BYS Matte Foundation

My mood swings goes very well with makeup. Sometimes, I go crazy buying a handful of blushes or lipsticks and there was also a time that I went ga-ga over eyeshadows. However, my "seasonal" mood have led me to purchase foundations.

Product: BYS Matte Foundation in Medium Beige

Price: Around Php659.00

Available on Local SM Department Stores (bought mine at SM Southmall)

Inspiration to Imitation: Purplish gold eyes

I've been dreading to pull off a gold eye shadow so I've search a couple of eye makeup looks that uses gold eye shadow that doesn't look too much. So here's something I made using my BYS 48-pc Shimmer Palette and my MAC Carbon eye shadow.  Enjoy!

Inspiration to Imitation: Sunset Look

My latest addiction is eye makeups. So, from time to time, you will expect me to post pictures of my eye makeup inspiration and how I imitated it. so here is my SUNSET LOOK. I actually forgot the source of the eye makeup photo inspiration but once I've seen the site again, I will definitely get back to you guys...

I tried my best to copy the look but the resolution of my camera wasn't as good as the inspiration. I used the magenta. red and orange eye shadows from my BYS palette which I'll post a review very soon.

REVLON Photoready Perfecting Primer

Revlon describes this award winning, photoready perfecting primer as a "Lightweight primer that smoothes and soften skin to create the PERFECT canvas. It reduces appearance of pores and fine lines"

 Price: Php825.00

Can be bought at any REVLON counters at SM Department stores/ PCX or online

To PRIME or NOT to PRIME

The key to ensure a flawless and long lasting make-up is applying the right face primers. These makeup products usually come in liquid or cream form. It actually preps the skin by filling out the skin imperfections that leaves a smooth surface so makeup would glide easily during application. In addition, face primers also acts as a barrier between your face and the makeup.

Personally, when I was still starting my "addiction" towards makeups, I didn't believe on using these stuff as I thought that this colorless, glob of sticky/creamy formula doesn't make wonders. However, after a series of workshops, I learned that these primers are not useless at all, it does make a difference for makeup application. As experts would insists that using these wonders is like one of the 10-commandments of makeup artistry (if there is one).

Revlon Super Lustrous: Toast of New York

 New York. The name gives me such chills. Reminds me of a place where high-fashion meets normal-life. Oh, I so wanna be a New Yorker. Revlon's Toast of New York is yet again, another FABULOUS shade of lipstick where RED can look good to ANYONE without the fear of being too BOLD.

NIPPON COSMETIC WEDGES

Have you ever had a time when a certain makeup (compact cream makeups, most especially) feels nice to your skin at first and causes you skin breakouts after awhile? Well, sometimes it's not about the product expiration but about it's sanitation.

Bought these 32-pc cosmetic wedges at SUESH Alabang Town Center for Php180

Wild Peach Cosmetics: Customizable Palette

Customizable makeup palettes are one of the "IN" things nowadays. Being wallet-friendly and clutter free, they are becoming the most sought after product among makeup bellas out there. Such brand like Z-Palette sells these things for a hefty slice of a budget. Good thing, Wild Peach Cosmetics was born.

ECOTOOLS Bamboo 6-piece Brush Set

Have you ever heard of make-up tools that is very ECO-FRIENDLY and VERY EFFICIENT as well?? These ICONIC brushes sell like hotcakes not only abroad, but is also gaining a large market locally.

I was one of those who always thought that make-up brushes were very UNNECESSARY and those itsy-bitsy make-up brushes that came along with my makeups are already enough. Luckily, i was really intrigued on why these babies are such a buzz for makeup enthusiasts like me.

The BYS Limited Edition Neons

The BYS EYESHADOW

Limited Edition Neons

MAC Baking Beauties Collection: A Preview

After the much anticipated ARCHIE GIRLS: Betty and Veronica Collection, M-A-C is scheduled to release yet another interesting collection this APRIL.

MAC Baking Beauties Collection

Beso Balm by Snoe Beauty Inc.,

The Beso Balm 

A lip balm by Snoe Beauty Inc.

RECOMMENDED FOR WIND BURNED LIPS

For the past 3 days or so, I've been bothered by my lips. I feel a dry and burning sensation around it, which only happens when I ate something that triggers my hypersensitivity. But, this was the WORST allergy I ever had. Here's how my lips look like for quite awhile:

I was trying to conceal this problem and it wasn't successful. Hence, I went to the mall to check on my ever trusted lip balm that would actually relieve this unlikely feeling. I was actually looking for 'Blistex' which was the only lip balm that soothes my stubborn lips. Well, I wasn't able to find one in Alabang Town Center. So I was ready to go home. It was until then that I have thought of looking for a lip balm that is as effective. I went to different stores/stalls trying to look for a better alternative. Consequently, I've stumbled on a stall of Snoe Beauty Inc., and came across with the 'BesoBalm'

According to sources, BesoBalm is one of the best-selling products of Snoe Beauty Inc., The name itself is interesting. Actually, there is nothing exciting with its packaging, just like the ordinary lipbalms, this one is just on a plain tube which is quite sturdy and easy to use. Although simple on the outside, the product was extraordinary. It was great. The SA told me that this product is made having every Filipina bellas on mind. But, the main reason I bought this to try is that, I fancy how the company have added a little posh factor to their product. They have included a very intriguing warning and instructions which says:

WARNING: Prolonged use may attract the opposite gender and cause intense flirting.
INSTRUCTIONS: Use before kissing or whenever you feel like it.

True to the label, this lip balm, "Plumps.Soothes.Protects.Freshens Breath". The lip balm itself is uniquely green in color but does not tint. The sheer finish on the lips was just right to make this balm a hit in my list. It has a spearmint/menthol scent which is quite relaxing. At first, I thought that the mentholated feeling had made my lips bigger but as I look at the mirror, nothing was different. The cooling sensation was just what i needed to soothe my burning lips but this cooling effect just lasted for 5-10 minutes or so.

THE VERDICT
Well, finding a lip balm was easy, but finding something that is effective wasn't. Although this is a locally made in our country, it exudes a great performance. As for my wind burn?? NON-EXISTENT! WOW! For Php149, THIS IS A STEAL!!! Definitely POSH!!

The James Cooper Cream Foundation

I have helluva frustrations for having an oily skin. Most make-ups don’t even last long without face primers because it “slides” off my face. I never had the courage to try one until last year when I saw my best friend use one. T’was one of the rare times we actually meet. I was fascinated on how her skin looks on and off camera. I must admit. She’s really pretty and that goes the same with her skin. But, once I’ve tried her James Cooper Jazzy Collection Cream Foundation, I wasn’t that amazed. After awhile, I glanced myself at the mirror and to my surprise; my skin looked extra vibrant, so glowing, healthier and flawless-looking. It was a surreal experience as if a magic cream was placed in it and made my face insta-glam!!
The James Cooper Jazzy Collection has been around the market for quite some time already and one of their “hot stuff” is their cream foundations. They have a very limited number of shades, having 6 shades available in their local counters. Although, most of the time, their products go out of stock easily.

The first time I used this product, I instantly fell in love on how it created that dewy-effect and the flawless-look upon my face. It has a medium to heavy coverage which really evens out the skin tone. It has a pinkish undertone which more or less creates a subtle vibrant flush that make your skin look healthy. I can attest to the fact that the creamy texture of the foundation is very buildable and a little amount goes a very long way. This cream foundation did not oxidize on my face. Since it is oil based, I reckon that it should never be used for oily skinned bellas like me, but, WOW! It didn’t make my face extra oily. It doesn’t have the fragrant smell, thus making it least likely to cause allergies In terms of packaging, it is very compact and quite sturdy. And might I add, a compact contains 20g of cream foundation and that’s a hefty amount for a cheap price.. Honestly, my first compact lasted around 8 months of everyday use before it hit the bottom of the pan.

Like any other beauty products, the verdict still boils down to the CONS. Although this can double as a concealer at times, it tends to be cakey and a little heavy on the face. It is very unhygienic and can harbour many bacteria thru the months. You need to use a spatula to scoop out a little amount. It has no SPF that can protect you under the sun. Back then, I thought it had caused me some breakouts and stopped using it for awhile. Then, when I go back at using it, no more breakouts; or maybe I used too much, (that I didn’t know).

Overall, the James Cooper Jazzy Collection Compact Cream Foundation is a quality foundation. It’s a department store brand foundation that performs. I suggest to this for photo shoots or any occasion that you feel like you need to have that flawless yet natural look.

Price: 550Php
Where to buy: SM department stores nationwide

Lipstick RULES

Every tube of lipsticks, every shade and every finish have its ownCHARACTER. Your lips can speak your mood and attitude without moving a muscle.I am more of a lipstick than a lip gloss type of girl. Although going gloss aremuch of the “in” thing, I find lipstick better since it makes my lips stronger,sexier and sultry.

There are so many ways to make the most out of your preciouslips. You may be a shade away to get luscious lips with a 10- easy guidelines-

 

1.      EXFOLIATE

Your lips are also part of your skin andexfoliating once or twice a week is very advisable. Whether homemade or those boughton beauty corners, it’s always best to pamper your lips once in awhile to getrid of those dead skin cells and rejuvenate your lips, making it more healthylooking. After exfoliating it, top it with your favourite lip balm for even andmoist lips. (I use the Clarins lipbalm or the Kiehl’s)

2.      SHIMMERS are OUT

Adage holds that lips should be shimmerywhen you are younger ergo, Youth = Shimmers. However, most of the time,shimmers CAN look cheap and blah! I know, you won’t love the look of sparklylips that screams WTH! Lipsticks should be more of the creamy or satiny finish.After all, you can leave those sparkles to your lip glosses.

3.      COLOR it WISELY

The right shade makes a lot of differencein the appearance and overall impact or personality you want to create. Manymight think that lip colors should be based on your skin tone. WRONG! Yourlipsticks should be one that accentuates your features and making it lookdramatic. Having the dark skin tone is the luckiest when it comes to lipsticksbecause they are very flexible. The darker your skin, the bolder and deepershade you can make do.

4.      NUDE is BEAUTIFUL

There’s truth when you say that “nude cannever go out of style”. Having those barely there lip color are the best way togo. So, in choosing this nude lipstick, you should opt for a color that is atleast one shade darker/lighter than you lip color. If you’re fair skinned, itsbest for you to wear the pinkish lipsticks (MAC lipstick in Myth). Else, if youare morena like me, the best nude lipstick is those of sandy beiges. (RevlonSuperlustrous in Nude)

5.      LIP LINER

Fear no more. Lip liners are not a “must”use nowadays as most lipsticks are formulated not to “bleed”. But, if you arethat keen on details, using your trusty lip liners will enhance asymmetry ofyour lips.

6.      COSMETICALLY REPAIRED

Smudge the borders of your lips slightly tosoften the edges of it. Remember that applying lipsticks carefully are greatbut a very precise lip won’t do well.

7.      CLOWNS

Clowns are known for their hideous lips.When applying any color/shade of lipstick, ALWAYS start at the center of thelips and work your way toward the corners of the mouth and never directly onit. Unless you’d love those clowny lips, never apply lipsticks directly to thecorners of your lips.

8.      Save the HALOOWEEN for November

People rave about the Twilight saga andVampire Diaries more often than not. Vampy looks are such a craze but truth is,blue or black based shades can emphasize aging and yes, may be a little SCARY.Please, save it for Halloween or any other costume for that matter, as theseshades can not only scare the hell out of those who see you but also make youlook older than you are. I advise to use lipsticks with berry undertonesinstead if your really up for that vampire effect.

9.      KNOW WHEN it’s TOO MUCH

A little lipstick can change the whole moodof what you are trying to portray. Same goes when you have too much. Preventthose strong lipstick shade from looking unpleasantly heavy by applying itgently on your lips.

10.  BLOTTING AIN’T ILLEGAL

Lastly, lipsticks last longer when you blot.To do this, apply it directly on your lips and blot. This will create a basefor your lips and then swipe it again to make it pigmented with shine and anice coverage. 

These are simple yet very effective ways to use lipsticks and make it work.I hope this helps.. 

 

On a Budget: Wet n' Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk

Make-ups doesn't have to be so EXPENSIVE at all. Truth be told, there's no "what-to" or "what-nots" in terms of make-up brands. Make-up is more like an art, a little experiment here and there will do some tricks.

I admit, I am not a fan of illuminating powders. I think its ill-advised to use one. Living in a tropical country like the Philippines, most women are morenas blessed with a "naturally glowing" skin and adding more up will just make these natural look, FAKE. But, according a make-up artist i know, she learned from her experience that illuminating powders are quite advantageous in many aspects. She added that having those fake looks from illuminating powders are just figments of my imagination. So, when I saw a very affordable illuminating powder, I didn't think twice to buy it. Hence, my very own,

WET N' WILD MEGA GLO ILLUMINATING POWDER in Catwalk pink.

 

 My friend told me that I should have use it sparingly and just in the right places.

 

(the product swatched in my skin)

(the product swatched on my cheeks)

My Thoughts:
 This product is so cute, and the colors are really nice. It has a very sparkly shimmers that is powdery and easy to apply. The shimmers sticks to the skin for a very long time and that's why careful application is advised. Though this is sold as an illuminating powder, I sincerely find it as good to be a blush and eyeshadow at the same time. Weird huh? but the colors are very blendable and the 2 light stripes from this pan can make an excellent shadow base.  However, in terms of color pay-off, I can't see huge difference but a  shimmery and light pinkish tone.  I find the lightest shade best as highlighter. And, might I add that in order to manage the use of the product, it is best to use a flat top brush for these rather than fingers. Packaging is simple and made of plastic which makes it look cheap. Although I believe that, this is made for fair-skinned people, Its doesn't do harm for the dark toned fellas if applied correctly. I guess, this is an 'OK' product because its a bit shimmery for my taste. I advise that you put the product carefully as a little touch brings tons of shimmers. Cautious application is advised to achieve the glammed-up glowing skin you dare for.

Price: P399
Where to buy: Wet n' Wild counters on SM department stores
Perfect for: Fair-skinned and medium-skinned, i don't recommend for oily skin
Staying Power: the pink undertone lasted only 3 hours but I tell you, the shimmers lasted more than 6 hours

Ratings: 5/10

Foundation Matters

Let’s admit. When it comes toskin, everyone wants a flawless, glowing and baby smooth soft skin especiallyon our faces. And, whenever we talk about faces, make-up becomes a fundamentalpart of it. You don’t need rocket science in order to know that make-up isn’tcomplete without the perfect foundation. As we all know, there are numerousbrands of foundations across the globe with varying textures, tones, brands,purpose and of course, prices. So, it’s up to us to select the perfect stufffor our skin.

A perfect foundation can onlybe perfect when you know 2 things. 1) your skin type and 2) your skin tone .

THE SKIN TYPE

In choosing the rightfoundation to buy, one must remember that skin type varies from one person toanother. Skin type is one of the most important things to consider before youpurchase. Now, the question is, whether you have an oily skin, dry skin,combination skin or the sensitive skin type.

• Dry skin
• What:A skin that looks stiff.  It easily getsreddish or peels when subjected to bad   weather.
•  Use:Cream foundations are the best. Also try the water-based foundations.
•  Oily skin        
• What:A face that looks shiny and most of the time greasy.
• Use:Matte and powder finish. Best also to use those mineral based makeup to blotoil.
• Combinationskin:
• What:One of the most common. T-zone (nose and forehead) are oily and cheeks are dry.
• Use:Moisturing make-ups and liquid foundations are most likely to fit you.
• Sensitive skin
• What:Easily gets break-outs or tends to go reddish easily when a product is applied
• Use:Mineral make-ups are your best option. Although, I would also recommend non-comedogenic,fragrance-free and oil-free products.

THE SKIN TONE

It’s always crucial to knowyour skin tone before deciding on which product to use on your skin. This is usuallya common mistake for some. If you do not get this part right, you’ll probablyend up with a flat, lifeless skin. Many of you might think that sometimes, asimple foundation looks gray or dull in you after an hour or so. Honestly, havingan acidic skin is not the only culprit. Another reason for this is actuallyhaving the wrong shade of foundation. Foundations should always be somethingthat is nearest your skin tone. It should mimic your skin tone, not too light,not too dark. Although sometimes, you have to check if the product will oxidize(becomes darker) on your skin. Skin tones are generally either cool or warm. Inorder to check your tone, simply look at your wrist and see if the veins yousee are blue or green.

                Warm – Green veins (morena or dark skinned)

                Cool -  Blue veins(fair skinned)

TIPS before purchasing a product:

1.      Ask your friendly SA’s if you could test drivethe product first on your skin prior to your purchase. (Some brands can evenprovide free samples of the product) Leave the product to your face for like30mins to an hour to see if it will oxidize.

2.   If you have sensitive skin and you doubt about acertain product line, well, do the sensitivity test. Apply a generous amount ofmakeup to your jaw area. (Albeit there’s this one book I read that says, “There’sno such thing as allergy to make-up” and “Break-outs are a product of skinabuse” I believe, PREVENTION is still better than CURE)

3.      NEVER rely on the MIRROR inside that make-upcounters you go to. These mirrors together with the store lighting tend makeyou look beautiful, radiant and glowing no matter what. So I suggest, you tryto look at yourself outside that store, where the lighting can’t be toodeceiving.

Sunny day lipstick: MAC Up the Amp

Think out of the box. Think purple. Think MAC.

If there is a reasonably-priced and reliable brand of makeup in this world, I'm sure MAC would be on top of the list. After a stressful 3-hour meeting at work, My workmates and I had decided  to drop by at EDSA ShangriLa just to hang-out. Once there, my obsessive-compulsive instinct on make-up was again triggered. I dragged all of them with me at the MAC counter. I challenged myself to look for a very unusual but wearable lipstick. At first, I thought that was a challenge not until I met MAC Up the Amp. I was adamant in owning a tube that's why I purchased it.

(My MAC Up the Amp)

Up the Amp is one of the amplified creme finish lipstick from MAC, known for its blue toned lilac shade color. It has the yummy vanilla scent which is MAC's signature scent (makes me wanna chew up my lipstick) and of course is part of the permanent line.

MY THOUGHTS:
What I love about it:
MAC is an industry standard when it comes to makeup. It's definitely not a waste of money when it comes to its prducts. I'm not a fan of unusual colors but Up the Amp had provided me a good reason to go beyond my comfort zone. This lilac purple lipstick glides on smoothly to my lips, provides a creamy smooth texture that lasted for approximately 4 hours without retouch (no lip primer used) and doesn't feel heavy on the lips. Since the product is highly pigmented (like othe MAC lipsticks), a little product goes a long way. The packaging is undeniably sleek and very convenient to use. I think it will  match floral/pastel colored clothes instantly. I also think that this is best paired with earth-toned, natural-toned and smokey eye shadows. Perfect lipstick for a bright sunny day!

Overall:
What's amazing about this is how it flatters all skin tones (fair to dark) despite its purplish color. So if you want something fun yet wearable kind of lipstick, go ahead.. grab your own tube of MAC Up the Amp. I'll definitely repurchase in case it hits the bottom of the tube. It will be a staple find in my train case. Its a lipstick that speaks a personality. But, gals, remember! It's not only the lipstick that speaks your attitude. but, It's your attitude that turns mundane into something special.

Price: 1,000Php
Where to buy: MAC online, MAC counters in Trinoma, Glorietta, EDSA Shangri-La
Staying power: 4-6hrs
Finish: Amplified Creme 
Ratings: 8/10

THE FINISH PRODUCT:

 Is it or is it not gorgeously wearable?

Lipstick MONOLOGUES

In my interest in cosmetics, have stumbled in several sites online that reads: "Know your lipstick personality", "What your lipsticks say about you" and much more. To my curiosity, i have clicked several links and discovered this as interesting.

They say that a woman's personality can be reflected through her lipstick. Well, not just in the shade she uses (that's another story), but, on how she uses one.


First, choose the shape of your lipstick from the photo below:

Now, read along and see how accurate these viral personality tests for makeup enthusiasts are:


-----A-----
THE EXECUTIVE:
How: This is the most commonly seen lipstick shape of almost every woman.
Personality: Confident, ambitious, and meticulous. You set your sights on a trail-blazing career at a very young age and never looked back. Nothing bends on the path to your success, not even your lipstick. The bullet’s original shape stays clean and sharp because your pout always applies a firm and even pressure.
-Makeup Mantra: "I only wear the best"

----B-----

THE INDIVIDUALIST
How: This shape of lipstick is usually achieved using the lipstick brushes.
Personality: Creative, fearless, and adventurous. Non-conformity is your second nature. And just like this whistle-shaped bullet, you refuse to play by any beauty rules.
Makeup Mantra: "Try everything once."

-----C-----

THE BEST FRIEND
How: Firm glides of the sharpest edge of the l/s to have a more precise coverage
Personality: Eloquent, reliable, and trustworthy. The flat-shape of your tube reflects your down-to-earth personality. You surround yourself with great friends with no room for drama!
Makeup Mantra: "If it looks good, why change?"

-----D-----

THE ARTIST
How: Firmly pressed direct lipstick application. May or may not been from lipstick brush.
Personality: Creative, enthusiastic and energetic. That's how you are. Your talkative nature is very advantageous as it seeks attention you are fond of having. You fall in love easily.
Makeup Matra: "I'm a diva. Inside and Out"



-----E-----

THE ROMANTIC:
How: It can be achieved using lipstick brushes or when you always apply too much pressure on your lips
Personality: Passionate, sensitive, and shy. A die-hard Jane Austen lover, you crave fairy-tale romance like no other. You've sculpted a concave shape from firm lip pressure in the center of your pucker—just where your Prince Charming would plant the ultimate kiss.
Makeup Mantra: "Transform me."




There you have it. I'm the executive and I can't help but wondering what your personality is.

And ohhhh! before i forget, lipstick photos and the result itself are based from www.beautylish.com

ORGASM: The second time around

My obsession to ORGASM led me to have sleepless nights.

It was not exactly love at first sight. I've had my first share of ORGASM a couple of years back and boy, I wasn't that ecstatic about it as I should have. Then, I lost it. And now, years after, I managed to give it another shot and OH MY GOD!!! I LOVED IT!!! Wait, before anything else,I am talking about the NARS ORGASM blush, okay?  So anyway, I decided to purchase one from Rustan's Alabang Town Center .(Might I add, the SA there was not intimidating like those of MAC in Glorietta)

(Photo credit: www.narscosmetics.com)

NARS have been keen in describing it as the peachy pink shade with a golden shimmer. They say that this precious baby is best paired with the NARS orgasm lipgloss or the dolce vita lippies.

My Thoughts:

What I love about NARS Orgasm:

• It gives that wonderful flush that screams the natural filipina beauty
• It is highly pigmented with that corally shade and pink undertone
• It lasts approximately 4-6 hours without retouching on oily skin (like mine)
• With the right kind of blush brush it gives an almost natural feel on skin
• It doesn't cause break outs on my skin and my skin looks refreshed (friends say that there's a certain glow that amplifies my skin)
• The packaging is quite sturdy and comes with a mini mirror

But of course, NARS isn't that perfect indeed. Despite the fact that it is expensive (retails Php1,450.00 at local Rustan's stores), the product is too shimmery, but I guess that's a good advantage when you're up to pictorials or the like. The shimmers act as a reflector that makes your skin look flawless when the camera flashes. The shade though is not UNIQUE. I think the shade without that shimmery stuff is easy to dupe. For morenas like me, the blush needs to be reapplied a couple of times before appreciating its tone, being careful with the application as it might look too fake/ too loud for that matter.

I used the product for 3 consecutive days at work. I noticed that there are traces of my thumb marks at the packaging. Probably because of the rubberized feel of the case. On the other hand, my colleagues keeps on telling me how glowing my skin was. In lieu of my line of work in the hospital, I always use a face mask, and it presented itself as a problem, the product might not last quite long because all those colors will just be transferred to the mask. But, to my big surprise, there was a minimal transfer of pigments. The shimmer though was almost invisible, most of it were transferred to the mask i was wearing. It was actually a good thing. The peach pink color was better pronounced and natural looking. To top it all up, it lasted me 4 hours. That's a big leap from other makeup brands I use.

To sum it all up, I think that NARS ORGASM might be expensive but it provides a great color pay-off. The blush shade itself is very wearable for everyday use, giving its user a bright happy aura. There is a little WOW factor from this blush. I'm not implying that its ugly but the color seems to be the same as other peach-toned NARS blushes. But if you'll ask me, I will DEFINITELY repurchase when my ORGASM hits the pan. (as if i'll be able to finish it before it expires). Next time, I'll get that NARS SUPER ORGASM their talking about.

Price: Php 1,450

Where: Rustan's (Alabang Town Center, Glorietta, Shangri La)

Expiration: 24M once opened

The FINISH PRODUCT: