whore but I'm starting to LOVE Orly nail polishes. The selection in Marionnaud ( Mall of Asia) is massive and I'm tempted to buy all the pastel colors. They are soooo beautiful to look at and I want it all!!

Don't you just love the name?

Tell me that isn't the most gorgeous color ever!

PS: I'm proud that it turned out pretty good considering I painted my nails after midnight and I was getting sleepy! I guess I had to concentrate more! LOL

Haul: Unii Palette

2010-09-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

It took 27 days and an angry letter drafted to Philpost, but I finally received my UNII Palette from uniicosmetics! I got so impatient with the long shipping, eventhough the company emailed me and told me that shipping to manila could take up to 4 weeks,due to customs. Whatever, it's here and the wait was worth it :)

Pretty packaging

Instructions on how to depot, what refills can fit etc

I got the color eggplant--so pretty :)

It's got a thumb grip and a big mirror. Very convenient when you're on the go!

It comes with a extra sheet of magnet

Makes my heart flutter

I really really love this palette, it's made really well and you know your makeup is safe because it feels really sturdy. Not like the mac palettes, which feel flimsy. I suppose you can fit more pans if you arrange them better, but I'm pretty lazy so i just popped these in, not bothering to arrange them properly!

Overall, these palettes are great, especially if you have a ton of eyeshadow and like to depot them. I'm super in love with them, I ordered 2 more palettes!! One in snow and promograte! So frigging excited!

August Favorites

2010-09-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

So I totally forgot to post my August favorites, but since a lot girls seems to be late on doing their favorites, I thought what the heck! Haha. Better late than never right?

1. Rosken Bio Serum
2. Lush Mint Julips
3. ELF blending brush ( My HG brush soooo perfect)
4. MAC e/s # modest tone
5. MAC e/s # wedge
6. MAC e/s # shroom
7. Lucas Papaw ointment
8. MAC lipstick # blankety
9. Covergirl lash blast length ( perfect for lower lash line)

Review: Etude House Proof 10 Eye Primer

2010-09-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

I like the chic packaging

The tube has 10g / 0.35 oz of product

It has a slight shimmery finish

Likes:
- Very affordable at P 298 ( roughly around $6.78 )
- Cute packaging
- Very effective. My shadow did not crease for hours
- Makes my eyeshadow more vibrant
- Creamy and blends well

Dislikes:
- The packaging is cute but when I go through the product more, It might be a pain to get the product out
- It's not available in ALL the malls in Manila. I guess I need to go to SM Manila more :)

Overall:
This is a fantastic primer. I still have TFSI and a backup but I find myself reaching for this all week. My eyeshadow stayed put for the 6 hours I was out last night and I'm sure it would lasted longer than that. I can't say it is better than TFSI or UDPP but it's definitely comparable. So if you're on a budget and in need of a primer, BUY THIS PRODUCT!

Will i repurchase?
YES! When I run out of my TFSI and my backup :)

Haul: Etude House

2010-09-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

I'm supposed to be on a shopping ban but when my sister and I passed an Etude House store, I couldn't resist dropping in and picking up a few things that I have heard so much about :) I promise to review all these products, but from the looks of it and the reviews from other people, I'm gonna love all these :)

1. Black Charcoal Chin Pack
2. Gingko Lip Patch
3. Proof 10 Eye Primer
4. Fresh Cherry Tint #2. Pink

Haul: Revlon Colorstay Foundation & Falsies Container

2010-09-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

I finally caved and bought myself a bottle of the infamous Revlon Colorstay foundation! I don't wear foundation on a daily basis, only on special occasions like weddings, dinners, drinks with friends etc. so i didn't want to spend on MAC's Studio Fix Fluid ( which is double the price) People have been touting this product as their holy grail so I really couldn't resist it anymore :)Hopefully I wont break out though :/

The falsies container is actually a pencil case from BEABI. A local store like MUJI. I wanted something to store my falsies in when I travel and I thought this was perfect!! It cost P70 which is like $1.25? Very cheap and a very good buy :)

PS: You can fit more that 2 pairs of falsies in the container, it depends on how you store them :) I"m not really good at maximizing my space though :) hehe

So that was my mini haul of the week! What did you buy this week??

Review: Bed Head After Party

2010-08-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Likes:
-Smells divine
-Non-sticky
-Tames the frizz and flyaways
-Last for ages
-Awesome packaging
-Doesn't make my hair look greasy and wont weight hair down

Dislikes:
-Expensive! The next time I go to Hong Kong, I'm going hoard on these
-The delicious smell is ADDICTIVE

Overall:
This is a wonderful product for anyone with frizzy or tangled hair. It's a light cream product that didn't weigh my thin hair down. I'm not sure how well it will do on girls with coarser hair but I've read reviews on makeupalley.com and this stuff works on them too . I bought this from BONJOUR BOUTIQUE in Hong Kong for like half the price it costs here, so if you can get this there or ask friends whos going to Hong Kong to haul it for you.

Would I purchase again>
YUP YUP YUP !

DIY: Aspirin Mask

2010-08-28T23:14:00.000-07:00

Everytime I feel a zit coming up, I whip up a batch of my fool proof not so secret recipe- The Aspirin Mask. It's a super easy recipe that I swear by. And almost always the zit wont even pop up the next day. Of course there are times that a monster zit will show up NO MATTER WHAT, but c'est la vie!

There is a ton of versions of this mask-but I like my version the best! haha It's very simple and cheap! What's not to like about that? The versions with yogurt or honey freak me out, eventhough a ton of people swear by them. I'm just scared that those version will break me out. Bla bla bla bla! I guess what I'm trying to say is what works for me, may not work for you so if you haven't done the aspirin mask and want to try this, please do so with precaution.

The ingredients are as simple as it can get: Jojoba oil, Aloe Vera Gel and Uncoated aspirin. I got the jojoba oil and aloe vera gel at Healthy Options and the aspirins at Mercury Drugs

I usually use 5 tablets ( this covers my cheeks, nose and chin) 1 drop of jojoba oil and a tablespoon of aloe vera gel. The liquid will dissolve the aspirin.

I use my fingers to mix the ingredients into a paste, and when it's ready I apply it to my face. Try to avoid your eye area and nostrils ( haha) Leave the mask on for 10 minutes or until it hardens and wash it off!

Trust me, your skin will look and feel phenomenal after using this mask. It's so inexpensive and effective so I really encourage everyone to at least try it :) Unless of course you're allergic to any of the ingredients! Good luck :)

Review: Yoko Papaya Spa Salt

2010-08-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

Likes:
-Very affordable. I got this for like P89 which is like $2
-Makes skin silky and smooth. It has vitamin e so skin feels awesome afterwards :)
-Smells really good
-Easy to use. Just pour some in your hand and apply to skin
-Salts feels rough at first, but the stuff almost melts into my skin
-Available locally. Just o to your local Watsons

Dislikes:
-Packaging sucks. The ziplock bag is hard to "zip-up" so I usually leave it open, which makes it so much easier to spill or get moisture in
-Since the packaging sucks, You can't control the amount you pour, which results to TOO much most of the time. Luckily this stuff is cheap, so it's really okay to waste some :)

Overall:
I really like this product because honestly, it makes my skin really soft and silky. The salt really does scrub well and it preps my skin for lotion. It promises "whiter" skin and i've been focusing the scrubbing on my elbows and knees but i haven't notice my skin getting lighter. But a very fair skinned SA at Watsons swears by this product.

Will I purchase again?
Yes. I've already run out!

Back to M-A-C

2010-08-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

One of the many reasons why mac is my favorite brand is their back to mac program. Return six empty containers and get a lipstick..FREE! Who can resist that? If you want more information on this amazing program go to the mac website..www.maccosmetics.com :) You can even do the program on the website if you live in the US or Canada :)

I don't know if mac does this in other countries, but here in Manila you can't choose any shade you want, they have a bunch of lipsticks stashed in a box and you can only select from there. Sucks huh?

If you're in Manila, make sure you go to the mac in Glorietta. They have the widest range of colors in the back to mac "box" The branch in Rockwell only had browns and oranges and i cannot pull those shades off! haha

I got BOMBSHELL and BLANKETY because i needed a light pink and my HUG ME liipy ( my hg nude ) was running out! I've heard so much about BLANKETY so i snatched it real fast :D

L: Bombshell R: Blankety

L: Bombshell R: Blankety

Review: Beyond Belief - Alpha Beta Hydroxy Pore Refining Scrub

2010-08-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

Likes:
-Very affordable at $6.49 on http://sallybeauty.com
-The beads are tiny and very gentle on my skin
-Leaves my skin soft and glowy
-Huge tube has 113g/ 4oz of product so this stuff lasts forever. (a little goes a long way)
-The ABH is good for tiny wrinkles

Dislikes:
-Unavailable in Manila. My friend Anne got me a bunch tubes a while back so I'm lucky I still have a few to go through before i run out :)
-The ABH makes skin sensitive to the sun so it's a must to wear sunscreen

Overall:
I am very satisfied with this scub. Before this i was using Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Refiner and i always felt guilty using that because it was so darn expensive., but seriously i could compare Beyond Belief with this. The beads are extremely fine and my sometimes sensitive skin doesn't have a bad reaction to it. It's Heaven sent :) If you can get your hands on these, please try it out. I'm pretty positive you wont regret it :)

Would i purchase again? definitely yes!

New Stuff : Rosken Bio Serum

2010-08-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

With daily use of Rosken Bio Serum:

Immediately

soothes and moistens skin

seals in moisture

leaves skin feeling smooth and healthy

With continued use

helps reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks

promotes skin elasticity

reduced the appearance of uneven pigmentation

provides long lasting protection from the elements like sun,wind and air-conditioning

helps smooth wrinkles and fine lines

**I've been using this for a little over a week, still no results of course, but this product is relatively cheap and available everywhere here in Manila so I'm going to continue using it. I have some scars (on my leg) and stretch marks ( on my tummy) so this seems like the perfect product for me :D

review: the brush guard

2010-08-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

i got the medium and extra small

this is the medium one for face brushes

extra small for eye brushes

clean brushes to dry :)

the medium fits perfectly on mac brushes

tadah!

the proper way to dry brushes :)

likes:
-allows my brushes to dry properly - bristles down, so that the excess water wont seep down to the ferrule
-keeps my brushes clean when in storage
-keeps the bristles in brand new form
-very affordable
-locally available here: http://mybeautybasket.multiply.com

dislikes:
NONE!

overall:
these brush guards are an absolute must if you have expensive brushes. they maintain quality and my brushes honestly look brand new after every single wash. i actually keep these guards on even after drying because they protect the bristles from the dust and germs too!

would i purchase again?
i will! again and again and again!

****note****

i completely forgot to post pictures of the brushes when they were dry. i really wanted to show you guys how well they looked afterwards! same with the small brush guards for the eye brushes :) i will post them soon, so watch out for them :)

lotd: lavender lids

2010-08-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

eyes:
nyx jumbo eye pencil #lavender (base)
mac e/s # beautiful iris ( lid color)
nyx e/s # eggplant ( crease & lower lid)
revlon e/s #vintage lace ( eyebrow highlight)
mac e/s # shroom ( tear duct highlight)
revlon eyeliner #black ( upper and waterline)

face:
the balm concealer
mac studio fix foundation #nc30
nyx cream blush # natural
mac blush #gingerly

lips
mac lipstick #quietone

lost long love

2010-08-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

i was cleaning out my vanity table (throwing away old makeup that has been collecting dust) when i stumbled across this beauty. GUERLAIN METEORITES! i've had this for years and was obsessed with it but i haven't seen it or used it for so long! don't you just love finding a gem admist all the craziness? hahaha

have you ever found anything in your drawers /closets that you forgot you had and was genuinely surprised that you were able to live without it? haha please share :)

lotd: smokey bronze

2010-08-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

eyes:
too faced shadow insurance
mac paint pot #constructivist
mac eyeshadow #bronze
mac eyeshadow #cork
revlon matte eyeshadow #vintage lace
revlon eyeliner #black
covergirl lashblast mascar #black

face:
mac studio fix foundation #nc 30
nyx cream blush #rose petal
mac blush #gingerly

lips:
mac lipstick #body suit
mac lipglass #early bloomer

review: etude house eye makeup remover

2010-08-08T02:54:00.000-07:00

Cute packaging always wins me :)

please excuse my messy eyemakeup, I had just came home from a long night when i decided to take these pictures :)

Look at that! that's my two coats of mascara there :)

TA-DAH! clean lids :)

Likes:
-Removes waterproof mascara
-Gentle and effective
-The scent is mild and subtle
-Strong enough so that I don't need to rub my eyes. Gentle patting will do
-It's inexpensive
_It's comparable to my ultimate eye makeup remover from nuetrogena

Dislikes:
-It has a big opening so it's kinda hard to control how much you pour out
-Leaves a bit of an oily residue

Overall:
This is one of the best makeup remover i have ever tried. It's super effective but really gentle on my lids. There is minimal smell and I didn't feel any stinging at all. I love how the packaging is adorable and it's available here in manila.:) I have a feeling this is going to be my new HG :)

Would I purchase again?
OF COURSE !!

haul : face sheets

2010-08-06T22:44:00.000-07:00

I've develop a penchant for face sheets because my mom is always touting about the benefits of saturating your face in moisture boosting products. She's 50 ++ and her skin looks amazing. Since i'm currently overhauling my whole skincare regimen to a more advance anti-wrinkle one, i've been doing these masks once in two weeks.

BUT, to be completely honest, i have not seen any significant change or improvement upon using these sheets but my skin does feel nice and soft right after using it. I've also been rotating brands/variants so I can"t really say which one is the best or whatnot. These sheets are affordable and it feels good when it's on, so why not? right? Hehe as long as I'm not breaking out or experiencing any allergy reaction, I'm good to go! :)

I probably won't be doing reviews for any of these unless you guys want to hear from it :) so don't hesitate to leave me a comment if you want one :D

( clockwise from top left )

1. Purederm Olive Collagen Mask
2. Etude House Hand Bouquet Rich Collagen hand Mask
3. Etude House Collagen Moistfull mask sheet
4. Etude House Hydro Wrapping Mask
5. The Face Shop Pearl Essential Mask Sheet
6. The Face Shop Collagen Essential Mask Sheet

review: lush mint julips

2010-08-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

likes:
-smells and tastes delicious like andes mint chocolate thins ( they're edible )
-exfoliates lips gently
-a little goes a long way. this jar will last me forever :D
-it has jojoba oil so it moisturizes not just exfoliates
-it really evens out my lips and gets rid of the dry patches
-the jar is glass and it closes really tight

dislikes:
-the product is crumbly and loose
-expensive

overall:
lush does it again! this is an awesome product. yes it's just sugar, jojoba oil, peppermint oil and vanilla- you can totally make it yourself but honestly, i can't be assed and i would rather spend the money :D lately my lips have been feeling and looking great. i feel like all the dead skin have been buffed away and i absolutely love love love the taste of this!! it's a good thing it's edible so when i have a little sugar left over after scrubbing, i just lick it off ! perfect :D

would i purchase again?
yes yes yes !!!

july favorites

2010-08-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

1. nars blush #desire
2. the face shop fruit bowl apple hand cream
3. mac brush #224
4. cherry chapstick
5. mac lipstick #pleasure seeker
6. mac eyeshadow #expensive pink
7. mac eyeshadow #texture
8. flower by kenzo miniature perfume
9. dior addict lipgloss

i'm still reaching out for my mac studio fix powder and lashblast a lot but i didn't include them in this month's favorites as they were included in last months. :)

mini haul

2010-08-01T22:44:00.000-07:00

1. mario badescu enzyme cleansing gel
2. shiseido bio performance super eye contour cream
3. shiseido benefiance revitalizing cream
4. shiseido benefiance daytime protective emulsion
5. lush mint julips
6. opi nailpolish # hot & spicy

i'll review everything once i've actually tried them for a while :)

review: mac paint pots

2010-07-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

likes
-makes eyeshadow vibrant
-comes in a lot of different colors and finishes
-doesn't crease so a base isn't necessary
-easily applied with either fingers or a brush
-the packaging is pretty

dislikes
-product can be drying on the lids ( you have to blend quickly)
-the breakable glass packaging
-expensive
-if you don't blend it properly it can kinda look cakey

would i purchase again?
probably not, with products like udpp & tfsi you can't find a better base and nyx's jumbo eye pencils are as vibrant and easier to blend. it's also cheaper.

hong kong haul

2010-07-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

well it's not really my haul because my sister was the one who went to hong kong and picked these up for me. hehe but it was my list nonetheless :)) thanks big sis for getting these! i didn't know nars was such a pain to look for in hong kong but she said they didn't have it in the department store but rather in this tiny little salon.

i'm really excited about this haul because it's the first time i've ever had any nars items. i've always been a mac whore but i've been hearing so much about nars blushes, i really couldn't help myself. i'm supposed to be on a makeup ban ( more on than later) but i really couldn't resist :)

anyways, on to the haul!

mac 188

close up

mac studio fix foundation nc25

mac eyeshadow #brun going to use this for my eyebrows

nars blushes #deep throat & #desire

desire

deep throat

so that's my little haul :) i wish i could take better pictures, i took these during daylight and i used the macro setting..yet my pictures still come out as blah. i guess i should fiddle around it some more but whatever :) hope you lovelies like my haul :))

review: smashbox softlights

2010-07-18T01:12:00.000-07:00

lens

prism

swatches :)

likes:
-finely milled powder makes the product go on really smoothy
-the shimmer is very subtle, there's no huge chunks of glitter
-it's very versatile, it's not just for cheeks it can be used for brow hi-light
-these jumbo pots contain 0.352 oz of products and since a little goes a long way..these pots will last forever and a day!

dislikes:
-the product is too soft and crumbly. it will be a nightmare if i ever drop this
-it's pretty pricey but for the amount of product you'd be getting...
-if you're going clubbing or dancing, the shimmer might end up looking like oil in your face

overall:
if you're looking for a luminizer that gives you a really natural finish plus depositing a little color, this product is for you. its pricey but the huge pot really would make it last forever, so it's really worth it.

will i purchase again ?
yes! if and when i finish these two pots :)

review: lucas papaw ointment

2010-07-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

likes:

-affordable
-huge tub (75g) will last forever
-will heal an dry patches on face, lips,elbows,hells, knees etc!
-a lot of people don't like the smell, but i LOVE it!
-very moisturizing
-smooth and balmy on the lips ( despite the texture)
-it has amazing staying power!

dislikes:

-not affordable in manila, have to get it online!
-if you're easily tired of products..beware! the 75g tube is HUGE and will probably last me 2 years...or more!
-some people might be bothered by the smell. although i found it pleasing
-the jar lid tends to get gunky and messy. probably had to do with the shipping though :)

overall:

this product is amazing with all its moisturizing agents and capabilities. but to be completely honest it is pretty much like vaseline but in a cute jar and a more expensive price tag. soo if you're like me, and you are willing to pay more for something prettier and a cult product, go ahead and pick one up :) you won't be disappointed :)

will i purchase again? yes! :) IF and WHEN this stuff runs out :)

june favorites

2010-07-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

hi beauties! i hope i'm not too late with this post :) this is the first time i'm doing something like this and hopefully i can continue doing it every month. i didn't go in-depth with any of these products but if any of you want me to review any products here...please just ask :) i will gladly do it :) so anways, on to the post!! :)

1. the balm time balm concealer #light medium
2. covergirl lash blast mascara #black
3. too faced shadow insurance
4. styli style line and seal eyeliner # black-brown
5. mac studio fix foundation #nc30
6. mac blush #gingerly
7. mac lipstick #hug me
8. mac eyeshadow #cork ( for my eyebrows)
9. marionnaud blush brush #32
10. mac angled brush #168SE
11. mac small angled brush #208

eotd: cranberry & trax

2010-07-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

wow! i'm on a roll with posting these days :D i was looking at my collection and realized i barely touch any of my "colored" eyeshadow. so i decided to make one! please excuse my blending-everytime i see the finished look in a photograph i see sooo many mistakes i need to fix! but i guess this is why i have this blog to share and also to learn :) also, i need to learn how to tightline! i see soo much gaps in between my lashes- yuck! haha

well anyways, hope you beauties like my EOTD :)

products used:

mac paint pot #constructivist (base)
mac eyeshadow #cranberry (lid)
mac eyeshadow #trax (crease)
mac eyeshadow #shroom (inner eye)
mac eyeshadow #vanilla (brow highlight)
revlon eyeliner #black (lashline & waterline)
mac eyeshadow #espesso ( brows)
covergirl lashblast mascara #black

fotd

2010-07-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

products used:

eyes:
too faced shadow insurance
nyx jumbo eye pencil # cottage cheese (base)
mac eyeshadow # modest tone (lid)
mac eyeshadow # wedge (crease)
mac eyeshadow # vanilla (brow highlight)
mac eyeshadow # espresso (brows)
shu uemura eyelash curler
covergirl lash blast volume #black

face:
olay moisturizer
the balm concealer
mac studio fix foundation

cheeks:
nyx cream blush #natural
mac blush #dollymix

lips:
mac lipstick # hug me

collection : mac eyeshadow

2010-06-29T23:26:00.000-07:00

1. love-bud (L)
2. sable (F)
3. shroom (S)
4. vanilla (V)
5. club (S)
6. woodwinked (VP)
7. wedge (M)
8. espresso (M)
9. retrospeck (L)
10. silver ring (VP)
11. satin taupe (F)
12. modest tone (S)
13. bark (M)
14. carbon (M)
15. electra (F)

1. juxt (S)
2. swish (F)
3. beautiful iris ( VP)
4. goldmine (F)
5. amber lights (F)
6. sumptuous olive (VP)
7. sushi flower (S)
8. trax (V)
9. wait till dark ( F)
10. bronze (F)
11. green smoke (L)
12. expensive pink (VP)
13. cranberry (F)
14. zonk bleu! (VP)
15. texture (V)

1. next to nothing (F)
2. tempting (L)
3. sharp (S)
4. dark edge (S)

review: ELF blending brush

2010-06-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

compared to a mac 224

LIKES:

- cheap! ( $1 at eyeslipsface.com ) or P 129 locally
- locally available ( watsons, sm department store, robinson's department store)
- perfect for girls with smaller crease area
- soft bristles.
- soft enough to multitask. use it to blend concealer for under eye circles
- stiff yet fluffy enough to blend
- very dense
-

DISLIKES:

- sheds A LOT.
- picture on the website can be misleading
- might be too small if you have a bigger crease area

OVERALL

i really love this brush. it's shorter and denser bristles fit into my crease a lot better and i can blend more precisely with this brush because it's not as fluffy as other blending brushes. i hate how it sheds like crazy, but for $1, who really cares? i already have two of these and plan on buying more for back up :)

WILL I REPURCHASE AGAIN? yes! yes! yes!

HI! it's been a while

2010-06-05T23:11:00.000-07:00

hi lovelies! wow i haven't posted in 6 months!!! i've been really really busy with life and simply haven't had the time to beauty blog. my personal blog also suffered a hiatus :( i really want to come back and share my beauty adventures you with guys again. i've been busy, but not too busy to experience new cosmetics and products! ha!

so here is a list of my upcoming reviews: (in no particular order)

* covergirl lash blast length
* bead head after party leave in conditioner
* elf blending brush review ( new hg brush!)
* japanese face massager
* styli style 24/7 eyeliners (plus swatches)
* the balm -time balm concealer
* the face shop -fruit bowl hand cream in apple
* elf eyeshadow "c" brush
* lucas papaw ointment
* mac mineralized skinfinish natural

hmm, that's pretty much all i can think of right now, i will get post something up after the weekend for sure! i hope all of you are doing okay. i'm still reading your posts so please, keep them coming!!! i miss you guys :D

fotd

2009-12-16T09:45:00.000-08:00

i haven't done this in a really long time! please excuse my blending skills...they're non-existent!! when i look at myself in the mirror it looks fine but in pictures it's like ewwww. i have so much to learn!! hehehe please be a doll and tell me what i'm doing wrong!!

I USED:

too faced shadow insurance (base)
nyx jumbo eyepencil in "milk"( inner lid)
mac e/s in "satin taupe" ( lid color)
mac e/s in "bark( crease)
mac e/s in "carbon" ( outer v)
mac eye kohl eyeliner in "smolder"
revlon matte eyeshadow in "vintage lace" ( brow highlight)
mac e/s in "espresso" ( brow color)
cheap falsies less than 50 pesos ( less than $1) will do a review on these falsies soon =)

review/demo: desert essence 100 % jojoba oil

2009-12-15T07:29:00.000-08:00

LIKES:
-can be used for hair, skin, nails and scalp!
-no nasty smell
-available in manila ( got my at healthy options)
-absorbs really well
-its's light
-can be used as a makeup remover
-moisturizes my cuticles well
-does not make my hair greasy ( i use this mainly on my hair/scalp)
-lasts forever
-it's all natural

DISLIKES:
-it's a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for
-the lid bothers me, sometimes i squirt out too much , sometimes not enough

OVERALL:
i use this mainly on my hair and i have to say, my damaged and dry hair is now smooth, frizz free and sooo shiny! i have yet tried this on my skin because my face is acting out lately and i'm hesitant to slather "oil" into my skin. even though reviews have touted this product to clear up acne! i don't want to take a chance on it yet.

WILL I REPURCHASE AGAIN?

yes yes YES!! i can't believe how healthy my hair looks now. even my sisters and mom commented on how much my hair has improved. my mom even asked if i trimmed my hair coz it looks healthier!

RATING:

/ 5

i'm almost running out so i went ahead and bought the big bottle!

3 drops is all i need for my fine shoulder length hair

apply it to damp hair"

concentrate mostly on the ends

if i have time, i wrap my hair back in a towel and let the oil penetrate into my hair even more

read this!

i don't have after pictures, but i will soon okay lovelies?? but take my word for it, this stuff works!!!! especially on damaged and dry hair!! i thought my hair was a lost cause and cutting it was the only answer, but i can finally grow out my hair, because this stuff made my hair look and feel healthy again!!!

look what i found!!!

2009-12-04T06:28:00.000-08:00

this uber cute hello kitty wet ones was only 43 pesos at a local supermarket. ( less than $1) it works good, because the sheets are soft, alcohol free and it doesn't leave a sticky feel to my hands, and did i mention it's hello kitty and it's incredibly adorable??

haul/swatches: MAC blush in "well-dressed"

2009-12-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

i'm so excited! this is my sixth mac blush so i can finally depot all of them and put them into a palette.i will do an overview on my mac blushes once i find the time to depot them =)

i think well dressed is a gorgeous color but it's a bit light on my skin (i'm NC30) but i'm sure if i layer with a cream blush, it will make the color pop! =)

i've been obsessed with blushes lately especially mac ones! good for my collection.VERY bad on my wallet! haha BUT, i wont be purchasing any new ones until i see something i really love, and so far, nothing has impressed me yet! =)

please tell me what your favorite mac/non-mac blush =) i want to know!!

HAUL/SWATCHES : NYX cosmetics

2009-11-29T10:44:00.000-08:00

my package!! totally made my day!

unwrapping is FUN!

my haul!

NYX jumbo eye pencils

aren't they beautiful??

NYX round lipsticks

i think thalia is my fave new lipstick!

NYX cream blush in glow

how gorgeous is that???

i'll make a review once i try out the products!! i hope you lovelies enjoyed my haul =)

review: kerastase oleo relax ( anti-frizz serum)

2009-11-28T06:16:00.000-08:00

LIKES:
-yummy smell
-never too greasy or weighed down
-untangles the knots easily
-makes my hair soft, silky and shiny
-the light floral scent is heavenly
-the packaging is really practical, the pump does not give out too much product
-i've received flattering compliments on my hair with this

DISLIKES:
-it's pricey at P1,500 ( $30-$31) for 4.2 ounces
-the serum is kinda watery

OVERALL:
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE. definitely my HG

i didn't think my fine hair could handle a serum but i was amazed at this stuff. my hair looks smooth and shiny all throughout the day. NEVER GREASY. my sister who has coarser and frizzier hair also uses this and it works just as good for her. that's why i would recommend this to everyone, and for all hair types!

so tell me, what hair serum do you use??

RATING:

/5

review: lush shower cream wash in " YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY"

2009-11-24T08:03:00.000-08:00

LIKES:
-smells fabulous like real strawberries
-skin feels amazing after using
-lathers up real nice
-can double as a shampoo
-no animal testing
-it has almond oil so it moisturizes my skin well
cleans thoroughly

DISLIKES:
-it's incredibly runny. it goes right through my loofah!
-smell can smell too sweet if you're not into that kind of scent
-pricey for a shower gel
-scent stays on you

OVERALL:
i really like this shower gel, despite the runny formula, it smells divine and cleanses my skin well and the scent lingers hours after i've shower =) i've read on MUA that this YYY is drying but my skin always feels silky smooth after a shower. i also love the fact that i can use it on my hair! i haven't done that, but i will when i'm feeling lazy!

WILL I PURCHASE AGAIN maybe, as much as i love YYY, i'm unsure if i will repurchase, i just find it too pricey for a shower gel.

RATING: /5

review: stila illuminating powder in "gold"

2009-11-23T03:57:00.000-08:00

LIKES:

- with .32oz/9g of product, this is huge and will probably last me forever
- the packaging is beautiful
- glitter/shimmer is subtle ( in my opinion) enough to look natural
- product is hard so i don't really worry about it crumbing

DISLIKES:

- the product popped out of the pan when i first got it. thank god it was in one piece so i just super glued it together.
- at P1,500 ( $32) it's quite pricey for a highlighter

- it's difficult to get the product onto a brush because it's such a hard product. ( unlike mac blushes / highlighters which comes in a creamier formulation)

- if you don't care for glitter you might be turned off by this product.

OVERALL:

i think this product is amazing, eventhough it has chunky glitter, it does not come across as cheap and disco-ball like. it's very subtle and sheer. i wish they made this with a different formulation though, the product is just so damn hard! i feel like i have to scape it with a brush!

WOULD I BUY AGAIN? yes

RATING: /5

collective haul

2009-11-21T09:29:00.000-08:00

it's been a while since i did one of these so here goes!!

1.cetaphil
2.mac brush cleaner
3.kerastase oleo relax serum
4.desert essence pure jojoba oil
5.sunsilk shampoo
6.benefit high beam
7.benefit benetint
8.mac blush "well dressed"
9.maybelline volum' express mascara in "very black"
10. loew-cornell 3/8 maxine's mop

i will be doing reviews for all the items shown here so watch out for my future posts!!

we don't have benefit here in manila, so i asked my relatives from hong kong to get it from me =) loew- cornell brushes are available here : http://digitaltraincase.multiply.com/photos

other products were bought in watsons, mac counters, & healthy options =)

demo: de-potting your udpp

2009-11-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

i know this has been shown like a bazillion times and everyone here already knows how to do it, but i wanted to post it anyways ( also because i took pictures and i didn't want it to go to waste =))

you will need the following: a knife, a towel, a small travel jar, a small plastic spatula and of course your udpp

(step one) take your knife and place on the fattest area of the tube and slice that baby open. if you're clumsy or impatient( like me) be really careful. wouldn't want your fingers to get chopped off.

(step two) stand back and watch in AWE on how much udpp is STILL left in the bottle. i swear using the wand you would think there was nothing left. you really have to depot it.

(step three) take a plastic spatula and scoop everything out.

(step four) transfer everything into a travel size plastic jar. make sure you disinfect the jars with some alcohol.

this filled up almost half the jar!! urban decay is totally ripping us off!!

review: revlon matte eyeshadow in "vintage lace"

2009-11-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

PROS:
*affordable since it's a drugstore brand
*creamy texture ( not unlike mac e/s)
*very pigmented
*true matte finish
*very neutral and perfect as a highlight color
*highly available ( i got mine in watsons)

CONS:
*the plastic pan is excruciatingly cheap
*the sponge tip applicator is even more so
*there's only a smatter of color to chose from

i didn't get all the colors because i can't seem to work with matte finishes, but i picked this up because i think vintage lace is the perfect highlight color. it's always wise to go for matte colors when highlighting the browbone, especially when using shimmery shadows on the lid.

review: OPI nail polish in " you don't know jacques!"

2009-11-17T07:18:00.000-08:00

PROS: this color is incredible. it's very unique with it's creamy medium to dark grey taupe. it's classy AND edgy and looks great with a lot of outfit. you'll definitely be the different one when you wear this and i mean that in a good way! =)

CONS: the formulation is kinda runny and it took 3 coats to get a more opaque finish. also mine came with a jacked up brush. professional application is a must because it can look gross when it gets on your cuticles or smudges around..let's just say ..avoid sloppy application at all cost!!

overall i'm pleased with this color. it's fun to stand out amidst the sea of reds and blacks! i will definitely repurchase!

review: burt's bees beeswax lip balm

2009-11-16T20:53:00.000-08:00

PROS: i like the consistency of this lip balm because unlike chapstick or blistex it doesn't feel waxy on my lips. it's silky against my lips and it moisturizes for hours and hours. i once had this on for 5 hours and i didn't have to reapply. the cooling sensation feels awesome and the minty taste isn't too overpowering because it's smells/taste a bit sweet.

CONS: compared to other drugstore brands, this is a tad bit more expensive. but i think this has better ingredients and (personally) it works better so i think it's well worth the extra money =)

i'd totally repurchase this =)

LUSH: honey i washed the kids

2009-11-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

i've seen and walked past LUSH stores for years and everytime i do, i cover my nose and walk a little bit faster because i couldn't stand the strong smell ( if you ever walked by one, you know what i mean !).

i've never even stepped inside until one day i was on youtube and watched a bunch of videos with gurus talking about LUSH massage bars and since i've been on a skincare overhaul i decided to give it a try. ( holding my breath in while i was at it!)

since there was a sample for the massage bars i decided to try it out first before purchasing because it's pretty pricey for lotion/moisturizers. and it's a good thing i did because 1 hour after i left the store the places i used the massage bar on left me with rashes. =( so disappointing. i really liked the one i tried too! it's smelled like crushed strawberries and cream. AHHHHH!!

anyways, i did pick up a bar of soap though. it's called HONEY, I WASHED THE KIDS and ladies and gentlemen, it is fabulous!! i smells absolutely divine. sweet, fresh and delicious! after my shower i lie around sniffing my arm because i seriously can't get enough of it!!! i'm so glad i gave LUSH a chance because i will seriously be repurchasing!!

it looks good enough to eat!!! MMMMmmm

october favorites

2009-11-11T08:18:00.000-08:00

okay, so i know it's november, but i never got around to post this last month so here it is now! i've been on a makeup hiatus for a while now, but now it's come back full force! i'm lemming so much things especially brushes! i officially have a goal to collect all the mac brushes! hahaha

mac studio fix powder in NC 30 and #116 brush

this powder foundation gives skin a smooth, flawless, all-matte, full-coverage finish

too faced shadow insurance i still can't decide whether this or UDPP is my holy grail eyeshadow primer!

mac eyeshadow in CORK. great color for the crease, it's a medium brown that looks natural on my skintone

everyday minerals semi matte finish in LIGHT & flat top brush. i use this foundation when i want a natural day look.

mac eye kohl in SMOLDER. this goes on smoothly but delivers a rich and intense color

mac lipstick in CHERISH. it's the perfect nude, this doesn't make my lips look dead, it makes them look peachy.

neutrogena oil free makeup remover. my new holy grail makeup remover. this beats clinique's take the day off and that was great stuff!

my cute new lipstick holder! it's clear acrylic and it's amazing!

i hope every had a fun and safe halloween weekend!

current favorites

2009-04-07T09:04:00.001-07:00

these for shadows have been my staples for a while. i can create both natural and smokey looks with these shadows.

my brush collection is growing! a few more essentials and i can finally stop buying =)

better than mac's fluidline imho

amazing matte color, that really doesn't look dirty!

haul: smashbox "socialite beauty" collection

2009-01-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

i was so excited when i saw this in beauty bar, i immediately picked it up. it's such a great deal! 7 full sized products for half the price!! it's sooo amazing! and i like everything. from the eyeshadow quad to the lipgloss. i'm soooo happy!!

it came with this woven pouch. it's so chic!

everything laid out

eyeshadow quad in "socialite"

blush/bronzer duo in "cosmopolitan"

cream eyeliner duo in caviar & bronze

lip enhancing gloss in "soiree"

eyebeam double ended eye brightener

photo op under eye brightener

bionic mascara

i love finding deals like this. and i love smashbox! i can't wait to try these products out.

review: dramatical eyes mascara

2009-01-01T05:32:00.000-08:00

happy new year everyone! i hope y'all had a safe and happy time ringing in 2009!! time sure does fly by fast!

so anyways, i was in hong kong for christmas, and while in sasa something caught my eyes, it's this mascara called "dramatical eyes" it's a japanese brand, so everything was in japanese, the tube was soo adorable i couldn't resist buying it. i bought a base and a lengthening one=)

i tried it today and i have to say that it works okay. not amazing, but okay. i got it for HK$80 (around US$9) so the price wasn't too bad. this is the first time i used a primer before mascara and i have to say, i'm not sure i can tell the difference if i used one or not. it seems like an unnecessary step to me and i honestly could get the same result with covergirl's lashblast or my loreal telescopic mascara.

i guess you could say i picked up this item solely for it's packaging =)OH WELL =)

ps. sorry for the wanky photoshop, i use mac's seashore and it's so difficult to use!!

review: hip color truth cream eyeliner

2008-12-27T08:36:00.000-08:00

pros:

-very creamy
-the color pay off is wonderful
-it lasts all day ( i did use a base though)
-very affordable
-the packaging is great, i like it better than mac because it's wider and i find it easier to work my brush in
-the consistency is very easy to work with
-dries pretty quickly.

cons

-the consistency may be TOO creamy! i almost always pick up too much product when i dip my brush into the jar since it's so creamy.

-the free brush it comes with is utterly useless. i just chucked it in the trash! and i think the box it comes with is useless too! it's just a waste of paper!

overall, i am IN LOVE with this product. i haven't used the blue one yet as i've been doing neutral looks lately, but i can't wait too. it's so gorgeous and vibrant!

i can honestly say, i think this is better than mac's fluidline only because it's so much creamier and the jar has a wider opening. so instead of dipping my brush into the jar, i can actually swipe it sideways- coating the whole brush with the product. sometimes it's easier to apply using the sides of the brush, not just the tip =)

2008-2009 wishlist

2008-12-13T22:16:00.000-08:00

my wish list 2008 by imeeli

i'm officially addicted to this site!! go the idea from -a watercolor sky- sorry hun, i don't know your name =)

i promise to work extra hard so i can get everything by the end of next year! hahah

review: nyx jumbo eye pencils

2008-12-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

PROS:

*very creamy and blendable
*very pigmented
*definitely makes shadows look more vibrant
*affordable
*awesome range of colors
*stick applicator makes a more precise application

CONS:

*unavailable in the philippines. i have to get them online. shipping is ASS
*without a proper base (udpp or TFSI) they will definitely crease
*the caps get greasy for some reason.
*the color chart on the website can be very misleading!

overall, i like these jumbo eyepencil. at first, i regretted purchasing them because the first time i used them, they creased like crazzzzy. but the second time i tried them, i used udpp as a base, then used my mac 242 to pat down the color and then applied shadow. it did not crease at all and my eyeshadow stayed perfect for the whole day! i was really surprised and pleased at the same time. and to think i almost gave up on them =)

anyways, hope you guys like the swatches!

swatches =)

2008-12-08T07:59:00.000-08:00

so here are the swatches from my previous haul. i'm no photographer so this is the best that i can come up with. i waited till it was morning so i can get the best possible lighting! i hope you guys enjoy it =)

elianto is a korean brand that sells affordable, quality cosmetics. =)

sooooo beautiful!

i haven't gotten my hands on mac msfs ...so this will have to do =)

mac e/s in "wedge" sorry, i forgot to swatch this =(

mac blush in "gingerly"

i've been using this as my contour color

mac paint pot constructivist

picture does not show it justice, but constructivist is actually a deep brown color. sooo gorgeous!!

benefit hoola

a nice brown color

perfect for contouring!

that's all folks!!

collective haul

2008-12-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

hey guys, thought i'd share some of the stuff i've collected over the past week. as much as i love haulin, this is probably my last haul until i go to hong kong in a couple of weeks! need to save up!

1. benefit hoola bronzer
2. elianto mineralized blush. ( korean brand)
3. mac lipsticks in "cherish" & "quietone" both are lusters
4. mac "gingerly" blush
5. benefit lemon aid
6. mac paint pot in " constructivist"
7. mac e/s "wedge"
8. loreal telescopic mascara
9. mac #168 (sorry it's used =))

i will do swatches on my next post =) it's 2:30 am now and i have horrible lighting. the colors wont turn out right! i'll take pictures first thing tomorrow morning =))

FOTD: neutral face

2008-12-02T07:11:00.000-08:00

so i've been really crazy about my coastal scents pallete lately, this time i did a neutral look with it =) seriously, you could do soooo many looks with this palette, you really wouldn't need any more makeup if you had this!

anyways, on to the LOTD:

1-lid color
2-highlight color
3-crease color
4-out V color

tools used:
1- coastal scents crease brush
2- coastal scents tapered crease brush
3- mac 239
4- mac 168
5- mac fluidline "blacktrack"
6- mac paint pot " constructivist"
7- mac blush "pinch me" (cheek color)
8- mac blush "ginerly" (contour)
9- benefit 10 (shimmery half used for highlight)

* not pictured

loreal telescopic mascara in "black"
mac lipstick "body suit"

i need to learn how to work my camera to it's full potential!! i have a canon ixus 7.5 mega pixel but my photos so EHH.

review: mac brow shader

2008-11-28T10:12:00.000-08:00

hi everyone! i just got home from a mac counter and purchased a brow shader. i had been using my canmake one for a while, until my mom stole it! she's suddenly into her brows all of the sudden which is weird because she doesn't wear makeup at all. haha so anyways, i decided t try mac because i've been eyeing it for quite some time now. and i always said when i finish my canmake one, i would use mac =)

so i decided to get the ivorie/ walnut shade. which i think suits my skintone the most. the ivorie which is a highlight shade is beautiful! not too shimmery at all which can look fake when you want to achieve a natural look.

the walnut shade is cool too, because while it seems really dark, it actually goes on really sheer so that you can build up on the color gradually. you will never get those super dark brows with this product!

not much of a difference, but i like the subtle way it fills in the sparse areas of my brows.=) i give this product a 2 thumbs up!

review: shu uemura cleansing oil

2008-11-26T04:48:00.000-08:00

i finished my nth bottle of shu uemura cleansing oil and on to a new one! i love this stuff. my HG cleanser for sure. this removes everything from dirt, oil to waterproof mascara. amazing! and what i love most about this cleanser, even though my skin is super squeaky clean, it doesn't leave that tight feeling. my skin just feels clean and refreshed.

my only gripe? the price. it's pretty hefty for a cleanser. but it's tons cheaper in japan and when i went there last year i stocked up. A LOT. 3 bottles! haha but this is my last bottle though=(

so yeah, pretty good stuff. so i suggest everyone to pick one up! =))

haul: dior addict ultra-gloss reflect

2008-11-19T03:38:00.000-08:00

hi everyone! i'm so excited because i got three new dior addict lip glosses! i used to be obsessed with these, until i lost ALL my old ones and procrastinated on purchasing new ones until now. i used to be really careless with my makeup, you would not believe it. *sigh*

anyways, i made swatches too in case anyone was curious on how these looked on the lips. =)

i love how shimmery and sheer everything is! i was worried that the micro glitters were going to look tacky, but it doesn't! i would suggest applying a nude lip pencil first because these glosses are extremely sheer

review: the face shop herb day cleansing wipes

2008-11-18T09:16:00.000-08:00

saturated in the herbal cleansing complex formulated with botanic extracts and rosemary extracts that purifies the skin, these convenient facial cleansing wipes purify the skin while cleansing it gently

i use these wipes when i don't have a face full of makeup and i'm too lazy to wash my face ( I KNOW! BAD!) but they work great because i just bought my second pack and i haven't broken out since i've started using it. it doesn't dry out my skin and my skin really does feel refreshed and clean after using it.

one sheet is big enough to cleanse my whole face. i just use the back if i feel like my face is really dirty. haha

another plus is that it smells really good! like aloe vera !

here are the ingredients:

http://www.thefaceshopen.com/

fotd

2008-11-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

eyes

nyx jumbo eye pencil "horseraddish" (base)
green from the 78 color pallete (lid)
mac e/s "texture" (crease)
mac e/s vanilla (highlight)
prestige liquid eyeliner "black" (upper lash line)
elf eyeliner "black" (waterline)

my friend was selling me this palette but the EXACT palette is being sold at coastal scents for $ 21.95 AWESOME deal. http://www.coastalscents.com/cfwebstore/index.cfm/product/1461_122/78-piece-makeup-palette.cfm

face

mac studio fix nc30
benefit bronzer "dallas" (contour)
smashbox softlights "prism" (highlight)

lips

mac lipstick "body suit"

haul

2008-11-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

TOO FACE RETRACTABLE KABUKI BRUSH

the softest bristles EVER!

so gorgeous! love the metallic pink casing!

super super soft!

laura geller balance and brighten

the ingredients

no more blotchy skin with this baby!

that's all folks!

haul

2008-11-11T06:27:00.000-08:00

i blame irene 100% for the recurrence of my makeup addiction, for a while i was contended with my stash but now my obsession has come back with an vengeance. haha i'm spending so much on makeup!!! anyways, so here's my latest haul:

andrew is the best boyfriend in the world. THE BEST!! he bought me mac eyeshadows and empty palettes just because (: i love him!!

-perky paint pot
-vanilla eyeshadow
-modest tone eyeshadow

-mac palettes. i have 2, one for "nudes" and one for "brights"

EMPTY EYESHADOW PANS- i am currently obsessed with "de-potting" i've been de-potting like crazy!

i worked on my neutral palette all night and came up with this. i made andrew come over and help too. i think he was semi-amazed, of course he totally wouldn't admit it (:

BRUSHES TO ADD TO MY GROWING COLLECTION!!! i love them all very much!!

-flat top brush from everyday minerals..THE SOFTEST BRUSH EVER!!!!!!! omg!! i got it online and i'm definitely ordering another one for backup. arr-rrr-rrr ( purring like a cat) it's soooo soft!

-smashbox angle brush ( i lost my mac one a few weeks ago)
-mac 242 for paints,paint pots,cream application
-mac 224 for blending eye colors all together

kerastase lipo-recharge for dry scalp and weak hair- i need this because my hair is starting to look really shitty. gah, all those years of coloring and with not much maintenance! NEVER AGAIN!!!

my bat died before i could take a picture of the inside. it contains 10 vials. this shit was pricey so it BETTER WORK!

FOTD

2008-11-11T06:24:00.000-08:00

review: skincare

2008-11-11T06:22:00.001-08:00

it was a scary day indeed, the day that i realized...that i've gotten a few wrinkles on my face
* DA-DA-DA-DUUUMMMM*

for starters, i always thought i'd be immune to any of the signs of aging. - despite the fact that i like(d) to tan, drink, have way too many late nights and not to mention my worst and most hated vice. :/ i thought i was invincible., and honestly believed that there was no way all my habits were going to catch up with me. but they have. the evidence is on my face :/

time to overhaul my skincare routine/ products. no more slacking off with my skincare regimen.

1. shiseido perfect whip cleanser- foamy, has great texture and it feels sooo refreshing especially after a long day or first thing in the morning.

2. shu uemura cleansing oil- this stuff is still my holy grail cleanser. i love how it effectively melts off make up and waterproof mascara in a matter of minutes. no scrubbing required!! the most expensive thing i have in my washroom, but will gladly pay the price everytime because it's so fantastic.

3. beyond belief alpha beta hydroxy pore refining scrub- this is like a dupe of clarins pore refining scrub which is like so goddamn expensive for such a small tube. the beads in this wonderful product is soooo fine, i don't feel like i'm scraping my skin off with pebbles. my skin feel uber uber soft and smooth afterwards. =)

4. nivea sparkling white toner- i have oily to combination skin and i cannot cleanse without toning afterwards. even if my skin is feeling tight, i feel like my cleansing routine is incomplete without that swipe of a toner soaked cotton ball.

5. olay moisturizing cream- honestly i've tried chanel, estee lauder and other high end products but they all just made me breakout. olay is moisturizing yet it's light. doesn't clog my pores and it absorbs into my skin quickly, plus, i just love the smell of it!

6. avalon organics vitamin c revitalizing eye cream -haven't been using this for long, but the first wrinkle i spotted was near my eyes so i had to look for an eye cream. but i didn't want to spend any more money so luckily irene had this and i researched it on MUA and while no one rated this particular product the brand avalon organics was touted highly so i thought what they hey and gave it a shot. will review it more when i actually see some results=)

7. olay total effects 7-in-1 anti-aging cream w/ spf 15-another product that i just recently started using and i have to say it's working out well for me. no results yet as it's too early to tell but as long as it's not breaking me out.. it's all good!! i've had good experience with olay i love the cream and cleansers so i'm sure i'd love this product too!

8. neutrogena ultra sheer dry touch sunblock spf 50- the only sunblock i can apply to my face without having that whole "i'm going to the beach" look. you know? when a product leaves that whitish film on your face? ACK, hate that! this stuff is sheer, non-sticky and smells really good! plus it has an spf of 50! can't beat that =)

9. alba un-petroleum plant powered lip care with spf 15 lip balm in tangerine- can you already tell i'm become a spf junkie? this stuff makes my lips smooth and shiny and totally healthy looking!!! i love that!! makes smooching extra fun! hahahah

********************************************************************

i'm not sure if total damage has been done, but it's better than never starting a anti aging regimen. i seriously regret all those times i spent lying out on the beach, tanning UNPROTECTED for hours and hours. i don't even want to think about the damage i caused =(

thank god andrew is not a beach junkie, we're both perfectly happy strolling the air conditioned malls in manila =)

review: skincare

2008-11-11T06:22:00.000-08:00

review: avalon organics

2008-11-11T06:11:00.000-08:00

first of all, the cleanser dried up my skin like a prune. i am saturating my face in moisturizer as i type this entry. all the dryness occurred 2 days after i started using this shit. my cheeks have dry patches, red from the irritation, and i swear, the fine lines around my eyes and mouth have deepened because of the severe dryness!! and to think i live in a tropical country where it's hot and humid and where i'm sweating almost all of the time! i can't imagine what it would do to someone who already has dry and sensitive skin. *shudders*

the moisturizer is equally sucky. it was so unbelievably greasy that after 1 day of using it, i had the most ridiculous breakout on my chin. 6 pimples. yep..6!! plastered all over my chin. i've never had a breakout this bad even when i was in highschool or college!!! i look like a freaking teenager!!

HUHU this sucks so bad!! i'm always trying new products but i've never been a victim to such a bad product before!! *sigh*

EOTD: tempting eyes

2008-11-11T06:07:00.000-08:00

**all mac unless otherwise noted**

laying low paint pot (base)
sharp e/s ( lid)
dark edge e/s ( outer lid)
tempting e/s ( crease)
next to nothing e/s ( brow bone)
vanilla pigment ( inner tear ducts)
espresso e/s ( brows)
ardell # 117
blacktrack ( fluidline)

tutorial: neutral smokey eyes

2008-11-11T05:49:00.001-08:00

hi everyone! this is a step by step tutorial on how i do my neutral smokey look. i hope you guys like it! =)

apply a shimmery white beigy color on your lid. i used MAC e/s in SHROOM ( btw, i already primed my eyes with UDPP)

really pack on the color i'm using MAC #239 brush

take a fluff brush and apply a dark brown shadow on your outer lid. i used MAC e/s in ESPRESSO

blend it over the lid too i'm using MAC # 213

it should look like this

use a blending brush to blend out the harsh lines. i'm using MAC #224 brush

blend blend blend!

looking more blended!

please excuse my tired looking eyes! i was tired but i needed to make this tut. haha

apply a matte beigy color underneath your browbone. i used MAC e/s in VANILLA with my coastal scents fluff brush

look at that sparse brows!! scurry!

i'm using CANMAKE brow powder with my SMASHBOX angle brush

there you go! looks better doncha think??

using a flat liner ( mines from costco kirkland ) grab some ESPRESSO e/s and apply on the lower lashline. avoid the inner corners of the eye

using a pencil brush apply a pearly white shadow i used MAC PIGMENT in VANILLA & MAC #219 brush

apply you favorite liquid liner/gel liner/pencil liner. i used PRESTIGE liquid liner. GOOD STUFF YO

of course, no look would be complete without curled lashes! i used SHU UEMURA eyelash culer. THE BEST IN THE WORLD!!!!

mascara is of course a MUST. any brand/formulation would do..i used MAYBELLINE VOLUME XPRESS in BLACKEST BLACK

i didn't take my time so it's kinda clumpy..but i know you guys will forgive me :D

ta-dah!

my neutral smokey look ..sorry for the uneven liner!!

haul: 4 U 2 I- PRO eyeshadow pallete

2008-11-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

hey y'all! so i decided to purchase this eyeshadow palette from watsons the other day, it's from a brand called 4 U 2 I-PRO, never heard of it but i swatched some of the colors and they were pretty pigmented so i decided to grab it. i really like the colors and the texture of the shadow is pretty close to mac- very smooth and creamy. i really like it!

but when i got home, guess what i discovered?

AURGGGHHHH i'm so pissed!! i hate it when this happens!! it's so depressing to look at. i actually threw away some of the bigger chunks so this actually looks decent. *sigh* anyways, here's the swatches :)

pretty huh? love it!

review: covergirl lash blast

2008-11-10T21:50:00.000-08:00

PROS
- seperates lashes
- makes them long and thick
- the orange tube is really pretty
- darkens my lashes without the clumps
- doesn't flake off

CONS
- the wand is unnecessarily thick. this makes application to my wimpy lashes really hard!especially around the inner corners
- because of the fat wand thus fat handle- it's kinda awkward to hold

fat bristles!

sparse eyelashes =(

thick, long lashes..NO CLUMPS!

i'll probably purchase this product again..shouldn't be touted as highly as some people did, but it's not bad. better than my MAYBELLINE UNSTOPPABLE mascara

review: mac blush & collection

2008-11-10T21:12:00.000-08:00

so who says i wont be able to use up all my makeup?? i've finally hit pan!

mac blush in "pinch o' peach"

PROS: mac carries a massive range of colors and finishes from satin to sheertone to mineralized, so even though the colors may look alike in the pot, when applied to the skin, they look totally different from each other.

i like the consistency of mac blushes the most. they're very silky, firmly packed, and they are super pigmented. and when you use a soft brush, the colors will never streak on your cheeks. they're just a really good quality product.

CONS: none, really. except that they're kinda pricey. but if you compared them to dior, ysl,chanel or lancome they are very affordable.

peaches- sheertone blush
pinch o' peach- sheertone blush
fleur power- satin finish
dollymix- sheertone blush
pinch me- sheertone blush
nuance- mineralized blush

ps: i am probably the one person in the world who hates halloween. while everyone is at embassy for the halloween ball, i opted to stay at home to lj and youtube! haha

rewiew: nyx eyeshadow

2008-11-10T21:04:00.000-08:00

PROS:
- creamy consistency
- blendable
- good range of colors( they have over 80 shades)
- cheap! ( $3.50 a pop @ http://cherryculture.com)
- animal cruelty free
- they don't test on animals
- hypo allergenic
- they are very pigmented
- a lot of their shades are DUPES for mac e/s. ( frosted lilac is a DUPE for mac's beautiful iris)

CONS:
- they're not available in the philippines. i have to get them online.
- the packaging kinda sucks. i don't like the cheap plastic they use.
- the color on their website is almost always different from the real thing. which is unfortunate for me, because i have too keep checking blogs for swatches.

overall, i am quite impressed with nyx eyeshadow. though owning them is not as exciting as owning mac e/s, it's still as satisfying. you really get a bang for your buck. i am definitely lemming to get more shades! if you're on a budget or don't want to spend money on expensive eyeshadow, i suggest you get try them out. you will not regret them!!

upcoming review: nyx jumbo eyeshadow pencil.